For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.

And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice].

If you sell anything to your friend or buy from your friend, you shall not wrong one another.

“It is [almost] worthless, it is [almost] worthless,” says the buyer [as he negotiates the price];
But when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].

‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; you are [only] foreigners and temporary residents with Me.

then to those who sold the doves He said, “Take these things away! Stop making My Father’s house a place of commerce!”

“The kingdom of heaven is like a [very precious] treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again; then in his joy he goes and sells all he has and buys that field [securing the treasure for himself].

There was not a needy person among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them, and bringing the proceeds of the sales

May the Lord give you [great] increase,
You and your children.

sold a field belonging to him and brought the money and set it at the apostles’ feet.

You shall not bring the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog [that is, a male prostitute] into the house of the Lord your God as payment for any vow, for both of these [the gift and the giver] are utterly repulsive to the Lord your God.

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and [secretly] keep back for yourself some of the proceeds [from the sale] of the land?

and placing the money down at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed to each as anyone had need.

[Regarding meat offered to idols:] Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking any questions for the sake of your conscience,

And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need.

She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].

“If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go free [after six years] as male servants do.

Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].”

at this present time your surplus [over necessities] is going to supply their need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may be given to supply your need, that there may be equality;

“It cannot be obtained for pure gold,
Nor can silver be weighed as its price.

Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple [grounds] and began driving out [with force] the people who were selling and buying [animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the seats of those who were selling doves;

And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all.

but he is to be with you as a hired man, as if he were a temporary resident; he shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee,

So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] give up all his own possessions.

For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head,
And the Lord will reward you.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can [mere] man do to me?

This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

‘And if a man consecrates to the Lord part of a field of his own property, then your valuation shall be proportionate to the seed needed for it; a homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the [other] priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the damage of the house (temple)? Now then, do not take any more money from your acquaintances, but turn it all over for [the repair of] the damages of the house.” [You are no longer responsible for this work. I will take it into my own hands.]

“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple.

The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous:
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

This is from the Lord and is His doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.

And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.

O Lord, save now, we beseech You;
O Lord, we beseech You, send now prosperity and give us success!