Jesus

21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

God called you to live this way. Christ suffered for you too. He showed you how. Now walk the way he walked.

22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

He never did anything wrong. He never told a lie.

23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

People said cruel things to him. He did not say cruel things back. When they hurt him, he did not threaten them. He trusted God, who judges fairly.

24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

He carried our sins in his own body on the cross. Now we can stop living for sin and live the right way. His wounds made you well.

25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

You were like sheep that wandered away. Now you have come back to Jesus. He is your shepherd and he watches over you.

9I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

I am John, your brother. I share the hard times with you. I also share God's kingdom and the patient waiting that comes from belonging to Jesus. I was on an island called Patmos. I was there because I told God's word and the truth about Jesus.

10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

On the Lord's day, God's Spirit took hold of me. I heard a loud voice behind me. It sounded like a trumpet, a loud horn.

11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

The voice said, "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Write down what you see in a book. Send it to the seven churches in Asia. Send it to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

I turned around to see the voice that was talking to me. When I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands.

13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Someone stood in the middle of the seven lampstands. He looked like the Son of man. He wore a long robe that went down to his feet. A gold band went around his chest.

14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

His head and his hair were white like wool. They were as white as snow. His eyes were like flames of fire.

15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

His feet shone like fine brass heated in a very hot fire. His voice sounded like rushing water.

16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

He held seven stars in his right hand. A sharp sword with two edges came out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun at its brightest.

17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He put his right hand on me. He said, "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last."

18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

"I am the one who is alive. I was dead. But look, I am alive forever and ever! Amen. I hold the keys to death and to the place of the dead."