4 Bible Verses about Christian Ministers

Moses the servant of Jehovah (YHWH) died. After his death Jehovah spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying: Moses my servant is dead. Arise and cross over the Jordan River. Take the people into the land given to them, even to the children of Israel. I give you every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon just as I promised Moses. read more.
From the wilderness and nearby Lebanon even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun (to the west), shall be your coast. No man will be able to resist you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous for you will help this people inherit the land. This is the land I swore to give to their fathers. Be strong and very courageous, that you may be careful to do according to all the Law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law will not depart out of your mouth. You must meditate (intensely study) (think deeply) on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage. Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed; for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.

Jehovah said to Aaron: You, your sons, and your family will be responsible for any sins against the holy place. You and your sons will also be responsible for any sins you commit when you work as priests. Bring the other Levites from your ancestor's tribe to join you and help you and your sons serve in front of the tent of the words of my promise. They are to fulfill their duties to you and their responsibilities for the tent. However they must not have any contact with sacred objects in the Holy Place or with the altar. If they do, both they and you will be put to death. read more.
They are to work with you and fulfill their responsibilities for all the service in the tent. No unqualified person may work with you. You and your sons alone must fulfill the responsibilities for the Holy Place and the altar. That way my anger will not again break out against the people of Israel. I chose the other Levites from among the Israelites to help you. They are a gift given to Jehovah to do the necessary work at the tent of meeting. Only you and your sons may do the work of priests, everything done at the altar and under the canopy. This is my gift to you: You may serve me as priests. Anyone else who comes near the holy place to do this work must die.

Jehovah said to Moses: Take Joshua son of Nun, a capable man, and place your hands on his head. Have him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, and there before them all proclaim him as your successor. Give him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. read more.
He will depend on Eleazar the priest, who will learn my will by using the Urim and Thummim. In this way Eleazar will direct Joshua and the whole congregation of Israel in all their affairs. Moses did as Jehovah commanded him. He had Joshua stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation. Moses put his hands on Joshua's head and proclaimed him as his successor, just as Jehovah proclaimed.

Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the presence of all the people of Israel: Be determined and with good courage. You are the one who will lead these people to occupy the land Jehovah promised to their ancestors. Jehovah is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be downhearted.

Then Jehovah said to Moses: Behold, the time for you to die is near. Call Joshua, and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, that I may commission him. So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the tent of meeting. Jehovah appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud. The pillar of cloud stood at the doorway of the tent. Jehovah said to Moses: You are about to lie down with your fathers in death. This people will arise and play the harlot with the strange gods of the land. They will plunge into the midst of it. They will forsake me and break my covenant that I made with them. read more.
My anger will be kindled against them in that day. I will abandon them and hide my face from them. They will be consumed by many evils and troubles. They will say in that day: 'Is it because our God is not among us that these evils have come upon us?' I will surely hide my face in that day because of all the evil they will do. They will turn to other gods. Write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel. Put it on their lips, so that this song may be a witness for me against the sons of Israel. When I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn me and break my covenant. Then it will happen, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness. It shall not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. I know the intent they are developing today, before I have brought them into the land that I swore. So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the sons of Israel. Jehovah gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: Be strong and courageous, because you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.

Jesus said to his disciples: The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.

He said to them: The harvest indeed is great but the laborers are few. Pray that the Master (Controller) (Lord) of the harvest will send laborers into his harvest.

Now I beg you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. That I may be delivered from those who do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the holy ones. That I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

You also helped with your prayer on our behalf. Many may give thanks for the gift granted to us.

With prayer and supplication pray at all times in the Spirit. Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones. Pray on my behalf, that ability to speak may be given to me, to make known with boldness the secret of the good news. I am an ambassador in chains who should speak boldly.

Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him),

We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

Remember those who are taking the lead among you, men that spoke the Word of God to you. Consider their behavior and imitate their faith.

Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the presence of all the people of Israel: Be determined and with good courage. You are the one who will lead these people to occupy the land Jehovah promised to their ancestors.

Your assistant Joshua son of Nun will go there. He will lead the people into the land. Encourage him to go there.

Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

We preached the good news to you, not in words only but with power from Holy Spirit and with conviction of its truth. You know how we lived when we were with you. It was for your own good.

Hold fast to the word of life so I may rejoice in the day of Christ. That way I will not have labored in vain.

Then Paul stood up gestured with his hand and said: Men of Israel, and you who reverence God, listen. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. He brought them out of Egypt with his great strength. He cared for them and endured their bad conduct in the wilderness for forty years. read more.
He destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance. Then he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. This took about four hundred and fifty years. Afterward they desired a king. God gave Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, to them for forty years. When he removed him, he made David their king. He testified about him when he said: I found David the son of Jesse is a man after my own heart. He will do my will. God brought the Savior Jesus to Israel from this man's descendants. Before Jesus came John preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. As John accomplished his purpose he asked: Who do you think I am? I am not that one. One comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to untie. Men and brothers, children of Abraham, and you of the nations who respect God, the message of salvation is sent to you. The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not know Jesus. They fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath when they condemned Jesus. They found no grounds for the death sentence for him. Yet they asked Pilate to put him to death. When they had fulfilled all that was written about him, they took him down from the stake, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead: Those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him. They are his witnesses to the people. We tell you good news. It is God's promise to the fathers. God has fulfilled this promise to their children by resurrecting Jesus. Just as it is written in the second psalm: You are my Son, today I have become your father. (Psalms 2:7) He raised him up from the dead, never to decay. It is stated in these words: I will give you the sure blessings promised David. (Isaiah 55:3) He said in another psalm: You will not allow your Holy One to see decay. (Ps 16:10) After David served his own generation by doing the will of God he died and was buried with his fathers. His body decayed. But he (Jesus), whom God raised again, saw no decay. You should know, men and brothers that it is through this man Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him all who believe are justified from all things. You could not be justified through the Law of Moses. Beware that what the prophets said does not happen to you. Look among the nations, watch, and be amazed. Though you are told you will not believe the work I do today. (Habakkuk 1:5) When the Jews left the synagogue the people asked for this message to be preached to them the next Sabbath. When the congregation dismissed, many followed Paul and Barnabas. They urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus I have given birth to you through the good news.

They resented him. But Jesus responded to them: A prophet is without honor in his own country, and in his own house.

THIS IS THE PEOPHESY ABOUT THE MESSIAH. Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm (power) of Jehovah been revealed?

Yet, I will make you as stubborn and as hardheaded as they are. I will make you as hard as a diamond, harder than flint stone. Do not be afraid of them. Do not be terrified in their presence, even though they are rebellious people.

The Spirit lifted me and took me away. I went away feeling bitter and angry. The strong power of Jehovah came over me.

How long, O Jehovah (YHWH), will I call for help and you do not hear? I cry out to you, save me from violence! And yet you do not save. Why do you make me see wickedness and immorality? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife exists and contention arises.

After these things were done, the captains came to me and said: The people of Israel and the priests and Levites have not kept themselves separate from the people of the lands. They have taken part in the disgusting ways of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. They have taken their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons. They have mingled the holy race with peoples around them. In fact the leaders and officials were first to do this evil.

Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who was married to one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and took their name. They made search for their record among the lists of families. Their names were nowhere to be found. So they were looked on as unclean and no longer priests.

Among the sons of the priests who were married to strange women were these: of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak and his brothers, Maaseiah and Eliezer and Jarib and Gedaliah. They gave their word that they would put away their wives; and for their sin, they gave an offering of a male sheep of the flock. Of the sons of Immer, Hanani and Zebadiah. read more.
Of the sons of Harim, Maaseiah and Elijah and Shemaiah and Jehiel and Uzziah. Of the sons of Pashhur, Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. And of the Levites, Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah that is Kelita, Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. Of the music-makers, Eliashib; and of the doorkeepers, Shallum and Telem and Uri.

Before this, Eliashib the priest had been placed over the rooms of the house of our God. He was a friend of Tobiah. Had made a great room ready for him. This is where they once kept the meal offerings, the perfume, the vessels and the tenths of the grain and wine and oil. They were given by order to the Levites and the music-makers and the gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests. I was not at Jerusalem all this time in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. I went to the king; and after some days, I got the king to let me go. read more.
I went to Jerusalem. It was clear to me what evil Eliashib had done for Tobiah by making ready for him a room in the buildings of the house of God. It was evil in my eyes so I had all Tobiah's things removed from the room. Then I gave orders, and they made the rooms clean. I put the vessels of the House of God, along with the meal offerings and the perfume, back in the rooms. I saw that the Levites had not been given what was needed for their support. So the Levites and the music-makers, who did the work, had gone away, everyone to his field. Then I made protests to the chiefs, and said: Why has the house of God been given up? I got them together and put them in their places. All Judah came with the tenth part of the grain and wine and oil and put it into the storehouses. I made controllers over the storehouses, Shelemiah the priest and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and with them was Hanan, the son of Zaccur the son of Mattaniah. They were taken to be honest men and their business was the distribution of these things to their brothers.

One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib, the chief priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I sent him away from me. Keep them in mind, O my God, because they have put shame on the priests' name and on the agreement of the priests and the Levites.

There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

A group of prophets who lived at Bethel asked Elisha: Do you know that Jehovah is going to take your master away from you today? Yes, I know, Elisha answered. But let us not talk about it.

Saul sent messengers to get David. They saw a group of prophets prophesying with their leader Samuel. God's Spirit came over Saul's messengers so that they also prophesied.

A group of prophets who lived at Jericho went to Elisha and asked him: Do you know that Jehovah is going to take your master away from you today? Yes, I know, Elisha answered. But let us not talk about it.

The fifty prophets from Jericho saw him and said: The power of Elijah is on Elisha! So they went to meet him and bowed down before him.

Jehovah may give you troubles and hardships. But your Teacher (Grand Instructor) will no longer be hidden from you. You will see your Teacher with your own eyes.

Do two sparrows sell for a penny? Not one of them will fall on the ground without your Father knowing. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear! You are more valuable than many sparrows.

Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab: By the living Jehovah, the God of Israel, whose servant I am, there will be no dew or rain in these years, but only at my word. Then the word of Jehovah came to him, saying: Go east from here and hide by the Cherith Brook, east of Jordan. read more.
You will drink from the brook. I have ordered the ravens to feed you there. So he did as Jehovah said, living by the Cherith Brook, east of Jordan. The ravens took him bread in the morning and meat in the evening. And he drank water from the brook. Now after a time the brook became dry, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of Jehovah came to him, saying: Go now to Zarephath, in Zidon, and live there. I have given orders to a widow woman there to see that you have food. He went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, he saw a widow woman gathering sticks. He said to her: Will you give me a little water in a vessel for my drink? As she was going to get it, he said: And get me some bread. Then she said: By the life of Jehovah your God, I have nothing but a little meal, and a drop of oil in the bottle; and now I am getting two sticks together so that I may go in and make it ready for me and my son, so that we may have a meal before our death. Elijah said to her: Have no fear. Go and do as you said, but first make me a little cake of it and come and give it to me. Then make something for yourself and your son. For this is the word of Jehovah, the God of Israel: 'Your supply of meal will not come to an end. The bottle will never be without oil, till the day when Jehovah sends rain on the earth.' She did as Elijah told her and they all had food for a long time. The store of meal did not come to an end. The bottle was never without oil. This was just as Jehovah said through the mouth of Elijah.

King Ahab told his wife Jezebel everything Elijah had done. He told how he put all the prophets of Baal to death. She sent a message to Elijah: May the gods strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I do not do the same thing to you that you did to the prophets. Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He took his servant and went to Beersheba in Judah. He left the servant there. read more.
Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down under a broom plant and wished he would die. It is just too much, Jehovah, he prayed. Take away my life. I could just as well be dead. Stretching himself on the earth, he went to sleep under the broom-plant. An angel touched him and said: Get up and eat some food. Looking up, he saw near his head a cake cooked on coals and a bottle of water. So he ate food and drink water and went to sleep again. The angel of Jehovah came again a second time, and touched him and said: Get up and have some food, or you will not have strength for the journey. So he got up and took food and drink. He was strengthened to go for forty days and forty nights, to Horeb, the mountain of God. He went into a cave and spent the night. The word of Jehovah came to him, saying: What are you doing here, Elijah? He said: I have been zealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts. The children of Israel have not kept your agreement (covenant). They have destroyed your altars. They killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I, am the only one living. Now they seek to take my life too. Then he said: Go out and take your place on the mountain before Jehovah. Jehovah passed by and the force of a great wind parted the mountains. Rocks were broken before Jehovah but Jehovah was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but Jehovah was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but Jehovah was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sounds of a soft breathe. Elijah heard it and went out covering his face with his robe. He stood by the entrance of the cave. He heard a voice saying: What are you doing here, Elijah? He replied: I have been very zealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts. The children of Israel have not kept your agreement. They have torn down your altars. They killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I, am the only one living. Now they seek to take my life. Jehovah said to him: Go back on your way through the wasteland to Damascus. When you get there, put holy oil on Hazael to make him king over Aram, And also anoint Jehu, son of Nimshi, making him king over Israel; and Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, to be prophet in your place. Whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will put to death. Whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will put to death. I will leave seven thousand people alive in Israel; all those who are loyal to me and have not bowed to Baal or kissed his idol.

Are not five sparrows sold for two coins of small value? Yet not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear. You are worth more than many sparrows.

Peter was kept in prison. Prayer was made without ceasing by the congregation to God for him.

Now arise, and come to your resting place, Jehovah our God, you and the ark of your power. Clothe your priests, Jehovah God, with salvation. Let your godly ones rejoice in what is good.

Now Jehovah behold their threats and grant that your servants keep speaking your word with boldness.

Clothe your priests with righteousness. Let your godly ones sing with joy.

They prayed: You O Jehovah, know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these men you choose. Which of these men should assume this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests. He asked them: What are you willing to give me to deliver him to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver. He continued to seek opportunity to turn him over to them.

This man obtained a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open and all his intestines spilled out. (Matthew 27:5 says he hanged himself. The rope broke or the branch on which it was tied broke. Then he fell to the ground and burst open.)

Judas, his betrayer, heard he was to be put to death. Out of regret, he took the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and those in authority. He said: I have done wrong in giving a righteous man to you. He left the silver in the Temple. Then he went away and hanged himself.

While they ate, he said: One of you will betray me. They were filled with sorrow, and each one asked him: Is it I, Lord? He answered: He who dips his hand with me in the dish is the same one who will betray me. read more.
It is written that the Son of man will depart. The man who betrays him will experience much grief. It would have been better if that man had not been born. Judas, the man who betrayed him, asked: Is it I, Rabbi? Jesus replied: You said it.

As he spoke, Judas, one of the twelve, followed by a crowd carrying swords and spears, approached him. The chief priest and elders of the people had sent them. He that betrayed him gave them a sign. He told them: The one I kiss is he. Take him. He went directly to Jesus and said: Hail, Rabbi, and kissed him. read more.
Jesus told him: Do that for which you came. They laid hands on Jesus, and captured him.

They went astray, forsaking the right way. They followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing. He was rebuked for his own transgression. A beast of burden spoke with a man's voice and restrained (hindered) the madness of the prophet.

Balaam answered Balak's servants: Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not disobey the command of Jehovah my God no matter whether the request was important or not.

Balak said to him: Why did you not come when I sent for you the first time? Did you think I was not able to reward you enough? Balaam answered: I am here now. But now, what power do I have? I can say only what God tells me to say.

How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom Jehovah has not condemned?

Balaam answered: I must say what Jehovah tells me to say.

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach;

Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Do we have a right to lead a sister as a wife just like other apostles, and as brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

Jesus went to Peter's house. He saw his wife's mother lying sick of a fever.

Never marry prostitutes, those who have lost their virginity, or divorced women because a priest is God's holy man. Be holy because you offer the food of your God. Be holy because I, Jehovah, am holy. I set you apart as holy. When a priest's daughter dishonors herself by becoming a prostitute, she dishonors her father. She must be burned. read more.
The priest who is anointed with oil and wears the chief priest's clothes is chief over his brothers. He must never mourn by leaving his hair uncombed or by tearing his clothes. He must not go near any dead bodies or become unclean, even for his father or mother. He must not leave the holy tent of his God. If he does, he will be dishonoring it, because he is dedicated with the anointing oil of his God. I am Jehovah. The anointed priest should marry a virgin. He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, a woman who has lost her virginity, or a prostitute. He may only marry a virgin from his own people. He must not dishonor his children among his people because I, Jehovah, set him apart as holy.

When they opposed Paul and treated him abusively he shook out his garment and said to them: Your blood is upon your own heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to the people of the nations.

Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me. When I tell a wicked man that he will surely die, but you do not warn him or speak out so that he can change his wicked way in order to save his life; that wicked man will die because of his sin. I will hold you responsible for his death. When you warn the wicked man, and he does not turn from his wicked way; he will die because of his sin, but you will save yourself. read more.
If righteous people turn from living the right way and do wrong, I will make them stumble and they will die. If you do not warn them, they will die because of their sin. The right things they did will not be remembered. I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn righteous people not to sin, and they do not sin, they will certainly live because they listened to the warning and you will save yourself.

Suppose I say to a wicked person, 'You wicked person, you will certainly die.' And you say nothing to warn him to change his ways. That wicked person will die because of his sin. I will hold you responsible for his death.

If someone will not welcome you and listen to the message, leave that house or town, shake the dust off your feet and move on. I tell you, it will be better for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that town. I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. read more.
Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places. You will be taken before governors and kings for my sake. This will serve as a testimony to them and to the people of the nations. When they hand you over, do not worry about what to say and how to say it. You will be given the words to speak at that time. You will not speak on your own. Your Father's Spirit will speak through you. People will hand over their brothers to be put to death. Parents will oppose children and children will oppose parents, causing them to be put to death. Men will hate you because of me. He who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next. I tell you; before you have gone through all the cities of Israel the Son of man will come. A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a servant his master. It is enough for the disciple (student) that he is like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub (Satan), others of the household could also be called the same! Do not be afraid. Nothing will be hidden. Every secret will be made known. The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house. Do not fear those who kill the body. They are not able to take away your [everlasting] life. Instead, fear him who is able to destroy both life and body in the ever-burning fires. (Greek: Gehenna: continuously burning trash fires in the valley of Hinnom.) Do two sparrows sell for a penny? Not one of them will fall on the ground without your Father knowing. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear! You are more valuable than many sparrows. I will tell my heavenly Father about everyone who confesses me (witnesses to others about me) before men. I will deny, before my heavenly Father, anyone who denies me before men. Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth. I came not to bring peace, but a sword. My coming will cause a separation. A man will be against his father and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man's enemies will be from his own family. He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not pick up his stake and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it. Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.

I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God.

He told them many illustrations. He said: A farmer went out to sow. Some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds devoured them. Others fell on rocky places and did not have much soil. read more.
When they grew, the sun scorched them, and because they had no root they withered and died. Others fell upon the thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them. Some fell on good ground and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.

The person who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed, will come home singing, carrying his bundles of grain.

Listen, the sower went out to sow. As he sowed some seed fell by the road and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on the rocky ground and did not have good soil. Immediately it sprang up, because it had no good soil read more.
it became scorched when the sun came up. Then it withered because it had no root. Some seed fell among the thorns. The thorns grew up and choked it so it could yield no fruit. Others fell on good ground and yielded fruit. It grew up, increased and produced thirty fold, and sixty fold, and a hundred fold. He continued: He who has ears to hear let him hear. When he was alone his followers including the twelve asked about the illustrations. He told them: The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you. Illustrations are spoken to outsiders. So that seeing they may see and not perceive. And hearing they may hear and not understand. Otherwise they might repent and be forgiven. Then he asked: Do you not understand this illustration? How will you understand any of the illustrations? The sower sows the word. These are they by the wayside where the word is sown. When they have heard; Satan comes and takes away the word that has been sown in them. The same is so of the word sown upon the rocky places. When they have heard the word and receive it with joy, they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while. They stumble when tribulation or persecution arise. There is the word sown among the thorns. These have heard the word, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things enter in and choke the word. So it becomes unfruitful. Those who represent that sown upon the good soil hear the word and accept it. They bear fruit, thirty fold, and sixty fold, and a hundred fold.

The farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed some fell by the side of the road. It was trampled under foot and the birds of heaven devoured it. Other seed fell on the rock. As soon as it grew it withered away because it had no moisture. Still other seed fell among the thorns. The thorns grew with it, and choked it. read more.
Other seed fell on the good ground. It grew and produced fruit a hundredfold. As he said these things he cried. He said: He who has ears to hear let him hear.

Those who captured Jesus took him to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest. The scribes and those in authority also gathered there.

As you know, the Passover will be here in two days. At that time the Son of man will be captured and impaled. The chief priest and the elders of the people assembled at the court of Caiaphas, the high priest.

Jesus said nothing. The high priest said to him: I put you on oath, by the living God, that you will tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said to him: You said it yourself. And I say to you, after this you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest ripped his robes apart and said: He has said evil against God! Why do we need more witnesses? You have heard his words of blasphemy!

Caiaphas the high priest that year said to them: You know nothing at all. You do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people. That way the whole nation will not perish. He did not say this from his own understanding. As high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.

Caiaphas was the man who gave counsel to the Jews that it was for their benefit that one man should die for the people.

When they prayed, the place where they assembled together was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

When Peter saw this he spoke to the people: You men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you look at us as though our own power or holiness made this man walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus. You handed him over to Pilate. When he was determined to let him go you denied him. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and requested a murderer to be released to you. read more.
You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this! This man you see and know was made strong by his faith in the name of Jesus. His faith has given him total healing in your presence. Brothers, I know you acted in ignorance just as your rulers did. The things God fulfilled he announced beforehand by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer. Repent therefore, and turn around, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times (seasons) of refreshing shall come from the presence of Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 18:18, 19) He will send Jesus Christ, who preached to you. whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things. God spoke about this through all his holy prophets since the world began. Moses said to the fathers, 'Jehovah will raise up for your brothers a prophet like me. You must listen to all the things he speaks to you.' (Deuteronomy 18:18) It will happen. Every person who will not listen to the prophet will be destroyed from among the people. Yes, all the prophets from Samuel and his successors also announced these days. You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers. He said to Abraham: 'All the families of the earth will be blessed in your seed.' God raised up his servant and sent him to you first. He sent him to bless you and to turn every one of you from your wicked ways.

If we are on trial for a good deed done to a sick man, concerning how this man was made well; Let it be known to you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you impaled and whom God raised from the dead, even by him this man stands before you healed. This is the stone that was rejected by you builders. It became the chief corner stone. read more.
There is no salvation in anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. They observed the confidence of Peter and John. Yet they thought they were uneducated (not formally educated) and ordinary men. They were amazed and recognized them as having been with Jesus.

Peter and John answered: You judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God. We cannot stop speaking the things we have seen and heard.

When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him. He called the council together and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

I have not hurried away from being your shepherd. I have not longed for the day of destruction. You know what I used to say.

Shortly after Jehoiakim son of Josiah became king of Judah, Jehovah said to me: Stand in the court of the Temple and proclaim all I have commanded you to say to the people who come from the towns of Judah to worship there. Do not omit anything. Perhaps the people will listen and give up their evil ways. If they do I will change my mind about the destruction I plan to bring on them for all their wicked deeds. read more.
Jehovah told me to say to the people: 'I Jehovah said that you must obey me by following the teaching that I gave you. You are to pay attention to the words of my servants, the prophets, whom I kept sending to you. You have never obeyed what they said. If you continue to disobey I will do to this Temple what I did to Shiloh, and all the nations of the world will use the name of this city as a curse.'' The priests, the prophets, and all the people heard me saying these things in the Temple. As soon as I had finished saying all that Jehovah commanded me to say, they grabbed me and shouted: You ought to be killed for this! Why have you said in Jehovah's name that this Temple will become like Shiloh and that this city will be destroyed and no one will live in it?' Then the people crowded around me. When the leaders of Judah heard what had happened, they hurried from the royal palace to the Temple and took their places at the New Gate. The priests and the prophets said to the leaders and to the people: This man deserves to be sentenced to death because he has spoken against our city. You heard him with your own ears. Then I Jeremiah said: Jehovah sent me to proclaim everything that you heard me say against this Temple and against this city. You must change the way you are living and the things you are doing. You must obey Jehovah your God. If you do, he will change his mind about the destruction that he said he would bring on you. I am in your hand (power)! Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But if you put me to death, you and everyone else in Jerusalem will be guilty of murdering an innocent man. This is because everything I spoke came from Jehovah.

Jehovah says: 'Do not deceive yourselves by thinking that the Babylonians will leave you. They will not leave you. Even if you would defeat the entire Babylonian army so that they had only a few badly wounded men left in their tents, they would get up and burn down this city!'

Jeremiah went into a prison cell, and he stayed there a long time. Then King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah, and the king asked him privately in the palace: Is there any message from Jehovah? Jeremiah answered: Yes! There is a message from Jehovah. You will be handed over to the king of Babylon. Then Jeremiah asked King Zedekiah: What crime have I committed against you, your administrators, or these people? Why have you put me in prison?

Brothers, be imitators of me. Pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you.

It is not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to imitate us.

Let no man look down on your youth. Be an example to the believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith and chasteness.

Do not lord it over your charge, but make yourselves examples to the flock.

To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews. To those under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain those under the Law. To those without Law I became like those without Law that I might gain them. I am not without law to God, but under the law to (toward) (of) Christ. To the weak I became as the weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. read more.
And this I do for the sake of the good news that I might be a partaker of it with others.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient (profitable). All things are lawful for me, but all things do not build up (confirm) (strengthen).

But if any man says to you: This is offered in sacrifice to idols, do not eat for the sake of the one who said it and for conscience sake. Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: Yet why is my freedom judged by another man's conscience? For if I by grace am a partaker, why is evil spoken about me concerning that for which I give thanks? read more.
Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God. Do not stumble or offend (do not lead into sin), neither to the Jews, nor to the nations, nor to the congregation of God. Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

Just the same, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning.

Then some people brought little children to him. They wanted him to lay his hands on them and bless them. But the disciples tried to stop them.

People were bringing little children to him so he could touch them. His disciples turned them away.

They brought all their babes to him that he should touch them. When the disciples saw it they rebuked them.

He did not answer her. His disciples said to him: Send her away; she keeps shouting at us.

John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife.

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. Isaiah spoke of John when he said: He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of Jehovah. Make his paths straight.' (Isaiah 40:3) John wore clothes made from camel's hair. He had a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. read more.
People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the whole Jordan Valley went to him. They confessed their sins and were baptized by John in the Jordan River. He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance! Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones! The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals. His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out.

John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. Herodias had a grudge against John and was determined to have him killed. But Herod feared John. He knew he was a righteous and holy man so he kept him safe. That is why he listened to John but was perplexed. read more.
It was Herod's birthday. He invited his lords, the military commanders, and the prominent men of Galilee to supper. When the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, she pleased him so much he promised her anything she desired. He pledged to her, Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom. She asked her mother, What should I ask? And the mother said: The head of John the Baptist. At once she went to the king and asked: Will you give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king was very sorry. Even so he kept his promise to her. He did not turn her down. This also showed his dinner guests he was a man of his word. He immediately commanded his guard to behead John the Baptist and bring his head to him. He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young lady. In turn she gave it to her mother.

He told the crowds that came to be baptized by him: You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham. The axe is now at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in to the fire.

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

He spoke to him a second time: Simon, son of John, do you love me? He replied: Yes Lord, you know I have affection for you. Then Jesus said: Shepherd my sheep. The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young you dressed yourself and walked wherever you wanted. But when you become old, you stretch out your hands and another dresses you, and carries you where you do not want to go.

Balaam answered Balak's servants: Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not disobey the command of Jehovah my God no matter whether the request was important or not.

How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom Jehovah has not condemned?

Balaam answered: I must say what Jehovah tells me to say.

Balaam replied to Balak: Did I not tell the messengers whom you sent to me: Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything contrary to the command of Jehovah either good or bad, of my own accord. What Jehovah speaks, that I will speak! Now I am going to my people. Come along and I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.

Balaam answered: I am here now. But now, what power do I have? I can say only what God tells me to say.

Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head. He kissed him and said: Jehovah has anointed you to be ruler of his people Israel. You will rule his people. You will save them from all their enemies. This will be the sign that Jehovah has anointed you to be ruler of his people.

Jehovah revealed the following message to Samuel before Saul came: This time tomorrow I will send you a man from the territory of Benjamin. Anoint him to be ruler of my people Israel. He will save my people from the Philistines. I have seen my people suffering and their cry has reached me.

Jehovah said to Samuel: How long will you mourn for Saul? After all I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Take oil in your vessel and go. I will send you to Jesse, the Beth-lehemite. I have a king from among his sons. How can I go? Samuel asked. When Saul hears about it he will kill me Jehovah said: Take a heifer with you and say: 'I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah.' Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice. I will reveal to you what you should do. You will anoint the one I point out to you. read more.
Samuel did what Jehovah told him. When he came to Bethlehem the elders of the city trembled at his coming. They greeted him and said: May peace be with you. Greetings, he replied, I have come to sacrifice to Jehovah. Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and come with me to the sacrifice. He performed the ceremonies for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they entered he looked at Eliab and thought: Surely Jehovah's anointed is before Him. But Jehovah said to Samuel: Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature. I have rejected him. God does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance. Jehovah looks at the heart (inner man). Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. Samuel said: Jehovah has not chosen this one either. Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. He said: Jehovah has not chosen this one either. So Jesse brought seven more of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse: Jehovah has not chosen any of these. Are these all the sons you have? Samuel asked. There is still the youngest one, Jesse answered. He is tending sheep. Samuel responded: Send someone to get him. We will not continue until he gets here. Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. Jehovah said to Samuel: This is the one. Anoint him! Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the Spirit of Jehovah took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

Thousands of people in the crowd were gathered together so much that they bumped into one another. He said to his disciples: First of all, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Woe to you, you blind guides! You say, 'When you swear by the temple, it is nothing.' Then you say, 'When you swear by the gold of the temple, you are obligated.'

Jesus said: Take care to have nothing to do with the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They reasoned among themselves, saying: We took no bread. Hearing this, Jesus said: You of little faith, why are you reasoning among yourselves about not having bread? read more.
Do you still not see or remember the five cakes of bread of the five thousand, and the number of baskets you took up? Or the seven cakes of bread of the four thousand, and the number of baskets you took up? Why do you not understand I was not talking about bread? Instead, about keeping away from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees? Then they realized it was not the leaven of bread he had in mind. It was the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us.

It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers. We continually remember your work of faith, labor of love, and patience, and your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. We know your calling brothers, beloved of God.

You know how we dealt with each one of you. It was like a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging and showing you.

Indeed Moses was faithful in His house, as a ministering servant, for a testimony of the things to be spoken afterwards.

I call on heaven and earth as witnesses today that I have offered you life or death, blessings or curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants will live.

He was faithful to Him who appointed him, just as Moses was in His entire house.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day that you will soon utterly perish from off the land you possess the other side of the Jordan. You will not prolong your days upon it, but will be destroyed.

So they cried to Jehovah, and said: We earnestly request that you, O Jehovah, do not let us perish because of this man. Do not allow the loss of innocent blood! For you, O Jehovah, have done as you pleased.

The sailors were so afraid that each man cried out to his own god. They threw the cargo that was on the ship into the sea to lighten the load. At that time Jonah was fast asleep down in the innermost parts of the ship. So the captain came to him, and said: Why are you sleeping? Get up and call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.

He replied: I am Hebrew and I respect Jehovah, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land.

The men greatly reverenced Jehovah. They offered a sacrifice to Jehovah, and made vows.

Jonah began to enter into the city, a day's journey walking, and he shouted: Nineveh will be overthrown in Forty days. The people of Nineveh believed God and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. The news reached the king of Nineveh. He left his throne, and took off his robe and covered himself with sackcloth. Then he sat in ashes. read more.
He made proclamation and published it in Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not eat, nor drink water. Let them be covered with sackcloth, both man and beast. Let them sincerely call on God! Let them turn away each one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows whether God will turn back and change his mind, and turn away from his fierce anger that we will not perish?

Eli was very old. He heard everything his sons did to Israel. He heard how they slept with the women who served at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against Jehovah, who will intercede for him? But his sons did not listen to the voice of their father. Jehovah desired to put them to death.

The sons of Eli were corrupt. They did not know Jehovah. The priests had a custom with the people. If any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand. He stuck it into the pan, kettle, caldron or pot. All that the flesh-hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came there. read more.
Before they burned the fat the priest's servant came and said to the man who sacrificed: Give flesh to roast for the priest. For he will not have boiled flesh from you, but raw! If any man said to him: Let them burn the fat first, you may take as much as you desire. Then he would answer him, No! But you will give it now! If not, I will take it by force. The sin of the young men was very great before Jehovah. For men despised the offering of Jehovah.

Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod in my presences me? Did I give to the house of your father all the offerings made by fire from the sons of Israel? Why do you kick at my sacrifice and my offering, which I have commanded in my house? Do you honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?'

Samuel asked: What have you done? Saul replied: I saw the troops were scattering. You did not come when you said you would and the Philistines were assembling at Michmash. So I thought the Philistines will come against me at Gilgal. I have not sought Jehovah's favor. I felt pressured into sacrificing the burnt offering. You did a foolish thing, Samuel told Saul. You did not follow the command of Jehovah your God. If you had, Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel from generation to generation (for a very long time). read more.
Your kingdom will not last. Jehovah searched for a man after his own heart. Jehovah appointed him as ruler of his people. This is because you did not follow the command of Jehovah.

Jehovah spoke to Samuel: I am sorry that I made Saul king. He has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands. Samuel was angry. All night long he pleaded with Jehovah. Early the following morning he went off to find Saul. He heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel. There in Carmel he built a monument to himself. Then he went to Gilgal. read more.
Samuel went up to Saul. Saul said: Jehovah bless you, Samuel! I have obeyed Jehovah's command. Samuel asked: Why do I hear the sound of cows and sheep? Saul answered: The army brought them from the Amalekites. They spared the best sheep and cows to sacrifice to Jehovah your God. But the rest they claimed for God and destroyed them. Be quiet, Samuel told Saul, Let me tell you what Jehovah told me last night. Speak, Saul replied. Samuel said to Saul: You are little in your own eyes. Even though you are a leader of all of the tribes of Israel that Jehovah anointed king over Israel. Jehovah sent you on a mission. He said: Go and destroy those sinners, the Amalekites. Fight against them until every one is dead. Why then did you not obey the voice of Jehovah? Why did you pounce on the plunder? Why did you do evil in the sight of Jehovah? Then Saul said to Samuel: I did obey the voice of Jehovah. I went on the mission Jehovah sent me. I brought back Agag the king of Amalek. I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. The people took from the plunder of the flock the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to Jehovah your God in Gilgal. Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams. The sin of divination is rebellion. Wickedness and idolatry are arrogance. They are evil. Because you rejected the word of Jehovah, he rejects you as king. Then Saul told Samuel: I have sinned by not following Jehovah's command or your instructions. I was afraid of the people and listened to them. But now I beg you, forgive my sin and return with me, so that I can worship Jehovah. I will not return with you, Samuel answered. You rejected Jehovah's command. He has rejected you as king of Israel. Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore. Samuel said to him: Jehovah has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today. He gave it to someone who is a better man than you. The Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind. He is not a mortal who changes his mind. Saul replied: I have sinned! Now please honor me in front of the elders of my people and in front of Israel. Come back with me. Let me worship Jehovah your God! Then Samuel turned and followed Saul. Saul worshiped Jehovah.

Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses.

Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,

He called in Jehoiada and the other priests and asked them: Why are you not repairing the Temple? From now on you are not to keep the money you receive. You must hand it over, so that the repairs can be made.

He gathered the priests and the Levites and said to them: Go to the cities of Judah, and collect money throughout Israel to repair the Temple of your God every year. Do it immediately! But the Levites did not do it immediately. The king called for the chief priest Jehoiada and asked him: Why have you not required the Levites to bring the contributions from Judah and Jerusalem? Jehovah's servant Moses and the assembly required Israel to give contributions for the use of the Tent of Testimony of God's promise.

I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God.

You learned about Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.

The sons of Samuel: Joel the firstborn and Abijah the second son.

When Samuel was old, he appointed his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel. He named his second son Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. The sons did not follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.

I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.

You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No soldier entangles himself in the affairs of this life. That way, he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed.

Stand up on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you have seen, and of those things I will show to you.

Jehovah may give you troubles and hardships. But your Teacher (Grand Instructor) will no longer be hidden from you. You will see your Teacher with your own eyes.

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.

They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.

When the time came we left there and went on our journey. All the disciples, their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. We knelt down on the beach and prayed, and said goodbye. We went on board the ship as they returned home.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I handed them over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

This kind of talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus.

I said: Turn away from me. Let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people. The Lord Jehovah of Hosts has a day of tumult, trampling and terror in the Valley of Vision. It is a day of battering down walls and of crying out to the mountains.

Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked: What did those men say, and where did they come from? Hezekiah replied: They came from the distant land of Babylon. The prophet asked: What did they see in your palace? They saw everything in my palace, Hezekiah said. There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them. Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of the Jehovah of Hosts: read more.
The time will come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says Jehovah. Some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away! They will become officers in the palace of the king of Babylon.'

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They will never be silent day or night. Whoever calls on Jehovah, do not allow yourselves any rest,

Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for the people of Israel. Listen to what I say and warn them for me.

I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace that was given me according to the working of his power.

Provided that you continue in the faith, grounded (on the foundation) and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the good news you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven. For this I, Paul, was made a minister.

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the nations, ministering the good news of God, that the offering of these nations might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

People should regard us as servants of Christ. God has trusted us with his secrets.

You will be called the priests of Jehovah. You will be spoken of as ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, you will boast in their riches.

In everything we commend ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in union with Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and ministerial servants:

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

Be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist (preacher of the good news), and fulfill your ministry.

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers.

These are the blessings that Moses, the man of God, pronounced on the people of Israel before he died:

But you, O man of God, run from these things. Pursue (set your heart on) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

The next day he called his disciples to choose from them twelve, whom he named apostles (ambassadors) (messengers):

Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God pronounced judgment for you against her.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.

Fourteen years later I went again to Jerusalem with Barnabas. I took Titus with me also. I went in response to a revelation. I demonstrated to them the way I spread the good news among the people of the nations. I did this privately before them for they have a reputation. I am concerned that by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain. Titus was with me and he was not persuaded to be circumcised. He is a Greek. read more.
This occurred because of the false brothers brought in secretly. They came to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus. This was so they might bring us into bondage. We did not yield to them for a moment or an hour! That way the truth of the good news (the whole body of Christian teachings) might continue with you. Those who were recognized as important people did not add a single thing to my message. What sort of people they were makes no difference to me. God does not play favorites (show partiality). On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the good news to people who are not circumcised. Just as Peter had been entrusted with the good news to the people who are circumcised. The one who made Peter an apostle to the Jewish people (who are circumcised) also made me an apostle to the people of the nations (who are not circumcised). When they saw the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas (Peter) and John, they who were known to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship. We were to go to the nations and they were to go to the people who are circumcised.

It pleased God to separate me even from my mother's womb and call me through his grace. He revealed his Son to me that I might preach him among the nations. I do not confer with flesh and blood (human beings). I did not go to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before I was. I went away to Arabia and again I returned to Damascus. read more.
Then after three years I went to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and waited with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. What I write is true. God knows I do not lie. Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. I was still unknown by face to the congregations of Judea that are in Christ. They heard it said: He that once persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy. They glorified God because of me.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without someone to preach?

Because of this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle. What I say is true, not false, and I am a teacher of the nations in the true faith.

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness.

This letter is from James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Greetings to the twelve tribes that are scattered.

He said to them: Follow me and I will teach you to catch people.

Jesus said: Follow me and I will teach you to catch people.

There was a young Levite who had been living in the town of Bethlehem in Judah. The man left Bethlehem to find another place to live. While he was traveling, he came to Micah's house in the mountains of Ephraim. Micah asked him: Where do you come from? He answered: I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I need a place to live. read more.
Micah said: Stay here with me. Be my adviser and priest. I will give you ten pieces of silver a year along with some clothes, and your food. The young Levite agreed to stay with Micah. He became like a son to him. He lived in Micah's home. Micah made him his priest. Micah said: Now I know that Jehovah will be good to me, since I have a Levite as a priest.

Jesus made his disciples hurry into a boat to cross to Bethsaida ahead of him. Then he sent the crowd away.

He told them come into a secluded place and rest a while. For there were many people coming and going and they had no leisure time. They went away in the boat to a secluded place.

God's Spirit spoke to Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. Zechariah told everyone that God was saying: Why are you disobeying me and my Laws? This will only bring punishment! You have deserted me, so now I will desert you. They plotted against Zechariah. Then they followed the king's order and stoned him to death in the courtyard of Jehovah's Temple.

The prophet Zedekiah went to Micaiah and slapped his face. He asked: Since when did Jehovah's spirit leave me and speak to you? You will see when you go into an inner chamber to hide. Micaiah replied. The king of Israel said: Take Micaiah and send him back to Amon, the ruler of the town, and to Joash, the king's son. read more.
Tell them: 'It is the king's order that this man is to be put in prison and given prison food till I come again in peace.'

Ahab saw Elijah. He said: Is it you, Israel's troublemaker? Then he said in answer: I have not made trouble for Israel. You and your family have. You have disobeyed Jehovah's commands and have gone after the Baals.

He went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, he saw a widow woman gathering sticks. He said to her: Will you give me a little water in a vessel for my drink? As she was going to get it, he said: And get me some bread. Then she said: By the life of Jehovah your God, I have nothing but a little meal, and a drop of oil in the bottle; and now I am getting two sticks together so that I may go in and make it ready for me and my son, so that we may have a meal before our death. read more.
Elijah said to her: Have no fear. Go and do as you said, but first make me a little cake of it and come and give it to me. Then make something for yourself and your son. For this is the word of Jehovah, the God of Israel: 'Your supply of meal will not come to an end. The bottle will never be without oil, till the day when Jehovah sends rain on the earth.' She did as Elijah told her and they all had food for a long time. The store of meal did not come to an end. The bottle was never without oil. This was just as Jehovah said through the mouth of Elijah.

The messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him: All the other prophets have prophesied success for the king. You had better do the same. Micaiah answered: By the living God Jehovah I promise that I will say what he tells me to say!

There was an old prophet living in Bethel. His sons told him what the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They reported what he said to the king. Their father asked: Which way did he go? His sons saw which way the man of God went. So the prophet said to his sons: Saddle the donkey for me. So they saddled the donkey and he mounted it. read more.
He rode after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree. Are you the man of God who came from Judah? He asked. I am. Came his reply. He said: Come back to the house with me and have a meal. But the man of God from Judah replied: I may not go back with you or go into your house. I will not take food or a drink of water with you in this place. Jehovah said to me: 'You are not to take food or water there, or go back again by the way you came.' Then he said: I am a prophet like you. An angel said to me by the word of Jehovah, Take him back with you and give him food and water. But he lied to him. So he went back with him, and had a meal in his house and a drink of water. But while they were seated at the table, the word of Jehovah came to the old prophet who had brought him back. Crying out to the man of God who came from Judah, he said: Jehovah says, 'because you have gone against the voice of Jehovah, and have not done as Jehovah ordered you, but have come back, and have taken food and water in this place where he said you were to take no food or water; your dead body will not be put to rest with your fathers.' After the meal he made the donkey ready for the prophet whom he had taken back. He went on his way. A lion met him on the road and jumped him and killed him. His dead body was stretched in the road with the donkey by its side. The lion was by the body. Some people who passed by saw the body stretched out in the road with the lion by its side. They brought the news to the town where the old prophet lived. The old prophet heard about it and said: That is the prophet who disobeyed Jehovah's command! Jehovah sent the lion to attack and kill him, just as Jehovah said he would. He said to his sons: Saddle my donkey for me. They did so. He rode away to find the prophet's body lying on the road. The donkey and the lion were still standing by it. The lion had not eaten the body or attacked the donkey. The old prophet picked up the body and brought it back to Bethel on the donkey. There he mourned over it and buried it. He buried it in his own family grave. He and his sons mourned over it, saying: Oh my brother, my brother! After the burial the prophet said to his sons: When I die, bury me in this grave and lay my body next to his. The words that he spoke at Jehovah's command against the altar in Bethel and against all the places of worship in the towns of Samaria will surely come true.

The official who had gone to get Micaiah said to him: All the other prophets have prophesied success for the king. You had better do the same. But Micaiah answered: By the living God Jehovah I will say what my God tells me to say.

However when he became powerful, his pride destroyed him. He was unfaithful to Jehovah his God. He went into Jehovah's Temple to burn incense on the incense altar. Azariah the priest went in after him with eighty of Jehovah's courageous priests. They opposed King Uzziah. They said to him: Uzziah, you have no right to burn incense as an offering to Jehovah. That right belongs to the priests, Aaron's descendants, who have been given the holy task of burning incense. Get out of the holy place because you have been unfaithful. Jehovah God will not honor you for this. read more.
Uzziah held an incense burner in his hand. He became angry. As his anger with the priests grew, a skin disease broke out on his forehead. This happened in front of the priests in Jehovah's Temple as Uzziah was at the incense altar. When the chief priest Azariah and all the priests turned toward him, a skin disease was on his forehead. They rushed him away. Uzziah was in a hurry to get out because Jehovah had inflicted him with the disease.

This is the secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven congregations. The seven lamp stands that you saw are the seven congregations.

To the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands, says:

This is the secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven congregations. The seven lamp stands that you saw are the seven congregations.

To the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands, says:

Zadok the priest was there. He had Levites there carrying the sacred Ark of God. They set it down and did not pick it up again until all the people left the city. The priest Abiathar was there too. The king said to Zadok: Take the Ark of the Covenant back to the city. If Jehovah is pleased with me he will let me come back to see it and the place where it stays. Let him do to me what he wishes if he is not pleased with me. read more.
He also said to Zadok: You are a seer, are you? Take your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan and go back to the city in peace.

Son of man, your people are talking about you by the walls and in the doorways of their homes. They are saying to each other: 'Let's go and hear the word that has come from Jehovah.' Then they come to you, as if they are still my people, and they sit down in front of you. They listen to what you say, but they do not do it. They say that they love me, but in their hearts they chase dishonest profits. To them you are nothing more than a singer with a beautiful voice who sings love songs or a musician who plays an instrument. They listen to your words, but they do not do them. read more.
When all your words come true, and they certainly will come true, these people will know that a prophet has been among them.

The judges and the other people told the priests and prophets: Since Jeremiah only told us what Jehovah our God had said, we do not think he deserves to die. Then some of the leaders from other towns stepped forward. They told the crowd: Years ago when Hezekiah was king of Judah, a prophet named Micah from the town of Moresheth said: 'Jehovah of Hosts says, Jerusalem will be plowed under and left in ruins. Thorns will cover the mountain where the Temple now stands.' read more.
Then the leaders continued: No one put Micah to death for saying that. Instead, King Hezekiah prayed to Jehovah with reverence and trembling and asked him to have mercy. Then Jehovah decided not to destroy Jerusalem, even though he had already said he would. People of Judah, if Jeremiah is killed we will bring a terrible disaster on ourselves.

Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch (officer) who worked in the royal palace, heard that they had put me in the well. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate. So Ebedmelech went there and said to the king: Your Majesty, what these men have done is wrong. They have put Jeremiah in the well, where he is sure to die of starvation, since there is no more food in the city. read more.
Then the king ordered Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, Take with you three men and to pull him out of the well before he dies. So Ebedmelech went with the men to the palace storeroom and got some worn-out clothing which he let down to me by ropes. He told me to put the rags under my arms, so that the ropes would not hurt me. I did this. So they pulled me up out of the well. After that I was kept in the courtyard.

Barnabas decided to take John, whose surname was Mark, with them.

Their disagreement was so great between them that they parted company. So Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.

and not only so, but who was also appointed by the congregations to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness.

Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.

Jehovah sent Nathan to David. Nathan came to him and said: There were two men in a certain city. One was rich and the other was poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle. But the poor man had only one little female lamb that he bought. He raised her, and she grew up in his home with his children. She would eat his food and drink from his cup. She rested in his arms and was like a daughter to him. read more.
Now, a visitor came to the rich man. The rich man thought it would be a pity to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler. So he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the traveler. David became very angry with the rich man. He said: I swear by the living God Jehovah that the man who did this should die! For doing such a cruel thing he should pay back four times for the lamb he took, for he had no compassion. You are that man! Nathan said to David. And this is what the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives. Then I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle! You let the Ammonites kill him. Then you took his wife! In every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah's wife. I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble to you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man. He will have intercourse with them in broad daylight. You did this secretly. I will make this happen in broad daylight in front of all Israel.' David said to Nathan: I have sinned against Jehovah. Nathan replied: Jehovah has taken away your sin. You will not die. You have shown total contempt for Jehovah by this affair. Therefore the son that is born to you must die.

Those who gladly received his word were baptized. About three thousand persons were added the same day.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind. It filled the house where they were sitting. Tongues of fire that sat on each of them appeared. read more.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.

A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an Alexandrian who had a comprehensive knowledge of the scriptures and spoke eloquently. This man had been instructed in God's way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John. He spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him home and explained God's word more accurately. read more.
When he decided to travel to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him. They wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived he was a great help to those who by grace believed. He powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

The people with one accord gave heed to those things Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles he did.

When they believed what Philip preached about the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

There was great joy in that city.

That very hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds. Then he and all his family were baptized. He took them to his house and fed them. They rejoiced along with his entire house, having believed in God.

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. I do my share in behalf of his body, the congregation, to provide what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ. God gave me this stewardship to perform for your good. He has made me a servant of the congregation. It is for the task of fully proclaiming the word of God.

This kind of talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus. These men have gone astray from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

Jehovah sent Nathan to David. Nathan came to him and said: There were two men in a certain city. One was rich and the other was poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle. But the poor man had only one little female lamb that he bought. He raised her, and she grew up in his home with his children. She would eat his food and drink from his cup. She rested in his arms and was like a daughter to him. read more.
Now, a visitor came to the rich man. The rich man thought it would be a pity to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler. So he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the traveler. David became very angry with the rich man. He said: I swear by the living God Jehovah that the man who did this should die! For doing such a cruel thing he should pay back four times for the lamb he took, for he had no compassion. You are that man! Nathan said to David. And this is what the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives. Then I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle! You let the Ammonites kill him. Then you took his wife! In every generation some of your descendants will die a violent death because you have disobeyed me and have taken Uriah's wife. I swear to you that I will cause someone from your own family to bring trouble to you. You will see it when I take your wives from you and give them to another man. He will have intercourse with them in broad daylight. You did this secretly. I will make this happen in broad daylight in front of all Israel.' David said to Nathan: I have sinned against Jehovah. Nathan replied: Jehovah has taken away your sin. You will not die. You have shown total contempt for Jehovah by this affair. Therefore the son that is born to you must die.

I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need. He longed to see you and was worried because you had heard that he was sick. Indeed he was sick and near to death. But God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. read more.
I have sent him quickly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. I testify for him, that he has worked hard for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

But thanks to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth to you of his own accord.

Now if any man builds upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble; every man's work will be made known, for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will prove what sort every man's work is. If a man's work that he built upon lasts, he will receive a reward. read more.
If a man's work will be burned, he will suffer loss: but he will be saved by fire.

At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. read more.
I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.

In like manner these men also in their dreams defile the flesh, reject authority and speak evil of glorious ones. Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil disputed about the body of Moses. He did not speak evil judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: Jehovah rebukes you. (Zechariah 3:2) These men speak abusively about things they do not know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, they corrupt themselves.

Then the high priest rose up, and all those of the sect of the Sadducees who were with him were filled with zeal (indignation). They captured the apostles and put them in the common prison. During the night God's angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said: read more.
Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the sayings about this life. When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him. He called the council together and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. The officers did not find them in the prison when they came. So they returned and said, We found the prison locked with the guards standing before the doors. When we opened it we did not find a man. When the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted them. They wondered what this would come to. Someone came to them and told them: The men you put in prison are standing in the temple teaching the people. Then the captain with the officers brought them in without violence. They feared the people lest they should have been stoned. They brought them before the council and the high priest asked them: Did we command you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are willing to bring this man's blood upon us. Peter and the other apostles answered: We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed. You hanged him on a stake. God exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them. One of the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had a reputation among all the people. He commanded to put the apostles outside for a while. He said to them: You men of Israel be careful what you intend to do to these men. Sometime ago Theudas claimed to be somebody. About four hundred men joined and obeyed him. He was killed and they finally dispersed. After this man Judas of Galilee rose in the days of the taxing, and drew away many people after him. He also perished and all who obeyed him dispersed. I tell you: Leave these men alone. If this message and this work are from men it will come to nothing. But if it is from God, you cannot overthrow it; otherwise you may find yourselves fighting against God. They agreed with him and called the apostles. They beat them and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go. They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. They taught daily in the temple and in every house. They did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

He saw that it pleased the Jews so he captured Peter also. This happened during the feast of unleavened bread. When he apprehended him, he put him in prison. He turned him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. After Passover he would be presented to the people. Peter was kept in prison. Prayer was made without ceasing by the congregation to God for him. read more.
It was the night before Herod was to bring him to trial. Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains. Sentries stood guard at the prison door. Suddenly God's angel came to him. A light shined in the prison. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up saying: Get up quickly. And his chains fell off of his hands. The angel said: Dress yourself and put on sandals. Put on your coat and follow me. So Peter did as he was told. Peter followed him out of the prison. He did not know what the angel was doing was really happening. He thought he saw a vision. They went past the first and second guard to the Iron Gate that leads to the city. The gate opened and went out on the street. The angel then departed from him. Peter came to himself and he said: Now I know for sure that God sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jews. After he thought about what happened he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark. Many were gathered there to pray. Peter knocked on the door and a young woman named Rhoda answered. When she recognized Peter's voice she was so overjoyed she ran back into the house to tell others he was there. She forgot to open the door for him. They said to her: You are mad. But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they said: It must be his angel. But Peter continued knocking. When they opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Peter motioned for them to be quiet. Then he told them how God brought him out of the prison. He said: Tell James and the brothers. Then he went away to another place. When day came the soldiers were disturbed by what happened to Peter. Herod had a thorough search made for him and could not find him. He cross examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Herod went from Judea to Caesarea to stay for a while.

Peter traveled through all parts. He came to the holy ones at Lydda. He found a man named Aeneas who lay in his bed for eight years. He was sick of the palsy. Peter said to him: Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole! Stand up and take your bed. And he stood up immediately. read more.
All who lived at Lydda on the Plain of Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

The next morning we left for Caesarea where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist and one of the seven. Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied. As we stayed there several days, a prophet came from Judea, named Agabus.

When we made it to shore safely we learned that the island was called Malta. The natives there were very friendly to us. It started to rain and was cold, so they built a fire and made us all welcome. Paul gathered an armful of sticks and put them on the fire. A snake came out on account of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. read more.
The natives saw the snake hanging on Paul's hand and said to one another: This man must be a murderer, but Fate will not let him live, even though he escaped from the sea. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire without being harmed at all. The people were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. They waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him. They changed their minds and said he was a god. A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly. We were his guests for three days. His father was sick in bed. He suffered from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and made him well. After that happened, other sick people on the island went to Paul and were made well. They honored us with many gifts. When we were going to set sail, they put whatever we needed on board.

Elisha went to Shunem, where a rich woman lived. She invited him to a meal. From that time on every time he went to Shunem he would have his meals at her house. She said to her husband: I know that this man who comes here often is a holy man. Let us build a small room on the roof, and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp in it. He can stay there when he visits us.

When Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. Simon said: Give me this power that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. Peter said to him: Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money. read more.
You have no part or share in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent of this wickedness, and pray to God, that the thought in your heart may be forgiven you. For I perceive that you are full of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

They traveled the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they found Barjesus. He was a sorcerer, a false prophet and a Jew. He was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer opposed them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. read more.
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, And said: You child of the devil, full of all subtlety and mischief, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of Jehovah? Look Jehovah's hand is on you. You will be blind and not see the sun for a season. Immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness. He went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

They could not celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had performed the ceremonies to make themselves holy and the people had not gathered in Jerusalem.

They decided to send an announcement throughout Israel from Beersheba to Dan. They summoned everyone to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover of Jehovah God of Israel. These people had not celebrated it in large numbers as the written instructions said they should.

Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he was married to a Cushite woman from Sudan. They asked: Did Jehovah speak only through Moses? Did he not also speak through us? Jehovah heard their complaint. Moses was a very humble (meek) man. He was more humble than anyone else on earth. read more.
Suddenly, Jehovah said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam: All three of you come to the tent of meeting. So all three of them went to the tent. Then Jehovah came down in the column of smoke and stood at the entrance to the tent. He called to Aaron and Miriam. They both came forward. He said: Listen to my words: 'When there are prophets of Jehovah among you, I make myself known to them in visions or speak to them in dreams. But this is not the way I treat my servant Moses. He is the most faithful person in my household. I speak with him face to face. I speak plainly and not in riddles. He even sees the form of Jehovah. Why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?' Jehovah was angry with them, so he left. After the smoke left the tent, Miriam was covered with an infectious skin disease. She was as white as snow. Aaron turned to her and saw she was covered with the disease. He said to Moses: Please, do not make us suffer this punishment for our foolish sin. Do not let her become like something born dead with half its flesh eaten away.

When Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. Simon said: Give me this power that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. Peter said to him: Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money. read more.
You have no part or share in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent of this wickedness, and pray to God, that the thought in your heart may be forgiven you. For I perceive that you are full of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

The ministry of death was written and engraved on stones. Glory came with it so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly upon the face of Moses. And this glory was passing away. How shall the ministry of the Spirit not be with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory then the ministry of righteousness would exceed in glory. read more.
Even what was glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the greater glory. If that which passes away was with glory, that which remains is even more glorious.

I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus gain you? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same mental disposition? Did we not walk in the same steps?

Paul arrived at Derbe and Lystra where he saw a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman, and his father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to have him travel with him. So he had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in the area. For they knew that his father was a Greek. read more.
They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules.

As they ministered to God, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: Set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work I have called them. After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.

Asa was so angry with the prophet that he had him put in chains. It was at this same time that Asa began treating some of the people cruelly.

A certain man called Simon was in the same city. He used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, telling everyone that he was great. They all listened to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man has great power from God. They followed him because for a long time he astonished them with sorceries.

It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu each took an incense burner. They put burning coals and incense in it. Then in Jehovah's presence they offered this unauthorized fire. A fire flashed from Jehovah and burned them. They died in the presence of Jehovah.

Now the word of Jehovah came to Jonah the son of Amittai. He said: Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim against her that Jehovah has seen their terrible wickedness. Jonah tried to run away from the presence of Jehovah (YHWH). He went to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and boarded it to go with them to Tarshish away from the presence of Jehovah. read more.
Jehovah sent out a great windstorm upon the sea and the ship was about to break up. The sailors were so afraid that each man cried out to his own god. They threw the cargo that was on the ship into the sea to lighten the load. At that time Jonah was fast asleep down in the innermost parts of the ship. So the captain came to him, and said: Why are you sleeping? Get up and call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.

Be an example of good works in all things, showing no corruption in your doctrine. Have sound speech that cannot be condemned so the man opposing us may be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Judas, his betrayer, heard he was to be put to death. Out of regret, he took the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and those in authority. He said: I have done wrong in giving a righteous man to you. He left the silver in the Temple. Then he went away and hanged himself. read more.
The chief priests took the silver. They said: It is not right to put it in the Temple treasury, for it is the price of blood. They decided to use the silver to buy the potter's field. This would be a place to bury strangers.

he said to Gehazi: Ask her what I can do for her in return for all the trouble she has had in providing for our needs. Maybe she would like me to go to the king or the army commander and put in a good word for her. I have all I need here among my own people, she answered.

He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while.

We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person.

Paul chose Silas, and departed, being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of God.

He spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him home and explained God's word more accurately.

The idea pleased the whole congregation. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch, whom they set before the apostles. After they prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift in you. It was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

This holy part of the land will belong to the priests who serve in the Holy Place, the priests who come near to serve Jehovah. They will use this place for their homes, and it will be the location for the Holy Place.

Let the priests and the ministers of Jehovah weep between the Temple porch and the altar! Let them say: Spare your people, O Jehovah, and do not give reproach to your heritage. That the nations should rule over them and say among the peoples, 'where is their God?'

According to the gift you have received, minister among yourselves, as good stewards of the increased grace (divine influence) (love) of God.

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind (gentle) to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.

I wept much because no one was found worthy to open, look inside, and read the book. One of the elders said to me: Do not weep; the Lion of the tribe of Judah of the Root of David has succeeded in opening the book and removing the seven seals.

Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you or our brothers, they are the messengers of the congregations, and they are the glory of Christ.

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ that you be reconciled to God.

He was the lamp that burns and shines. You were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

In addition, we make it clear to you, that it will be against the law to put any tax or payment in goods or forced payment on any of the priests or Levites, the music-makers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, or any servants of this house of God.

Brothers, accept the example of suffering and patience by the prophets who spoke in the name of God.

Samuel did what Jehovah told him. When he came to Bethlehem the elders of the city trembled at his coming. They greeted him and said: May peace be with you.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].

He left the synagogue and went next door to the house of a man named Titus Justus, one who worshiped God.

He was of the same trade as Paul. So he stayed with them and worked at their tentmaker trade.

He waited many days in Jappa with Simon a tanner.

After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.

They cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was included with the eleven apostles.

He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I wrote something to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, did not receive us.

Keep in mind, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat and what they did, and Noadiah, the woman prophet, and the rest of the prophets whose purpose was to frighten me.

People should regard us as servants of Christ. God has trusted us with his secrets.

The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain.

We do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. We are your servants for Jesus' sake.

Tychicus will make known all my affairs to you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

So we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the good news of Christ. He came to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness.

It is right for me to feel this way on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news you are all partakers with me of grace.

He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly!

The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.

He answered: Micah and I have an arrangement. He pays me to serve as his priest.

He summoned the twelve and sent them forth in pairs. They were given authority over the unclean spirits.

They received testimony from those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning. Ministers of God's word delivered it to us.

Working together with him we plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain (to no purpose) (in emptiness).