Exodus 28:21-30 NRSV-CI
[21] There shall be twelve stones with names corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. [22] You shall make for the breastpiece chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; [23] and you shall make for the breastpiece two rings of gold, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. [24] You shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece; [25] the two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings, and so attach it in front to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod. [26] You shall make two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. [27] You shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod, at its joining above the decorated band of the ephod. [28] The breastpiece shall be bound by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it may lie on the decorated band of the ephod, and so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod. [29] So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place, for a continual remembrance before the Lord. [30] In the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord; thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before the Lord continually.
Isaiah 20:1-6 NRSV-CI
[1] In the year that the commander-in-chief, who was sent by King Sargon of Assyria, came to Ashdod and fought against it and took it— [2] at that time the Lord had spoken to Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your loins and take your sandals off your feet,” and he had done so, walking naked and barefoot. [3] Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and a portent against Egypt and Ethiopia, [4] so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as captives and the Ethiopians as exiles, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot, with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. [5] And they shall be dismayed and confounded because of Ethiopia their hope and of Egypt their boast. [6] In that day the inhabitants of this coastland will say, ‘See, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?’ ”
Deuteronomy 28:13-51 NRSV-CI
[13] The Lord will make you the head, and not the tail; you shall be only at the top, and not at the bottom—if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today, by diligently observing them, [14] and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I am commanding you today, either to the right or to the left, following other gods to serve them. [15] But if you will not obey the Lord your God by diligently observing all his commandments and decrees, which I am commanding you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you: [16] Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. [17] Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. [18] Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock. [19] Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. [20] The Lord will send upon you disaster, panic, and frustration in everything you attempt to do, until you are destroyed and perish quickly, on account of the evil of your deeds, because you have forsaken me. [21] The Lord will make the pestilence cling to you until it has consumed you off the land that you are entering to possess. [22] The Lord will afflict you with consumption, fever, inflammation, with fiery heat and drought, and with blight and mildew; they shall pursue you until you perish. [23] The sky over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you iron. [24] The Lord will change the rain of your land into powder, and only dust shall come down upon you from the sky until you are destroyed. [25] The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out against them one way and flee before them seven ways. You shall become an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. [26] Your corpses shall be food for every bird of the air and animal of the earth, and there shall be no one to frighten them away. [27] The Lord will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with ulcers, scurvy, and itch, of which you cannot be healed. [28] The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind; [29] you shall grope about at noon as blind people grope in darkness, but you shall be unable to find your way; and you shall be continually abused and robbed, without anyone to help. [30] You shall become engaged to a woman, but another man shall lie with her. You shall build a house, but not live in it. You shall plant a vineyard, but not enjoy its fruit. [31] Your ox shall be butchered before your eyes, but you shall not eat of it. Your donkey shall be stolen in front of you, and shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, without anyone to help you. [32] Your sons and daughters shall be given to another people, while you look on; you will strain your eyes looking for them all day but be powerless to do anything. [33] A people whom you do not know shall eat up the fruit of your ground and of all your labors; you shall be continually abused and crushed, [34] and driven mad by the sight that your eyes shall see. [35] The Lord will strike you on the knees and on the legs with grievous boils of which you cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. [36] The Lord will bring you, and the king whom you set over you, to a nation that neither you nor your ancestors have known, where you shall serve other gods, of wood and stone. [37] You shall become an object of horror, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where the Lord will lead you. [38] You shall carry much seed into the field but shall gather little in, for the locust shall consume it. [39] You shall plant vineyards and dress them, but you shall neither drink the wine nor gather the grapes, for the worm shall eat them. [40] You shall have olive trees throughout all your territory, but you shall not anoint yourself with the oil, for your olives shall drop off. [41] You shall have sons and daughters, but they shall not remain yours, for they shall go into captivity. [42] All your trees and the fruit of your ground the cicada shall take over. [43] Aliens residing among you shall ascend above you higher and higher, while you shall descend lower and lower. [44] They shall lend to you but you shall not lend to them; they shall be the head and you shall be the tail. [45] All these curses shall come upon you, pursuing and overtaking you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God, by observing the commandments and the decrees that he commanded you. [46] They shall be among you and your descendants as a sign and a portent forever. [47] Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and with gladness of heart for the abundance of everything, [48] therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and lack of everything. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you. [49] The Lord will bring a nation from far away, from the end of the earth, to swoop down on you like an eagle, a nation whose language you do not understand, [50] a grim-faced nation showing no respect to the old or favor to the young. [51] It shall consume the fruit of your livestock and the fruit of your ground until you are destroyed, leaving you neither grain, wine, and oil, nor the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock, until it has made you perish.
Deuteronomy 27:11-26 NRSV-CI
[11] The same day Moses charged the people as follows: [12] When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim for the blessing of the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. [13] And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. [14] Then the Levites shall declare in a loud voice to all the Israelites: [15] “Cursed be anyone who makes an idol or casts an image, anything abhorrent to the Lord, the work of an artisan, and sets it up in secret.” All the people shall respond, saying, “Amen!” [16] “Cursed be anyone who dishonors father or mother.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [17] “Cursed be anyone who moves a neighbor’s boundary marker.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [18] “Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind person on the road.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [19] “Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [20] “Cursed be anyone who lies with his father’s wife, because he has violated his father’s rights.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [21] “Cursed be anyone who lies with any animal.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [22] “Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [23] “Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother-in-law.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [24] “Cursed be anyone who strikes down a neighbor in secret.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [25] “Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.” All the people shall say, “Amen!” [26] “Cursed be anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by observing them.” All the people shall say, “Amen!”
Galatians 3:6-14 NRSV-CI
[6] Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” [7] so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. [8] And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.” [9] For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed. [10] For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the things written in the book of the law.” [11] Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law; for “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” [12] But the law does not rest on faith; on the contrary, “Whoever does the works of the law will live by them.” [13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— [14] in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Exodus 21:1-36 NRSV-CI
[1] These are the ordinances that you shall set before them: [2] When you buy a male Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, but in the seventh he shall go out a free person, without debt. [3] If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. [4] If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s and he shall go out alone. [5] But if the slave declares, “I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out a free person,” [6] then his master shall bring him before God. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost; and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him for life. [7] When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. [8] If she does not please her master, who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed; he shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt unfairly with her. [9] If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. [10] If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish the food, clothing, or marital rights of the first wife. [11] And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out without debt, without payment of money. [12] Whoever strikes a person mortally shall be put to death. [13] If it was not premeditated, but came about by an act of God, then I will appoint for you a place to which the killer may flee. [14] But if someone willfully attacks and kills another by treachery, you shall take the killer from my altar for execution. [15] Whoever strikes father or mother shall be put to death. [16] Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession, shall be put to death. [17] Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death. [18] When individuals quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist so that the injured party, though not dead, is confined to bed, [19] but recovers and walks around outside with the help of a staff, then the assailant shall be free of liability, except to pay for the loss of time, and to arrange for full recovery. [20] When a slaveowner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. [21] But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner’s property. [22] When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman’s husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine. [23] If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, [24] eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. [26] When a slaveowner strikes the eye of a male or female slave, destroying it, the owner shall let the slave go, a free person, to compensate for the eye. [27] If the owner knocks out a tooth of a male or female slave, the slave shall be let go, a free person, to compensate for the tooth. [28] When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. [29] If the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not restrained it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death. [30] If a ransom is imposed on the owner, then the owner shall pay whatever is imposed for the redemption of the victim’s life. [31] If it gores a boy or a girl, the owner shall be dealt with according to this same rule. [32] If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall pay to the slaveowner thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. [33] If someone leaves a pit open, or digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, [34] the owner of the pit shall make restitution, giving money to its owner, but keeping the dead animal. [35] If someone’s ox hurts the ox of another, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide the price of it; and the dead animal they shall also divide. [36] But if it was known that the ox was accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not restrained it, the owner shall restore ox for ox, but keep the dead animal.
Leviticus 24:10-23 NRSV-CI
[10] A man whose mother was an Israelite and whose father was an Egyptian came out among the people of Israel; and the Israelite woman’s son and a certain Israelite began fighting in the camp. [11] The Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name in a curse. And they brought him to Moses—now his mother’s name was Shelomith, daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan— [12] and they put him in custody, until the decision of the Lord should be made clear to them. [13] The Lord said to Moses, saying: [14] Take the blasphemer outside the camp; and let all who were within hearing lay their hands on his head, and let the whole congregation stone him. [15] And speak to the people of Israel, saying: Anyone who curses God shall bear the sin. [16] One who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death; the whole congregation shall stone the blasphemer. Aliens as well as citizens, when they blaspheme the Name, shall be put to death. [17] Anyone who kills a human being shall be put to death. [18] Anyone who kills an animal shall make restitution for it, life for life. [19] Anyone who maims another shall suffer the same injury in return: [20] fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; the injury inflicted is the injury to be suffered. [21] One who kills an animal shall make restitution for it; but one who kills a human being shall be put to death. [22] You shall have one law for the alien and for the citizen: for I am the Lord your God. [23] Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel; and they took the blasphemer outside the camp, and stoned him to death. The people of Israel did as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Matthew 5:38-48 NRSV-CI
[38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ [39] But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; [40] and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; [41] and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. [42] Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Luke 6:17-49 NRSV-CI
[17] He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. [18] They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. [19] And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. [20] Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. [22] “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. [23] Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. [24] “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. [25] Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. [26] “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. [27] “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. [29] If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. [30] Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you. [32] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. [35] But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. [37] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; [38] give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” [39] He also told them a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? [40] A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. [41] Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? [42] Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. [43] “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; [44] for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. [45] The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. [46] “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? [47] I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. [48] That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. [49] But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”
Matthew 26:37-54 NRSV-CI
[37] He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. [38] Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” [39] And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” [40] Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? [41] Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” [43] Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. [45] Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” [47] While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. [48] Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” [49] At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. [50] Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. [51] Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. [53] Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? [54] But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?”
John 19:11-16 NRSV-CI
[11] Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” [12] From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” [13] When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. [14] Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” [15] They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” [16] Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus;
Isaiah 53:6-12 NRSV-CI
[6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [8] By a perversion of justice he was taken away. Who could have imagined his future? For he was cut off from the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. [9] They made his grave with the wicked and his tomb with the rich, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him with pain. When you make his life an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring, and shall prolong his days; through him the will of the Lord shall prosper. [11] Out of his anguish he shall see light; he shall find satisfaction through his knowledge. The righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Zephaniah 3:1-20 NRSV-CI
[1] Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! [2] It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the Lord; it has not drawn near to its God. [3] The officials within it are roaring lions; its judges are evening wolves that leave nothing until the morning. [4] Its prophets are reckless, faithless persons; its priests have profaned what is sacred, they have done violence to the law. [5] The Lord within it is righteous; he does no wrong. Every morning he renders his judgment, each dawn without fail; but the unjust knows no shame. [6] I have cut off nations; their battlements are in ruins; I have laid waste their streets so that no one walks in them; their cities have been made desolate, without people, without inhabitants. [7] I said, “Surely the city will fear me, it will accept correction; it will not lose sight of all that I have brought upon it.” But they were the more eager to make all their deeds corrupt. [8] Therefore wait for me, says the Lord, for the day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my passion all the earth shall be consumed. [9] At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. [10] From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, my scattered ones, shall bring my offering. [11] On that day you shall not be put to shame because of all the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. [12] For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord— [13] the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid. [14] Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! [15] The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. [16] On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. [17] The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing [18] as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. [19] I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. [20] At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.
Isaiah 43:1-28 NRSV-CI
[1] But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. [2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. [3] For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. [4] Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. [5] Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; [6] I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— [7] everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” [8] Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! [9] Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples assemble. Who among them declared this, and foretold to us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to justify them, and let them hear and say, “It is true.” [10] You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. [11] I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. [12] I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses, says the Lord. [13] I am God, and also henceforth I am He; there is no one who can deliver from my hand; I work and who can hinder it? [14] Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation. [15] I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. [16] Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, [17] who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: [18] Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. [19] I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. [20] The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, [21] the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. [22] Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel! [23] You have not brought me your sheep for burnt offerings, or honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, or wearied you with frankincense. [24] You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities. [25] I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. [26] Accuse me, let us go to trial; set forth your case, so that you may be proved right. [27] Your first ancestor sinned, and your interpreters transgressed against me. [28] Therefore I profaned the princes of the sanctuary, I delivered Jacob to utter destruction, and Israel to reviling.
1 Samuel 2:18-36 NRSV-CI
[18] Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. [19] His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. [20] Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord”; and then they would return to their home. [21] And the Lord took note of Hannah; she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord. [22] Now Eli was very old. He heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. [23] He said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. [24] No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad. [25] If one person sins against another, someone can intercede for the sinner with the Lord; but if someone sins against the Lord, who can make intercession?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father; for it was the will of the Lord to kill them. [26] Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people. [27] A man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Thus the Lord has said, ‘I revealed myself to the family of your ancestor in Egypt when they were slaves to the house of Pharaoh. [28] I chose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to offer incense, to wear an ephod before me; and I gave to the family of your ancestor all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel. [29] Why then look with greedy eye at my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded, and honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ [30] Therefore the Lord the God of Israel declares: ‘I promised that your family and the family of your ancestor should go in and out before me forever’; but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be treated with contempt. [31] See, a time is coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your ancestor’s family, so that no one in your family will live to old age. [32] Then in distress you will look with greedy eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed upon Israel; and no one in your family shall ever live to old age. [33] The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep out his eyes and grieve his heart; all the members of your household shall die by the sword. [34] The fate of your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you—both of them shall die on the same day. [35] I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed one forever. [36] Everyone who is left in your family shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread, and shall say, Please put me in one of the priest’s places, that I may eat a morsel of bread.’ ”
1 Samuel 3:1-21 NRSV-CI
[1] Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. [2] At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; [3] the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. [4] Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” [5] and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. [6] The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. [8] The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” [11] Then the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. [12] On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. [13] For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. [14] Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.” [15] Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. [16] But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” [17] Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” [18] So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.” [19] As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. [20] And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord. [21] The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.
Philippians 2:1-11 NRSV-CI
[1] If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, [2] make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. [3] Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. [4] Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. [5] Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, [8] he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Proverbs 29:1-27 NRSV-CI
[1] One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. [2] When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. [3] A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad, but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one’s substance. [4] By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it. [5] Whoever flatters a neighbor is spreading a net for the neighbor’s feet. [6] In the transgression of the evil there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice. [7] The righteous know the rights of the poor; the wicked have no such understanding. [8] Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. [9] If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief. [10] The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, and they seek the life of the upright. [11] A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back. [12] If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked. [13] The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the Lord gives light to the eyes of both. [14] If a king judges the poor with equity, his throne will be established forever. [15] The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child. [16] When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall. [17] Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart. [18] Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law. [19] By mere words servants are not disciplined, for though they understand, they will not give heed. [20] Do you see someone who is hasty in speech? There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that. [21] A slave pampered from childhood will come to a bad end. [22] One given to anger stirs up strife, and the hothead causes much transgression. [23] A person’s pride will bring humiliation, but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. [24] To be a partner of a thief is to hate one’s own life; one hears the victim’s curse, but discloses nothing. [25] The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure. [26] Many seek the favor of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. [27] The unjust are an abomination to the righteous, but the upright are an abomination to the wicked.
Psalms 15:1-5 NRSV-CI
[1] O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? [2] Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; [3] who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; [4] in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt; [5] who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved.
1 Samuel 4:12-22 NRSV-CI
[12] A man of Benjamin ran from the battle line, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes torn and with earth upon his head. [13] When he arrived, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man came into the city and told the news, all the city cried out. [14] When Eli heard the sound of the outcry, he said, “What is this uproar?” Then the man came quickly and told Eli. [15] Now Eli was ninety-eight years old and his eyes were set, so that he could not see. [16] The man said to Eli, “I have just come from the battle; I fled from the battle today.” He said, “How did it go, my son?” [17] The messenger replied, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great slaughter among the troops; your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” [18] When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate; and his neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years. [19] Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. When she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth; for her labor pains overwhelmed her. [20] As she was about to die, the women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or give heed. [21] She named the child Ichabod, meaning, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. [22] She said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”
Acts 5:1-16 NRSV-CI
[1] But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; [2] with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. [3] “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!” [5] Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. [6] The young men came and wrapped up his body, then carried him out and buried him. [7] After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” [9] Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” [10] Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. [11] And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things. [12] Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. [13] None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. [14] Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, [15] so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. [16] A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.
Genesis 4:19-24 NRSV-CI
[19] Lamech took two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. [20] Adah bore Jabal; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have livestock. [21] His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe. [22] Zillah bore Tubal-cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. [23] Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. [24] If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”
Genesis 4:3-16 NRSV-CI
[3] In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, [4] and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, [5] but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. [6] The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” [8] Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. [9] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” [10] And the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! [11] And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. [12] When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” [13] Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! [14] Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me.” [15] Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. [16] Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Exodus 28:42-43 NRSV-CI
[42] You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh; they shall reach from the hips to the thighs; [43] Aaron and his sons shall wear them when they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place; or they will bring guilt on themselves and die. This shall be a perpetual ordinance for him and for his descendants after him.
Judges 6:1-10 NRSV-CI
[1] The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years. [2] The hand of Midian prevailed over Israel; and because of Midian the Israelites provided for themselves hiding places in the mountains, caves and strongholds. [3] For whenever the Israelites put in seed, the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the east would come up against them. [4] They would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the land, as far as the neighborhood of Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel, and no sheep or ox or donkey. [5] For they and their livestock would come up, and they would even bring their tents, as thick as locusts; neither they nor their camels could be counted; so they wasted the land as they came in. [6] Thus Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. [7] When the Israelites cried to the Lord on account of the Midianites, [8] the Lord sent a prophet to the Israelites; and he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt, and brought you out of the house of slavery; [9] and I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians, and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you, and gave you their land; [10] and I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not pay reverence to the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not given heed to my voice.”
Job 1:1-22 NRSV-CI
[1] There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. [2] There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. [3] He had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. [4] His sons used to go and hold feasts in one another’s houses in turn; and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. [5] And when the feast days had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” This is what Job always did. [6] One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. [7] The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” [8] The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” [9] Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? [10] Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. [11] But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” [12] The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. [13] One day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house, [14] a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were feeding beside them, [15] and the Sabeans fell on them and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.” [16] While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; I alone have escaped to tell you.” [17] While he was still speaking, another came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; I alone have escaped to tell you.” [18] While he was still speaking, another came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, [19] and suddenly a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; I alone have escaped to tell you.” [20] Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshiped. [21] He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” [22] In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.
Job 2:1-13 NRSV-CI
[1] One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. [2] The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” [3] The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.” [4] Then Satan answered the Lord, “Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. [5] But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” [6] The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.” [7] So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. [8] Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. [9] Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die.” [10] But he said to her, “You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. [11] Now when Job’s three friends heard of all these troubles that had come upon him, each of them set out from his home—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They met together to go and console and comfort him. [12] When they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him, and they raised their voices and wept aloud; they tore their robes and threw dust in the air upon their heads. [13] They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.
Numbers 16:1-50 NRSV-CI
[1] Now Korah son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben—took [2] two hundred fifty Israelite men, leaders of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men, and they confronted Moses. [3] They assembled against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, “You have gone too far! All the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and the Lord is among them. So why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” [4] When Moses heard it, he fell on his face. [5] Then he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will make known who is his, and who is holy, and who will be allowed to approach him; the one whom he will choose he will allow to approach him. [6] Do this: take censers, Korah and all your company, [7] and tomorrow put fire in them, and lay incense on them before the Lord; and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the holy one. You Levites have gone too far!” [8] Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you Levites! [9] Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to allow you to approach him in order to perform the duties of the Lord’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation and serve them? [10] He has allowed you to approach him, and all your brother Levites with you; yet you seek the priesthood as well! [11] Therefore you and all your company have gathered together against the Lord. What is Aaron that you rail against him?” [12] Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab; but they said, “We will not come! [13] Is it too little that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also lord it over us? [14] It is clear you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Would you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come!” [15] Moses was very angry and said to the Lord, “Pay no attention to their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, and I have not harmed any one of them.” [16] And Moses said to Korah, “As for you and all your company, be present tomorrow before the Lord, you and they and Aaron; [17] and let each one of you take his censer, and put incense on it, and each one of you present his censer before the Lord, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each his censer.” [18] So each man took his censer, and they put fire in the censers and laid incense on them, and they stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron. [19] Then Korah assembled the whole congregation against them at the entrance of the tent of meeting. And the glory of the Lord appeared to the whole congregation. [20] Then the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying: [21] Separate yourselves from this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment. [22] They fell on their faces, and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one person sin and you become angry with the whole congregation?” [23] And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: [24] Say to the congregation: Get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. [25] So Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram; the elders of Israel followed him. [26] He said to the congregation, “Turn away from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, or you will be swept away for all their sins.” [27] So they got away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrance of their tents, together with their wives, their children, and their little ones. [28] And Moses said, “This is how you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works; it has not been of my own accord: [29] If these people die a natural death, or if a natural fate comes on them, then the Lord has not sent me. [30] But if the Lord creates something new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up, with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the Lord.” [31] As soon as he finished speaking all these words, the ground under them was split apart. [32] The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, along with their households—everyone who belonged to Korah and all their goods. [33] So they with all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol; the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. [34] All Israel around them fled at their outcry, for they said, “The earth will swallow us too!” [35] And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred fifty men offering the incense. [36] Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: [37] Tell Eleazar son of Aaron the priest to take the censers out of the blaze; then scatter the fire far and wide. [38] For the censers of these sinners have become holy at the cost of their lives. Make them into hammered plates as a covering for the altar, for they presented them before the Lord and they became holy. Thus they shall be a sign to the Israelites. [39] So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers that had been presented by those who were burned; and they were hammered out as a covering for the altar— [40] a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider, who is not of the descendants of Aaron, shall approach to offer incense before the Lord, so as not to become like Korah and his company—just as the Lord had said to him through Moses. [41] On the next day, however, the whole congregation of the Israelites rebelled against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the Lord.” [42] And when the congregation had assembled against them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the tent of meeting; the cloud had covered it and the glory of the Lord appeared. [43] Then Moses and Aaron came to the front of the tent of meeting, [44] and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [45] “Get away from this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment.” And they fell on their faces. [46] Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, put fire on it from the altar and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them. For wrath has gone out from the Lord; the plague has begun.” [47] So Aaron took it as Moses had ordered, and ran into the middle of the assembly, where the plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people. [48] He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stopped. [49] Those who died by the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, besides those who died in the affair of Korah. [50] When the plague was stopped, Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Joshua 7:1-26 NRSV-CI
[1] But the Israelites broke faith in regard to the devoted things: Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things; and the anger of the Lord burned against the Israelites. [2] Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai. [3] Then they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Not all the people need go up; about two or three thousand men should go up and attack Ai. Since they are so few, do not make the whole people toil up there.” [4] So about three thousand of the people went up there; and they fled before the men of Ai. [5] The men of Ai killed about thirty-six of them, chasing them from outside the gate as far as Shebarim and killing them on the slope. The hearts of the people melted and turned to water. [6] Then Joshua tore his clothes, and fell to the ground on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. [7] Joshua said, “Ah, Lord God! Why have you brought this people across the Jordan at all, to hand us over to the Amorites so as to destroy us? Would that we had been content to settle beyond the Jordan! [8] O Lord, what can I say, now that Israel has turned their backs to their enemies! [9] The Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. Then what will you do for your great name?” [10] The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why have you fallen upon your face? [11] Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I imposed on them. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have acted deceitfully, and they have put them among their own belongings. [12] Therefore the Israelites are unable to stand before their enemies; they turn their backs to their enemies, because they have become a thing devoted for destruction themselves. I will be with you no more, unless you destroy the devoted things from among you. [13] Proceed to sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “There are devoted things among you, O Israel; you will be unable to stand before your enemies until you take away the devoted things from among you.” [14] In the morning therefore you shall come forward tribe by tribe. The tribe that the Lord takes shall come near by clans, the clan that the Lord takes shall come near by households, and the household that the Lord takes shall come near one by one. [15] And the one who is taken as having the devoted things shall be burned with fire, together with all that he has, for having transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and for having done an outrageous thing in Israel.’ ” [16] So Joshua rose early in the morning, and brought Israel near tribe by tribe, and the tribe of Judah was taken. [17] He brought near the clans of Judah, and the clan of the Zerahites was taken; and he brought near the clan of the Zerahites, family by family, and Zabdi was taken. [18] And he brought near his household one by one, and Achan son of Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. [19] Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession to him. Tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” [20] And Achan answered Joshua, “It is true; I am the one who sinned against the Lord God of Israel. This is what I did: [21] when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. They now lie hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” [22] So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent with the silver underneath. [23] They took them out of the tent and brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites; and they spread them out before the Lord. [24] Then Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, with the silver, the mantle, and the bar of gold, with his sons and daughters, with his oxen, donkeys, and sheep, and his tent and all that he had; and they brought them up to the Valley of Achor. [25] Joshua said, “Why did you bring trouble on us? The Lord is bringing trouble on you today.” And all Israel stoned him to death; they burned them with fire, cast stones on them, [26] and raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. Then the Lord turned from his burning anger. Therefore that place to this day is called the Valley of Achor.
Numbers 17:1-13 NRSV-CI
[1] The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: [2] Speak to the Israelites, and get twelve staffs from them, one for each ancestral house, from all the leaders of their ancestral houses. Write each man’s name on his staff, [3] and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi. For there shall be one staff for the head of each ancestral house. [4] Place them in the tent of meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you. [5] And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout; thus I will put a stop to the complaints of the Israelites that they continually make against you. [6] Moses spoke to the Israelites; and all their leaders gave him staffs, one for each leader, according to their ancestral houses, twelve staffs; and the staff of Aaron was among theirs. [7] So Moses placed the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the covenant. [8] When Moses went into the tent of the covenant on the next day, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted. It put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds. [9] Then Moses brought out all the staffs from before the Lord to all the Israelites; and they looked, and each man took his staff. [10] And the Lord said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept as a warning to rebels, so that you may make an end of their complaints against me, or else they will die.” [11] Moses did so; just as the Lord commanded him, so he did. [12] The Israelites said to Moses, “We are perishing; we are lost, all of us are lost! [13] Everyone who approaches the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all to perish?”
Numbers 12:1-16 NRSV-CI
[1] While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had indeed married a Cushite woman); [2] and they said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. [3] Now the man Moses was very humble, more so than anyone else on the face of the earth. [4] Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” So the three of them came out. [5] Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the entrance of the tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward. [6] And he said, “Hear my words: When there are prophets among you, I the Lord make myself known to them in visions; I speak to them in dreams. [7] Not so with my servant Moses; he is entrusted with all my house. [8] With him I speak face to face—clearly, not in riddles; and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” [9] And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. [10] When the cloud went away from over the tent, Miriam had become leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam and saw that she was leprous. [11] Then Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us for a sin that we have so foolishly committed. [12] Do not let her be like one stillborn, whose flesh is half consumed when it comes out of its mother’s womb.” [13] And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her.” [14] But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp for seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” [15] So Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days; and the people did not set out on the march until Miriam had been brought in again. [16] After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran.
John 16:1-33 NRSV-CI
[1] “I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. [2] They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. [3] And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. [4] But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. [5] But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. [8] And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] about sin, because they do not believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; [11] about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. [12] “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. [14] He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [15] All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [16] “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.” [17] Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying to us, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” [18] They said, “What does he mean by this ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” [19] Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’? [20] Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. [21] When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. [22] So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. [23] On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. [24] Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. [25] “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. [26] On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; [27] for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” [29] His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! [30] Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? [32] The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. [33] I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
Acts 7:1-60 NRSV-CI
[1] Then the high priest asked him, “Are these things so?” [2] And Stephen replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, [3] and said to him, ‘Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.’ [4] Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. [5] He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. [6] And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years. [7] ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ [8] Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. [9] “The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, [10] and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. [11] Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. [12] But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. [13] On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. [14] Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all; [15] so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, [16] and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. [17] “But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied [18] until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt. [19] He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die. [20] At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father’s house; [21] and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. [22] So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds. [23] “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites. [24] When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. [25] He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand. [26] The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?’ [27] But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? [28] Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ [29] When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons. [30] “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. [31] When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: [32] ‘I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. [33] Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. [34] I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.’ [35] “It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. [36] He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. [37] This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.’ [38] He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; and he received living oracles to give to us. [39] Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him; instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, [40] saying to Aaron, ‘Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ [41] At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands. [42] But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? [43] No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.’ [44] “Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. [45] Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, [46] who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. [47] But it was Solomon who built a house for him. [48] Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says, [49] ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? [50] Did not my hand make all these things?’ [51] “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. [52] Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. [53] You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.” [54] When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. [55] But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [56] “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” [57] But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. [58] Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.
Acts 8:1-3 NRSV-CI
[1] And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. [3] But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Acts 9:1-22 NRSV-CI
[1] Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [3] Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” [5] He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [6] But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. [8] Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. [10] Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” [11] The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, [12] and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” [13] But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; [14] and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” [15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; [16] I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” [17] So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, [19] and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, [20] and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” [21] All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” [22] Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.
Galatians 1:11-16 NRSV-CI
[11] For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; [12] for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. [13] You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. [14] I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. [15] But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased [16] to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being,
1 Corinthians 15:3-11 NRSV-CI
[3] For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, [4] and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. [9] For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. [11] Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Philippians 3:1-9 NRSV-CI
[1] Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. [2] Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! [3] For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh— [4] even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. [7] Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. [8] More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.
Acts 22:1-5 NRSV-CI
[1] “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense that I now make before you.” [2] When they heard him addressing them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then he said: [3] “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just as all of you are today. [4] I persecuted this Way up to the point of death by binding both men and women and putting them in prison, [5] as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. From them I also received letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I went there in order to bind those who were there and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment.
Acts 26:4-11 NRSV-CI
[4] “All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. [5] They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, [7] a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope, your Excellency, that I am accused by Jews! [8] Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead? [9] “Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. [11] By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.
John 5:19-47 NRSV-CI
[19] Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. [20] The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. [21] Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. [22] The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, [23] so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. [24] Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. [25] “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. [26] For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; [27] and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. [28] Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice [29] and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. [30] “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. [31] “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. [32] There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. [33] You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. [34] Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. [35] He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. [36] But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. [37] And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, [38] and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. [39] “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. [40] Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. [41] I do not accept glory from human beings. [42] But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. [43] I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. [44] How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God? [45] Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. [46] If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. [47] But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”
John 5:13-18 NRSV-CI
[13] Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had disappeared in the crowd that was there. [14] Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” [15] The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. [16] Therefore the Jews started persecuting Jesus, because he was doing such things on the sabbath. [17] But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I also am working.” [18] For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God.
Matthew 11:20-26 NRSV-CI
[20] Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [23] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [24] But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.” [25] At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; [26] yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Luke 10:8-22 NRSV-CI
[8] Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; [9] cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ [12] I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town. [13] “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. [14] But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. [15] And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. [16] “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” [17] The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!” [18] He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. [19] See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. [20] Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” [21] At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. [22] All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Exodus 20:1-21 NRSV-CI
[1] Then God spoke all these words: [2] I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; [3] you shall have no other gods before me. [4] You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, [6] but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. [7] You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. [8] Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. [9] Six days you shall labor and do all your work. [10] But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. [11] For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. [12] Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. [13] You shall not murder. [14] You shall not commit adultery. [15] You shall not steal. [16] You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [17] You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. [18] When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking, they were afraid and trembled and stood at a distance, [19] and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” [20] Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.” [21] Then the people stood at a distance, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
Deuteronomy 8:12-20 NRSV-CI
[12] When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, [13] and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, [14] then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, [15] who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, [16] and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. [17] Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” [18] But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today. [19] If you do forget the Lord your God and follow other gods to serve and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. [20] Like the nations that the Lord is destroying before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 12:28-32 NRSV-CI
[28] Be careful to obey all these words that I command you today, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, because you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. [29] When the Lord your God has cut off before you the nations whom you are about to enter to dispossess them, when you have dispossessed them and live in their land, [30] take care that you are not snared into imitating them, after they have been destroyed before you: do not inquire concerning their gods, saying, “How did these nations worship their gods? I also want to do the same.” [31] You must not do the same for the Lord your God, because every abhorrent thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods. They would even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. [32] You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it.
Leviticus 26:1-46 NRSV-CI
[1] You shall make for yourselves no idols and erect no carved images or pillars, and you shall not place figured stones in your land, to worship at them; for I am the Lord your God. [2] You shall keep my sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. [3] If you follow my statutes and keep my commandments and observe them faithfully, [4] I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. [5] Your threshing shall overtake the vintage, and the vintage shall overtake the sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and live securely in your land. [6] And I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid; I will remove dangerous animals from the land, and no sword shall go through your land. [7] You shall give chase to your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. [8] Five of you shall give chase to a hundred, and a hundred of you shall give chase to ten thousand; your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. [9] I will look with favor upon you and make you fruitful and multiply you; and I will maintain my covenant with you. [10] You shall eat old grain long stored, and you shall have to clear out the old to make way for the new. [11] I will place my dwelling in your midst, and I shall not abhor you. [12] And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people. [13] I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be their slaves no more; I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. [14] But if you will not obey me, and do not observe all these commandments, [15] if you spurn my statutes, and abhor my ordinances, so that you will not observe all my commandments, and you break my covenant, [16] I in turn will do this to you: I will bring terror on you; consumption and fever that waste the eyes and cause life to pine away. You shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. [17] I will set my face against you, and you shall be struck down by your enemies; your foes shall rule over you, and you shall flee though no one pursues you. [18] And if in spite of this you will not obey me, I will continue to punish you sevenfold for your sins. [19] I will break your proud glory, and I will make your sky like iron and your earth like copper. [20] Your strength shall be spent to no purpose: your land shall not yield its produce, and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit. [21] If you continue hostile to me, and will not obey me, I will continue to plague you sevenfold for your sins. [22] I will let loose wild animals against you, and they shall bereave you of your children and destroy your livestock; they shall make you few in number, and your roads shall be deserted. [23] If in spite of these punishments you have not turned back to me, but continue hostile to me, [24] then I too will continue hostile to you: I myself will strike you sevenfold for your sins. [25] I will bring the sword against you, executing vengeance for the covenant; and if you withdraw within your cities, I will send pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into enemy hands. [26] When I break your staff of bread, ten women shall bake your bread in a single oven, and they shall dole out your bread by weight; and though you eat, you shall not be satisfied. [27] But if, despite this, you disobey me, and continue hostile to me, [28] I will continue hostile to you in fury; I in turn will punish you myself sevenfold for your sins. [29] You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters. [30] I will destroy your high places and cut down your incense altars; I will heap your carcasses on the carcasses of your idols. I will abhor you. [31] I will lay your cities waste, will make your sanctuaries desolate, and I will not smell your pleasing odors. [32] I will devastate the land, so that your enemies who come to settle in it shall be appalled at it. [33] And you I will scatter among the nations, and I will unsheathe the sword against you; your land shall be a desolation, and your cities a waste. [34] Then the land shall enjoy its sabbath years as long as it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies; then the land shall rest, and enjoy its sabbath years. [35] As long as it lies desolate, it shall have the rest it did not have on your sabbaths when you were living on it. [36] And as for those of you who survive, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; the sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall though no one pursues. [37] They shall stumble over one another, as if to escape a sword, though no one pursues; and you shall have no power to stand against your enemies. [38] You shall perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies shall devour you. [39] And those of you who survive shall languish in the land of your enemies because of their iniquities; also they shall languish because of the iniquities of their ancestors. [40] But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their ancestors, in that they committed treachery against me and, moreover, that they continued hostile to me— [41] so that I, in turn, continued hostile to them and brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled and they make amends for their iniquity, [42] then will I remember my covenant with Jacob; I will remember also my covenant with Isaac and also my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. [43] For the land shall be deserted by them, and enjoy its sabbath years by lying desolate without them, while they shall make amends for their iniquity, because they dared to spurn my ordinances, and they abhorred my statutes. [44] Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, or abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them; for I am the Lord their God; [45] but I will remember in their favor the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, to be their God: I am the Lord. [46] These are the statutes and ordinances and laws that the Lord established between himself and the people of Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses.
Romans 8:1-39 NRSV-CI
[1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, [8] and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. [12] So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— [13] for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. [15] For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. [18] I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; [20] for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; [23] and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. [26] Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. [27] And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. [31] What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? [32] He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? [33] Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. [35] Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Philippians 3:10-21 NRSV-CI
[10] I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, [11] if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. [16] Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. [17] Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. [18] For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. [19] Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. [21] He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
2 Corinthians 6:1-18 NRSV-CI
[1] As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. [2] For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! [3] We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, [4] but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, [5] beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; [6] by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, [7] truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; [8] in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; [9] as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; [10] as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. [11] We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. [12] There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. [13] In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also. [14] Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? [15] What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? [16] What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, [18] and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
1 Peter 4:1-19 NRSV-CI
[1] Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), [2] so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God. [3] You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in licentiousness, passions, drunkenness, revels, carousing, and lawless idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of dissipation, and so they blaspheme. [5] But they will have to give an accounting to him who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does. [7] The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Be hospitable to one another without complaining. [10] Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. [11] Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. [12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. [16] Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. [17] For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?” [19] Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
Isaiah 52:1-15 NRSV-CI
[1] Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for the uncircumcised and the unclean shall enter you no more. [2] Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion! [3] For thus says the Lord: You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money. [4] For thus says the Lord God: Long ago, my people went down into Egypt to reside there as aliens; the Assyrian, too, has oppressed them without cause. [5] Now therefore what am I doing here, says the Lord, seeing that my people are taken away without cause? Their rulers howl, says the Lord, and continually, all day long, my name is despised. [6] Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I. [7] How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” [8] Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. [9] Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. [10] The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. [11] Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. [12] For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. [13] See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. [14] Just as there were many who were astonished at him —so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals— [15] so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate.
Isaiah 57:1-21 NRSV-CI
[1] The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous are taken away from calamity, [2] and they enter into peace; those who walk uprightly will rest on their couches. [3] But as for you, come here, you children of a sorceress, you offspring of an adulterer and a whore. [4] Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit— [5] you that burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree; you that slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? [6] Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I be appeased for these things? [7] Upon a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifice. [8] Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your symbol; for, in deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a bargain for yourself with them, you have loved their bed, you have gazed on their nakedness. [9] You journeyed to Molech with oil, and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far away, and sent down even to Sheol. [10] You grew weary from your many wanderings, but you did not say, “It is useless.” You found your desire rekindled, and so you did not weaken. [11] Whom did you dread and fear so that you lied, and did not remember me or give me a thought? Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes, and so you do not fear me? [12] I will concede your righteousness and your works, but they will not help you. [13] When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But whoever takes refuge in me shall possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. [14] It shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” [15] For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite. [16] For I will not continually accuse, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirits would grow faint before me, even the souls that I have made. [17] Because of their wicked covetousness I was angry; I struck them, I hid and was angry; but they kept turning back to their own ways. [18] I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will lead them and repay them with comfort, creating for their mourners the fruit of the lips. [19] Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them. [20] But the wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot keep still; its waters toss up mire and mud. [21] There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.
Isaiah 62:1-12 NRSV-CI
[1] For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. [2] The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. [3] You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. [4] You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. [5] For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. [6] Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted sentinels; all day and all night they shall never be silent. You who remind the Lord, take no rest, [7] and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth. [8] The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink the wine for which you have labored; [9] but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in my holy courts. [10] Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. [11] The Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” [12] They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”
Isaiah 63:1-19 NRSV-CI
[1] “Who is this that comes from Edom, from Bozrah in garments stained crimson? Who is this so splendidly robed, marching in his great might?” “It is I, announcing vindication, mighty to save.” [2] “Why are your robes red, and your garments like theirs who tread the wine press?” [3] “I have trodden the wine press alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their juice spattered on my garments, and stained all my robes. [4] For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year for my redeeming work had come. [5] I looked, but there was no helper; I stared, but there was no one to sustain me; so my own arm brought me victory, and my wrath sustained me. [6] I trampled down peoples in my anger, I crushed them in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.” [7] I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. [8] For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior [9] in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. [10] But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit; therefore he became their enemy; he himself fought against them. [11] Then they remembered the days of old, of Moses his servant. Where is the one who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is the one who put within them his holy spirit, [12] who caused his glorious arm to march at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name, [13] who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble. [14] Like cattle that go down into the valley, the spirit of the Lord gave them rest. Thus you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name. [15] Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and glorious habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The yearning of your heart and your compassion? They are withheld from me. [16] For you are our father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O Lord, are our father; our Redeemer from of old is your name. [17] Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you? Turn back for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage. [18] Your holy people took possession for a little while; but now our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary. [19] We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name.
Isaiah 64:1-12 NRSV-CI
[1] O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence— [2] as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! [3] When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. [4] From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. [5] You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. [6] We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. [7] There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity. [8] Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. [9] Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. [10] Your holy cities have become a wilderness, Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. [11] Our holy and beautiful house, where our ancestors praised you, has been burned by fire, and all our pleasant places have become ruins. [12] After all this, will you restrain yourself, O Lord? Will you keep silent, and punish us so severely?
Exodus 32:30-35 NRSV-CI
[30] On the next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” [31] So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin; they have made for themselves gods of gold. [32] But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, blot me out of the book that you have written.” [33] But the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. [34] But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; see, my angel shall go in front of you. Nevertheless, when the day comes for punishment, I will punish them for their sin.” [35] Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf—the one that Aaron made.
2 Samuel 24:17-25 NRSV-CI
[17] When David saw the angel who was destroying the people, he said to the Lord, “I alone have sinned, and I alone have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house.” [18] That day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” [19] Following Gad’s instructions, David went up, as the Lord had commanded. [20] When Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming toward him; and Araunah went out and prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ground. [21] Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you in order to build an altar to the Lord, so that the plague may be averted from the people.” [22] Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him; here are the oxen for the burnt offering, and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. [23] All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah said to the king, “May the Lord your God respond favorably to you.” [24] But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy them from you for a price; I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. [25] David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being. So the Lord answered his supplication for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.
Romans 9:1-33 NRSV-CI
[1] I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— [2] I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. [3] For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. [4] They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; [5] to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. [6] It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, [7] and not all of Abraham’s children are his true descendants; but “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” [8] This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. [9] For this is what the promise said, “About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son.” [10] Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. [11] Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue, [12] not by works but by his call) she was told, “The elder shall serve the younger.” [13] As it is written, “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.” [14] What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! [15] For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [16] So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. [17] For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” [18] So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses. [19] You will say to me then, “Why then does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” [20] But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, “Why have you made me like this?” [21] Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use? [22] What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; [23] and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— [24] including us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? [25] As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’ ” [26] “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they shall be called children of the living God.” [27] And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the children of Israel were like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved; [28] for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth quickly and decisively.” [29] And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left survivors to us, we would have fared like Sodom and been made like Gomorrah.” [30] What then are we to say? Gentiles, who did not strive for righteousness, have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith; [31] but Israel, who did strive for the righteousness that is based on the law, did not succeed in fulfilling that law. [32] Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, [33] as it is written, “See, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Matthew 28:1-20 NRSV-CI
[1] After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. [2] And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. [3] His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. [4] For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. [5] But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. [6] He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. [7] Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” [8] So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. [9] Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” [11] While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. [12] After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, [13] telling them, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ [14] If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” [15] So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day. [16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17] When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Hebrews 1:1-14 NRSV-CI
[1] Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. [3] He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. [5] For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? [6] And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” [7] Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” [10] And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; [11] they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; [12] like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” [13] But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? [14] Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Psalms 92:1-15 NRSV-CI
[1] It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; [2] to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, [3] to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. [4] For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. [5] How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep! [6] The dullard cannot know, the stupid cannot understand this: [7] though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever, [8] but you, O Lord, are on high forever. [9] For your enemies, O Lord, for your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered. [10] But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. [11] My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants. [12] The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. [13] They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. [14] In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, [15] showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Psalms 55:1-23 NRSV-CI
[1] Give ear to my prayer, O God; do not hide yourself from my supplication. [2] Attend to me, and answer me; I am troubled in my complaint. I am distraught [3] by the noise of the enemy, because of the clamor of the wicked. For they bring trouble upon me, and in anger they cherish enmity against me. [4] My heart is in anguish within me, the terrors of death have fallen upon me. [5] Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. [6] And I say, “O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; [7] truly, I would flee far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah [8] I would hurry to find a shelter for myself from the raging wind and tempest.” [9] Confuse, O Lord, confound their speech; for I see violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; [11] ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace. [12] It is not enemies who taunt me— I could bear that; it is not adversaries who deal insolently with me— I could hide from them. [13] But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend, [14] with whom I kept pleasant company; we walked in the house of God with the throng. [15] Let death come upon them; let them go down alive to Sheol; for evil is in their homes and in their hearts. [16] But I call upon God, and the Lord will save me. [17] Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he will hear my voice. [18] He will redeem me unharmed from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. [19] God, who is enthroned from of old, Selah will hear, and will humble them— because they do not change, and do not fear God. [20] My companion laid hands on a friend and violated a covenant with me [21] with speech smoother than butter, but with a heart set on war; with words that were softer than oil, but in fact were drawn swords. [22] Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. [23] But you, O God, will cast them down into the lowest pit; the bloodthirsty and treacherous shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.