Psalm 101

Of David. A psalm.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep^(A)

15 Now the tax collectors^(B) and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. ² But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”^(C)

³ Then Jesus told them this parable:^{(D) 4} “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?^{(E) 5} And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’^{(F) 7} I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.^(G)

The Parable of the Lost Coin

⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins^[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’^{(H) 10} In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”^(I)

Personal Remarks

⁹ Do your best to come to me quickly,^{(A) 10} for Demas,^(B) because he loved this world,^(C) has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.^(D) Crescens has gone to Galatia,^(E) and Titus^(F) to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke^(G) is with me.^(H) Get Mark^(I) and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. ¹² I sent Tychicus^(J) to Ephesus.^{(K) 13} When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas,^(L) and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

¹⁴ Alexander^(M) the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.^{(N) 15} You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.^{(O) 17} But the Lord stood at my side^(P) and gave me strength,^(Q) so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.^(R) And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.^{(S) 18} The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack^(T) and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.^(U) To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(V)

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Greet Priscilla^[a] and Aquila^(W) and the household of Onesiphorus.^{(X) 20} Erastus^(Y) stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus^(Z) sick in Miletus.^{(AA) 21} Do your best to get here before winter.^(AB) Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.^[b]

²² The Lord be with your spirit.^(AC) Grace be with you all.^(AD)