A Song of Praise

26 In that day^(A) this song will be sung^(B) in the land of Judah:

The Kingdom of Righteousness

The Women of Jerusalem

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(A) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(B) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(C) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(D) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(E) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(F) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(G)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(H) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(I)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(J) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(K) as an example for those who would believe^(L) in him and receive eternal life.^{(M) 17} Now to the King^(N) eternal, immortal,^(O) invisible,^(P) the only God,^(Q) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(R)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

¹⁸ Timothy, my son,^(S) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,^(T) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,^{(U) 19} holding on to faith and a good conscience,^(V) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.^{(W) 20} Among them are Hymenaeus^(X) and Alexander,^(Y) whom I have handed over to Satan^(Z) to be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,^(AA) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,^(AB) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness^(AC) and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases^(AD) God our Savior,^{(AE) 4} who wants^(AF) all people^(AG) to be saved^(AH) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(AI) 5} For there is one God^(AJ) and one mediator^(AK) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,^{(AL) 6} who gave himself as a ransom^(AM) for all people. This has now been witnessed to^(AN) at the proper time.^{(AO) 7} And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying^(AP)—and a true and faithful teacher^(AQ) of the Gentiles.^(AR)

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands^(AS) without anger or disputing.

John the Baptist Prepares the Way^(A)

3 In those days John the Baptist^(B) came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven^(C) has come near.” ³ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

⁴ John’s^(E) clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.^(F) His food was locusts^(G) and wild honey. ⁵ People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. ⁶ Confessing their sins, they were baptized^(H) by him in the Jordan River.

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers!^(I) Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?^{(J) 8} Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.^{(K) 9} And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’^(L) I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.^(M)

¹¹ “I baptize you with^[b] water for repentance.^(N) But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with^[c] the Holy Spirit^(O) and fire.^{(P) 12} His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”^(Q)

The Baptism of Jesus^(R)

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.^{(S) 14} But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,^(T) and he saw the Spirit of God^(U) descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven^(V) said, “This is my Son,^(W) whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”^(X)