வில்லியம் கேரி

வில்லியம் கேரி வேத புத்தகத்தைப் பல மொழிகளில் மொழி பெயர்த்து உலகின் மூன்றில் ஒரு பகுதிக்கு கொடுத்து உதவியவர். இன்றைய மிஷனரி இயக்கங்களின் தந்தை என்ற நிலையை அடைந்தவர். அவரது சிறு வீட்டிலே செருப்பு செப்பனிடும் வாலிபனாகக் கண்டவர்கள் எவரும் அவரை இந்த அளவுக்கு எதிர் பார்த்திருக்க மாட்டார்கள்.

வில்லியம் கேரி தீரச் செயலைச் செய்ய ஆரம்பித்து அதை விடாது தொடர்ந்து செய்து முடிப்பார். தீரச் செயல்களில் மிகவும் விருப்பம் கொண்டவர். ஒரு முறை ஒரு மரத்தின் உச்சியில் இருக்கும் குருவிக் கூட்டை ஆராய்ந்து பார்ப்பதற்காக அவர் மரத்தில் ஏறிய போது அவர் வழுக்கி கீழே விழுந்தார். கரம், கால்களில் அடிபட்ட அவருக்குக் கட்டுகள் போட்டு அவரை அவரது தாயார் படுக்கையில் படுக்க வைத்தார். ஆனால் சிறுவனான கேரியினால் தோல்வியை ஏற்றுக் கொள்ள முடியவில்லை. அவர் மறுபடியும் சென்று மரத்தில் ஏறி அந்தக் குருவியின் கூட்டைக் கையிலே கொண்டு வருவதை அவர் தாயார் கண்டார்கள்.

தனது பன்னிரண்டு வயதில் கேரி தன் பள்ளிப்படிப்பை நிறுத்தி விட்டார். அவர் தந்தையார் செருப்புத் தைக்கும் செம்மான் ஒருவருக்கு உதவியாளனாக கேரியை பணிக்கு அமர்த்தினார். அவர் ஆத்மீகத்தில் அவ்வளவு ஈடுபாடு இல்லாதவராக இருந்தார். ஆனாலும் ஓர் ஆலயத்தில் பாடகர் குழுவில் சேர்ந்து பாடல்களைப் பாடினார்.
ஒரு சிறந்த கிறிஸ்தவ குடும்பத்திலே அவர் பிறந்திருந்தாலும், தனது பாடகர் நண்பர்களுடன் சேர்ந்து பல சமயம் தவறாக ஆணை இடுவது, பொய் சொல்வது, கீழ்த்தரமான கதைகளை பேசுவது இவைகளில் அவர் விருப்பம் காட்டினார்.

வார்டு என்னும் வாலிபன் அவரோடு சக பயிற்சியாளனாக செருப்புக் கடையில் பயிற்சி பெற்று வந்தான். வார்டின் ஆழமான அசைக்க முடியாத கிறிஸ்தவ ஜீவியத்தின் நற்சாட்சி வில்லியம் கேரியினைத் தொட்டது. வில்லியம் அவ்வப்போது ஜெபிக்க ஆரம்பித்தார். ஒருமுறை வில்லியம் தன்னுடைய எஜமானனின் நாணயம் ஒன்றினை எடுத்துச் செலவழித்து விட்டு அதற்குப் பதிலாக ஓர் உடைந்த செல்லாத நாணயத்தை அதில் வைத்து விட்டார். ஆனால் அவருடைய எஜமான் அதைக் கண்டுபிடித்து எல்லாருக்கும் முன்பாகவும் அவரை அவமானப்படுத்தி விட்டார். இந்த அனுபவம் கேரி தன் இதயத்தை ஆண்டவருக்கு ஒப்புக் கொடுக்க நடத்தியது.

வில்லியம் பாவத்தைக் குறித்து ஆழமாக உணர்த்தப்பட்டார். இதை அறிந்த அவருடைய போதகர் அவரை அழைத்து இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவை தன் வாழ்க்கையிலே ஏற்றுக் கொள்வதின் மூலமாக மட்டுமே அவர் பிள்ளையாக முடியும் என்பதை அவருக்கு விவரித்தார். அது மட்டுமல்ல, நல்ல பிள்ளையாக வாழ்க்கை நடத்துவதோ, அல்லது ஒழுங்காக ஆலயத்திற்குச் செல்வதோ, ஒருவனை கிறிஸ்துவின் பிள்ளையாக மாற்றாது என்பதையும் அவருக்குத் தெளிவாக விவரித்தார். இவைகள் எல்லாவற்றையும் கேட்கக் கேட்க அவர் மிகவும் ஆழமாகத் தொடப்பட்ட படியினாலே மிகவும் அதிகமாகக் கதறி அழுதார்.

மனவேதனை அடைந்த அவர் முழங்காலில் நின்று, கர்த்தராகிய இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவே என்னுடைய உள்ளத்தில் வந்து என்னுடைய பாவங்கள் எல்லாவற்றையும் கழுவியருளும். இப்போது நான் உம்மை ஏற்றுக் கொள்;ள ஆயத்தமாக இருக்கிறேன் என்று கூறினார். அப்போதே இயேசுகிறிஸ்து அவருடைய இருதயத்தில் வந்தார். அவர் புது சிருஷ்டியாக மாற்றப்பட்டார்.
வில்லியம் புதிய செருப்புகளைத் தைப்பதும் பழையவைகளை பழுது பார்ப்பதுமான வேலையோடு நில்லாமல் இங்கிலாந்து தேசத்தில் உள்ள மோல்டன் என்னும் பட்டணத்தின் ஒரு சிற்றாலயத்தில் போதகராகப் பணி ஏற்றார். இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவின் இராஜ்யத்தை விரிவடையச் செய்வதே என்னுடைய முதன்மையான பணி என்றும், செருப்புகளை தைப்பதும், பழுது பார்ப்பதும் தன்னுடைய செலவுக்குதான் என்பார்.

அவர் செருப்புகளைத் தைத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கும் போது அவர் பக்கத்திலேயே ஒரு புத்தகத்தை வைத்து வாசித்துக்  கொண்டிருப்பார். இவ்விதமாக அவர் கிரேக்கு, இலத்தீன், எபிரெயர், பிரெஞ்சு, இத்தாலி, டச்சு மொழிகளைக் கற்றார். எபிரெய மொழியைக் கற்பதற்காக 15 கிலோ மீட்டர் தூரம் நடக்கவும் முன் வந்தார்.

கேப்டன் குக் என்பவருடைய கடற் பயணங்கள் என்று சொல்லப்படும் ஒரு புத்தகத்தை வில்லியம் கேரி படித்ததன் மூலமாக தென்கடல் தீவுகளில் அநேகமாயிரம் மக்களுக்கு நற்செய்தி அறிவிக்கப்பட வேண்டிய அவசியத்தை அந்நாட்களில் உணர்ந்தார். தானே ஒரு பெரிய உலகப் படத்தை வரைந்து அதைச் செருப்புத் தைக்கும் தன்னுடைய பட்டறையின் சுவற்றிலே மாட்டி வைத்து, அதில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு தேசத்திலும் உள்ள மக்கள் தொகையையும் அந்த மக்களைப் பற்றிய குறிப்புகளையும் அதிலே குறித்து வைத்திருந்தார். ஒவ்வொரு நாள் காலையிலும் அவர் இத்தேசப்படத்திற்கு முன்பாக முழங்கால் படியிட்டு, அதிலே உள்ள கிறிஸ்து அல்லாத தேசங்களின் மக்களுக்காக ஜெபிக்க ஆரம்பித்தார். இவ்விதமாக ஜெபிப்பதின் மூலம் ஆண்டவருடைய நற்செய்தியை எடுத்துச் சொல்ல வேண்டுமென்ற ஒரு நிரந்தரமான பாரம் அவருடைய உள்ளத்திலே எழுந்தது. இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவைப் பற்றி அறியாத மக்களுக்காக ஜெபிக்க ஒரு ஜெபக்குழுவை கேரி அமைத்தார். மேலும் மிஷனரி பணிகளுக்கான தேவைகள் பற்றி தன் உடன் ஊழியர்களுடன் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டு இவைகளைப் பற்றி அவர் தொடர்ந்து எழுதினார்.

1791-ம் ஆண்டு வில்லியம் கேரி போதகராக அபிஷேகம் செய்யப்பட்டார்.
பாப்டிஸ்து சபை போதகர்களுடைய ஆண்டு நிறைவுக் கூட்டம் ஒன்றில் 1792-ம் ஆண்டில் வில்லியம் கேரி ஆண்டவருடைய செய்தியைக் கொடுப்பதற்காக அழைக்கப்பட்டார். கடவுளிடம் இருந்து பெரிய காரியங்களை எதிர்பார். கடவுளுக்காக பெரிய காரியங்களை சாதிக்கப் பார் என்பதே அவருடைய செய்தியின் மையமாக இருந்தது. இந்தக் கருத்தே அவர் வாழ்க்கை முழுவதிலும் அவர் குறிக்கோளாகவும் மாறி விட்டது. இந்தக் கூட்டத்தின் விளைவாக பாப்டிஸ்து மிஷனரி சங்கம் ஆரம்பிக்கப்பட்டது. அச்சங்கம் உடனடியாக ஒரு மிஷனரியை வெளிநாட்டுக்கு அனுப்புவதற்கும் முன் வந்தது.

இந்தியாவில் வில்லியம் கேரி

கேரி ஒரு மிஷனரியாகச் செல்வதற்கான வழி இப்போது திறந்து விட்டது. ஆனால் எங்கு மிஷனரியாகச் செல்வது என்ற கேள்வி எழுந்தது. மேற்கு ஆப்பிரிக்கா அல்லது தென்கடல் தீவுகளுக்கு மிஷனரியாகச் செல்லலாம் என்ற எண்ணம் கேரியினிடத்தில் இருந்தது. ஆனால் ஆண்டவர் கேரிக்காக இந்தியாவைத் தம் மனதிலே வைத்திருந்தார். ஆகவே டாக்டர் தாமஸ் என்ற ஒரு மனிதனைக் கேரியைச் சந்திக்கும் படியாக அனுப்பினார். டாக்டர் தாமஸ் என்பவர் இந்தியாவில் இருந்தவர். இந்தப் பெருமகனாருடைய வாழ்க்கையின் மூலமாகவும் அதிகமாகக் கவரப்பட்ட கேரி இந்தியாவிற்கு மிஷனரியாக அவருடன் கூடச் செல்வதற்காக தீர்மானம் செய்து கொண்டார். பாப்டிஸ்து மிஷனரி சங்கத்தின் தலைவரும் இன்னும் அவரோடு சேர்ந்த ஒரு சிலரும் கேரியைத் தங்களுடைய ஜெபத்தாலும் பொருளாலும் தாங்குவதாக அவரிடத்தில் வாக்குறுதி கொடுத்தனர். வில்லியம் கேரி தன் குடும்பத்துடனும் டாக்டர் தாமஸீடனும் 1793-ம் ஆண்டு ஜீன் மாதம் 13-ம் தேதி கப்பல் ஏறினார். நீண்ட பிரயாணத்திற்குப் பின்பு நவம்பர் மாதத்தில் கல்கத்தாவில் வந்து pஇறங்கினார். கேரியோடு அவர் மனைவியும், 4 பிள்ளைகளும், அவருடைய மைத்துனியும் இருந்தார்கள். மிஷனரியாக கேரி இந்தியாவிற்கு வந்த போது அவர் 33 வயது நிரம்பியவராக இருந்தார்.

தனது நீண்ட கடற்பிரயாணத்திலேயே வில்லியம் கேரி வங்காள மொழியைக் கற்க ஆரம்பித்தார். பிறகு அவர் இந்துஸ்தானி, பாரசீகம், மராத்தி, சமஸ்கிருதம் ஆகிய மொழிகளையும் கற்றார். இந்தியா வந்து இறங்கிய உடனேயே அவர் இந்திய மக்களோடு வங்க மொழியில் பேசவும் ஆண்டவருடைய வார்த்தையைப் பிரசங்கிக்கவும் வேத வசனங்களை மொழி பெயர்க்கவும் ஆரம்பித்தார். நிச்சயமாகவே ஆண்டவர் கேரியினைத் தம்முடைய உயர்ந்த திட்டத்திற்காக நடத்தினார். மொழிகளைக் கற்கும் வாஞ்சையை அவருக்குக் கொடுத்தார்.

இந்தியாவில் அவர் வாழ்ந்த முதல் வருடத்தில் அவருடைய குடும்பத்தின் மக்கள் அனைவருமே ஒருவர் பின் ஒருவராக நோய்வாய்ப்பட்டனர். அவருடைய அருமையான ஐந்து வயது மகன் பீட்டர் இறந்து போனான். இந்து, முஸ்லீம் வேலை ஆட்கள் புதைகுழி வெட்ட முன் வரவி;ல்லை. தன்னுடைய சுகவீனத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட பலவீனத்தோடு கேரி தாமாகவே புதைகுழி வெட்டினார். அந்தச் சமயத்தில் இரண்டு பேர் அவருக்கு உதவி செய்ய முன் வந்தனர். அதைக் கண்ட கேரி நன்றி பெருக்கோடு கண்ணீர் வடித்தார்.

தன் குடும்பத்தைக் காப்பாற்ற ஒரு சாயத் தொழிற்சாலையில் பொறுப்பாளராக கேரி வேலை செய்ய ஆரம் பித்தார். அதுமட்டுமல்ல, வேத வசனங்களை அச்சடிப்பதற்கு ஓர் அச்சுக் கூடமும் ஆரம்பித்தார். வியாபாரத் தில் ஏற்பட்ட நஷ்டத்தினால் குறுகிய காலத்தில் கேரி தனது வேலையை இழந்தார். தொடர்ந்து அவரது அச்சுக்கூடமும் தீக்கிரையானது என்றாலும் இச்சம்பவங்கள் கேரியை எந்த விதத்திலும் மனந்தளர்ந்து போகச் செய்யவில்லை. அவருடைய உள்ளத்தில் அடிக்கடி எழுந்த ஒரே கேள்வியானது, நான் எவ்வகையில் இந்தியாவுக்கு உதவ முடியும்? என்பதே
கடவுள் கேரியை பயன்படுத்திய விதம்

கேரி ஏழு ஆண்டுகள்  கடுமையாக உழைத்தார். அந்த ஊழியத்தின் முதல் கனியான கிறிஸ்னு பால் என்னும் ஒரு தச்சனுக்கு கேரி ஞானஸ்நானம் கொடுத் தார். ஒரு கிறிஸ்தவனாக மாறுவதற்கு அநேக பாடு களைக் கடந்து வந்த  போதிலும் கிறிஸ்னு  பால் உண்மையான ஒரு கிறிஸ்தவனாக நிலைத்திருந்தான். அவன்  வாழ்க்கையின் மூலமாக  இன்னும் பலரை கிறிஸ்துவுக்குள் வழி நடத்தினான்.

1798-ம் ஆண்டு இங்கிலாந்தில் இருந்து நான்கு பேர் வந்து கேரியோடு கூட ஊழியத்தில் பங்கு  பெற்றார்கள். செராம்பூர் என்ற இடத்தில் அவர்கள் ஒரு பெரிய அருட்பணி மையத்தை ஏற்படுத்தினர். அங்கிருந்து pஇந்தியாவினுடைய பல பாகங்களுக்குச் சென்று கிறிஸ்துவைப் பிரசங்கித்தார்கள். ஆண், பெண்களுக்காகத் தனித்தனிப் பள்ளிகளை ஏற்படுத்தினர். சிறிய புத்தகங்களையும் வேத புத்தகங்களையும் அச்சிட ஒரு பெரிய அச்சுக்கூடமும் வைத்திருந்தனர்.

1800-ம் ஆண்டு செராம்பூர் கல்லூரியினைக் கேரி நிறுவினார். மேலும் ஓர் அனாதை இல்லத்தையும் ஒரு தொழுநோய் மருத்துவமனையையும் ஏற்படுத்தினார். கேரி இந்தியாவில் ஊழியம் செய்த 22 ஆண்டு காலத்தில் 765 பேர் கிறிஸ்துவுக்காக ஆதாயப்படுத் தப்பட்டனர். கேரி மரிப்பதற்கு முன்னால் இந்தியாவில் 26 சபைகள் எழும்பின.

கல்கத்தாவில் உள்ள அரசாங்கக் கல்லூhயில் கேரி வங்கமொழி பேராசிரியராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டிருந்தார். பின்னர் சமஸ்கிருதத்தையும் மராட்டியையும் கூட அவர் அதே கல்லூhயில் போதித்தார். 30 ஆண்டுகள் பேராசிரியராகப் பணிபுரிந்தார். அவருடைய வருவா யில் பெரும் பகுதியை கடவுளுடைய ஊழியத்திற் கென்றே பயன்படுத்தினார். ஒரு சிறு பகுதியை மட்டும் தன் செலவுக்காக வைத்துக் கொண்டார்.

புதிய ஏற்பாடு முழுவதும் வங்காள மொழியில் 1800-ம் ஆண்டு மொழி பெயர்க்கப்பட்டது. தனது மரணத் திற்கு முன்பாக இவர் புதிய ஏற்பாட்டை நாற்பதுக்கு மேலான மொழிகளிலும், இருபதுக்கு மேலான மொழி களில் முழு வேதாகமத்தையும் மொழி பெயர்த்திருந்தார். இதன்படி உலகில் மூன்றில் ஒரு பகுதி மக்களுக்கு வேதாகமத்தை மொழி பெயர்த்துக் கொடுத்தார்.

இவரது வேண்டுக்கோளுக்கிணங்க அரசாங்கம் இறந்த கணவனோடு அவனது மனைவியையும் உயிரோடு எரிக்கும் “உடன்கட்டை ஏறுதல்” என்னும் பழக்கத்தை எதிர்த்து, ஒரு சட்டத்தை இயற்றி அதற்குத் தடை விதித்தது. அது மட்டுமல்ல, உயிர்ப்பலியாக பச்சிளங்குழந்தைகளைக் கங்கை நதியிலே தூக்கி எறியும் பழக்கமும் தடை செய்யப்பட்டதற்கு இவரே காரணமாய் இருந்தார்.
இப்படியாக மாபெரும் சாதனைகளைப் புரிந்த கேரி தன்னை ஒரு பயனற்ற ஊழியன் என்றும், சிறிதளவே பயன்பட்டவன் என்றும் கூறினார். “நான் மறைந்த பின்பு கலாநிதி கேரியைப் பற்றி நீங்கள் எதுவும் பேசாமல் கேரியின் இரட்சகரைப் பற்றியே பேச வேண்டும்” என்று தன்னுடைய இறுதி நாட்களில் தன்னைச் சந்திக்க வந்த நண்பர் ஒருவரிடத்தில் கூறினார்.

வங்க மொழியில் புதிய ஏற்பாட்டில் 8-ம் பதிப்பினை அவர் முடித்த பின்பு தனது 72-ம் வயதில் “என்னுடைய வேலை முடிந்தது. ஆண்டவருடைய சித்தத்திற்குக் காத்திருப்பதை விட இதற்கு மேல் இனி நான் செய்வதற்கு ஒன்றும் இல்லை” என்றார். இரு ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகு 1834-ம் ஆண்டு ஜீன் மாதம் அவர் மரித்தார். அவருடைய உடல் தாம் நேசித்த இந்தியாவிலேயே இளைப்பாறுதலுக்காக அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டது. தன்னுடைய தாய் நாட்டிற்கு ஒரு முறை கூட திரும்பிச் செல்லாத படி 41 ஆண்டுகள் அவர் கடுமையாக இந்தியாவிலேயே உழைத்தார். அவருடைய திருப்பணியின் கனிகளானது இன்றும் நம்முடைய கண்களால் காணக் கூடிய நிலையில் உள்ளன. இவ்விதமாக திறம்பட அரியதோர் சேவையினைச் செய்த இவரை “இந்திய அருட்பணியின் தந்தை” என்று அழைப்பது மிகவும் பொருத்தமாகும்.

சாது சுந்தர் சிங்

பஞ்சாப் மாநிலத்தில் பாட்டியாலாவில் சுந்தர் சிங் 1889 ல் பிறந்தார். அன்னாரின் குடும்பம் ஒரு இந்து குடும்பத்தை சார்ந்திருந்ததால் இந்து மத பக்தனாகவே வளர்க்கப்பட்டார். அவர் தன்னுடைய 7ம் வயதில் பகவத் கீதையை மனப்பாடம் செய்தார். அதேபோல தன்னுடைய 16 ம் வயதில் இந்து வேதத்திலும், திருக்குரானிலும் நன்றாக கற்றுத் தேர்ந்தார்.  தன்னுடைய பள்ளிப்படிப்பை கிறிஸ்தவ சுவிஷேசக குழுவினால் நடத்தப் பட்ட பள்ளியில் படித்தார். ஏனோ! அவருக்கு கிறிஸ்துவத்தின் மேல் அவ்வளவு ஈடுபாடு இல்லாமல், அதற்கு எதிராகவே இருந்தார்.

தனது 14ம் வயதில் அவரது தாயார் திடீர் என இந்த உலகை எய்தினார். இந்த இழப்பை தன்னால் ஈடுகட்டமுடியாமல் மிகவும் சமாதானமின்றி தவித்து இந்த உலகத்தில் எது தான் உண்மை அல்லது சத்தியம் என்று தெரியாமல் குழம்பி தன்னை மாய்த்துக் கொள்ளவும் நினைக்கலானார்.

கிறிஸ்தவ உபதேசங்களோ அல்லது இயேசவையோ அவர் தன்னுடைய இருதயத்தில் அங்கீகரிக்க முடியாமல் அது தவறு என்ற ஒரு கொள்கையை தன் மனதில் வைத்திருந்தார். ஆகவே பரிசுத்த வேதாகமத்தை கிழித்தும் இயேசுவை பிரசங்கிப்பவரை கல்லால் எறிந்தும் தன் கோபங்களை நிவர்த்தி செய்துக் கொண்டார்.

ஒரு நாள் அந்த இரவில் அவருடைய எல்லாவற்றையும் மாற்றியது.
மெய்யான சமாதானத்தை காணமுடியாமல் தவித்த அவர் 1903 ம் ஆண்டு டிசம்பர் மாதம் கடுங்குளிரில் லூதியானா அதி விரைவு புகைவண்டி அவருடைய வீட்டை கடந்து செல்லும் பொழுது ரயில் தண்டவாளத்தில் படுத்து புகைவண்டியில் தன்னை மாய்த்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று எண்ணினார். ஆகவே அவருக்கு தூக்கம் வராமல் அங்கும் இங்கும் நடந்துக் கொண்டிருந்தவர், தன்னையும் அறியாமல் அந்தநாள் இராத்திரி ஓ! கடவுளே, கடவுள் ஒருவர் இருப்பாரானால் எனக்கு உம்மை வெளிக்காட்டும் என்று கண்ணீரோடு மன்றாடினார். அவர் தன்னை தானே மாய்த்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டிய அந்த கடைசி மணித் துளிகளில் அதாவது அந்த புகை வண்டி வரவேண்டிய சமயத்தில் அவர் அறை முழுவதும் ஒரு வெளிச்சம்.  ம்ம்…. கதவை திறந்து பார்த்தார். சூரியன் இன்னும் உதிக்கவில்லை. அங்கே இருள் மாத்திரமே பார்க்க நேரிட்டது. கதவை மூடினார். மீண்டும் வெளிச்சம் பிரகாசித்தது. அதை பார்த்துக்கொண்டிருந்த அன்னாரின் ஞானத்திற்கு எட்டாத ஒருவர் அவருக்கு முன்பாக தோன்றினார்.

ஒரு தேவ சத்தம். எத்தனை நாட்கள் என்னை மறுதலிப்பாய்.?
உனக்காக நான் மரித்தேனே…! என் ஜீவனை உனக்காக தந்தேனே..!
சுந்தர் சிங் அவரை பார்க்கும் போது அவருடைய கரங்களில் ஆணி கடாவப்பட்டிருந்தது.

ஆனால் அவருடைய மன்றாட்டும் அவருடைய எதிர்பார்ப்பும்; அவர் வணங்குpற குல தெய்வங்களில் ஒருவர் தவிர இயேசு இல்லை. ஆனால் இவர் இயேசு தான் வேறுயாரும் இல்லை என்பதை கண்டு கொண்டார். அவர் இன்னும் உயிரோடு தான் இருக்கிறார் என்று கண்டு காலம் தாழ்த்தாமல் அவரின் பாதத்தில் விழுந்த அந்த ஷணமே, தன் உள்ளத்தில் இதுவரை உணராத ஒருவித எல்லையில்லா சந்தோஷம் சமாதானத்தை அனுபவித்தார். ஆம் அந்த தரிசனம் விலகியது. ஆனாலும் விலகாத அந்த சந்தோஷம் சமாதானத்தை தொடர்ந்து அனுபவித்தார். அவருடைய வாழ்க்கை மாறியது.
1905 ம் ஆண்டு, அவருடைய பிறந்த நாளில் சிம்லாவிலுள்ள ஆங்கில சபையில் ஞானஸ்நானம் பெற்று தன்னுடைய வாழ்க்கையை நம்முடைய ஆண்டவராகிய. இயேசுகிறிஸ்துவுக்கு தன்னை கிறிஸ்தவ சாதுவாக அர்ப்பணித்தார். அன்று முதல் அவர் சாது சுந்தர் சிங் என்று அழைக்கப்பட்டார். அனேக நாடுகளுக்கும் தேசங்களுக்கும் சுவிஷேசத்தினிமித்தம் தேவன் கொண்டு போனார்.

இவர் எழுதின புத்தகங்கள்.
He At the masters feet (1922)
Reality and religion (1923)
Search after Reality (1924)
Spiritual Life (1925)
Spiritual World (1926)
Real Life (1927)
With and Without Christ (1928)

கடைசியாக 1929 ல் வியாபாரக்காரர்களோட திபெத்துக்கு பல மைல்கள் ஏற்றமும் இறக்கமும் கூடிய பனி மலைகளுக்குள்ளாக நடந்து போனார். என்ன நடந்தது என்று தெரியாது. அனேகர் அவரை தேடிப் போனார்கள். ஆனால் கண்டு பிடிக்க முடியவில்லை. அப்படியே தேவன் அவரை எடுத்துக்கொண்டார். அவரை ““Apostle with bleeding feet” என்று அழைப்பார்கள்.
The Life of  Sundar Singh
1889    Born at Rampur, Punjab
1903    Conversion
1904     Cast out from home
1905     Baptized in Simla; begins life as a     sadhu
1907    Works in leprosy hospital at Sabathu
1908    First visit to Tibet
1909    Enters Divinity College, Lahore, to train for the ministry
1911    Hands back his preacher's license; returns to the sadhu's life
1912     Tours through North India and the Buddhist states of the Himalayas
1918 to 1922    Travels worldwide
1923    Turned back from Tibet
1925 to 1927    Quietly spends time writing
1927    Sets out for Tibet but returns due     to illness
1929    Attempts to reach Tibet and disappears

கர்த்தருக்கே மகிமை. ஆமென்.

JUDAS ISCARIOT

JUDAS ISCARIOT

To this day Judas being called with the other disciples is somewhat mysterious. Judas Iscariot is noted in history as the one who betrayed Him (Jesus). Yet Judas was first numbered among the Twelve apostles (Lk.6:13, 22:3; Acts 1:16-17 numbered with us), “chosen” by Christ Himself, the “Apostle Judas” became a traitor? How could they not know a betrayer was in their midst. How could Judas go out and minister with them and see the same results and yet turn Jesus over in the hands of those who hated him?

Some things we need to notice about Judas, he called Jesus teacher, he never called Jesus Lord or master as the other apostles did. This may be a hint how he saw Jesus. Jesus wanted to be known as Lord, not just teacher (Mk.12:37; Lk.20:42; Jn.9:36-38). While the other disciples wondered what kind of man Jesus was, a man that could calm the sea by a word, Judas accepted him only as Rabbi.

One cannot be an official apostle without seeing Jesus’ resurrection, which Judas did not see because he hung himself beforehand. The 12 were called apostles (chosen sent ones) prior but did not become the apostles of the Church until the resurrection; for the church was not officially born until the Holy Spirit was sent on Pentecost. It was then the apostles were put in their office of teaching, planting churches and doing miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Was Judas saved because he was a disciple and lost salvation? It is assumed he was saved because he traveled with the other disciples but it may be more prudent to take the position he was not. Judas was handpicked like the other disciples but his position was temporary (Jesus knew what was going on all along). He was given the job of treasury but he was secretly a thief. Jesus put Judas in charge of the very thing that would give either wing to his hearts corruption or for his repentance, money. Judas often heard Jesus speak on money but it did not change him. The possibility to reform him was always there but it did not occur because of his own heart not inclined to obey the words spoken by our Lord.

It was Judas who showed what was in his heart when he complained about the oil was poured over Jesus preparing him for his burial. John 12:2-8 “There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denari and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

Notice that in retrospect what they say of Judas. He was a thief in charge of the money given to the apostles.

He looked at the oil as if to bring in a lot of money (John 12:5-8). Judas estimated the value of the oil at nearly sixty dollars (worth hundreds of dollars today). His apparent concern for the poor was to conceal his own covetousness. He had just missed a chance of stealing on a larger scale than usual. Evidently, no one kept track of what was going inside the box and going out except Judas and Jesus.

Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denari, and given to the poor people?” Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it. Matt: 26: 8, But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste?” For this perfume might have been sold for a higher price and the money given to the poor.”

Mark 14: 4 records, “ But some were indignantly remarked to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted?” Judas, who pretends to care for the poor, influenced the disciples to join with him in his rebellious spirit.

Jesus shielded Mary by cutting short the criticism. Let her alone. Jesus saw in Mary’s act a biblical significance- she kept this for the day of my burying. Mary had reserved this precious oil for Christ. She anticipated his death. Mary believed in Jesus’ words he spoke about this coming; in contrast to many who believed but did not understand, her faith included the work of the Saviour-his death.

It appears from the Synoptics that Judas was deeply offended by this rebuke, which could have prompted him to later strike a bargain with the chief priests to betray Jesus. He was not going to forfeit any money. Another point is hearing Jesus speak about his death; Judas could have looked at his position as temporary and wanted to take advantage of it. The love of money can twist ones good intentions to evil very easily.

There are two people in the Bible who are called the “Son of Perdition,” Judas and the Antichrist!! They both are very much into money. The Bible says the Pharisees loved money and so did Judas, so they had a common affection. This is why they were able to bribe Judas to betray our Lord.

One of the ways the antichrist will deceive and gather people on his side are he will pretend to care about the poor. He will misrepresent himself, as a great humanitarian and offer prosperity. Judas who is called a son of perdition is a type of the one who is to come, and we can learn much from his attitude. Considering that he was among those who did ministry from their heart wanting to serve Jesus with the right motives and he was among them did not.

One of the reasons Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus is because one of the chief priests “promised to give him money” (Mark 14:10-11). Those who were threatened by Jesus wanted him out of the way. We have to be on guard for those close to us that are doing something wrong that can affect us. The Devil's messenger is often an angel of light who looks like a minister of righteousness. People will do almost anything for money when it is their priority in life. It is obvious from the remarks afterwards that Judas was never honest about his commitment just as Anannias and Saphirra, he was lying.

What are we to think of Judas being one of the disciples, even one of the 12 who were appointed to be an apostle. Mark 3:14-15 adds to preaching, “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons”

Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. “We don’t know whom Judas was teamed up with but they all had the same message and power. “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:12-13). Matt. 10:1 adds “ …and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”

Luke 9:10 “And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done.”

Another time Jesus had the seventy he sent out who came back with stories of healing and deliverance “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Jesus was more concerned about them then what they could do with his authority. Judas never understood this as he had his mind fixed on other things.

How did Judas become one of the 12 see the power and all these miracles and then apostatize? When someone's heart is not right and you give them power it only amplifies what is wrong, not what is right (another example is Peter with Simon the sorcerer). We are also told that Judas did not let the word cleanse him (John 13:10;15:3). He did not abide in Jesus’ teachings, instead he was enticed by the authority to do miracles given to those who followed and his love for the money prevented him from being a servant. Amazingly, Judas was among them having the same results without their suspecting he was a devil who would eventually betray their Lord. Judas a perfect example of those claiming to do miracles in Christ’s name and where Jesus turns to them saying he never knew them (Mt.7:21). Meaning he did not have a relationship (a two way correspondence of love) with the Lord. Demons were subject to him like the rest of the apostles but again as in Mt.7:21 it does not mean that if one uses his name and sees the miraculous they are saved. What proves one is saved is repentance, a continual confession of their sin and reliance on the Lords strength and the fruit of the Holy Spirit present in their life.

Peter learned well from Judas’ betrayal how money can corrupt ones heart. When Simon saw what signs the apostles could do he offered money for this power. Peters response was “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. “For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity” (Acts 8:20-23).

At one point in Jesus’ ministry He speaks some strong statements that few understood and many began to leave him. As recorded in John 6 he asks the question to his close disciples (the 12) about their leaving him like the others disciples. But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. “Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil? “He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve (John 6:68-71.) Now we understand how Judas was included with the twelve. Jesus knew all along who he was - yet he chose him. And by doing so it was fulfilling the Scripture that cannot be broken.

Jesus said to the multitude “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him” (John 6:64). Judas never believed even from the beginning. Jesus had known from the beginning who they were who did not believe and who would betray him.” It was more than one that had not believed. V.66 tells us many disciples left then. But from the beginning it is referring to Judas as the one who would betray him! For Jesus knew from the beginning who THEY WERE who did not believe and who WOULD be the one to betray him.

Jn.17:12 tells us no one will be lost, but the son of perdition, who is Judas. He fulfilled the position by the purposes of his own heart. Acts 1:24-25 states that he fell from the position of Apostleship, not from salvation, for it appears for all intensive purposes he never possessed it. So they picked another for his position by lots, Mattias who was with them from John and saw the resurrection.

The Scripture had to be fulfilled. Matt 20:17-18 “Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death; just before the time of the last Passover. Matt 26:14-16 “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”

Marks account says “And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him” (Mark 14:11)

John 13:1-2 “Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.”

Did God love Judas Iscariot, whom Scripture calls the son of perdition? At the last supper Jesus even washed Judas’ feet, showing love to his enemy. But showing love to your enemy does not guarantee they will repent. John 13:11-16 “For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean. So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.” If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

How well do we love our enemies, do we try to wash their feet and serve them giving them room to repent. That is the love Jesus displayed for us.

Even in the betrayal he was loved but this will not negate his responsibility in betraying Jesus and he will be punished for his disobedience that led to high treason. God loves the whole world and at times shows it personally to people yet he has allowed men to reject him and trample underfoot his love and fully knows who they are before they do this to him.

At the last supper Judas sat at the table on one side of Jesus, John on the other. Jesus quotes from Ps. 41 and attributes it to Judas in Jn. 13:18. The full verse from Ps. 41 is: “Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me,” v.9. Please note that Judas was once Jesus’ “close friend whom I [Jesus] trusted!” (Also, Ps. 41:9 states of the betrayer as Jesus’ “close friend”). Since Jesus “knew what was in a man” (Jn. 2:25), in his heart, how then could Jesus have trusted Judas early on if Judas was not to be saved? Jn.13:16-21 Jesus says he was not clean. In other words he heard the word day in and day out but did not take it internally (to heart), he really did not believe it or act upon it. He did not have living faith.

When Jesus said one of them would betray him they all wondered if he was speaking of them. They all said “Lord is it I,” but Judas said teacher. Judas knew it!

Luke 22:3 “Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.” It is obvious that Judas had already been influenced by Satan which gave him leeway to enter him. He knew Jesus’ ministry was coming to a close. Judas loved the things of the world (money) and so even though he was among the learners and with Jesus personally he was the target that could be easily influenced for the greatest betrayal in history.

Matt. 26:23-24 He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it” (Matt. 26:25). Judas wanted to see if Jesus knew what he was doing. It didn’t matter if Jesus knew; Satan had a mission. Satan had the audacity to enter Judas at the last supper (the Passover), right in front of Jesus, and later brought Judas to identify him face to face fervently kissing him to be arrested and later to be crucified.

At the last supper we find Judas partook of the bread (a symbol of Jesus’ body- flesh), Judas dipped with the bread with Jesus but he left before he could partake of the wine (a symbol of Christ’s blood shed on the cross) Jn.13:26-30.

He identified with the humanity of Jesus but not His ultimate mission. He left to do his betrayal before the wine was passed to partake as the new covenant. So he partook of Jesus as far as what the bread stood for, but never partook of communion, a symbol of the blood that could cleanse him.

John 13:27-30 “Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.” Interesting, Right after this Jesus gives the disciples a new commandment, to love one another as he loved them.

Judas left and was not present when he gave the disciples the promise in John 14 of his going away and coming again to take his believers to the place he is preparing in heaven.

John 18:1-3 “After Jesus partook the Passover, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where he usually went. And Judas, knew the place; Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.”

Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which was the price of a dead slave. If your ox killed the neighbor’s slave he was valued at 30 pieces of silver and the owner would have to pay that amount to the owner of the slave. While the disciples slept as Jesus was praying about his soon coming sacrifice Judas is awake betraying him. The devil never sleeps Judas used the most intimate way to show his betrayal, with a kiss. Because of Judas’ betrayal Peter took up the sword to protect Jesus in his arrest, and the disciples scattered. Selling out Jesus does not just affect oneself but others. Though Peter was brave with a weapon in his hand he later acted like a coward by denying to know Jesus three times outside where his trial took place.

Mt.27:3-5 Later we find Judas is sorry for his betrayal but it was not a godly sorrow that would lead to repentance for salvation. “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Judas had known about the religious trial; seeing Jesus was condemned to death he is overwhelmed with remorse he even gives back the money that wanted so dearly. But this sorrow is not true repentance, so there is no hope for conversion.

The Priests got their way and didn’t care about Judas either, only themselves. This shows there is no honor among thieves. He betrayed Jesus, they betray him, a vicious cycle.

Under Jewish law ill-gained money cannot be put in the temple treasury. Matt 27:6-10 “But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, “and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”

Mt. 27:3-10 tells us Judas hung himself. But Acts 1:18-19 states he fell down a cliff and his guts were spilled put. Is there a contradiction in the Bible between these two stories? When he return the money stricken by his conscience of the immensity of what he has done he is overwhelmed with guilt. So he hung himself when it wasn’t accepted.

The first night of Passover was Thursday night (the Jewish day ends at sundown when 3 stars are visible) The first day of Passover was Friday morning, the day before the Sabbath (evening). The Jewish law stated there is to be no dead body within the walls of Jerusalem or it would be defiled, unclean and the Passover sacrifice could not be offered. So they took Judas’ already hung body and threw it over the wall into the valley of Hinnom and his guts split open, so there is no contradiction in the Bible on this.

As Satan fell from his position so did Judas, he was numbered among the twelve. “for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry” (Acts 1:17). When the original group of twelve became eleven, the apostles sought another to take Judas’ office.

V.20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’ Acts 1:21-22: “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time the Lord Jesus went in and among us beginning from the baptism of John to that day he was taken up from us One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” They picked the new apostle from only two men among them. And they prayed over and cast lots of who was “to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” (Acts 1:25)

Matthew 26:13 “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

On the other end, the betrayal will always have Judas’ name attached to it. And for this reason he is listed with the 12 in Scripture and always listed last.

Lord Jesus Christ and St. Paul

Lord Jesus Christ and St. Paul

compiled by Anthony Wales

Introduction

Muslims believe that Jesus was an Islamic prophet and have developed a number of arguments in an attempt to support this belief. One broad argument is that the apostle Paul is the real founder of Christianity. Under this broad argument falls the claim that the Bible shows the teaching of St Paul to be quite different to the teaching of Jesus. This article intends to respond to this claim by listing 100 similarities between the Lord Jesus Christ and St Paul.

The similarities listed are taken from the Biblical accounts of Jesus and Paul. The Gospels are the main source for Jesus' life, words and actions. There are also some words and action of Jesus in the Acts of the Apostles and the book of Revelation. The life, words and actions of Paul are found in the Acts of the Apostles and his letters (Romans through to Philemon). The similarities presented include similarities in words, actions, life, and person.

All quotations are from an English translation of the Bible known as the New Revised Standard Version.

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1. Jesus is the Messiah or Christ

JESUS: He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God". And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven". (Matthew 16:15-17)

PAUL: Paul was occupied with proclaiming the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus. (Acts 18:5)

2. Jesus is the Son of God

JESUS: All of them asked, "Are you, then, the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say that I am". Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!" (Luke 22:70-71)

PAUL: Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God". (Acts 9:20)

3. Jesus is Lord

JESUS: You call me Teacher and Lord - and you are right, for that is what I am. (John 13:13)

PAUL: There is... one Lord, Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 8:6)

4. Jesus is God

JESUS: Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe". (John 20:28-29)

PAUL: From them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. (Romans 9:5)

5. Jesus is Human

JESUS: Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God". (John 8:39-40)

PAUL: There is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human. (1 Timothy 2:5)

6. Jesus was born of a woman

JESUS: The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:30-32)

PAUL: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman. (Galatians 4:4)

7. God sent Jesus

JESUS: I cam from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. (John 8:42)

PAUL: For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son. (Romans 8:3)

8. Jesus is the way to the Father

JESUS: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

PAUL: Through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)

9. Jesus is Light

JESUS: Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world". (John 8:12)

PAUL: What fellowship is there between light and darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)

10. Jesus is life

JESUS: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

PAUL: When Christ who is your life is revealed. (Colossians 3:4)

11. Jesus is the beginning

JESUS: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13)

PAUL: He is the beginning. (Colossians 1:18)

12. Jesus is first

JESUS: I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive for ever and ever. (Revelation 1:17-18)

PAUL: He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18)

13. Jesus is a descendent of David

JESUS: The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. (Luke 1:30-32)

PAUL: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David. (2 Timothy 2:8)

14. Jesus is the Bridegroom

JESUS: Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus said to them, "The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast". (Mark 2:18-19)

PAUL: I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2)

15. Jesus is King

JESUS: Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here". Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king". (John 18:36-37)

PAUL: No fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ. (Ephesians 5:5)

16. Jesus descended from heaven

JESUS: No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. (John 3:13)

PAUL: When it says, "He ascended", what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? (Ephesians 4:9)

17. Jesus is Saviour

JESUS: God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17)

PAUL: The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15)

18. Jesus is the truth

JESUS: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

PAUL: Surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:21)

19. Jesus was poor

JESUS: Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head". (Matthew 8:20)

PAUL: You know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

20. The glory of God shines in the face of Jesus

JESUS: Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. (Matthew 17:1-2)

PAUL: It is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

21. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper

JESUS: While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body". Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many". (Mark 14:22-24)

PAUL: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me". (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)

22. Jesus was betrayed

JESUS: Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me; one who is eating with me... The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed!" (Mark 14:18, 21)

PAUL: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed. (1 Corinthians 11:23)

23. Jesus testified before Pontius Pilate

JESUS: Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here". Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice". (John 18:33-37)

PAUL: In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession. (1 Timothy 6:13)

24. Jesus suffered

JESUS: Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering. (Matthew 16:21)

PAUL: Just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us. (2 Corinthians 1:5)

25. Jesus died

JESUS: Then Jesus cried out and breathed his last. (Mark 15:37)

PAUL: We believe that Jesus died. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

26. Jesus was buried

JESUS: Joseph brought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. (Mark 15:46)

PAUL: We have been buried with him by baptism. (Romans 6:4)

27. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day

JESUS: Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up"... He was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this. (John 2:19, 22)

PAUL: Christ did for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

28. Jesus ascended

JESUS: While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:51)

PAUL: He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens. (Ephesians 4:10)

29. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father

JESUS: The high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus said, "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power'". (Mark 14:61-62)

PAUL: God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand. (Ephesians 1:20)

30. Jesus will come again

JESUS: Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see "the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven" with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)

PAUL: The Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

31. Jesus died for the sheep

JESUS: I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:15)

PAUL: Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. (Acts 20:28)

32. Jesus died for love of us

JESUS: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:12-13)

PAUL: The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

33. Jesus' death demonstrates God's love

JESUS: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:16)

PAUL: God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

34. Jesus gave himself as a ransom

JESUS: The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)

PAUL: There is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

35. Those who crucified Jesus were ignorant and acted in ignorance

JESUS: Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing". (Luke 23:34)

PAUL: We speak God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7-8)

36. Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection in accordance with the Scriptures

JESUS: Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you - that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled". Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day". (Luke 24:44-46)

PAUL: Christ did for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

37. Jesus appeared to Simon Peter (also known as Cephas) and the other apostles after his resurrection

JESUS: That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you". (Luke 24:33-36)

PAUL: He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:4-5)

38. The day of the Lord will be like a thief in the night

JESUS: Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. (Matthew 24:42-44)

PAUL: You yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night... But you, beloved, are not in the darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4)

39. Believers must remain awake and not let drunkenness distract them from the coming of Jesus

JESUS: Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming... Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour... But if that wicked slave says to himself, "My master is delayed", and he begins to beat his fellow-slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. (Matthew 24:42, 44, 48-50)

PAUL: But you, beloved, are not in the darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief... Let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:4, 6)

40. Labour pains mentioned when talking about the day of the Lord

JESUS: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs. (Matthew 24:7-8)

PAUL: You yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, "There is peace and security", then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3)

41. Jesus will come with the angels

JESUS: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him. (Matthew 25:31)

PAUL: When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

42. A trumpet will sound when the Lord comes again

JESUS: They will see "the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven" with power and great glory. And he will sent out his angels with a loud trumpet call. (Matthew 24:30-31)

PAUL: The Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

43. Deny Jesus and he will deny us

JESUS: Whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:33)

PAUL: If we deny him, he will also deny us. (2 Timothy 2:12)

44. Eternal life comes through believing in Jesus

JESUS: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die". (John 11:25-26)

PAUL: I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

45. Jesus lives in believers

JESUS: I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. (John 17:26)

PAUL: It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

46. The angels belong to Jesus

JESUS: The Son of Man will send his angels. (Matthew 13:41)

PAUL: When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

47. Jesus is judge

JESUS: The Father judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son. (John 5:22)

PAUL: He has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)

48. Jesus gathers all people together

JESUS: "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd"... "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. (John 10:36, 12:32-33)

PAUL: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross. (Ephesians 2:13-16)

49. Jesus will always be with believers in the world

JESUS: Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)

PAUL: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35)

50. Heaven consists in being with Jesus always

JESUS: In my Father's house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2-3)

PAUL: The Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

51. Jesus is the cornerstone

JESUS: "Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance.' So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to them, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'?" (Matthew 21:37-42)

PAUL: You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20)

52. Believers must share in the cross of Jesus

JESUS: If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

PAUL: May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

53. Give up life for Jesus and we will gain life

JESUS: Those who lose their life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25)

PAUL: If we have died with him, we will also live with him. (2 Timothy 2:11)

54. There is only one God

JESUS: Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Mark 12:29)

PAUL: God is one. (Romans 3:30)

55. God is all-powerful

JESUS: For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)

PAUL: So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know... what is the immeasurable greatness of his power. (Ephesians 1:18, 19)

56. God is Father

JESUS: It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, "He is our God". (John 8:54)

PAUL: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

57. The Holy Spirit

JESUS: When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit". (John 20:22)

PAUL: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

58. The Holy Spirit was promised

JESUS: While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This", he said, "is what you have heard from me; for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now". (Acts 1:4-5)

PAUL: In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13)

59. The Father sends the Holy Spirit

JESUS: The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name. (John 14:26)

PAUL: God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6)

60. The Holy Spirit lives in believers

JESUS: The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. (John 14:17)

PAUL: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)

61. The Holy Spirit helps us understand the message of God

JESUS: I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:12-13)

PAUL: These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit... We have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:10, 12)

62. The Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus

JESUS: When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf... He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 15:26, 16:14)

PAUL: I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says, "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

63. The Holy Spirit advocates for us

JESUS: I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17)

PAUL: The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

64. The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets

JESUS: David himself, by the Holy Spirit, declared. (Mark 12:36)

PAUL: The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah. (Acts 28:25)

65. Forgive others as God has forgiven us

JESUS: His lord summoned him and said to him, "You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?" And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from you heart. (Matthew 18:32-35)

PAUL: If anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:13)

66. Importance of loving God

JESUS: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest and first commandment. (Matthew 22:37-38)

PAUL: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. (Romans 8:28)

67. God has chosen the people of no importance according to mere human standards

JESUS: At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants". (Matthew 11:25)

PAUL: God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

68. "Love your neighbour as yourself" summarises the law

JESUS: A second is like it: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:39-40)

PAUL: The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet"; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, "Love your neighbour as yourself". (Romans 13:9)

69. Wipe dust off feet when leaving people who refuse the message

JESUS: Whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, "Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you". (Luke 10:10-11)

PAUL: The Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them. (Acts 13:50-51)

70. The labourer deserves to be paid

JESUS: The labourer deserves to be paid. (Luke 10:7)

PAUL: The labourer deserves to be paid. (1 Timothy 5:18)

71. Eat what is set before you

JESUS: Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you. (Luke 10:8)

PAUL: If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. (1 Corinthians 10:27)

72. Leaders are shepherds and believers are the flock

JESUS: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you". Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep... Feed my sheep". (John 21:15, 16, 17)

PAUL: Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. (Acts 20:28)

73. Believers will handle snakes without harm

JESUS: They will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. (Mark 16:18)

PAUL: Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood and was putting it on the fire, when a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "This man must be a murderer; though he has escaped from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live". He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm". (Acts 28:3-5)

74. Lay hands on the sick and they will recover

JESUS: They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. (Mark 16:18)

PAUL: It so happened that the father of Publius lay sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and cured him by praying and putting his hands on him. (Acts 28:8)

75. Cast out demons

JESUS: These signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons. (Mark 16:17)

PAUL: God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims". Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit said to them in reply, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" (Acts 19:11-15)

76. Not Yes and No, but Yes or No

JESUS: Let you word be "Yes, Yes" or "No, No". (Matthew 5:37)

PAUL: Do I make my plans according to ordinary human standards, ready to say "Yes, yes" and "No, no" at the same time? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been "Yes and No". For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not "Yes and No"; but in him it is always "Yes". For in him every one of God's promises is a "Yes". (2 Corinthians 1:17-20)

77. Divorce and remarriage is adultery

JESUS: Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. (Mark 10:11-12)

PAUL: A married woman is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is discharged from the law concerning her husband. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress is she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man, she is not an adulteress. (Romans 7:2-3)

78. Celibacy/virginity for the Lord

JESUS: His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry". But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can". (Matthew 19:10-12)

PAUL: The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about the affairs of the world, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin are anxious about the affairs of the Lord, so that they may be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about the affairs of the world, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)

79. Death and rebirth of what is sown

JESUS: Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)

PAUL: What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. (1 Corinthians 15:36)

80. Serious problems are associated with riches

JESUS: Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me". When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:21-24)

PAUL: Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

81. Baptism

JESUS: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

PAUL: The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household". They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptised without delay. (Acts 16:29-33)

82. The devil

JESUS: You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)

PAUL: Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

83. Glorification of believers

JESUS: The glory that you have given me I have given them. (John 17:22)

PAUL: If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ - if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:17)

84. The importance of preaching the good news

JESUS: Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. (Mark 16:15)

PAUL: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim unless sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:13-15)

85. Speaking in tongues

JESUS: These signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues. (Mark 16:17)

PAUL: To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom... to another various kinds of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-8, 10)

86. Preach to Jews first

JESUS: Repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

PAUL: When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles". (Acts 13:45-46)

87. Raising the dead

JESUS: While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him with his disciples... When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute-players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district. (Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26)

PAUL: On the first day of the week, when we met to break bread, Paul was holding a discussion with them; since he intended to leave the next day, he continued speaking until midnight. There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were meeting. A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, began to sink off into a deep sleep while Paul talked still longer. Overcome by sleep, he fell to the ground three floors below and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with them until dawn; then he left. Meanwhile they had taken the boy away alive and were not a little comforted. (Acts 20:7-12)

88. The results of good and evil living

JESUS: The hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. (John 5:28-29)

PAUL: He will repay according to each one's deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honour and immortality he will give eternal life; while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. (Romans 2:6-8)

89. Do good to those who persecute you

JESUS: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44-45)

PAUL: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (Romans 12:14)

90. Jesus and Paul were both Jews

JESUS: A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink". (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (John 4:7-9)

PAUL: If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews. (Philippians 3:4-5)

91. Jesus and Paul were both circumcised on the eighth day

JESUS: After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus. (Luke 2:21)

PAUL: If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day. (Philippians 3:4-5)

92. Jesus and Paul both prayed three times about suffering

JESUS: Going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want"... He went away for the second time and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done"... He went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44)

PAUL: To keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness". (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

93. Jesus and Paul were both determined to go to Jerusalem (as part of their mission)

JESUS: When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51-53)

PAUL: Now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:22-24)

94. Jesus and Paul both knew traveling to Jerusalem would lead to suffering and death

JESUS: They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again". (Mark 10:32-34)

PAUL: Now, as a captive to the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God's grace. (Acts 20:22-24)

95. Jesus and Paul were both brought before the Jewish council

JESUS: When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. (Luke 22:66)

PAUL: Since he wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and the entire council to meet. He brought Paul down and had him stand before them. (Acts 22:30)

96. Jesus and Paul were both (wrongly) struck because of their words before the Jewish authorities

JESUS: Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said". When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?" (John 18:19-23)

PAUL: While Paul was looking intently at the council he said, "Brothers, up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God". Then the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth. At this Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law you order me to be struck?" (Acts 23:1-3)

97. Jesus and Paul were both brought before Roman governors

JESUS: When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27:1-2)

PAUL: When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. On reading the letter, he asked what province he belonged to, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." Then he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod's headquarters. Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney, a certain Tertullus, and they reported their case against Paul to the governor. When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him. (Acts 23:33-24:2)

98. Jesus and Paul quoted the same prophecy of Isaiah about unbelieving Jews

JESUS: With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says: "You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn - and I would heal them." (Matthew 13:14-15)

PAUL: Some were convinced by what he had said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, 'Go to this people, and say, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn - and I would heal them'." (Acts 28:25-27)

99. Paul suffered for Jesus

JESUS: I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. (Acts 9:16)

PAUL: Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman - I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. Five times I have received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers and sisters; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, hungry and thirsty, often without food, cold and naked. And, besides other things, I am under daily pressure because of my anxiety for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

100. Paul to proclaim Jesus before Jews, Gentiles, and Kings

JESUS: The Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel." (Acts 9:15)

PAUL: The whole assembly kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles... Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the people for silence; and when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defence that I now make before you... While I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' The he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth'"... Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself: "I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defence today... I stand here, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: that the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 15:12, 21:40-22:1, 6-8, 26:1-2, 22-23)

Observing so many similarities in the teachings of Jesus and Paul should not be surprising since it is Jesus who commissioned Paul as his Apostle:

But the Lord [Jesus] said to Ananias, "Go! This man [Paul] is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. (Acts 9:15)

"Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard." (Acts 22:14-15)