Bible in 90 Days

Persecutions Predicted

¹⁸ “If the world hates^(A) you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen^(B) you out of it, the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^(C) If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word,^(D) they will also keep yours. ²¹ But they will do all these things to you on account of my name,^(E) because they don’t know^(F) the one who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin.^(G) Now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ The one who hates me also hates my Father.^{(H) 24} If I had not done the works^(I) among them that no one else has done,^(J) they would not be guilty of sin.^(K) Now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But this happened so that the statement written in their law might be fulfilled:^(L) They hated me for no reason.^[a](M)

The Counselor’s Ministry

²⁶ “When the Counselor^(N) comes, the one I will send to you from the Father^(O) —the Spirit of truth^(P) who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. ²⁷ You also will testify,^(Q) because you have been with me from the beginning.

16 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. ² They will ban you from the synagogues.^(R) In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service^(S) to God. ³ They will do these things because they haven’t known^(T) the Father or me. ⁴ But I have told you these things so that when their time^[b] comes you will remember^(U) I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. ⁵ But now I am going away^(V) to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’^{(W) 6} Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth.^(X) It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.^{(Y) 8} When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: ⁹ About sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness, because I am going to the Father^(Z) and you will no longer see me; ¹¹ and about judgment,^(AA) because the ruler of this world^(AB) has been judged.^(AC)

¹² “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.^{(AD) 13} When the Spirit of truth^(AE) comes, he will guide you into all the truth.^(AF) For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵ Everything the Father^(AG) has is mine.^(AH) This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.^(AI)

Sorrow Turned to Joy

¹⁶ “In a little while,^(AJ) you will no longer see me; ^(AK) again in a little while, you will see me.”^[c]

¹⁷ Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this he’s telling us: ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me,’ and, ‘Because I am going to the Father’^(AL)?” ¹⁸ They said, “What is this he is saying,^[d] ‘In a little while’? We don’t know what he’s talking about.”

¹⁹ Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me’? ²⁰ Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn,^(AM) but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful,^(AN) but your sorrow will turn to joy. ²¹ When a woman is in labor, she has pain^(AO) because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child,^(AP) she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. ²² So you also have sorrow^[e] now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice,^(AQ) and no one will take away your joy from you.^(AR)

²³ “In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.^{(AS) 24} Until now you have asked for nothing in my name.^(AT) Ask and you will receive,^(AU) so that your joy may be complete.^(AV)

Jesus the Victor

²⁵ “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶ On that day you will ask^(AW) in my name, and^(AX) I am not telling you that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ²⁷ For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved^(AY) me and have believed that I came from God.^{[f](AZ) 28} I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”^(BA)

²⁹ His disciples said, “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. ³⁰ Now we know that you know everything^(BB) and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”^(BC)

³¹ Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? ³² Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come,^(BD) when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.^{(BE) 33} I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

Jesus Prays for Himself

17 Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son^(BF) may glorify you,^{(BG) 2} since you gave him authority over all people,^[g](BH) so that he may give eternal life^(BI) to everyone you have given him.^{(BJ) 3} This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only^(BK) true^(BL) God, and the one you have sent^(BM) —Jesus Christ.^{(BN) 4} I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ Now, Father,^(BO) glorify me in your presence with that glory^(BP) I had with you before the world existed.^(BQ)

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

⁶ “I have revealed your name^(BR) to the people you gave me^(BS) from the world.^(BT) They were yours, you gave them to me,^(BU) and they have kept your word.^{(BV) 7} Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, ⁸ because I have given them the words you gave me.^(BW) They have received them and have known for certain that I came from you.^(BX) They have believed that you sent me.

⁹ “I pray^[h] for them. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me,^(BY) because they are yours. ¹⁰ Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine,^(BZ) and I am glorified in them. ¹¹ I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.^(CA) Holy^(CB) Father, protect^[i] them by your name^(CC) that you have given me, so that they may be one^(CD) as we are^(CE) one. ¹² While I was with them, I was protecting them by your name that you have given me. I guarded^(CF) them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction,^[j] so that the Scripture^(CG) may be fulfilled.^{(CH) 13} Now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy completed in them. ¹⁴ I have given them your word. The world hated^(CI) them because they are not of the world,^(CJ) just as I am not of the world.^{(CK) 15} I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.^{(CL) 16} They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.^{(CM) 17} Sanctify^(CN) them by the truth; ^(CO) your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world,^(CP) I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. ²¹ May they all be one,^(CQ) as you, Father, are in me and I am in you.^(CR) May they also be^[k] in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. ²² I have given them the glory^(CS) you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. ²³ I am in them and you are in me,^(CT) so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved^(CU) them as you have loved me.^(CV)

²⁴ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am,^(CW) so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world’s foundation. ²⁵ Righteous Father, the world has not known you. However, I have known you,^(CX) and they have known that you sent me. ²⁶ I made your name^(CY) known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them and I may be in them.”^(CZ)

Jesus Betrayed

18 After^(DA) Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. ² Judas,^(DB) who betrayed^(DC) him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. ³ So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials^[l] from the chief priests and the Pharisees^(DD) and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

⁴ Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him,^(DE) went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?”

⁵ “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.

“I am he,”^(DF) Jesus told them.

Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them. ⁶ When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground.

⁷ Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

⁸ “I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.” ⁹ This was to fulfill^(DG) the words he had said: “I have not lost one of those you have given me.”^(DH)

¹⁰ Then Simon^(DI) Peter,^(DJ) who had a sword,^(DK) drew it, struck the high priest’s^(DL) servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

¹¹ At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup^(DM) the Father has given me?”

Jesus Arrested and Taken to Annas

¹² Then the company of soldiers, the commander, and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus and tied him up. ¹³ First they led him to Annas,^(DN) since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas,^(DO) who was high priest that year. ¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better for one man to die for the people.^(DP)

Peter Denies Jesus

¹⁵ Simon Peter^(DQ) was following Jesus, as was another disciple. That disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest; so he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. ¹⁶ But Peter remained standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, the one known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who was the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.

¹⁷ Then the servant girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?”

“I am not,” he said. ¹⁸ Now the servants and the officials had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold. They were standing there warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, warming himself.

Jesus before Annas

¹⁹ The high priest^(DR) questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue^(DS) and in the temple,^(DT) where all the Jews gather, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. ²¹ Why do you question me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.”

²² When he had said these things, one of the officials standing by slapped Jesus, saying, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?”

²³ “If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence^[m] about the wrong; but if rightly,^(DU) why do you hit me?” ²⁴ Then^(DV) Annas^(DW) sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Peter Denies Jesus Twice More

²⁵ Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it and said, “I am not.”

²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” ²⁷ Peter denied it again. Immediately a rooster crowed.^(DX)

Jesus before Pilate

²⁸ Then^(DY) they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters.^(DZ) It was early morning. They did not enter the headquarters themselves; otherwise they would be defiled and unable to eat the Passover.

²⁹ So Pilate^(EA) came out to them and said, “What charge^(EB) do you bring against this man?”

³⁰ They answered him, “If this man weren’t a criminal,^[n] we wouldn’t have handed him over to you.”

³¹ Pilate told them, “You take him and judge him according to your law.”

“It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,” the Jews declared. ³² They said this so that Jesus’s words might be fulfilled indicating what kind of death he was going to die.^(EC)

³³ Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ^(ED)

³⁴ Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about me?”

³⁵ “I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

³⁶ “My kingdom^(EE) is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world,^(EF) my servants^(EG) would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is,^[o] my kingdom is not from here.”^(EH)

³⁷ “You are a king then?” Pilate asked.

“You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world^(EI) for this: to testify^(EJ) to the truth.^(EK) Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

³⁸ “What is truth?” said Pilate.

Jesus or Barabbas

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds^(EL) for charging him. ³⁹ You^(EM) have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?”

⁴⁰ They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” ^(EN) Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.^[p](EO)

Jesus Flogged and Mocked

19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² The soldiers also twisted together a crown^(EP) of thorns, put it on his head, and clothed him in a purple robe. ³ And they kept coming up to him^(EQ) and saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” and were slapping his face.

⁴ Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to let you know I find no grounds^(ER) for charging him.” ⁵ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.^(ES) Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” ^(ET)

Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death

⁶ When the chief priests and the temple servants^[q] saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate responded, “Take him and crucify him yourselves, since I find no grounds for charging him.”

⁷ “We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die,^(EU) because he made himself the Son of God.”^(EV)

⁸ When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. ⁹ He went back into the headquarters^(EW) and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer.^{(EX) 10} So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?”

¹¹ “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”^(EY)

¹² From that moment Pilate kept trying^[r] to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!”

¹³ When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s seat in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Aramaic,^[s] Gabbatha). ¹⁴ It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon.^[t] Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!”

¹⁵ They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”

Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?”

“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered.

¹⁶ Then he handed him over to be crucified.

The Crucifixion

Then they took Jesus away.^{[u] 17} Carrying^(EZ) the cross by himself,^(FA) he went out to what is called Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. ¹⁸ There they crucified him and two others with him, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. ¹⁹ Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. ²⁰ Many of the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city,^(FB) and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. ²¹ So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews,’^(FC) but that he said, ‘I am the king of the Jews.’”

²² Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”

²³ When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. ²⁴ So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to see who gets it.” This happened that the Scripture^(FD) might be fulfilled^(FE) that says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.^[v](FF) This is what the soldiers did.

Jesus’s Provision for His Mother

²⁵ Standing^(FG) by the cross^(FH) of Jesus were his mother,^(FI) his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.^{(FJ) 26} When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved^(FK) standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

The Finished Work of Jesus

²⁸ After^(FL) this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished^(FM) that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.”^{(FN) 29} A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on a hyssop branch^(FO) and held it up to his mouth.

³⁰ When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.”^(FP) Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.^(FQ)

Jesus’s Side Pierced

³¹ Since it was the preparation day,^(FR) the Jews did not want the bodies^(FS) to remain on the cross^(FT) on the Sabbath^(FU) (for that Sabbath was a special^[w] day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away.^{(FV) 32} So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. ³³ When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead.^{(FW) 34} But one of the soldiers pierced^(FX) his side^(FY) with a spear, and at once blood and water^(FZ) came out. ³⁵ He who saw this has testified^(GA) so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.^{(GB) 36} For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:^(GC) Not one of his bones will be broken.^{[x](GD) 37} Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.^[y](GE)

Jesus’s Burial

³⁸ After^(GF) this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body.^(GG) Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away. ³⁹ Nicodemus^(GH) (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds^[z] of myrrh and aloes. ⁴⁰ They took Jesus’s body^(GI) and wrapped it in linen cloths^(GJ) with the fragrant spices, according to the burial^(GK) custom of the Jews. ⁴¹ There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. ⁴² They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

The Empty Tomb

20 On^(GL) the first day of the week^(GM) Mary Magdalene^(GN) came to the tomb^(GO) early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone^(GP) had been removed from the tomb. ² So she went running to Simon Peter^(GQ) and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb,^(GR) and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

³ At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. ⁴ The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. ⁵ Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths^(GS) lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. ⁷ The wrapping^(GT) that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths^(GU) but was folded up in a separate place by itself. ⁸ The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed. ⁹ For they did not yet understand the Scripture^(GV) that he must rise^(GW) from the dead.^{(GX) 10} Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord

¹¹ But^(GY) Mary stood outside the tomb,^(GZ) crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. ¹² She saw two angels^(HA) in white sitting where Jesus’s body^(HB) had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. ¹³ They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,”^(HC) she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.”

¹⁴ Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus.^{(HD) 15} “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?”

Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.”

¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic,^[aa] “Rabboni!”—which means “Teacher.”^(HE)

¹⁷ “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended^(HF) to the Father.^(HG) But go to my brothers^(HH) and tell them that I am ascending to my Father^(HI) and your Father, to my God^(HJ) and your God.”

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” ^(HK) And she told them what^[ab] he had said to her.

The Disciples Commissioned

¹⁹ When it was evening on that first day of the week,^(HL) the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”^(HM)

²⁰ Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side.^(HN) So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me,^(HO) I also send you.”^{(HP) 22} After saying this, he breathed on them^(HQ) and said,^[ac] “Receive the Holy Spirit.^{(HR) 23} If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”^(HS)

Thomas Sees and Believes

²⁴ But Thomas^(HT) (called “Twin”^[ad]), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails,^(HU) and put my hand into his side,^(HV) I will never believe.”^(HW)

²⁶ A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”^(HX)

²⁸ Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed.^[ae] Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”^(HY)

The Purpose of This Gospel

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs^(HZ) in the presence of his disciples that are not written^(IA) in this book.^{(IB) 31} But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah,^(IC) the Son^(ID) of God,^[af](IE) and that by believing you may have life in his name.^(IF)

Jesus’s Third Appearance to the Disciples

21 After this, Jesus revealed^(IG) himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.^[ag](IH) He revealed himself in this way:

² Simon Peter,^(II) Thomas^(IJ) (called “Twin”^[ah]), Nathanael^(IK) from Cana of Galilee,^(IL) Zebedee’s^(IM) sons, and two others of his disciples were together.

³ “I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.

“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.^(IN)

⁴ When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus.^{(IO) 5} “Friends,”^[ai] Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”

“No,” they answered.

⁶ “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did,^[aj] and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. ⁷ The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” ^(IP)

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. ⁸ Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards^[ak](IQ) away), the other disciples came in the boat,^(IR) dragging the net full of fish.

⁹ When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. ¹⁰ “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.^(IS)

¹² “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time^(IT) Jesus appeared^[al](IU) to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Jesus’s Threefold Restoration of Peter

¹⁵ When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John,^[am] do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”

“Feed my lambs,” he told him. ¹⁶ A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love^(IV) me?”^(IW)

“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.”

“Shepherd^(IX) my sheep,”^(IY) he told him.

¹⁷ He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love^(IZ) me?”

Peter was grieved^(JA) that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything;^(JB) you know that I love you.”

“Feed^(JC) my sheep,” Jesus said. ¹⁸ “Truly I tell you,^(JD) when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” ¹⁹ He said this to indicate by what kind of death^(JE) Peter would glorify God.^(JF) After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”^(JG)

Correcting a False Report

²⁰ So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved^(JH) following them, the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” ^{(JI) 21} When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

²² “If I want him to remain until I come,”^(JJ) Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

²³ So this rumor^[an] spread to the brothers and sisters^(JK) that this disciple would not die.^(JL) Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Epilogue

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

²⁵ And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books^[ao] that would be written.^(JM)

Prologue

1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach^{(JN) 2} until the day he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.^{(JO) 3} After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.^(JP)

The Holy Spirit Promised

⁴ While he was^[ap] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.^(JQ) “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”^(JR)

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.^{(JS) 8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”^(JT)

The Ascension

⁹ After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰ While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.^{(JU) 11} They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”^(JV)

United in Prayer

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room^(JW) upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.^{(JX) 14} They all were continually united^(JY) in prayer,^[aq] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.^(JZ)

Matthias Chosen

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters^[ar]—the number of people who were together was about a hundred twenty—and said, ¹⁶ “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.^{(KA) 17} For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”^{(KB) 18} Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out.^{(KC) 19} This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, “Field of Blood”). ²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

²¹ “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— ²² beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection.”^(KE)

²³ So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.^{(KF) 24} Then they prayed,^(KG) “You, Lord, know everyone’s hearts; show which of these two you have chosen^{(KH) 25} to take the place^[au] in this apostolic ministry^(KI) that Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots^(KJ) for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.^{(KK) 2} Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind^(KL) came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.^{(KM) 3} They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled^(KN) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,^[av] as the Spirit enabled them.^(KO)

⁵ Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation^(KP) under heaven. ⁶ When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ They were astounded and amazed, saying,^[aw] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?^{(KQ) 8} How is it that each of us can hear them in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,^{(KR) 10} Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts),^{(KS) 11} Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” ¹² They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”^(KT)

Peter’s Sermon

¹⁴ Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “Fellow Jews and all you residents of Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.^{[ax] 16} On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know.^{(KZ) 23} Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used^[az] lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him.^{(LA) 24} God raised him up, ending the pains of death,^(LB) because it was not possible for him to be held by death. ²⁵ For David says of him:

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.^{(LE) 30} Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[bb] on his throne.^{(LF) 31} Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He^[bc] was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.^[bd](LG)

³² “God has raised^(LH) this Jesus; we are all witnesses of this. ³³ Therefore, since he has been exalted to the right hand of God^(LI) and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit,^(LJ) he has poured out^(LK) what you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

³⁶ “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”^(LM)

Call to Repentance

³⁷ When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” ^(LN)

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent^(LO) and be baptized,^(LP) each of you, in the name^(LQ) of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off,^(LR) as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[bf] generation!” ^{(LS) 41} So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,^(LT) to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.^(LU)

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.^{(LV) 44} Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.^{(LW) 45} They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,^{(LX) 47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number^[bg] those who were being saved.^(LY)

Healing of a Lame Man

3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple for the time of prayer^(LZ) at three in the afternoon.^{[bh] 2} A man who was lame from birth was being carried there. He was placed each day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so that he could beg from those entering the temple.^{(MA) 3} When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for money. ⁴ Peter, along with John, looked straight at him and said, “Look at us.” ⁵ So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” ^{(MB) 7} Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ So he jumped up and started to walk, and he entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.^{(MC) 9} All the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.^(MD)

Preaching in Solomon’s Colonnade

¹¹ While he^[bi] was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(ME) 12} When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors,^(MF) has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied before Pilate,^(MG) though he had decided to release him. ¹⁴ You denied the Holy and Righteous One^(MH) and asked to have a murderer released to you.^{(MI) 15} You killed the source^[bj] of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this.^{(MJ) 16} By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

¹⁷ “And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.^{(MK) 18} In this way God fulfilled what he had predicted through all the prophets—that his Messiah would suffer.^{(ML) 19} Therefore repent^(MM) and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,^{(MN) 20} that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed^(MO) for you as the Messiah. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about through his holy prophets from the beginning.^{(MP) 22} Moses said:^[bk] The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people.^[bl](MQ)

²⁴ “In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also foretold these days. ²⁵ You are the sons^[bm] of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, And all the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring.^{[bn](MR) 26} God raised up his servant^[bo] and sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.”^(MS)

Peter and John Arrested

4 While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them,^{(MT) 2} because they were annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.^{(MU) 3} So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day since it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men^[bp] came to about five thousand.

Peter and John Face the Jewish Leadership

⁵ The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem ⁶ with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.^{(MV) 7} After they had Peter and John stand before them, they began to question them: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders:^{[bq](MW) 9} If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was healed, ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy.^{(MX) 11} This Jesus is

¹² There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”^(MZ)

The Boldness of the Disciples

¹³ When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.^{(NA) 14} And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵ After they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign has been done through them, clear to everyone living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.^{(NB) 17} But so that this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” ¹⁸ So they called for them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;^{(NC) 20} for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”^(ND)

²¹ After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done.^{(NE) 22} For this sign of healing had been performed on a man over forty years old.

Prayer for Boldness

²³ After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.^{(NF) 25} You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David your servant:^[bs]

²⁷ “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,^{(NH) 28} to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness,^{(NI) 30} while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders^(NJ) are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.^(NK)

All Things in Common

³² Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.^{(NL) 33} With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.^{(NM) 34} For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold,^{(NN) 35} and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.^(NO)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement),^{(NP) 37} sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^(NQ)

Lying to the Holy Spirit

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. ² However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^(NR)

³ “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart^(NS) to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? ⁴ Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” ⁵ When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard.^{(NT) 6} The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.^(NU)

⁷ About three hours later, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the land for this price?”

“Yes,” she said, “for that price.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”^(NV)

¹⁰ Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.

Apostolic Signs and Wonders

¹² Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.^(NW) They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(NX) 13} No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them.^{(NY) 14} Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women. ¹⁵ As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow^(NZ) might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

In and out of Prison

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up. He and all who were with him, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.^{(OA) 18} So they arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.^{(OB) 19} But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,^{(OC) 20} “Go and stand in the temple, and tell the people all about this life.”^{(OD) 21} Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

The Apostles on Trial Again

When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full council of the Israelites—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought.^{(OE) 22} But when the servants^[bu] got there, they did not find them in the jail; so they returned and reported, ²³ “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” ²⁴ As^[bv] the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.

²⁵ Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.^{(OF) 27} After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸ “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?^(OG) Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”^(OH)

²⁹ Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus,^(OI) whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree.^{(OJ) 31} God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.^{(OK) 32} We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^(OL) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.^{(OM) 34} But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men^[bw] to be taken outside for a little while.^{(ON) 35} He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. ³⁶ Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.^{(OO) 37} After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. ³⁸ So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;^{(OP) 39} but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.^{(OQ) 40} After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.^{(OR) 41} Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.^{[bx](OS) 42} Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 In those days, as the disciples^(OT) were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.^{(OU) 2} The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. ³ Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation,^(OV) full of the Spirit^(OW) and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen,^(OX) a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch.^{(OY) 6} They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed^(OZ) and laid their hands on^(PA) them.

⁷ So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased^(PB) greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.