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In this lesson:
Miracles draw crowds (3:7-12). Jesus picks His twelve (3:13-19). Jesus and the Prince of demons (3:20-27). What is the unpardonable sin (3:28-29)? Was Jesus possessed (3:22, 3:30)? Jesus' mother and brothers pay a visit (3:31-35). Study Tip: It helps tie the Bible together if you go back and review past lessons. |
Jesus and His twelve disciples
By an unknown artist |
Who was -
Thomas -
One of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-3), also called Didymus, which means "twin" in Greek. He was often described as thoughtful, but cautious, and skeptical. Although Thomas once declared his willingness to die with Jesus (John 11:16), he fled with the other disciples when Christ was arrested (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). Later, when Thomas was told that Jesus had been resurrected, he didn't believe it (John 20:24-25). This is where we get the term "Doubting Thomas." Eight days afterward, Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds (John 20:26-29), leading Thomas to believe. Thomas saw Jesus again by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2). After that, Thomas became a faithful servant, spreading Christianity. Today, the Christians of Malabar, India, honor Thomas as the founder of their church and call themselves the "Thomas Christians."
James -
James was a common name in biblical times. In the New Testament, four individuals named James are mentioned, including two of Jesus' disciples. This particular James was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15). He was sometimes called "James the Less" (Mark 15:40) or "James the Younger," likely because he was younger than the other disciple named James. James was the son of Alphaeus (Luke 6:15) and Mary (Mark 15:40), and the brother of the disciple Thaddaeus (also known as Jude, Judas, or Juda) (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1). Many believe that after Jesus ascended to heaven, James traveled throughout Egypt and Palestine spreading the good news of salvation.
Thaddaeus -
Among the original twelve disciples, two men were named Judas (Greek for Jude). One was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 6:16; 22:47-48). The other was Judas the "brother of James" (Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1), also called Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3). Galatians 1:19 tells us that James was Jesus' half-brother, which therefore tells us that Thaddaeus was too (Acts 1:13). In all, Jesus seems to have had four half brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Thaddaeus (Judas) (Matthew 13:55). Initially, Thaddaeus did not believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:5), but he eventually became a believer. Some Bible scholars believe Thaddaeus founded the church in Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia (modern-day southeastern Turkey). The Palestinian historian Eusebius of Caesarea records that the Roman Emperor Domitian ordered the arrest of Thaddaeus' grandsons in AD 96 as part of his persecution of Christians. Although little else is known about Thaddaeus, it is widely believed that he authored "The General Epistle of Jude" between AD 65 and 68.
Judas Iscariot -
Iscariot is Hebrew for "man of Kerioth," referring to a town in southern Judea. Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71; 12:4; 13:2; 13:26), was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16) and the only one who was not a Galilean. Although entrusted with managing the group's finances (John 13:29), Judas was a thief (John 12:6). Jesus foretold His betrayal several times (Matthew 26:21-25; John 6:70-71; 13:21). Soon after His prophecies, Judas betrayed Jesus (Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:2) for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16), the price of a slave. He then committed suicide (Matthew 27:5) out of remorse. Whenever the Bible lists the twelve disciples, Judas is always listed last (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19).
Thomas -
One of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-3), also called Didymus, which means "twin" in Greek. He was often described as thoughtful, but cautious, and skeptical. Although Thomas once declared his willingness to die with Jesus (John 11:16), he fled with the other disciples when Christ was arrested (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). Later, when Thomas was told that Jesus had been resurrected, he didn't believe it (John 20:24-25). This is where we get the term "Doubting Thomas." Eight days afterward, Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds (John 20:26-29), leading Thomas to believe. Thomas saw Jesus again by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2). After that, Thomas became a faithful servant, spreading Christianity. Today, the Christians of Malabar, India, honor Thomas as the founder of their church and call themselves the "Thomas Christians."
James -
James was a common name in biblical times. In the New Testament, four individuals named James are mentioned, including two of Jesus' disciples. This particular James was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15). He was sometimes called "James the Less" (Mark 15:40) or "James the Younger," likely because he was younger than the other disciple named James. James was the son of Alphaeus (Luke 6:15) and Mary (Mark 15:40), and the brother of the disciple Thaddaeus (also known as Jude, Judas, or Juda) (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1). Many believe that after Jesus ascended to heaven, James traveled throughout Egypt and Palestine spreading the good news of salvation.
Thaddaeus -
Among the original twelve disciples, two men were named Judas (Greek for Jude). One was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-46; Luke 6:16; 22:47-48). The other was Judas the "brother of James" (Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1), also called Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3). Galatians 1:19 tells us that James was Jesus' half-brother, which therefore tells us that Thaddaeus was too (Acts 1:13). In all, Jesus seems to have had four half brothers, James, Joses, Simon, and Thaddaeus (Judas) (Matthew 13:55). Initially, Thaddaeus did not believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:5), but he eventually became a believer. Some Bible scholars believe Thaddaeus founded the church in Edessa, Upper Mesopotamia (modern-day southeastern Turkey). The Palestinian historian Eusebius of Caesarea records that the Roman Emperor Domitian ordered the arrest of Thaddaeus' grandsons in AD 96 as part of his persecution of Christians. Although little else is known about Thaddaeus, it is widely believed that he authored "The General Epistle of Jude" between AD 65 and 68.
Judas Iscariot -
Iscariot is Hebrew for "man of Kerioth," referring to a town in southern Judea. Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71; 12:4; 13:2; 13:26), was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16) and the only one who was not a Galilean. Although entrusted with managing the group's finances (John 13:29), Judas was a thief (John 12:6). Jesus foretold His betrayal several times (Matthew 26:21-25; John 6:70-71; 13:21). Soon after His prophecies, Judas betrayed Jesus (Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:2) for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16), the price of a slave. He then committed suicide (Matthew 27:5) out of remorse. Whenever the Bible lists the twelve disciples, Judas is always listed last (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19).
The Gospel According to St. Mark
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Mark: 3:7-35
Jesus draws crowds 7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea, 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him. 9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. 10 For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. 11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. 12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known. 13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: 16 And Simon he surnamed Peter; 17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: 18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house. 20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. 22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. 23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. 27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. 28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. 30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. 31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. 32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. 33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? 34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. |
Margin notes:
"Tyre." (3:8) - A prominent seaport city in ancient Phoenicia on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea in what is now modern-day Lebanon. Situated thirty-five miles northwest of the Sea of Galilee, forty-seven miles north of Caesarea, and twenty-five miles south of Sidon, Tyre was primarily populated by Gentiles. The city dates back to the twenty-eighth century BC and was called Tyrus in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 26:2). Renowned for its beauty (Ezekiel 27:4), Tyre was famous for its stately cedar trees (1 Chronicles 22:4), dye works, glassware, weaving, and other manufactured goods. Isaiah 23:8 describes Tyre as a "crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honourable of the earth," while Ezekiel 27:3 portrays Tyre as being "situate at the entry of the sea, a merchant of the people for many isles." Shipping goods throughout the Roman Empire brought great wealth to the city. Tyre also supplied cedar wood, carpenters, and masons to build the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:2-10; 2 Chronicles 2:3). Unfortunately, the city developed a reputation for wickedness, turned against Israel, and sold Hebrews into slavery (Joel 3:6-8). God destroyed Tyre in the Old Testament (Isaiah 23:1; Amos 1:9-10; Zechariah 9:3-4). By Jesus' time, the city had been rebuilt and boasted one of the busiest harbors in the eastern Mediterranean. Today, Tyre is called Sur and inhabited by just a few thousand residents. Tyre is mentioned extensively in Isaiah 23 and Ezekiel 26-28. "Sidon." (3:8) - Sometimes called Zidon in the Bible, Sidon was an important port city (Ezekiel 27:8) on the Mediterranean Sea, located twenty-five miles north of Tyre (south of modern-day Beirut, Lebanon) and thirty-five miles from Galilee. It was a one-day sail (sixty-seven miles) from Caesarea. Described as a great city in Joshua 11:8 and 19:28, Sidon was inhabited by Gentiles who had a history of oppressing Jews (Judges 10:12). In the Old Testament, Sidon was destroyed by God because of its wickedness and pagan worship. By Jesus' time, Sidon had recovered and thrived as a fishing town and trading center, known for its prosperous glass and weaving industries, as well as its art, commerce, and cedar trees (1 Kings 5:6 and 1 Chronicles 22:4). Today, Sidon is home to about 10,000 citizens and boasts many ancient ruins. "Tyre and Sidon, A great multitude." (3:8) - Remember, Mark was written for a Gentile audience. This is the first mention of people from outside Israel coming to hear Jesus. Jews and Gentiles from Galilee, Judaea, Idumaea, and the cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Jerusalem, and even people from beyond the Jordan River (3:7-8). This area covers over 125 miles north to south, and still, they walked to see Jesus. So many people on the move must have created a buzz among the population and caught the attention of the authorities. "A small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him." (3:9) - Jesus asked that a small boat be made ready to prevent the future crowds from thronging Him as He taught. Sure enough, in verse 4:1-2, just as Jesus foresaw, He is forced to use the boat as an offshore floating platform to address the people. "For he had healed many." (3:10) - See Luke 7:21. "They pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues." (3:10) - The people pressed in on Jesus, frantically trying to touch him. Many were sick or diseased, seeking His healing touch. "Unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God." (3:11) - Even demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 8:28-29, Mark 1:23-24, Luke 4:41). "He straitly charged them." (3:12) - Means "He sternly warned them." This is not the first time Jesus warned a demon not to prematurely reveal His identity (1:24-25, 1:34). "Calleth unto him whom he would." (3:13) - "Jesus called the ones He wanted (as disciples)." "He ordained twelve." (3:14) - Hundreds followed Jesus, but He chose twelve for the advanced training necessary to carry the church forward after His crucifixion. "To have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." (3:15) - Jesus gave His twelve disciples the power to heal sickness and to cast out demons (Luke 9:1). "The Sons of thunder." (3:17) - Jesus' nickname for James and John could be because of their boisterous personalities and passionate zeal when preaching the Gospel. However, most scholars believe they earned the nickname after wanting to bring "fire" down from heaven to "consume" a Samaritan village that shunned them (Luke 9:53-54). "They could not so much as eat bread." (3:20) - The crowd pressing on Jesus was so large that He could not eat. "They went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself." (3:21) - Concerned friends tried to bring Jesus to safety, fearing He was overwrought. "Parables." (3:23) - A parable is a short, simple allegorical story or metaphor that uses well-known life experiences to convey profound religious or moral truths. Even before Jesus, Jews were familiar with parables. They had long been used in Judaism as a teaching tool (Numbers 23:18; 24:3; Judges 9:7-15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4; Job 27:1; Ezekiel 24:3-5). Jesus used these down-to-earth, relatable stories to encourage reflection. Parables make deep spiritual truths easier to understand. However, to scoffers and non-believers, parables are nothing more than silly, confusing riddles (Matthew 13:13-14; Mark 4:11-12). In "Halley's Bible Handbook," Henry H. Halley wrote that "Jesus used parables, in part, as dark sayings, with apparent double meanings, to conceal for a time what he had to reveal. The kingdom that Jesus intended to establish was so utterly different from what was commonly expected of the Messiah that it was necessary for him to very tactful. So he used these stories, to illustrate the origin, development, mixed character and consummation of the Kingdom, which to us seem very plain, but were enigmas to his immediate hearers. In interpreting the parables, the problem is to know which details are significant, and which are incidents necessary to the story. Ordinarily a parable was meant to show one point, and should not be pressed for lessons in every detail." "If a kingdom be divided against itself." (3:24) - "If a kingdom fights against itself." "Spoil his goods." (3:27) - "Rob his property." "Verily I say unto you." (3:28) - This was a common expression in Jesus' time. It showed the truthfulness of what the speaker was about to say. Similar to "I promise you..." "And blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme." (3:28) - "And whatever or whoever they blaspheme." "Standing without." (3:31) - Means "standing outside." |
See Matthew 12:15 (lesson 23) and Luke 6:17-19 to learn more about the large crowds Jesus drew and the miracles He performed. For additional accounts of Jesus choosing His twelve disciples, see Matthew 10:1-4 (lesson 18) and Luke 6:12-16
New Living Translation
Mark: 3:7-35
Crowds Follow Jesus
7 Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea,
8 Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.
9 Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.
10 He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.
11 And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!"
12 But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
13 Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.
14 Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,
15 giving them authority to cast out demons.
16 These are the twelve he chose:
Simon (whom he named Peter),
17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"),
18 Andrew,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot),
19 Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Jesus and the Prince of Demons
20 One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat.
21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. "He's out of his mind," they said.
22 But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons."
23 Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. "How can Satan cast out Satan?" he asked.
24 "A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.
25 Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.
26 And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.
27 Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger-someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
28 "I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven,
29 but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences."
30 He told them this because they were saying, "He's possessed by an evil spirit."
The True Family of Jesus
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them.
32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you."
33 Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"
34 Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers.
35 Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase, not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Crowds Follow Jesus
7 Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea,
8 Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him.
9 Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him.
10 He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.
11 And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!"
12 But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was.
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
13 Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him.
14 Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,
15 giving them authority to cast out demons.
16 These are the twelve he chose:
Simon (whom he named Peter),
17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder"),
18 Andrew,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot),
19 Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Jesus and the Prince of Demons
20 One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn't even find time to eat.
21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. "He's out of his mind," they said.
22 But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons."
23 Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. "How can Satan cast out Satan?" he asked.
24 "A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.
25 Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.
26 And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.
27 Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger-someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
28 "I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven,
29 but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences."
30 He told them this because they were saying, "He's possessed by an evil spirit."
The True Family of Jesus
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them.
32 There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you."
33 Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"
34 Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers.
35 Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase, not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him." (3:8)
"For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God." (3:10-11)
"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." (3:14-15)
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation." (3:29)
"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." (3:35)
"For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God." (3:10-11)
"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." (3:14-15)
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation." (3:29)
"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." (3:35)
Today's Question:
1. Why did the scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by demons? (3:22)
Please let us know if you have questions. We will do our best to answer them.
1. Why did the scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by demons? (3:22)
Please let us know if you have questions. We will do our best to answer them.
Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. The scribes accused Jesus of being possessed to discredit Him. The scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees were honored members of Jewish society. They feared Jesus as a threat to their prestige and influence. The more popular Jesus became (3:7-11), the more they feared Him. Their standing in Jewish society allowed them to confuse people and sow doubt about Jesus. The slander was so effective that during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the crowd called for His crucifixion (Matthew 27:22-23; Mark 15:12-14; Luke 23:20-23; John 19:15-16).
Application thought for the day:
The twelve disciples were ordinary men with little education and no public speaking experience or leadership skills. What they did have was faith. After the crucifixion, God strengthened them with the courage and spiritual wisdom they needed to spread His message of salvation. Don't limit yourself by thinking you lack the necessary skills to be an effective spokesperson for God. God will give you all the talent you need to complete any job that furthers His glory.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series," published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Reader's Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible," published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version, published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament," published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation," published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible," published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible," published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible," published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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© 2026 evolke