Matthew 3:2 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)2 “You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.” See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 17692 and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)2 Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. See the chapterCommon English Bible2 “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version2 and saying: "Repent. For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near." See the chapter |
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.”
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.
“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]
“For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him].