11. The experts in Moses’ Teachings and Pharisees were furious and began to discuss with each other what they could do to Jesus.
12. At that time Jesus went to a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night in prayer to God.
13. When it was day, he called his disciples. He chose twelve of them and called them apostles.
14. They were Simon (whom Jesus named Peter) and Simon’s brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
15. Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the Zealot),
16. Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot (who became a traitor).
17. Jesus came down from the mountain with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples and many other people were there. They had come from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.
18. They wanted to hear him and be cured of their diseases. Those who were tormented by evil spirits were cured.
19. The entire crowd was trying to touch him because power was coming from him and curing all of them.
20. Jesus looked at his disciples and said,“Blessed are those who are poor.The kingdom of God is theirs.
21. Blessed are those who are hungry.They will be satisfied.Blessed are those who are crying.They will laugh.
22. Blessed are you when people hate you, avoid you,insult you, and slander youbecause you are committed to the Son of Man.
23. Rejoice then, and be very happy!You have a great reward in heaven.That’s the way their ancestors treated the prophets.
24. “But how horrible it will be for those who are rich.They have had their comfort.
25. How horrible it will be for those who are well-fed.They will be hungry.How horrible it will be for those who are laughing.They will mourn and cry.
26. How horrible it will be for youwhen everyone says nice things about you.That’s the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.
27. “But I tell everyone who is listening: Love your enemies. Be kind to those who hate you.