The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version

by Michael D. Coogan

17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takesa it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”