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The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLUK">
      <div class="chapter ch21" data-usfm="LUK.21">
         <div class="label">21</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Widow&#8217;s Offering</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LUK.21.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LUK.21.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.21.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Truly I tell you,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;this poor widow has put in more than all the others.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.21.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.21.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.21.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.21.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.21.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.21.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;Teacher,&#8221; they asked, &#8220;when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.21.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LUK.21.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He replied: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, &#8216;I am he,&#8217; and, &#8216;The time is near.&#8217; Do not follow them.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.21.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.21.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.21.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then he said to them: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.21.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.21.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.21.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.21.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">And so you will bear testimony to me.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.21.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.21.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LUK.21.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LUK.21.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Everyone will hate you because of me.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LUK.21.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But not a hair of your head will perish.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.21.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Stand firm, and you will win life.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.21.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.21.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LUK.21.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LUK.21.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="LUK.21.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.21.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.21.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="LUK.21.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.21.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="LUK.21.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.21.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.21.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="LUK.21.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">He told them this parable: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Look at the fig tree and all the trees.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.21.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.21.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.21.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.21.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.21.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.21.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.21.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="LUK.21.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.21.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.21.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="LUK.21.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="LUK.21.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEXO">
      <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="EXO.6">
         <div class="label">6</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EXO.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Moses, &#8220;Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EXO.6.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EXO.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">God also said to Moses, &#8220;I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EXO.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:3 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">El-Shaddai</span></span></span><span class="content"> but by my name the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:3 </span><span class="ft">See note at 3:15.</span></span></span><span class="content"> I did not make myself fully known to them. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EXO.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EXO.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EXO.6.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EXO.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore, say to the Israelites: &#8216;I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EXO.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EXO.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EXO.6.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EXO.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EXO.6.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EXO.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to Moses, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EXO.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EXO.6.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EXO.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But Moses said to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:12 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">I am uncircumcised of lips</span><span class="ft">; also in verse 30</span></span></span><span class="content">?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Family Record of Moses and Aaron</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EXO.6.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EXO.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Now the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="mi"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EXO.6.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EXO.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">These were the heads of their families</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:14 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew for </span><span class="fq">families </span><span class="ft">here and in verse 25 refers to units larger than clans.</span></span></span><span class="content">:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EXO.6.14"><span class="content">The sons of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel were Hanok and Pallu, Hezron and Karmi. These were the clans of Reuben.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EXO.6.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EXO.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EXO.6.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EXO.6.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EXO.6.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EXO.6.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The sons of Gershon, by clans, were Libni and Shimei.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EXO.6.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EXO.6.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EXO.6.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EXO.6.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EXO.6.19"><span class="content">These were the clans of Levi according to their records.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EXO.6.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EXO.6.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Amram married his father&#8217;s sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EXO.6.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EXO.6.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg and Zikri.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EXO.6.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EXO.6.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan and Sithri.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EXO.6.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EXO.6.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EXO.6.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EXO.6.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The sons of Korah were: Assir, Elkanah and Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans.</span></span></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EXO.6.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EXO.6.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="pi1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EXO.6.25"><span class="content">These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by clan.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EXO.6.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EXO.6.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said, &#8220;Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EXO.6.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt&#8212;this same Moses and Aaron.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Aaron to Speak for Moses</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EXO.6.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EXO.6.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Now when the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> spoke to Moses in Egypt, </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EXO.6.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">he said to him, &#8220;I am the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EXO.6.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="EXO.6.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But Moses said to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, &#8220;Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkROM">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ROM.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Anguish Over Israel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ROM.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">I speak the truth in Christ&#8212;I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ROM.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ROM.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ROM.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ROM.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised!</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!</span></span></span><span class="content"> Amen.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">God&#8217;s Sovereign Choice</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ROM.9.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ROM.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">It is not as though God&#8217;s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ROM.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham&#8217;s children. On the contrary, &#8220;It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:7 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 21:12</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ROM.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God&#8217;s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham&#8217;s offspring. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ROM.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For this was how the promise was stated: &#8220;At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:9 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 18:10,14</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ROM.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ROM.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Not only that, but Rebekah&#8217;s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ROM.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad&#8212;in order that God&#8217;s purpose in election might stand: </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ROM.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">not by works but by him who calls&#8212;she was told, &#8220;The older will serve the younger.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:12 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 25:23</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Just as it is written: &#8220;Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:13 </span><span class="ft">Mal. 1:2,3</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.9.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ROM.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ROM.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">For he says to Moses,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ROM.9.15"><span class="content">&#8220;I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ROM.9.15"><span class="content">and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:15 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 33:19</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ROM.9.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ROM.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God&#8217;s mercy. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ROM.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">For Scripture says to Pharaoh: &#8220;I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:17 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 9:16</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ROM.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ROM.9.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ROM.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">One of you will say to me: &#8220;Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ROM.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? &#8220;Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, &#8216;Why did you make me like this?&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:20 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 29:16; 45:9</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ROM.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ROM.9.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ROM.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath&#8212;prepared for destruction? </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ROM.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ROM.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">As he says in Hosea:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.9.25"><span class="content">&#8220;I will call them &#8216;my people&#8217; who are not my people;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.9.25"><span class="content">and I will call her &#8216;my loved one&#8217; who is not my loved one,&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:25 </span><span class="ft">Hosea 2:23</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.9.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">and,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.9.26"><span class="content">&#8220;In the very place where it was said to them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.9.26"><span class="content">&#8216;You are not my people,&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.9.26"><span class="content">there they will be called &#8216;children of the living God.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:26 </span><span class="ft">Hosea 1:10</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.9.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.9.27"><span class="content">&#8220;Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.9.27"><span class="content">only the remnant will be saved.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.9.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ROM.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">For the Lord will carry out</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ROM.9.28"><span class="content">his sentence on earth with speed and finality.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:28 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ROM.9.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">It is just as Isaiah said previously:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="content">&#8220;Unless the Lord Almighty</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="content">had left us descendants,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="content">we would have become like Sodom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="content">we would have been like Gomorrah.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:29 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 1:9</span></span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Israel&#8217;s Unbelief</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.9.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ROM.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ROM.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ROM.9.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ROM.9.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">As it is written:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ROM.9.33"><span class="content">&#8220;See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ROM.9.33"><span class="content">and a rock that makes them fall,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ROM.9.33"><span class="content">and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:33 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 8:14; 28:16</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="REV.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Scroll and the Lamb</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, &#8220;Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then one of the elders said to me, &#8220;Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:6 </span><span class="ft">That is, the sevenfold Spirit</span></span></span><span class="content"> of God sent out into all the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God&#8217;s people. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">And they sang a new song, saying:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">&#8220;You are worthy to take the scroll</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">and to open its seals,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">because you were slain,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">and with your blood you purchased for God</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.5.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.5.10"><span class="content">and they will reign</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:10 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">they reign</span></span></span><span class="content"> on the earth.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.5.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">In a loud voice they were saying:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.5.12"><span class="content">&#8220;Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.5.12"><span class="content">to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.5.12"><span class="content">and honor and glory and praise!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.5.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.5.13"><span class="content">&#8220;To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.5.13"><span class="content">be praise and honor and glory and power,</span></span></div><div class="qc"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.5.13"><span class="content">for ever and ever!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.5.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The four living creatures said, &#8220;Amen,&#8221; and the elders fell down and worshiped.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkSNG">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="SNG.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">All night long on my bed</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.3.1"><span class="content">I looked for the one my heart loves;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.3.1"><span class="content">I looked for him but did not find him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="SNG.3.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I will get up now and go about the city,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.3.2"><span class="content">through its streets and squares;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.3.2"><span class="content">I will search for the one my heart loves.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.3.2"><span class="content">So I looked for him but did not find him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="SNG.3.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The watchmen found me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.3.3"><span class="content">as they made their rounds in the city.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.3.3"><span class="content">&#8220;Have you seen the one my heart loves?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="SNG.3.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Scarcely had I passed them</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="content">when I found the one my heart loves.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="content">I held him and would not let him go</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="content">till I had brought him to my mother&#8217;s house,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="content">to the room of the one who conceived me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="SNG.3.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.3.5"><span class="content">by the gazelles and by the does of the field:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.3.5"><span class="content">Do not arouse or awaken love</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.3.5"><span class="content">until it so desires.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="SNG.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Who is this coming up from the wilderness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.3.6"><span class="content">like a column of smoke,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.3.6"><span class="content">perfumed with myrrh and incense</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.3.6"><span class="content">made from all the spices of the merchant?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="SNG.3.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Look! It is Solomon&#8217;s carriage,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.3.7"><span class="content">escorted by sixty warriors,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.3.7"><span class="content">the noblest of Israel,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="SNG.3.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">all of them wearing the sword,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.3.8"><span class="content">all experienced in battle,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.3.8"><span class="content">each with his sword at his side,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.3.8"><span class="content">prepared for the terrors of the night.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="SNG.3.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">King Solomon made for himself the carriage;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.3.9"><span class="content">he made it of wood from Lebanon.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="SNG.3.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Its posts he made of silver,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.3.10"><span class="content">its base of gold.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.3.10"><span class="content">Its seat was upholstered with purple,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.3.10"><span class="content">its interior inlaid with love.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="SNG.3.10"><span class="content">Daughters of Jerusalem, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">come out,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="content">and look, you daughters of Zion.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="content">Look</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:10,11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">interior lovingly inlaid / by the daughters of Jerusalem. / </span><span class="fv">11 </span><span class="fqa">Come out, you daughters of Zion, / and look</span></span></span><span class="content"> on King Solomon wearing a crown,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="content">the crown with which his mother crowned him</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="content">on the day of his wedding,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="SNG.3.11"><span class="content">the day his heart rejoiced.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch93" data-usfm="PSA.93">
         <div class="label">93</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 93</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.93.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> reigns, he is robed in majesty;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.93.1"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is robed in majesty and armed with strength;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.93.1"><span class="content">indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.93.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.93.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Your throne was established long ago;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.93.2"><span class="content">you are from all eternity.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.93.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.93.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The seas have lifted up, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.93.3"><span class="content">the seas have lifted up their voice;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.93.3"><span class="content">the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.93.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.93.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.93.4"><span class="content">mightier than the breakers of the sea&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.93.4"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> on high is mighty.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.93.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.93.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Your statutes, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, stand firm;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.93.5"><span class="content">holiness adorns your house</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.93.5"><span class="content">for endless days.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch26" data-usfm="PRO.26">
         <div class="label">26</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="content">honor is not fitting for a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.26.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="content">an undeserved curse does not come to rest.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.26.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="content">and a rod for the backs of fools!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.26.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Do not answer a fool according to his folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="content">or you yourself will be just like him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.26.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Answer a fool according to his folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="content">or he will be wise in his own eyes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.26.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Sending a message by the hands of a fool</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="content">is like cutting off one&#8217;s feet or drinking poison.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.26.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Like the useless legs of one who is lame</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="content">is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.26.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Like tying a stone in a sling</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="content">is the giving of honor to a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.26.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Like a thornbush in a drunkard&#8217;s hand</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="content">is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.26.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Like an archer who wounds at random</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="content">is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.26.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">As a dog returns to its vomit,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="content">so fools repeat their folly.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.26.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="content">There is more hope for a fool than for them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.26.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A sluggard says, &#8220;There&#8217;s a lion in the road,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="content">a fierce lion roaming the streets!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.26.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">As a door turns on its hinges,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="content">so a sluggard turns on his bed.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.26.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="content">he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.26.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="content">than seven people who answer discreetly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.26.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="content">is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.26.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Like a maniac shooting</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="content">flaming arrows of death</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.26.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">is one who deceives their neighbor</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="content">and says, &#8220;I was only joking!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.26.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Without wood a fire goes out;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="content">without a gossip a quarrel dies down.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.26.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="content">so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.26.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="content">they go down to the inmost parts.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.26.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="content">are fervent</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">26:23 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; Septuagint </span><span class="fqa">smooth</span></span></span><span class="content"> lips with an evil heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.26.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="content">but in their hearts they harbor deceit.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.26.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Though their speech is charming, do not believe them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="content">for seven abominations fill their hearts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.26.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Their malice may be concealed by deception,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="content">but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.26.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Whoever digs a pit will fall into it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="content">if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.26.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.26.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">A lying tongue hates those it hurts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.26.28"><span class="content">and a flattering mouth works ruin.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEST">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="EST.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EST.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EST.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">But he went only as far as the king&#8217;s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EST.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EST.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">When Esther&#8217;s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EST.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king&#8217;s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EST.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EST.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king&#8217;s gate. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EST.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king&#8217;s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EST.4.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EST.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EST.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EST.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;All the king&#8217;s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EST.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EST.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When Esther&#8217;s words were reported to Mordecai, </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EST.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">he sent back this answer: &#8220;Do not think that because you are in the king&#8217;s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father&#8217;s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EST.4.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EST.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EST.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EST.4.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EST.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther&#8217;s instructions.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkZEC">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="ZEC.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Open your doors, Lebanon,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="content">so that fire may devour your cedars!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ZEC.11.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Wail, you juniper, for the cedar has fallen;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">the stately trees are ruined!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">Wail, oaks of Bashan;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">the dense forest has been cut down!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ZEC.11.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Listen to the wail of the shepherds;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">their rich pastures are destroyed!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">Listen to the roar of the lions;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined!</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Two Shepherds</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ZEC.11.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ZEC.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">This is what the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God says: &#8220;Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ZEC.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Their buyers slaughter them and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, &#8216;Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, I am rich!&#8217; Their own shepherds do not spare them. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For I will no longer have pity on the people of the land,&#8221; declares the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. &#8220;I will give everyone into the hands of their neighbors and their king. They will devastate the land, and I will not rescue anyone from their hands.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ZEC.11.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ZEC.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In one month I got rid of the three shepherds.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ZEC.11.8"><span class="content">The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another&#8217;s flesh.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ZEC.11.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ZEC.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ZEC.11.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I told them, &#8220;If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.&#8221; So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ZEC.11.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ZEC.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to me, &#8220;Throw it to the potter&#8221;&#8212;the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ZEC.11.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ZEC.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then I broke my second staff called Union, breaking the family bond between Judah and Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ZEC.11.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ZEC.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to me, &#8220;Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ZEC.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ZEC.11.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;Woe to the worthless shepherd,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">who deserts the flock!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">May the sword strike his arm and his right eye!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">May his arm be completely withered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ZEC.11.17"><span class="content">his right eye totally blinded!&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch19" data-usfm="ACT.19">
         <div class="label">19</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul in Ephesus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.19.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.19.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and asked them, &#8220;Did you receive the Holy Spirit when</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:2 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">after</span></span></span><span class="content"> you believed?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.19.2"><span class="content">They answered, &#8220;No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.19.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.19.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">So Paul asked, &#8220;Then what baptism did you receive?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.19.3"><span class="content">&#8220;John&#8217;s baptism,&#8221; they replied.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.19.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.19.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Paul said, &#8220;John&#8217;s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.19.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.19.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">other languages</span></span></span><span class="content"> and prophesied. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.19.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">There were about twelve men in all.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.19.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.19.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.19.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.19.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.19.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.19.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.19.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.19.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.19.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, &#8220;In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.19.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.19.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">One day the evil spirit answered them, &#8220;Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.19.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.19.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.19.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.19.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.19.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:19 </span><span class="ft">A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day&#8217;s wages.</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.19.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.19.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.19.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">After all this had happened, Paul decided</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:21 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">decided in the Spirit</span></span></span><span class="content"> to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. &#8220;After I have been there,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I must visit Rome also.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.19.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Riot in Ephesus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.19.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.19.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.19.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.19.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: &#8220;You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.19.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.19.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.19.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.19.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: &#8220;Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.19.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul&#8217;s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.19.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.19.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.19.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.19.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.19.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.19.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: &#8220;Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.19.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.19.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: &#8220;Fellow Ephesians, doesn&#8217;t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.19.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.19.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.19.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.19.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.19.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.19.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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