Jesus

31The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

It was the day to get ready, and the next day was a special Sabbath, a day of rest. The Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses that day. So they asked Pilate to have the men's legs broken and the bodies taken away.

32Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.

The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man. Then they broke the legs of the other man.

33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead. So they did not break his legs.

34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

Instead, one of the soldiers pushed a spear into Jesus' side. Right away blood and water came out.

35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

The man who saw this has told what happened, and what he says is true. He knows he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.

36For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

These things happened so that the Scriptures would come true: "Not one of his bones will be broken."

37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Another place in the Scriptures says, "They will look at the one they pierced."

38And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

After this, Joseph from the town of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph followed Jesus, but he kept it secret because he was afraid of the leaders. Pilate said yes, so Joseph came and took the body away.

39And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

Nicodemus came too. He was the man who had first come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes, which are sweet-smelling spices.

40Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in strips of linen cloth with the spices. That was the Jewish way of burying someone.

41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

There was a garden in the place where Jesus was crucified. In the garden was a new tomb, a room cut into rock. No one had ever been laid there.

42There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

It was the Jewish day to get ready, and the tomb was close by. So they laid Jesus there.

1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

It was the first day of the week. Very early, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. She saw that the big stone had been rolled away from it.

2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

So she ran to Simon Peter and to the other follower, the one Jesus loved. She said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb. We do not know where they put him."

3Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So Peter and that other follower started out for the tomb.

4So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Both men ran together. The other follower ran faster than Peter and got there first.

5And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

He bent down and looked in. He saw the linen cloths lying there. But he did not go inside.

6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

Then Simon Peter came up behind him. He went right into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there.

7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

The cloth that had been around Jesus' head was not with them. It was rolled up in a place by itself.

8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Then the other follower went in too, the one who got there first. He saw, and he believed.

9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Until then they had not understood what the Scriptures said. God's book said that Jesus had to rise from the dead.

10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

Then the two followers went back to their homes.

11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

But Mary stayed outside the tomb, crying. While she cried, she bent down and looked inside.

12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

She saw two angels dressed in white, sitting where Jesus' body had been. One sat where his head had been. The other sat where his feet had been.

13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.

They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" She said, "They have taken my Lord away. I do not know where they put him."

14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Then she turned around. She saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know it was him.

15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" She thought he was the gardener. She said, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you put him. Then I will go and get him."

16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned to him and said in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" That word means "Teacher."

17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me. I have not yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them this: I am going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."

18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

Mary Magdalene went and told the followers, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them everything he had said to her.

19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

That evening, the same first day of the week, the followers were together. The doors were locked, because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace be with you."

20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.

Then he showed them his hands and his side. The followers were full of joy to see the Lord.

21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. My Father sent me. Now I am sending you."

22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Then he breathed on them. He said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

"If you forgive people their sins, their sins are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Thomas was one of the twelve close followers. He was also called Didymus. He was not there when Jesus came.

25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

The other followers told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But Thomas said, "I must see the nail marks in his hands. I must put my finger where the nails were. I must put my hand into his side. Until then I will not believe."

26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Eight days later the followers were inside again. Thomas was with them this time. The doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, "Peace be with you."

27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Jesus said to him, "Thomas, you believe because you have seen me. God blesses the people who believe without seeing me."

30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

Jesus did many other signs, amazing things, while his followers watched. Those are not written in this book.

31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

But these are written so you will believe this. Jesus is the Christ, the king God promised to send. He is the Son of God. And by believing you will have life through him.

1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

Later, Jesus let his followers see him again. His followers were the friends who learned from him. This happened by the Sea of Tiberias. Here is how it went.

2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and Zebedee's two sons were together. Two other followers were with them.

3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

Simon Peter said, "I am going fishing." They said, "We will come with you." They got into the boat right away. All that night they caught nothing.

4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore. But his followers did not know it was Jesus.

5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

Jesus called to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered, "No."

6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

He said, "Throw your net out on the right side of the boat. Then you will find some." They threw the net out. So many fish went in that they could not pull it up.

7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

The follower Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Peter heard that, he pulled on his coat, because he had taken it off. Then he jumped into the water.

8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

The other followers came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. They were not far from land, only about a hundred yards.

9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

When they got to land, they saw a fire of hot coals. Fish were cooking on it, and there was bread.

10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."

11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

Simon Peter went and pulled the net onto the land. It was full of big fish, 153 of them. Even with so many, the net did not tear.

12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

Jesus said, "Come and eat." No one dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.

13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them. He gave them the fish too.

14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

This was the third time Jesus let his followers see him. It was after he rose from the dead.

15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

When they finished eating, Jesus spoke to Simon Peter. He said, "Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do?" Peter said, "Yes, Lord. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus asked a second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?" Peter said, "Yes, Lord. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus asked a third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt that Jesus asked him three times. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

"I tell you the truth. When you were young, you dressed yourself. You walked wherever you wanted. When you are old, you will stretch out your hands. Someone else will dress you. He will take you where you do not want to go."

19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Jesus said this to show what kind of death Peter would die, and how it would bring honor to God. Then Jesus said to him, "Follow me."

20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Peter turned around and saw the follower Jesus loved walking behind them. At the supper, this man had leaned close to Jesus. He had asked, "Lord, who is going to hand you over?"

21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

When Peter saw him, he asked Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"

22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

Jesus said, "If I want him to stay here until I come back, that is not your concern. You follow me."

23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

So people who believed began to say that this follower would not die. But Jesus did not say he would not die. He said, "If I want him to stay until I come, what is that to you?"

24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

This is the follower who tells about these things. He is the one who wrote them down. And we know that what he says is true.

25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Jesus did many other things too. If every one of them were written down, I think the whole world could not hold the books. Amen.

1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Dear Theophilus, in my first book I wrote about Jesus. I told about everything he began to do and to teach.

2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

I wrote about him up to the day he was taken up into heaven. Before he went, God's Spirit helped him give instructions to his apostles. Apostles were the men Jesus chose to go out and speak for him.

3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Jesus had suffered and died. After that he showed these men that he was alive. He gave them many proofs they could not doubt. They saw him for forty days. He talked with them about God's kingdom.

4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

One day they were all together with him. Jesus told them not to leave Jerusalem. He said, "Wait here for the gift my Father promised. You heard me talk about it."

5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

"John baptized people with water. He dipped them in water. But in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

So when they were all together, they asked him a question. "Lord, are you going to make Israel its own kingdom again now?"

7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Jesus said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or dates. My Father has decided them himself."

8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

"But the Holy Spirit will come to you, and you will get power. Then you will tell people about me. You will start in Jerusalem, then all of Judea, then Samaria. You will go to the farthest parts of the earth."

9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

After Jesus said this, he was lifted up while they watched. A cloud came and hid him from their eyes.

10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

They kept staring up at the sky as he went. Suddenly two men in white clothes were standing beside them.

11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The men said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. He will come back the very same way you saw him go."

22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

"Men of Israel, listen to me. God showed you that Jesus of Nazareth came from him. God did miracles, wonders, and signs through Jesus, right in front of you. You know this is true."

23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

"God knew this would happen, and he had planned it. You handed Jesus over. Wicked men nailed him to a cross and killed him."

24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

"But God raised Jesus back to life. God set him free from the pain of death. Death could not keep its hold on him."

25For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

"David wrote about Jesus. He said, 'I always saw the Lord in front of me. He is right beside me, so I will not be shaken.'"

26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

"'So my heart is happy and my words are glad. My body will rest, still full of hope.'"

27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

"'You will not leave me in the place of the dead. You will not let your Holy One rot in the grave.'"

28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

"'You have shown me the paths that lead to life. Being close to you will fill me with joy.'"

29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

"Brothers, I can say this plainly. David, the father of our people, died and was buried. His grave is still here today."

30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

"David was a prophet. God had made him a solemn promise. One of David's own family would sit on his throne. That one would be the Christ, God's chosen king."

31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

"David saw this ahead of time. He spoke about the Christ coming back to life. The Christ was not left in the place of the dead. His body did not rot in the grave."

32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

"God raised this same Jesus back to life. We all saw it, and we tell you it is true."

33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

"God lifted Jesus up to the place of honor at his right side. The Father gave Jesus the Holy Spirit he had promised. Jesus has poured that Spirit out. That is what you see and hear right now."

34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

"David did not go up into heaven. But David himself said, 'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right side,'"

35Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

"'until I put your enemies under your feet, like a stool.'"

36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

"So everyone in Israel should know this for sure. God has made this Jesus both Lord and Christ. He is the one you nailed to the cross."

12And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Peter saw this and said to them, "Men of Israel, why are you surprised? Why do you stare at us? We did not make this man walk by our own power or goodness."

13The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

"The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has honored his servant Jesus. You handed Jesus over and said you did not want him. You did this in front of Pilate, the Roman ruler, even though he wanted to let Jesus go."

14But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

"You said no to the Holy and Good One. You asked for a killer to be set free instead."

15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

"You killed the one who gives life. But God raised him from the dead. We saw it, and we are telling you it is true."

16And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

"The name of Jesus made this man strong. You see him and you know him. Trusting in Jesus made him completely well, right in front of you all."

17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.

"Now, my brothers, I know you did not understand what you were doing. Your leaders did not understand either."

18But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

"Long ago God spoke through all his prophets. Prophets were people who told others what God said. God said his chosen King would suffer. That is just what happened."

19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

"So be sorry for your sins and turn back to God. Then your sins will be wiped away. Times of rest will come from the Lord."

20And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

"And God will send you Jesus, the King he chose. He is the one you were told about before."

21Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

"Jesus must stay in heaven until the time comes to make everything right again. God said this long ago through his holy prophets."

22For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

"Moses told our fathers, 'The Lord your God will send you a prophet like me. He will come from among your own people. Listen to everything he tells you.'"

23And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

"'Anyone who will not listen to that prophet will be cut off from God's people.'"

24Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

"Samuel and all the prophets after him spoke about these days too."

25Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

"You belong to the family of the prophets. You also belong to the promise God made with our fathers. God told Abraham, 'Through your family, every family on earth will be blessed.'"

26Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

"God raised up his servant Jesus. He sent him to you first, to bless you. He blesses you by turning each of you away from your wrong ways."