Condensed Book of the New Testament

By Ellen Childs

Have you ever sat down to read the Bible, only to find yourself overwhelmed?

There are sixty-six books in the Bible that make up the Greatest Story ever told. The Old Testament contains thirty-nine books, and the New Testament contains twenty-seven books. You want to read and understand them, but you find them challenging to the point that you give up. You are not alone.

Author Ellen Childs Condensed Book of the New Testament will help you more fully understand those twenty-seven books and the story they tell. Childs condenses almost every major event from the New Testament into a manageable and easily understood format. Jesus miracles, parables, and teachings are grouped together from
all four gospels.

The Condensed Book of the New Testament will make the Bible come alive as never before. You can easily read this entire book in a week, but read it again and again, because you will learn something new every time you read it. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged to read "The Rest of the Book the Bible; the Inspired Word of God!" This guide to the Bible will change your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512701166

Ellen Childs

Ellen Childs has spent more than fifty years as a mentor and teacher in church. During that time, she has worked to make the Bible easier for Christians to understand. She and her husband, James D. Childs, live in Lavonia, Georgia. They have two children and four grandsons. Her entire family is actively involved in the same church with Ellen and her husband.

Book preview

Condensed Book of the New Testament

Ellen Childs

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Copyright © 2016 Ellen Childs.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0115-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0117-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-0116-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016900672

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/21/2016

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Contents

Matthew, Mark, Luke, And John

The Announcement Of John’s Birth

Jesus’ Birth And His Early Childhood

Jesus And John The Baptist

Jesus’ Early Ministry

John The Baptist In Prison And Beheaded

Jesus Performs Many Miracles

Miracles of Nature

Miracles of Healing

Jesus Casting Out Demons

Jesus Raises the Dead

Jesus Teaches By Parables

The Life And Teachings Of Jesus Continue

Jesus’ Last Days, Death, And Resurrection

The Acts Of The Apostles

The Coming And Work Of The Holy Spirit

Paul’s Letter To The Roman Church

Paul’s Letters To The Corinthian Church

Paul’s Letter To The Galatian Church

Paul’s Letter To The Ephesian Church

Paul’s Letter To The Philippian Church

Paul’s Letter To The Colossian Church

Paul’s Letters To The Thessalonian Church

Paul’s Letters To Timothy

Paul’s Letter To Titus

Paul’s Letter To Philemon

Hebrews—Hold Fast To Your Faith

James’ Letter To Christians

Peter’s Letters To Christians

John’s Letters To Christians

Jude’s Letter Of Warning To Christians

Revelation—Christ Will Return

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Matthew, Mark, Luke, And John

The Announcement Of John’s Birth Jesus’ Birth And His Early Childhood

Luke 1-2: Zechariah and Elizabeth: During the time Herod ruled Judea, a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth faithfully followed God’s commands. Zechariah belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. Elizabeth was of the priestly line of Aaron. They were very old and had no children—Elizabeth was barren.

One day Zechariah was serving as priest to burn incense at the temple of God. An angel of God stood on the right side of the incense table and appeared to Zechariah—frightening him. But the angel said to him, Zechariah, don’t be afraid. God has heard your prayer! Elizabeth will give birth to a son whom you will name John. He will bring you joy and gladness. Many people will rejoice because of his birth. John will be a great man of God filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. He will never drink strong drink, and he will lead many people of Israel back to the Lord their God. He will go before God in the spirit and power of Elijah. He will make peace between parents and their children. He will bring those who are disobeying God back to Him and make them ready for the coming of the Lord.

Zechariah said to the angel, My wife and I are very old. How will I know this is true?

The angel answered, My name is Gabriel. God sent me to tell you this good news. Since you didn’t believe my message, you will not be able to speak until this happens.

A large group of people were outside praying during this time. They wondered why Zechariah was in the temple so long. When Zechariah came outside he could only make signs to them, because he was unable to speak. They knew he had seen a vision in the temple.

Zachariah returned to his home after he had completed his priestly duties. Soon after this Elizabeth became pregnant, and she didn’t leave her house for five months. She said, Look what God has done for me! He has taken away my shame.

An Angel Appears to Mary: A virgin named Mary, Elizabeth’s cousin, was engaged to marry a man named Joseph of the family of David. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth of Galilee. During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent His angel Gabriel to Mary. Gabriel said to her, Greetings! You are highly favored by God!

Mary was very troubled! The angel said to her, Mary, don’t be afraid. You are chosen by God to give birth to a Son, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor King David. He will reign over Israel forever. His Kingdom will never end!

Mary said to the angel, But I am a virgin. How will this happen?

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the Baby will be holy and will be called the Son of God.

Everyone thought your cousin Elizabeth couldn’t have a baby, because she is very old. But she has been pregnant with a son for six months. Everything is possible with God!

Mary said, May this come to pass, for I am the servant of the Lord! Then the angel left.

Mary Visits Elizabeth: Mary quickly went to Zechariah’s house in the hills of Judea to visit Elizabeth. When Mary greeted Elizabeth, the unborn baby immediately leaped inside Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice, Blessed are you more than any other woman, and blessed is the Baby you are carrying. The baby inside me immediately leaped with joy when I heard your voice. You are truly blessed, because you believed what the Lord said to you.

Mary’s Song:

"My soul truly magnifies the Lord, and my heart rejoices in God my Savior.

He has shown favor for His humble servant girl.

From this day forward all people will say I am blessed, because of the great things the most powerful One has done for me.

His name is Holy. God will forever show His mercy to those who worship and serve Him.

By His mighty power, He has done great things:

He has scattered the people who are proud and think they are great.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones and lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.

He has shown mercy to our ancestors, the people of Israel, to Abraham, and to His children forever as He promised."

Mary returned home after staying with Elizabeth for about three months.

The Birth of John the Baptist: When Elizabeth gave birth to a son, her neighbors and relatives rejoiced with her. They came to circumcise him when he was eight days old. They thought he should be named Zechariah after his father, but his mother said, No! His name will be John.

The people said to Elizabeth, There is no one in your family by that name.

They made signs to Zechariah to see what name he would choose. So he gave a sign for a writing tablet and wrote: His name is John. At that very moment Zechariah was able to talk again. He began praising God!

All the neighbors and people in all Judea were amazed about all these things. They knew God was with this child. They asked, What will this child be?

Then Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

"Praise the Lord God of Israel! He has come to redeem His people.

He has given us a mighty Savior from the family of

God’s servant David, just as He said He would do through

holy prophets who lived long ago.

He promised to save us from the power of our enemies and all those who hate us, so we would serve Him without fear.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember His holy promise:

Now you, my little son, will be called a prophet of the Most High God, and you will go before the Lord to prepare His way.

You will make His people know they can be saved

and their sins forgiven.

By the loving mercy of our God,

a new day from heaven will dawn for us.

This light will shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. This light will guide us into the way of peace."

As John grew, he became strong in spirit and lived in the desert until he began to preach.

The Birth of Jesus: Caesar Augustus sent a decree that everyone in the countries under Roman rule must go to their own city and register to be taxed. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Joseph was a descendent of King David. Therefore, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, known as the city of David to register. He and Mary, his fiancée, who was carrying the Child conceived of the Holy Spirit, left the village of Nazareth and went to Bethlehem. While they were there Mary gave birth to her first Child—a Son. There was no vacancy in the inn, so Mary wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger.

Shepherds Hear About Jesus: That night shepherds were nearby watching their sheep when suddenly an angel of God appeared to them. The Glory of God was shining around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, Don’t be afraid! I’m bringing you good tidings of great joy for all people. Your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born today in the city of David. This is a sign to you: You will find the Child wrapped in cloths—lying in a manger.

Then a multitude of angels descended from heaven praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and let there be peace on earth to all people who please God!"

After the angels went back to heaven, the shepherds said, Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has revealed to us.

When they arrived and saw the Baby lying in a manger, they told Mary and Joseph the message the angel had told them. Everyone was amazed, but Mary treasured these things in her heart.

After their visit the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God and thanking Him for everything they had seen and heard.

The Baby was circumcised when He was eight days old, and they named Him Jesus. The angel had told Mary when he appeared to her, You will give birth to a Son. His name will be Jesus.

Later Mary and Joseph carried Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice. This fulfilled God’s law that every firstborn male must be given to the Lord, and a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons must be made.

Simeon, a righteous and devout man filled with the Holy Spirit lived in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Christ. Simeon had been led by the Holy Spirit to go to the temple the same day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to present Him to the Lord. He took Jesus in his arms, praised God and prayed:

Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, because my eyes have seen Your Salvation that You prepared for all people—a light for the Gentiles—an honor for Your people Israel.

Mary and Joseph were amazed at Simeon’s words. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, God has chosen this Child to save His people Israel, but many people won’t accept the things that will happen. Sorrow will pierce your heart like a sharp sword.

Anna was a very old prophetess from the family of Phanuel, the tribe of Asher. She had been married only seven years when her husband died. She had been a widow for eighty-four years. Anna worshipped God and fasted day and night—never leaving the temple. She went to Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus praising God. She told all who were waiting for the Messiah about what she had seen and heard.

Joseph and Mary Return Home: After God’s laws were fulfilled, Joseph and Mary went home to Nazareth. As the Child grew, He became strong, filled with God’s wisdom and goodness.

Matthew 1-2: Matthew’s Account of the Birth of Jesus: Mary became pregnant by the Holy Spirit while she was engaged to a good, upright man named Joseph. Since they were not yet married, Joseph wanted to protect her from gossip and disgrace. He was trying to figure out a way to keep her pregnancy secret when God sent His angel to him in a dream. The angel said, Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to marry Mary, because the Baby she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son. You will name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

This is to fulfill what God had said through the prophet: The virgin will have a Son. They will call Him Immanuel, which means, God is with us.

When Joseph awoke he obeyed God’s angel and took Mary as his wife, but they didn’t sleep together as husband and wife before Jesus was born.

Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus: Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where can we find the Child who was born to be King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.

King Herod was very troubled when he heard about this. He called a meeting of all the chief priests and teachers of the law. He asked them where the Christ would be born. They quoted Micah 5:2 to Herod, But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are important among the tribes of Judah. A Ruler will come from you to shepherd My people Israel.

Herod had a secret meeting with the wise men and learned the exact time they first saw the star. Then he told them, Go to Bethlehem and return to me when you find Him, so I can also worship Him.

The wise men left and followed the star until it stopped above the place where the Child was. They entered the house and saw the Child with Mary. They were filled with joy as they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. God warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their country another way.

Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had tricked him. He gave an order to kill all the baby boys two years old or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area.

The Escape to Egypt: An angel of God came to Joseph in a dream after the wise men left saying, Take the Child and His mother to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to return. Herod is looking for Him and wants to kill Him.

So Joseph and Mary left with the Child during the night. They stayed in Egypt until Herod died. This happened because God had said through the prophet, I called My Son out of Egypt.

Joseph and Mary Return: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were still living in Egypt when Herod died. God’s angel spoke to Joseph in a dream saying, Get up and take the Child and His mother to the land of Israel. The people who were trying to kill Him are dead.

But Joseph was afraid to go to Judea, because he heard that Archelaus, Herod’s son, was now king in Judea. After he was warned in a dream, he went to Nazareth of Galilee and lived there. This fulfilled the prophecy: He will be called a Nazarene.

Luke 2: 41-52: The Early Childhood of Jesus: When Jesus was twelve years old, His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast as they did every year. They left for home after the festivities were over and traveled all day thinking Jesus was with their family and friends. At the end of the day, they looked for Him and asked everyone, Have you seen Jesus?

No one had seen Him, so they went back to Jerusalem. After searching three days, they found Him in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him were astonished at His knowledge and answers. But Mary and Joseph were alarmed. Mary asked Him, Son, why have You done this? We were very worried! We have been searching for You all day.

Jesus said to them, Why were you looking for Me? Don’t you know I must be about My Father’s business?

Mary and Joseph didn’t understand the meaning of this.

Jesus returned to Nazareth with his parents and honored them. But His mother remembered all these things. Jesus grew in wisdom and He pleased God. He was liked by everyone.

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Jesus And John The Baptist

John 1: 1-18: Christ Comes to the World: Even before the world was created, the Word was with God and the Word was God. From the beginning, He was with God. All things were made by Him. In Him there was life, which was for the Light of all people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot put it out.

A man named John was sent by God to tell people the truth about the Light so all people could hear and believe. John was not the light, but he came to tell people, The true Light that gives light to everyone is coming into the world!

The Word was in the world, the world was made by Him, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, but He wasn’t what they expected. However, some did believe and receive, so He gave them the right to become children of God—not by any human way, by human parents, or human desire, but they were born of God.

The Word became flesh and lived among us. We beheld His glory, the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John preached the truth about Him and cried out, This is the One I have been telling you about: ‘The One who was coming after me. But He is far greater than I am, because He was living before I was born.’

God gave the law through Moses, but God’s grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God’s only Son is very close to the Father, and He has shown us what God is like.

Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:19-28: John the Baptist Prepares the People for Jesus: The Word of God came to John, son of Zechariah in the wilderness during the fifteenth year that Tiberius Caesar was ruler. He preached all around the area of the Jordan River. The prophet Isaiah wrote about him (Isa. 40:3-5—also Mal. 3:1):

This is a voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord by making the road straight for Him.’

John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist. His diet was locusts and wild honey.

John preached repentance. Many people came to John, confessed their sins, and were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

He preached boldly to them saying, You are all snakes! Who warned you to run away from God’s punishment that is sure to come? Prove that you have changed your hearts by living right. Don’t say, ‘Abraham is our father.’ God could even make children for Abraham from these rocks.

The people asked him, What should we do?

If you have two shirts, give one to the person who has no shirt. If you have food, share with those less fortunate, John answered.

Tax collectors were among those who came to be baptized. John said to them, Only take taxes from people you are required to take them from.

The soldiers said to John, Tell us what we should do.

John said, Don’t force people to pay money to you and don’t tell lies about them. Be content with the pay you get.

Since people were looking for Christ to come, they wondered if John was the Christ.

Some Pharisees had been sent to ask John, Why are you baptizing people if you aren’t the Christ, Elijah, or a prophet?

John answered, I baptize you with water, but the One coming after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is so much greater than I am that I’m not even good enough to untie His sandals.

John continued to preach the good news about Jesus.

Matthew 3: 13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34: John Baptizes Jesus: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look! The Lamb of God, the One who will take away the sins of the world! I was talking about Him when I said, ‘He who will come after me is greater than I am, because He was living before me.’

Jesus came to John to be baptized. John asked Jesus, Why do You want me to baptize You? I need You to baptize me!

Jesus answered, We should do everything that is God’s will!

So John baptized Jesus. Immediately the skies opened as Jesus came up out of the water. John saw God’s Spirit descending and landing on Jesus like a dove. A voice from heaven said, This is My beloved Son, and I am well pleased with Him!

John said, "God sent me to baptize the people of Israel with water. He said to me, ‘The One you see the Spirit come down upon is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ That is when I knew He was the Christ. I am telling you the truth. I have seen this happen: This Man is the Son of God!"

John 3: 22-36: John the Baptist Proclaims, Jesus is Greater: Jesus was baptizing in the area of Judea, and John was baptizing in Aenon near Salim.

Some of John’s followers said to him, Teacher, the man you spoke so much about is baptizing on the other side of the Jordan River. Everyone is going to Him.

John answered, "A man receives only what God gives him. Remember I told you, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for Him.’ I rejoice in Him, knowing that He must become greater, and I must become less important.

The One God sent from above speaks the Words of God, because God gives Him the Spirit in full measure, and He is greater than all. The Father loves the Son and has given Him power over all things. Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but those who do not believe the Son will not see life. God’s anger remains on them.

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Jesus’ Early Ministry

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13: The Temptation of Jesus: After Jesus returned from the Jordan River where He was baptized, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Jesus had fasted forty days and nights, so He was very hungry.

The devil came to Him and said, If you are the Son of God, command these rocks to become bread.

Jesus answered, It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil led Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem and put Him on a pinnacle of the temple. The devil said, If you are the Son of God, cast Yourself down. It is written in the Scriptures: ‘He has put His angels in charge of You. They will catch You in their hands, and You won’t hit Your foot against a stone.’ (Ps. 91:11-12)

Jesus replied, The Scriptures also say, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’

Then the devil led Jesus to the top of a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. He said, Bow down and worship me, and I will give you all these things.

Jesus said to the devil, Get away from Me, Satan! It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve no one but Him.’

Then the devil left Jesus. Angels came and ministered to Him.

Luke 4:14-30: Jesus Teaches in His Hometown—They Reject Him: After Jesus was tempted by the devil, He returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit. His fame spread all through the area. He taught in their synagogues, and all the people praised Him.

He went to Nazareth—His hometown. As was custom for Him, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. The Book of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him, so He opened the book and read:

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to set the captives free, to heal the blind, to set people free who have been mistreated, and to announce the time when God will show His kindness. (Isaiah 61:2)

Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the minister and sat down. The people were watching Him closely. Jesus said to them, These words are fulfilled this day as you heard them!

All the people were surprised when Jesus said this and asked, Isn’t this Joseph’s Son?

Jesus said to them, "You will say, ‘Do those things here in your own town that we heard You did in Capernaum!’ A prophet isn’t accepted in his hometown. There were many widows in Israel during Elijah’s time. It didn’t rain there for three and one-half years, and there was no food in the country. But Elijah wasn’t sent to these widows. He was sent to a widow in Zarephath of Sidon.

Many who lived in Israel had skin diseases during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were healed. Only Naaman from the country of Syria was healed.

The people in the synagogue became very angry when Jesus said these things. They forced Him out of town, planning to throw Him off the cliff the town was built on, but Jesus walked through the crowd and went on His way.

Matthew 4:23-7:23: Jesus Teaches and Heals People: Jesus continuously taught the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. News about the many miracles He performed spread throughout Syria. People brought the sick, diseased, crippled, and demon possessed to be healed. Multitudes from Ten Towns, Jerusalem, Judea, and across the Jordan River followed Him. When Jesus saw the multitudes, He went up on a mountain with His followers and began to teach them.

Sermon on the Mount—The Beatitudes:

"Blessed are you who are spiritually poor—the Kingdom of Heaven is yours!

"Blessed are you who mourn—God will comfort you!

"Blessed are you who are meek—you will receive what God has promised!

"Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness—God will satisfy your longing!

"Blessed are you who show mercy to others—you will receive God’s mercy!

"Blessed are you who have a pure heart—you will see God!

"Blessed are you who make peace with others—God will call you His sons!

"Blessed are you who are persecuted for doing right—yours is the Kingdom of Heaven!

Blessed are you who are insulted, mistreated, lied about, and evil things are said about you for following Me! Rejoice and be glad, because you will receive a great reward in heaven. They did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.

Salt and Light: "You are the salt of the world. But if the salt has lost its flavor, what good is it? It’s worthless!

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and hides it. Instead, it is put on a stand to give light so that everyone can see. In the same way, your good deeds shine out for all to see. Then everyone will praise your Father in heaven.

The Importance of the Law: "Don’t think I have come to destroy the Law of Moses or the teachings of the prophets. I have come to fulfill the law and the teachings."

Murder: "You know that anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Adultery: Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to be cast into hell.

Divorce: Anyone who divorces his wife for any reason except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to be an adulteress. Anyone who marries that woman commits adultery.

Swearing: "Do not swear