ESPECIALLY FOR:
FROM:
DATE:
WITH TOPICAL STUDY OUTLINES
A n Impr int of B ar bour P ublishing, Inc.
© 1969, 2003 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBNs 978-1-63409-992-9; 978-1-63409-993-6 The New Life Version text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided that the verses quoted do not account for more than 25 percent of the total work in which they are quoted, and provided that a complete book of the Bible is not quoted. When the New Life Version is quoted, one of the following credit lines must appear on the copyright page or title page of the work: Scripture quotations marked nlv are taken from the New Life Version copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio, 44683. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the New Life Version copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio, 44683. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New Life Version copyright © 1969 and 2003. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio, 44683. All rights reserved. When quotations from the nlv text are used in non-salable media, such as church bulletins, orders of service, newsletters, transparencies, or similar media, a complete copyright notice is not required, but the initials (nlv) must appear at the end of each quotation. Quotations in excess of five hundred (500) verses or 25 percent of the work, or other permission requests, must be approved in writing by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Published by Barbour Bibles, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses. Member of the
Evangelical Christian Publishers Association
Printed in China.
INTRODUCTION The idea of a very readable and yet accurate version of the scriptures came to us in an igloo in the frozen Canadian Arctic many years ago. A few of the primitive Eskimos with whom we were working then were just starting to learn English. Although it was twenty years later before the New Life Bible was published, the idea never left us. Instead, during those years, vocabulary and thought patterns were observed which helped set the course for a version that would eventually be used and appreciated in many parts of the world where English is used as a second language. The secret of its readability is in the limited vocabulary. In most cases, each word uses only one meaning. Difficult biblical words found in other versions were broken down into simple, meaningful phrases. Other problems in Bible reading were researched, and the end result is a very readable and understandable version. Even educated adults who are familiar with the scriptures find themselves startled into new insights by its blunt simplicity. Those of us who worked on this limited vocabulary New Life Version were constantly watching to keep it understandable without sacrificing accuracy. There was no thought to change God’s holy Word to today’s street language. In fact, in many places, the wording and beauty of older versions have been retained. Paraphrasing, or man’s idea of what the Bible says, was ruled out. The careful and prayerful use of some basic words can be made to say what the original languages said, thus assuring the reader of an accurate text. Two different times, the Bible speaks of the very words that were written by God and by Christ. Exodus 31:18 says, “When the Lord had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two stone writings of the Law, pieces of stone written on by the finger of God.” And John 8:6 says, “Jesus got down and began to write in the dust with His finger.” Both of these writings were soon destroyed. The pieces of stone with the written Law were broken in front of the children of Israel who
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were worshiping a false god, and it was not long before the people walked over what Jesus had written on the ground. But it pleased God to have His law and the good news of life that lasts forever written by men He chose for that special job. Those early men of God who copied the words given by the Holy Spirit that make up the 66 different books of the Bible used different languages than are used today. From Genesis to Revelation forty different men were used over a period of 1600 years. Four hundred years of time separated the Old Testament from the New. The way of life of the people living in Old Testament times was much different from those living during New Testament times. Hebrew was the language of the Old Testament, and Greek was used in the New Testament. Those men did not write the Bible, but were led or guided by the Holy Spirit as to what they wrote and the words to use. “Understand this first: No part of the Holy Writings was ever made up by any man. No part of the Holy Writings came long ago because of what men wanted to write. But holy men who belonged to God spoke (wrote) what the Holy Spirit told them” (2 Peter 1:20–21). The first copies of the holy scriptures were perfect and without error. But man is not perfect, and because of changes in languages through the many years and translation from one language to another, no version can claim that same degree of perfection. Since about 1900, many different versions have been printed in English—and hundreds in other major languages and tribal languages around the world. In all these languages, God’s written Word is alive today. Through the years, sinful men have tried to destroy it, but this living Book can never be destroyed. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Word of God contains many promises. This one tells what reading the Bible will do: “All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows him how to be right with God. It gives the man who belongs to God everything he needs to work well for Him” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
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We dedicate this New Life Bible to Him in whose honor it has been published. May it give all who read it a greater understanding of the scriptures and a better knowledge of Jesus Christ, who came to save from the penalty and power of sin all who will put their trust in Him. Gleason and Kathryn Ledyard
Wherever * is seen, the words that follow are not in all the early writings of the New Testament. If part of a verse or more than one verse is missing in some of the early writings, it is marked [*].
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CONTENTS Partial Word List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix Topical Verse Finder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii The Life of Jesus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi THE NEW TESTAMENT Matthew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Luke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Acts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Romans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 1 Corinthians . . . . . . . . . . 208 2 Corinthians . . . . . . . . . . 225 Galatians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Ephesians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Philippians . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Colossians. . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 1 Thessalonians. . . . . . . . . 256 2 Thessalonians. . . . . . . . . 259
1 Timothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 2 Timothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Titus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Philemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Hebrews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 1 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 2 Peter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 1 John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 2 John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 3 John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Jude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Revelation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Topical Study Outlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
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PARTIAL WORD LIST Difficult Words Used in The Easy-to-Read-and-Understand Phrases Other Translations Used in the New Life Version astonished surprised and wondered authority the right and the power beloved much-loved; dear friends beseech ask you from my heart blaspheme speaks like he is God; speaks against God centurion captain of the army circumcise religious act of becoming a Jew compassion loving-pity concupiscence desire for sex sin Covenant (Testament) New Way of Worship; Old Way of Worship covetousness wanting something that belongs to someone create make from nothing crucify nail Him on a cross disciple follower divisions dividing people into groups against each other doctrine teaching effeminate who act like women elect the people of God emulations jealousy enmity fighting envying wanting something someone else has eternal life that lasts forever evangelist preacher who goes from town to town false witness tell a lie about someone else fasting not eating so you can pray better feast religious gathering; religious supper; special supper fellowship share together; joined together fornication sex sins Gentiles people who do not know God; people who are not Jews glory shining-greatness godliness God-like; holy living grace loving-favor; God’s love guile speaking words of hate; talking bad about
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others harlot a woman who sells the use of her body heathen people who do not know God high priest head religious leader homosexual people who do sex sins with their own sex hypocrite you who pretend to be someone you are not idolatry worshiping false gods immortality life that never dies incense special perfume incorruptible never dies inordinate affection a strong and bad desire to please the body intercedes prays to God for us justified make right with God kingdom of God holy nation of God lasciviousness desire for wrong things lust desire for sex sins majesty great power manna bread from heaven marveled surprised and wondered mercy loving-kindness miracles powerful works mock made fun of multitude many people oppression bad power held over them overcome power over the devil; won the fight Passover a special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt Pentecost that special day to remember how the Holy Spirit came on the church Pharisee proud religious law-keeper precious of great worth; no amount of money can buy priests religious leaders (Christ as High Priest) Religious Leader who made the way for men to go to God prophet early preacher; one who speaks for God propitiation paid for our sins with His own blood redeem (redemption) bought by the blood of Christ and made free regeneration new life remission forgiveness repent be sorry for your sins and turn from them
reproach having no honor; shame reprobate person in sin on his way to hell resurrection raised from the dead revelings wild parties righteousness right with God Sabbath Day of Rest sackcloth clothes made from hair sacrifice (offering) a gift given on the altar in worship Sadducees religious group of people who believe no one will be raised from the dead Sanhedrin religious leaders’ court scribe teacher of the Law spiritual full-grown Christians; strong Christians temperance the right use of what we have tongues languages; special sounds tradition teaching that was given by our fathers virgin a woman who has never had a man vision saw in a dream what God wanted
him to see widow woman whose husband has died
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TOPICAL VERSE FINDER Afraid Matthew 14:25–27 John 14:27 Hebrews 13:6 1 John 4:18
Desires (Self-Control) Romans 13:14 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 1 Timothy 6:11–12 2 Timothy 2:3–5
Angels Matthew 28:2–5 Acts 5:17–20; 8:26; 12:7–9; 27:21–26 1 Corinthians 2:18 Hebrews 13:2
Being Tempted Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 10:11–13 Hebrews 2:18; 4:14–16 James 1:14; 4:7 2 Peter 2:9
Anger Ephesians 4:26, 31 Colossians 3:5–8 James 1:20
Christ: One of the Three-in-One God Matthew 26:62–64 John 1:1–4, 18; 10:30; 14:8–10 Colossians 1:15–19; 2:9 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 1:3, 8 1 John 5:20
Baptism Matthew 3:13–17 Romans 6:3–5 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5 Becoming Full-Grown Christians Ephesians 3:16–19 Colossians 1:9–11; 3:12–17 1 Timothy 4:11–16 2 Timothy 2:14–19 1 Peter 2:1–3 2 Peter 1:5–9; 3:17–18 Being Pure Philippians 2:13–15 1 Timothy 5:22 James 3:16–18; 4:8 1 John 3:3 Being the Boss Over Your Own
Church Matthew 16:18; 18:15–17 Acts 2:42–47; 14:23; 16:4–5 Romans 16:5 Ephesians 1:21–22 Comfort and Help Matthew 5:4; 11:28–30 Romans 15:1–6 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 1 Thessalonians 5:14 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 Death Romans 14:7–9
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2 Corinthians 5:1–9 Philippians 1:21–22 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 2 Timothy 4:6–8 Hebrews 9:27 Revelation 21:1–4 Death of a Loved One John 5:28–29 1 Corinthians 15:12–57 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Divorce Matthew 5:31–32; 19:3–9 Mark 10:2–12 Luke 16:18 Romans 7:1–3 1 Corinthians 7:10–16 Doubtful Things Romans 14:1–23 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 Philippians 2:12–15 Colossians 3:1–10, 17 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 Titus 2:12–14 James 4:4–5 1 John 2:15–17 Doing the Right Things Matthew 7:12 James 1:5–6; 4:17 Debts Romans 13:8 Faith Romans 10:17 Ephesians 2:8 Hebrews 11:1–40; 12:1–2 James 1:2–8
1 Peter 1:7 1 John 5:4 Fear John 14:27 Romans 8:28, 31, 35–38 2 Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 13:5–6 1 John 4:18 Feeling Bad Over Something That Happened (Disappointment) John 14:27; 16:31–33 Romans 8:28 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Hebrews 4:16 1 Peter 1–9 Foolish Son (Prodigal Son) Luke 15:11–32 Forgiveness of Sin Matthew 6:14–15 Colossians 1:14 1 John 1:7–9 Forgiving Others Matthew 6:12, 14–15; 18:15–17, 21–22 Mark 11:25–26 Luke 17:3–4 Ephesians 4:32 Colossians 3:12–13 Free because of Christ (Liberty) John 8:31–32, 36 Romans 6:6–11, 15–23; 7:6; 8:1–2 Galatians 5:1, 13–14 Friends of the Spirit John 13:34–35; 15:12–14
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Galatians 6:1–5, 10 Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22–23 Gifts of the Holy Spirit Romans 12:6–8 1 Corinthians 12–14 Ephesians 4:11–12 1 Peter 4:10 Giving with a Heart of Love Matthew 5:42 Luke 6:38 Romans 12:8 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 God Meets the Needs of His Children (Provision) Matthew 6:25–34 2 Corinthians 9:8 Ephesians 3:20 1 Peter 1:4 2 Peter 1:3–4 God’s Care Ephesians 3:20 Philippians 4:14–19 Hebrews 4:14–16; 13:5–6 1 Peter 5:5–7 1 John 4:14–16 God’s Will Ephesians 5:15–21 Philippians 2:12–18 1 Thessalonians 4:3 1 Peter 3:17 God’s Word
Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 4:12 1 Peter 1:23; 2:2–3 Golden Rule Matthew 7:12 Luke 6:31 Good Samaritan Luke 10:30–37 Hard Things That Come Your Way Romans 8:28 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 Hebrews 5:8; 12:6–11 Revelation 3:19 Happiness Matthew 5:2–12 Romans 14:22 James 5:11 1 Peter 3:14; 4:14 Having No Pride (Humility) Acts 20:19 Romans 12:3, 16 Philippians 2:1–4 1 Peter 5:5–7 Heaven Acts 7:44–50 1 Corinthians 2:9 Hebrews 8:1 1 Peter 1:4 Revelation 21:3–4, 27
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Hell Matthew 5:22; 18:8–9; 22:13; 25:41, 46 Mark 9:48 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 Jude 6–7 Revelation 20:15
Colossians 3:19 1 Peter 3:7
Helping Other Christians Matthew 5:13–16; 10:37–42 Luke 3:10–14 Galatians 6:1–5, 10 James 2:1–9 1 John 3:17–18
Jesus: as Lord Luke 4:40–41 Romans 10:9 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Philippians 2:5–11
Holy Spirit John 14:15–18 Acts 2:1–4; 5:1–11 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:18–20; 12:1–3 2 Corinthians 13:14 1 Peter 1:2 Hope Romans 5:5; 8:24; 15:4, 13 1 Corinthians 13:7 Galatians 5:5 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Titus 1:2 Hebrews 11:1 1 Peter 1:3 How to Know You Are Saved John 5:24; 6:37; 10:27–30; 20:31 Romans 8:16–17; 10:8–13 1 John 5:11–13 Husbands 1 Corinthians 7:1–4 Ephesians 5:25–33
Jesus’ Teachings on the Mountain (Beatitudes) Matthew 5:3–12 Luke 6:20–26
Jesus the One Who Saves Matthew 1:21 Luke 19:10 John 3:16–17; 14:6 Acts 4:12 Romans 5:8 Ephesians 1:7 1 John 5:12 Knowing All Is Well Galatians 6:9 Ephesians 3:12 Philippians 1:6 Hebrews 10:35–36 1 Peter 2:9–10 Living for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 Colossians 2:6–7 2 Timothy 2:19 1 Peter 2:2–3 Living Water John 4:7–14; 7:37–39 Revelation 7:17; 22:17
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Lord’s Day Matthew 12:1–14 Mark 2:27–28 Luke 6:5; 13:14–17 John 7:23 Acts 20:7 1 Corinthians 16:2 Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9–13 Luke 11:2–4 Lord’s Supper Matthew 26:26–30 Acts 2:42; 20:7 1 Corinthians 11:23–32 Love John 3:16; 13:34–35; 15:12–14 Romans 5:8; 8:35–39 1 Corinthians 13 1 John 3:1
New Heaven and Earth Revelation 21–22 Obeying Christ and His Word John 14:21 2 Corinthians 10:5–6 James 2:10 1 John 3:22 Obeying the Laws and Leaders of Your Nation Matthew 5:16 Romans 13:1–7 1 Timothy 2:1–3 1 Peter 2:13–17 Parents Ephesians 6:1–4 Colossians 3:20–21 1 Timothy 5:4
Man’s Need to Be Saved Romans 3:10–12, 23; 5:12; 6:23 1 John 1:9–10
Pay for Doing Good (Rewards) 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 15:58 Galatians 6:9 Ephesians 6:8 2 Timothy 4:6–8
Marriage Matthew 19:3–9 1 Corinthians 7 Ephesians 5:22–23 Hebrews 13:4 1 Peter 3:1–8
Peace John 14:27; 16:33 Romans 5:1 2 Corinthians 1:3–5 Philippians 4:4–9 Colossians 3:12–15
Never Alone Matthew 18:20; 28:20 Acts 18:10 Hebrews 13:5
Poor Matthew 26:11 2 Corinthians 8:9 Galatians 2:10 James 2:1–9
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Power over Satan James 4:7 1 John 4:4 Power over Temptation (Overcoming) Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 10:11–13 Philippians 1:6, 10 1 Thessalonians 3:2–3 James 4:7–10 2 Peter 2:9 1 John 4:4 Praise and Being Thankful Ephesians 5:15–20 Philippians 4:4–6 Colossians 3:15–17 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Hebrews 13:15 1 Peter 1:6–9 Prayer Matthew 6:5–13; 7:7–11; 21:22 John 14:13–14; 15:7 Ephesians 6:18–19 Philippians 4:6 Hebrews 4:14–16 James 5:16–18 1 John 5:14–15 Prize of Life (Crown) 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 2 Timothy 4:6–8 James 1:9–12 1 Peter 5:1–4 Revelation 2:9–10 Satan
James 4:7 1 John 4:4 Second Coming of Christ Matthew 24:35–44; 25:1–13 Luke 21:33–36 Acts 1:11 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Titus 2:13 Hebrews 10:25 2 Peter 3:8–15 1 John 3:2–3 Sex Sins (Adultery and Fornication) Matthew 5:27–28; 19:18 Galatians 5:19 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 Hebrews 13:4 Sharing the Good News (Witnessing ) Matthew 5:16; 28:18–20 Mark 5:18–20 Luke 24:48 John 17:18 Acts 1:8 Romans 1:16–17 2 Corinthians 5:18–21 2 Timothy 4:2 1 Peter 3:15–17; 4:11 Sharing Together (Fellowship) Matthew 18:20 John 13:34 Acts 2:42–47 1 Corinthians 1:9 2 Corinthians 13:14 Colossians 1:12; 2:19 Hebrews 10:24–25 1 John 1:3, 7
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Sickness Matthew 4:23 John 11:4 James 5:13–16 Sin John 8:33–36 Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23; 14:23b Galatians 6:7–8 Sinful Desire Matthew 5:27–30 Galatians 5:17–21 Sin That Cannot Be Forgiven (Unpardonable Sin) Matthew 12:30–32 Mark 3:22–30 Luke 12:10 Hebrews 10:26–27 1 John 5:16–17 Sorrow Matthew 11:28–30 John 16:22 Romans 8:26–28 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 4:17–18; 6:10 Strength 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Philippians 4:10–13 Studying and Teaching Acts 17:11; 20:29–31 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14–17 Hebrews 4:12–13 1 Peter 2:2–3 Suffering
Romans 8:18 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 4:17; 12:7– 10 Philippians 1:29; 3:10 2 Timothy 2:12 Hebrews 12:3–13 1 Peter 3:14–17; 4:12–16; 5:8–11 Suffering Christ (Persecution) Matthew 5:10–11; 10:22 Mark 10:30 Acts 5:40–42; 9:10–16 Romans 8:17 2 Timothy 3:10–13 Hebrews 11:24–26 James 1:2–3 Tell the Good News to Those Who Have Not Heard Matthew 28:18–20 Mark 16:15–16 Luke 24:47–49 John 20:21 Acts 1:8 The Way to Be Saved John 3:3; 16–17; 5:24; 14:6 Acts 16:31 Romans 10:9–10, 13 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 2:8–9 Titus 3:4–7 1 John 5:11–13 Things God Gives Christians to Stand against Satan (Armor) Ephesians 6:10–18
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Things That Will Happen before Christ Comes Again Matthew 24:3–14 Luke 21:25–28 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 5:2–3 2 Thessalonians 2:1–11 1 Timothy 4:1 2 Timothy 3:1–5 James 5:7–8 1 Peter 4:7 2 Peter 3:3–13 Time of Much Trouble (Tribulation) Matthew 24:21 Revelation 7:14; 11:2–3; 13:5 Trust John 3:16–18; 20:30–31 Romans 1:16; 3:22 Galatians 3:22 Way of Life Romans 8:5–11 Ephesians 5:18 2 Timothy 3:10 1 Peter 1:15 2 Peter 3:11 Wedding Supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:7–10 When Guilty Romans 8:1–7 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 Colossians 2:11–18 When Discouraged Matthew 11:28–30 John 14:27; 16:33 Hebrews 4:16 1 Peter 1:3–9
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1 John 5:14–15 Winning the Battle over Satan Romans 8:31–39 1 Corinthians 15:57 2 Corinthians 2:14 2 Timothy 2:19 1 John 5:4 Revelation 3:5; 21:7 Wives 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 Ephesians 5:22–24 Colossians 3:18 1 Timothy 3:11 Titus 2:3–5 1 Peter 3:1–6 Working for a Living Romans 12:11 Ephesians 4:28 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 Worry Matthew 6:25–34 Philippians 4:6 1 Peter 5:7 Worship Matthew 4:10 John 4:19–24 Revelation 19:10; 22:8–9
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THE LIFE OF JESUS Place Matthew Mark Luke Before the Earth 1:1–14 Was Made Luke Writes to 1:1–4 Theophilus The Family of 1:1–17 3:23–38 Jesus An Angel Tells Jerusalem 1:5–25 of the Birth of John the Baptist Mary Learns of Nazareth 1:26–38 Jesus’ Birth Mary Visits A City of Judah 1:39–56 Elizabeth Birth of John the A City of Judah 1:57–66 Baptist Zacharias’s Song A City of Judah 1:67–80 Birth of Jesus Bethlehem 1:18–25 2:1–7 Shepherds Learn Near Bethlehem 2:8–14 of Jesus’ Birth Shepherds Go to Near Bethlehem 2:15–20 Bethlehem Jesus Taken to the Jerusalem 2:21–38 House of God Visit of the Men Bethlehem 2:1–12 Who Learned from the Stars Joseph Takes Mary Bethlehem 2:13–15 and Jesus to Egypt Boys Killed By Bethlehem 2:16–18 Herod Joseph Takes Egypt 2:19–23 2:39–40 Mary and Jesus to Nazareth Jesus in the Jerusalem 2:41–52
John