Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:6 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) But [rather] go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. American Standard Version (1901) but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Common English Bible Go instead to the lost sheep, the people of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version but instead go to the sheep who have fallen away from the house of Israel. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. |
Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
{Some ancient manuscripts include this verse:} For the Son of man came to save those who were lost.}
And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
But Paul and Barnabas [continued to] speak out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the message of God be delivered to you [Jews] first. But since you have rejected it and [thereby] consider yourselves to be unworthy of [receiving] never ending life, we [i.e., Paul and Barnabas] will now begin proclaiming it to the [unconverted] Gentiles.
When the Jews resisted [Paul’s efforts] and spoke against him and his message, he shook out his clothing [i.e., an expression of rejection and contempt] and said to them “Let your blood be on your own heads [i.e., you are responsible for whatever harm comes from your action]; I am not responsible. From now on I will go [and preach] to the Gentiles [only].”
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.
You [Jews] were the first ones to receive this blessing when God raised up [i.e., selected] His Servant [i.e., Jesus] and sent Him to turn all of you [away] from your sins.”
For you people were wandering away like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.