Psalm 71

God’s Help in Old Age

The Parable of the Rich Fool

¹³ Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher,^(A) tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

¹⁴ “Friend,”^[a] he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard^(B) against all greed,^(C) because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”^(D)

¹⁶ Then he told them a parable:^(E) “A rich^(F) man’s land was very productive. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? ¹⁸ I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. ¹⁹ Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy;^(G) eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’^(H)

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool!^(I) This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’^(J)

²¹ “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure^(K) for himself and is not rich toward God.”^(L)

Paul’s Commendation of Phoebe

16 I commend to you^(A) our sister Phoebe, who is a servant^[a] of the church in Cenchreae.^{(B) 2} So you should welcome her in the Lord^(C) in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also.

Greeting to Roman Christians

³ Give my greetings to Prisca^[b] and Aquila,^(D) my coworkers in^(E) Christ Jesus,^{(F) 4} who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. ⁵ Greet also the church that meets in their home.^(G) Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert^[c](H) to Christ from Asia.^{[d](I) 6} Greet Mary,^[e] who has worked very hard for you.^{[f] 7} Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews^[g](J) and fellow prisoners.^(K) They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles,^[h] and they were also in Christ before me. ⁸ Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. ⁹ Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. ¹⁰ Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.^{(L) 11} Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.^[i] Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. ¹² Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. ¹³ Greet Rufus,^(M) chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. ¹⁴ Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. ¹⁵ Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.^{(N) 16} Greet one another with a holy kiss.^(O) All the churches of Christ send you greetings.