Do we really know why Matthew 17:21 is absent from many Bible versions? To come to this understanding, we must first research what does Matthew 17:21 tell us. Wherever it can be found in the various Bible versions in which it is contained, it begins “(Howbeit this kind), (That kind), (But this kind), (However, this kind)”, though they all end, “(by prayer and fasting).”
Matthew 17:21 must be an essential passage if so much effort was placed on either omitting it in its entirety, or altering the beginning. We must rightly divide the Bible ourselves to take what we can find, and determine the instructions contained therein. No matter how it starts, what exactly is it telling us to do with prayer and fasting? Well, one version says, “(That kind of spirit comes out only if you use prayer and fasting.)” Now the question becomes, what kind of spirit? If God is telling us to pray and fast it out, we can embrace the idea that this spirit is not of HIM.
Below you will find (Matthew 17:20), and reading it can help us to understand what is meant in Matthew 17:21, whether you find it or not. Some versions lead you to (Mark 9:29) and it too can be found below. In Mark 9:29, some manuscripts we are told to pray, and others add “and fast”.
If God, through HIS Word, is instructing us to do something yet man is making a great effort to omit or alter these teachings, they must hold great divine power. In (Matthew 17:22-23) Jesus predicts HIS death a second time. HE told us that HE would be delivered into the hands of men. In verse 23, HE says, “they shall kill HIM, and the third day HE shall be raised again.”
This article is being written on December 28, 2022. We are a few days beyond December 25, 2022. There is so much confusion in the world, we are not sure if it’s safe to say Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, or simply Blessings. Everything has become a debate, even amongst believers in God. What is the right Bible to read, greeting to say, or holiday to celebrate?
As children of God, we are to do everything in our power to follow the one Divine Creator. Therefore, studying HIS Word is essential in navigating through the deceptions of men. It may require a greater intensity of a spiritual life that can only be gained by “prayer and fasting”, the kind which our Lord speaks about in Matthew 17:21. For Jesus HIMSELF fulfilled both of these conditions. He knew that it is one thing to wear a cross, but a whole other thing to bear its weight and carry one. Our best years came, as a result of the storms that brought HIS worst years. HE bled, that our wounds would be healed, and we not bleed all over those who did not cut us. His light we carry on the long dark roads of life. AMEN
Matthew 17:20
New International Version
20 “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” ”
Matthew 17:20
King James Version
20 “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Matthew 17:20
Living Bible
20 “ “Because of your little faith,” Jesus told them. “For if you had faith even as small as a tiny mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would go far away. Nothing would be impossible.”
New International Version
Mark 9:29
29 “He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Mark 9:29
King James Version
29 “And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” ”
Mark 9:29
Living Bible
29 “Jesus replied, “Cases like this require prayer.” ”
Matthew 17:22-23
New International Version
Jesus Predicts His Death a Second Time
22 “When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.”
Matthew 17:22-23
King James Version
22 “And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:
23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”
Matthew 17:22-23
Living Bible
22-23 “One day while they were still in Galilee, Jesus told them, “I am going to be betrayed into the power of those who will kill me, and on the third day afterwards I will be brought back to life again.” And the disciples’ hearts were filled with sorrow and dread.”