For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ | For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’ |
Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. | Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. |
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Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. | That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. |
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” | For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” |
You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. | You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. |
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. | I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. |
For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock besides our God? | For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? |
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. |
And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. | But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. |
For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. | For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God. |
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. | For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. |
For, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. | Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. |
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. | But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! |
For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? | And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? |
For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. | For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. |
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. | Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. |
Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. | Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. |
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. | The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. |
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. | You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver. |
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” | But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” |
For the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. | For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. |
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. | Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. |
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. | There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. |
See, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me? | I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? |
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. | Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. |