\id LUK - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Luke 
\toc3 Lk. 
\toc2 Luke 
\toc1 The Gospel According to Luke 
\mt2 The Gospel according to  
\mt1 LUKE  
\c 1  
\s1 Dedicatory  
\m
\v 1 Given \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w undertaken|strong="G2021"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* set \w in|strong="G1722"\w* order \w a|strong="G1722"\w* narrative \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* really \w did|strong="G3588"\w* take \w place|strong="G1722"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Upon reflection it seems obvious that anyone who knew how to write would likely jot down salient points about Jesus, but Luke affirms that there were ‘many’ who attempted a serious account. Such records may well have furnished material, presumably factual, for spurious ‘improvements’ added to the four inspired accounts in the early decades of copying.\f*  
\v 2 \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* eyewitnesses, \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* beginning, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ministers|strong="G5257"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Luke insists that his information comes from responsible eyewitnesses, who were there all the time.\f*  
\v 3 \w it|strong="G1380"\w* \w seemed|strong="G1380"\w* \w good|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G1380"\w* \w me|strong="G2504"\w* \w also|strong="G2504"\w*, \w most|strong="G2903"\w* \w excellent|strong="G2903"\w* \w Theophilus|strong="G2321"\w*,\f + \fr 1:3 \ft ‘Theophilus’ means ‘God-lover’; although Luke is evidently addressing a specific person, I would like to think that the account is also addressed to all lovers of God.\f* having taken careful note \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* from Above,\f + \fr 1:3 \ft The normal meaning of the Greek word here, ανωθεν, is precisely ‘from above’, and I see no reason to reject that meaning (although the secondary meaning ‘from the beginning’ is possible). The more so since in the prior verse he already used the normal phrase, απ αρχη, that means ‘from the beginning’. I take it that Luke is claiming divine inspiration, up front.\f* \w to|strong="G1380"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G1380"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w with|strong="G3956"\w* precision \w and|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w sequence|strong="G2517"\w*,\f + \fr 1:3 \ft In fact, with a few exceptions Luke's narrative is in chronological sequence, and as a physician he doubtless valued precision.\f*  
\v 4 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \nd \+w know|strong="G1921"\+w*\nd* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* certainty \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G4012"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w instructed|strong="G2727"\w*.\f + \fr 1:4 \ft Given Luke's stated purpose in writing, his account needs to be historically accurate. Note that Theophilus had already received some instruction.\f*   
\ms1 The birth of John the Baptizer foretold  
\p
\v 5 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \it priestly\it* \w division|strong="G2183"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Abijah.\f + \fr 1:5 \ft See 1 Chronicles 24:10. There were 24 divisions, so each division could only serve for two weeks in a year. The members of a division would take turns.\f* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w daughters|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Aaron \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w*.  
\v 6 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w walking|strong="G4198"\w* blamelessly \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordinances|strong="G1345"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w child|strong="G5043"\w*, \w because|strong="G2530"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w barren|strong="G4723"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w advanced|strong="G4260"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w years|strong="G2250"\w*.   
\s1 The setting  
\p
\v 8 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* officiating \w as|strong="G1722"\w* priest \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G5010"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w division|strong="G2183"\w*,  
\v 9 \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w custom|strong="G1485"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w priesthood|strong="G2405"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w lot|strong="G2975"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w burn|strong="G2370"\w* \w incense|strong="G2370"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="G3485"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*;  
\v 10 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w incense|strong="G2368"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w an|strong="G1161"\w* angel \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w side|strong="G1188"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w incense|strong="G2368"\w*;  
\v 12 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* shaken, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w fell|strong="G1968"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w*.   
\s1 Gabriel delivers  
\p
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*, \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w*, \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G1162"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w heard|strong="G1522"\w*,\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Given his expression of doubt this evidently was not a recent prayer. Zacharias had given up hope (since having a child was now a physical impossibility), and may well have been unhappy with God for not having answered. He was not even impressed with the tremendous things the angel said, but continued to doubt.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w bear|strong="G1080"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* exultation, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w birth|strong="G1078"\w*.  
\v 15 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sight|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w must|strong="G4095"\+w* \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w either|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G3173"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*;\f + \fr 1:15 \ft This sounds like a Nazirite—Numbers 6:3.\f* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 1:15 \ft Since ‘Holy Spirit’ occurs without a definite article, I take the phrase as a proper name.\f* already \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*.  
\v 16 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;  
\v 17 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* fact \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w himself|strong="G2588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4281"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w Him|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 1:17 \ft The antecedent of “Him” is “the Lord their God”; in effect Gabriel is affirming that the Messiah, Jesus, is God—since he was speaking Hebrew, he may well have said ‘Jehovah their God’.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*, ‘\w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*’\f + \fr 1:17 \ft See Malachi 4:5-6.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* disobedient \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* mindset \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*,\f + \fr 1:17 \ft The righteous have one mindset; the disobedient have a different one. To change someone's conduct you need to change his mindset.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w made|strong="G2090"\w* \w ready|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.”   
\s1 Zacharias doubts  
\p
\v 18 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angel: “\w How|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w sure|strong="G1097"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*? \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w advanced|strong="G4260"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w years|strong="G2250"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:18 \ft Does it occur to you to wonder why God would choose such an old couple for a job like this? Perhaps because they would no longer be sidetracked by personal ambitions and would dedicate their energies to preparing John.\f*  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w Gabriel|strong="G1043"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w stands|strong="G3936"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;\f + \fr 1:19 \ft Gabriel is no ordinary angel, possibly one of the cherubim; he is probably not far below Michael in rank. He imposes his authority on the priest.\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G2097"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w*.  
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w silent|strong="G4623"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*, \w because|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w proper|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*.”   
\s1 Zacharias punished  
\p
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wondering|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w delay|strong="G5549"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="G3485"\w*.  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w unable|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w understood|strong="G1921"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3701"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sanctuary|strong="G3485"\w*—\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* gesturing \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* remaining \w mute|strong="G2974"\w*.  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w service|strong="G3009"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* fulfilled, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1096"\w* off \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w home|strong="G3624"\w*.\f + \fr 1:23 \ft We know the time frame when it was the division of Abijah's turn to serve (for only two weeks). Assuming that Elizabeth became pregnant as soon as Zacharias got home, we may deduce that Jesus was born in September/October (six months after John).\f*   
\p
\v 24 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*\f + \fr 1:24 \ft Which ones? Presumably “the days of his service” in verse 23.\f* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* \w became|strong="G4815"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G4815"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* stayed \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w seclusion|strong="G4032"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w*.\f + \fr 1:24 \ft Her menopause was ancient history, so what was happening was ‘impossible’; besides, even if she was pregnant the likelihood of a miscarriage would be high; so she kept quiet. But after five months she would begin to ‘show’, and the prospect of success was good.\f* \w She|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 25 “\w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*\f + \fr 1:25 \ft A pregnancy involves a fair number of days, and divine intervention was necessary all the time to enable her to carry the baby to term.\f* \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* concerned Himself \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w take|strong="G1896"\w* away \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w reproach|strong="G3681"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G4160"\w*!”\f + \fr 1:25 \ft At that time people looked down on a married woman who had no children.\f*   
\ms1 The birth of Jesus foretold—5 \sc bc\sc*  
\p
\v 26 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w month|strong="G3376"\w*\f + \fr 1:26 \ft Of Elizabeth's pregnancy.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angel \w Gabriel|strong="G1043"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* Natsareth,\f + \fr 1:26 \ft For an explanation of this spelling, and its importance, please see the note at Matthew 2:23.\f*  
\v 27 \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w virgin|strong="G3933"\w* \w betrothed|strong="G3423"\w*\f + \fr 1:27 \ft This involved a signed legal document, so much so that the couple were then called husband and wife, so ‘engaged’ (at least in contemporary society) is not an adequate rendering.\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*\f + \fr 1:27 \ft See Luke 2:4.\f* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w virgin|strong="G3933"\w*'s \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*.  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G3326"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* where \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\w*, recipient \w of|strong="G2532"\w* grace, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; blessed \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* women!”\f + \fr 1:28 \ft To be the mother of the Messiah was a blessing granted to only one woman in the whole history of this world (see Genesis 3:15). Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘blessed are you among women’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* seeing \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w perplexed|strong="G1298"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* trying \w to|strong="G2532"\w* figure \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w sort|strong="G4217"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* greeting \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*.\f + \fr 1:29 \ft In Zacharias the angel inspired fear, but Mary sensed immediately that the angel did not represent a menace or threat and concentrated on his astounding words. In typical female fashion, she was trying to figure out the hidden agenda.\f*   
\s1 Gabriel delivers  
\p
\v 30 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3137"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*,\f + \fr 1:30 \ft He is not telling her not to be afraid of himself, because she wasn't; I take it that he is telling her not to fear the future and the implications of his message.\f* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w conceive|strong="G4815"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w womb|strong="G1064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G5088"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 1:31 \ft Although the angel presumably addressed Mary in Hebrew, when it came to pronouncing the name, he may well have used the Greek name as we know it. The precise sequence of sounds can be written and pronounced in Hebrew.\f*  
\v 32 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w*’; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w throne|strong="G2362"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*,\f + \fr 1:32 \ft Through Mary, Jesus received some of David's genes; David was literally His ancestor (see Mary's genealogy in Luke 3:23-38).\f*  
\v 33 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w reign|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*\f + \fr 1:33 \ft The ‘house of Jacob’ is not the Church, but the unending Kingdom will include much more than just that ‘house’.\f* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ages; \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* kingdom \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*!”\f + \fr 1:33 \ft This world will come to an end, but not Christ's Kingdom. What the angel said to Mary was even more tremendous than what he said to Zacharias.\f*   
\s1 Mary agrees  
\p
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* angel, “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w shall|strong="G3778"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*, \w since|strong="G1893"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*?”\f + \fr 1:34 \ft Zacharias expressed doubt, but Mary simply requests some necessary information. She has understood that God wants her to be the Messiah's mother—she was doubtless highly intelligent and perceptive. (In the Bible the verb ‘to know’ is used to refer to sexual intercourse.).\f*  
\v 35 \w In|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 1:35 \ft The Text does not have a definite article with ‘Holy Spirit’.\f* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G1904"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* hover \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; precisely \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w reason|strong="G1352"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w born|strong="G1080"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*’!\f + \fr 1:35 \ft Literally so—the Holy Spirit supplied the genes that normally are supplied by a human father.\f*  
\v 36 \w Furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w relative|strong="G4773"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w conceived|strong="G4815"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w old|strong="G2532"\w* \w age|strong="G1094"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w month|strong="G3376"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w barren|strong="G4723"\w*;  
\v 37 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* spoken \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* possible.”  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* slave! \w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:38 \ft Mary had to understand the proposal and be in full agreement, or she would not have been a good mother.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel departed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w*.   
\s1 Mary visits Elizabeth  
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w quickly|strong="G1722"\w* got ready \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hill|strong="G3714"\w* \w country|strong="G3714"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w*,  
\v 40 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* saluted \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w*.\f + \fr 1:40 \ft I take it that Mary understood that the angel's reference to Elizabeth was relevant to her.\f*  
\v 41 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* heard \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*'s salutation \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w babe|strong="G1025"\w* bounced \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* down \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G3137"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.   
\s1 Elizabeth prophesies  
\p
\v 42 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G2906"\w*\f + \fr 1:42 \ft To cry or call out suggests unusual volume by itself, so why add ‘with a great/loud voice’? Since she spoke under the Holy Spirit's control, there was probably an unusual quality to the voice, and the neighbors heard it.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*!  
\v 43 \w Why|strong="G2443"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* favored \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 1:43 \ft What Elizabeth is saying, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is that the Messiah is already in Mary's womb, as witnessed by baby John's reaction. There was no human way that Elizabeth could know of the angel's conversation with Mary. Her prophecy served as a tremendous confirmation and encouragement to Mary—I imagine that the Holy Spirit had fertilized her as soon as she said, “Yes”.\f* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?  
\v 44 \w Yes|strong="G1063"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1063"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sound|strong="G5456"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* salutation \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w babe|strong="G1025"\w* bounced \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G3708"\w* down \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* joy.\f + \fr 1:44 \ft The clear implication is that baby John was aware, was already a person in the womb.\f*  
\v 45 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfillment|strong="G5050"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.”\f + \fr 1:45 \ft She is stating that Mary had heard from God through the angel, although she had no human way of knowing anything about it.\f*   
\s1 Mary worships  
\p
\v 46 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* magnifies \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,   
\q2
\v 47 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* exulted \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w*,\f + \fr 1:47 \ft Mary declares her own need of a Savior.\f*   
\q1
\v 48 \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* paid \w attention|strong="G1914"\w*  
\q2 \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w humble|strong="G5014"\w* station \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* slave (f).  
\q1 \w Yes|strong="G1063"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1063"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w*  
\q2 \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* declare \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* highly favored,\f + \fr 1:48 \ft So it has been for 2000 years; in every generation there have been those who called her ‘blessed’.\f*   
\q1
\v 49 \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mighty|strong="G1415"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* sublime \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Holy \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.   
\q1
\v 50 \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*  
\q2 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w fearing|strong="G5399"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\q1
\v 51 \w He|strong="G4160"\w* has \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w mighty|strong="G2904"\w* \w deeds|strong="G4160"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w arm|strong="G1023"\w*;  
\q2 \w He|strong="G4160"\w* has \w dispersed|strong="G1287"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w arrogant|strong="G5244"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* reasoning \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*.   
\q1
\v 52 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w dethroned|strong="G2507"\w* \w rulers|strong="G1413"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lowly|strong="G5011"\w*.   
\q1
\v 53 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G1705"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G2756"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rich|strong="G4147"\w* \w away|strong="G1821"\w* \w empty|strong="G2756"\w*.\f + \fr 1:53 \ft This sounds like social justice.\f*   
\q1
\v 54 \w He|strong="G2474"\w* has taken \w the|strong="G3403"\w* part \w of|strong="G2474"\w* \w His|strong="G3403"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*,  
\q2 in \w remembrance|strong="G3403"\w* \w of|strong="G2474"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w*,   
\q1
\v 55 \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*,  
\q2 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Abraham \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w seed|strong="G4690"\w* \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \it there is\it* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* age.”\f + \fr 1:55 \ft I follow the best line of transmission, as I believe, albeit representing only 35% of the Greek manuscripts, in this case. I take the point to be that the things mentioned are pertinent to this world, not the next.\f*   
\p
\v 56 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w stayed|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w*,\f + \fr 1:56 \ft Those three months in the home of a priest were doubtless filled with relevant instruction from the Scriptures (of course Zacharias was mute, so he would have to write everything), part of Mary's preparation for her role. Note that Mary evidently took off before John was born [I wonder why]. On the other hand, being three months pregnant it was high time that she go home and face the situation that awaited her. Although Joseph evidently took her to his house immediately, at God's direction, after only six months a full size baby would be born.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.   
\ms1 The birth of John  
\p
\v 57 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Elizabeth|strong="G1665"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G5088"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* completed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w bore|strong="G1080"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 58 \w Her|strong="G3754"\w* \w neighbors|strong="G4040"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* used \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3170"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoiced|strong="G4796"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w*.   
\s1 John is named  
\p
\v 59 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w*, \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w eighth|strong="G3590"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcise|strong="G4059"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w*,\f + \fr 1:59 \ft ‘The eighth day’—two different blood clotting agents, vitamin K and prothrombin, are at their highest level (110% of normal) on the eighth day of a person's life, so it is the best of all days for minor surgery. Who but the Creator knew that 4000 years ago, when He told Abraham to do it?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w calling|strong="G2564"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w*.  
\v 60 \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Absolutely \w not|strong="G3780"\w*;\f + \fr 1:60 \ft She was emphatic!\f* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*!”  
\v 61 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4772"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.”  
\v 62 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* started motioning \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w his|strong="G2564"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G2309"\w* \w have|strong="G2309"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w*.  
\v 63 \w Asking|strong="G3004"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w writing|strong="G1125"\w* \w tablet|strong="G4093"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*!” \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*.  
\v 64 \w Immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* opened \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w* \it freed\it* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w*, \w blessing|strong="G2127"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 65 (\w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w lived|strong="G2532"\w* \w around|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w sayings|strong="G4487"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w talked|strong="G1255"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hill|strong="G3714"\w* \w country|strong="G3714"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*.  
\v 66 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* heard \w kept|strong="G5087"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.)\f + \fr 1:66 \ft The material within parentheses is an historical aside, after the fact. Presumably Zacharias started right in with his prophecy.\f*   
\s1 Zacharias prophesies  
\p
\v 67 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophesied|strong="G4395"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\q1
\v 68 “\w Blessed|strong="G2128"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*,\f + \fr 1:68 \ft They spoke Hebrew in Judea, and Zacharias probably said “Jehovah”.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w visited|strong="G1980"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* provided \w redemption|strong="G3085"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*;   
\q1
\v 69 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w horn|strong="G2768"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w deliverance|strong="G4991"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*  
\q2 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*   
\q1
\v 70 —\w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* holy \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* antiquity—   
\q1
\v 71 \w deliverance|strong="G4991"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*;\f + \fr 1:71 \ft Zacharias knew that the Messiah would soon be born, but was evidently expecting a physical, political kingdom that would deliver them from Roman domination. For that matter, Jesus' own disciples evidently shared the same expectation.\f*   
\q1
\v 72 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w use|strong="G3588"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*,  
\q2 \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* Holy \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w*,   
\q1
\v 73 \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w oath|strong="G3727"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w swore|strong="G3660"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w our|strong="G3739"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* Abraham;   
\q1
\v 74 \w to|strong="G1537"\w* grant \w to|strong="G1537"\w* \w us|strong="G1537"\w* (having been \w rescued|strong="G4506"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G1537"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*) \w to|strong="G1537"\w* \w serve|strong="G3000"\w* \w Him|strong="G3000"\w* \w without|strong="G1537"\w* fear,   
\q1
\v 75 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w holiness|strong="G3742"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*\f + \fr 1:75 \ft ‘To serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness’—that is what life is supposed to be about, but is only possible because the Messiah came.\f* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*  
\q2 \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* life.   
\q1
\v 76 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w child|strong="G3813"\w*, \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4313"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 1:76 \ft Zacharias is affirming that Jesus is ‘the Lord’ and ‘the Most High’!\f*  
\q2 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w ways|strong="G3598"\w*,   
\q1
\v 77 \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1108"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*  
\q2 \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* sins,\f + \fr 1:77 \ft In this paragraph Zacharias emphasizes the spiritual benefits of Messiah's coming.\f*   
\q1
\v 78 \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* merciful compassions \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,  
\q2 \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* divine Dawn \w has|strong="G2316"\w* contemplated \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,\f + \fr 1:78 \ft Without doubt, the coming of the Messiah, with all that involved, represented the dawning of a new Day for this world. Instead of “has contemplated us”, less than 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have “will contemplate us” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The difference may appear to be small, but I take the point to be that the Messiah was already in the virgin Mary's womb—the incarnation was irreversibly underway.\f*   
\q1
\v 79 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w give|strong="G1473"\w* \w light|strong="G2014"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w shadow|strong="G4639"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*,  
\q2 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w guide|strong="G2720"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.”   
\p
\v 80 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w growing|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G2901"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 1:80 \ft The verb ‘strengthen’ is in the passive voice, so John had outside help—just like Gabriel said.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* uninhabited areas \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* manifestation \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.\f + \fr 1:80 \ft Because of their advanced age, his parents may well have died by the time he was a teenager. Although as Zacharias' son he was in line to become a priest, he could not begin to serve until he was thirty, which was when he began his public ministry. He evidently spent the interval as a recluse.\f*   
\c 2  
\ms1 The birth of Jesus—4 \sc bc\sc*  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w decree|strong="G1378"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* Augustus \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w inhabited|strong="G3625"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* enrolled.\f + \fr 2:1 \ft Of course the Roman Empire did not control the whole world, but the decree was doubtless worded in grandiose terms.\f*  
\v 2 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* census \w took|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w* \w while|strong="G1096"\w* \w Quirinius|strong="G2958"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* governing \w Syria|strong="G4947"\w*.\f + \fr 2:2 \ft Quirinius served two terms: the best known was in \ft \+sc ad\+sc* 6-10, but there is good evidence for a prior term in 4-1 \+sc bc\+sc*\f*  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w traveling|strong="G4198"\w*, \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* enroll \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*.   
\s1 At night, in Bethlehem, the Savior is born  
\p
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Natsareth \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* Bethlehem, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s ‘\w house|strong="G3624"\w*’, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, line \w of|strong="G1537"\w* descent,  
\v 5 \w to|strong="G1510"\w* enroll \w himself|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* woman \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w betrothed|strong="G3423"\w* \w to|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 2:5 \ft That is what the Text says. We know from Matthew 1:24-25 that Joseph had already received her as his wife, but still had not had sexual relations with her—obviously an atypical situation. He had taken responsibility for her as his wife, but as far as sex was concerned she was still ‘pledged’—thus Luke's unusual turn of phrase.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* pregnant.  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w got|strong="G1096"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w give|strong="G5088"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* completed;  
\v 7 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G5088"\w* \w birth|strong="G5088"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w firstborn|strong="G4416"\w*\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Luke's use of the term ‘firstborn’, writing after Mary had passed the age that she could bear children, clearly implies that she had other children after the first; otherwise Luke would have used ‘only’ rather than ‘first’.\f* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w wrapped|strong="G4683"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* pieces \w of|strong="G5207"\w* cloth \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w manger|strong="G5336"\w*,\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Some 95% of the Greek manuscripts have the definite article with ‘manger’, so there was only one in the place, which implies that it was a stable. Since Bethlehem stands on a limestone ridge, there were probably natural caves that would make excellent stables. Actually, mother and baby were probably better off there than in the crowded lodging.\f* \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w room|strong="G5117"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* lodging \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.   
\s1 Angels and shepherds  
\p
\v 8 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w shepherds|strong="G4166"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* area, staying \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w keeping|strong="G5442"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* nightly watches\f + \fr 2:8 \ft They would take turns standing watch.\f* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w flock|strong="G4167"\w*.  
\v 9 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \nd wow\nd*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w stood|strong="G2186"\w* \w before|strong="G2186"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w shone|strong="G4034"\w* \w around|strong="G4034"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w terrified|strong="G5399"\w*.  
\v 10 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* angel \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w listen|strong="G2400"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* announcing \w the|strong="G2532"\w* most \w joyful|strong="G5479"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*!  
\v 11 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* see, \w today|strong="G4594"\w*,\f + \fr 2:11 \ft The shepherds were Jews, and their ‘day’ began at 6 p.m. The angel's use of ‘today’ indicates that Jesus was born at night, since the angel delivered his message at night.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w born|strong="G5088"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*!  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Baby|strong="G1025"\w* \w wrapped|strong="G4683"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* pieces \w of|strong="G2532"\w* cloth, \w lying|strong="G2749"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w manger|strong="G5336"\w*.”\f + \fr 2:12 \ft This may not seem like much of a ‘sign’ to us, but doubtless there was only one newborn baby in the whole area who met those conditions.\f*  
\v 13 \w Suddenly|strong="G1810"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3770"\w* \w army|strong="G4756"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angel praising \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,   
\q1
\v 14 “\w Glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w highest|strong="G5310"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w toward|strong="G1909"\w* mankind!”\f + \fr 2:14 \ft “Good will toward mankind”—what greater proof of God's good will could there be than the whole plan of salvation, the center piece of which was the incarnation! “Good will toward mankind” reflects some 1700 Greek manuscripts; only six known Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read “among those with whom He is pleased” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.); the New Living Translation favors us with a footnote: “Some manuscripts read… \ft \+it goodwill among people\+it*”—by ‘some’ they mean (1,700 against six! [how could the editors be so perverse?]).\f*   
\s1 Shepherds go and report  
\p
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angels \w went|strong="G1330"\w* away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherds|strong="G4166"\w*, \w said|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w another|strong="G3739"\w*, “Hey, \w let|strong="G1096"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w go|strong="G1330"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethlehem \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* event \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* \w place|strong="G1096"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*!”  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hurry|strong="G4692"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* located \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Baby|strong="G1025"\w* \w lying|strong="G2749"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w manger|strong="G5336"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* having \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* spread \w an|strong="G1161"\w* exact account \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w saying|strong="G2980"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* been \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2980"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Child|strong="G3813"\w*.  
\v 18 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w told|strong="G2980"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherds|strong="G4166"\w*.\f + \fr 2:18 \ft Since the shepherds lived in that town, presumably, they would certainly tell their families and friends; in short order the whole town had heard the news. In all probability, the very next day someone offered Joseph a house to use.\f*  
\v 19 \w As|strong="G1722"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w treasured|strong="G4933"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w sayings|strong="G4487"\w*, \w pondering|strong="G4820"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*.  
\v 20 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w shepherds|strong="G4166"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w*, \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w praising|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w told|strong="G2980"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus is named  
\p
\v 21 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w eight|strong="G3638"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* completed \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcise|strong="G4059"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w JESUS|strong="G2424"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w given|strong="G2564"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angel \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w conceived|strong="G4815"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus is presented to God  
\p
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 2:22 \ft The Text has ‘their’, not ‘her’; since a woman was not to have intercourse for forty days after giving birth to a boy (80 for a girl), Leviticus 12:2-5, her purification obviously affected her husband as well.\f* \w purification|strong="G2512"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* completed, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w present|strong="G3936"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*  
\v 23 (\w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, “\w Every|strong="G3956"\w* male \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w opens|strong="G1272"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w womb|strong="G3388"\w* \w shall|strong="G2962"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* holy \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*”\f + \fr 2:23 \ft See Exodus 13:2, 12-15.\f*),  
\v 24 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w offer|strong="G1325"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* specified \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w*, “\w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w pair|strong="G2201"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w turtledoves|strong="G5167"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w young|strong="G3502"\w* \w pigeons|strong="G4058"\w*”.\f + \fr 2:24 \ft See Leviticus 12:8. The prescribed sacrifice was a lamb; only if the couple was too poor to bring a lamb could they substitute the birds (since they could be caught in the wild, the poorest of the poor could meet this requirement). Evidently Joseph and Mary could not afford a lamb, which indicates that they had not yet received the gifts from the magi.\f*   
\s2 Simeon  
\p
\v 25 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w Simeon|strong="G4826"\w*; \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w devout|strong="G2126"\w*, expectantly \w waiting|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Consolation|strong="G3874"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 26 (\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5537"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* repeatedly \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w until|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 2:26 \ft The Greek Text has ‘Christ’, but the Holy Spirit presumably used Hebrew to communicate with Simeon. The man evidently lived in communion with God, and thus the Holy Spirit could guide him at any time—here He sends him into the temple at just the right moment.\f*)  
\v 27 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w custom|strong="G1480"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*,  
\v 28 Simeon \w took|strong="G1209"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* arms \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:   
\q1
\v 29 “Sovereign,\f + \fr 2:29 \ft Simon actually used the term from which we get ‘despot’, but in English this term has a negative flavor, unless one adds ‘benevolent’; but ‘benevolent despot’ does not work very well in direct address—so I render ‘Sovereign’. [When I myself address God, I habitually follow Simeon's example—I also am His slave.]\f* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w You|strong="G4771"\w* can release \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*,  
\q2 \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w Your|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w*,   
\q1
\v 30 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w Your|strong="G3708"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4992"\w*,   
\q2
\v 31 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G3956"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w before|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w peoples|strong="G2992"\w*:   
\q1
\v 32 \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* revelation \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*.”   
\m
\v 33 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* Joseph\f + \fr 2:33 \ft Instead of ‘Joseph’, about 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘his father’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G4012"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 2:33 \ft Simeon may have actually said more than is here recorded; in fact, I rather imagine that he did.\f* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\p
\v 34 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simeon|strong="G4826"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*: “\w Listen|strong="G2400"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w One|strong="G1438"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w appointed|strong="G2749"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G3004"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fall|strong="G4431"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w*,  
\v 35 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w reasonings|strong="G1261"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* revealed (\w furthermore|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sword|strong="G4501"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* own \w soul|strong="G5590"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*).”\f + \fr 2:35 \ft Watching her Son suffer, Mary would also suffer. Jesus obliged the people, especially the leaders, to take sides, and so the reasonings of their hearts were exposed.\f*   
\s2 Anna  
\p
\v 36 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophetess|strong="G4398"\w* Anna, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Phanuel|strong="G5323"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tribe|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Asher—\w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w age|strong="G2094"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w lived|strong="G2198"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* husband \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w virginity|strong="G3932"\w*  
\v 37 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w eighty-four|strong="G3589"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*\f + \fr 2:37 \ft If she married at 15 she would have been about 105 at the time. Instead of “for about eighty-four”, perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read ‘until eighty-four’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f*—\w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* depart \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w serving|strong="G3000"\w* \it God\it* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w fastings|strong="G3521"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* petitions \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2186"\w* \w up|strong="G2186"\w* \w at|strong="G4012"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w moment|strong="G5610"\w*, started praising \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 2:38 \ft Instead of ‘the Lord’, less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘God’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G4012"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w looking|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w redemption|strong="G3085"\w*.\f + \fr 2:38 \ft She must have known who they were.\f*   
\s1 Back to Natsareth  
\p
\v 39 \w When|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w completed|strong="G5055"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w back|strong="G1994"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, Natsareth.\f + \fr 2:39 \ft We know from Matthew that there was a detour through Egypt, that began from Bethlehem, so from Jerusalem they went back to Bethlehem.\f*  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Child|strong="G3813"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* growing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G2901"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 2:40 \ft Less than half a percent of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit ‘in spirit’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w*\f + \fr 2:40 \ft Both ‘strengthened’ and ‘filled’ are in the passive voice; like John, only more so, Jesus had outside help.\f* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w*; \w yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\ms1 A twelve-year-old Boy  
\p
\v 41 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G2596"\w* \w year|strong="G2094"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*;  
\v 42 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w old|strong="G2094"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Jerusalem \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w custom|strong="G1485"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w*.  
\v 43 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G5048"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w returning|strong="G5290"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boy|strong="G3816"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stayed|strong="G5278"\w* \w behind|strong="G5278"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* Joseph \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* mother\f + \fr 2:43 \ft Instead of ‘Joseph and His mother’, perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, have ‘his parents’ (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 44 \w Supposing|strong="G3543"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w caravan|strong="G4923"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*'s \w journey|strong="G3598"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \it then\it* started \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w acquaintances|strong="G1110"\w*.  
\v 45 \w Not|strong="G3361"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* seeking \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 46 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2516"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w teachers|strong="G1320"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* listening \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asking|strong="G1905"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w questions|strong="G1905"\w*.  
\v 47 (\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1839"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w understanding|strong="G4907"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* answers.\f + \fr 2:47 \ft Really and truly—how many of us could discuss theology intelligently for one hour, let alone three days!\f*)   
\p
\v 48 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w upon|strong="G3588"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1605"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Son|strong="G5043"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w treated|strong="G4160"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*? \w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w searching|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* distress.”\f + \fr 2:48 \ft They evidently thought that Jesus had met with foul play; they were afraid for His life. In contrast, Jesus never worried about suffering harm (see next note).\f*  
\v 49 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*? Didn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*'s \it concerns\it*?”\f + \fr 2:49 \ft At twelve Jesus knew precisely who He was—“my father” cannot refer to Joseph because Jesus was not discussing carpentry with the doctors of the Law—He was consciously about God's business. Notice that Jesus does not even come close to apologizing; in fact He rebukes them for worrying—after all, they also knew just who He was. (Jesus was no doubt unusually mature for His age, and may have just had His \ft \+it bar mitzvah\+it*.) The only time Jesus feared for His life was in Gethsemane—Matthew 26:38, Mark 14:34, Luke 22:44, Hebrews 5:7-8 (compare by contrast Luke 4:28-30, Mark 4:35-41, John 8:59, 10:39, 18:6).\f*  
\v 50 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w statement|strong="G4487"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 2:50 \ft Perhaps they should have, knowing who He really was, but by now they probably had at least four children and each day was filled with very ordinary concerns—do the concerns of life not cause \+nd us\+nd* also to forget spiritual realities?\f*   
\p
\v 51 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Natsareth, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* continued subordinating \w Himself|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w kept|strong="G1301"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3956"\w* \w sayings|strong="G4487"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*.\f + \fr 2:51 \ft This is the second time Luke records this. No doubt Mary was one of the eyewitnesses that Luke interviewed; I imagine it was a long and detailed interview, and maybe several.\f*  
\v 52 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w increasing|strong="G4298"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stature|strong="G2244"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w favor|strong="G5485"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\c 3  
\ms1 Enter John the Baptizer—26 AD  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fifteenth|strong="G4003"\w* \w year|strong="G2094"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w reign|strong="G2231"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tiberius|strong="G5086"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*, \w Pontius|strong="G4194"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2230"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5075"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* brother \w Philip|strong="G5376"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5075"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w region|strong="G5561"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Iturea \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Trachonitis|strong="G5139"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lysanias|strong="G3078"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5075"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Abilene,  
\v 2 \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priesthood \w of|strong="G5207"\w* Annas (\w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caiaphas|strong="G2533"\w*),\f + \fr 3:2 \ft Annas was the real high priest, which office was for life. But in an effort to diminish the political influence of the high priest (presumably) the Roman government obliged the Jews to name a different high priest each year, and the governor dealt with him—so that particular year it was Caiaphas. Notice how Luke emphasizes historicity.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w*\f + \fr 3:2 \ft That's what the Text says, ‘upon’ not ‘to’; I take it that that Word compelled him to action.\f* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zacharias|strong="G2197"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w* \w around|strong="G4066"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w*, \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G2532"\w* sins;\f + \fr 3:3 \ft There are those who squirm at the plain meaning of the Text—John was offering forgiveness of sins. Well, throughout the Old Testament, if you brought an animal offering you were confessing to being a sinner, and expecting to be forgiven. As forerunner to the Lamb of God, who would provide the ultimate payment for sin, John represented a transition, from the old to the new.\f*  
\v 4 \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G4160"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3056"\w*:  
\q1 “\w A|strong="G5613"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* calling \w out|strong="G5456"\w*:  
\q2 ‘\w Prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*,  
\q2 \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w paths|strong="G5147"\w* \w straight|strong="G2117"\w*.\f + \fr 3:4 \ft The Hebrew text of Isa. 40:3 has “in the desert” here, making it overtly parallel to “in the wilderness”, so both are part of what the ‘voice’ is saying.\f*   
\q1
\v 5 \w Every|strong="G3956"\w* \w ravine|strong="G5327"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hill|strong="G3735"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* leveled;\f + \fr 3:5 \ft That is, where the highway passes, not all over the place; just like modern superhighways.\f*  
\q1 \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crooked|strong="G4646"\w* parts \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roads|strong="G3598"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* straightened \w out|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rough|strong="G5138"\w* parts \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* smoothed \w out|strong="G2532"\w*;   
\q1
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*\f + \fr 3:6 \ft That's what the Text says. I resist the temptation to limit the reference to people, because the animals will also see it (Isaiah 11:6-9). In Genesis 6:17 “all flesh” clearly includes the animals.\f* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4992"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.’ ”   
\s1 “Brood of vipers!”  
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G3195"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G3195"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* sons \w of|strong="G5259"\w* poisonous snakes!\f + \fr 3:7 \ft We don't know the precise type of snake, except that it was presumably poisonous. The Text has ‘offsprings’, plural, which doesn't make very good English, so I put ‘sons’. From Matthew 3:7 we may conclude that he was mainly referring to Pharisees and Sadducees (who had come to evaluate what was happening, but did not themselves submit to the baptism; they would not want to admit that they had sin to confess).\f* \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* tipped \w you|strong="G5210"\w* off \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w from|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G3195"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w*?  
\v 8 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w* befitting \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \it even\it* begin \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* Abraham \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*,’ \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w raise|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Abraham \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w*!\f + \fr 3:8 \ft To be born into a Christian family is certainly an advantage, but does not guarantee your eternal destiny. God has no ‘grandchildren’; you must believe into the Lord Jesus Christ to become God's child.\f*  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* axe \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G2749"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w trees|strong="G1186"\w*;\f + \fr 3:9 \ft The Messiah was about to be introduced and to begin His public ministry; among other things He would condemn the Pharisees and other ‘snakes’—‘thrown into the fire’ refers to their eternal destiny.\f* \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w producing|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w down|strong="G1581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.”   
\s1 “What shall we do?”  
\p
\v 10 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w*\f + \fr 3:10 \ft The Text has ‘crowds’.\f* started \w asking|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?”  
\v 11 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w coats|strong="G5509"\w*,\f + \fr 3:11 \ft Literally, ‘tunics’.\f* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w share|strong="G3330"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w none|strong="G3361"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w food|strong="G1033"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:11 \ft The verb ‘share’ is an aorist imperative, implying a one time event—you give the extra coat, but get to keep one. The verb ‘do’ is a present imperative, implying a continuing action—food is to be shared all the time.\f*  
\v 12 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G4160"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?”  
\v 13 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* charge \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G3844"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* determined \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:13 \ft Right on. The tax collectors were hated, among other things, because they usually added a percentage for themselves.\f*  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4754"\w* started \w asking|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w about|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*? \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*?” \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* extort \w or|strong="G2532"\w* harass \w anyone|strong="G3367"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w content|strong="G4160"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w wages|strong="G3800"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:14 \ft Right on again. Soldiers would frequently try to ‘supplement’ their wages.\f*   
\s1 “A greater One is coming”  
\p
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* expectant \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w whether|strong="G3379"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 16 \w John|strong="G2491"\w* anticipated \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* baptizing \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w One|strong="G3739"\w* \w mightier|strong="G2478"\w* \w than|strong="G2478"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w sandal|strong="G5266"\w* straps \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w untie|strong="G3089"\w*. \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* baptize \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*;\f + \fr 3:16 \ft I suppose that this was fulfilled at Pentecost, although it is also true that all our works will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).\f*  
\v 17 \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w winnowing|strong="G4425"\w* shovel \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w thoroughly|strong="G1245"\w* clean \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* threshing floor \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* barn, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w burn|strong="G2618"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* chaff \w with|strong="G1722"\w* unquenchable \w fire|strong="G4442"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:17 \ft “Unquenchable fire” is a clear reference to the Lake; recall that there is always more chaff than grain, but the chaff is also part of the wheat plant. I suspect that most churches have more chaff than grain.\f*   
\s1 John is imprisoned—an historical aside  
\p
\v 18 (\w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w exhortations|strong="G3870"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2992"\w* \w on|strong="G3767"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2097"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*;  
\v 19 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5076"\w*—\w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w reproved|strong="G1651"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Herodias|strong="G2266"\w*, \w his|strong="G3956"\w* brother's \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* perpetrated\f + \fr 3:19 \ft A coward John was not!\f*—  
\v 20 \w added|strong="G4369"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*: \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w locked|strong="G2623"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w up|strong="G2623"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*.)   
\s1 Jesus is baptized  
\p
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* baptized, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* baptized \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* opened  
\v 22 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w descended|strong="G2597"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w bodily|strong="G4984"\w* \w form|strong="G1491"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w dove|strong="G4058"\w* \it and rested\it* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \bd \+w Voice|strong="G5456"\+w*\bd* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* saying, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* beloved \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*; \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* always \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w*.”\f + \fr 3:22 \ft The Trinity is manifested here, which would be an important confirmation for Jesus.\f*   
\ms1 Mary's genealogy\f + \fr 3:23 \ft The genealogy interrupts the chronological sequence of the narrative, which resumes at 4:1.\f*  
\p
\v 23 (Beginning \it His ministry\it* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w thirty|strong="G5144"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w age|strong="G2094"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* (\w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w supposed|strong="G3543"\w*) \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*,  
\q1 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* Himself\f + \fr 3:23 \ft There are several unusual grammatical features in the Greek text of this verse, which has been badly translated by every version I have seen; resulting in contradictions and errors of fact. Here is the Greek, for those who can read it: Και αυτος ἦν ὁ Ιησους, ὡσει ετων τριακοντα αρχομενος, ων ὡς ενομιζετο υἱος Ιωσηφ, του Ηλει, του Ματθαν, του Λευι, του Μελχι,… There are four words here that invite special attention: και, αυτος, ἦν and ὡς. Since verse 22 ends with a statement from the Father at Jesus' baptism, it is clear that verse 23 begins another section. But the conjunction that signals the transition is και and not δε, as one would expect—this means that ‘Jesus’ continues as the topic. But in that event, how does one explain the personal pronoun αυτος, the more so in such an emphatic position? If the author's purpose was simply to register Jesus as a son of Joseph, as many suppose, why did he not just write και ὁ Ιησους ἦν υἱος Ιωσηφ, etc.? 
\fp But then, why write ὡς ενομιζετο? It seems to me that the normal meaning of “as was supposed” is to affirm that Jesus was in fact Joseph's son; but that is precisely what Jesus \+bd was \+nd not\+nd*\+bd*. Luke has already made clear that Jesus' real Father was the Holy Spirit—1:34-35, 43, 45; 2:49. So what Luke is really saying is that although the people supposed Jesus to be Joseph's son, He actually had a different lineage—we should translate “so it was supposed”. (Recall that a faithful and loyal translation seeks to transmit correctly the meaning intended by the \+nd author\+nd*.) 
\fp The verb ἦν is the only independent one in the whole paragraph, verses 23-38. Is it working with the participle αρχομενος in a periphrastic construction? That appears to be the tendency of the eclectic text that places the participle right after ‘Jesus’ (following about 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality), which makes Jesus out to be in fact Joseph's son. It seems to me to be far more natural to take the participial clauses as being circumstantial: “beginning at about thirty years of age” and “being (so it was supposed) a son of Joseph”. Setting those two clauses aside, the independent clause that remains is ἦν ὁ Ιησους του Ηλει, “Jesus was of Eli”. 
\fp The participle ‘beginning’ requires an object, that the Text leaves implicit; from the context it seems clear that we may supply ‘His ministry’, or some such thing, which is why most versions do so. I suggest the following rendering: “Beginning \+it His ministry\+it* at about thirty years of age, being (so it was supposed) a son of Joseph, Jesus was actually of Eli, of Mathan, of Levi…” I take it that the emphatic pronoun αυτος heightens the contrast between what the people imagined and the reality. Jesus was a grandson of Eli, Mary's father—Luke gives the genealogy of Jesus through His mother, while Matthew gives it through His stepfather. 
\fp The eclectic text gives our verse a different wording: και αυτος ἦν Ιησους αρχομενος ὡσει ετων τριακοντα, ων υἱος, ὡς ενομιζετο, Ιωσηφ του Ηλι του Μαθθατ του Λευι του Μελκι,… The RSV translates it like this: “Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat,…” Is not the normal meaning of this rendering that Jesus was in fact the son of Joseph? However, every version that I recall seeing has “Joseph, the son of Heli”, which directly contradicts Matthew, “Jacob begot Joseph”. The word ‘son’ (without the article) occurs only with Joseph, although most versions supply it on down the genealogy. But Luke is precisely correct in not using it, because it would not hold for the first and last names in the list—Eli did not beget Jesus (nor Joseph) and God did not beget Adam. So then, properly understood Luke does not contradict Matthew (with reference to Joseph's father), nor does he affirm an error of fact (with reference to Jesus' father).\f* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Eli|strong="G2242"\w*,\f + \fr 3:23 \ft All published Bibles that I have seen add ‘son’ or ‘the son’ to each prepositional phrase in the genealogy, but Luke did not write that—from ‘Eli’ to ‘God’ there is no ‘son’. Why not? I do not know, I was not there, but with both Eli and God the word would have a different meaning than with the rest of the names in the list. Adam could be called a ‘son’ of God by creation, but not procreation. I take it that Eli was Mary's father, and thus the maternal grandfather of Jesus, so here also ‘son’ would have a different meaning. For all that, through Mary and Eli Jesus received some of David's genes, so He was literally a descendant of David, through his son Nathan.\f*   
\q2
\v 24 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Matthan,\f + \fr 3:24 \ft There is considerable confusion among the Greek manuscripts as to the spelling of all these names. I have generally just followed the spelling we are used to (since the meaning is not affected), but not always.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Levi|strong="G3017"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Melchi|strong="G3197"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Janna|strong="G2388"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*,   
\q1
\v 25 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Mattathiah, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Amos, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Nahum|strong="G3486"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Esli|strong="G2069"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Naggai|strong="G3477"\w*,   
\q2
\v 26 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Maath|strong="G3092"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Mattathiah, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Semei|strong="G4584"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2448"\w*,   
\q1
\v 27 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Joannan, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Rhesa|strong="G4488"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Zerubbabel|strong="G2216"\w*,\f + \fr 3:27 \ft For more on this man see the whole book of Haggai and Zechariah 4:6.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Shealtiel|strong="G4528"\w*,\f + \fr 3:27 \ft The Greek form is actually ‘\ft \+it Salathiel\+it*’.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Neri|strong="G3518"\w*,   
\q2
\v 28 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Melchi|strong="G3197"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Addi, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Cosam|strong="G2973"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Elmodam|strong="G1678"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Er|strong="G2262"\w*,   
\q1
\v 29 \w of|strong="G2424"\w* Jose, \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w Eliezer|strong="G1663"\w*, \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w Jorim|strong="G2497"\w*, \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w Matthat|strong="G3158"\w*, \w of|strong="G2424"\w* \w Levi|strong="G3017"\w*,   
\q2
\v 30 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Simeon|strong="G4826"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jonam|strong="G2494"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Eliakim|strong="G1662"\w*,   
\q1
\v 31 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Melea|strong="G3190"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Menan|strong="G3104"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Mattatha|strong="G3160"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Nathan|strong="G3481"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*,   
\q2
\v 32 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesse|strong="G2421"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Obed|strong="G5601"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Boaz|strong="G1003"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Salmon, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Nahshon|strong="G3476"\w*,   
\q1
\v 33 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Amminadab, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Aram,\f + \fr 3:33 \ft Rather than “of Aram”, a variety of modern versions have “the son of Admin, the son of Arni”, and they do so following the eclectic text that has been in vogue for several generations (UBS/N-A). As is their habit, the editors of that text follow the so-called ‘Alexandrian’ witnesses, but at this point those witnesses are scattered all over the back side of the desert—almost no two agree. One would have thought that this would give the UBS editors pause, but not at all. They were so intent on doing despite to Christ's genealogy that they actually concocted a ‘patchwork quilt’ and intruded the fictitious Admin and Arni into that genealogy. UBS has presented the evidence in their apparatus in such a way as to obscure the fact that no Greek MS has the precise text they have printed (the same holds for N-A). In Bruce Metzger's presentation of the UBS Committee's reasoning in this case he wrote, “the Committee adopted what seems to be the least unsatisfactory form of text”. Is this not a good candidate for ‘chutzpah’ of the year? The UBS editors concoct their own reading and proclaim it “the least unsatisfactory”! And just what might be “unsatisfactory” about the reading of 95% of the Greek manuscripts except that it does not introduce any difficulties? 
\fp There is complete confusion in the Egyptian camp. That confusion may have commenced in the second century, resulting from several easy transcriptional errors, simple copying mistakes. The total confusion in Egypt does not surprise us, but how shall we account for the text and apparatus of UBS\+sup 3\+sup*/N-A\+sup 26\+sup* in this instance? And whatever possessed the editors of NASB, NRSV, TEV, LB, Berkeley, etc. to embrace such an egregious error? ‘Admin’ and ‘Arni’ have no more place in Christ's genealogy than does Idi Amin, although he at least is not a fiction.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Joram|strong="G2496"\w*,\f + \fr 3:33 \ft ‘Joram’—Luke 3:33 X Matthew 1:3, Ruth 4:19, 1 Chronicles 2:9. I follow 80% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, in placing Joram between Aram and Hezron. However, since both the Textus Receptus and the eclectic text currently in vogue follow the 20%, mine is the first version that I have seen that includes Joram. The obvious difficulty with this proceeding is that it goes against Matthew 1:3, Ruth 4:19 and 1 Chronicles 2:9, that have no ‘Joram’. The apparent disagreement with Matthew, Ruth and Chronicles would be an obvious inducement to omit ‘Joram’. But what possible motivation would there be to invent and insert an unknown name? And if someone did, how could it come to dominate the stream of transmission, to the tune of 80%? But wherever could Luke have come up with ‘Joram’? I understand that Luke obtained the information about Joram from records existing in his day, and being correct information was led by the Holy Spirit to include it in his Gospel. Just like Jude, who quoted Enoch—Enoch's prophecy must have been in existence in Jude's day, but we have no copy in Hebrew today (though Jews are reported to have used one so recently as the 13\+sup th\+sup* century \+sc ad\+sc*); similarly we have no copy of Luke's source. Recall Luke's stated purpose in writing: “It seemed good to me also, most excellent Theophilus, having taken careful note of everything from Above, to write to you with precision and in sequence, so that you may \+bd know\+bd* the certainty of the things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4). Given his stated purpose in writing, Luke's account needs to be historically accurate (cf. 2:2 and 3:1). So then, I take it that the Holy Spirit guided Luke to include Joram. So then, Aram (Ram) was actually a grandson of Hezron; Hezron fathered Joram, who fathered Aram. While I am on this tack, my solution to the ‘Jeremiah’ problem in Matthew 27:9-10 is similar. Daniel (9:2) refers to “the books” (plural) in connection with Jeremiah the prophet. So I assume that Matthew had access to other writings of Jeremiah, of which no copy survives.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Hezron|strong="G2074"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Perez|strong="G5329"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Judah|strong="G2455"\w*,   
\q2
\v 34 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Abraham, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Terah|strong="G2291"\w*,\f + \fr 3:34 \ft The Greek form is actually ‘Tharra’.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Nahor|strong="G3493"\w*,   
\q1
\v 35 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Serug, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Reu|strong="G4466"\w*,\f + \fr 3:35 \ft The Greek form is actually ‘Ragav’.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Peleg|strong="G5317"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Eber, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Shela,   
\q2
\v 36 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Cainan|strong="G2536"\w*,\f + \fr 3:36 \ft Cainan\+sup 2\+sup*—Luke 3:36 X Genesis 11:12. There are several spelling variations that together are attested by almost 1% of the Greek manuscripts; 99% have Καιναν. Apparently only two omit, 𝕻\+sup 75v\+sup* and D, but no printed text follows their lead. So there is no reasonable doubt that Luke in fact wrote that Shelah was fathered by Cainan, not Arphaxad. This Cainan has been widely used to justify treating the genealogies in Genesis like accordions—if one name was demonstrably left out in the Genesis account, then who knows how many others were also left out. This Cainan is also used to deny the validity of constructing a strict chronology based on the time spans given in the genealogies. 
\fp But where did Luke get this information? The LXX contains Cainan in Genesis 11:12, but is so different from the Massoretic text here that it looks like fiction. Recall that the LXX we know is based on codices Vaticanus, Sinaiticus and Alexandrinus, produced centuries after Luke. It is more likely that our LXX is based on Luke than vice versa. Where then did Luke get it? I understand that Luke obtained the information about this Cainan from records existing in his day, and being correct information was led by the Holy Spirit to include it in his Gospel (see my discussion of ‘Joram’ above). 
\fp This brief note was inspired by the discussion of the subject given by Dr. Floyd N. Jones in \+it Chronology of the Old Testament\+it* (which book comes close to solving all the alleged numerical discrepancies in the OT, at least as I see it). However, the explanation that follows is original with me (if anyone else has proposed it, I am unaware). Consider the exact wording of Genesis 11:12-13. “Arphaxad lived thirty-five years and begot Salah; after he begot Salah, Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.” The verb ‘begot’ requires that Salah be a blood descendant of Arphaxad, not adopted. He could be a grandson, the son of a son of Arphaxad, or even a great-grandson, etc., except that in this case the time frame only has room for one intervening generation. The plain meaning of the formula in the Text, ‘W lived X years and begot Y; after W begot Y he lived Z years,’ is that W was X years old when Y was born, is it not (and Y was Z years old when W died)? It follows that this formula destroys the ‘accordion’ gambit. There were precisely 130 years between Adam and Seth, 105 between Seth and Enosh, 90 between Enosh and Cainan\+sup 1\+sup*, etc., etc. (To argue that the years were based on lunar months will not save the gambit.) I take the clear meaning of the Hebrew Text to be that Arphaxad was 35 years old when Salah was born, whatever we may decide to do about ‘Cainan’. 
\fp Let us try to imagine the situation in the years immediately following the Flood. After the Flood the ‘name of the game’ was to replenish the earth. Indeed, the divine command was: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 9:1). So, whom could Noah's grandsons marry? Obviously their cousins, Noah's granddaughters. There would be an urgency to reproduce—thus, the girls would be married off at puberty, and the boys would not be wasting around either. The women would be giving birth as often as they possibly could. Really, the absolute top priority would be to increase the number of people. Arphaxad was born two years after the flood, but his wife could have been born a year or two earlier. (The Sacred Text is clear to the effect that only eight souls entered the ark, but some of the women could have conceived during the Flood, since they were in the ark for a full year.) Thus, Arphaxad could have fathered “Cainan” when he was 17/18. Similarly, Cainan could have fathered Salah when he was 17/18. In this way Arphaxad could be said to have “begotten” Salah when he was 35. Cainan could have died early or been passed over in Genesis because the time span did not constitute a ‘generation’, or both. Or, as things got back to normal, culturally speaking, the haste with which Arphaxad and Cainan procreated might have been viewed as unseemly. The expedient of omitting Cainan would make the account more ‘normal’ while preserving precision as to the elapsed time. But Luke would be correct in saying that Salah was “of” Cainan who was “of” Arphaxad. Salah was Arphaxad's grandson. In any case, the Messianic line was passed on by Salah. Without Luke's record I, for one, would never have stopped to consider what must have happened immediately following the Flood—the absolute priority must have been to increase the number of people.\f* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* Arphaxad, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Shem|strong="G4590"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lamech|strong="G2984"\w*,   
\q1
\v 37 \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Methuselah|strong="G3103"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Enoch|strong="G1802"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jared|strong="G2391"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Mahalaleel|strong="G3121"\w*, \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w Cainan|strong="G2536"\w*,   
\q2
\v 38 \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Enosh|strong="G1800"\w*, \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Seth|strong="G4589"\w*, \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Adam, \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.)   
\c 4  
\ms1 Jesus tested by Satan  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jordan|strong="G2446"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w*,  
\v 2 \w where|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w tested|strong="G3985"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w forty|strong="G5062"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*.\f + \fr 4:2 \ft We are not told just how Satan did this.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* completed \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \nd \+w hungry|strong="G3983"\+w*\nd*.\f + \fr 4:2 \ft This episode was ordained by the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to confront Satan when He was physically the weakest He would ever be (40 days without food!). When Satan failed to defeat this weakened Jesus, he was probably filled with despair—he now knew that he could never defeat Him (but he would still try to kill Him). Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15-16 give at least part of the reason why Jesus had to undergo this experience.\f*  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Since|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 4:3 \ft There are several kinds of conditional clause in Greek, among them ‘of doubt’, ‘of fact’ and ‘contrary to fact’—Satan was not so crude as to express doubt about Christ's identity, ‘if’, he was more subtle; he granted the fact, ‘since’, and appealed to His pride.\f* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* bread!”\f + \fr 4:3 \ft Matthew 4:3 has “these stones”, instead of “this stone”. I gather that Satan said both: he started with ‘these stones’ and then picked out a specific one.\f*  
\v 4 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* answered \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w Man|strong="G3756"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* bread \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w every|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:4 \ft See Deuteronomy 8:3. Less than half a percent of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “but by every word of God” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). If we are to live by ‘every’ word, then every word must be kept available.\f*   
\p
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* taking \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3956"\w* mountain,\f + \fr 4:5 \ft Just three known Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality (against over 1,700), omit “up on a high mountain the devil” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc., except that some keep ‘the devil’, but not the rest).\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* devil \w showed|strong="G1166"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdoms \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G3625"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w moment|strong="G4743"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*.\f + \fr 4:5 \ft This is obviously supernatural. Even from a satellite you cannot see the whole world at once, because it is a sphere.\f*  
\v 6 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w To|strong="G2532"\w* \bd \+w you|strong="G4771"\+w*\bd* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w me|strong="G1325"\+w*\nd*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w would|strong="G1437"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:7 \ft This was a master stroke. Jehovah the Son entered this world as the second/last Adam precisely to recover what the first Adam had lost, and Satan was evidently well aware of what was going on. So he offers it to Jesus on a ‘silver platter’, with just one small condition… Note that Jesus does not deny Satan's right to make the offer.\f*  
\v 8 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* behind \w me|strong="G3004"\w*, Satan!\f + \fr 4:8 \ft Some 3.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit “Get behind me, Satan” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w worship|strong="G4352"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w serve|strong="G3000"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 4:8 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:13.\f*   
\p
\v 9 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2476"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pinnacle|strong="G4419"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w*,\f + \fr 4:9 \ft Matthew's report has the temple before the mountain; since he employs adverbs of time (sequence) while Luke does not, I take it that Matthew gives the correct sequence (which is also the logical progression). Luke handles the temple event almost as an afterthought.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Since|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, throw \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w down|strong="G2736"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G1782"\w*;  
\v 10 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, ‘\w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w give|strong="G1781"\w* \w His|strong="G4012"\w* angels \w orders|strong="G1781"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w to|strong="G1063"\w* protect \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,’  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* carry \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3379"\w* stub \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w foot|strong="G4228"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 4:11 \ft See Psalm 91:11-12.\f*  
\v 12 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* statement stands, ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w test|strong="G1598"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 4:12 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:16. To do something irresponsible to try to oblige God to perform a miracle to save you from the consequences is forbidden. It would be a kind of ‘blackmail’.\f*   
\p
\v 13 \w Having|strong="G2532"\w* \w finished|strong="G4931"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* test,\f + \fr 4:13 \ft Jesus was tested in the three areas: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15-16 give at least part of the reason why Jesus had to go through this experience.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* departed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w until|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w opportune|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*.\f + \fr 4:13 \ft “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7), but he is in the business of returning and renewing the attack—constant vigilance is required.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus begins His public ministry, in Galilee\f + \fr 4:14 \ft A number of months elapsed between verses 13 and 14; John 1:15-4:42 records some of what transpired during that interval.\f*  
\p
\v 14 \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w news|strong="G5345"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w spread|strong="G1831"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* area;  
\v 15 yes, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* started \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\s1 His hometown rejects Him  
\p
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Natsareth, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w brought|strong="G2064"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w*; \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w custom|strong="G1486"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* read.  
\v 17 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Isaiah|strong="G2268"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w handed|strong="G1929"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* unrolling \w the|strong="G2532"\w* scroll \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:   
\q1
\v 18 “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w is|strong="G3739"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G1909"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w anointed|strong="G5548"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* evangelize \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* people.  
\q1 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w sent|strong="G4151"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* heal \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brokenhearted,\f + \fr 4:18 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “to heal the brokenhearted” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\q2 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* release \w to|strong="G2532"\w* captives  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* recovery \w of|strong="G4151"\w* sight \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* people,  
\q1 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* send \w those|strong="G1722"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w oppressed|strong="G2352"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* freedom,   
\q2
\v 19 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w favorable|strong="G1184"\w* \w year|strong="G1763"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:19 \ft Jesus interrupted the reading of Isaiah 61:2 at a coma—‘the great parenthesis’. The part that He read pertained to His first coming, but “the day of vengeance of our God” pertains to His second coming—the ‘parenthesis’ is closing in on 2,000 years.\f*   
\s2 “Today this Scripture is fulfilled”  
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* rolled \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* scroll \w and|strong="G2532"\w* returned \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w attendant|strong="G5257"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w*. \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* fastened \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 21 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Today|strong="G4594"\w*, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Scripture|strong="G1124"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* been \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.”  
\v 22 (\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* bearing \w witness|strong="G3140"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gracious|strong="G5485"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w coming|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*;\f + \fr 4:22 \ft He doubtless spoke for a reasonable length of time and was producing a favorable impression, but at the end He got offensive; verses 23-27 presumably contain the conclusion of His discourse.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* started \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “Isn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*?”)  
\v 23 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Doubtless \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w quote|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*: ‘\w Physician|strong="G2395"\w*, \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*!’—\w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*.”   
\s2 Jesus treads on their toes  
\p
\v 24 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Assuredly \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w welcome|strong="G1184"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w hometown|strong="G3968"\w*.  
\v 25 \w Further|strong="G1909"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* assure \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w widows|strong="G5503"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*, \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w shut|strong="G2808"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* \w months|strong="G3376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w severe|strong="G3173"\w* \w famine|strong="G3042"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*;  
\v 26 \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w any|strong="G1487"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w Sarepta|strong="G4558"\w*, \w near|strong="G4314"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4606"\w*.  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w lepers|strong="G3015"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G1909"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w Elisha|strong="G1666"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*—\w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w Naaman|strong="G3497"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Syrian|strong="G4948"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:27 \ft It appears that Jesus antagonized them on purpose. Why? I see two possible answers: to remove any claim to special privilege that they might harbor because of being His home town; to be personally free from possible pressure arising from such a claim. In fact He moved out, choosing Capernaum as His base of operations.\f*   
\p
\v 28 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* fury,\f + \fr 4:28 \ft The violent reaction was out of all proportion to the ‘provocation’. Presumably Satan took this opportunity to try to kill Him.\f*  
\v 29 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G3618"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w drove|strong="G1544"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w brow|strong="G3790"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hill|strong="G3735"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w*, \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w order|strong="G5620"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w throw|strong="G1544"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* off \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cliff|strong="G2630"\w*.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w*, \w passing|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w them|strong="G1223"\w*, \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w way|strong="G4198"\w*.\f + \fr 4:30 \ft “Passing through the middle of them, He went on His way”—now how did that happen? To throw Him down, someone would have to be holding Him, probably a man on each arm, and they had gotten Him there by force, and He was surrounded. Obviously the Lord made use of supernatural power to free Himself from that situation—He had come to this world to die, all right, but not then and not in that way.\f*   
\s1 Capernaum becomes His base of operations—27 AD  
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*; \w He|strong="G2532"\w* started \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbaths|strong="G4521"\w*.  
\v 32 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w amazed|strong="G1605"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1322"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*.   
\s2 A demonized man  
\p
\v 33 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* man \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* unclean \w demon|strong="G1140"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cried|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*  
\v 34 saying: “Ugh! \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* want \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Natsareth? \w Did|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w us|strong="G2249"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Holy \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 4:34 \ft Evidently the Lord's mere presence was enough to make the demons feel threatened. Based on John 14:12, I wonder if the same thing should not be true of us.\f*  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Be|strong="G2532"\w* muzzled, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!” \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w thrown|strong="G4496"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G4496"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w without|strong="G3367"\w* harming \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w taken|strong="G1096"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w amazement|strong="G2285"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* conversing \w together|strong="G1909"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*! \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w commands|strong="G2004"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*!”  
\v 37 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* news \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* started \w going|strong="G1607"\w* \w out|strong="G1607"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w*.   
\s2 Peter's mother-in-law  
\p
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* left \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3614"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*'s \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w suffering|strong="G4912"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G3173"\w* \w fever|strong="G4446"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w requested|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w behalf|strong="G4012"\w*.  
\v 39 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2186"\w* \w over|strong="G1883"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fever|strong="G4446"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* left \w her|strong="G1438"\w*. \w Immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G2186"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:39 \ft Normally a high fever leaves one weak, so the Lord reversed the consequences of the fever as well. I take it that Matthew 8:14-15 records a different occasion. Just because God heals you once does not mean you will not get sick again.\f*   
\s2 Healings at sunset  
\p
\v 40 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w setting|strong="G1416"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w various|strong="G4164"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* \w brought|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w laid|strong="G2007"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:40 \ft On this occasion Jesus placed a hand on each one, but that would not always be the case. It would appear that He deliberately used a variety of procedures to heal.\f*  
\v 41 \w Moreover|strong="G1161"\w*, \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*, \w crying|strong="G2905"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 4:41 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “the Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w rebuking|strong="G2008"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w allow|strong="G1439"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w continue|strong="G2532"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 4:41 \ft I find this to be curious: the demons kept telling the truth about Jesus, but He evidently did not want testimony from that quarter. But it seems that the demons felt compelled to identify Him—I wonder why.\f*   
\p
\v 42 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w daybreak|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w started|strong="G4198"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tried \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w keep|strong="G2722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 43 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2097"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* purpose \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w*.”  
\v 44 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.\f + \fr 4:44 \ft Around 4% of the Greek manuscripts read Judea rather than Galilee, possibly influenced by Lectionaries. There is confusion among the 4% such that the prepositional phrase as given in UBS is read by less than 1%. However, Jesus was in Galilee (and continued there), not in Judea, as the context makes clear. In the parallel passage, Mark 1:35-39, all texts agree that Jesus was in Galilee. Thus UBS\+sup 3\+sup* contradicts itself by reading Judea in Luke 4:44. Bruce Metzger makes clear that the UBS editors did this on purpose when he explains that their reading “is obviously the more difficult, and copyists have corrected it…in accord with the parallels in Matthew 4:23 and Mark 1:39.” Thus the UBS editors introduce a contradiction into their text which is also an error of fact. This error in the eclectic text is reproduced by LB, NIV, NASB, NEB, RSV, etc. NRSV adds insult to injury: “So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.”\f*   
\c 5  
\s1 By the sea  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lake|strong="G3041"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* Genesaret, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w* crowded \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;  
\v 2 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w boats|strong="G4143"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w by|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lake|strong="G3041"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* fishermen \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w washing|strong="G4150"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w*).  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1093"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boats|strong="G4143"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*'s, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w put|strong="G1877"\w* \w out|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w little|strong="G3641"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*.\f + \fr 5:3 \ft Peter had already spent time with Jesus, so this was natural.\f* \w Sitting|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w*.   
\s1 A miraculous catch  
\p
\v 4 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w finished|strong="G3973"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, “\w Put|strong="G1877"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* deep \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G5465"\w* \w down|strong="G5465"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w nets|strong="G1350"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* catch.”  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w worked|strong="G2872"\w* \w hard|strong="G2872"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w caught|strong="G2983"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* based \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G5465"\w* \w down|strong="G5465"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w net|strong="G1350"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:5 \ft Peter was the professional here, and figured he knew better than Jesus, but he does obey. However, Jesus had said to let down ‘nets’ (pl), but Peter let down only one. 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read ‘nets’, to be followed by most modern versions. (Actually, Jesus put ‘let down’ in the plural, so there was at least one other in the boat, unless it was really His intention that both boats should go out.)\f*  
\v 6 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* caught \w such|strong="G3778"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w number|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w net|strong="G1350"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* tear.  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w signaled|strong="G2656"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w partners|strong="G3353"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w help|strong="G4815"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boats|strong="G4143"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sink|strong="G1036"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Upon|strong="G2424"\w* experiencing \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w fell|strong="G4363"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*' \w knees|strong="G1119"\w*,\f + \fr 5:8 \ft Jesus was still sitting in the boat, only now surrounded by fish, probably up to His knees.\f* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Depart|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1831"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* sinful man!”\f + \fr 5:8 \ft Do you find Peter's reaction to be curious? No doubt he felt pretty ‘small’ at that point.\f*  
\v 9 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* astonishment gripped \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* haul \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w caught|strong="G4815"\w*;  
\v 10 \w yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w this|strong="G3588"\w* included \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Zebedee|strong="G2199"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w partners|strong="G2844"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G3568"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w catching|strong="G2221"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w*.”  
\v 11 Pulling \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boats|strong="G4143"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w shore|strong="G1093"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* left \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 5:11 \ft The hired men took care of the fish, etc. No doubt most of the crowd had stayed to watch, so getting rid of the fish probably was not a problem.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\ms1 The hinge: proof, evaluation, rejection  
\s1 A leper—the proof  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w*—\w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w full|strong="G4134"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w leprosy|strong="G3014"\w*! \w Upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w begged|strong="G1189"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w*, \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w cleanse|strong="G2511"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 13 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* extended \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w*; \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*!”\f + \fr 5:13 \ft “I want to”—beautiful! To actually touch a leper was unheard of, but of course Jesus had no fear of contamination.\f* \w Immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w leprosy|strong="G3014"\w* left \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G3853"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*, “\w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w offering|strong="G4374"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w cleansing|strong="G2512"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* prescribed, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:14 \ft As a testimony about what? This would be the first time in the life of the priest that anyone had done this, because lepers did not get better. Who but the Messiah could heal leprosy? That they got the point is indicated by the examining council that is described in verse 17 below.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w However|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w news|strong="G3056"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w spread|strong="G1330"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathering|strong="G3793"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* sicknesses.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* Himself \w would|strong="G2532"\w* withdraw \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* places \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*.\f + \fr 5:16 \ft He made sure that He kept in touch with the Father.\f*   
\s1 An examining council—the evaluation  
\p
\v 17 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teachers|strong="G3547"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3547"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heal|strong="G2390"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:17 \ft The eclectic text currently in vogue makes a mess of this statement by changing ‘them’ to ‘him’, following about 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality. ‘Him’ is in the accusative case, as is ‘them’, and is thus the direct object of the verb ‘to heal’. The modern versions that follow the 1% render ‘present with Him to heal’, or some such thing, which the text does \+nd not\+nd* say.\f*   
\s2 “Your sins are forgiven”  
\p
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w men|strong="G3739"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w carrying|strong="G5342"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralyzed|strong="G3886"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* cot, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w tried|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G5342"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w Him|strong="G3739"\w*.  
\v 19 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2147"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* how \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2424"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roof|strong="G1430"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lowered|strong="G2524"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* cot \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tiling|strong="G2766"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w center|strong="G3319"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 20 \w Seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Man, \w your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w are|strong="G3588"\w* forgiven \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”\f + \fr 5:20 \ft Those men were really determined, but they wanted healing, not forgiveness of sins; however, Jesus had His own agenda.\f*   
\s2 A ‘discussion’ ensues  
\p
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w reason|strong="G1260"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w speaks|strong="G2980"\w* blasphemies? \w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* forgive sins \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*?”\f + \fr 5:21 \ft Their theology was not all that bad; they just did not recognize Jesus as God.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w perceived|strong="G1921"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w reasonings|strong="G1261"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1260"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*?  
\v 23 \w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w are|strong="G1510"\w* forgiven \w you|strong="G4771"\w*’, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*!’?\f + \fr 5:23 \ft “Your sins are forgiven” is easier to \+nd say\+nd*, because no one can see if it happened or not. If you say, “Get up and walk!” and he does not, it makes you look stupid.\f*  
\v 24 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*\f + \fr 5:24 \ft That is what the Text says, “the Son of the Man”, which appears to be a phrase coined by the Lord Jesus to refer to Himself; the phrase does not make very good sense in English, at first glance, but if “\+nd the\+nd* man” refers to pristine Adam and “\+nd the\+nd* son” to an only pristine descendant, it makes great sense. It seems to indicate a perfect human prototype, like Adam was before the fall—the human side of the God-man.\f* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* forgive sins”—\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w paralyzed|strong="G3886"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \nd \+w you|strong="G4771"\+w*\nd*, \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*! \w Take|strong="G2192"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* cot \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.”   
\s2 God is glorified  
\p
\v 25 \w Immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w front|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w lying|strong="G2621"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* own \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 26 \w Amazement|strong="G1611"\w* \w gripped|strong="G2983"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G3754"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* strange \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w*!”\f + \fr 5:26 \ft Their initial reaction was favorable, but then Jesus went and ate with tax collectors, and that was too much for them.\f*   
\s1 Enter Levi (Matthew)  
\p
\v 27 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2300"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Levi|strong="G3018"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* office; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Follow|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w leaving|strong="G2641"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 5:28 \ft Wow! Evidently he really did, turning his responsibilities over to his colleagues. Because tax collectors were ostracized by the people, they probably wanted to join the crowds following Jesus, but felt excluded. So a direct invitation to Matthew was all he wanted.\f*  
\v 29 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Levi|strong="G3018"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w banquet|strong="G1403"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w reclining|strong="G2621"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\ms1 The Pharisees have a problem  
\p
\v 30 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w complained|strong="G1111"\w* \w about|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w How|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners?!”  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* healthy \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w physician|strong="G2395"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w*.  
\v 32 \w I|strong="G2064"\w* \w have|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* people \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*, \w just|strong="G1342"\w* sinners.”   
\p
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Why \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \w often|strong="G4437"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w prayers|strong="G1162"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w yours|strong="G4674"\w* \w keep|strong="G4160"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w*?”  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Can|strong="G1410"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* friends \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*?  
\v 35 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bridegroom|strong="G3566"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \nd \+w then|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w*.”   
\ms1 New wine X old wineskins  
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w No|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w puts|strong="G1911"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w patch|strong="G1915"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w*; \w otherwise|strong="G1487"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* makes \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tear|strong="G4977"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w does|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w match|strong="G4856"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w*.  
\v 37 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* puts \w new|strong="G3501"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* wineskins; \w otherwise|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w new|strong="G3501"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w burst|strong="G4486"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* skins \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* itself \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w spilled|strong="G1632"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* skins wasted.  
\v 38 Rather, \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w* must \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w put|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* wineskins, \w and|strong="G1519"\w* both \w are|strong="G1519"\w* preserved.\f + \fr 5:38 \ft I take it that the Lord is saying that a church that has become an ‘old wineskin’ cannot be renewed—any attempt to introduce ‘new wine’ will only result in division and bitterness. Bearers of ‘new wine’ should just start a new congregation. The truth stated in verse 39 is one of the factors. Less than 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and both are preserved” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 39 Further, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w drunk|strong="G4095"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \it wine\it* immediately \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w new|strong="G3501"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w better|strong="G5543"\w*.’ ”   
\c 6  
\s1 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* second-first\f + \fr 6:1 \ft That is what the Text says. No doubt everyone at that time knew just what was intended, but in the meantime we have lost the necessary cultural information. Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “second-first”, to be followed by most modern versions.\f* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w passing|strong="G1279"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w* \w fields|strong="G4702"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pick|strong="G5089"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heads|strong="G4719"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w grain|strong="G4719"\w*, \w rubbing|strong="G5597"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*.  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 6:2 \ft By now the Pharisees had ‘spies’ following Jesus wherever He went.\f* “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*?”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* read \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 4 \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* showbread, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* allowed \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*?”  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*!”\f + \fr 6:5 \ft Now that was something that they were not prepared to assimilate. They used the Sabbath as an instrument to dominate the people, and Jesus was threatening to deprive them of that instrument. Mark 2:27 preserves an added comment: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath”. Man needs one day of rest in seven, but it is not intended as a ‘straitjacket’.\f*   
\s2 He heals on the Sabbath  
\p
\v 6 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w*. \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w man|strong="G2087"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w whose|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* shriveled;  
\v 7 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* started \w watching|strong="G3906"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* see \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w accusation|strong="G2723"\w* \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w thoughts|strong="G1261"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* shriveled \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w center|strong="G3319"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5590"\w* \w ask|strong="G1905"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* something: \w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w evil|strong="G2554"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* kill?”\f + \fr 6:9 \ft Instead of “to kill”, perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘to destroy’, as in almost all versions, since both the TR and the eclectic text follow the 10%.\f*  
\v 10 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G4017"\w* \w around|strong="G4017"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Stretch|strong="G1614"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w*!” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* restored, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* sound \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*.\f + \fr 6:10 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “as sound as the other” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 The rejection  
\p
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G4130"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* rage,\f + \fr 6:11 \ft Filled by whom, or what? Only someone controlled by Satan could become furious over a good deed like that.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* discuss \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.   
\s1 Choosing the Twelve  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w continued|strong="G1096"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G1273"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 6:12 \ft Presumably He was making sure that He made the correct selection of twelve, taken from a larger group of followers. He certainly knew why He was including the Iscariot.\f*  
\v 13 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4377"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w chose|strong="G1586"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w named|strong="G3687"\w* apostles:\f + \fr 6:13 \ft The basic meaning of the term was ‘messenger’, or ‘envoy’.\f*  
\v 14 \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* (\w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w named|strong="G3687"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Andrew \w his|strong="G2532"\w* brother, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, Phillip \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bartholomew,  
\v 15 \w Matthew|strong="G3156"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Thomas|strong="G2381"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Alphaeus) \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Zealot|strong="G2208"\w*’),  
\v 16 \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w* \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w* (\w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* ‘\w traitor|strong="G4273"\w*’).\f + \fr 6:16 \ft Note the ‘became’—Judas was doubtless just as sincere as the others when he joined up, and won everyone's confidence to the extent that he was made treasurer. It was only toward the end that he ‘became’ a traitor.\f*   
\s1 A sermon on a level place\f + \fr 6:17 \ft Although similar to the ‘sermon on the mount’ recorded by Matthew, this is clearly a different time and place. During His ministry the Lord doubtless repeated His basic concepts over and over.\f*  
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w level|strong="G3977"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* seacoast \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w*,  
\v 18 \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* harassed \w by|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w*!  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w trying|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* touch \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healing|strong="G2390"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 6:19 \ft The crowd would be constantly shifting, because those who were healed would back off to make room for others.\f*   
\s2 Blessings  
\p
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1869"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w yours|strong="G5212"\w*.   
\q1
\v 21 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w hunger|strong="G3983"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*.  
\q1 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w weep|strong="G2799"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w laugh|strong="G1070"\w*.   
\q1
\v 22 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* exclude \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heap insults \w on|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* trash \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* ‘\w malignant|strong="G4190"\w*’,\f + \fr 6:22 \ft As someone has said, ‘A man is known by his enemies’.\f* \w for|strong="G1752"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*'s \w sake|strong="G1752"\w*.   
\m
\v 23 \w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* skip \w about|strong="G2596"\w*!\f + \fr 6:23 \ft Well, you know, I can almost manage to ‘rejoice’ in theory, but to ‘skip about’ is physical—that is harder to pretend.\f* \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w* really \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Heaven|strong="G3772"\w*; \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G2596"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w treated|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*.   
\s2 Woes  
\q1
\v 24 “\w But|strong="G4133"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G3759"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w*!  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* already received \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w comfort|strong="G3874"\w*.   
\q1
\v 25 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* full!  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*.  
\q1 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* presently laughing!  
\q2 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w mourn|strong="G3996"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w weep|strong="G2799"\w*.   
\q1
\v 26 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w*, \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*;  
\q2 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G2596"\w* \w their|strong="G2596"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w treated|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \nd \+w false|strong="G5578"\+w*\nd* \w prophets|strong="G5578"\w*!   
\s2 Instructions  
\p
\v 27 “Further, \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* listening\f + \fr 6:27 \ft Are you ‘listening’? Really?\f* \w I|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*: Love \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*, \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2573"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*;  
\v 28 \w bless|strong="G2127"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w curse|strong="G2672"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w mistreat|strong="G1908"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 6:28 \ft People who do these things are being used by Satan; they need to be delivered, and this is done in the spiritual realm.\f*  
\v 29 \w To|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* strikes \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cheek|strong="G4600"\w*, \w offer|strong="G3930"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3588"\w*;\f + \fr 6:29 \ft Do not use physical violence to respond to physical violence—but we can use our spiritual authority. Animals must resort to force, but Adam was given dominion over the animals, which presumably was not exercised with physical force—we should not lower ourselves to the animal level; but Satan tries to trick us into doing so. If someone lashes out in anger, turning the other cheek should shame him.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* takes away \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloak|strong="G2440"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w withhold|strong="G2967"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tunic|strong="G5509"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* asks \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*;\f + \fr 6:30 \ft Presumably this does not refer to professional beggars (2 Thessalonians 3:10), but to someone overtaken by adversity who needs temporary help, someone you know who is part of the community.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* takes away \w your|strong="G4674"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* demand \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w back|strong="G1325"\w*.  
\v 31 Yes, \w like|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w treat|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w how|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G4160"\w* \w treat|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 6:31 \ft This is the so-called ‘golden rule’—if everyone did this the world would be a better place.\f*  
\v 32 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* love \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* love \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w credit|strong="G5485"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* ‘sinners’ love \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* love \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 33 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w credit|strong="G5485"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* ‘sinners’ \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 34 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w lend|strong="G1155"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w expect|strong="G1679"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w back|strong="G2983"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w credit|strong="G5485"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*? \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* ‘sinners’ \w lend|strong="G1155"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* ‘sinners’, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w equal|strong="G2470"\w* value \w back|strong="G2983"\w*.   
\s2 Be compassionate  
\p
\v 35 “\w So|strong="G2532"\w*, love \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G5543"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lend|strong="G1155"\w*, expecting \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* back; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w reward|strong="G3408"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G4183"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w*;\f + \fr 6:35 \ft I take the point to be that the behavior described indicates that the person already is a ‘son’ of the Most High. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-10, we do good works because we are saved, not in order to become so.\f* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \nd \+w He|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w kind|strong="G5543"\w* \w toward|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ungrateful \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w*.  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G2531"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* compassionate, \w even|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* compassionate.\f + \fr 6:36 \ft Only if you have the Holy Spirit can you even come close to following the Father's example.\f*   
\s2 We get what we give  
\p
\v 37 “\w Do|strong="G2919"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w*. \w Do|strong="G2919"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2919"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2613"\w*. Forgive, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven.  
\v 38 \w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w*—\w pressed|strong="G4085"\w* \w down|strong="G4085"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w* \w together|strong="G4531"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w running|strong="G5240"\w* \w over|strong="G1519"\w*—\w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* deposit \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lap|strong="G2859"\w*.\f + \fr 6:38 \ft ‘They’ refers to human beings, not to God.\f* \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w use|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w measured|strong="G3354"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”   
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w Can|strong="G1410"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5185"\w* \w guide|strong="G3594"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5185"\w*? \w Will|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w fall|strong="G1706"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* ditch?  
\v 40 \w A|strong="G5613"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w above|strong="G5228"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w fully|strong="G2675"\w* \w trained|strong="G2675"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*.\f + \fr 6:40 \ft This is an important point; it takes \+nd time\+nd* to become ‘fully trained’. No one becomes like Jesus in a hurry.\f*  
\v 41 \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w look|strong="G2657"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* brother's \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consider|strong="G2657"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* plank \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*?\f + \fr 6:41 \ft Even a speck in the eye is very uncomfortable, making it hard to use that eye. An eye with a ‘plank’ would be useless, totally blind, so in effect Jesus is repeating the question, “Can a blind man guide?” On the other hand, a ‘plank’ is so large that one can grab it and remove it without sight. Unfortunately there are a lot of ‘blind’ teachers who don't think they are, and they do untold damage to their students.\f*  
\v 42 \w Or|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brother, ‘Brother, \w let|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*,’ \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G1227"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* plank \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G3788"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*? \w Hypocrite|strong="G5273"\w*! \w First|strong="G4413"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* plank \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G3788"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G1227"\w* \w clearly|strong="G1227"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w remove|strong="G1544"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w speck|strong="G2595"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brother's \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*.   
\s2 A tree is known by its fruit  
\p
\v 43 “\w Now|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w produces|strong="G4160"\w* rotten \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* rotten \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*  
\v 44 —\w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w its|strong="G1537"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*: \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G3761"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w gather|strong="G4816"\w* \w figs|strong="G4810"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* thorn bushes, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w do|strong="G3761"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w pick|strong="G5166"\w* \w a|strong="G3756"\w* bunch \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w grapes|strong="G4718"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G3756"\w* bramble.  
\v 45 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G4190"\w* \w produces|strong="G4393"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w man|strong="G4190"\w* \w produces|strong="G4393"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w speaks|strong="G2980"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4051"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*.\f + \fr 6:45 \ft This whole paragraph is really about people, not plants, thus the term ‘rotten’.\f*   
\s2 Two foundations  
\p
\v 46 “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w call|strong="G2564"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*’, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*?\f + \fr 6:46 \ft This is presumably one of the questions that will be on the Final Test.\f*  
\v 47 \w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hears \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*—\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w show|strong="G5263"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w*:  
\v 48 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w man|strong="G1565"\w* \w building|strong="G3618"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w dug|strong="G4626"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* deep \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2310"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bedrock|strong="G4073"\w*. \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w flood|strong="G4215"\w* \w occurred|strong="G1096"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w torrent|strong="G4215"\w* \w burst|strong="G4366"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w shake|strong="G4531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* founded \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bedrock|strong="G4073"\w*.\f + \fr 6:48 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read “because it was built well”, instead of “because it was founded on the bedrock” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). If the bedrock refers to the Lord Jesus and His teaching, then this alteration is bad.\f*  
\v 49 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* heard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3361"\w*\f + \fr 6:49 \ft Notice the change in tense: ‘hears and does’ changes to ‘heard and did nothing’. The second person heard the Truth, but rejected it, and so is without excuse.\f* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2310"\w*, \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w torrent|strong="G4215"\w* \w burst|strong="G4366"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ruin|strong="G4485"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w*.”   
\c 7  
\s1 The faith of a centurion  
\m
\v 1 Now \w when|strong="G1525"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* concluded \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w sayings|strong="G4487"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* hearing \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*.  
\v 2 Well \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* valuable \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*, \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sick|strong="G2560"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G3195"\w* \w die|strong="G5053"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* heard \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w sent|strong="G2424"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w asking|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* rescue \w his|strong="G4012"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* started \w pleading|strong="G3870"\w* \w earnestly|strong="G4709"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G1510"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* worthy,  
\v 5 “\w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* loves \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* himself \w built|strong="G3618"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*.”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\p \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w longer|strong="G1510"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w from|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w trouble|strong="G4660"\w* yourself, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2425"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1525"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w roof|strong="G4721"\w*.  
\v 7 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* fact \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w consider|strong="G3056"\w* \w myself|strong="G1683"\w* worthy \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 7:7 \ft This event is not the same as that recorded in Matthew 8:5-13. For a discussion please see the Appendix: “Did the centurion leave his house?”.\f* \w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w servant|strong="G3816"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w*;  
\v 8 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* placed \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*,\f + \fr 7:8 \ft He was part of a chain of command, with people both above and beneath him. Whereas he had military authority, he understood that Jesus had spiritual authority—all He had to do was speak. So how about us?\f* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Go|strong="G4198"\w*!’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Come|strong="G2064"\w*!’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*, ‘\w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*!’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w*.”   
\p
\v 9 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w following|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w such|strong="G5118"\w* \w great|strong="G5118"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*!”\f + \fr 7:9 \ft If Jesus were here today, He could say the same thing about almost all churches.\f*  
\v 10 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* sick \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 A widow's son raised  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w next|strong="G1836"\w* \w day|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Nain|strong="G3484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w gate|strong="G4439"\w*, mercy, \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w dead|strong="G2348"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w carried|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G3439"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w*; \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w large|strong="G2425"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w*.  
\v 13 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*\f + \fr 7:13 \ft She needed compassion; her situation was desperate, with no means of support.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* cry!”  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* advancing \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w hold|strong="G2476"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bier|strong="G4673"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* bearers \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w still|strong="G2476"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Young|strong="G3495"\w* \w man|strong="G3495"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*!”\f + \fr 7:14 \ft Jesus was always specific when He brought someone back from the dead, so as not to empty the graveyard.\f*  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w man|strong="G3498"\w* \w sat|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1325"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w talk|strong="G2980"\w*! Yes, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w back|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.   
\p
\v 16 \w Fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w hold|strong="G2249"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w arisen|strong="G1453"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w visited|strong="G1980"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*!”  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w report|strong="G3056"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w throughout|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w*.\f + \fr 7:17 \ft Nain is in Galilee, but besides the surrounding region the report of this particular miracle made it to Judea as well.\f*   
\s1 Messengers from John  
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* informed \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w One|strong="G5100"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w another|strong="G5100"\w*?”\f + \fr 7:19 \ft John was puzzled and disillusioned. If Jesus was the Messiah, why was he, John, in prison? Why didn't Jesus set up His Kingdom and deliver John? Everyone was looking for the Messianic Kingdom to be set up forthwith (see 19:11).\f*  
\v 20 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Baptizer \w has|strong="G1510"\w* sent \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w look|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*?’ ”  
\v 21 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* torments \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w granted|strong="G5483"\w* \w sight|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* report \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* heard: \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* regain sight, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*, \w lepers|strong="G3015"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w deaf|strong="G2974"\w* hear, \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* evangelized.\f + \fr 7:22 \ft “The poor are evangelized”—what the poor (and everyone else) need most is salvation and a new life, not a free distribution of wealth.\f*  
\v 23 \nd \+w And|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*, \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w take|strong="G4624"\w* \w offense|strong="G4624"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”\f + \fr 7:23 \ft Jesus was not meeting John's expectations, and the same thing happens to us, from time to time, but we had better keep the proper perspective.\f*   
\s1 Jesus praises John  
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*'s messengers \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w departed|strong="G1831"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w wilderness|strong="G2048"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* observe, \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w reed|strong="G2563"\w* \w being|strong="G1161"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* wind?  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w clothed|strong="G2441"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w soft|strong="G3120"\w* \w garments|strong="G2440"\w*? Really, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* gorgeous \w apparel|strong="G2441"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* living \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w luxury|strong="G5172"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* palaces.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*? \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* much \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.  
\v 27 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘Take note, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* sending \w my|strong="G3708"\w* messenger \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w*,  
\q2 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2680"\w* \w your|strong="G3708"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.’\f + \fr 7:27 \ft See Malachi 3:1.\f*   
\m
\v 28 Further, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w born|strong="G1084"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*\f + \fr 7:28 \ft Perhaps 14% of the Greek manuscripts omit “prophet”, to be followed by most modern versions, but the difference in meaning is significant. Jesus did not say, ‘no greater person’.\f* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Baptizer; \w yet|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w least|strong="G3398"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w than|strong="G3173"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w*.”\f + \fr 7:28 \ft I find this statement to be puzzling; is John not part of the Kingdom? If John is not, then none of the OT saints is either.\f*   
\p
\v 29 (\w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w including|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w*, heard \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* declared \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*'s baptism.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawyers|strong="G3544"\w* rejected \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w counsel|strong="G1012"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* baptized \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.)\f + \fr 7:30 \ft John's baptism was based on repentance, but self-righteous people would consider that they did not need it.\f*   
\s1 Inconsistency of the Pharisees  
\p
\v 31 “\w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w similar|strong="G3664"\w*?  
\v 32 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplace \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w calling|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\q1 ‘\w We|strong="G2532"\w* played \w the|strong="G1722"\w* flute \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w dance|strong="G3738"\w*;  
\q2 \w we|strong="G2532"\w* mourned \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* cry.’   
\m
\v 33 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Baptizer \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w neither|strong="G3366"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* bread \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w*!’  
\v 34 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* glutton \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w drunkard|strong="G3630"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w friend|strong="G5384"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sinners!’  
\v 35 Still, \w by|strong="G1344"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w*.”\f + \fr 7:35 \ft In other words, the Pharisees were not children of ‘wisdom’.\f*   
\s1 A lesson in forgiveness  
\p
\v 36 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w invited|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 7:36 \ft This was not a friendly invitation.\f* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reclined|strong="G2625"\w*.  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sinner, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G1921"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w reclining|strong="G2621"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2865"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* alabaster flask \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w*,  
\v 38 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w behind|strong="G3694"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G3844"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w*,\f + \fr 7:38 \ft He was reclining on a ‘couch’ with His head in toward the table, so His feet were ‘available’.\f* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w wet|strong="G1026"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w tears|strong="G1144"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w wiping|strong="G1591"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w kissing|strong="G2705"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*\f + \fr 7:38 \ft To do all of this she would have to be kneeling. She started by standing, and probably waited a minute to see if anyone would object.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* anointing \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w*.\f + \fr 7:38 \ft This is a moving picture. She was ashamed and distressed, because of what she was, but she desperately wanted to change, and she saw in Jesus the way out.\f*   
\p
\v 39 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* observed \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* touching \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w including|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w sort|strong="G4217"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*—\w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sinner!”\f + \fr 7:39 \ft Evidently the woman was well known to the locals.\f*  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w*.”  
\v 41 “\w A|strong="G1510"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w creditor|strong="G1157"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w debtors|strong="G5533"\w*. \w One|strong="G1520"\w* \w owed|strong="G3784"\w* \w five|strong="G4001"\w* \w hundred|strong="G4001"\w* \w denarii|strong="G1220"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w fifty|strong="G4004"\w*.  
\v 42 \w And|strong="G3767"\w* \w when|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G3767"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* way \w to|strong="G3361"\w* \w repay|strong="G2192"\w*, \w he|strong="G3767"\w* \w freely|strong="G5483"\w* \w forgave|strong="G5483"\w* \w them|strong="G4183"\w* both. \w Now|strong="G3767"\w* tell \w me|strong="G2192"\w*, \w which|strong="G5101"\w* \w of|strong="G2192"\w* \w them|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* love him \w more|strong="G4119"\w*?”  
\v 43 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w suppose|strong="G5274"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w forgave|strong="G5483"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w*.” \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w judged|strong="G2919"\w* \w correctly|strong="G3723"\w*.”   
\p
\v 44 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* see \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*; \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w wet|strong="G1026"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w tears|strong="G1144"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wiped|strong="G1591"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* head.  
\v 45 \w You|strong="G3739"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w kiss|strong="G5370"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stopped|strong="G1257"\w* \w kissing|strong="G2705"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w since|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w time|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w*.  
\v 46 \w You|strong="G3778"\w* \w did|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* anoint \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w oil|strong="G1637"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* anointed \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w with|strong="G3756"\w* \w perfume|strong="G3464"\w*.  
\v 47 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w reason|strong="G5484"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* sins \w have|strong="G3748"\w* \w been|strong="G4183"\w* forgiven, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* loved \w much|strong="G4183"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w little|strong="G3641"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* forgiven, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* loves \w little|strong="G3641"\w*.”   
\p
\v 48 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Your|strong="G3588"\w* sins \w are|strong="G3588"\w* forgiven.”  
\v 49 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G3739"\w* recliners began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* forgives sins?”  
\v 50 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*, “\w Your|strong="G4982"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.”\f + \fr 7:50 \ft That is what the Text says, ‘into’ not ‘in’—from then on her life would be different, one characterized by peace. She got what she so desperately wanted.\f*   
\c 8  
\ms1 Jesus takes the offensive  
\s1 Women provide for Jesus  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w after|strong="G2596"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w around|strong="G2596"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*, \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaiming|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2097"\w* \w news|strong="G2097"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 2 \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* infirmities: \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* (\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*) \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*;  
\v 3 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Joanna|strong="G2489"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Chuza|strong="G5529"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* official \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Susanna|strong="G4677"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w*—\w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* providing \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 8:3 \ft The Greek manuscripts are divided between ‘him’ and ‘them’ (I follow the best line of transmission), which in practice would amount to the same thing—since He would not eat alone, any providing would have to include the twelve.\f* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* substance.   
\s1 Parable of the soils  
\p
\v 4 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* gathered, \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w coming|strong="G4896"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w after|strong="G2596"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*:  
\v 5 “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w sower|strong="G4687"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w seed|strong="G4703"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sowed|strong="G4687"\w* \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1831"\w* \w trampled|strong="G2662"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* \w devoured|strong="G2719"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rock|strong="G4073"\w* ledge, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* sprouting \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w withered|strong="G3583"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w moisture|strong="G2429"\w*.  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* thorns, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* springing \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w together|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* thorns choked \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G2192"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* growing \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w produced|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* hundredfold.” \w Upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear!”   
\s1 The purpose of parables  
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G3588"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* saying, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w mean|strong="G1510"\w*?”  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w To|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mysteries|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \it only\it* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w parables|strong="G3850"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* ‘seeing \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w see|strong="G1097"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* hearing \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w*.’\f + \fr 8:10 \ft See Isaiah 6:9. The Lord plainly states that He used parables so that people would \+nd not\+nd* understand. It follows that doctrine should never be based on a parable—however, if the parable is explained, the explanation may be used.\f*   
\s1 The parable of the soils explained  
\p
\v 11 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w here|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w seed|strong="G4703"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hear; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* takes away \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*.\f + \fr 8:12 \ft The Lord here states a terrible truth: Satan has access to the human mind. See also 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.\f*  
\v 13 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rock|strong="G4073"\w* ledge \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ones \w who|strong="G3739"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* hear, \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w root|strong="G4491"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w testing|strong="G3986"\w* fall \w away|strong="G3326"\w*.\f + \fr 8:13 \ft Note that with the exception of those along the road all the seeds germinate—there is life.\f*  
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* thorns: \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w who|strong="G3588"\w* heard, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w choked|strong="G4846"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w cares|strong="G3308"\w*, \w riches|strong="G4149"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleasures|strong="G2237"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* life, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G5052"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w fruit|strong="G5052"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w maturity|strong="G5052"\w*.  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*: \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* noble \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w hold|strong="G2722"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* produce \w fruit|strong="G2592"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w perseverance|strong="G5281"\w*.”   
\s1 All will be exposed  
\p
\v 16 \w Upon|strong="G1909"\w* saying \w these|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w called|strong="G3588"\w* out: “\w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G3762"\w* ears \w to|strong="G2443"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear!\f + \fr 8:16 \ft Most (if not all) versions omit “Upon saying these things He called out: He who has ears to hear let him hear!” following 45% of the Greek manuscripts. I follow the best line of transmission, which is part of the 55% here. Jesus was calling attention to what He was about to say.\f* \w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G3762"\w* lit \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w*, \w covers|strong="G2572"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w with|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w vessel|strong="G4632"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w puts|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w under|strong="G5270"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w bed|strong="G2825"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sets \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* stand, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2228"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* see \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*.  
\v 17 Further, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2927"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5318"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* anything concealed \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w made|strong="G1096"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* open.  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* careful \nd \+w how|strong="G4459"\+w*\nd* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* hear:\f + \fr 8:18 \ft Spiritual growth is like going up an incline on a bicycle with no brakes; if you stop pedaling, you start going backwards. Either we grow, or we start losing what we have. There is no standing still. So be careful \ft \+bd how\+bd* you hear!\f* \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w* \it more\it* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w thinks|strong="G1380"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w*.”   
\s1 Relationships redefined  
\p
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* told \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*, “\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brothers \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”  
\v 21 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brothers \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* ones \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*!”\f + \fr 8:21 \ft Our primary commitment should be to Christ and His Kingdom, not to our physical family. There are times when the Kingdom ‘trumps’ family.\f*   
\s1 Jesus stills a storm  
\p
\v 22 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1096"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w go|strong="G1330"\w* \w over|strong="G1330"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G4008"\w* \w side|strong="G4008"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lake|strong="G3041"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* launched \w out|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailed|strong="G4126"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G2597"\w* asleep. \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w windstorm|strong="G2978"\w* \w descended|strong="G2597"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lake|strong="G3041"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w swamped|strong="G4845"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w jeopardy|strong="G2793"\w*.  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* awakened \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* perishing!” \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1326"\w* \w up|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* wind \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w waves|strong="G2830"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stopped|strong="G3973"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w calm|strong="G1055"\w*!\f + \fr 8:24 \ft Agitated water does not calm down immediately, even if the cause stops, so there was a double miracle here—Jesus undid the consequences of the wind.\f*  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:25 \ft In other words, He is telling them that they could, and should, have done something about it themselves. Had we been there, would we have done any better?\f* \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w terrified|strong="G5399"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w each|strong="G5101"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*: “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w*?\f + \fr 8:25 \ft This puzzles me; after all the miracles they had seen, they still wonder who Jesus is! Well, maybe controlling nature is in a ‘higher league’ than controlling sickness and demons. Still, what were the options: human, angel (good or bad), or God.\f* \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w commands|strong="G2004"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* winds \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”   
\s1 Jesus handles demon infestation  
\p
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sailed|strong="G2668"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* district \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Gadarenes,\f + \fr 8:26 \ft The eclectic text currently in vogue, following just 4 Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, against 1,700, reads ‘Gerasenes’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.). For a full discussion of this question please see the Appendix: “The ‘Legion’ and the pigs; where was it?”\f* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* opposite \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* stepped \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*, \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w long|strong="G2425"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*—\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w wore|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w*, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3418"\w*.  
\v 28 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* yell, \w fell|strong="G4363"\w* \w down|strong="G4363"\w* \w before|strong="G4363"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* want \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Most|strong="G5310"\w* \w High|strong="G5310"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*?\f + \fr 8:28 \ft The disciples may not have known who Jesus was, but the demons did!\f* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w beg|strong="G1189"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* torment \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 29 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* (\w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G4884"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w times|strong="G5550"\w*—\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w bound|strong="G1195"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w shackles|strong="G3976"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G5442"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w guard|strong="G5442"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* bursting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w bonds|strong="G1199"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w driven|strong="G1643"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* places).  
\v 30 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:30 \ft I assume that Jesus knew the demon's name without asking, so why did He ask? I would say that He wanted it to be part of the Record, to teach us that demon infestation can and does occur.\f* \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Legion|strong="G3003"\w*” (\w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w gone|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*).  
\v 31 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 8:31 \ft The boss demon does most of the talking, representing his cohort.\f* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w imploring|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1519"\w* away \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Abyss.\f + \fr 8:31 \ft The Text has ‘\+nd the\+nd* Abyss’, presumably the same one mentioned in Revelation 20:3. The demons knew something that most of us do not.\f*   
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* herd \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w many|strong="G2425"\+w*\nd* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w feeding|strong="G1006"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* hillside; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w begging|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w allow|strong="G2010"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w*; \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2010"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w permission|strong="G2010"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* exited \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* herd \w rushed|strong="G3729"\w* \w down|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w steep|strong="G2911"\w* \w bank|strong="G2911"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lake|strong="G3041"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* drowned!\f + \fr 8:33 \ft I very much doubt that the demons engineered that reaction; it would have been counterproductive, leaving them without a ‘home’. Animals often show more good sense than do humans, and they may have preferred death to demons. (And I suppose it is possible that Jesus Himself commanded the action, since pork was proscribed for God's people.)\f*   
\p
\v 34 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* herders \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5343"\w* \w away|strong="G5343"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* countryside.  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*; \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w clothed|strong="G2439"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w right|strong="G4993"\w* \w mind|strong="G4993"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*.\f + \fr 8:35 \ft With good reason; a supernatural power was at work, obviously.\f*  
\v 36 \w Also|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* eyewitnesses reported \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* demonized \w man|strong="G1139"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*.  
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* whole \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G4066"\w* \w region|strong="G4066"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Gadarenes \w asked|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* depart \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* overcome \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w*.\f + \fr 8:37 \ft The loss of all those pigs was a severe economic blow.\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w got|strong="G1684"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w boat|strong="G4143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w*.\f + \fr 8:37 \ft And apparently He never went back; they had had their chance.\f*   
\p
\v 38 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w man|strong="G3739"\w* \w from|strong="G1831"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* started \w begging|strong="G1189"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* might \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* sent \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G1831"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 39 “\w Return|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* recount \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w much|strong="G3745"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2424"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w over|strong="G2596"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w how|strong="G3745"\w* \w much|strong="G3745"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 8:39 \ft ‘How much God’ becomes ‘how much Jesus’, which amounts to the same thing. The man witnessed to such good effect that many in that area believed.\f*   
\s1 A desperate father  
\p
\v 40 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* welcomed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4328"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 8:40 \ft If you go around doing what Jesus did, you become public property.\f*  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Jairus|strong="G2383"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w synagogue|strong="G4864"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w down|strong="G4098"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w begging|strong="G3870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*,  
\v 42 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G3439"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w*, \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w old|strong="G2094"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* dying.  
\s1 \w A|strong="G5613"\w* desperate woman  
\p \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w pressing|strong="G4846"\w* \w against|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w*—\w suffering|strong="G1722"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* flow \w of|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w spent|strong="G4321"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* livelihood \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w physicians|strong="G2395"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w*—  
\v 44 \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w behind|strong="G3693"\w* touched \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w border|strong="G2899"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* flow \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* blood \w stopped|strong="G2476"\w*!  
\v 45 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* touched \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?”\f + \fr 8:45 \ft He was referring to a purposeful touch.\f* \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* denied \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3793"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* pressing against \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowding|strong="G4912"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* touched \w me|strong="G1473"\w*?’ ”\f + \fr 8:45 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 46 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Someone|strong="G5100"\w* \nd \+w did|strong="G1097"\+w*\nd* touch \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w noticed|strong="G1097"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w going|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G1831"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 47 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* hide, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w trembling|strong="G5141"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* falling \w down|strong="G4363"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* told \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*\f + \fr 8:47 \ft That was not easy, but she was desperate.\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w reason|strong="G1223"\w* \w why|strong="G1223"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* touched \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w*.  
\v 48 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Courage, \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w*, \w your|strong="G4982"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*. \w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.”\f + \fr 8:48 \ft Again, ‘into’ not ‘in’. Her life was now going to be different. Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “courage” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Jesus raises a dead girl  
\p
\v 49 \w While|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, here \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* synagogue ruler's house, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Your|strong="G3588"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w has|strong="G2364"\w* \w died|strong="G2348"\w*. Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* bother \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*.”  
\v 50 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G2424"\w* hearing \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* saying \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G4982"\w*.”  
\v 51 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* allowed \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3816"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.  
\v 52 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2799"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mourning|strong="G2875"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w weep|strong="G2799"\w*; \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* dead, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2518"\w*.”  
\v 53 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* started ridiculing \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* died.  
\v 54 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* put \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* outside, \w and|strong="G1161"\w*\f + \fr 8:54 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “put them all outside, and” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* grasping \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Child|strong="G3816"\w*, \w arise|strong="G1453"\w*!”  
\v 55 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1325"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w returned|strong="G1994"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* got right \w up|strong="G1325"\w*! \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w directed|strong="G1299"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* something \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.\f + \fr 8:55 \ft Nothing like being practical!\f*  
\v 56 \w Her|strong="G3588"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w astonished|strong="G1839"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w charged|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.\f + \fr 8:56 \ft Of course that would be difficult, because all the people who knew the girl had died would see her going about normally, and would want an explanation.\f*   
\c 9  
\s1 Jesus sends out the Twelve  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4779"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w together|strong="G4779"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*,\f + \fr 9:1 \ft “Over all the demons”—evidently, during their tour no demon resisted them, which contrasts with Luke 9:40.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w cure|strong="G2323"\w* \w diseases|strong="G3554"\w*;  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G2784"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w heal|strong="G2390"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sick.  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Take|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w journey|strong="G3598"\w*—\w neither|strong="G3383"\w* staffs\f + \fr 9:3 \ft Perhaps 15% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘staffs’ as singular, to be followed by most modern versions. In Matthew 10:10 it is 5%. But to put the singular here and in Matthew contradicts Mark 6:8, where all texts have “only a staff”. In Luke and Matthew the vast majority of the Greek manuscripts read “neither staffs”, which does not contradict Mark—the case of the staffs is analogous to that of the tunics; they were to take only one, not several.\f* \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* knapsack \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* bread \w nor|strong="G3383"\w* money, \w neither|strong="G3383"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w tunics|strong="G5509"\w* apiece.  
\v 4 \w Whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w*, \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w depart|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w depart|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, shake \w off|strong="G1831"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dust|strong="G2868"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w around|strong="G2596"\w*, \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*, evangelizing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2323"\w* \w everywhere|strong="G3837"\w*.   
\s1 Herod is troubled  
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tetrarch|strong="G5076"\w* heard \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w perplexed|strong="G1280"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,  
\v 8 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w appeared|strong="G5316"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* ancient \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* arisen.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* beheaded; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* started \w trying|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3739"\w*.\f + \fr 9:9 \ft But apparently he never succeeded until the very end, and even then only thanks to Pilate (Luke 23:6-12).\f*   
\s1 Jesus feeds about 5,000 men  
\p
\v 10 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Apostles \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w reported|strong="G1334"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3745"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w withdrew|strong="G5298"\w* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* deserted place belonging \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* Bethsaida.\f + \fr 9:10 \ft Instead of “a deserted place belonging to a town called Bethsaida”, 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have “a town called Bethsaida” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). Problem: the eclectic text currently in vogue, along with the modern versions that follow it, has Jesus and company going into the town of Bethsaida, but in verse 12 the disciples say they are in a deserted area; thus a contradiction is introduced. The eclectic text here is also at variance with itself in the parallel passages. In Matthew 14:13 all texts have Jesus going to a deserted place, and in verse 15 the disciples say, “the place is deserted… send the crowd away to the towns.” In Mark 6:31-32 all texts have Him going to a deserted place, and in verse 35 the disciples say it is a deserted place, etc. So the eclectic text not only makes Luke contradict himself, but sets him against Matthew and Mark—and this on the basis of only half a percent of the manuscripts! 
\fp But there is more to the story. From the parallel accounts it appears that He embarked at Capernaum. From John 6:23 we learn that the destination was near Tiberias. Capernaum and Tiberias are both on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, but there is a large bay between them; so they went over several miles of water. The crowd was not about to let Jesus get away. Mark makes clear that they ran along the shore—the faster runners stayed even with the boat and were waiting on the shore when the boat put in. The others were spread out behind for several miles (like in a marathon) and kept arriving. Any late starters would see the stragglers and could easily follow the action. Apparently He immediately started to heal the sick and went on to teach (Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:34). But just where was it? John says it was near Tiberias, but Luke 9:10 says it was “a deserted place belonging to a town called Bethsaida”. I assume that the place was indeed near Tiberias but did indeed belong to Bethsaida—either it had been deeded to the town somehow or the family that owned it was based in Bethsaida. Any near neighbors could not use it, so it was basically untouched—a great place for a picnic. After the feeding, Mark 6:45 says that “He made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida”. So why did Jesus send the disciples to Bethsaida? Perhaps it was to give an accounting to the owner of the place where the multitude was fed—15,000 people can make quite a mess. (I suspect that Jesus had permission to use the place when He wanted to get away, but no one had foreseen such a crowd as that.) From Matthew and Mark I gather that from Bethsaida Jesus went directly to Genesaret, spending the minimum time necessary in Bethsaida.\f*  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w aware|strong="G1097"\w*, followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G2192"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w cured|strong="G2390"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w needed|strong="G5532"\w* \w healing|strong="G2390"\w*.   
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* decline, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “Dismiss \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w surrounding|strong="G2945"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* farms, \w lodge|strong="G2647"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* food; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w deserted|strong="G2048"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w feed|strong="G2068"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 9:13 \ft Please, with what?! The only way the disciples could have obeyed this command would be by a miracle similar to what Jesus proceeded to perform. But they were not up to it. Are we?\f* \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*—\w unless|strong="G1487"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w food|strong="G1033"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* crowd”  
\v 14 (\w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w five|strong="G4000"\w* \w thousand|strong="G4000"\w* \nd \+w men|strong="G3588"\+w*\nd*). \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, “\w Make|strong="G2625"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* recline \w in|strong="G4314"\w* \w groups|strong="G2828"\w* \w of|strong="G3101"\w* \w fifty|strong="G4004"\w*!”  
\v 15 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*, \w making|strong="G4160"\w* \w them|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* recline.  
\v 16 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* loaves \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looking|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2622"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w set|strong="G3908"\w* \w before|strong="G3908"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w multitude|strong="G3793"\w*.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w filled|strong="G5526"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w baskets|strong="G2894"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pieces|strong="G2801"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w left|strong="G4052"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* taken \w up|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 9:17 \ft The collecting was probably done by others, and in any case that leftover bread was used by others.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus ministers on the basis of His impending death  
\s1 “You are the Christ!”  
\p
\v 18 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w joined|strong="G1096"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?”  
\v 19 \w In|strong="G3004"\w* answer \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Baptizer, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*,’ \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* ancient \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* arisen.”  
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*?” \w In|strong="G2316"\w* answer \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 9:20 \ft Since they were speaking Hebrew, he said ‘Messiah’.\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 21 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* strictly \w warned|strong="G2008"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w commanded|strong="G3853"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*,  
\v 22 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* rejected \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* killed, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w*.”   
\s1 To gain is to lose, to lose is to gain  
\p
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*,\f + \fr 9:23 \ft Some 13% of the Greek manuscripts add ‘daily’, as in most versions.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w desires|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* ‘\w save|strong="G4982"\w*’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* waste \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* ‘wastes’ \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w*, \nd \+w he|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*.\f + \fr 9:24 \ft What the Lord is talking about is the potential one's life represents. The only way not to throw away or waste your life is to live for the Kingdom.\f*  
\v 25 Further, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2228"\w* \w man|strong="G5101"\w* \w profited|strong="G5623"\w* \w if|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w gains|strong="G2770"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w yet|strong="G1161"\w* wastes \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w forfeits|strong="G2210"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w very|strong="G3588"\w* self?  
\v 26 \w Yes|strong="G1063"\w*, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w ashamed|strong="G1870"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w ashamed|strong="G1870"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*—\w His|strong="G1722"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*'s, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* holy angels.\f + \fr 9:26 \ft Revelation 21:8 says that a coward does not enter the Kingdom. In Matthew 10:33 Jesus said that He will deny before the Father whoever denies Him before men. To cave in under pressure is definitely not to be recommended.\f*  
\v 27 \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w truly|strong="G1161"\w*: \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w standing|strong="G2476"\w* \w here|strong="G1510"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3708"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w taste|strong="G1089"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”   
\s1 Peter, John and James see the ‘Kingdom’  
\p
\v 28 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w eight|strong="G3638"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*.  
\v 29 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w appearance|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w clothing|strong="G2441"\w* dazzling \w white|strong="G3022"\w*.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G1417"\w* started \w talking|strong="G4814"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*, \w who|strong="G3748"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*;  
\v 31 \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w and|strong="G1391"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* explaining \w His|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w departure|strong="G1841"\w*’, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w bring|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* fruition \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.\f + \fr 9:31 \ft Evidently they communicated the details of the game plan.\f*   
\p
\v 32 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* heavy \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w sleep|strong="G5258"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* becoming \w fully|strong="G1235"\w* \w awake|strong="G1235"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w His|strong="G3708"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G1417"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w stood|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*: \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* parting \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*: “\w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w Should|strong="G1492"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w shelters|strong="G4633"\w*: \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w Elijah|strong="G2243"\w*?”\f + \fr 9:33 \ft So how did Peter know who they were?\f*—\w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*.  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w overshadowed|strong="G1982"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w*.  
\v 35 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \bd \+w Voice|strong="G5456"\+w*\bd*\f + \fr 9:35 \ft Peter never forgot that VOICE (2 Peter 1:16). In effect, the Father was rebuking Peter for speaking out of turn. The \ft \+bd Voice\+bd* was not happy!\f* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* beloved\f + \fr 9:35 \ft Instead of ‘beloved’, perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘chosen’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*. Listen \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 36 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* ceased, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*. (\w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4601"\w* \w quiet|strong="G4601"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* told \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w any|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w*.)\f + \fr 9:36 \ft Jesus commanded them not to mention anything until after the resurrection (Mark 9:9).\f*   
\s1 A violent demon  
\p
\v 37 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w next|strong="G1836"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w down|strong="G2718"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w*,\f + \fr 9:37 \ft They spent a night up there.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w met|strong="G4876"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 38 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w beg|strong="G1189"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w look|strong="G2400"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w only|strong="G3439"\w* \w begotten|strong="G3439"\w*.  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* oh, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w seizes|strong="G2983"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w suddenly|strong="G1810"\w* \w screams|strong="G2896"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* convulses \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* foaming, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w hardly|strong="G3425"\w* departs \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w*, destroying \w him|strong="G3708"\w*!  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w begged|strong="G1189"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*.”  
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* unbelieving \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perverse|strong="G1294"\w*\f + \fr 9:41 \ft Why “perverse”? To reject the truth and the evidence is to be perverse. This word was presumably directed to the disciples, who should have known better by now. So how about us—are we living on the basis of the truth and the evidence? Really?\f* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*, \w how|strong="G2193"\w* \w long|strong="G2193"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl)? \w Bring|strong="G4317"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* (sg) \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*!”  
\v 42 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w coming|strong="G4334"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w threw|strong="G4952"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G4486"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* convulsed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w child|strong="G3816"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* back \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*.  
\v 43 \w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w amazed|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w majesty|strong="G3168"\w*\f + \fr 9:43 \ft Why ‘the majesty’? I don't know.\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\s1 \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* foretells \w His|strong="G3956"\w* death, again  
\p \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*,  
\v 44 “\w Let|strong="G1063"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w sink|strong="G5087"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G3195"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:44 \ft Moses and Elijah had delivered the game plan, and Jesus immediately starts warning the disciples.\f*  
\v 45 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* understand \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w saying|strong="G4487"\w*; \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w concealed|strong="G3871"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 9:45 \ft Concealed by whom? Presumably not by God, as attested by the immediately following argument.\f* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* perceive \w it|strong="G2532"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 He who is least will be great  
\p
\v 46 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w an|strong="G1722"\w* \w argument|strong="G1261"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w would|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w greatest|strong="G3173"\w*.  
\v 47 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w perceiving|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoning|strong="G1261"\w* \w of|strong="G3844"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w beside|strong="G3844"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 48 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w receives|strong="G1209"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w Further|strong="G1909"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w least|strong="G3398"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w*.”   
\s2 John changes the subject  
\p
\v 49 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* forbade \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w follow|strong="G3326"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”  
\v 50 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w forbid|strong="G2967"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:50 \ft Instead of ‘us is for us’, perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘you is for you’.\f*   
\s1 A Samaritan village  
\p
\v 51 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* Ascension approached,\f + \fr 9:51 \ft Why did Luke put “ascension” rather than ‘death’ or ‘resurrection’? I don't know, but I find it interesting. Hebrews 12:2 says that He endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w set|strong="G1096"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*,  
\v 52 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* messengers \w ahead|strong="G4253"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaritans|strong="G4541"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 53 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* heading \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.  
\v 54 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w James|strong="G2385"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* consume \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G2309"\w* Elijah \w did|strong="G2532"\w*?”\f + \fr 9:54 \ft About 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “just like Elijah did” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). No wonder Jesus called them ‘sons of thunder’ (Mark 3:17).\f*  
\v 55 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* them saying: “You do not know \w of|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G1161"\w* sort \w of|strong="G1161"\w* spirit you are.  
\v 56 Further, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Son \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G2087"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* destroy men's lives, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* save.”\f + \fr 9:56 \ft Some 27% of the Greek manuscripts omit “saying: ‘You do not know of what sort of spirit you are. Further, the Son of the Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save’ ”, to be followed by most modern versions. The 73% includes the best line of transmission, which I follow.\f* \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*.   
\s1 The cost of discipleship  
\p
\v 57 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w journeyed|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 9:57 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Lord” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G4198"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w wherever|strong="G3699"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w*.”  
\v 58 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* foxes \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w dens|strong="G5454"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nests|strong="G2682"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w place|strong="G4226"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G2827"\w* \w His|strong="G2192"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:58 \ft Jesus does not offer comfort and a ‘good time’.\f*   
\p
\v 59 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w*, “\w Follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w permit|strong="G2010"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w go|strong="G2010"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w bury|strong="G2290"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*.”  
\v 60 \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Let|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w bury|strong="G2290"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* go \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w proclaim|strong="G1229"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:60 \ft Dear me, how unfeeling! Those who are not committed to Christ and His Kingdom are as good as dead, and a true disciple of Jesus must not allow himself to be held back by such. Of course such an attitude will not be understood by the ‘dead’, but the disciple needs to side with the Kingdom. What if that father had lived for another ten years? If you put off doing God's will for things like that, you may wind up never doing it.\f*   
\p
\v 61 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w allow|strong="G2010"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bid|strong="G3004"\w* farewell \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:61 \ft If you go back to say goodbye, they will cry and carry on and do all they can to make you change your mind.\f*  
\v 62 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w puts|strong="G1911"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* plow’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* looks \w back|strong="G3694"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w suitable|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”\f + \fr 9:62 \ft Again, the Lord is calling for total commitment.\f*   
\c 10  
\s1 Jesus sends out the Seventy\f + \fr 10:0 \ft Whereas the Twelve had been sent two by two to Galilee, the Seventy were sent to Judea.\f*  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* appointed \w seventy|strong="G1440"\w*\f + \fr 10:1 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, add “two” (as in NIV, LB, TEV, etc.), (also in verse 17).\f* \w others|strong="G2087"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w ahead|strong="G4253"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G3303"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*; \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w pray|strong="G1189"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w may|strong="G3004"\w* \w send|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w harvest|strong="G2326"\w*.   
\p
\v 3 “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w*! Yes, \w I|strong="G5613"\w* am sending \w you|strong="G5210"\w* out \w like|strong="G5613"\w* lambs \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w wolves|strong="G3074"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* carry \w a|strong="G2532"\w* purse, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* knapsack, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* greet \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.\f + \fr 10:4 \ft I assume that the Lord assigned a specific town to each pair, and they were instructed to get there as fast as they could.\f*  
\v 5 \w Into|strong="G1519"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w*, \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.’  
\v 6 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w your|strong="G1437"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w rest|strong="G1515"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* return \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Remain|strong="G3306"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w eating|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* offer, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w worker|strong="G2040"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w wages|strong="G3408"\w*. \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w move|strong="G3327"\w* around \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.\f + \fr 10:7 \ft Now why would anyone think of moving around? Presumably they would be thinking of better food or more comfort. Such an attitude would certainly detract from the Message.\f*   
\p
\v 8 “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w set|strong="G3908"\w* \w before|strong="G3908"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 9 \w Heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* sick \w therein|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.’  
\v 10 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* its \w streets|strong="G4113"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 11 ‘\w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dust|strong="G2868"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w clings|strong="G2853"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* wipe \w off|strong="G1537"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. Nonetheless \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.’  
\v 12 \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G1161"\w* tolerable \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w Sodom|strong="G4670"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*.   
\s2 Jesus gives the example  
\p
\v 13 “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w Chorazin|strong="G5523"\w*! \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, Bethsaida! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w repented|strong="G3340"\w* \w long|strong="G3819"\w* \w ago|strong="G3819"\w*, \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w sackcloth|strong="G4526"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ashes|strong="G4700"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* tolerable \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w Tyre|strong="G5184"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sidon|strong="G4605"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Capernaum|strong="G2584"\w*, \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w exalted|strong="G5312"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*’, \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* Hades.   
\p
\v 16 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* listens \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* listens \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* rejects \w you|strong="G5210"\w* rejects \w me|strong="G1473"\w*;\f + \fr 10:16 \ft To represent Christ is a great privilege, but also a great responsibility.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* rejects \w me|strong="G1473"\w* rejects \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”   
\s1 The Seventy return and report  
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w seventy|strong="G1440"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w subject|strong="G5293"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*!”  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w watched|strong="G2334"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* lightning \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.\f + \fr 10:18 \ft A most interesting comment! Clearly Jesus is referring to a time before His incarnation—He knew He was Jehovah the Son.\f*  
\v 19 \w Take|strong="G2532"\w* note, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w giving|strong="G1325"\w*\f + \fr 10:19 \ft Instead of ‘am giving’, perhaps 2.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘have given’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)—a serious error. Jesus said this perhaps five months before His death and resurrection, addressing the seventy (not just the twelve). The Lord is talking about the future, not the past; a future that includes \+nd us\+nd*!\f* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* trample \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w snakes|strong="G3789"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scorpions|strong="G4651"\w*,\f + \fr 10:19 \ft The Lord gives us the authority to “trample snakes and scorpions”. Well now, to smash the literal insect, a scorpion, you don't need power from on High, just a slipper (if you're fast you can do it barefoot). To trample a snake I prefer a boot, but we can kill literal snakes without supernatural help. It becomes obvious that Jesus was referring to something other than reptiles and insects. I understand Mark 16:18 to be referring to the same reality—Jesus declares that certain signs will accompany the believers (the turn of phrase virtually has the effect of commands): they will expel demons, they will speak strange languages, they will remove ‘snakes’, they will place hands on the sick. (“If they drink…” is not a command; it refers to an eventuality.) But what did the Lord Jesus mean by ‘snakes’? 
\fp In a list of distinct activities Jesus has already referred to demons, so the ‘snakes’ must be something else. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus called the Pharisees a ‘brood of vipers’, and in 23:33, ‘snakes, brood of vipers’. In John 8:44, after they claimed God as their father, Jesus said, “You are of your father the devil”. And 1 John 3:10 makes clear that Satan has many other ‘sons’. In Revelation 20:2 we read: “He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is a slanderer, even Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years.” If Satan is a snake, then his children are also snakes. So then, I take it that our ‘snakes’ are human beings who chose to serve Satan, who sold themselves to evil. I conclude that the ‘snakes’ in Luke 10:19 are the same as those in Mark 16:18, but what of the ‘scorpions’? Since they also are of the enemy, they may be demons, in which case the term may well include their offspring, the humanoids [see my paper, “In the Days of Noah”, available from www.prunch.org]. I am still working on the question of just how the removal is done.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemy|strong="G2190"\w*,\f + \fr 10:19 \ft In Matthew 28:18 Sovereign Jesus affirms that He holds “all authority in heaven and on earth”, so He is clearly competent to delegate some of that authority to us. Now then, just how does “authority over all the power of the enemy” work, in practice? Authority controls power, but since we have access to God's limitless power (Ephesians 3:20), we should not give Satan the satisfaction of our using his (and he could easily deceive us into doing things we shouldn't). We should use our authority to forbid the use of Satan's power, with reference to specific situations—in my experience, we must be specific. (I have tried binding Satan once for all until the end of the world, but it does not work; presumably because God's plan calls for the enemy's continued activity in this world. We can limit what the enemy does, but not put him completely out of business, or so I deem.) But just how should we go about it? 
\fp In the armor described in Ephesians 6 we find “the sword of the Spirit” (verse 17). A sword is a weapon for offense, although it is also used for defense. The Text tells us that this sword is “the ρημα of God”—ρημα, not λογος. It is God's Word \+nd spoken\+nd*, or applied. Really, what good is a sword left in its sheath? However marvelous our Sword may be (Hebrews 4:12), to produce effect it must come out of the scabbard. The Word needs to be spoken, or written—applied in a specific way. 
\fp In the Bible we have many examples where people brought the power of God into action by speaking. Our world began with a creative word from God—spoken (Genesis, 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26; and see Hebrews 11:3). Moses did a lot of speaking. Elijah spoke (1 Kings 17:1, 18:36, 2 Kings 1:10). Elisha spoke (2 Kings 2:14, 21, 24; 4:16, 43; 6:19). Jesus did a great deal of speaking. Ananias spoke (Acts 9:17). Peter spoke (Acts 9:34, 40). Paul spoke (Acts 13:11; 14:3, 10; 16:18; 20:10; 28:8). In short, we need to speak!\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* harm \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 20 \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w subject|strong="G5293"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w names|strong="G3686"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1449"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:20 \ft Yes indeed, nothing compares to having your name written in heaven!\f*   
\s1 Jesus worships His Father  
\p
\v 21 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* exulted \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 10:21 \ft Most versions capitalize ‘Spirit’ and just over 3% of the Greek manuscripts state overtly, ‘the Holy Spirit’, but I take it that Jesus exulted in His own spirit.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w praise|strong="G1843"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* hidden \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wise|strong="G4680"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w intelligent|strong="G4908"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* revealed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w infants|strong="G3516"\w*’. \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2107"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*.”   
\p
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*:\f + \fr 10:22 \ft Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts omit “And turning to the disciples He said” (as in most versions), which confuses the quote. Jesus changes from addressing His Father to addressing the disciples. The clause is repeated at the beginning of verse 23, but ‘privately’ is added.\f* “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w knows|strong="G1097"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*, \nd \+w and|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* choose \w to|strong="G4314"\w* reveal \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G2398"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*\f + \fr 10:23 \ft Should we understand this as referring to the Twelve, or does it include the Seventy? I don't know, but there were probably others as well who were following along.\f* \w privately|strong="G2398"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* seeing \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* see;  
\v 24 \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kings \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w desired|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* hearing \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:24 \ft Yes indeed, the Twelve had a privilege not shared by anyone before or since, although ‘disciples’ may include more than the twelve.\f*   
\s1 How to inherit eternal life  
\p
\v 25 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w lawyer|strong="G3544"\w* \w stood|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w test|strong="G1598"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G5100"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*?”  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w*? \w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w read|strong="G1125"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*?”  
\v 27 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* love \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w strength|strong="G2479"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w mind|strong="G1271"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w*, \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*.”\f + \fr 10:27 \ft See Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18—to include the ‘neighbor’ he had to quote from a different book. Notice that Jesus agreed with him.\f*  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G4160"\w*, “\w You|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w correctly|strong="G3723"\w*; \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w*!”  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w justify|strong="G1344"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, “\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w*?”\f + \fr 10:29 \ft Notice that the man skipped the most important part of his answer, about loving the Lord.\f*   
\s2 The good Samaritan  
\p
\v 30 \w By|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w reply|strong="G3004"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w from|strong="G2597"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* chanced \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w robbers|strong="G3027"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w stripped|strong="G1562"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wounded|strong="G2007"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, departed, \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w half|strong="G2253"\w* \w dead|strong="G2253"\w*.  
\v 31 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* coincidence \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w priest|strong="G2409"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* \w side|strong="G3598"\w*.  
\v 32 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w Levite|strong="G3019"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G1096"\w* \w at|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G3708"\w*,\f + \fr 10:32 \ft The priest maintained his distance, but the Levite at least went close to the man for a better look, but then did nothing about it.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G3588"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w on|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* side.  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Samaritan|strong="G4541"\w*,\f + \fr 10:33 \ft The Lord's choice of a ‘Samaritan’ was doubtless deliberate, since the Jews looked down on them.\f* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* traveled, \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G2596"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w moved|strong="G4697"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w*;  
\v 34 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* bound \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w wounds|strong="G5134"\w*, applying \w oil|strong="G1637"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* placed \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* mount, \w brought|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w inn|strong="G3829"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w care|strong="G1959"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 35 \w On|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* next \w day|strong="G3588"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* departed, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w denarii|strong="G1220"\w*, \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w innkeeper|strong="G3830"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Take|strong="G1544"\w* \w care|strong="G1959"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w spend|strong="G4325"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* repay \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w return|strong="G1880"\w*.’  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G1519"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w*, \w would|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w say|strong="G5101"\w*, \w was|strong="G1096"\w* ‘\w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w*’ \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* ran \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w robbers|strong="G3027"\w*?”  
\v 37 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w showed|strong="G4160"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w*!”\f + \fr 10:37 \ft Anyone who has been hit with a calamity is a candidate for needing a ‘neighbor’. What with floods, tornados, earthquakes, etc. there are plenty of candidates.\f*   
\s1 Martha and Mary  
\p
\v 38 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* traveled \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*;\f + \fr 10:38 \ft Bethany.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Martha|strong="G3136"\w* \w welcomed|strong="G5264"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*.\f + \fr 10:38 \ft Martha was presumably older than Mary.\f*  
\v 39 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sister \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G3869"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*' \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* listening \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Well|strong="G3756"\w* \w Martha|strong="G3136"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w distracted|strong="G4049"\w* \w with|strong="G4012"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w serving|strong="G1247"\w*; \w so|strong="G2443"\w* coming \w up|strong="G2186"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w care|strong="G3199"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* sister \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w left|strong="G2641"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w alone|strong="G3441"\w*? \w Do|strong="G3004"\w* please \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w help|strong="G4878"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 41 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Martha|strong="G3136"\w*, \w Martha|strong="G3136"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w anxious|strong="G3309"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* agitated \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 42 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w only|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w needed|strong="G5532"\w*.\f + \fr 10:42 \ft Apparently Martha was preparing a major meal, and the Lord told her that something simple would be fine. Although we may sympathize with Martha, Jesus defended Mary.\f* \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w has|strong="G3748"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1586"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w part|strong="G3310"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* taken away \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w her|strong="G3137"\w*.”   
\c 11  
\s1 A model prayer  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w finished|strong="G3973"\w* \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*.”  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w say|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 \w Our|strong="G1161"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* heavens,  
\q2 \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* reverenced.\f + \fr 11:2 \ft The verbs are Imperative, not Subjunctive, which is why I render ‘must’ rather than ‘may’.\f*  
\q1 \w Your|strong="G3588"\w* Kingdom \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\q2 \w Your|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2064"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* done \w on|strong="G1161"\w* earth \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G3004"\w* heaven.\f + \fr 11:2 \ft Why ‘must’? I take the point to be that we are not trying to overcome any reluctance on God's part; we are declaring our personal commitment to these things. When I declare that God's Kingdom must come, I am agreeing to whatever part I am supposed to have in bringing it about.\f*   
\q1
\v 3 \w Give|strong="G1325"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w our|strong="G2596"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* bread.   
\q1
\v 4 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, forgive \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* sins,  
\q2 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* forgive \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w indebted|strong="G3784"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\q1 \nd \+w And|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w lead|strong="G1533"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w testing|strong="G3986"\w*,  
\q2 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* deliver \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* malignant \w one|strong="G3956"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:4 \ft Most modern versions, following a mere 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, seriously truncate this prayer by omitting: “Our … who is in the heavens … Your will must be done on earth as it is in heaven … but deliver us from the malignant one.” Some versions, like NIV and NASB, have a footnote saying that “some manuscripts” add this material. How can any honest person use ‘some’ to refer to 99% (1,600 X 16)? ‘The malignant one’ refers to Satan.\f*   
\s1 A request at midnight  
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*: “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w friend|strong="G5384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w midnight|strong="G3317"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w Friend|strong="G5384"\w*, \w lend|strong="G5531"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* loaves,  
\v 6 \w because|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w friend|strong="G5384"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w come|strong="G3854"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w journey|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w set|strong="G3908"\w* \w before|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3739"\w*’;  
\v 7 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* answer \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w within|strong="G2081"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w bother|strong="G2873"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w shut|strong="G2808"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w bed|strong="G2845"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?’  
\v 8 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w friend|strong="G5384"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* persistence \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w get|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w many|strong="G3745"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w needs|strong="G5535"\w*.   
\p
\v 9 “\w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: \w ask|strong="G3004"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w seek|strong="G2212"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w*; \w knock|strong="G2925"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* opened \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 10 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* asks \w receives|strong="G2983"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w seeks|strong="G2212"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w knocks|strong="G2925"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* opened.\f + \fr 11:10 \ft I take it that the Lord is speaking generically here; He is not promising a 100% success rate.\f*  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* asks \w for|strong="G1161"\w* bread, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w give|strong="G1929"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*? \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 11:11 \ft Just four known Greek manuscripts (0.2%), of objectively inferior quality, demonstrably so, omit “bread will give him a stone? Or if” (to be followed by NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1929"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w snake|strong="G3789"\w* \w instead|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w*?  
\v 12 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* asks \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w egg|strong="G5609"\w*, \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1929"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w scorpion|strong="G4651"\w*?  
\v 13 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w*, \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1390"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w will|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G3772"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* ask \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:13 \ft Does this apply to true believers who have the indwelling Holy Spirit? Did this ‘rule’ change at Pentecost? If not, how does it apply to us today? Since ‘ask’ is in the present tense, perhaps it was occasion by occasion.\f*   
\s1 A divided house  
\p
\v 14 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w*. \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* result, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w demon|strong="G1140"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w gone|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mute|strong="G2974"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w*! \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w marveled|strong="G2296"\w*.  
\v 15 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w*'s \w by|strong="G1722"\w* Beelzebul,\f + \fr 11:15 \ft The familiar spelling ‘Beelzebub’ was presumably brought over from the Latin, since all the Greek manuscripts have ‘Beelzebul’ (with variations).\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w casts|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w*.”  
\v 16 \w While|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w* kept \w asking|strong="G2212"\w* \w Him|strong="G1537"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w testing|strong="G3985"\w*.   
\p
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w*, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w thoughts|strong="G1270"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Every|strong="G3956"\w* kingdom \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* desolation, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w* \w falls|strong="G4098"\w*.  
\v 18 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* kingdom \w stand|strong="G2476"\w*?—\w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* Beelzebul!  
\v 19 Further, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* Beelzebul, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*?\f + \fr 11:19 \ft I find this question to be intriguing. Jesus is evidently saying that their sons do indeed cast out demons, so why don't they also censure their sons? Or is the implication that Satan's servants can appear to be casting out demons?\f* \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w judges|strong="G2923"\w*.  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w cast|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w finger|strong="G1147"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, surely \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w come|strong="G5348"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.   
\p
\v 21 “\w When|strong="G3752"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w strong|strong="G2478"\w* \w man|strong="G2478"\w*, \w fully|strong="G2528"\w* \w armed|strong="G2528"\w*, \w guards|strong="G5442"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* dwelling, \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w safe|strong="G1722"\w*.  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w someone|strong="G3739"\w* \w stronger|strong="G2478"\w* \w than|strong="G2478"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w attacks|strong="G1904"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w overcomes|strong="G3528"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, takes away \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w armor|strong="G3833"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w trusted|strong="G3982"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w distributes|strong="G1239"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w spoils|strong="G4661"\w*.   
\p
\v 23 “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w gather|strong="G4863"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w scatters|strong="G4650"\w*.\f + \fr 11:23 \ft Notice that the Lord does not allow for neutrality; either you are for Him, or against Him. Even what we do is not neutral; if we are not gathering, we are scattering.\f*   
\s1 An empty house  
\p
\v 24 “\w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unclean \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w goes|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3361"\w*,\f + \fr 11:24 \ft The Lord does not say why the spirit left. If it had been expelled by someone who knew how to send it to the Abyss, it could not come back.\f* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w passes|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* waterless \w places|strong="G5117"\w* \w seeking|strong="G2212"\w* rest; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3361"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w return|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G2212"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w*.’  
\v 25 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w swept|strong="G4563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2885"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w order|strong="G2885"\w*.  
\v 26 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w goes|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* picks \w up|strong="G3880"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w spirits|strong="G4151"\w*, \w more|strong="G4190"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w itself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2730"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* state \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w man|strong="G4413"\w* \w becomes|strong="G1096"\w* \w worse|strong="G5501"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*.”\f + \fr 11:26 \ft Although we certainly have the authority to expel demons from people, if the person we help does not then commit himself to Jesus, he remains an empty house, vulnerable to something worse. We need to deal fairly with people, explaining what is involved.\f*   
\s1 True blessedness  
\p
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w raised|strong="G1869"\w* \w her|strong="G1869"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w womb|strong="G2836"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* bore \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w breasts|strong="G3149"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w sucked|strong="G2337"\w*!”  
\v 28 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w More|strong="G2532"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*, \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hear \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w obey|strong="G5442"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:28 \ft Since the Text declares the Virgin Mary to be blessed, Jesus was not denying that blessedness. To hear and obey God's Word is even more blessed. The basic meaning of the verb I translated ‘obey’ is to guard or protect. I wonder if there is a special blessing for those who defend God's Word.\f*   
\s1 Jonah is a sign  
\p
\v 29 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w increasing|strong="G1865"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*. \w It|strong="G2532"\w* keeps wanting \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* prophet \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Ninevites|strong="G3536"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*.  
\v 31 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* queen \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w South|strong="G3558"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ends|strong="G4009"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w greater|strong="G4183"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.  
\v 32 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Nineveh|strong="G3536"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* rise \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judgment|strong="G2920"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemn|strong="G2632"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w repented|strong="G3340"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2782"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w greater|strong="G4183"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w Jonah|strong="G2495"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.\f + \fr 11:32 \ft Notice that Jesus declares Himself to be greater than Solomon and Jonah (a king and a prophet). Notice also that He declares the historicity of the book of Jonah.\f*   
\s1 Light inside the body  
\p
\v 33 “\w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w*, having lit \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w*, \w puts|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G5087"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* hiding \w or|strong="G3761"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w basket|strong="G3426"\w*, \w but|strong="G3762"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w its|strong="G5259"\w* stand, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1531"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* see \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w light|strong="G5338"\w*.  
\v 34 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w eye|strong="G3788"\w*.\f + \fr 11:34 \ft Of course we have two eyes, but the Text has “eye” in the singular. I take it that the reference is to the way we interpret what we see (which is our real ‘eye’)—two people, one pure and one vile, observing the same scene will give very different interpretations to it. ‘Malignant’ means aggressively evil. Someone with a malignant mind will give an evil interpretation to \+nd everything\+nd* he sees, and in consequence his being will be filled with unrelenting darkness. See Titus 1:15.\f* \w Therefore|strong="G1161"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* ‘\w eye|strong="G3788"\w*’ \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w*, \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* illuminated. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w*, \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* darkened.  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w see|strong="G4648"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w light|strong="G5457"\w*’ \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*.  
\v 36 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w your|strong="G3650"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w full|strong="G5460"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w light|strong="G5461"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w part|strong="G3313"\w* \w dark|strong="G4652"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w illuminated|strong="G5461"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w bright|strong="G5460"\w* shining \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w* gives \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w light|strong="G5461"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus derides scribes and Pharisees  
\p
\v 37 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w*, \w a|strong="G1722"\w* certain \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w invited|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* eat \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* reclined.  
\v 38 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*, noticing \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G3708"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* wash \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* meal, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* critical.\f + \fr 11:38 \ft The leaders had already rejected Jesus and were planning to kill Him, so He knew this was not a friendly invitation. He accepted the invitation with the clear purpose to provoke a confrontation.\f*  
\v 39 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w clean|strong="G2511"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* dish, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w inside|strong="G2081"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w full|strong="G1073"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* greed \w and|strong="G2532"\w* malignancy.  
\v 40 Fools! \w Did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1855"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w inside|strong="G2081"\w*?  
\v 41 \w Nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w*, \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* possible \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w alms|strong="G1654"\w*; \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w clean|strong="G2513"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 11:41 \ft At first glance this statement seems difficult, but because they were filled with greed, for them to give away as much as possible would represent a major change in their values. Zacchaeus offers a case in point: the Lord Himself declared that he was saved (Luke 19:8-9).\f*   
\p
\v 42 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*! \w You|strong="G5210"\w* tithe \w mint|strong="G2238"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rue|strong="G4076"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w herb|strong="G3001"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* ignore \w justice|strong="G2920"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* love \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \nd \+w These|strong="G3778"\+w*\nd* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w without|strong="G3361"\w* \w leaving|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* undone.  
\v 43 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*! \w You|strong="G5210"\w* love \w the|strong="G1722"\w* best seat \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* greetings \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplaces.  
\v 44 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, scribes \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Pharisees, hypocrites!\f + \fr 11:44 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)\f* \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* unperceived \w graves|strong="G3419"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w people|strong="G1492"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w on|strong="G1883"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus derides lawyers  
\p
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawyers|strong="G3544"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w insult|strong="G5195"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*!”  
\v 46 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w lawyers|strong="G3544"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*!\f + \fr 11:46 \ft Notice that Jesus makes no effort to conciliate them.\f* \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w load|strong="G5413"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w down|strong="G5412"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w burdens|strong="G5413"\w* \w hard|strong="G1419"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* carry, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w touch|strong="G4379"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w burdens|strong="G5413"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fingers|strong="G1147"\w*.  
\v 47 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*! \w You|strong="G5210"\w* restore \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tombs|strong="G3419"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* killed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 48 Thereby \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w approve|strong="G4909"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w deeds|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* restore \w their|strong="G1438"\w* tombs.\f + \fr 11:48 \ft The context suggests ‘restore’ rather than ‘build’, since those prophets had been dead for centuries; if a grave had not been adequately marked, there would be no way of knowing where to build.\f*  
\v 49 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* ‘\w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*’\f + \fr 11:49 \ft In 1 Corinthians 1:24 Paul refers to Christ as ‘the wisdom of God’. In Matthew 23:34 Jesus said, “I send you prophets,” so here Jesus may be referring to Himself as ‘the wisdom of God’.\f* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* send \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* apostles, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* kill \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w*,’  
\v 50 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* blood \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w shed|strong="G1632"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2602"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* required \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*,  
\v 51 \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Abel \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* blood \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zechariah|strong="G2197"\w*,\f + \fr 11:51 \ft If the reference is to Zechariah the prophet, his death is not recorded in Scripture, but the temple was rebuilt in his day, so he could have died there.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* perished \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w altar|strong="G2379"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* sanctuary. \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* required \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*!\f + \fr 11:51 \ft Guilt accumulates. Often a subsequent generation pays.\f*  
\v 52 \w Woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w lawyers|strong="G3544"\w*! \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* taken away \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w key|strong="G2807"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1108"\w*;\f + \fr 11:52 \ft Hosea 4:6 reads, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge … Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Notice the awful price paid by the children! Are today's ‘doctors of the law’ not guilty of the same thing?\f* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w hindered|strong="G2967"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w*!”\f + \fr 11:52 \ft They were really perverse. If they did not want to go in themselves, that was their choice; but to try to stop others was really perverse!\f*   
\p
\v 53 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G4012"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 11:53 \ft Instead of “Well when He had said these things to them”, perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, read “and when He left there” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.)\f* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w urge|strong="G1758"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G4012"\w* \w vehemently|strong="G1171"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* cross-examine \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 54 \w lying|strong="G1748"\w* \w in|strong="G1537"\w* \w wait|strong="G1748"\w* \w for|strong="G1537"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, trying \w to|strong="G5100"\w* \w catch|strong="G2340"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1537"\w* \w something|strong="G5100"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w might|strong="G5100"\w* \w say|strong="G1537"\w*, \w so|strong="G1537"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w might|strong="G5100"\w* accuse \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 11:54 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “so that they might accuse Him” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.)\f*   
\c 12  
\s1 Beware of hypocrisy  
\m
\v 1 \w Meanwhile|strong="G1510"\w*, \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w thousands|strong="G3461"\w*\f + \fr 12:1 \ft That is what the Text says, ‘thousands’.\f* \w had|strong="G1510"\w* converged, \w so|strong="G5620"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w stepping|strong="G2662"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G3739"\w*, \w He|strong="G3739"\w* began \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w Guard|strong="G4337"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w yeast|strong="G2219"\w*’ \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w hypocrisy|strong="G5272"\w*.  
\v 2 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* concealed \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* revealed, \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2927"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Therefore|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dark|strong="G4653"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w whispered|strong="G2980"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ear|strong="G3775"\w* behind closed doors \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w housetops|strong="G1430"\w*.\f + \fr 12:3 \ft When you think about that does it make you feel uncomfortable?\f*   
\s1 Don't fear assassins  
\p
\v 4 “Further, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w*: \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* kill \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3361"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* advise \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w whom|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w*—\w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* kills \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w cast|strong="G1685"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* Gehenna;\f + \fr 12:5 \ft ‘Gehenna’ was a euphemism for Hell, or the Lake of Fire. One's eternal destiny is far more important than a ‘premature’ physical death.\f* \w yes|strong="G3483"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w*, \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*!  
\v 6 \w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w sparrows|strong="G4765"\w* \w sold|strong="G4453"\w* \w for|strong="G1520"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* copper coins?\f + \fr 12:6 \ft The Greek term here is \ft \+it assaria\+it*.\f* \w Yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w forgotten|strong="G1950"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hairs|strong="G2359"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* numbered! \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*; \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w far|strong="G3588"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w valuable|strong="G1308"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w sparrows|strong="G4765"\w*!\f + \fr 12:7 \ft Maybe that is why “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). [How many ‘lions’ do you know?]\f*   
\s1 You confess Christ, He'll confess you  
\p
\v 8 “\w Also|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w claims|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* claim \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* angels \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3588"\w* disclaims \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2316"\w* disclaimed \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* angels \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 12:9 \ft Revelation 21:8 includes the ‘cowardly’ among those destined for the Lake of Fire. When persecution comes for being a Christian, the cowardly will cave in and disclaim the Lord.\f*  
\v 10 \w Anyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w speaks|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* blasphemes \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* forgiven.  
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G1533"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w before|strong="G1909"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, rulers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*, \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G1909"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* answer, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w very|strong="G3588"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w need|strong="G1321"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:12 \ft This advice is presumably for martyrs, not preachers, but don't you wish that more preachers would listen to the Holy Spirit?\f*   
\s1 Beware of materialism  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brother \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w divide|strong="G3307"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Man|strong="G5101"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w appointed|strong="G2525"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w a|strong="G1909"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w an|strong="G2228"\w* arbiter \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*?”  
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Keep|strong="G5442"\w* alert \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w guard|strong="G5442"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w covetousness|strong="G4124"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w*'s \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consist|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:15 \ft Christians who live in materialistic societies tend to forget this important truth.\f*   
\s2 Parable of a rich fool  
\p
\v 16 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* ground \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* produced well.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1260"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w place|strong="G4226"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w store|strong="G4863"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w crops|strong="G2590"\w*?’  
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w tear|strong="G2507"\w* \w down|strong="G2507"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* barns \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* bigger \w ones|strong="G3173"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w store|strong="G4863"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w produce|strong="G4160"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* goods.  
\v 19 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*: \w Soul|strong="G5590"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* goods \w laid|strong="G2749"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*. \w Take|strong="G2192"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* easy; \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w enjoy|strong="G2192"\w* yourself!’  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘Stupid! \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G3778"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* taken back \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*;\f + \fr 12:20 \ft ‘Taken back’—we have our life on loan, like a trust, and an accounting will be required.\f* \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w get|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w*?’  
\v 21 \w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G3779"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 12:21 \ft “Just like that” = “Stupid!” To be rich toward God is to invest in His Kingdom.\f* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* accumulates \w treasure|strong="G2343"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w rich|strong="G4147"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”   
\s2 The mentality of the Kingdom  
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G4314"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*; \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w about|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* wear.  
\v 23 \w Life|strong="G5590"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w food|strong="G5160"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w clothes|strong="G1742"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Consider|strong="G2657"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ravens|strong="G2876"\w*: \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w reap|strong="G2325"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w storeroom|strong="G5009"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* barn, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w feeds|strong="G5142"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*. \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w far|strong="G3123"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w valuable|strong="G1308"\w* \w than|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w*!  
\v 25 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w add|strong="G4369"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w cubit|strong="G4083"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* height \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w worrying|strong="G3309"\w*?  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1487"\w* \w little|strong="G1646"\w* \w thing|strong="G1646"\w*, \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w worry|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*?   
\p
\v 27 “\w Consider|strong="G2657"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lilies|strong="G2918"\w*, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* grow: \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w toil|strong="G2872"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w spin|strong="G3514"\w*; \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w not|strong="G3761"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* \w Solomon|strong="G4672"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* splendor \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w clothed|strong="G4016"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* clothes \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w grass|strong="G5528"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tomorrow \w is|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* oven, \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, O little-faiths!  
\v 29 \w Do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* concentrate \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*; \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* anxious.  
\v 30 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* really occupy \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w knows|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w need|strong="G5535"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 31 Rather, concentrate \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* provided \w for|strong="G2212"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 12:31 \ft Note that what is promised is just the basics—food, drink, covering. Everything we invest in the Kingdom will be on deposit in heaven.\f*   
\p
\v 32 “\w Do|strong="G5399"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w*, \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w flock|strong="G4168"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w pleased|strong="G2106"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Kingdom.  
\v 33 \w Sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w charity|strong="G1654"\w*. \w Make|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* ‘purses’ \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w wear|strong="G3822"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* unfailing \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*, \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w thief|strong="G2812"\w* \w cannot|strong="G3756"\w* approach, \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w moth|strong="G4597"\w* \w destroy|strong="G1311"\w*.  
\v 34 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 12:34 \ft There is the crucial question: Where is your treasure?\f*   
\s1 Watchfulness enjoined  
\p
\v 35 “\w Let|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* waists \w be|strong="G1510"\w* belted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lamps|strong="G3088"\w* \w burning|strong="G2545"\w*,  
\v 36 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* returns \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* celebration, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w knocks|strong="G2925"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* open \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w*.  
\v 37 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w watching|strong="G1127"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*. Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w gird|strong="G4024"\w* \w himself|strong="G1565"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* recline, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 12:37 \ft He is doubtless in a very good mood, and for his servants to have stayed awake for hours when they wanted to be in bed, just so they could receive him when he came—he probably figures they need some refreshment.\f*  
\v 38 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G2579"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w watch|strong="G5438"\w*, \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w watch|strong="G5438"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*, \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* slaves.  
\v 39 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* master \w of|strong="G3624"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w in|strong="G3756"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w thief|strong="G2812"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w would|strong="G2064"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* \w kept|strong="G3756"\w* watch \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* allowed \w his|strong="G3754"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w broken|strong="G1358"\w* \w into|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 40 \w Therefore|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w expect|strong="G1380"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:40 \ft Everyone who has predicted a date so far has had to eat humble pie. But being ready all the time is a different matter. The trouble is, it's hard to stay ‘ready’ all the time.\f*   
\p
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* directing \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w*?”\f + \fr 12:41 \ft The Lord's answer is indirect, but it includes everyone.\f*  
\v 42 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Who|strong="G3739"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prudent|strong="G5429"\w* \w steward|strong="G3623"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w place|strong="G1722"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w household|strong="G2322"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* food allowance \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w right|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*?  
\v 43 \w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w when|strong="G2064"\w* \w he|strong="G3739"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 44 \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w truly|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w put|strong="G2525"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w charge|strong="G2525"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w*.\f + \fr 12:44 \ft He was director of food services; if he proved faithful and competent there, he would be made general director.\f*  
\v 45 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, ‘\w My|strong="G1722"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* won'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* begin \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hit \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w male|strong="G3816"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* female \w servants|strong="G1401"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G3182"\w* \w drunk|strong="G3182"\w*,  
\v 46 \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1097"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w expect|strong="G4328"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1097"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* two \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w appoint|strong="G5087"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w portion|strong="G3313"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* unbelievers.\f + \fr 12:46 \ft What is involved here is two deaths: physical (cut in two) and spiritual—the ‘portion’ of unbelievers is the Lake of Fire.\f*   
\p
\v 47 “\w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w his|strong="G4160"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w neither|strong="G2532"\w* got \w ready|strong="G2090"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w according|strong="G4314"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*, \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w beaten|strong="G1194"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* blows.  
\v 48 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w*, \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* worthy \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w blows|strong="G4127"\w*, \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w beaten|strong="G1194"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*.\f + \fr 12:48 \ft Note that even sins done in ignorance are punished. However, the more one knows, the more severe the punishment.\f* \w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*, \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w required|strong="G2212"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G3908"\w*, \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w more|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* asked.   
\s1 Christ causes division  
\p
\v 49 “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w wish|strong="G2309"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* kindled!  
\v 50 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* baptism \w to|strong="G2532"\w* undergo, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w distressed|strong="G4912"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3748"\w* \w completed|strong="G5055"\w*!  
\v 51 \w Do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* imagine \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* provide \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*? \w Not|strong="G3780"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w*, \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w but|strong="G2228"\w* \w rather|strong="G2228"\w* \w division|strong="G1267"\w*.\f + \fr 12:51 \ft So why is He called the ‘Prince of Peace’? On several occasions, after healing someone, He said, “Go into peace” (\ft \+bd not\+bd* ‘in peace’). Jesus offers peace with God, but you must believe into Him in order to receive it.\f*  
\v 52 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w*: \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w*.  
\v 53 \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w divided|strong="G1266"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w daughter-in-law|strong="G3565"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter-in-law|strong="G3565"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w mother-in-law|strong="G3994"\w*.”\f + \fr 12:53 \ft This is precisely true.\f*   
\s1 Discern the time  
\p
\v 54 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*: “\w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w rising|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w west|strong="G1424"\w*, \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w A|strong="G1096"\w* rainstorm \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G2064"\w*.  
\v 55 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w south|strong="G3558"\w* \w wind|strong="G3558"\w* \w blows|strong="G4154"\w*, \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w hot|strong="G2742"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happens|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 56 \w Hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w You|strong="G4459"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* interpret \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w appearance|strong="G4383"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w can|strong="G4459"\w* \w you|strong="G4459"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w discern|strong="G1381"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*?\f + \fr 12:56 \ft To be able to discern what God is doing requires intimate relationship with Him.\f*  
\v 57 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w*?\f + \fr 12:57 \ft Good question!\f*   
\s1 Pay your debts on time  
\p
\v 58 “\w When|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G5217"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* adversary \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* magistrate, \w make|strong="G1325"\w* \w every|strong="G1722"\w* \w effort|strong="G2039"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* settle \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 12:58 \ft The point seems to be that the ‘adversary’ has exhausted all other means of getting his money back; which would indicate a serious flaw in the character of the ‘debtor’.\f* \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w drag|strong="G2694"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w deliver|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bailiff, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bailiff throw \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w*.  
\v 59 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w means|strong="G3004"\w* \w get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* paid \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* penny.”   
\c 13  
\s1 Repent or perish  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w present|strong="G3918"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* told \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galileans|strong="G1057"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* blood Herod \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w mixed|strong="G3396"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w sacrifices|strong="G2378"\w*.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Do|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w suppose|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w Galileans|strong="G1057"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* worse sinners \w than|strong="G3844"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G3588"\w* \w Galileans|strong="G1057"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffered|strong="G3958"\w* \w such|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*?  
\v 3 \w Not|strong="G3361"\w* at \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w I|strong="G1437"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w* perish!  
\v 4 \w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* eighteen \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w tower|strong="G4444"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Siloam|strong="G4611"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w suppose|strong="G1380"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* worse offenders \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w living|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*?  
\v 5 \w Not|strong="G3361"\w* at \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w I|strong="G1437"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w unless|strong="G1437"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w likewise|strong="G5615"\w* perish!”\f + \fr 13:5 \ft We never know when a tornado or earthquake may come our way; the best thing is to walk with God, and thus not have to fear a sudden exit.\f*   
\s1 Parable of a barren fig tree  
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w planted|strong="G5452"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* vineyard, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w none|strong="G3756"\w*.  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* gardener: ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G4808"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w*. \w Cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G1581"\w*; \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w why|strong="G2444"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* waste \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w soil|strong="G1093"\w*?’  
\v 8 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Sir|strong="G2962"\w*, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w year|strong="G2094"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w dig|strong="G4626"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* apply \w fertilizer|strong="G2874"\w*,  
\v 9 \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w produces|strong="G4160"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w*—\w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w*, \w then|strong="G1161"\w* \w cut|strong="G1581"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w down|strong="G1581"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 13:9 \ft The Lord's use of ‘three years’ is doubtless deliberate; He may well have been referring to His own ministry in Israel. In that event the owner would be the Father, and He Himself would be the gardener. The three years of public ministry He had already spent had not produced the desired fruit.\f*   
\s1 Jesus heals a woman bound by Satan  
\p
\v 10 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G1510"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*,  
\v 11 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* crippled \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* eighteen \w years|strong="G2094"\w*—\w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w bent|strong="G4794"\w* \w over|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* straighten \w up|strong="G1519"\w*.  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w over|strong="G4377"\w*\f + \fr 13:12 \ft In a synagogue the women were separated from the men, so He called her over to the men's side.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, “\w Woman|strong="G1135"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* loosed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* infirmity!”  
\v 13 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G2007"\w* \w His|strong="G2007"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G5495"\w* \w her|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w made|strong="G2316"\w* straight \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* synagogue reacted \w with|strong="G1722"\w* indignation, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, “\w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w six|strong="G1803"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G1163"\w* \w work|strong="G2038"\w*; \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w healed|strong="G2323"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*.”\f + \fr 13:14 \ft Of course the woman had not come to be healed; she came to worship God. It was the Lord's initiative, so the ruler's complaint was really directed at Him.\f*  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Hypocrites|strong="G5273"\w*! \w Does|strong="G3004"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w loose|strong="G3089"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w ox|strong="G1016"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w donkey|strong="G3688"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w stall|strong="G5336"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lead|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* away \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w water|strong="G4222"\w*?  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w woman|strong="G3778"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w daughter|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* Abraham, \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w*\f + \fr 13:16 \ft By using the enemy's proper name, Jesus is declaring that it was actually Satan who was behind the problem.\f* \w kept|strong="G3739"\w* \w bound|strong="G1210"\w* during \w eighteen|strong="G1176"\w* \w long|strong="G2250"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w*, \w be|strong="G1510"\w* freed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w bond|strong="G1199"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*?”  
\v 17 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* adversaries \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G2617"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w shame|strong="G2617"\w*, \w while|strong="G1096"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w rejoicing|strong="G5463"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorious|strong="G1741"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 Two parables  
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 19 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w mustard|strong="G4615"\w* \w seed|strong="G2848"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w planted|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w garden|strong="G2779"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* grew \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* sizable \w tree|strong="G1186"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w birds|strong="G4071"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w air|strong="G3772"\w* perched \w on|strong="G1722"\w* its \w branches|strong="G2798"\w*.”   
\p
\v 20 \w Again|strong="G3825"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w compare|strong="G3666"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*?  
\v 21 \w It|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G3664"\w* \w yeast|strong="G2219"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w and|strong="G1135"\w* mixed \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w three|strong="G5140"\w* \w measures|strong="G4568"\w* \w of|strong="G1519"\w* flour, \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w leavened|strong="G2220"\w*.”   
\s1 The narrow gate  
\p
\v 22 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* traveling \w through|strong="G2596"\w* \w various|strong="G2596"\w* \w towns|strong="G4172"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w villages|strong="G2968"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w journeying|strong="G4197"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.  
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w ones|strong="G5100"\w* \w being|strong="G1161"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w few|strong="G3641"\w*?” \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 24 “Exert \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w narrow|strong="G4728"\w* \w gate|strong="G2374"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w will|strong="G2532"\w* try \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* manage \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 25 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w once|strong="G3617"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3617"\w* \w gets|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* shuts \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* begin \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w knock|strong="G2925"\w* \w on|strong="G2476"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w door|strong="G2374"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, open \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w where|strong="G4159"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w*?’  
\v 26 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* begin \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drank|strong="G4095"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w streets|strong="G4116"\w*.’  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w where|strong="G4159"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w*. Depart \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* iniquity.’\f + \fr 13:27 \ft The Lord is stating plainly that there are many who think they are in the Kingdom, but actually are not.\f*   
\p
\v 28 “\w There|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w weeping|strong="G2805"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gnashing|strong="G1030"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w teeth|strong="G3599"\w*, \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* Abraham \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w thrown|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*.  
\v 29 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* east, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w west|strong="G1424"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w north|strong="G1005"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w south|strong="G3558"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* recline \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 30 Yes \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w last|strong="G2078"\w*.”   
\s1 A word for Herod  
\p
\v 31 \w On|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G5610"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G1782"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w away|strong="G1831"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w wants|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 13:31 \ft Those Pharisees may just have been trying to scare Jesus. The metaphor ‘fox’ was doubtless understood by His hearers, but we have since lost the relevant cultural information.\f*  
\v 32 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* ‘fox’, ‘\w Take|strong="G1544"\w* note, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w casting|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w demons|strong="G1140"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* performing \w cures|strong="G2392"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tomorrow, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G4198"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w perfected|strong="G5048"\w*.’  
\v 33 \w Nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w keep|strong="G2192"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tomorrow \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G4594"\w* \w following|strong="G4198"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* credible \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w should|strong="G1163"\w* perish \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*!   
\s1 Jesus laments over Jerusalem  
\p
\v 34 “\w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* kills \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stones|strong="G3036"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*! \w How|strong="G4212"\w* \w often|strong="G4212"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w gather|strong="G1996"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w together|strong="G1996"\w*, \w like|strong="G2309"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hen|strong="G3733"\w* \w gathers|strong="G1996"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w brood|strong="G3555"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w wings|strong="G4420"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w willing|strong="G2309"\w*!  
\v 35 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w then|strong="G1161"\w*, \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* left \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* desolate. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2962"\w* definitely \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G1722"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G3686"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 13:35 \ft See Psalm 118:26. John 10:22-39 probably happened between verses 33 and 34 here. That ‘Feast of Dedication’ would have fallen on a Monday, December 17, 29. Here Jesus leaves Jerusalem, to return only at the ‘triumphal entry’.\f*   
\c 14  
\s1 Jesus heals a man with dropsy  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* rulers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* bread \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w watching|strong="G3906"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w closely|strong="G3906"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w dropsy|strong="G5203"\w*!\f + \fr 14:2 \ft It seems scarcely credible that such a person could have gotten in there by accident. The Pharisees were desperately looking for some way to accuse Him.\f*  
\v 3 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawyers|strong="G3544"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, “\w Is|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w heal|strong="G2323"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w*?”  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w silent|strong="G2270"\w*. \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G1949"\w* \w hold|strong="G1949"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* addressed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w if|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*\f + \fr 14:5 \ft Instead of ‘son’, some 26% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘donkey’ (as in TR, AV, NKJV). The 74% includes the best line of transmission, which I follow.\f* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w ox|strong="G1016"\w* \w falls|strong="G4098"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w pit|strong="G5421"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w immediately|strong="G2112"\w* pull \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*?”  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2480"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* answer \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* regarding \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.   
\s1 A lesson about humility  
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w*, having observed \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* kept trying \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* best \w places|strong="G4411"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*:  
\v 8 “\w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w wedding|strong="G1062"\w* \w feast|strong="G1062"\w*, \w do|strong="G3361"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* recline \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w place|strong="G4411"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w honor|strong="G4411"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w more|strong="G1784"\w* honorable \w than|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w has|strong="G5100"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 9 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w*, \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*!’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* shame, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* start \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* lowest \w place|strong="G5117"\w*.\f + \fr 14:9 \ft Of course; everyone else has been trying for the best place he can get, so by that time the only one left is the lowest!\f*  
\v 10 Rather, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w*, \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2064"\w* recline \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* lowest \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* host \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*, \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, ‘\w Friend|strong="G5384"\w*, \w move|strong="G4320"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* higher.’ \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w honor|strong="G1391"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* fellow \w guests|strong="G4873"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w exalts|strong="G5312"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w humbled|strong="G5013"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w humbles|strong="G5013"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:11 \ft This truth is repeated several times in Scripture.\f*   
\p
\v 12 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* directly \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* host: “\w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w give|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w dinner|strong="G1173"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w supper|strong="G1173"\w*, \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w invite|strong="G2564"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brothers, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w neighbors|strong="G1069"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w invite|strong="G2564"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* back, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* repaid.  
\v 13 But \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w a|strong="G4160"\w* \w banquet|strong="G1403"\w*, \w invite|strong="G2564"\w* \w the|strong="G4160"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*, \w the|strong="G4160"\w* crippled, \w the|strong="G4160"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w*, \w the|strong="G4160"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w*;  
\v 14 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G3756"\w* \w repay|strong="G2192"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*—\w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* repaid \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*.”\f + \fr 14:14 \ft You cannot take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.\f*   
\s1 An unusual banquet  
\p
\v 15 \w Well|strong="G1722"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* fellow-recliners heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w dinner|strong="G4873"\w*\f + \fr 14:15 \ft Instead of ‘dinner’, perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘bread’ (as in most versions).\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”\f + \fr 14:15 \ft Now there you have a nice, safe, pious-sounding statement! I suppose he was trying to change the subject.\f*  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* prepared \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w banquet|strong="G1173"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G2235"\w* meal \w time|strong="G5610"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w*, ‘\w Come|strong="G2064"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* everything \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w now|strong="G2532"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w*.’  
\v 18 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* alike \w began|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G2532"\w* \w excuses|strong="G3868"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* bought \w a|strong="G2192"\w* field, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w need|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w excused|strong="G3868"\w*.’  
\v 19 \w Another|strong="G2087"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* bought \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w yoke|strong="G2201"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w oxen|strong="G1016"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w test|strong="G1381"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w excused|strong="G3868"\w*.’  
\v 20 \w Yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w married|strong="G1060"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.’  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reported|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3617"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w angry|strong="G3710"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*, ‘\w Go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5030"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w streets|strong="G4113"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lanes|strong="G4505"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G1521"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* crippled \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lame|strong="G5560"\w*.’  
\v 22 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w ordered|strong="G3004"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w room|strong="G5117"\w*.’  
\v 23 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*: ‘\w Go|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w roads|strong="G3598"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hedges|strong="G5418"\w*\f + \fr 14:23 \ft Hedges were used to delimit fields, and there would often be a path along the outside of the hedge. First the slave was sent into the city, then out to the countryside.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w make|strong="G1519"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w my|strong="G1525"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G1072"\w*.  
\v 24 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w none|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w invited|strong="G2564"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* get \w a|strong="G3004"\w* \w taste|strong="G1089"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w banquet|strong="G1173"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 14:24 \ft Perhaps 45% of the Greek manuscripts add, “for many are called, but few chosen”.\f*   
\ms1 Jesus ministers (mainly) in Perea  
\s1 Jesus defines discipleship  
\p
\v 25 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w large|strong="G4183"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w traveling|strong="G4848"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w turning|strong="G4762"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*:  
\v 26 “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*, \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, brothers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* sisters, \w yes|strong="G2089"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*.  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3748"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* carry \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*.   
\p
\v 28 “Further, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w intending|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w tower|strong="G4444"\w*, \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w and|strong="G4413"\w* \w calculate|strong="G5585"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w cost|strong="G1160"\w*, \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* enough \w to|strong="G1519"\w* complete \w it|strong="G1063"\w*?  
\v 29 \w This|strong="G3588"\w* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* does \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w lay|strong="G5087"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2310"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w finish|strong="G1615"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w see|strong="G2334"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* begin \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w ridicule|strong="G1702"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 30 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w build|strong="G3618"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w able|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w finish|strong="G1615"\w*!’   
\p
\v 31 “\w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*, \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* engage \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w battle|strong="G4171"\w*, \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w and|strong="G2064"\w* \w consider|strong="G1011"\w* \w whether|strong="G1487"\w* \w he|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w able|strong="G1415"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5505"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w twenty|strong="G1501"\w* \w thousand|strong="G5505"\w*?  
\v 32 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w*, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w far|strong="G4206"\w* \w away|strong="G4206"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* sends \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w delegation|strong="G4242"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w asks|strong="G2065"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w terms|strong="G4314"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.   
\p
\v 33 “\w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3779"\w*, \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* renounce \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w possessions|strong="G5225"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciple|strong="G3101"\w*.\f + \fr 14:33 \ft Notice that three times Sovereign Jesus says, “cannot be my disciple”, and the ‘cannot’ is a strong negative. Jesus demands first place in our lives and hearts—above family, material things, our very selves.\f*  
\v 34 Salt \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* salt \w become|strong="G3471"\w* insipid, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* can \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* seasoned?  
\v 35 \w It|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w fit|strong="G2111"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w soil|strong="G1093"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w fertilizer|strong="G2874"\w*; \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w out|strong="G1854"\w*.\f + \fr 14:35 \ft We followers of Christ are supposed to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in this world. To abdicate these functions is to become useless, and to be thrown out. ‘Neutrality’ is not a valid option.\f* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ears|strong="G3775"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* hear, \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* hear!”   
\c 15  
\s1 Parable of a lost sheep  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collectors|strong="G5057"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ‘sinners’ \w were|strong="G1510"\w* getting \w close|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 2 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* started complaining, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w welcomes|strong="G4327"\w* ‘sinners’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w eats|strong="G4906"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\v 4 “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* losing \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* abandon \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ninety-nine|strong="G1768"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wild|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 15:4 \ft Notice that the 99 are left in the wild, not a sheepfold. So what happens if a wolf comes upon the 99 while the shepherd is off looking for the stray? I confess that I never liked this parable, for that reason.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w after|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* lost \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w joyfully|strong="G5463"\w* puts \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G2007"\w* \w shoulders|strong="G5606"\w*.  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w home|strong="G3624"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w calls|strong="G3004"\w* \w together|strong="G4779"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w neighbors|strong="G1069"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Rejoice|strong="G4796"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4263"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* lost!’  
\v 7 \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3779"\w* \w there|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w more|strong="G2192"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* sinner \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w repents|strong="G3340"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w ninety-nine|strong="G1768"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w ones|strong="G3748"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w*.\f + \fr 15:7 \ft If God prefers sinners, what is the point of being righteous? I suppose the point to be that no one is so righteous that they need no repentance. Since we are all sinners, we all need to repent—and when we do so, God is happy.\f*   
\s1 Parable of a lost coin  
\p
\v 8 “\w Or|strong="G2228"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w silver|strong="G1406"\w* \w coins|strong="G1406"\w*, \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* loses \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w coin|strong="G1406"\w*, \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w light|strong="G3088"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w lamp|strong="G3088"\w*, \w sweep|strong="G4563"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w search|strong="G2212"\w* \w carefully|strong="G1960"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*?  
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w finds|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w calls|strong="G3004"\w* \w together|strong="G4779"\w* \w her|strong="G3754"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w neighbors|strong="G1069"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Rejoice|strong="G4796"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w coin|strong="G1406"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* lost!’  
\v 10 \w Just|strong="G3779"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w*, \w I|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w there|strong="G1096"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* angels \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* sinner \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w repents|strong="G3340"\w*.”\f + \fr 15:10 \ft God rejoices in the presence of the angels.\f*   
\s1 Parable of a lost son  
\p
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, ‘\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* appropriate \w share|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w estate|strong="G3776"\w*.’ \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w divided|strong="G1244"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* property \w between|strong="G1244"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w later|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w younger|strong="G3501"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* converted \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, journeyed \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distant|strong="G3117"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w squandered|strong="G1287"\w* \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w wealth|strong="G3776"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* dissolutely.  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w spent|strong="G1159"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w severe|strong="G2478"\w* \w famine|strong="G3042"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w need|strong="G5302"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* attached \w himself|strong="G1565"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w citizen|strong="G4177"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w fields|strong="G5561"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w feed|strong="G1006"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w*.\f + \fr 15:15 \ft For a Jew, that would be about as low as one could get.\f*  
\v 16 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w gladly|strong="G1937"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G1072"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w stomach|strong="G2836"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* carob \w pods|strong="G2769"\w*\f + \fr 15:16 \ft I suppose those pods were not edible for a human being, or he could doubtless have managed a few.\f* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pigs|strong="G5519"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w anything|strong="G3762"\w*.\f + \fr 15:16 \ft Besides the economic crisis, he was a foreigner, and a stupid one at that. Why throw good money after bad?\f*  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*: ‘\w How|strong="G4214"\w* \w many|strong="G4214"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*'s \w hired|strong="G3407"\w* servants \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* bread, \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* dying \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w hunger|strong="G3042"\w*!  
\v 18 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* sinned \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G4160"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3765"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* worthy \w to|strong="G4160"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*; \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w your|strong="G4160"\w* \w hired|strong="G3407"\w* servants.’   
\p
\v 20 “\w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* ways \w off|strong="G3112"\w*, \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w moved|strong="G4697"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w compassion|strong="G4697"\w*—\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ran|strong="G5143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G1968"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kissed|strong="G2705"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!  
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* sinned \w against|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3765"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* worthy \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w*.’  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*: ‘\w Bring|strong="G1627"\w* \w out|strong="G1627"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w best|strong="G4413"\w* \w robe|strong="G4749"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w ring|strong="G1146"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G5342"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w kill|strong="G2380"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* fatted \w calf|strong="G3448"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2532"\w* us \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w celebrate|strong="G2165"\w*;  
\v 24 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w mine|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* life; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* lost \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w*!’ \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w celebrate|strong="G2165"\w*.   
\p
\v 25 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w older|strong="G4245"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w approaching|strong="G1448"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w music|strong="G4858"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dancing|strong="G5525"\w*.  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4341"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servants|strong="G3816"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G4441"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w meant|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 27 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Your|strong="G2532"\w* brother \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* \w killed|strong="G2380"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* fatted \w calf|strong="G3448"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3962"\w* received \w him|strong="G3588"\w* back \w safe|strong="G5198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sound|strong="G5198"\w*.’  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* \w angry|strong="G3710"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w refused|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G1831"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w*. \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w came|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w plead|strong="G3870"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 15:28 \ft Doubtless the servant had informed the father.\f*  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*: ‘\w Just|strong="G2532"\w* \w look|strong="G2400"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w how|strong="G1161"\w* \w many|strong="G5118"\w* \w years|strong="G2094"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w serving|strong="G1398"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G3763"\w* transgressing \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w*; \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w never|strong="G3763"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w young|strong="G2056"\w* \w goat|strong="G2056"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w celebrate|strong="G2165"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w*.  
\v 30 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w devoured|strong="G2719"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* livelihood \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w prostitutes|strong="G4204"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w killed|strong="G2380"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* fatted \w calf|strong="G3448"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!’\f + \fr 15:30 \ft The older brother's attitude really wasn't all that unreasonable. Why should the younger son be rewarded for his irresponsible conduct? The father was celebrating the recovery, not the irresponsibility. The fatted calf was for a special occasion, and the older son's faithful service was routine. However, he probably did get a young goat, after that.\f*  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w Son|strong="G5043"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w*.  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* right \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w celebrate|strong="G2165"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w glad|strong="G5463"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* brother \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w life|strong="G2198"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* lost \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w*.’ ”   
\c 16  
\s1 Parable of a stupid steward  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* further \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w His|strong="G2192"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w manager|strong="G3623"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* accused \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* wasting \w his|strong="G2192"\w* goods.  
\v 2 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w hear|strong="G5101"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*? Render \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w account|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w stewardship|strong="G3622"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w longer|strong="G2089"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w manager|strong="G3621"\w*.’  
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w manager|strong="G3623"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*: ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*? \w My|strong="G1722"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* taking \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w management|strong="G3622"\w* away \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w strength|strong="G2480"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w dig|strong="G4626"\w*; \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* ashamed \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w beg|strong="G1871"\w*  
\v 4 —\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w removed|strong="G3179"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w management|strong="G3622"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w houses|strong="G3624"\w*.’\f + \fr 16:4 \ft Is this not stupid reasoning? Once he has lost his position, the others will have no reason to pay attention to him.\f*  
\v 5 \w Summoning|strong="G4341"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w debtors|strong="G5533"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, ‘\w How|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w owe|strong="G3784"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w*?’  
\v 6 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* baths \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w olive|strong="G1637"\w* \w oil|strong="G1637"\w*.’ \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Take|strong="G1209"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w bill|strong="G1121"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2523"\w* \w down|strong="G2523"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5030"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w fifty|strong="G4004"\w*.’  
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w*, ‘\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G4214"\w* \w much|strong="G4214"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w owe|strong="G3784"\w*?’ \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w hundred|strong="G1540"\w* \w measures|strong="G2884"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w*.’ \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w Take|strong="G1209"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w bill|strong="G1121"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w eighty|strong="G3589"\w*.’  
\v 8 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G2962"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w commended|strong="G1867"\w*’ \w the|strong="G2532"\w* dishonest \w manager|strong="G3623"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w acted|strong="G4160"\w* \w shrewdly|strong="G5430"\w*. \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* age \w are|strong="G1510"\w* shrewder \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w* \w than|strong="G5228"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Light|strong="G5457"\w*.\f + \fr 16:8 \ft According to the value system of the world it is ‘smart’ to take advantage of other people, but those who follow the Light must be different. Of course the master's ‘commendation’ was sarcastic, since the dishonest manager still lost his job.\f*   
\s2 A bit of irony  
\p
\v 9 “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w make|strong="G4160"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w means|strong="G3004"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* unrighteous \w mammon|strong="G3126"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w fail|strong="G1587"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* eternal \w dwellings|strong="G4633"\w*!\f + \fr 16:9 \ft The use of sarcasm is not rare in the Bible, and here the Lord is clearly being sarcastic: getting into the eternal dwellings does not depend on ‘buying’ friends down here; it depends on pleasing the Owner up there. And of course, the dishonest friends will not even be there! Notice the reaction of the Pharisees in verse 14—I take it that verses 1-13 were mainly directed at them.\f*  
\v 10 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G1646"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* dishonest \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G1646"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* dishonest \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w*.  
\v 11 \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* unrighteous \w mammon|strong="G3126"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w commit|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w trust|strong="G4100"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* genuine?\f + \fr 16:11 \ft Monetary value is the ‘very little’, and spiritual value is the ‘much’, the ‘genuine’.\f*  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* belongs \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G5212"\w* own?  
\v 13 \w No|strong="G3756"\w* \w servant|strong="G3610"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w*; \w either|strong="G2228"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w hate|strong="G3404"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* love \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* devoted \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w despise|strong="G2706"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w*. \w You|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* \w serve|strong="G1398"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mammon|strong="G3126"\w*!”\f + \fr 16:13 \ft Verse 13 declares a terribly important truth. To embrace the world's value system (humanism, relativism, materialism) is to reject God. Materialistic ‘Christians’ are really serving mammon (‘mammon’ includes more than just money).\f*   
\s1 The Law will not fail  
\p
\v 14 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w lovers|strong="G5366"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w money|strong="G5366"\w*, \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* listening \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* ridiculing \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w justify|strong="G1344"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w knows|strong="G1097"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*. \w That|strong="G3754"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5308"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* abomination \w before|strong="G1799"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 16:15 \ft There will not be any abomination in heaven—‘abomination’ is a strong term; do pause and ponder!\f*  
\v 16 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*; \w since|strong="G5119"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2097"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* trying \w to|strong="G1519"\w* force \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w way|strong="G3956"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 16:16 \ft No one gets into the Kingdom on his own terms.\f*  
\v 17 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*, \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w tittle|strong="G2762"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w fail|strong="G4098"\w*.   
\p
\v 18 “\w Whoever|strong="G3588"\w* divorces \w his|strong="G3956"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w commits|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3588"\w* \w marries|strong="G1060"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* divorced \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w her|strong="G3956"\w* husband \w commits|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*.\f + \fr 16:18 \ft Now there you have a plain statement!\f*   
\s1 A rich man and beggar Lazarus\f + \fr 16:19 \ft The Text does not state that this is a parable, so most probably it is not.\f*  
\p
\v 19 “\w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w dressed|strong="G1737"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w purple|strong="G4209"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fine|strong="G2532"\w* \w linen|strong="G1040"\w*, \w living|strong="G2165"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* luxury \w every|strong="G2596"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 20 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w beggar|strong="G4434"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Lazarus|strong="G2976"\w*, \w covered|strong="G1669"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w sores|strong="G1669"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G3588"\w* \w been|strong="G5100"\w* placed \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w his|strong="G4314"\w* \w gate|strong="G4440"\w*,  
\v 21 \w just|strong="G2532"\w* wanting \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fed|strong="G5526"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* crumbs \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w*'s \w table|strong="G5132"\w*—why \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dogs|strong="G2965"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* lick \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w sores|strong="G1668"\w*!\f + \fr 16:21 \ft In fact the dogs were doing him a favor, since canine saliva is good for sores.\f*  
\v 22 \w In|strong="G1519"\w* due time \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w beggar|strong="G4434"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w carried|strong="G2532"\w* away \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Abraham's \w bosom|strong="G2859"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* angels.  
\p “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w buried|strong="G2290"\w*.\f + \fr 16:22 \ft Note the contrast. Of course the beggar's body had been buried, but the person was taken to Paradise. Here we have an explicit statement of angelic activity, which, however, is absent from the rich man.\f*  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Hades \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G3708"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* Abraham \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lazarus|strong="G2976"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* close \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G5225"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* torment,  
\v 24 \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Father|strong="G3962"\w* Abraham, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w Lazarus|strong="G2976"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* dip \w the|strong="G1722"\w* tip \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1722"\w* \w finger|strong="G1147"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cool|strong="G2711"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* tormented \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w flame|strong="G5395"\w*!’  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* Abraham \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Child|strong="G5043"\w*, \w remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w lifetime|strong="G2222"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* received \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*, \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lazarus|strong="G2976"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w bad|strong="G2556"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd*\f + \fr 16:25 \ft The best line of transmission (30% of the Greek manuscripts here) has the emphatic pronoun ‘\+nd he\+nd*’, rather than ‘here’.\f* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w comforted|strong="G3870"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* tormented.  
\v 26 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w besides|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w between|strong="G3342"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w chasm|strong="G5490"\w* \w has|strong="G3778"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w fixed|strong="G4741"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w pass|strong="G1224"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G1759"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w*, \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G1276"\w* \w over|strong="G1276"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*.’\f + \fr 16:26 \ft Several things in this account invite comment. \ft \+it Hades\+it* (Greek), or \+it Sheol\+it* (Hebrew), is the ‘halfway house’ where departed spirits await the final judgment, but the results of that judgment are already known, since the saved are already separated from the lost. There is a chasm separating the two sides that cannot be crossed, but evidently one side can see and hear the other (the ‘dead’ are conscious and have feeling). People in prison who are waiting for their trial are already suffering. Strangely, the rich man still thinks he is more important than the beggar, since he wants the beggar to serve him—he still holds to the values that condemned him.\f*  
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w beg|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* would \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w*'s \w house|strong="G3624"\w*,  
\v 28 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* brothers, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w testify|strong="G1263"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3361"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* torment.’\f + \fr 16:28 \ft I find it interesting that he was concerned for his brothers; we can't say, “Better late than never”, since it made no difference.\f*  
\v 29 Abraham \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*; \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* hear \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.’  
\v 30 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘Oh \w no|strong="G3780"\w*, \w father|strong="G3962"\w* Abraham—\w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5100"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w*!’  
\v 31 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, ‘\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w listen|strong="G3982"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w someone|strong="G5100"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* rise \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 16:31 \ft Abraham states a disquieting reality: people who reject God's written revelation are self-condemned. Note also that Abraham did not say it would be impossible to send Lazarus, only that it would do no good. But it is clear that the lost cannot return, or the rich man could have gone himself.\f*   
\c 17  
\s1 Don't offend, forgive  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w Things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w cause|strong="G1223"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w fall|strong="G2064"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* bound \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*!  
\v 2 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w better|strong="G3081"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w millstone|strong="G3037"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w hung|strong="G4029"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w neck|strong="G5137"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w thrown|strong="G4496"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*, \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w cause|strong="G4624"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w little|strong="G3398"\w* \w ones|strong="G3398"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w fall|strong="G4624"\w*.\f + \fr 17:2 \ft What is worse than a horrible, premature physical death? Spiritual death. Whoever destroys the faith of a ‘little one’ is self-condemned. What about all the professors who make it their business to destroy the faith of their students?\f*  
\v 3 \w Watch|strong="G4337"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*: \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w your|strong="G1437"\w* brother sins against \w you|strong="G4771"\w*,\f + \fr 17:3 \ft Perhaps 4.5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “against you” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.), which changes the meaning of the verse.\f* \w rebuke|strong="G2008"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w repents|strong="G3340"\w*, forgive \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 4 \w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w seven|strong="G2034"\w* \w times|strong="G2034"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2034"\w* \w times|strong="G2034"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w returns|strong="G1994"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w repent|strong="G3340"\w*,’ \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G1994"\w* forgive \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:4 \ft Dear me, that could get ‘old’! But the Lord is emphatic; we must forgive!\f*   
\s2 Faith like a mustard seed has  
\p
\v 5 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, “\w Increase|strong="G4369"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.”  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w*\f + \fr 17:6 \ft The manuscripts are evenly divided between ‘had’ and ‘have’; I follow the best line of transmission.\f* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w mustard|strong="G4615"\w* \w seed|strong="G2848"\w* \it has\it*,\f + \fr 17:6 \ft What kind of ‘faith’ might a mustard seed have? Albeit so small, it reacts without question to the climactic circumstances, and grows to remarkable proportions. If we reacted similarly, without question, to the Holy Spirit's promptings, our spiritual ‘climactic circumstances’, we should indeed move mountains, literally.\f* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w could|strong="G2192"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w mulberry|strong="G4807"\w* \w tree|strong="G4807"\w*, ‘\w Be|strong="G2532"\w* \w uprooted|strong="G1610"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w planted|strong="G5452"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*,’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.   
\s1 The thanks a slave gets  
\p
\v 7 “\w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* plowing \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w tending|strong="G4165"\w* \w sheep|strong="G4165"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w comes|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* field, ‘\w Come|strong="G1525"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w once|strong="G3739"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* recline \w to|strong="G3004"\w* eat’?  
\v 8 \w Will|strong="G5101"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w rather|strong="G3780"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w Prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w something|strong="G5101"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gird|strong="G4024"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w serve|strong="G1247"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w afterward|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w*’?  
\v 9 \w Does|strong="G4160"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w thank|strong="G5485"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w did|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w commanded|strong="G1299"\w*? \w I|strong="G3754"\w* guess \w not|strong="G3361"\w*!\f + \fr 17:9 \ft About 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “I guess not!” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 10 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w likewise|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*, \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* unworthy \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* supposed \w to|strong="G2532"\w*.’ ”\f + \fr 17:10 \ft If we were really committed to the master's project, we would do more.\f*   
\s1 Jesus cleanses ten lepers  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w traveling|strong="G4198"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w between|strong="G3319"\w* \w Samaria|strong="G4540"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*.  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w*, \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w men|strong="G5100"\w* \w met|strong="G5221"\w* \w Him|strong="G3739"\w*—\w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w lepers|strong="G3015"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G4207"\w*.  
\v 13 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w Master|strong="G1988"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!”  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* paying attention \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G1925"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w*.” \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*!  
\v 15 Well \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w*, \w returned|strong="G5290"\w*, \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w*;  
\v 16 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w fell|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w face|strong="G4383"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, thanking \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Samaritan|strong="G4541"\w*!  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Were|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w*? \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w where|strong="G4226"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w nine|strong="G1767"\w*?  
\v 18 \w None|strong="G3756"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w return|strong="G5290"\w* \w and|strong="G2316"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* foreigner!”  
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Get|strong="G4982"\w* \w up|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w*; \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w made|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w well|strong="G4982"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:19 \ft In all probability the priests would not have wanted to deal with a Samaritan, in any case, so the Lord just sends him on his way, relieving him of that duty.\f*   
\s1 The coming of the Kingdom  
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w does|strong="G2064"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w observation|strong="G3907"\w*;  
\v 21 \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w here|strong="G5602"\w*!’ \w or|strong="G2228"\w* ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w*!’ \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w indeed|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w within|strong="G1787"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:21 \ft They were probably thinking of the Messianic Kingdom, that will indeed have a concrete starting point, but the Lord does not give them that information. He does go on to say to the disciples that the onset will be sudden. In the meantime, the King's true subjects have the Kingdom in their hearts, which presumably did not include those Pharisees, so ‘within you’ would be a generic statement.\f*   
\p
\v 22 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*: “\w Days|strong="G2250"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G1937"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G1520"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 17:22 \ft I suppose He is referring to His physical presence among them.\f*  
\v 23 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w here|strong="G5602"\w*!’ \w or|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w there|strong="G1563"\w*!’ \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w follow|strong="G1377"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w just|strong="G5618"\w* \w like|strong="G5618"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* lightning \w that|strong="G3588"\w* lights \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G1722"\w* \w sky|strong="G3772"\w* \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* flashes, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G3779"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 25 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* rejected \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*.  
\v 26 \w Also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w*.  
\v 27 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*, \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w*, \w marrying|strong="G1060"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*, \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w Noah|strong="G3575"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ark|strong="G2787"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w flood|strong="G2627"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* destroyed \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 28 \w Likewise|strong="G3668"\w* also \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2531"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Lot|strong="G3091"\w*; \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w eating|strong="G2068"\w*, \w drinking|strong="G4095"\w*, buying, \w selling|strong="G4453"\w*, \w planting|strong="G5452"\w*, \w building|strong="G3618"\w*—  
\v 29 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w Lot|strong="G3091"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sodom|strong="G4670"\w*, \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brimstone|strong="G2303"\w* \w rained|strong="G1026"\w* down \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* destroyed \w them|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Even|strong="G2596"\w* \w so|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w when|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* revealed.   
\p
\v 31 “\w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w housetop|strong="G1430"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w goods|strong="G4632"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* field, \w let|strong="G1510"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w turn|strong="G1994"\w* \w back|strong="G3694"\w*.  
\v 32 \w Remember|strong="G3421"\w* \w Lot|strong="G3091"\w*'s \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*!\f + \fr 17:32 \ft The Lord affirms the historicity of the pillar of salt.\f*  
\v 33 \w Whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w seeks|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* save \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* lose \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* ‘wastes’ \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w preserve|strong="G2225"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 34 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*: \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w bed|strong="G2825"\w*; \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w taken|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* left.  
\v 35 \w Two|strong="G1417"\w* \w women|strong="G1417"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* grinding \w together|strong="G1909"\w*; \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w taken|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* left.”\f + \fr 17:35 \ft Perhaps 20% of the Greek manuscripts have verse 36: “Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left”. I would say that this paragraph deals with the Rapture. In that event, Jesus is addressing those who are left behind, but who had expected to go. I believe that immediately after the Rapture the forces of evil will be unleashed to take complete control. Anyone who is going to refuse the ‘mark’ had better head for the hills.\f*   
\p
\v 37 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G3699"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*?” \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G3699"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* carcass, \w there|strong="G1563"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vultures \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w gathered|strong="G1996"\w*.”\f + \fr 17:37 \ft A spiral of vultures in the air can be seen at quite a distance, and indicates a carcass on the ground.\f*   
\c 18  
\s1 Parable of a persistent widow  
\m
\v 1 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* point \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w needs|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* lose heart,  
\v 2 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w regard|strong="G1788"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*.  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w justice|strong="G1556"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* adversary.’  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w refused|strong="G3756"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w afterward|strong="G3326"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, ‘\w Even|strong="G2532"\w* \w though|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w regard|strong="G1788"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*,  
\v 5 \w yet|strong="G1065"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* keeps \w bothering|strong="G2873"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1473"\w* defend \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* endless \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* doesn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w wear|strong="G5299"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w out|strong="G2064"\w*!’ ”   
\p
\v 6 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Hear|strong="G5101"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* unjust \w judge|strong="G2923"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*.  
\v 7 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w justice|strong="G1557"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* crying \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w*, \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w patient|strong="G3114"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*?  
\v 8 \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w get|strong="G2147"\w* \w justice|strong="G1557"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w quickly|strong="G5034"\w*.\f + \fr 18:8 \ft God's ‘quickly’ doesn't always seem that ‘quick’ to us.\f* \w However|strong="G4133"\w*, \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*, \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* actually \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \nd \+w the|strong="G1722"\+w*\nd* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*?”\f + \fr 18:8 \ft The Text clearly has ‘\+nd the\+nd* faith’, referring to the sum of Truth that makes up the biblical Faith. The Lord's question is precisely to the point. Aside from the generalized apostasy that characterizes ‘Christian’ churches today, how many ‘conservative’ pastors are genuinely committed to the objective authority of the biblical Text?\f*   
\s1 Parable of a Pharisee and a publican  
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w trusted|strong="G3982"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w despised|strong="G1848"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*:  
\v 10 “\w Two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G1417"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w*.  
\v 11 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*: ‘\w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w thank|strong="G2168"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*—robbers, unjust, \w adulterers|strong="G3432"\w*—\w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w*.  
\v 12 \w I|strong="G3745"\w* \w fast|strong="G3522"\w* \w twice|strong="G1364"\w* \w a|strong="G2932"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*; \w I|strong="G3745"\w* tithe \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G3745"\w* \w get|strong="G2932"\w*.’\f + \fr 18:12 \ft This is the sort of ‘prayer’ that does not get past the ceiling, so he was just talking to himself.\f*  
\v 13 \w The|strong="G1519"\w* \w tax|strong="G5057"\w* \w collector|strong="G5057"\w*, staying \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* ways \w off|strong="G3113"\w*, \w did|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* venture \w to|strong="G1519"\w* look \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* started \w beating|strong="G5180"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w chest|strong="G4738"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w be|strong="G3756"\w* \w merciful|strong="G2433"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* sinner!’  
\v 14 \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w went|strong="G2597"\w* \w back|strong="G1519"\w* \w home|strong="G3624"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w* \w rather|strong="G2228"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w*; \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w exalts|strong="G5312"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w humbled|strong="G5013"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w humbles|strong="G5013"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5312"\w*.”   
\s1 You enter the Kingdom like a child does  
\p
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* started \w bringing|strong="G4374"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w babies|strong="G1025"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* touch \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w summoned|strong="G4341"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “Allow \w the|strong="G2532"\w* little \w children|strong="G3813"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w hinder|strong="G2967"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w*.  
\v 17 \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly, \w whoever|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G1209"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w receive|strong="G1209"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w way|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* little \w child|strong="G3813"\w* \w does|strong="G1209"\w*\f + \fr 18:17 \ft To render ‘as a little child’ misses the point; obviously an adult can be saved. A little child believes literally and completely.\f* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w means|strong="G3004"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w it|strong="G3739"\w*.”   
\s1 An upright, rich ruler  
\p
\v 18 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* ruler \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Good|strong="G5101"\w* \w teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w must|strong="G5100"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w inherit|strong="G2816"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*?”  
\v 19 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w call|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w*? \w No|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w except|strong="G1487"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w*—\w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 18:19 \ft Jesus is not denying that He is good, but the man is not addressing Him as God. Had the man done so, there would have been no objection.\f*  
\v 20 \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandments|strong="G1785"\w*: ‘\w Do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w commit|strong="G3431"\w* \w adultery|strong="G3431"\w*, \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w murder|strong="G5407"\w*, \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w*, \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w give|strong="G5576"\w* \w false|strong="G5576"\w* \w testimony|strong="G5576"\w*, \w honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*.’ ”  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w kept|strong="G5442"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w youth|strong="G3503"\w*.”  
\v 22 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* hearing \w these|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 18:22 \ft From the parallel account in Matthew 19:16-22 we learn that the man actually said more than is recorded here.\f* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w lack|strong="G3007"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w thing|strong="G1520"\w*: \w sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w distribute|strong="G1239"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w treasure|strong="G2344"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1204"\w*, \w follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* heard \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w very|strong="G4970"\w* \w sad|strong="G4036"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w extremely|strong="G4970"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w*.\f + \fr 18:23 \ft The Lord had put His finger on the one he was not keeping; he was not loving his neighbor as himself.\f*   
\s1 Riches tend to keep people out of the Kingdom  
\p
\v 24 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w became|strong="G3588"\w* sad, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* difficult \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w riches|strong="G5536"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1531"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!\f + \fr 18:24 \ft The parallel passage in Mark (10:24) clarifies that it is those who trust in riches. How many rich people do you know who do not trust in their riches? (That clarification is omitted by less than half a percent of the extant Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, as in the eclectic text currently in vogue.)\f*  
\v 25 \w It|strong="G1063"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w actually|strong="G1063"\w* \w easier|strong="G2123"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w camel|strong="G2574"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G1525"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* eye \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* needle\f + \fr 18:25 \ft Jesus refers to a literal camel and a literal needle, which of course is “impossible with men”, as He goes on to say in verse 27.\f* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 26 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* hearers \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*?”  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* impossible \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w men|strong="G1415"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w possible|strong="G1415"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”   
\p
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “Notice \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* left \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* followed \w you|strong="G4771"\w*!”  
\v 29 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “Assuredly \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* left \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* brothers \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sake|strong="G1752"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,  
\v 30 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* receive \w many|strong="G4179"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w present|strong="G3778"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w age|strong="G2540"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus declares His coming death and resurrection—third time  
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G3880"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w aside|strong="G3880"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Take|strong="G3880"\w* note, \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w concerning|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G5055"\w*:  
\v 32 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w mocked|strong="G1702"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* insulted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spit|strong="G1716"\w* \w upon|strong="G1716"\w*,  
\v 33 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w scourge|strong="G3146"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*\f + \fr 18:33 \ft Referring to the time between Jesus' death and resurrection, Luke (and Matthew and Mark) has ‘(on) the third day’; but Mark also has ‘after three days’, while Matthew also has ‘three days and three nights’; John has ‘in three days’. Due to these seeming differences, there are those who insist that Jesus died on Thursday, not Friday, or even on Wednesday. There is general agreement that the resurrection happened on Sunday. Both ‘(on) the third day’ and ‘in three days’ allow for a Friday crucifixion, as the Church has generally understood. In John 20:26 we read, “after eight days” Jesus appeared to the disciples again, with Thomas present; this was the next Sunday, so only seven days had elapsed—Jews (and Brazilians) include the day at both ends. So ‘after three days’ also allows for a Friday crucifixion. I take it that ‘three days and three nights’ was an idiomatic expression synonymous with ‘after three days’. So Jesus died on a Friday.\f* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*.”  
\v 34 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w understood|strong="G4920"\w* \w none|strong="G3762"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*; \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 18:34 \ft ‘Hidden’ by whom?\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*.   
\s1 A blind man near Jericho  
\p
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w*,\f + \fr 18:35 \ft Luke has Jesus approaching Jericho, while Matthew and Mark have Him leaving it. In Jesus' day there were two Jerichos, the old one that had been rebuilt, and a new one, about a kilometer away. What better place to beg than between the two towns? Jesus had left the old Jericho and was going toward the new one. For further discussion, please see the Appendix: “Entering or leaving Jericho?”.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w blind|strong="G5185"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* alongside \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w* \w begging|strong="G1871"\w*.  
\v 36 Hearing \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w going|strong="G3778"\w* \w by|strong="G1510"\w*, \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G4441"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*.  
\v 37 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* told \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* Natsorean\f + \fr 18:37 \ft That is correct, ‘Natsorean’, not Nazarene. The reference is to Isaiah 11:1—Jesus was the ‘Branch-man’, the Messiah, as the blind man clearly understood, since he addressed Him as ‘Son of David’. For further discussion, please see the Appendix: “ ‘Prophets’ in Matthew 2:23”.\f* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w passing|strong="G3928"\w* \w by|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 38 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* shouted, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 39 \w Those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w led|strong="G4254"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G4254"\w* started reproving \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w shut|strong="G1473"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4601"\w* calling \w out|strong="G2896"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w*, “\w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*, \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1653"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”  
\v 40 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w stopped|strong="G2476"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w ordered|strong="G2753"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w brought|strong="G2476"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* got \w close|strong="G1448"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, saying,  
\v 41 “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* see again!”\f + \fr 18:41 \ft The man had not been born blind. Do you find it to be curious that Jesus asked him what he wanted? Was it not obvious? God knows what we need before we ask, but we must ask!\f*  
\v 42 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: “See \w again|strong="G2532"\w*! \w Your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w has|strong="G4102"\w* \w made|strong="G4982"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w well|strong="G4982"\w*.”  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w*! \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w followed|strong="G2992"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w glorifying|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w witnessed|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w praise|strong="G1392"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.   
\c 19  
\s1 Zacchaeus  
\m
\v 1 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* \w passing|strong="G1330"\w* \w through|strong="G1330"\w* \w Jericho|strong="G2410"\w*.\f + \fr 19:1 \ft This would be the new Jericho.\f*  
\v 2 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G4145"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Zacchaeus|strong="G2195"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*—\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* tax collector, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w wealthy|strong="G4145"\w*!  
\v 3 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w trying|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G1410"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w short|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w running|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w ahead|strong="G1715"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* climbed \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sycamore|strong="G4809"\w* \w tree|strong="G4809"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w pass|strong="G1330"\w* \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 5 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2424"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Zacchaeus|strong="G2195"\w*, \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w quickly|strong="G1722"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:5 \ft Jesus called him by name. How did He know that? Might that have contributed to the man's conversion?\f*  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2597"\w* \w down|strong="G2597"\w* \w quickly|strong="G4692"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G5264"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w joyfully|strong="G5463"\w*.  
\v 7 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w started|strong="G1525"\w* complaining, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w lodge|strong="G2647"\w* \w with|strong="G3844"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* sinful \w man|strong="G3956"\w*!”   
\p
\v 8 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Zacchaeus|strong="G2195"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, “\w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* herewith \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w half|strong="G2255"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* goods \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* extorted \w anything|strong="G5100"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* restore \w fourfold|strong="G5073"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:8 \ft The man knew his Bible; see Exodus 22:1.\f*  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w about|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Today|strong="G4594"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w*,\f + \fr 19:9 \ft Yes indeed, that was a complete change of direction!\f* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* Abraham;  
\v 10 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w has|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* lost.”   
\s1 Parable of a despised king  
\p
\v 11 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* continued \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w supposing|strong="G1380"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* verge \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* revealed.\f + \fr 19:11 \ft This seems to have been a fixation in their minds that kept them from understanding the Lord's repeated warnings that He was about to be killed.\f*  
\v 12 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w nobleman|strong="G2104"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distant|strong="G3117"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w return|strong="G5290"\w*.  
\v 13 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*, \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w them|strong="G1325"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* ‘\w minas|strong="G3414"\w*’, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1325"\w*, ‘Conduct \w business|strong="G4231"\w* \w until|strong="G2064"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w*.’  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w his|strong="G1909"\w* \w citizens|strong="G4177"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w delegation|strong="G4242"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w reign|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.’  
\v 15 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* kingdom, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1722"\w* returning \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w ordered|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* money \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* gained \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* trading.  
\v 16 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G3854"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w mina|strong="G3414"\w* earned \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w minas|strong="G3414"\w*!’\f + \fr 19:16 \ft How long would it take to multiply an investment ten times? Probably quite a while! That the man had to go to a distant country strikes me as unusual, and after he got there he may not have received the kingdom right away. The parable clearly relates to our Lord's absence and Return. We need to do the best we can with what He has given us.\f*  
\v 17 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G1722"\w*: ‘Super, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w good|strong="G2095"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*! \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G1646"\w*, \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w over|strong="G1883"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w*!’  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w mina|strong="G3414"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w minas|strong="G3414"\w*.’  
\v 19 \w Likewise|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w over|strong="G1883"\w* \w five|strong="G4002"\w* \w cities|strong="G4172"\w*.’  
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w Master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w here|strong="G2400"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w mina|strong="G3414"\w*, \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w kept|strong="G3739"\w* \w laid|strong="G2532"\w* away \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* piece \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloth|strong="G4676"\w*  
\v 21 —\w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w feared|strong="G5399"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hard \w man|strong="G3739"\w*, removing \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reaping|strong="G2325"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w*.’  
\v 22 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w judge|strong="G2919"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* own \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*, \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w wicked|strong="G4190"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*! \w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w knew|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* hard \w man|strong="G4190"\w*, removing \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w place|strong="G5087"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w reaping|strong="G2325"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w sow|strong="G4687"\w*.  
\v 23 \w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* didn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1325"\w* \w put|strong="G1325"\w* \w my|strong="G1325"\w* money \w on|strong="G1909"\w* deposit, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w collected|strong="G4238"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w interest|strong="G5110"\w*?’  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w standing|strong="G3936"\w* \w by|strong="G3936"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Take|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mina|strong="G3414"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w minas|strong="G3414"\w*.’  
\v 25 (\w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, ‘\w Master|strong="G2962"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \it already\it* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w ten|strong="G1176"\w* \w minas|strong="G3414"\w*!’)  
\v 26 ‘\w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w*, \w more|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*;\f + \fr 19:26 \ft There is a sense in which blessing is earned; the more you do, the more you get. In John 12:26 Sovereign Jesus said, “If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him.”\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* taken \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 27 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w mine|strong="G1473"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w reign|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w bring|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w slaughter|strong="G2695"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w front|strong="G1715"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!’ ”\f + \fr 19:27 \ft The man had accepted the description given by the third slave, and here he demonstrates that he really is a ‘hard’ man, but don't forget that he rewarded the faithful slaves. And don't forget Revelation 19:15!\f*   
\ms1 The last week  
\s1 The ‘Triumphal Entry’  
\p
\v 28 \w Having|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w ahead|strong="G1715"\w*, \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w*.  
\v 29 \w When|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w drew|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* Bethphage\f + \fr 19:29 \ft Some 44% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Bethphage’ (as in most versions), but the 56% includes the best line of transmission, which I follow. In any case, it is a mere matter of spelling.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Bethany, \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*’, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w*: \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*,  
\v 30 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Go|strong="G5217"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w opposite|strong="G2713"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*, \w where|strong="G3739"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w enter|strong="G1531"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w colt|strong="G4454"\w* \w tied|strong="G1210"\w*, \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w man|strong="G3762"\w* \w ever|strong="G4455"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2523"\w*. \w Untie|strong="G3089"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bring|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 31 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w asks|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w untying|strong="G3089"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*?’ \w just|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*: ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w needs|strong="G5532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.’ ”   
\s2 A steed for the King  
\p
\v 32 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* sent \w went|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w like|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 33 \w As|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w untying|strong="G3089"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w colt|strong="G4454"\w*, \w its|strong="G3089"\w* \w owners|strong="G2962"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w untying|strong="G3089"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w colt|strong="G4454"\w*?”  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w needs|strong="G5532"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:34 \ft It seems to me obvious that this had been prearranged.\f*  
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* throwing \w their|strong="G2532"\w* own \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w colt|strong="G4454"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* placed \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 36 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G4198"\w* \w along|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w spreading|strong="G5291"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*.   
\s2 Rejoicing and praising  
\p
\v 37 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w*, \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w approaching|strong="G1448"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w descent|strong="G2600"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w multitude|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* praise \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voice|strong="G5456"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1411"\w* \w works|strong="G1411"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w*,  
\v 38 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “\w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w King|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*!\f + \fr 19:38 \ft See Psalm 118:26.\f*  
\q2 \w Peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w highest|strong="G5310"\w*!”   
\s2 A sour note  
\p
\v 39 \w Some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pharisees|strong="G5330"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w rebuke|strong="G2008"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*!”  
\v 40 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* keep \w silent|strong="G4623"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w cry|strong="G2896"\w* \w out|strong="G2896"\w*!”   
\s2 Jesus weeps over Jerusalem  
\p
\v 41 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w*, observing \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w wept|strong="G2799"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*,  
\v 42 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w yes|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w especially|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w pertaining|strong="G4314"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*! \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w hidden|strong="G2928"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w*.  
\v 43 Yes, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2240"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* build \w an|strong="G2532"\w* embankment \w around|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*; \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w surround|strong="G4033"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hem|strong="G4912"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w every|strong="G2532"\w* \w side|strong="G3840"\w*.  
\v 44 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* raze \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ground|strong="G1474"\w*—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* leave \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w another|strong="G3037"\w*—\w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w recognize|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w visitation|strong="G1984"\w*.”\f + \fr 19:44 \ft The implication would appear to be that if they had recognized it, their history would have been different.\f*   
\s2 Jesus cleanses the temple—second time  
\p
\v 45 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2411"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w drive|strong="G1544"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w selling|strong="G4453"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buying \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 19:45 \ft Comparing the parallel accounts, this happened the next day. Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and buying in it” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 46 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*: ‘\w My|strong="G1473"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3624"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w*,’\f + \fr 19:46 \ft See Isaiah 56:7.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w den|strong="G4693"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w robbers|strong="G3027"\w*’!”\f + \fr 19:46 \ft See Jeremiah 7:11.\f*   
\p
\v 47 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G4413"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w leaders|strong="G4413"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w trying|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 48 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w could|strong="G2147"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* figure \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w hanging|strong="G1582"\w* \w on|strong="G4160"\w* \w His|strong="G4160"\w* \w words|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\c 20  
\s1 Jesus' authority questioned  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* evangelizing \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w priests|strong="G2409"\w*\f + \fr 20:1 \ft Some 16% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘high priests’ (as in most versions).\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w*  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* addressed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*; \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w*?”  
\v 3 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w ask|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w thing|strong="G3056"\w*; \w yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*:  
\v 4 \w the|strong="G1537"\w* baptism \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*—\w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1510"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*?”  
\v 5 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G4817"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1437"\w* \w we|strong="G1437"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*,’ \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w did|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*?’  
\v 6 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w From|strong="G1537"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*,’ \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w stone|strong="G2642"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w*.”  
\v 7 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* answered \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w where|strong="G4159"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G4169"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.”\f + \fr 20:8 \ft Well, of course, they knew that both John and Jesus were of God—they just did not want to repent and change their way of life.\f*   
\s1 Parable of some perverse tenants  
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w A|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w planted|strong="G5452"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard, \w leased|strong="G1554"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* farmers, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* away \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G2425"\w* journey.  
\v 10 \w At|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w proper|strong="G2540"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* farmers, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* farmers \w flogged|strong="G1194"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G1821"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G1821"\w* \w empty-handed|strong="G2756"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Again|strong="G4369"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*; \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w flogged|strong="G1194"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, treated \w him|strong="G3588"\w* shamefully, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w away|strong="G1821"\w* \w empty-handed|strong="G2756"\w*.  
\v 12 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w again|strong="G4369"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w wounded|strong="G5135"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* vineyard \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w shall|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w*? \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* beloved \w son|strong="G5207"\w*; hopefully \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w respect|strong="G1788"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* see \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.’\f + \fr 20:13 \ft Presumably this would never occur in real life, but the Lord was aiming this directly at them, knowing what they would do to Him and what the Owner would do to them.\f*  
\v 14 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* farmers \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w reasoned|strong="G1260"\w* \w among|strong="G4314"\w* \w themselves|strong="G3778"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w heir|strong="G2818"\w*. \w Come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w let|strong="G1096"\w*'s kill \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w ours|strong="G1473"\w*.’  
\v 15 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w threw|strong="G1544"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1544"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w owner|strong="G2962"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*?  
\v 16 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* destroy \w those|strong="G3588"\w* farmers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* vineyard \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*.” \w Having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w May|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w never|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*!”   
\p
\v 17 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w looked|strong="G1689"\w* directly \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*:  
\q1 ‘\w A|strong="G1096"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w builders|strong="G3618"\w* rejected,  
\q2 \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w cornerstone|strong="G2776"\w*’?\f + \fr 20:17 \ft See Psalm 118:22.\f*   
\m
\v 18 \w Everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w falls|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w broken|strong="G4917"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w pieces|strong="G4917"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w whomever|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w*—\w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* crush \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”\f + \fr 20:18 \ft Those are our two options: fall on Jesus and be broken, or be crushed in judgment.\f*   
\p
\v 19 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w wanted|strong="G2212"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w lay|strong="G1911"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* right \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G5399"\w*\f + \fr 20:19 \ft For ‘they were afraid’, some 35% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘they feared the people’ (as in most versions).\f* —\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w knew|strong="G1097"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\s1 To Caesar, Caesar's; to God, God's  
\p
\v 20 Keeping \w a|strong="G2532"\w* close watch \w on|strong="G1949"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w spies|strong="G1455"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w pretended|strong="G5271"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w innocent|strong="G1342"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* latch \w on|strong="G1949"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w something|strong="G1510"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G2532"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w hand|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1849"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w governor|strong="G2232"\w*.  
\v 21 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w right|strong="G3723"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w show|strong="G2983"\w* \w favoritism|strong="G2983"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w teach|strong="G1321"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G3598"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* truth.\f + \fr 20:21 \ft They were really almost too obvious.\f*  
\v 22 \w Is|strong="G1832"\w* \w it|strong="G1325"\w* \w lawful|strong="G1832"\w* \w for|strong="G1832"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w pay|strong="G1325"\w* \w taxes|strong="G5411"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*, \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*?”   
\p
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w perceived|strong="G2657"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w craftiness|strong="G3834"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Why \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* testing \w me|strong="G3004"\w*?\f + \fr 20:23 \ft Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Why are you testing me?” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 24 \w Show|strong="G1166"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w denarius|strong="G1220"\w*—\w whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w image|strong="G1504"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w inscription|strong="G1923"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*?” \w In|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w*.”  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Then|strong="G2532"\w* render \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s.”  
\v 26 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w unable|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* latch \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* front \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* answer \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G4601"\w* \w silent|strong="G4601"\w*.   
\s1 Sadducees deny resurrection  
\p
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Sadducees|strong="G4523"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* resurrection, \w approached|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 28 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w wrote|strong="G1125"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w*'\w s|strong="G2192"\w* \w married|strong="G2983"\w* brother dies childless, \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* brother \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w take|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* widow \w and|strong="G2532"\w* produce offspring \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2983"\w* brother.  
\v 29 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* brothers: \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* childless;  
\v 30 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* widow \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \nd \+w he|strong="G2532"\+w*\nd* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* childless;\f + \fr 20:30 \ft Perhaps 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “the widow and he died childless” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 31 \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* fact \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* sequence—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* childless.  
\v 32 \w Finally|strong="G5305"\w*, \w last|strong="G5305"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w woman|strong="G1135"\w* \w died|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* resurrection, \w whose|strong="G5101"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w she|strong="G1063"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*, \w since|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G1722"\w* \w seven|strong="G2033"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*?”\f + \fr 20:33 \ft Whenever someone comes up with a hypothetical situation, be careful; there is probably a hidden agenda.\f*   
\p
\v 34 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* answer \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* age \w marry|strong="G1060"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*;  
\v 35 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w considered|strong="G2661"\w* \w worthy|strong="G2661"\w*\f + \fr 20:35 \ft “Those who are considered worthy”—an interesting concept!\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w attain|strong="G5177"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* age, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w neither|strong="G3777"\w* \w marry|strong="G1060"\w* \w nor|strong="G3777"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1061"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w marriage|strong="G1061"\w*.  
\v 36 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w cannot|strong="G1410"\w* die \w anymore|strong="G2089"\w*,\f + \fr 20:36 \ft If no one dies, there is no need to produce new generations.\f* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w like|strong="G2465"\w* \w angels|strong="G2465"\w*—\w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection.  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w*, \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w revealed|strong="G3377"\w* \w about|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Bush \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* recorded: ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* Abraham \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Isaac|strong="G2464"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jacob|strong="G2384"\w*.’\f + \fr 20:37 \ft See Exodus 3:6.\f*  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w*—\w to|strong="G3756"\w* Him \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*.”  
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G5100"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w spoke|strong="G3004"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w*.”  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1063"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* \w dared|strong="G5111"\w* \w to|strong="G5111"\w* \w question|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w* \w further|strong="G3765"\w*.   
\s1 Is the Christ David's Son?  
\p
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w How|strong="G4459"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 20:41 \ft The Greek Text has ‘Christ’, but since they were speaking Hebrew, the Lord certainly said ‘Messiah’.\f* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w*'s \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*?  
\v 42 \w Why|strong="G1063"\w* \w David|strong="G1138"\w* himself affirms \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Psalms|strong="G5568"\w*,  
\q1 ‘\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \sc \+w Lord|strong="G2962"\+w*\sc* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*: \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w*   
\q2
\v 43 \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w I|strong="G2193"\w* \w make|strong="G5087"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w a|strong="G5087"\w* \w footstool|strong="G5286"\w* \w for|strong="G4228"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.’\f + \fr 20:43 \ft See Psalm 110:1.\f*   
\m
\v 44 Since \w David|strong="G1138"\w* \w calls|strong="G2564"\w* \w Him|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*’, \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w*?”   
\s1 Jesus denounces the scribes  
\p
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w*, \w in|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* hearing \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*:  
\v 46 “\w Beware|strong="G4337"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w around|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w long|strong="G4749"\w* \w robes|strong="G4749"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w love|strong="G5368"\w* greetings \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* marketplaces, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* best \w seats|strong="G4410"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* best \w places|strong="G4411"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w feasts|strong="G1173"\w*;  
\v 47 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* ‘\w devour|strong="G2719"\w*’ \w widows|strong="G5503"\w*' \w houses|strong="G3614"\w*,\f + \fr 20:47 \ft Presumably, when the man died the widow no longer had the means to clear any debt; so they would just take over the house and put the widow out in the street.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w show|strong="G2983"\w* \w make|strong="G4336"\w* \w long|strong="G3117"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4336"\w*. \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w receive|strong="G2983"\w* \w more|strong="G2532"\w* severe \w judgment|strong="G2917"\w*.”   
\c 21  
\s1 A lesson in giving  
\m
\v 1 Looking \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* putting \w their|strong="G1519"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1435"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* treasure chest.  
\v 2 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G3708"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w poor|strong="G3998"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* putting \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w mites|strong="G3016"\w*.  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* truly \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w poor|strong="G4434"\w* \w widow|strong="G5503"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G4119"\w* \w than|strong="G4183"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*;  
\v 4 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w gifts|strong="G1435"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w God|strong="G1519"\w* \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G3956"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w*, \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w her|strong="G1519"\w* destitution, \w put|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w she|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w live|strong="G2192"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w*.”\f + \fr 21:4 \ft It is a fact of life; people who are poor are often more generous, more willing to share, than those who are rich. But in this case the widow was probably calling out to God for help. Perhaps 1.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “for God” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Jerusalem will be destroyed  
\p
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* admiring \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w how|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w adorned|strong="G2885"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w beautiful|strong="G2570"\w* \w stones|strong="G3037"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* donations, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 6 “\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w see|strong="G2334"\w*—\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* left \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w another|strong="G3037"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G3756"\w* thrown \w down|strong="G2647"\w*.”\f + \fr 21:6 \ft This was fulfilled in 70 \ft \+sc ad\+sc*\f*   
\ms1 The Olivet Discourse  
\p
\v 7 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w*, \w so|strong="G3767"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w*?” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sign|strong="G4592"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*?”\f + \fr 21:7 \ft There are two questions: “When these things?” and “What the sign?” The answer to the first is given in Luke 21:20-24. The answer to the second begins here in verse 8.\f*  
\v 8 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Be|strong="G1510"\w* careful, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w deceived|strong="G4105"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: ‘\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w*’ \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w hand|strong="G1448"\w*.’ \w Therefore|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w after|strong="G3694"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* hear \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wars|strong="G4171"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* insurrections, \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w terrified|strong="G4422"\w*; \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w right|strong="G3756"\w* away.”   
\s1 Things will get bad, really bad  
\p
\v 10 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w up|strong="G1453"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom \w against|strong="G1909"\w* kingdom.  
\v 11 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w severe|strong="G3173"\w* \w earthquakes|strong="G4578"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w various|strong="G2596"\w* \w places|strong="G5117"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w famines|strong="G3042"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pestilences|strong="G3061"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* fearful events \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 12 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w lay|strong="G1911"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w persecute|strong="G1377"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w delivering|strong="G3860"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w synagogues|strong="G4864"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prisons|strong="G5438"\w*, bringing \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w governors|strong="G2232"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* account \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.  
\v 13 But \w it|strong="G1519"\w* \w will|strong="G4771"\w* turn \w out|strong="G1519"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G1519"\w* occasion \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3142"\w*.  
\v 14 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w settle|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G5087"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G5087"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* practice giving \w a|strong="G1722"\w* defense \w beforehand|strong="G4304"\w*;  
\v 15 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*\f + \fr 21:15 \ft To do this He has to be alive!\f* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w such|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* adversaries \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* contradict \w or|strong="G2228"\w* withstand.\f + \fr 21:15 \ft This was true of Stephen; they couldn't answer him, so they killed him.\f*  
\v 16 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w relatives|strong="G4773"\w*, \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ‘brothers’; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2289"\w* \w some|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2289"\w*.  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*.\f + \fr 21:17 \ft This is already happening around the world. Those who defend biblical values are hated.\f*  
\v 18 (\w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w hair|strong="G2359"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* wasted\f + \fr 21:18 \ft I have to take this by faith. We have to work and war by faith, since we are often not allowed to see the results. I take it that the Lord is assuring us that nothing we do for Him will be wasted. But we must ‘hang in there’.\f*  
\v 19 —\w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* secure \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w souls|strong="G5590"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w endurance|strong="G5281"\w*.)   
\s1 Jerusalem will be destroyed  
\p
\v 20 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w surrounded|strong="G2944"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w armies|strong="G4760"\w*, \w then|strong="G5119"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w her|strong="G3708"\w* \w desolation|strong="G2050"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w hand|strong="G1448"\w*.  
\v 21 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w* \w flee|strong="G5343"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*; \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* city \w get|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w country|strong="G5561"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*.  
\v 22 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w vengeance|strong="G1557"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w may|strong="G3956"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* fulfilled.  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w pregnant|strong="G1064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w nursing|strong="G2337"\w* \w babies|strong="G2337"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*! \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* distress \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.  
\v 24 Yes, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w edge|strong="G4750"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* led away captive \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w trampled|strong="G3961"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*, \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.\f + \fr 21:24 \ft Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 \ft \+sc ad\+sc* and was ‘trampled by Gentiles’ until 1967, when it returned to the control of Israel. So now the things mentioned in verse 25 and following can happen at any time.\f*   
\s1 Christ will return to the earth  
\p
\v 25 “\w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w signs|strong="G4592"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w*, \w moon|strong="G4582"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* stars; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w distress|strong="G4928"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* perplexity, \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w roaring|strong="G2279"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* tossing \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sea|strong="G2281"\w*;\f + \fr 21:25 \ft ‘The sea’ is sometimes used as a metaphor for the human population.\f*  
\v 26 \w men|strong="G3588"\w* fainting \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w expectation|strong="G4329"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G1904"\w* \w on|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w inhabited|strong="G3625"\w* \w earth|strong="G3625"\w*—\w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w powers|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w shaken|strong="G4531"\w*.\f + \fr 21:26 \ft See Revelation 12:7-12.\f*  
\v 27 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w cloud|strong="G3507"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.  
\v 28 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* begin \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w*, straighten \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lift|strong="G1869"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w heads|strong="G2776"\w*, \w because|strong="G1360"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* redemption \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w drawing|strong="G1448"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*.”   
\s1 Parable of the fig tree  
\p
\v 29 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w parable|strong="G3850"\w*: “\w Look|strong="G3708"\w* \w at|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fig|strong="G4808"\w* \w tree|strong="G1186"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w trees|strong="G1186"\w*.  
\v 30 \w Whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* budding, \w you|strong="G3752"\w* \w see|strong="G1097"\w* \w and|strong="G3588"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w by|strong="G1438"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w summer|strong="G2330"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w now|strong="G2235"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*.  
\v 31 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w whenever|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w happening|strong="G1096"\w*, \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*.  
\v 32 \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* assuredly, \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*\f + \fr 21:32 \ft ‘This generation’ has received various interpretations. Personally I suppose it refers to the generation that was alive in 1967 (by now everyone in that ‘generation’ is at least 48 years old).\f* \w will|strong="G3778"\w* \w certainly|strong="G3756"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w pass|strong="G1096"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 33 \w Heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w means|strong="G3361"\w* \w pass|strong="G3928"\w* \w away|strong="G3928"\w*.\f + \fr 21:33 \ft Sovereign Jesus declares that His words have eternal validity, and are therefore on a par with God's written revelation (see Psalm 119:89).\f*   
\s1 Watch and pray  
\p
\v 34 “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w keep|strong="G2250"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w watch|strong="G4337"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*, \w lest|strong="G3379"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* weighed down \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w dissipation|strong="G2897"\w*, \w drunkenness|strong="G3178"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cares|strong="G3308"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* life, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w come|strong="G2186"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* suddenly.  
\v 35 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G3956"\w* \w come|strong="G1904"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w trap|strong="G3803"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* surface \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* watchful \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*, \w praying|strong="G1189"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* counted worthy\f + \fr 21:36 \ft Instead of ‘counted worthy’, less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have ‘be able’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w escape|strong="G1628"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 21:36 \ft If ‘to escape all these things’ refers to the Rapture, then only those who are ‘counted worthy’ will go up.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w before|strong="G1715"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Man|strong="G3778"\w*.”   
\ms1 His daily routine  
\p
\v 37 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w daytime|strong="G2250"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w night|strong="G3571"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w stayed|strong="G1510"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mountain|strong="G3735"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*.’  
\v 38 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w early|strong="G3719"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w morning|strong="G3719"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* hear \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\c 22  
\s1 Judas joins the plot against Jesus  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w feast|strong="G1859"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* unleavened bread, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*’, \w drew|strong="G1161"\w* \w near|strong="G1448"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* way \w to|strong="G2532"\w* kill \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w feared|strong="G5399"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*.\f + \fr 22:2 \ft The trouble was that the people were being so impressed by Jesus that they felt threatened.\f*  
\v 3 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w entered|strong="G1525"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*\f + \fr 22:3 \ft Note that Judas acted under satanic inspiration.\f* (\w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* surnamed \w Iscariot|strong="G2469"\w*), \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* numbered \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Twelve|strong="G1427"\w*.  
\v 4 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* off \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w conferred|strong="G4814"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4755"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w officers|strong="G4755"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w* \w how|strong="G4459"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 5 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w glad|strong="G5463"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w agreed|strong="G4934"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w him|strong="G1325"\w* silver coins.  
\v 6 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w promised|strong="G1843"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* started \w looking|strong="G2212"\w* \w for|strong="G2212"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w opportunity|strong="G2120"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w betray|strong="G3860"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w without|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*.   
\ms1 The last night  
\s1 Preparation for the last Passover  
\p
\v 7 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* unleavened bread, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2064"\w* \w kill|strong="G2380"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* lamb.  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w John|strong="G2491"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Go|strong="G4198"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w*.”  
\v 9 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Where|strong="G4226"\w* \w do|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w want|strong="G2309"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w prepare|strong="G2090"\w*?”  
\v 10 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “Note, \w upon|strong="G1519"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* \w man|strong="G1519"\w* carrying \w a|strong="G1519"\w* jar \w of|strong="G4172"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*\f + \fr 22:10 \ft This would presumably be rather unusual, since fetching water was normally done by women.\f* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w meet|strong="G4876"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w follow|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w enters|strong="G1525"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w must|strong="G2046"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w master|strong="G1320"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Teacher|strong="G1320"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*: \w Where|strong="G3699"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w guest|strong="G2646"\w* \w room|strong="G2646"\w* \w where|strong="G3699"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*?’  
\v 12 \w He|strong="G1563"\w* himself \w will|strong="G2548"\w* \w show|strong="G1166"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G2090"\w* \w large|strong="G3173"\w* upper room,\f + \fr 22:12 \ft Obviously this had all been arranged ahead of time. The owner was doubtless a believer, and the large upper room was presumably chosen with a view to the use that would be made of it later, as well.\f* \w all|strong="G3173"\w* \w furnished|strong="G4766"\w*; \w make|strong="G2090"\w* preparations \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* off \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w*.   
\s1 They eat the Passover  
\p
\v 14 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* reclined, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* twelve\f + \fr 22:14 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “twelve” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* apostles \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* fervently \w desired|strong="G1937"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w Passover|strong="G3957"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w*.  
\v 16 \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w further|strong="G3765"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w again|strong="G3765"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”  
\v 17 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Take|strong="G2983"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w share|strong="G1266"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*.\f + \fr 22:17 \ft This ‘cup’ was not part of the ‘Lord's Supper’; I don't know what the purpose may have been.\f*  
\v 18 \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* further \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w again|strong="G2193"\w*\f + \fr 22:18 \ft To suck a swallow or two from a sponge would not qualify as ‘drinking’.\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w fruit|strong="G1081"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* vine \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper  
\p
\v 19 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w after|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* meal, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* bread, \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w*, \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* remembrance \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*.”  
\v 20 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w covenant|strong="G1242"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* blood, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w shed|strong="G1632"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.   
\s2 The betrayer is present  
\p
\v 21 “\w But|strong="G4133"\w* alas, \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w betrays|strong="G3860"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w table|strong="G5132"\w*!  
\v 22 \w To|strong="G2596"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w sure|strong="G3303"\w*, \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* been \w determined|strong="G3724"\w*, \w but|strong="G4133"\w* \w woe|strong="G3759"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w man|strong="G5207"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w betrayed|strong="G3860"\w*!”\f + \fr 22:22 \ft Judas had crossed the line of no return.\f*  
\v 23 (\w They|strong="G2532"\w* began \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w question|strong="G4802"\w* \w among|strong="G1537"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w do|strong="G4238"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*.)   
\s1 Wanting to be ‘the greatest’ is not a valid option  
\p
\v 24 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* discussion \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w seemed|strong="G1380"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w*.  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w kings|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w* \w lord|strong="G2961"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w over|strong="G2961"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* exercise \w authority|strong="G1850"\w* \w over|strong="G2961"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w benefactors|strong="G2110"\w*’.  
\v 26 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*—\w rather|strong="G3756"\w* \w let|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w younger|strong="G3501"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* leads \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w serves|strong="G1247"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w greater|strong="G3173"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* reclining \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w serving|strong="G1247"\w*? \w Is|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* reclining? \w Yet|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w serves|strong="G1247"\w*.  
\v 28 \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* continued \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w trials|strong="G3986"\w*.\f + \fr 22:28 \ft The gentle reproof is tempered with a word of appreciation.\f*  
\v 29 \w And|strong="G3962"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* bestow \w on|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w a|strong="G4771"\w* kingdom, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* bestowed \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,  
\v 30 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w eat|strong="G2068"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w drink|strong="G4095"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w table|strong="G5132"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w sit|strong="G2521"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w thrones|strong="G2362"\w* \w judging|strong="G2919"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w* \w tribes|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*!”\f + \fr 22:30 \ft Then the twelve tribes must still exist! God knows who and where they are. I wonder who will take the Iscariot's place. Note that there will be eating and drinking in the future Kingdom.\f*   
\s1 Peter will deny Him  
\p
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2400"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w* said:\f + \fr 22:31 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Then the Lord said” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* “\w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*, \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*! \w Indeed|strong="G2400"\w* \w Satan|strong="G4567"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* asked \w for|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* (pl) \w so|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G3708"\w* \w sift|strong="G4617"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w wheat|strong="G4621"\w*.  
\v 32 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G1189"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* (sg) \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w fail|strong="G1587"\w* completely;\f + \fr 22:32 \ft The Lord prayed for Peter, but evidently not for the Iscariot.\f* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* recovered,\f + \fr 22:32 \ft The KJV reads ‘converted’, which is a misleading translation.\f* \w strengthen|strong="G4741"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* brothers.”  
\v 33 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w go|strong="G4198"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*!”  
\v 34 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*, \w no|strong="G3756"\w* rooster \w can|strong="G3004"\w* \w crow|strong="G5455"\w* \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w before|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*!”\f + \fr 22:34 \ft This was the second warning; the first is recorded in John 13:37-38. For a complete discussion of Peter's denials, please see the Appendix: “How many times did Jesus say Peter would deny Him?”.\f*   
\s1 “Buy a sword”  
\p
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w without|strong="G3361"\w* money \w bag|strong="G4082"\w*, knapsack \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w sandals|strong="G5266"\w*, \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w lack|strong="G5302"\w* \w anything|strong="G5100"\w*?” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Nothing|strong="G3762"\w*.”  
\v 36 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w now|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* money \w bag|strong="G4082"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w take|strong="G2192"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w likewise|strong="G3668"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* knapsack; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w* \w must|strong="G2192"\w* \w sell|strong="G4453"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* \w garment|strong="G2440"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* buy \w one|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 22:36 \ft If you are obviously armed, this tends to slow down those who would otherwise attack you or take advantage of you. It is better yet to have spiritual power.\f*  
\v 37 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* still \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G5055"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*: ‘\w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* classed \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* lawless’;\f + \fr 22:37 \ft See Isaiah 53:12.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w*.”  
\v 38 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Look|strong="G2400"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w here|strong="G5602"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w*.” \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w It|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w enough|strong="G2425"\w*.”   
\s1 Gethsemane  
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1831"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Mount|strong="G3735"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Olives|strong="G1636"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w custom|strong="G1485"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w* followed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 40 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w*, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w so|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w temptation|strong="G3986"\w*.”  
\v 41 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* withdrew \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w*'s \w throw|strong="G1000"\w*, \w knelt|strong="G1119"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w*,  
\v 42 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w would|strong="G1014"\w* \w just|strong="G3588"\w* \w remove|strong="G3911"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w cup|strong="G4221"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*—\w nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*, \w but|strong="G1487"\w* \w yours|strong="G4674"\w*, \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w*!”  
\v 43 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w an|strong="G1161"\w* angel \w from|strong="G3772"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G1161"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*, \w strengthening|strong="G1765"\w* \w Him|strong="G3708"\w*.  
\v 44 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* anguish \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w prayed|strong="G4336"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* total concentration;\f + \fr 22:44 \ft I believe that Hebrews 5:7 refers to this moment. To transpire blood is normally fatal, so Jesus came close to dying there in the garden. But He had to get to the cross, so the Father sent an angel to strengthen Him. The sleeping disciples did not observe this, so Luke received this information ‘from Above’ (Luke 1:3).\f* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w sweat|strong="G2402"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w like|strong="G5616"\w* clots \w of|strong="G2532"\w* blood, \w falling|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*.\f + \fr 22:44 \ft The eclectic Greek text currently in vogue places verses 43-44 within double brackets (based on 1.3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality), thereby denying that Luke wrote them. These verses contain important information that should not be questioned on such a feeble basis.\f*  
\v 45 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2064"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w disciples|strong="G3101"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w sleeping|strong="G2837"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w sorrow|strong="G3077"\w*.  
\v 46 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w sleep|strong="G2518"\w*? \w Get|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w temptation|strong="G3986"\w*!”   
\s1 Betrayal and arrest  
\p
\v 47 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*—wow, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G3004"\w* \w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w twelve|strong="G1427"\w*, \w was|strong="G3588"\w* leading \w them|strong="G3588"\w*! \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w kiss|strong="G5368"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* (\w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* given \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* sign, “Whomever \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w kiss|strong="G5368"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w*”).\f + \fr 22:47 \ft Some 45% of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission (that I follow), have, “he had given them this sign, ‘Whomever I kiss, it is he’ ”. Every other version I have seen follows the 55%.\f*  
\v 48 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Judas|strong="G2455"\w*, \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w betraying|strong="G3860"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w with|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \nd \+w kiss|strong="G5370"\+w*\nd*?”   
\p
\v 49 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w around|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w happen|strong="G1510"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w shall|strong="G2962"\w* \w we|strong="G1161"\w* \w strike|strong="G3960"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w*?”  
\v 50 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w struck|strong="G3960"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w servant|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w off|strong="G1537"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w ear|strong="G3775"\w*!\f + \fr 22:50 \ft “\+nd The\+nd* servant of the high priest”—presumably this man was leading the expedition. We know from John 18:10 that his name was Malchus.\f*  
\v 51 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* reacted \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Allow|strong="G1439"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* least \w this|strong="G3778"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* touching \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w ear|strong="G5621"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w healed|strong="G2390"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 22:51 \ft We know it was Peter (John 18:10), and if the Lord had not healed that ear, things would probably have been nastier for Peter in the ‘courtyard’.\f*   
\p
\v 52 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G4755"\w* priests, \w officers|strong="G4755"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Have|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w come|strong="G1831"\w* \w out|strong="G1831"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w swords|strong="G3162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w clubs|strong="G3586"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w against|strong="G1909"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* bandit?  
\v 53 \w When|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w daily|strong="G2250"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w lay|strong="G1614"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w hand|strong="G5495"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*. \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*; \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*!”\f + \fr 22:53 \ft This was Satan's hour, being part of the Father's Plan; ‘the darkness’ refers to Satan's kingdom; ‘your hour’ means that they were part of that kingdom.\f*   
\s1 Peter denies Jesus  
\p
\v 54 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w seized|strong="G4815"\w*, \w took|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1521"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w house|strong="G3614"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priest, \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* following \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*.  
\v 55 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* kindled \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G4442"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w middle|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* courtyard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w down|strong="G2521"\w* \w together|strong="G4776"\w*, \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w sat|strong="G2521"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 56 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w servant|strong="G3588"\w* girl, \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w sitting|strong="G2521"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fire|strong="G5457"\w*, \w looked|strong="G3708"\w* intently \w at|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 22:56 \ft I wonder how the girl knew that!\f*  
\v 57 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* denied \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Woman|strong="G1135"\w*, \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G1492"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”   
\p
\v 58 \w After|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w little|strong="G1024"\w* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w another|strong="G2087"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G5346"\w*, “\w Man|strong="G2087"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w*!”  
\v 59 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w passed|strong="G1339"\w*, \w another|strong="G1520"\w* started \w insisting|strong="G1340"\w*, “Surely \w this|strong="G3778"\w* fellow \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilean|strong="G1057"\w*.”  
\v 60 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Man|strong="G3739"\w*, \w I|strong="G3739"\w* don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w*'re \w talking|strong="G2980"\w* \w about|strong="G3588"\w*!” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w immediately|strong="G3916"\w*, \w while|strong="G2980"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* rooster\f + \fr 22:60 \ft Instead of ‘a’ rooster, perhaps 3% of the manuscripts have ‘the’ rooster (as in TR, AV, NKJV).\f* \w crowed|strong="G5455"\w*.   
\p
\v 61 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w looked|strong="G1689"\w* directly \w at|strong="G1689"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w*;\f + \fr 22:61 \ft I take it that here the Lord broke the Satanic spell, and Peter could think normally again.\f* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w remembered|strong="G5279"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w*, \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Before|strong="G4250"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* rooster \w crows|strong="G5455"\w*, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w three|strong="G5151"\w* \w times|strong="G5151"\w*.”  
\v 62 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w outside|strong="G1854"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w wept|strong="G2799"\w* \w bitterly|strong="G4090"\w*.   
\s1 Guards mistreat Jesus  
\p
\v 63 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* guarding \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* started \w mocking|strong="G1702"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w beating|strong="G1194"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 64 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w blindfolded|strong="G4028"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* \w hit|strong="G3817"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* face \w and|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 22:64 \ft Perhaps 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “they would hit His face and” (as in NIV, NASB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w ask|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Prophesy|strong="G4395"\w*! \w Who|strong="G5101"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w struck|strong="G3817"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*?”\f + \fr 22:64 \ft Those men were cowardly and perverse, but probably acted under demonic influence.\f*  
\v 65 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w kept|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* insulting \w things|strong="G4183"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\ms1 Crucifixion day  
\s1 Jesus judged by the Council  
\p
\v 66 \w As|strong="G5613"\w* \w soon|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w elders|strong="G4244"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w*, \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w together|strong="G4863"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G1096"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w before|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w council|strong="G4892"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*,  
\v 67 “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Messiah|strong="G5547"\w*, \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.” \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* simply \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w*.  
\v 68 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1437"\w* \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w question|strong="G2065"\w* \w you|strong="G1437"\w*, \w you|strong="G1437"\w* \w will|strong="G2065"\w* \w neither|strong="G3756"\w* answer \w nor|strong="G3756"\w* release \w me|strong="G2065"\w*.\f + \fr 22:68 \ft Jesus tells them that He knows, and they know, that what they are doing is a farce.\f*  
\v 69 Hereafter \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w seated|strong="G2521"\w* \w at|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w* \w hand|strong="G1188"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.”  
\v 70 \w Then|strong="G3767"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*?” \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w AM|strong="G1510"\w*!”  
\v 71 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w further|strong="G2089"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3141"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w we|strong="G1063"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*? \w We|strong="G1063"\w* ourselves \w have|strong="G2192"\w* heard \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w his|strong="G2192"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*!”\f + \fr 22:71 \ft They were condemning Him for blasphemy, but to do that they had to reject the obvious truth that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.\f*   
\c 23  
\s1 Jesus taken to Pontius Pilate  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* whole \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w rose|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* led \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*.  
\v 2 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w began|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w We|strong="G2249"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* fellow \w perverting|strong="G1294"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nation|strong="G1484"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w forbidding|strong="G2967"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w pay|strong="G1325"\w* \w taxes|strong="G5411"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*,\f + \fr 23:2 \ft This was a plain lie.\f* \w declaring|strong="G3004"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 3 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w questioned|strong="G2065"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*?” \w In|strong="G3004"\w* \w reply|strong="G3004"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w You|strong="G4771"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w*!”  
\v 4 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w crowds|strong="G3793"\w*, “\w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* guilt \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w*.”\f + \fr 23:4 \ft It is necessary to read the parallel passages to get a fuller picture of what happened. It becomes clear that Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus. For a fuller discussion, please see the Appendix: “Poor Pilate—wrong place, wrong time”.\f*  
\v 5 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* insisted, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* stirs \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w throughout|strong="G2596"\w* \w all|strong="G3650"\w* \w Judea|strong="G2449"\w*, beginning \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*.”   
\s1 Jesus taken to Herod  
\p
\v 6 \w When|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* heard ‘\w Galilee|strong="G1057"\w*’,\f + \fr 23:6 \ft Perhaps 0.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Galilee” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w asked|strong="G1905"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* man \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G1510"\w* \w Galilean|strong="G1057"\w*.  
\v 7 \w Upon|strong="G1722"\w* learning \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w belonged|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*'s \w jurisdiction|strong="G1849"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2414"\w* \w during|strong="G1722"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*.  
\v 8 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* really pleased, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w long|strong="G2425"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w hoping|strong="G1679"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w miracle|strong="G4592"\w* \w performed|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 9 \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w questioned|strong="G1905"\w* \w Him|strong="G1905"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w many|strong="G2425"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w gave|strong="G3762"\w* \w him|strong="G1905"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w answer|strong="G3056"\w*.\f + \fr 23:9 \ft Herod was irrelevant; it was Pilate who had the authority to crucify.\f*  
\v 10 \w On|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w part|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w high|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w scribes|strong="G1122"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w*, \w vehemently|strong="G2159"\w* \w accusing|strong="G2723"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4753"\w*, \w after|strong="G1161"\w* ridiculing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mocking|strong="G1702"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w arrayed|strong="G4016"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w gorgeous|strong="G2986"\w* \w robe|strong="G2066"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* back \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*.  
\v 12 (\w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w friends|strong="G5384"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*—previously \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* odds \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w each|strong="G1438"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w*.)\f + \fr 23:12 \ft An interesting ‘fringe benefit’.\f*   
\s1 Pilate sentences Jesus  
\p
\v 13 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w called|strong="G4779"\w* \w together|strong="G4779"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*,  
\v 14 \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w brought|strong="G4374"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* misleads \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w yet|strong="G2532"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* examined \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* guilt \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w accuse|strong="G2723"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 15 Further, \w neither|strong="G3761"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w Herod|strong="G2264"\w* (\w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w sent|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* \w on|strong="G4314"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w*);\f + \fr 23:15 \ft Instead of “for I sent you on to him”, some 12% of the manuscripts have ‘for he sent him back to us’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* deserving \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w has|strong="G3762"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w done|strong="G4238"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w*.  
\v 16 \w I|strong="G3767"\w* \w will|strong="G3767"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w flog|strong="G3811"\w* \w and|strong="G3767"\w* release him.”  
\v 17 (It was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast.)\f + \fr 23:17 \ft About 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit verse 17 entirely (as in NIV, NASB, LB, [TEV], etc.).\f*   
\p
\v 18 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w* \w cried|strong="G3588"\w* out \w together|strong="G3826"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*: “Away \w with|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w*! Release \w to|strong="G3004"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* Barabbas!”—  
\v 19 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w insurrection|strong="G4714"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w murder|strong="G5408"\w*.  
\v 20 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w*, \w wanting|strong="G2309"\w* \w to|strong="G2309"\w* release \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,\f + \fr 23:20 \ft Comparing the accounts it is very clear that Pilate wanted no part of killing Jesus, but when they said “you are not Caesar's friend” he was beaten.\f* \w addressed|strong="G4377"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*.  
\v 21 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w just|strong="G3588"\w* kept \w shouting|strong="G2019"\w*: “\w Crucify|strong="G4717"\w*! \w Crucify|strong="G4717"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*!”  
\v 22 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w time|strong="G5154"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w has|strong="G5101"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w*? \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w have|strong="G4160"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* reason \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*. \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w flog|strong="G3811"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* release \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.”  
\v 23 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w insistent|strong="G1945"\w*, demanding \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* \w voices|strong="G5456"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*! \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w voices|strong="G5456"\w*, especially \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests,\f + \fr 23:23 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “especially of the chief priests” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w prevailed|strong="G2729"\w*.  
\v 24 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w decided|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* grant \w their|strong="G2532"\w* demand.  
\v 25 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* released \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2424"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* thrown \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w prison|strong="G5438"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w insurrection|strong="G4714"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w murder|strong="G5408"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* asked \w for|strong="G1519"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus is crucified  
\p
\v 26 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G2424"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* away, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* conscripted \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Cyrene|strong="G2956"\w* (\w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w from|strong="G2064"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* field), \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2007"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* \w on|strong="G2007"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w carry|strong="G5342"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w behind|strong="G3693"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 23:26 \ft Whether or not Simon was already a disciple at this moment (he may have been prepared), he evidently became one. It appears that Jesus was having trouble carrying His cross.\f*  
\v 27 \w A|strong="G2532"\w* considerable \w crowd|strong="G4128"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w followed|strong="G2992"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w including|strong="G3739"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w mourning|strong="G2875"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lamenting|strong="G2875"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w turned|strong="G4762"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*: “\w Daughters|strong="G2364"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w weep|strong="G2799"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*; \w rather|strong="G1161"\w* \w weep|strong="G2799"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*.  
\v 29 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w coming|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w Blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w barren|strong="G4723"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wombs|strong="G2836"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w bore|strong="G1080"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w breasts|strong="G3149"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w never|strong="G3756"\w* \w nursed|strong="G5142"\w*!’\f + \fr 23:29 \ft For Jews to say this, things would have to get \+nd really bad\+nd*.\f*  
\v 30 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* begin ‘\w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w mountains|strong="G3735"\w*, “\w Fall|strong="G4098"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hills|strong="G1015"\w*, “\w Cover|strong="G2572"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!” ’\f + \fr 23:30 \ft See Hosea 10:8.\f*  
\v 31 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w green|strong="G5200"\w* \w tree|strong="G3586"\w*’, \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w happen|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘\w dry|strong="G3584"\w*’?”   
\p
\v 32 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w others|strong="G2087"\w*, \w criminals|strong="G2557"\w*, led \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* death.  
\v 33 \w When|strong="G3753"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w arrived|strong="G2064"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w place|strong="G5117"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Skull|strong="G2898"\w*’, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w criminals|strong="G2557"\w*, \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w right|strong="G1188"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w other|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* left.   
\p
\v 34 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, forgive \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w doing|strong="G4160"\w*”;\f + \fr 23:34 \ft The eclectic text currently in vogue (following less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality) places within double brackets the first half of verse 34: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ ”. In this way they deny that Luke wrote it, surely a perverse proceeding.\f* \w while|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w dividing|strong="G1266"\w* up \w His|strong="G4160"\w* \w clothes|strong="G2440"\w* \w by|strong="G3004"\w* casting \w a|strong="G4160"\w* \w lot|strong="G2819"\w*.  
\v 35 \w Meanwhile|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w* \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w looking|strong="G2334"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w*. \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w especially|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w among|strong="G2992"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w sneering|strong="G1592"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*; \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w such|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chosen|strong="G1588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*!”  
\v 36 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w soldiers|strong="G4757"\w* \w mocked|strong="G1702"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w approaching|strong="G4334"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w offering|strong="G4374"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w sour|strong="G3690"\w* \w wine|strong="G3690"\w*,  
\v 37 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w king|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w*!”   
\p
\v 38 \w In|strong="G1909"\w* \w fact|strong="G3778"\w*, \w above|strong="G1909"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w written|strong="G3588"\w* notice, \w in|strong="G1909"\w* Greek, Latin \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Hebrew letters:\f + \fr 23:38 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “written in Greek, Latin and Hebrew letters” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\pc \w THIS|strong="G3778"\w* \w IS|strong="G1510"\w* \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w KING|strong="G3588"\w* \w OF|strong="G2532"\w* \w THE|strong="G2532"\w* \w JEWS|strong="G2453"\w*.\f + \fr 23:38 \ft The soldiers were just going along with the ‘game’; after all, His stated crime was that He was ‘the king of the Jews’.\f*   
\p
\v 39 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hanged|strong="G2910"\w* \w criminals|strong="G2557"\w* started berating \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w If|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w save|strong="G4982"\w* \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*!”\f + \fr 23:39 \ft According to Matthew 27:44 and Mark 15:32, both of them started out by reviling Him, but later one of them repented—they were on the cross for about three hours before the supernatural darkness, so there was time to observe Jesus, which caused one of them to change his mind.\f*  
\v 40 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w other|strong="G2087"\w* reacted \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w rebuked|strong="G2008"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3754"\w*: “Don'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w even|strong="G3761"\w* \w fear|strong="G5399"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w under|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* same \w condemnation|strong="G2917"\w*?  
\v 41 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w justly|strong="G1346"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* receiving \w the|strong="G2532"\w* due reward \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w deeds|strong="G3739"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* wrong.”  
\v 42 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, “Please \w remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 23:42 \ft Instead of “to Jesus, ‘Please remember me, Lord’ ”, perhaps 3% of the manuscripts have ‘Jesus, remember me’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.), which seriously weakens the man's statement.\f* \w when|strong="G3752"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* kingdom.”\f + \fr 23:42 \ft I find this statement to be impressive: the man is declaring that Jesus is the Messiah and will indeed inaugurate His Kingdom. Evidently the man knew the Bible; and his request was honored!\f*  
\v 43 \w Jesus|strong="G3004"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* assuredly, \w today|strong="G4594"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Paradise|strong="G3857"\w*.”\f + \fr 23:43 \ft For Jesus to say ‘today’, He knew the man would die before sundown, so He knew the man's legs would be broken—otherwise he would most likely have lasted well into the night, which would have been ‘tomorrow’. ‘Paradise’ here refers to that half of Hades (Sheol in the OT) reserved for the righteous dead. Hades is the ‘halfway house’ where departed spirits await the final judgment. In Luke 16:22 it is called “Abraham's bosom”.\f*   
\s1 Jesus dismisses His spirit  
\p
\v 44 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G5616"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sixth|strong="G1623"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*,\f + \fr 23:44 \ft Luke uses Jewish time, so it was about noon.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w land|strong="G1093"\w* \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ninth|strong="G1766"\w* \w hour|strong="G5610"\w*.  
\v 45 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* darkened; \w also|strong="G1161"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w veil|strong="G2665"\w* \w of|strong="G3485"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w torn|strong="G4977"\w* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w two|strong="G3319"\w*.  
\v 46 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w after|strong="G1161"\w* \w giving|strong="G3908"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loud|strong="G3173"\w* shout, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w commit|strong="G3908"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.” \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w breathed|strong="G1606"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 23:46 \ft Both Matthew and John state overtly that Jesus dismissed His spirit. In John 10:17-18 He had declared that no one could kill Him, He would lay down His own life. The cross did not kill Jesus, as the centurion recognized (see the next note).\f*   
\s1 Various reactions  
\p
\v 47 Well \w upon|strong="G1096"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2316"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w centurion|strong="G1543"\w* \w glorified|strong="G1392"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Certainly|strong="G3689"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w*!”\f + \fr 23:47 \ft Any centurion would be a hardened soldier, who had seen no end of crucifixions. He knew that a cross killed by asphyxiation. Hanging from the hands, with the arms stretched out, pushes the diaphragm against the lungs so you cannot breathe. Nailing the feet was a sadistic procedure to prolong the agony—even though painful, the victim would push up so he could get a breath, until finally too worn out to do so. Breaking the legs would put an end to that expedient, and the person died within a few minutes, asphyxiated. Someone who is dying asphyxiated does not shout. Since Jesus gave a loud shout, but then immediately died, the centurion knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the cross had not killed Jesus (later, when Joseph asks for the body, Pilate is surprised that Jesus could already be dead). But who can just tell his spirit to leave? Putting two and two together, the centurion concluded that Jesus was a supernatural being. Just so!\f*  
\v 48 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w crowd|strong="G3793"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* gathered \w for|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w spectacle|strong="G2335"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2334"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w away|strong="G5290"\w* \w beating|strong="G5180"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w breasts|strong="G4738"\w*.\f + \fr 23:48 \ft This was a cultural expression of sorrow and distress.\f*  
\v 49 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w acquaintances|strong="G1110"\w*, \w including|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w followed|strong="G4870"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*, \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w at|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w distance|strong="G3113"\w*, watching \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\s1 Jesus' body is buried  
\p
\v 50 \w Now|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w* \w Joseph|strong="G2501"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2532"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteous|strong="G1342"\w* \w man|strong="G1342"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Council|strong="G1010"\w* \w member|strong="G1010"\w*  
\v 51 (\w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* agreed \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w counsel|strong="G1012"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w action|strong="G4234"\w*), \w from|strong="G2532"\w* Arimathea, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jews|strong="G2453"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* himself \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w waiting|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*:  
\v 52 \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w went|strong="G4334"\w* \w to|strong="G4334"\w* \w Pilate|strong="G4091"\w* \w and|strong="G4334"\w* asked \w for|strong="G3778"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*' \w body|strong="G4983"\w*.  
\v 53 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2507"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w down|strong="G5087"\w*, \w wrapped|strong="G1794"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w linen|strong="G4616"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3418"\w* \w cut|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w rock|strong="G2991"\w*, \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G3756"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w laid|strong="G5087"\w*.\f + \fr 23:53 \ft Obviously the tomb had been prepared beforehand, and was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9, “He made His grave…with the rich at His deaths [plural]”. Nicodemus had already placed a hundred pounds of spices in the tomb, before helping Joseph remove and carry the body (John 19:39).\f*  
\v 54 \w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w Preparation|strong="G3904"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*; \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* drawing near.  
\v 55 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G4905"\w* \w with|strong="G1537"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w* \w followed|strong="G2628"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G2300"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w placed|strong="G5087"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 23:55 \ft That is, they saw where the body was taken, but did not see inside, and obviously did not know about the 100 pounds of spices.\f*  
\v 56 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w* spices \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w perfumes|strong="G3464"\w*. \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w rested|strong="G2270"\w* \w on|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Sabbath|strong="G4521"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w*.   
\c 24  
\ms1 Resurrection Day  
\s1 “He is not here, but is risen!”  
\m
\v 1 \w Then|strong="G1161"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w first|strong="G1520"\w* \w day|strong="G4521"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w week|strong="G4521"\w*, \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w early|strong="G3722"\w* \w dawn|strong="G3722"\w*, \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w went|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3418"\w* \w carrying|strong="G5342"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* spices \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w had|strong="G3739"\w* \w prepared|strong="G2090"\w*, \w along|strong="G1909"\w* \w with|strong="G1909"\w* \w some|strong="G3739"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 24:1 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “along with some others” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 2 \w They|strong="G1161"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w stone|strong="G3037"\w* \w rolled|strong="G3037"\w* away \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*,  
\v 3 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w upon|strong="G2424"\w* \w entering|strong="G1525"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w did|strong="G1525"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w find|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* greatly perplexed \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* wow, \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w men|strong="G3778"\w* \w stood|strong="G2186"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* dazzling \w clothing|strong="G2066"\w*!  
\v 5 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w afraid|strong="G1719"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bowed|strong="G2827"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w faces|strong="G4383"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w ground|strong="G1093"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*:\f + \fr 24:5 \ft ‘They’ is masculine and ‘them’ is feminine.\f* “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w living|strong="G2198"\w* \w One|strong="G1438"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*?  
\v 6 \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w here|strong="G5602"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w*! \w Remember|strong="G3403"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w told|strong="G2980"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Galilee|strong="G1056"\w*,  
\v 7 \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, ‘\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Man|strong="G5207"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w delivered|strong="G3860"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* sinful \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*.’ ”  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w remembered|strong="G3403"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w*.\f + \fr 24:8 \ft These were the women who had been providing for Jesus for some time, and they doubtless heard much of His teaching, including this statement.\f*   
\s1 The women report  
\p
\v 9 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* reported \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Eleven|strong="G1733"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*.\f + \fr 24:9 \ft There were more people in the upper room than just the Eleven.\f*  
\v 10 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w Magdalene|strong="G3094"\w*, \w Joanna|strong="G2489"\w*, \w Mary|strong="G3137"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* mother \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w James|strong="G2385"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w others|strong="G3062"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles.  
\v 11 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w words|strong="G4487"\w* \w seemed|strong="G5316"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w like|strong="G5616"\w* \w nonsense|strong="G3026"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* disbelieved \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 24:11 \ft They had already been ‘burned’, their hopes dashed, and were not in a hurry to be ‘taken in’ again.\f*  
\v 12 (\w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w Peter|strong="G4074"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* gotten \w up|strong="G1909"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w run|strong="G5143"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w stooping|strong="G3879"\w* \w down|strong="G3879"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* saw \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w linen|strong="G3608"\w* strips lying \w by|strong="G1909"\w* \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* departed, \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w what|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.)\f + \fr 24:12 \ft According to John's account, this had already happened earlier, so Luke gives it out of sequence.\f*   
\s1 The ‘Emmaus’ incident  
\p
\v 13 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w called|strong="G3686"\w* \w Emmaus|strong="G1695"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w seven|strong="G2250"\w* \w miles|strong="G4712"\w*\f + \fr 24:13 \ft Literally, ‘sixty stadia’.\f* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* conversing \w with|strong="G4314"\w* each \w other|strong="G4012"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G4819"\w*.  
\v 15 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* conversing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w discussing|strong="G4802"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w came|strong="G1096"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w started|strong="G1096"\w* \w going|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 16 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* restrained, \w in|strong="G1161"\w* order \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w recognize|strong="G1921"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 17 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* exchanging \w with|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w gloomy|strong="G4659"\w*?”\f + \fr 24:17 \ft Instead of “…walk, and are gloomy?” a mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, have “…walk? And they stood gloomy.” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\p
\v 18 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w Cleopas|strong="G2810"\w*\f + \fr 24:18 \ft The other person is not identified, but presumably it could have been his wife.\f* \w answered|strong="G3004"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Are|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* living \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* doesn'\w t|strong="G3588"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w*?”  
\v 19 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w What|strong="G3739"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*?” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Natsorean, \w how|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w mighty|strong="G1415"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w deed|strong="G2041"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w before|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G2992"\w*,  
\v 20 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G3704"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* priests \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* rulers \w handed|strong="G3860"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G3860"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w condemned|strong="G2917"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w crucified|strong="G4717"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 21 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w hoping|strong="G1679"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w going|strong="G3195"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w redeem|strong="G3084"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*!\f + \fr 24:21 \ft They were looking for the Messianic Kingdom right then.\f* Further, \w besides|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w today|strong="G2250"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*.  
\v 22 \w Moreover|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* group \w astonished|strong="G1839"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*—arriving \w early|strong="G3720"\w* \w at|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*,  
\v 23 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w finding|strong="G2147"\w* \w his|strong="G3708"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w seen|strong="G3708"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w vision|strong="G3701"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* angels, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w alive|strong="G2198"\w*.  
\v 24 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w certain|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w went|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w tomb|strong="G3419"\w*\f + \fr 24:24 \ft Although in verse 12 above Luke mentions only Peter, Cleopas makes clear that more than one went, as is recorded in John 20:2-10.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w women|strong="G1135"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w did|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*.”   
\p
\v 25 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w O|strong="G5599"\w* \w foolish|strong="G2532"\w* ones, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w slow|strong="G1021"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w spoken|strong="G2980"\w*!  
\v 26 \w Was|strong="G3588"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* really \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w necessary|strong="G1163"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w enter|strong="G1525"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*?”  
\v 27 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* beginning \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w explained|strong="G1329"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w*.\f + \fr 24:27 \ft He declares Himself to be the Messiah. I do wish that explanation had been recorded!\f*   
\p
\v 28 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w approached|strong="G1448"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w village|strong="G2968"\w* \w where|strong="G3757"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w going|strong="G4198"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1519"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w though|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w would|strong="G2532"\w* keep \w going|strong="G4198"\w*.\f + \fr 24:28 \ft And He would have, if they hadn't restrained Him.\f*  
\v 29 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w constrained|strong="G3849"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w saying|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w toward|strong="G4314"\w* \w evening|strong="G2073"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w far|strong="G2235"\w* \w spent|strong="G2827"\w*.” \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w went|strong="G1525"\w* \w in|strong="G1525"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w stay|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* reclining \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w took|strong="G2983"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bread, \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broke|strong="G2806"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 24:30 \ft He was a guest, but He took charge.\f*  
\v 31 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w*\f + \fr 24:31 \ft They had been supernaturally hindered from recognizing Him, up to that point.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w recognized|strong="G1921"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*; \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* invisible \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 32 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Were|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3780"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w burning|strong="G2545"\w* \w within|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w talked|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*?”\f + \fr 24:32 \ft Don't you know that was so! To this day, if Jesus talks to you, your heart burns.\f*   
\s2 The two report  
\p
\v 33 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* got \w up|strong="G1519"\w* forthwith \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*, \w where|strong="G1519"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Eleven|strong="G1733"\w* \w gathered|strong="G4867"\w* \w together|strong="G4867"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 34 \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w risen|strong="G1453"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2962"\w* \w appeared|strong="G3708"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Simon|strong="G4613"\w*!”\f + \fr 24:34 \ft There were others in the room besides the Eleven, some near the door. So when the two burst in, all exited with their news, the others ‘prick their balloon’—“Oh, we already know about that”. Has human nature changed?\f*  
\v 35 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* described \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w happened|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w road|strong="G3598"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w known|strong="G1097"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w breaking|strong="G2800"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bread.   
\s1 Jesus appears to the Eleven  
\p
\v 36 \w As|strong="G1722"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w were|strong="G3778"\w* \w saying|strong="G2980"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w indeed|strong="G1161"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G3778"\w*\f + \fr 24:36 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “Jesus” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* Himself \w stood|strong="G2476"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w*, \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w said|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G1722"\w*, “Peace \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w*.”  
\v 37 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w*, \w terrified|strong="G4422"\w*, \w supposed|strong="G1380"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1096"\w* \w seeing|strong="G2334"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w ghost|strong="G4151"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1096"\w* \w becoming|strong="G1096"\w* fearful.  
\v 38 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w troubled|strong="G5015"\w*?” \w and|strong="G2532"\w* “\w Why|strong="G5101"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w doubts|strong="G1261"\w* arise \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*?  
\v 39 \w Look|strong="G3708"\w* \w at|strong="G3756"\w* \w my|strong="G3708"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*; \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w myself|strong="G1473"\w*! Feel \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w*; \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w does|strong="G2192"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w bones|strong="G3747"\w*, \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w*.”  
\v 40 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* showed \w them|strong="G3004"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*.  
\v 41 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* disbelieving \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w marveling|strong="G2296"\w*, \w because|strong="G1161"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G3004"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* food \w here|strong="G1759"\w*?”  
\v 42 \w So|strong="G1161"\w* \w they|strong="G1161"\w* \w gave|strong="G1929"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w a|strong="G1161"\w* \w piece|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w broiled|strong="G3702"\w* \w fish|strong="G2486"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* honeycomb.\f + \fr 24:42 \ft Less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and some honeycomb” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 43 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ate|strong="G2068"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w presence|strong="G1799"\w*.\f + \fr 24:43 \ft It is easy to criticize them for being so slow to believe, but would we have done any better? Note that Christ's glorified body, that could just pass through a wall, was palpable—it had flesh and bones (but perhaps not blood). The food that He ate presumably did not go through a normal process of digestion.\f*   
\p
\v 44 \w Then|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, “\w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w spoke|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w while|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w still|strong="G2089"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Moses|strong="G3475"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Prophets|strong="G4396"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Psalms|strong="G5568"\w* \w concerning|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w*.”\f + \fr 24:44 \ft The Lord recognizes the three divisions of the Old Testament.\f*  
\v 45 \w Then|strong="G5119"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w opened|strong="G1272"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w understanding|strong="G3563"\w* so \w as|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G3588"\w* comprehend \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Scriptures|strong="G1124"\w*.  
\v 46 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w said|strong="G3004"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*: “\w Thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w written|strong="G1125"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w thus|strong="G3779"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* necessary\f + \fr 24:46 \ft A mere handful (0.5%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “and thus it was necessary” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w rise|strong="G2250"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w third|strong="G5154"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*,  
\v 47 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w repentance|strong="G3341"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G2532"\w* sins \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2784"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w nations|strong="G1484"\w*,\f + \fr 24:47 \ft The Gospel is for all nations, and it must include \+nd repentance\+nd*!\f* beginning \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w*.  
\v 48 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w witnesses|strong="G3144"\w* \w of|strong="G1510"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.  
\v 49 \w Take|strong="G2532"\w* note, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w sending|strong="G1821"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w stay|strong="G2523"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w city|strong="G4172"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Jerusalem \w until|strong="G2193"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w clothed|strong="G1746"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w High|strong="G5311"\w*.”\f + \fr 24:49 \ft “Until you are clothed with power from on High”—what are the implications of this for us today? Without God's power, what difference can we make in this world?\f*   
\ms1 Jesus ascends to Heaven  
\p
\v 50 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w led|strong="G1806"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G1806"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w far|strong="G2193"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* Bethany, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w lifting|strong="G1869"\w* \w up|strong="G1869"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 51 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w happened|strong="G1096"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w blessing|strong="G2127"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* left \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1096"\w* \w carried|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*.  
\v 52 \w Worshiping|strong="G4352"\w* \w Him|strong="G2532"\w*, \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w returned|strong="G5290"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Jerusalem|strong="G2419"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*;  
\v 53 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w continually|strong="G1223"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w temple|strong="G2413"\w*,\f + \fr 24:53 \ft Jesus had declared that God had abandoned that temple, so why did they still go there? It was a logical place to evangelize Jews, if that was their object. It was also the largest meeting place in town, presumably. But subsequent events show clearly that they still regarded it as ‘God's house’, a special place for worshiping. I would say that this became a snare to them.\f* \w praising|strong="G2127"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w*\f + \fr 24:53 \ft A mere handful (0.4%) of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “praising and” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w blessing|strong="G2127"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*. Amen.\f + \fr 24:53 \ft Some 50% of the Greek manuscripts have a colophon that says, “published fifteen years after the ascension of Christ”. For 50% of the MSS to have this information probably means that the tradition is ancient. If this information is correct, then Luke was ‘published’ in 45/46 AD. The same sources have Matthew published seven years earlier (38/39) and Mark five years earlier (40/41), while John was ‘published’ thirty-two years after the ascension, or 61/62 AD. Not only were the authors eyewitnesses of the events, but many others were still alive when the Gospels appeared. They could attest to the veracity of the accounts, but could also be the source of textual variants, adding tidbits here and there, or ‘correcting’ something that they remembered differently.\f*