Book of Common Prayer
17 And it came about after three days that he called-together the ones being leading ones of the Jews. And they having come together, he was saying to them, “I, men, brothers, having done nothing contrary to our people or our ancestors’ customs, was handed-over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans— 18 who, having examined me, were wanting to release me because of there being no charge worthy of death in connection with me. 19 But the Jews speaking-against it, I was compelled to appeal-to Caesar— not as-though having anything to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore, I called-for you, to see and speak to you. For I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel”. 21 And the ones said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers having arrived report or speak anything evil concerning you. 22 And we consider-it-fitting that we hear from you the things which you think. For indeed concerning this sect[a], it is known to us that it is being spoken-against everywhere”.
Some Believed Paul’s Message, Others Rejected. Paul Turns To The Gentiles
23 And having appointed a day for him, more came to him at his lodging— to whom he was explaining it from early-in-the-morning until evening, solemnly-testifying as to the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things being said, but others were not-believing[b]. 25 And being not-in-agreement with one another, they were departing, Paul having spoken one statement— that “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet [in Isa 6:9-10] to your fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: In hearing, you will hear and by no means understand. And while seeing, you will see and by no means perceive. 27 For the heart of this people became dull[c], and they hardly[d] heard with their ears, and they closed their eyes, that they might not ever see[e] with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand in their heart, and turn-back, and I shall heal[f] them’. 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent-forth to the Gentiles. They[g] also will hear it”. 29 [h]
While Two Years Pass, Paul Continues To Proclaim Christ
30 And he stayed two[i] whole years in his own rented-quarters[j]. And he was welcoming all the ones coming-in to him— 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without-hindrance.
Jesus Heals a Boy His Disciples Could Not Heal
37 And it came about on the next day, they having come down from the mountain, that a large crowd met Him. 38 And behold— a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look upon my son, because he is an only-born son to me. 39 And behold— a spirit seizes him and he suddenly cries-out. And it convulses him, along with foam [at the mouth]. And it departs from him with difficulty, while bruising[a] him. 40 And I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able”. 41 And having responded, Jesus said, “O unbelieving[b] and perverted generation, how long will I be with you, and bear-with you? Bring your son to Me here”. 42 And while he was still approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all astounded at the majesty of God.
Jesus Predicts His Death
But while all were marveling at everything which He was doing, He said to His disciples, 44 “You put these words into your ears— for the Son of Man is going to be handed-over into the hands of men”. 45 But the ones were not understanding this statement. And it had been concealed from them, so that they did not perceive it. And they were fearing to ask Him about this statement.
The Disciples Argue Over Who Is The Greatest. Jesus Says The Least Is The Greatest
46 And an argument came-in among them as to which of them might be greater[c]. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their heart, having taken-hold-of a child, stood him[d] beside Himself, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child on the basis of My name, welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me, welcomes the One having sent Me forth. For the one being least among you all, this one is great[e]”. 49 And having responded, John said, “Master, we saw someone casting-out demons in Your name. And we were forbidding him because he is not following with us”. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Do not be forbidding[f] him. For he who is not against you is for you”.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing