English: Easy to Read Version

[1] 1:1 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[2] 1:2 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[3] 1:2 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[4] 1:2 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God. See "holy."

[5] 1:2 who trust in the Lord Literally, "who call on the name of the Lord," meaning to show faith in him by worshiping or praying to him for help.

[6] 1:3 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[7] 1:4 grace The love and kindness that he shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[8] 1:12 Peter The text says "Cephas," the Aramaic name for Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

[9] 1:13 baptize To perform the act of baptism. See "baptism."

[10] 1:17 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[11] 1:17 cross Paul uses the cross as a picture of the Good News, the story of Christ's death to pay for people's sins. The cross (Christ's death) was God's way to save people.

[12] 1:19 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[13] 1:20 philosopher A person who spends much time studying, thinking, talking, or writing about different ideas and trying to gain wisdom.

[14] 1:21 message See "Good News."

[15] 1:22 miraculous sign An amazing act that demonstrates the power of God.

[16] 1:22 Greek A non-Jewish person anywhere throughout the first century world who was influenced by Greek language and culture.

[17] 1:31 Quote from Jer. 9:24.

[18] 2:4 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[19] 2:7 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[20] 2:9 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[21] 2:10 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[22] 3:13 Day The day Christ will come to judge everyone and take his people to live with him.

[23] 3:16 temple God's house-the place where God's people worship him. Here, it means that believers are the spiritual temple where God lives.

[24] 3:16 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[25] 3:17 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[26] 3:19 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[27] 3:19 Quote from Job 5:13.

[28] 3:20 Quote from Ps. 94:11.

[29] 3:22 Peter The text says "Cephas," the Aramaic name for Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

[30] 4:6 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[31] 4:9 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[32] 4:15 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[33] 4:17 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[34] 4:20 God's kingdom The "reign" or "rule" of God over all humanity-a time of great blessing for those who submit to him by accepting Jesus as the Christ (appointed king), who represents God's kingdom on earth, being the perfect example of submission to the will of God. When people give control of their lives to Jesus, they become a part of God's kingdom and begin to enjoy the blessings he has promised his people from the beginning. (Note that in Matthew this term also translates the Greek phrase, "the kingdom of the heavens," which was used by Jews as a way to avoid saying the divine name.)

[35] 5:5 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[36] 5:5 sinful self Or, "body." Literally, "flesh."

[37] 5:6 yeast The part of bread dough that makes it rise. Sometimes it is used as a symbol of bad influence.

[38] 5:7 Passover bread The special bread without yeast that the Jews ate at their Passover meal. Paul means that believers are free from sin, just as the Passover bread was free from yeast.

[39] 5:7 Passover Lamb Jesus was a sacrifice for his people, like a lamb killed for the Jewish Passover Feast.

[40] 5:11 believer Where this word is marked, it is literally "brother," a term used by followers of Jesus Christ to refer to fellow members of God's family.

[41] 5:12-13 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[42] 5:12-13 Quote from Deut. 22:21, 24.

[43] 6:1 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[44] 6:4 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[45] 6:5 believer Where this word is marked, it is literally "brother," a term used by followers of Jesus Christ to refer to fellow members of God's family.

[46] 6:9-10 God's kingdom The "reign" or "rule" of God over all humanity-a time of great blessing for those who submit to him by accepting Jesus as the Christ (appointed king), who represents God's kingdom on earth, being the perfect example of submission to the will of God. When people give control of their lives to Jesus, they become a part of God's kingdom and begin to enjoy the blessings he has promised his people from the beginning. (Note that in Matthew this term also translates the Greek phrase, "the kingdom of the heavens," which was used by Jews as a way to avoid saying the divine name.)

[47] 6:9-10 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[48] 6:9-10 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[49] 6:11 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[50] 6:16 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[51] 6:16 Quote from Gen. 2:24.

[52] 6:19 temple God's house-the place where God's people worship him. Here, it means that believers are the spiritual temple where God lives.

[53] 6:19 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[54] 7:5 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[55] 7:17 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[56] 7:18 circumcise, circumcision Cutting off the foreskin of the male sex organ, which was done to every Jewish baby boy. It was a mark of the agreement God made with Abraham. Read Gen. 17:9-14.

[57] 7:25 people who are not married Literally, "virgins."

[58] 7:36 She . to marry Or, "He may have trouble controlling his desires."

[59] 8:1 sacrificed Killed and offered as a gift to show worship. Also in verse 10.

[60] 8:1 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[61] 9:1 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[62] 9:5 Peter The text says "Cephas," the Aramaic name for Peter, one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

[63] 9:7 vineyard A garden or farm where grapes are grown.

[64] 9:9 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[65] 9:9 Quote from Deut. 25:4.

[66] 9:12 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[67] 9:13 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable Holy Tent (Tabernacle) that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Tabernacle, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[68] 9:13 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[69] 9:20 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[70] 9:25 prize See "crown."

[71] 10:1 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[72] 10:1 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[73] 10:1 cloud The cloud that led and protected the people of Israel on their journey out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and through the wilderness. See Ex. 13:20-22; 14:19, 20.

[74] 10:2 baptized See the Word List. Here, Paul seems to mean that what happened to the Jews with Moses can be compared to the baptism of a believer into Christ.

[75] 10:7 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[76] 10:7 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[77] 10:7 Quote from Ex. 32:6.

[78] 10:9 Christ Some Greek copies say, "the Lord."

[79] 10:16 cup of blessing The cup of wine that believers in Christ thank God for and drink at the Lord's Supper.

[80] 10:18 Israel The Israelite nation, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also called "Israel."

[81] 10:18 sacrifices Animals killed and offered as gifts to God.

[82] 10:18 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[83] 10:20 demon An evil spirit from the devil.

[84] 10:22 make the Lord jealous See Deut. 32:16, 17.

[85] 10:26 Quote from Ps. 24:1; 50:12; 89:11.

[86] 10:28 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[87] 10:31 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[88] 10:32 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[89] 11:3 the man This could also mean "her husband."

[90] 11:4 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[91] 11:7 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[92] 11:10 have her head . authority Literally, "have authority on her head." This could also be translated, "keep control of her head," meaning, "do what will keep people from misunderstanding her uncovered head."

[93] 11:16 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[94] 11:18 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[95] 11:20 Lord's Supper The special meal Jesus told his followers to eat to remember him. See Lk. 22:14-20.

[96] 11:21 have too much Literally, "get drunk."

[97] 11:25 agreement A contract or agreement from God to his people. The agreement that God gave his people at Mount Sinai, based on the law of Moses, became the most important for the Israelites or Jews. It replaced or incorporated all other agreements, such as that given earlier to Abraham. In the New Testament it is referred to as the "old" or "first" agreement. After Jesus Christ came and offered his life as payment for the sins of all people, God was able to offer a "new" and "better" agreement based on Christ's sacrifice.

[98] 12:2 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[99] 12:3 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[100] 12:10 miracle An amazing act done by the power of God.

[101] 12:10 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[102] 12:13 baptize To perform the act of baptism. See "baptism."

[103] 12:13 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[104] 12:13 given Literally, "given to drink."

[105] 12:28 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[106] 12:28 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[107] 12:28 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[108] 12:28 miracle An amazing act done by the power of God.

[109] 13:2 prophecy A message or teaching from God. Also, the ability and authority from God to speak for him.

[110] 14:1 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[111] 14:1 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[112] 14:4 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[113] 14:6 prophecy A message or teaching from God. Also, the ability and authority from God to speak for him.

[114] 14:16 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[115] 14:21 Scriptures Literally, "law," which sometimes means the Old Testament.

[116] 14:25 See Isa. 45:14 and Zech. 8:23.

[117] 14:29 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[118] 14:31 prophesy To speak or teach things from God.

[119] 14:34 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[120] 15:1 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[121] 15:3 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[122] 15:5 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[123] 15:9 persecute To hurt, cause trouble for, or do bad things to someone, especially because of their beliefs.

[124] 15:9 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[125] 15:10 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[126] 15:25 control Literally, "feet."

[127] 15:27 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[128] 15:27 Quote from Ps. 8:6.

[129] 15:29 baptize To perform the act of baptism. See "baptism."

[130] 15:32 Quote from Isa. 22:13; 56:12.

[131] 15:45 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[132] 15:45 thing Literally, "soul."

[133] 15:45 Quote from Gen. 2:7.

[134] 15:45 Adam The name Adam means "man." Here, "the last Adam" refers to Christ, the "man of heaven."

[135] 15:50 God's kingdom The "reign" or "rule" of God over all humanity-a time of great blessing for those who submit to him by accepting Jesus as the Christ (appointed king), who represents God's kingdom on earth, being the perfect example of submission to the will of God. When people give control of their lives to Jesus, they become a part of God's kingdom and begin to enjoy the blessings he has promised his people from the beginning. (Note that in Matthew this term also translates the Greek phrase, "the kingdom of the heavens," which was used by Jews as a way to avoid saying the divine name.)

[136] 16:1 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[137] 16:5 Macedonia The northern part of Greece, where Thessalonica and Philippi were.

[138] 16:8 Pentecost An Israelite or Jewish festival celebrating the wheat harvest fifty days after Passover.

[139] 16:15 Achaia The region in the southern part of Greece where the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth were located.

[140] 16:19 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[141] 16:19 Asia The geographical area, sometimes called Asia Minor, that is now the western part of modern Turkey.

[142] 16:20 the special greeting of God's people Literally, "a holy kiss."

[143] 16:22 Come, O Lord This is a translation of the Aramaic "marana tha."

[144] 16:23 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.