The Passion Translation New Testament Masterpiece Edition (2020 edition) : with Psalms, Proverbs and Song of Songs (The Illustrated Passion Translation) (The Passion Translation (TPT))

by Brian Simmons

19If you were to give your allegiance to the world, they would love and welcome you as one of their own. But because you won’t align yourself with the values of this world, they will hate you. I have chosen you and taken you out of the world to be mine.

m15:15 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “I will no longer call you servants.” The Greek word for “servants” is doulos, which means “slaves.” n15:15 Both the Aramaic and Greek word for “intimate friends” is actually “those cared for from the womb.” You are more than a friend to him, for you were born again from his wounded side.

7But here’s the truth: It’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away the Divine Encouragerc will not be released to you. But after I depart, I will send him to you. 8And when he comes, he will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and his judgments.

12“There is so much more I would like to say to you, but it’s more than you can grasp at this moment. 13But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truthe within you. He won’t speak on his own, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come.

The Greek word for “truth” is “reality,” not “doctrine.” It is the application of truth that matters, not just a superficial knowledge.

And everyone who loves the truthz will receive my words.”

“What is truth?”

20Pilate had them post a sign over the cross, which was written in three languages—Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. Many of the people of Jerusalem read the sign, for he was crucified near the city. The sign stated: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Or “they slapped his face” (Aramaic). He turned the other cheek and they slapped him on both sides of his face. See Isa. 53:5–7.

The words were, “Jesus, the Nazarene, King of the Jews.” The first letters of each of the four words written on the sign in Aramaic (Hebrew) were: Y-H-W-H (Y’shua Hanozri Wumelech a Yehudim). To write these letters, YHWH (also known as the tetragrammaton), was the Hebrew form of writing the sacred name “Yahweh.” No wonder the chief priests were so offended by this sign and insisted that Pilate change it.

Many scholars believe that Mary’s sister (Jesus’ aunt) was Salome. This would mean she was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of Jacob (James) and John (the writer of the Gospel of John). Furthermore, that would mean that Jacob (James) and John were cousins of Jesus.

Or “accept the Sacred Breath.”

The Aramaic is “the blossom of the nails.”

15After they had breakfast, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah,i do you burn with lovej for me more than these?”k Peter answered, “Yes, Lord! You know that I have great affection for you!” “Then take care of my lambs,”l Jesus said.

16Jesus repeated his question the second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you burn with love for me?” Peter answered, “Yes, my Lord! You know that I have great affection for you!” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17Then Jesus asked him again, “Peter, son of Jonah, do you have great affection for me?” Peter was saddened by being asked the third timem and said, “My Lord, you know everything. You know that I burn ...

i21:15 Jesus called Peter “Simon, son of Jonah” because Jonah was the prophet who ran from his calling, but was supernaturally restored. So Peter had followed Jonah’s example, by denying Jesus and running away.

j21:15 The Aramaic word for “love” is hooba, and is taken from a root word that means “to set on fire.” This was the word Jesus would have used to ask Peter, “Do you burn with love for me?”

l21:15 The Aramaic is “feed my rams” (male lambs). This may refer to the other disciples. In v. 16 the Aramaic is simply “sheep.” And in v. 17 in Aramaic, Jesus used the third term “ewes” (female lambs).

2Again, I urge you, make room for us in your hearts, for we have wrongedb no one, corruptedc no one, and taken advantaged of no one.

Or “We have cheated no one” (for financial gain). These are the three goals every minister should set for his or her calling: (1) to do no wrong to another nor to “hate” anyone, (2) to not corrupt or lead anyone astray, and (3) to never use his or her authority to take advantage of anyone by cheating for personal gain.

Being honest about our emotions is the first step in finding comfort and peace. Paul’s example of a leader opening his heart to his people should not be missed by this generation.

Repentance is not a sterile, feeling-less act of changing direction. Paul makes it clear that godly remorse is a “God-intended” feeling that moves the heart back to God. Our repentance is not a work of the flesh but the result of God’s Spirit stirring our conscience. Peter’s godly remorse over his denial of Christ eventually led him to experience a complete inner healing, while Judas’ remorse led him to suicide.

2For even during a season of severe difficulty, tremendous suffering, and extreme poverty, their super-abundant joy overflowed into an act of extravagant generosity.

7You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity.b

10So here are my thoughts concerning this matter, and it’s in your best interests. Since you made such a good start last year, both in the grace of giving and in your longing to give, 11you should finish what you started.d You were so eager in your intentions to give, so go do it. Finish this act of worship according to your ability to give. 12For if the intention and desire are there, the size of the gift doesn’t matter. Your gift is fully acceptable to God according to what you have, not what you don’t have. 13I’m not saying this in order to ease someone else’s load by overloading you, but as a matter of fair balance. 14Your surplus could meet their need, and their abundance may one day meet your need. This equal sharing of abundance will mean a fair balance.e

20We are sending a team in order to avoid any criticism over how we handle this wonderfully generous gift, 21for we intend to do what is right and we are totally open both to the Lord’s inspection and to man’s.

Under persecution and desperately poor, the churches of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) gave more than just an extravagant offering. They fully surrendered themselves to the Lord and gave out of a longing to fulfill God’s pleasure. This is the key to generous giving. First we dedicate our hearts to God, which includes our finances, then we give to God’s work as he directs us. Throughout 2 Corinthians, giving is described as a “grace” that God places on our lives, which empowers our generosity.

Notice the features of godliness in this verse that should be seen in our lives and ministries: (1) We excel in everything. (2) We have unstoppable faith. (3) We have an anointing of grace to speak the Word. (4) We have revelation knowledge. (5) We have passionate devotion. (6) We show love. (7) We are generous.

Note the principles of giving Paul teaches them in vv. 10–15: (1) A willing, cheerful offering is more important than the amount. (2) Financial commitments of giving are to be taken seriously. (3) We are to share our substance with those in need, because the time may come when we may need their gifts. (4) Our giving reflects our devotion to Christ. (5) We are to give what we are able and not stress about what we cannot give. We are to give in proportion to our income.

3Still, I thought it would be best to send these brothers to receive the offering that you’ve prepared, so that our boasting about how you were ready to give would not be found hollow. 4For if, after boasting of our confidence in you, some of the Macedonians were to come with me and find that you were not prepared, we would be embarrassed—to say nothing of you. 5That’s why I’ve requested that the brothers come before I do and make arrangements in advance for the substantial offering you pledged. Then it will be seen as a matter of generosity and not under pressure, as something you felt forced to do.

6Here’s my point. A stingy sowerc will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest. 7Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving—all because God loves hilarious generosity!d 8Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everythinge— every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do. 9Just as the Scriptures say about the one who trusts in him: Because he has sown extravagantly and given to the poor, his kindness and generous deeds will never be forgotten.f 10This generous God who supplies abundant seedg for the farmer, which becomes bread for our meals,h is even more extravagant toward you. First he suppliesi every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as you sow it, so that the harvest of your generosityj will grow. 11You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion,k for when we take your gifts to those in need,l it causes many to give thanks to God.

14Because of this extraordinary grace, which God has lavished on you, they will affectionately remember you in their prayers. 15Praise God for his astonishing gift, which is far too great for words!p

The Aramaic can be translated “the one who sows with a storehouse of seed” (remaining). This describes a farmer who is stingy with his sowing. Since he has a storehouse of seed, he can afford to sow liberally. d9:7 See Prov. 22:8 (LXX). There are seven things in the Bible that God loves: (1) the resident foreigner or immigrant (Deut. 10:19), (2) righteousness in our affairs with others (Ps. 11:7), (3) justice (Ps. 37:28), (4) the gates of Zion (Ps. 87:2), (5) his righteous people (Ps. 146:8), (6) a hilarious or cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7), and (7) those he disciplines (Heb. 12:6).

g9:10 The Greek word epichorēgeo is used in Greek literature for someone who pays all expenses for the drama/choir (production), plus more, providing income for those who take part. God is seen as the leader of the divine choir, orchestrating everything and providing all that is needed to bring forth the sounds of his glory on the earth.

4For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide.d 5We can demolish every deceptive fantasye that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God.

Or “strongholds.” The Aramaic word for strongholds can also be translated “rebellious castles.” Paul seems to be referring to demonic strongholds or centers of opposition to the light of the gospel.

4For you seem to gladly tolerate anyonec who comes to you preaching a pseudo-Jesus, not the Jesus we have preached. You have accepted a spirit and gospel that is false, rather than the Spirit and gospel you once embraced. How tolerant you have become of these imposters!

15So it’s no wonder his servants also go about pretending to be ministers of righteousness. But in the end they will be exposed and get exactly what they deserve.

16So I repeat. Let no one think that I’m a fool. But if you do, at least show me the patience you would show a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17Of course, what I’m about to tell you is not with the Lord’s authority, but as a “fool.” 18For since many love to boast about their worldly achievements,k allow me the opportunity to join them. 19And since you are so smart and so wise to gladly put up with the foolishness of others, now put up with mine. 20You actually allow these imposters to put you into bondage, take complete advantage of you, and rob you blind! How easily you endure those who, in their arrogance, destroy your dignity or even slap you in the face. 21I must admit, to our shame that we were too “weak” to relate to you the way they do. But now let me dare to boast like a “fool.”

5Now your souls will be strengthened and healed if you hold steadfast to your faith.b Haven’t you already experienced Jesus Christ himself living in you? If not, you are deficient.c

11Finally, beloved friends,h be cheerful! Repair whatever is broken among you, as your hearts are being knit together in perfect unity. Live continually in peace, and God, the source of love and peace, will mingle with you.

14Now, may the grace and joyous favor of the Lord Jesus Christ, the unambiguous love of God, and the precious communion that we share in the Holy Spirit be yours continually. Amen!

As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “unless you are disqualified.”

The Aramaic ends with this concluding statement: “The end of the second letter to the Corinthians that was written from Philippi of Macedonia and sent by the hand of Titus.”

Heaven’s freedom! This “grace gospel” brings heaven’s freedom into our lives—freedom to live for God and serve one another, as well as freedom from religious bondage.

3May God’s undeserved kindness and total well-beinge that flow from our Father God and from the Lord Jesus be yours.f 4He’s the Anointed One who offered himself as the sacrifice for our sins! He has rescued us from this evil world systemg and set us free, just as our Father God desired. 5May all the glory be to God alone, throughout time and eternity. Amen!

6I am shocked over how quickly you have strayed away from the One who called you in the grace of Christ. I’m astounded that you now embrace a distortedh gospel! 7That is a fake “gospel” that is simply not true. There is only one gospel—the good news of Christ! Yet you have allowed those who mingle law with grace to confuse you.

This is the word peace, which in the Hebraic mindset means “health, prosperity, peace, and total well-being.”

This “evil world system” would include the religious system that is based on duty and performance instead of love and grace.