This generation

“To what will I compare this generation? It is like a child sitting in the marketplaces calling out to others,

“Then he went out around nine in the morning and saw others standing around the marketplace doing nothing.

They love to be greeted with honor in the markets and to be addressed as ‘Rabbi.’

Wherever he went—villages, cities, or farming communities—they would place the sick in the marketplaces and beg him to allow them to touch even the hem of his clothing. Everyone who touched him was healed.

Upon returning from the marketplace, they don’t eat without first immersing themselves. They observe many other rules that have been handed down, such as the washing of cups, jugs, pans, and sleeping mats.)

As he was teaching, he said, “Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They want to be greeted with honor in the markets.

They are like children sitting in the marketplace calling out to each other, ‘We played the flute for you and you didn’t dance. We sang a funeral song and you didn’t cry.’

“How terrible for you Pharisees! You love the most prominent seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

“Watch out for the legal experts. They like to walk around in long robes. They love being greeted with honor in the markets. They long for the places of honor in the synagogues and at banquets.

The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. God strengthened the church, and its life was marked by reverence for the Lord. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the church continued to grow in numbers.

Realizing this, he made his way to Mary’s house. (Mary was John’s mother; he was also known as Mark.) Many believers had gathered there and were praying.

Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after completing their mission, bringing with them John, who was also known as Mark.

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them.

Their argument became so intense that they went their separate ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.

But the Jews became jealous and brought along some thugs who were hanging out in the marketplace. They formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason’s house, intending to bring Paul and Silas before the people.

He began to interact with the Jews and Gentile God-worshippers in the synagogue. He also addressed whoever happened to be in the marketplace each day.

Eat everything that is sold in the marketplace, without asking questions about it because of your conscience.

From now on, no one should bother me because I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, says hello to you. So does Mark, Barnabas’ cousin (you received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him).

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark, and bring him with you. He has been a big help to me in the ministry.

as well as my coworkers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

Baptism is like that. It saves you now—not because it removes dirt from your body but because it is the mark of a good conscience toward God. Your salvation comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

The fellow-elect church in Babylon greets you, and so does my son Mark.

It forces everyone—the small and great, the rich and poor, the free and slaves—to have a mark put on their right hand or on their forehead.