Forgiveness concerns a real wrong and the mercy shown toward the person who committed it. Repentance is the wrongdoer’s turning from that sin; reconciliation is the restoration of a damaged relationship. Scripture connects these things without treating them as interchangeable. Its teaching gives you something faithful to do both when peace is being restored and when another person still resists it.
Let God’s mercy shape the mercy you give
Begin with the mercy God has shown you. Ephesians 4:32 calls believers to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving because God has forgiven them for Christ’s sake. The reason matters: Christian forgiveness grows out of a gift already received. In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul continues by calling God’s beloved children to imitate him and to walk in the love Christ showed by giving himself for them. Seek the other person’s good with the same willingness to show mercy that has made your own life with God possible.
Romans 5:6–10 explains how deeply that mercy reaches. Christ died for the ungodly while they were still sinners; God’s love came to people who had not made themselves worthy of it. Paul then argues from the greater gift to the believer’s continuing assurance: if God reconciled enemies through his Son’s death, those reconciled to him can trust his saving life. Peace with God rests on justification by faith through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1–2). Remembering this gives you a reason to approach another sinner with humility and hope.
God’s mercy is personal and compassionate. Psalm 103:8–14 praises the LORD as slow to anger, describes sins removed as far as east is from west, and compares his compassion to a father’s regard for his children. He knows their frailty and remembers that they are dust. The psalm also speaks of his justice for the oppressed and his covenant mercy toward those who fear him (Psalm 103:6, 17–18). Receive that kindness with gratitude, and let it teach you patience toward the frailty of others.
Living by mercy includes being truthful about your own need. In 1 John 1:5–2:2, fellowship with the God who is light means walking in truth, confessing sin, and receiving cleansing through Jesus. John writes so that believers will turn from sin, while assuring those who do sin that Jesus Christ is their advocate with the Father. Bring your own wrongdoing to God honestly. You approach the work of forgiving as someone who also depends on forgiveness.
Forgive from the heart and keep extending mercy
Peter asks whether forgiving a brother seven times is enough. Jesus answers with “seventy times seven” in Matthew 18:21–22. His answer and the following parable direct attention away from calculating an allowance of injuries and toward the mercy that should govern the relationship. Keep answering a person’s return with forgiveness; repeated need does not use up the command to be merciful.
The servant in Matthew 18:23–27 owes ten thousand talents, an enormous debt he cannot pay. His plea is for patience, but the king responds with compassion and cancels the debt. The servant then seizes a fellow servant by the throat over a much smaller debt of a hundred pence. Although the second man makes the same plea for patience, the forgiven servant sends him to prison (Matthew 18:28–30). Jesus makes the contradiction visible: someone whose whole future has been rescued refuses to give mercy to another person in need of it.
The king’s question gives the lesson its force: having received compassion, the servant ought to have shown compassion. The king then hands him over to the tormentors, and Jesus applies the solemn judgment to refusing forgiveness from the heart (Matthew 18:32–35). Take that demand seriously. Forgiving releases the offence as a personal debt and extends mercy to the offender. It gives up the purpose of making that person pay through personal punishment and concerns the conduct that follows, including your words, kindness, and willingness to receive the person.
Bring this work into prayer. In Matthew 6:9–15, Jesus teaches his disciples to ask their Father for daily bread and forgiveness, and then explains that their forgiveness of others matters to their own reception of forgiveness. Mark 11:25 likewise directs the person standing in prayer to forgive what he holds against anyone. Asking for mercy and extending mercy belong in the same life before God. Pray honestly about the wrong, ask for the help you need to obey, and act on the kindness and forgiveness commanded in Ephesians 4:31–32. Jesus’ words require more than a spoken assurance that leaves a settled intention to retaliate untouched.
Further study: Eric Barreto · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press
Speak truth with the purpose of regaining your brother
Love can require a truthful conversation about wrongdoing. Leviticus 19:17–18 places rebuking a neighbor alongside the commands to love him, refuse revenge, and relinquish a grudge. Within Israel’s law, honest correction serves the same neighbor whose life and goods must be treated justly. Rebuke means making the wrong known so that the person can turn from it. Speak with that purpose, bringing the actual conduct into the light while seeking the good of the person who did it.
Jesus makes the purpose clear in Matthew 18:15: if the brother listens, you have gained your brother. The conversation begins between the two people, keeping the aim personal and restorative. This follows the picture of seeking a wandering sheep and rejoicing when it is found (Matthew 18:12–14). If the brother will not listen, one or two others are brought so that the matter can be established; persistent refusal brings it before the church (Matthew 18:16–17). The widening circle serves truth and the effort to regain someone whose conduct matters to the whole community.
Jesus also acknowledges refusal. In Matthew 18:17, the person who rejects even the church’s appeal is treated as outside its fellowship. Matthew 18:18–20 links the community’s decisions with heaven and calls for united prayer in Jesus’ name. Those acting for the church answer to him. Forgiving another person and pursuing reconciliation therefore do not require declaring a broken relationship restored while the wrongdoing is still defended. Keep seeking the person’s good with mercy and truthful accountability; restored fellowship calls for a response that you cannot make on another person’s behalf.
When that response comes, receive it generously. Luke 17:3–4 tells the disciple to rebuke a sinning brother and forgive him if he repents, even if he returns seven times in a day saying that he repents. Jesus gives repeated mercy a place in the difficult work of helping someone turn. His words do not let the injured person set a numerical limit after which repentance will no longer be received. The apostles then ask for increased faith (Luke 17:5–10). Jesus’ picture of mustard-seed faith commanding a tree to be uprooted directs them toward the power of trusting God. His illustration of a servant completing his assigned work places obedience within their duty to the Lord. Depend on God as you carry out the mercy he requires.
Mercy can already govern you before a truthful reunion takes place. Mark 11:25 addresses the disciple at prayer, and Luke 6:27–36 directs kindness toward people who are still enemies. Begin by relinquishing revenge, praying for them, and seeking their good. At the same time, use discretion about which matters need correction. Proverbs 19:11 commends passing over an offence, while Proverbs 17:9 contrasts seeking love with repeatedly spreading a matter that separates friends. Patiently bearing an injury and addressing a sin for someone’s restoration both have a place in love; the aim is their good and a truthful peace.
Further study: Eric Barreto · John T. Carroll · Cedric E. W. Vine · Peter-Ben Smit · Biblical Studies Press
Confess your own wrong and take steps to put it right
Take the initiative when you know someone has a grievance against you. In Matthew 5:21–26, Jesus traces the seriousness of wrong beyond murder to anger and contempt, then pictures a worshiper remembering his brother’s grievance at the altar. He tells that person to go first and seek reconciliation, then return to offer the gift. The following example of settling a dispute on the way to court reinforces the urgency. Devotion to God gives you a reason to attend to a damaged relationship promptly and seriously.
Begin with a clear examination of your own conduct. Matthew 7:3–5 compares another person’s fault to a speck and the hypocrite’s own fault to a beam in his eye. Removing the beam enables him to see clearly enough to help his brother. Acknowledge the particular wrong you have done, confess it before God, and tell the person you have wronged the truth about it. First John 1:9 grounds hope in God’s faithful forgiveness and cleansing. James 5:16 also gives mutual confession and prayer a place within the community’s care for one another.
Let sorrow lead to a changed response. Paul rejoices in 2 Corinthians 7:8–11 because the Corinthians’ grief over his letter produced repentance. He points to their earnestness, concern, and zeal to address the matter as evidence of that response. The KJV word “revenge” in verse 11 describes the community’s response to the offender, including punishment; it does not authorize personal retaliation. They took the wrong seriously and acted. Receive correction in that spirit and follow an acknowledgment of sin with obedience.
When the wrong has cost someone something, take that loss seriously. Leviticus 6:1–7 calls dishonest dealings with a neighbor a trespass against the LORD, and requires the return of what was taken with an added fifth, alongside the prescribed offering. Numbers 5:5–7 expressly joins confession of the sin with repayment to the person wronged. These laws belong to Israel’s covenant worship, with particular offerings and amounts. They also show why acknowledging the wrong includes attending to the neighbor’s loss. Give back what you have wrongfully taken and repair the harm you can repair.
Luke 19:1–10 gives a further account of this concern. Jesus welcomes Zacchaeus, who speaks of giving half his goods to the poor and restoring fourfold what he has taken by false accusation. Jesus announces salvation in the house and explains his own mission to seek and save the lost. The amounts belong to Zacchaeus’s declaration, rather than a formula for every wrong. Let his willingness to restore another’s loss direct your attention to the good you can actually do. Making amends expresses responsibility toward the injured person; God’s saving welcome is not something a payment can purchase.
Further study: Cedric E. W. Vine · Biblical Studies Press · David Lose · Biblical Studies Press
Help the person who turns return to fellowship
Restoration asks more of love than identifying what went wrong. Galatians 6:1 tells those who are spiritual to restore someone caught in a fault with meekness, while considering their own vulnerability to temptation. This follows the Spirit’s fruit of love, patience, and gentleness and the rejection of provoking one another (Galatians 5:22–26). Help the person return to faithful conduct with the humility of a fellow believer who also needs God’s keeping. Bearing one another’s burdens belongs with examining one’s own work and continuing to do good (Galatians 6:2–10).
A church must also know when to affirm its love. In 2 Corinthians 2:5–11, Paul says the punishment already imposed on an unnamed man is sufficient. He urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort him so that excessive sorrow does not swallow him up, and asks them to confirm their love toward him. Their obedience now requires a positive welcome. A person being restored needs more than the end of accusation: comfort and an expressed place among people who care for him are part of the response Paul commands.
Paul’s appeal for Onesimus shows how someone else can help. In Philemon 1:10–19, he asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother and as he would receive Paul himself. If Onesimus has wronged him or owes anything, Paul offers to put it on his own account. The letter concerns a particular enslaved man and his relationship with Philemon; it does not tell us exactly why he departed. What it plainly asks is a new manner of reception in the Lord. Work for reconciliation by encouraging that welcome and, where you can, helping resolve an actual obstacle to it.
Share the joy of a person’s return. Jesus tells the parables in Luke 15:1–32 because his welcome to sinners has drawn criticism. In the final story, the father sees his returning son while he is still far off, runs to him, and embraces him. The son confesses his sin, and the father orders clothing and a feast to celebrate his recovery (Luke 15:20–24). The elder son’s refusal to join the celebration exposes another need for mercy. The father goes out to him too, calling the recovered son his brother and explaining why rejoicing is fitting (Luke 15:28–32). Welcome repentance with gratitude, and learn to rejoice in the good that God’s mercy brings to another person.
Entrust judgment to God and answer hostility with good
Jesus directs love toward people who do not return it. In Matthew 5:43–48, he tells his disciples to love enemies and pray for persecutors because their Father gives sun and rain to the evil and the good. Loving only those who love you does not express the breadth of that kindness. Luke 6:32–36 makes the same comparison through doing good and lending without depending on repayment. Seek the person’s good because you belong to the merciful Father, even while that person remains opposed to you.
This love changes the response to injury. Matthew 5:38–42 gives the concrete pictures of turning the other cheek, yielding more than the garment demanded, and going a second mile. Jesus calls his disciples away from matching injury with injury and toward costly generosity. Paul states the direction plainly in Romans 12:17–21: do not repay evil with evil; leave vengeance to God; feed the hungry enemy and give the thirsty enemy drink. You entrust judgment to the Lord while taking responsibility for the good he has placed before you.
Paul draws the food-and-drink instruction from Proverbs 25:21–22, including its image of heaping coals of fire on an enemy’s head. The image may describe the painful recognition of wrongdoing that kindness awakens. Its precise meaning is less certain than the surrounding command: care for an enemy’s actual need and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20–21). Give help as an act of sincere love, leaving the other person’s response and God’s judgment with him.
David’s encounter with Saul gives a distinct biblical example. In 1 Samuel 24:4–15, David refuses to kill the king who is pursuing him, restrains his men, and then speaks openly about Saul’s attempt to take his life. He appeals to the LORD to judge and deliver him. Saul acknowledges that David has repaid evil with good, yet the account ends with Saul going home and David returning to his stronghold (1 Samuel 24:16–22). David’s reason includes Saul’s particular status as the LORD’s anointed. The account shows both merciful restraint and an honest recognition that the situation still calls for discernment.
Prayer for mercy can continue even in severe hostility. Jesus asks the Father to forgive while his crucifixion is taking place (Luke 23:34). Stephen likewise asks the Lord not to charge his attackers with their sin as they stone him (Acts 7:59–60). He names their action as sin while praying for mercy. The persecution continues in Acts 8:1–3, so the account supplies no promise of an immediate change in the attackers. It shows a faithful direction for prayer when reconciliation has not yet come.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Peter-Ben Smit
Practice the patience and truthful speech that peace needs
Patience gives you room to hear and respond faithfully. James 1:19–22 calls believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, because human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. He connects that restraint to receiving God’s word with meekness and doing what it says. Listen with the purpose of understanding, give Scripture room to correct your response, and choose words that serve what is right. Proverbs 15:1–4 commends the gentle answer and life-giving speech; it teaches a wise manner of speaking, rather than guaranteeing control over another person’s anger.
Examine the desires beneath a quarrel as well as the words spoken in it. James 3:13–4:3 contrasts wisdom’s meekness with envy and selfish rivalry, then asks where the fights among his readers come from. He locates their source in desires contending within them. His response is to call them toward God’s greater grace, humble submission, and repentance (James 4:6–10). Seek peace by bringing your own pride, craving, and resentment under the Lord’s rule. A changed heart can then give a changed direction to the conversation.
Tell the truth in a way that helps the other person. Ephesians 4:25 explains truthful speech through belonging to one another; Ephesians 4:29 calls for words that build up and benefit their hearers. In between, Paul treats anger as something to handle promptly, giving it no place to develop into sin (Ephesians 4:26–27). His instruction about the setting sun conveys urgency in dealing with your anger. Begin the work promptly, even where resolving the whole disagreement requires continued listening, correction, and prayer.
Love gives that effort endurance. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, the KJV “charity” means love: it is patient and kind, free from self-importance, and glad in truth rather than wrongdoing. Paul is explaining the character needed by a church concerned with its spiritual gifts. The endurance and hope of love belong with its commitment to truth. Continue seeking another person’s good through disappointment, while remaining faithful to what God calls right.
Colossians 3:12–17 gathers these habits into shared life with Christ. Believers are to put on compassion, humility, and patience, bear with one another, forgive as Christ forgave, and let love bind them together. Forbearance means bearing patiently with another person; forgiveness addresses the grievance itself. Both serve the peace to which they are called in one body. As Christ’s word dwells among them through teaching and worship, gratitude to God gives their common life its direction. Keep nourishing these habits through Scripture, prayer, and thankful worship.
Continue kindness as a wounded relationship is restored
Joseph’s history shows the patient care that a restored relationship may still need. Judah had proposed selling him in Genesis 37:26–28. When Benjamin is later threatened with enslavement under Joseph’s staged accusation, Judah instead offers to remain in his place, explaining what another loss would do to their father (Genesis 44:18–34). This change of conduct belongs to the story that precedes Joseph’s self-disclosure. The narrative records particular events and choices; it does not prescribe Joseph’s staged accusation as a method for testing every person who seeks reconciliation.
When Joseph reveals himself, he names the wrong: his brothers sold him into Egypt. He also explains that God sent him ahead to preserve their lives through famine, invites the family to live near him, and promises provision (Genesis 45:4–11). He embraces and weeps over his brothers, who are then able to speak with him (Genesis 45:14–15). Truth about their wrongdoing and the actual good he offers are held together. His response illustrates mercy through reassurance, welcome, and practical care.
After Jacob’s death, the brothers fear that Joseph will repay their evil. They ask forgiveness, and he again reassures them: he is not in God’s place; they intended evil, while God intended the preservation of life. He promises to nourish them and their children and speaks kindly to them (Genesis 50:15–21). His continuing mercy addresses their renewed fear with concrete help. God’s good purpose in this history does not make the brothers’ intention good. Follow the kindness and patient reassurance the account displays, trusting God without pretending to know the particular outcome of every painful experience.
Further study: Cameron B. R. Howard · Vanessa Lovelace
Pursue peace with others and help them pursue it together
Give the pursuit of peace your honest effort, while recognizing what belongs to you. Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The two qualifications acknowledge that peace depends on more than your own will. The surrounding commands still call for sincere love, blessing, humble association, and practical good. Take responsibility for your words and actions, pursue a truthful resolution, and continue faithful conduct when the response you seek has not come.
Some disputes call especially for patient welcome across differences. Romans 14:1–15:7 concerns believers who disagree about food and the observance of days. Paul reminds each that the other belongs to the Lord, restrains contempt and judgment, and tells the stronger to care for a brother’s conscience. The governing aim is to build one another up and receive one another as Christ received them (Romans 14:19; 15:1–7). Because Paul identifies these matters as differing practices before the Lord, this instruction should be applied within that scope. Learn when love calls you to bear a difference and limit your own preference for another’s good.
Be willing to help other people find that peace. In Philippians 4:2–3, Paul appeals to Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord and asks a fellow worker to help them. He recalls their shared labor in the gospel rather than reducing them to their disagreement. The passage does not tell us its cause. It does show that assistance from the community can serve reconciliation. Paul then joins gentleness, thankful prayer, attention to what is true and good, and faithful practice (Philippians 4:4–9). Bring those same qualities to the help you offer.
Pursue a peace in which truth and goodness can flourish. Zechariah 8:16–19 calls the restored community to truthful speech and judgments of truth and peace, concluding with love for both truth and peace. Those responsibilities belong within God’s promises to that community, yet their connection is clear: wrongdoing is to be addressed honestly as people seek life together. Hebrews 12:12–15 likewise joins strengthening one another with pursuing peace and holiness. Work toward reconciliation in a way that supports faithful conduct and the good of the whole community.
Keep your hope in the Lord as you do this work. Jesus blesses peacemakers as God’s children within the same opening teaching that blesses those persecuted for righteousness (Matthew 5:7–12). First Peter 3:8–17 draws on Psalm 34:12–16 to call for truthful speech, good deeds, blessing, and the active pursuit of peace, then recognizes that suffering may still follow doing good. The faithful response remains compassion, prayer, and a good conscience before God. Continue in mercy and truth because you belong to him, trusting him with both the work of making peace and its outcome.
Read the passages
Scripture in context
46 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Historical narrative 5 selections
Genesis 37:12–36 KJV · In this guide
Context: Joseph’s brothers conspire against him, Judah proposes selling him, and their treatment of him brings Jacob grief.
37:12 And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
37:13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I.
37:14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
37:15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
37:16 And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
37:17 And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.
37:18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
37:19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
37:21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
37:22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.
37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
37:24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
37:27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
37:29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
37:30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
37:31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
37:32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.
37:33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
37:34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.
Genesis 44:1–34 KJV · In this guide
Context: Joseph arranges the cup accusation; Judah pleads for Benjamin and offers to remain in his place to spare their father further grief.
44:1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth.
44:2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
44:3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.
44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
44:5 Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.
44:6 And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words.
44:7 And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:
44:8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?
44:9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
44:10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.
44:11 Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack.
44:12 And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
44:13 Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
44:14 And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground.
44:15 And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?
44:16 And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.
44:17 And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.
44:18 Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.
44:19 My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother?
44:20 And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
44:21 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.
44:22 And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.
44:23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more.
44:24 And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.
44:25 And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food.
44:26 And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man’s face, except our youngest brother be with us.
44:27 And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons:
44:28 And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:
44:29 And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
44:30 Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad’s life;
44:31 It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave.
44:32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.
44:33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren.
44:34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
Genesis 45:1–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Joseph reveals himself, names the sale, explains the preservation of life through his position, promises provision, and embraces his brothers.
45:1 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
45:2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
45:4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
45:5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
45:6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
45:8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
45:9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:
45:10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
45:11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.
45:12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
45:13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither.
45:14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
45:15 Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
Genesis 50:15–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: After Jacob’s death the brothers fear retaliation, ask forgiveness, and receive Joseph’s reassurance, promise of provision, and kind speech.
50:15 And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.
50:16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
50:18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
50:21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
1 Samuel 24:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete cave encounter records Saul pursuing David, David sparing him, an appeal to the LORD’s judgment, Saul’s acknowledgment, and their separate departures.
24:1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.
24:2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.
24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
24:4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily.
24:5 And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.
24:6 And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
24:7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.
24:8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself.
24:9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
24:10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’s anointed.
24:11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.
24:12 The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
24:13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
24:14 After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
24:15 The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.
24:16 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.
24:17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
24:18 And thou hast shewed this day how that thou hast dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into thine hand, thou killedst me not.
24:19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let him go well away? wherefore the LORD reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day.
24:20 And now, behold, I know well that thou shalt surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in thine hand.
24:21 Swear now therefore unto me by the LORD, that thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my father’s house.
24:22 And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold.
Israel’s covenant law 3 selections
Leviticus 6:1–7 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete case law names dishonest property dealings, repayment with an added fifth, and a trespass offering before the LORD.
6:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
6:3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
6:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
6:5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
6:6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
6:7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
Leviticus 19:9–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Within Israel’s holiness instruction, care for the poor, truthful dealings, just judgment, rebuke, and freedom from revenge culminate in neighbor love.
19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.
19:10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
19:11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
19:13 Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
19:14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.
19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Numbers 5:5–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: This instruction to Israel expressly connects confession of a trespass with repayment, an added fifth, and provision where the injured party has no kinsman.
5:5 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
5:6 Speak unto the children of Israel, When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the LORD, and that person be guilty;
5:7 Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed.
5:8 But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto, let the trespass be recompensed unto the LORD, even to the priest; beside the ram of the atonement, whereby an atonement shall be made for him.
5:9 And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring unto the priest, shall be his.
5:10 And every man’s hallowed things shall be his: whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his.
Praise and wisdom instruction 1 selections
Psalms 34:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete psalm moves from testimony and praise into teaching the fear of the LORD, truthful speech, pursuit of peace, and hope amid affliction.
34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
34:12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
34:16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Praise and covenant theology 1 selections
Psalms 103:1–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete psalm praises the LORD’s benefits, covenant mercy, compassion toward frail people, righteous rule, and universal kingship.
103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
103:5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
103:9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
103:18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
103:21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Wisdom sayings 1 selections
Proverbs 15:1–4 KJV · In this guide
Context: These opening sayings contrast gentle and harmful speech under the LORD’s knowledge of good and evil.
15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Wisdom saying 3 selections
Proverbs 17:9 KJV · In this guide
Context: A complete antithetical saying contrasts seeking love through covering a transgression with separating friends by repeating a matter.
17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Proverbs 19:11 KJV · In this guide
Context: This complete independent saying praises the discretion that slows anger and passes over an offence.
19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Proverbs 25:21–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: This complete paired saying directs food and drink for an enemy and speaks of burning coals and the LORD’s reward.
Prophetic covenant instruction 1 selections
Zechariah 8:9–23 KJV · In this guide
Context: Promises to the restored community are joined to truthful speech, just judgments, rejection of evil plotting, and love for truth and peace.
8:9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
8:10 For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
8:11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.
8:12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
8:13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
8:14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the LORD of hosts, and I repented not:
8:15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.
8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
8:17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.
8:18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
8:19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
8:20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
8:21 And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.
8:22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.
8:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Jesus’ kingdom teaching 1 selections
Matthew 5:1–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete opening Beatitudes bless the merciful and peacemakers alongside those who hunger for righteousness and endure persecution.
5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Jesus’ teaching 4 selections
Matthew 5:21–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus moves from murder to anger and contempt, then gives altar and legal-dispute examples of urgent reconciliation.
5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Matthew 5:38–48 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus teaches generous nonretaliation, love for enemies, and prayer for persecutors, reasoning from the Father’s sun and rain for good and evil alike.
5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 7:1–5 KJV · In this guide
Context: The measure of judgment and the beam-and-speck image expose hypocrisy and require clear sight before helping a brother.
7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
Luke 6:27–42 KJV · In this guide
Context: Enemy love and generosity lead to imitation of the Father’s mercy, reciprocal judgment, and the need for clear sight before correcting another.
6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
6:41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
Jesus’ prayer instruction 1 selections
Matthew 6:5–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus teaches prayer to the Father, gives the model prayer, and immediately explains the petition about forgiving debts.
6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Jesus’ teaching to disciples 3 selections
Matthew 18:1–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: Humility, care for little ones, the search for the wandering sheep, and the effort to regain a sinning brother prepare for Peter’s forgiveness question.
18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Mark 11:20–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: After the withered fig tree, Jesus teaches faith in God, prayer, and forgiveness. The earlier fig-tree and temple scenes were also inspected.
11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Luke 17:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Care for vulnerable disciples and rebuke with repeated forgiveness lead into the apostles’ request for faith and Jesus’ teaching about duty.
17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Dialogue and parable 1 selections
Matthew 18:21–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter asks how often to forgive; Jesus answers with a parable of immense cancelled debt, refused mercy, and the king’s judgment.
18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Parables in a controversy 1 selections
Luke 15:1–32 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus answers criticism of his welcome to sinners through the lost sheep, lost coin, and two sons, each culminating in the importance of rejoicing.
15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Gospel narrative 1 selections
Luke 19:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus seeks and welcomes Zacchaeus; Zacchaeus speaks of generosity and fourfold restoration, and Jesus announces salvation.
19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
19:8 And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Passion narrative 1 selections
Luke 23:26–49 KJV · In this guide
Context: The full road-to-cross and crucifixion account includes lament, mockery, Jesus’ prayer, the criminals’ contrasting responses, his death, and the witnesses’ reactions.
23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Apostolic-era narrative 1 selections
Acts 7:54–8:3 KJV · In this guide
Context: Stephen is killed after his speech, prays for his attackers, and is mourned as persecution spreads.
7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
7:57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.
8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Apostolic teaching 3 selections
Romans 5:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul moves from justification by faith to peace, hope, and assurance grounded in Christ’s death for sinners.
5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul introduces the more excellent way within his discussion of spiritual gifts and explains love’s character, endurance, and abiding importance.
12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 John 1:5–2:2 KJV · In this guide
Context: John joins walking in the light with confession, cleansing through Jesus, and Christ’s advocacy for those who sin.
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Shared Christian duties 8 selections
Romans 12:1–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: The appeal to God’s mercies and renewed minds unfolds into humble service, sincere love, blessing persecutors, practical enemy care, and qualified pursuit of peace.
12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Galatians 5:13–6:10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Freedom expressed in love, the Spirit’s fruit, and the rejection of conceit lead into gentle restoration, burden bearing, personal responsibility, and doing good.
5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Ephesians 4:17–5:2 KJV · In this guide
Context: Putting off the old life leads to truthful words, generous work, kindness, forgiveness, and imitation of Christ’s self-giving love.
4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Colossians 3:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Life risen with Christ leads to putting off old conduct and putting on compassion, patience, forgiveness, love, communal peace, and gratitude.
3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
James 1:19–27 KJV · In this guide
Context: Readiness to hear, restraint in speech and anger, receiving the word, and doing it are brought together in an account of faithful religion.
1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James 3:13–4:12 KJV · In this guide
Context: James contrasts merciful wisdom with envy, traces quarrels to disordered desires, and calls for submission, repentance, humility, and restrained judgment.
3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
1 Peter 3:8–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter joins compassion, truthful speech, blessing, and pursuit of peace with readiness to suffer for doing good, grounding hope in Christ’s suffering and exaltation.
3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Apostolic instruction in a defined dispute 1 selections
Romans 14:1–15:7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Disagreements over food and days are addressed through accountability to the Lord, care for conscience, mutual building up, and Christ’s welcome.
14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Apostolic pastoral instruction 1 selections
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul explains his painful relationship with Corinth, the love behind his letter, and his call to forgive an unnamed person after sufficient discipline.
1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
2:1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
2:8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostolic pastoral account 1 selections
2 Corinthians 7:2–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul’s appeal for welcome, Titus’s report, and the Corinthians’ response to a painful letter explain his comfort and renewed confidence.
7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
7:12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Particular appeal and shared duties 1 selections
Philippians 4:1–9 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul appeals to two fellow workers, requests help for them, and places gentleness, prayer, disciplined thought, and practice within life in the Lord.
4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Particular apostolic appeal 1 selections
Philemon 1:1–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete letter appeals to Philemon for Onesimus, with welcome as a beloved brother and Paul’s offer to assume any debt.
1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
1:9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
1:19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
1:23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Apostolic exhortation 1 selections
Hebrews 12:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Looking to Jesus and receiving God’s training lead into strengthening one another and pursuing peace and holiness with care for the community.
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
How do repentance and forgiveness belong together?
Luke 17:3–4 expressly requires forgiving the brother who returns saying he repents. Mark 11:25 commands the praying disciple to forgive what he holds against anyone without narrating that person’s repentance. Enemy love and Stephen’s prayer concern people still doing wrong.
- A conditional account reserves interpersonal forgiveness for the repentant person, while requiring goodwill and readiness to forgive before repentance. Vine’s inspected section gives the conditional emphasis.
- An unconditional account treats the inward relinquishment of the offence as forgiveness, while distinguishing it from the restoration of mutual fellowship.
- The passages may describe related acts of mercy without supplying a single technical sequence for every use of the word forgiveness.
STRONG: require actual forgiveness of the repentant, active mercy toward enemies, and truthful correction. PROBABLE: distinguish release of personal vengeance from completed reconciliation. The guide does not settle every terminological dispute or use repentance as permission to nurture hostility. Smit’s inspected argument concerns social hierarchy; it does not by itself decide this timing question.
Further study: Cedric E. W. Vine · John T. Carroll · Eric Barreto · Peter-Ben Smit
Further examination: What does each passage actually ask the injured person to do, and what response by the wrongdoer is stated? Can your account preserve all of those commands without adding a condition to the enemy-love passages or deleting repentance from Luke 17?
How does received grace relate to Jesus’ serious demand to forgive?
The king cancels the great debt before demanding corresponding compassion. The story nevertheless ends in judgment, and Matthew 6:14–15 explicitly joins the Father’s forgiveness with forgiving others.
- The refusal of mercy exposes a heart that has never truly received grace.
- The warning addresses the real peril of repudiating a mercy genuinely received.
- The parable primarily presses a practical and eschatological demand rather than explaining a complete doctrine of assurance.
VERY_STRONG concerning the obligation and the seriousness of refusal; PROBABLE concerning any full account of the servant’s saving status. Preserve the warning and the priority of mercy without treating forgiveness as a payment that earns God’s favor.
Further study: Eric Barreto
Further examination: How do the cancelled debt, the matching plea, the king’s question, and Jesus’ final application work together? Which claims about the servant’s spiritual history go beyond the story?
What does regaining a brother require, and what remains when he refuses?
Matthew 18 aims at gaining the brother, widens the appeal through witnesses and the church, and acknowledges refusal. Second Corinthians 2 directs renewed comfort after sufficient discipline. Romans 12:18 recognizes limits on securing peace.
- The words against you restrict the initial procedure to a personal offence.
- The shorter textual reading makes the opening apply more generally to a brother’s sin.
- Church traditions differ over the precise officers, authority, and disciplinary procedures represented by binding and loosing.
STRONG: explain the restorative aim, truthful establishment of the matter, communal responsibility, and a real response to refusal. Keep the KJV wording and disclose the variant. The guide does not choose an ecclesiastical constitution or make forgiveness an automatic declaration of complete trust.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Eric Barreto
Further examination: What does the brother’s listening accomplish? How do the witnesses, the church, and the promise of Christ’s presence serve that purpose, and how does Paul’s later call for comfort prevent correction from becoming endless punishment?
What are the coals of fire in kindness toward an enemy?
Proverbs 25:21–22 commands food and drink for an enemy; Romans 12:19–21 places its image between leaving vengeance to God and overcoming evil with good.
- The coals picture the painful shame or contrition that kindness can awaken; this is the NET notes’ interpretation.
- The coals retain a judgment image, with the wrongdoer’s accountability left to God.
- A proposed ancient custom involving carrying live coals would explain the picture through practical help, but no primary historical evidence for that proposal was established in this research.
PROBABLE for the conscience reading; VERY_STRONG for sincere enemy care and relinquishing personal vengeance. The article does not promise repentance as an inevitable result or turn kindness into a technique for inflicting pain.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press
Further examination: Which interpretation best fits both the command to feed an enemy and the conclusion to overcome evil with good? What evidence would a claim about an ancient custom need?
What may we conclude from Joseph’s response to his brothers?
The brothers ask forgiveness in Genesis 50:17. Joseph answers with reassurance, refusal to take God’s place, an account of God’s preserving purpose, and provision. The narrative does not report a direct declaration I forgive you.
- Joseph’s conduct enacts forgiveness even without a recorded formula.
- His response chiefly places the matter before God and assures his brothers of provision, leaving the precise act of personal pardon unstated.
- The brothers’ report of Jacob’s instruction may be genuine or a fearful invention; the narrator does not explicitly decide.
PROBABLE: describe the conduct as enacted mercy consistent with forgiveness. STRONG: retain the brothers’ evil intention and Joseph’s specific claim about preserving life. Howard’s and Lovelace’s suspicions about the message are not reported as fact; the guide supplies no universal explanation of why an individual suffers.
Further study: Cameron B. R. Howard · Vanessa Lovelace
Further examination: What does Joseph actually say and do? How does Genesis 50:20 distinguish the brothers’ purpose from God’s purpose, and which conclusions would require information the story does not provide?
How should the KJV’s forgiveness passages be read alongside textual and translation questions?
The inspected NET notes discuss against you in Matthew 18:15, seventy-seven or seventy times seven in Matthew 18:22, the additional KJV verse Mark 11:26, and the prayer in Luke 23:34.
- Matthew 18:15 may include against you, specifying a personal offence, or have the shorter wording about a brother’s sin; the NET note prefers the shorter reading on balance.
- Matthew 18:22 can be rendered seventy-seven times or seventy times seven. The numerical question does not remove the parable’s demand for mercy.
- Mark 11:26 may be original or a later assimilation to Matthew 6:15; the NET note regards assimilation as probable.
- The prayer in Luke 23:34 may be original or an early addition; the NET note judges the evidence difficult and prints the words in brackets.
Retain the KJV display while openly explaining consequential differences in further study. Matthew 18:22 has two recognized numerical renderings; both fit repeated mercy. The NET regards Mark 11:26 as probably assimilated to Matthew 6:15 and describes Luke 23:34 as a difficult decision. Mark 11:25, Matthew 6:14–15, Luke 6:27–36, and Acts 7:60 independently supply the main duties. No KJV verse is silently removed.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press
Further examination: Which practical conclusion actually depends on the disputed words, and which is established elsewhere? Can you preserve the selected KJV text while being honest about the evidence and its degree of certainty?
How do forgiveness, repentance, and making amends relate?
Leviticus 6 prescribes restoration under Israel’s law; Numbers 5:5–7 explicitly joins confession to repayment. Zacchaeus speaks of fourfold repayment. Paul offers to bear a possible debt in Philemon, while Luke 6 calls disciples to costly generosity.
- Zacchaeus’s present-tense verbs announce a new resolution; the NET notes argue for this reading.
- The verbs describe his existing practice in answer to the crowd’s accusation; Lose argues for this reading from the present tenses and narrative context.
- Debt release by the injured person and responsibility to repair wrong by the offender concern different sides of the relationship and cannot be reduced to one universal repayment schedule.
STRONG: the person who has wrongfully taken something should take responsibility for repair, while the injured person is called to mercy and generosity. PROBABLE concerning the temporal force of Zacchaeus’s declaration. Preserve Israel’s law and this particular narrative without importing a universal fifth or fourfold rate. The guide does not derive a comprehensive legal restitution policy from these selections.
Further study: Biblical Studies Press · David Lose · Biblical Studies Press · Cedric E. W. Vine
Further examination: What responsibilities fall on the person who did the wrong, and which commands address the injured person? How can those responsibilities be retained while distinguishing gift, repair, and the saving mercy of God?
- Commentary on Matthew 18:21–35
Eric Barreto · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2014-09-14
Reads repeated forgiveness alongside the preceding communal correction and the prior gift of mercy.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, paragraphs from the opening apology discussion through the closing paragraph on confrontation and forgiveness. Accessed 2026-09-25.
His conjectures about the king’s motives and economic calculation are not adopted; Matthew explicitly names compassion.
- NET Bible: Matthew 18:22, note 1
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Recognizes seventy-seven and seventy times seven as possible renderings.
What was reviewed
Verse and translator note 1. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The cited Louw–Nida entries were not independently consulted.
- NET Bible: Mark 11:26, note 1
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Explains why NET omits the verse present in the KJV and regards assimilation to Matthew 6:15 as probable.
What was reviewed
Textual note 1 in full. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Manuscript evidence was inspected through the note, not manuscript images. Mark 11:25 already commands forgiveness.
- Commentary on Luke 17:5–10
John T. Carroll · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2025-10-05
Connects repeated forgiveness and repentance to the disciples’ need for faith and obedient service.
What was reviewed
Complete main commentary and notes 1–3; especially the opening discussion of 17:1–4 and the faith request. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The guide does not adopt the suggestion that repetition makes repentance scarcely credible, or his modern illustrations.
- The Forgiveness of Sins in the Gospel of Luke
Cedric E. W. Vine · Journal of Family Research and Practice 1/1, pp. 53–73 · 2021-07
Argues that repentance is required and that forgiveness becomes obligatory when repentance is present.
What was reviewed
Printed pp. 58–60, section 2 on repentance; public publisher issue, PDF pages 60–62. The university abstract was also inspected. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Partial reading. His broader cultural diagnosis and the abstract’s general claim about foregoing restitution do not control this guide. Cited books were not read.
- Forgiveness and Social Hierarchy in the New Testament: Revisiting the Keene Thesis
Peter-Ben Smit · The Journal of Theological Studies 74/2, pp. 493–515; doi:10.1093/jts/flad054 · 2023-08-30
Challenges the claim that social rank determines who can forgive; distinguishes debt from other power relations.
What was reviewed
HTML sections 1–6, especially sections 4–5 on Mark 11:25 and Matthew 18. The later martyrdom section and conclusion were not fully accessed. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Partial reading. Keene’s original work was not inspected independently. This does not resolve every question about repentance or reconciliation.
- NET Bible: Matthew 18:15, notes 1–4
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Records uncertainty over the words against you and explains brother as a fellow member of the community.
What was reviewed
The verse and all four translator/textual notes, especially note 3. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The shorter reading is preferred on balance in the note; the wording is not presented here as indisputable.
- NET Bible: Luke 19:8, notes 1–2
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Argues that Zacchaeus resolves to change in response to Jesus’ welcome.
What was reviewed
Verse, displayed translation comparison, and both notes. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The present-tense wording also admits a habitual-practice proposal; the main guide does not make its practical point depend on settling that dispute.
- Commentary on Luke 19:1–10
David Lose · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2016-10-30
Argues that the present-tense verbs describe Zacchaeus’s existing practice and that Jesus vindicates him before the crowd.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body and note identifying its original 2010 publication; especially the section Decisions, Decisions. Accessed 2026-09-25.
His reading is compared with the NET argument, not treated as settled. The guide does not adopt speculative motives or make the absence of an explicit confession prove that no repentance occurred.
- NET Bible: 2 Corinthians 7:11, notes 1–5
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Clarifies the KJV revenge as the community’s earnest response to wrongdoing, including punishment of the offender.
What was reviewed
Verse and all five notes, especially notes 3 and 5 concerning the offender. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The note does not identify the offender or settle the reconstruction of Paul’s painful visit and letter.
- NET Bible: Proverbs 25:22, notes 1–2
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Interprets the coals as a conscience awakened through kindness, and identifies the LORD’s reward.
What was reviewed
Verse and both study notes. Accessed 2026-09-25.
This is an interpretation of the image; the guide qualifies it rather than claiming that the metaphor has only one possible meaning.
- NET Bible: Luke 23:34, notes 1–4
Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible
Identifies a difficult textual decision and the parallel with Stephen’s prayer.
What was reviewed
Verse and all four notes; note 1 weighs inclusion and omission of Jesus’ prayer. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The notes’ uncertainty is retained. No independent manuscript collation was performed.
- Commentary on Genesis 50:15–21
Cameron B. R. Howard · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2014-09-14
Calls attention to continuing fear after reunion and to the larger preserving purpose of Joseph’s history.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body and its one note; particularly the brothers’ renewed fear and the final discussion of Israel’s larger story. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Her conclusion that the reported paternal instruction is a lie exceeds what Genesis explicitly states; proposed dating and motives are not adopted.
- Commentary on Genesis 50:15–21
Vanessa Lovelace · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2023-09-17
Raises the distinction between a stated declaration of forgiveness and Joseph’s reassurance and provision.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body and note, with focus on its closing question about whether Joseph expressly forgives. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The guide rejects unsupported claims that the brothers’ report was false or that divination revealed their hearts. Genesis 47:28 also corrects the article’s description of Jacob dying shortly after arrival.