Matthew 4:17 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)17 From that time onward Jesus began to preach, saying, “You people [must] repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Ver CapítuloMás versionesKing James Version (Oxford) 176917 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Ver CapítuloAmplified Bible - Classic Edition17 From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Ver CapítuloAmerican Standard Version (1901)17 From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Ver CapítuloCommon English Bible17 From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” Ver CapítuloCatholic Public Domain Version17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say: "Repent. For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near." Ver Capítulo |
but, [instead] declared to the people of Damascus first, [then] to the people of Jerusalem, and [finally to those] throughout all of the district of Judea, as well as to the Gentiles [everywhere] that they should repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and turn to God, doing deeds which demonstrate their repentance.
So, when the apostles and the brothers from Judea heard these things, they stopped arguing [See verse 2] and gave honor to God, saying, “[This means] that God has permitted the Gentiles also [as well as the Jews] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] so they, too, could have [the promise of never ending] life.”
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]