KJV 2014 Headings Bible New-Testament-P2

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

ROMANS

Romans 1

Introduction

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ² Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures, ³ Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; ⁴ And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: ⁵ By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: ⁶ Among whom are all of you also the called of Jesus Christ: ⁷ To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul's Longing to Visit the Christian Church in Rome

⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. ⁹ For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; ¹⁰ Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. ¹¹ For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end all of you may be established; ¹² That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. ¹³ Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, but was let until now, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. ¹⁴ I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. ¹⁵ So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. ¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

God's Passion (Wrath) to Punish Sin

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; ¹⁹ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it unto them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: ²¹ Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ²³ And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. ²⁴ Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: ²⁵ Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁶ For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: ²⁷ And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; ²⁹ Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, ill will; whisperers, ³⁰ Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, refusing to reconcile, unmerciful: ³² Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Romans 2

The Goodness of God leads Sinners to Repentance Those who Reject the Goodness of God will receive God's Righteous Judgment

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whosoever you are that judge: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things. ² But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. ³ And think you this, O man, that judge them which do such things, and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? ⁵ But after your hardness and refusing to repent heart treasure up unto yourself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; ⁶ Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ⁷ To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: ⁸ But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, ⁹ Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; ¹⁰ But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: ¹¹ For there is no respect of persons with God. ¹² For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; ¹³ For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. ¹⁴ For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: ¹⁵ Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; ¹⁶ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

The Levitical Law is only a form of God's knowledge and of the Truth but it is not God

¹⁷ Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make your boast of God, ¹⁸ And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; ¹⁹ And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, ²⁰ An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. ²¹ You therefore which teach another, teach you not yourself? you that preach a man should not steal, do you steal? ²² You that says a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? you that abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? ²³ You that make your boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonor you God? ²⁴ For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. ²⁵ For circumcision assuredly profits, if you keep the law: but if you be a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. ²⁶ Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? ²⁷ And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision do transgress the law? ²⁸ For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: ²⁹ But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 3

God's is Faithful to Save us while the Law (oracles) itself are actually unable to Redeem us

What advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? ² Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. ³ For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? ⁴ God forbid: yes, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged. ⁵ But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance? I speak as a man ⁶ God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? ⁷ For if the truth of God has more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? ⁸ And not rather, as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say, Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

Apart from a Personal Relationship with God Neither the Jews nor the Gentiles are Saved

⁹ What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; ¹⁰ As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹ There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. ¹² They are all gone out of the way, they are together become useless; there is none that does good, no, not one. ¹³ Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: ¹⁴ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: ¹⁵ Their feet are swift to shed blood: ¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways: ¹⁷ And the way of peace have they not known: ¹⁸ There is no fear of God before their eyes. ¹⁹ Now we know that what things whatsoever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

A Personal Relationship with God comes only through our Faith in Jesus Christ it is not earned by our Works and is not achieved by our following of the Levitical Law

²¹ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ²² Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵ Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus. ²⁷ Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith. ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ²⁹ Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: ³⁰ Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ³¹ Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yes, we establish the law.

Romans 4

Abraham was Justified by Faith over 400 years before Moses and the Levitical Law

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found? ² For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God. ³ For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. ⁴ Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. ⁵ But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ⁶ Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, ⁷ Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. ⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. ⁹ Comes this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. ¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. ¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: ¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. ¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. ¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of no effect: ¹⁵ Because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. ¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, ¹⁷ As it is written, I have made you a father of many nations, before him whom he believed, even God, who replenishes life to the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. ¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall your seed be. ¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: ²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; ²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. ²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; ²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; ²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5

Being Justified by our faith in Jesus Christ we now have Peace and Joy with God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ² By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; ⁴ And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵ And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. ⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet possibly for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸ But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Spiritual and Physical Death entered Humanity through the one person Adam Eternal Life was Restored through the one person Jesus Christ

¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ¹³ For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. ¹⁴ Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the embodiment of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. ¹⁵ But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, has abounded unto many. ¹⁶ And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ¹⁷ For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ¹⁹ For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: ²¹ That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6

We should be Alive (participate) in Christ and Dead (nonparticipation) to Sin

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? ² God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? ³ Know all of you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ⁶ Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ⁷ For he that is dead is freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: ⁹ Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death has no more dominion over him. ¹⁰ For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he lives, he lives unto God. ¹¹ Likewise reckon all of you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. ¹² Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that all of you should obey it in the lusts thereof. ¹³ Neither yield all of you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. ¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for all of you are not under the law, but under grace.

We are the Servants of who we Obey

¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. ¹⁶ Know all of you not, that to whom all of you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants all of you are to whom all of you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? ¹⁷ But God be thanked, that all of you were the servants of sin, but all of you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. ¹⁸ Being then made free from sin, all of you became the servants of righteousness. ¹⁹ I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as all of you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. ²⁰ For when all of you were the servants of sin, all of you were free from righteousness. ²¹ What fruit had all of you then in those things whereof all of you are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. ²² But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, all of you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 7

Be dead to the Old Law in order to Serve God in the Newness of the Holy Spirit

Know all of you not, brethren, for I speak to them that know the law, how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? ² For the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. ³ So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. ⁴ Wherefore, my brethren, all of you also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that all of you should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. ⁵ For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. ⁶ But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Everyone still Struggles with Sin

⁷ What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. No, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shall not covet. ⁸ But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. ⁹ For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. ¹⁰ And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. ¹¹ For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. ¹² Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. ¹³ Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. ¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵ For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ¹⁶ If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. ¹⁷ Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. ¹⁸ For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing: in order to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹ For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. ²⁰ Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. ²¹ I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. ²² For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: ²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. ²⁴ O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? ²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 8

The Christian Life is in the Spirit Life of God

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: ⁴ That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ⁵ For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. ⁶ In order to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. ⁸ So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ But all of you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. ¹⁰ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also retore life in your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you. ¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. ¹³ For if all of you live after the flesh, all of you shall die: but if all of you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, all of you shall live.

Conformation of our Christian Eternal Life

¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ¹⁵ For all of you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but all of you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ¹⁶ The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Our Future Glory in the Presence of God

¹⁸ For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope, ²¹ Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together until now. ²³ And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to know, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for? ²⁵ But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Nothing can separate us from the Love of Jesus Christ

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. ³¹ What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ³² He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies. ³⁴ Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, yes rather, that has risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 9

The Promises of God still belong to Israel

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, ² That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. ³ For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: ⁴ Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; ⁵ Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. ⁶ Not as though the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: ⁷ Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall your seed be called. ⁸ That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. ⁹ For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. ¹⁰ And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; ¹¹ For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls; ¹² It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. ¹³ As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. ¹⁴ What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. ¹⁵ For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. ¹⁶ So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy. ¹⁷ For the scripture says unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. ¹⁸ Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens. ¹⁹ You will say then unto me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will? ²⁰ On the contrary;, O man, who are you that reply against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus? ²¹ Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? ²² What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: ²³ And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared unto glory, ²⁴ Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? ²⁵ As he says also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. ²⁶ And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, All of you are not my people; there shall they be called the sons of the living God. ²⁷ Isaiah also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: ²⁸ For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. ²⁹ And as Isaiah said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrah.

The Jewish Misplaced Faith in the Old Law

³⁰ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained [faith] to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. ³¹ But Israel, which followed after the [Levitical] law of righteousness, hath not attained to the [Royal] law of righteousness. ³² Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith [Royal Law], but as it were by the works of the [Levitical] law. For they stumbled at [Jesus Christ] that Stumblingstone; ³³ As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10

The Redeemed Jewish Remnant of Israel The Jewish Remnant are Redeemed but not yet Saved

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel [redeemed Jews] is, that they might be saved [salvation in Jesus Christ]. ² For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³ For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. ⁴ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. ⁵ For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the [Levitical] law, That the man which does those things shall live by them. ⁶ But the righteousness which is of faith speaks likewise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? that is, to bring Christ down from above: ⁷ Or, Who shall descend into the deep? that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead. ⁸ But what says it? The word is nigh you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; ⁹ That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

God is gracious to All who Call Upon His Name

¹¹ For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed. ¹² For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! ¹⁶ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our report? ¹⁷ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ¹⁸ But I say, Have they not heard? Yes assuredly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. ¹⁹ But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses says, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. ²⁰ But Isaiah is very bold, and says, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. ²¹ But to Israel he says, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and disputing people.

Romans 11

All [past, present and future] Currently Redeemed Jews of Israel will Receive Salvation once in Heaven

I say then, Hath God cast away his people [No]? God forbid. For I [Apostle Paul] also am an Israelite [Jew], of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not cast away his people which he foreknew. Know all of you not what the scripture says of Elijah? how he makes intercession to God against Israel saying, ³ Lord, they have killed your prophets, and dug down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. ⁴ But what says the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. ⁵ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. ⁶ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ⁷ What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded [temporarily by God i.e. Acts 9:18]. ⁸ According as it is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day. ⁹ And David says, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: ¹⁰ Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. ¹¹ I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall [No]? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation [in this world] is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

The Jewish setback from Salvation is only Temporary

¹² Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness? ¹³ For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: ¹⁴ If by any means I may provoke to awaken jealousy in them which are my flesh, and might save [Salvation] some of them [Jews who are already Redeemed]. ¹⁵ For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving [back] of them be, but life from the dead? ¹⁶ For if the firstfruit [Judaism] be holy, the lump [Judeo-Christianity] is also holy: and if the root [Messiah - Jesus Christ] be holy, so are the branches [worshipers].

Ingrafted Branches - The Good Olive Tree [Holy Spirit] - The Vine [Jesus Christ]

¹⁷ And if some of the [Jewish] branches be broken off, and you, being a [Gentile] wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the Olive Tree [Holy Spirit]; ¹⁸ Boast not against the branches. But if you boast, you bear not the root, but the root you. ¹⁹ You will say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. ²⁰ Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: ²¹ For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not you. ²² Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off. ²³ And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? ²⁵ For I would not, brethren, that all of you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest all of you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. ²⁶ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer [Messiah/Christ], and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. ²⁸ As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as concerning the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

Christian Mercy is required when regarding the Jews

²⁹ For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance [revoking]. ³⁰ For as all of you [Gentiles] in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: ³¹ Even so have these also now not believed, that through your [Christian] mercy they [Jews] also may obtain mercy. ³² For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Doxology

³³ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! ³⁴ For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counsellor? ³⁵ Or who has first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? ³⁶ For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 12

Exhortation to Christians to Live our Life as A Living Sacrifices to God

I plead to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that all of you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ² And be not conformed to this world: but be all of you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that all of you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ³ For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he should think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. ⁴ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: ⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; ⁸ Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. ⁹ Let love be without subterfuge. Detest that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ¹⁰ Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; ¹¹ Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; ¹² Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; ¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. ¹⁴ Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. ¹⁵ Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. ¹⁷ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ² Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same: ⁴ For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. ⁵ Wherefore all of you must essentially be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. ⁶ For for this cause pay all of you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. ⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Christian Love does Fulfill the Royal Law

⁸ Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the [Royal] law. ⁹ For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁰ Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Our Heavenly Salvation Draws Nearer each Day

¹¹ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. ¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. ¹⁴ But put all of you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Romans 14

The Contrast between weak Christians and the strong Christians

Him that is weak in the faith receive all of you, but not to doubtful [disbelief] disputations [arguments]. ² For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. ³ Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him which eats not judge him that eats: for God has received him. ⁴ Who are you that judge another man's servant? to his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand. ⁵ One man esteems one day above another: another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. ⁶ He that regards the day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks. ⁷ For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. ⁸ For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. ⁹ In order to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. ¹⁰ But why do you judge your brother? or why do you set at nothing your brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ¹¹ For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. ¹² So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God. ¹³ Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. ¹⁴ I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ¹⁵ But if your brother be grieved with your food, now walk you not charitably. Destroy not him with your food, for whom Christ died.

The Kingdom of God is not only in socializing but in Righteousness

¹⁶ Let not then your good be evil spoken of: ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not food and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. ¹⁹ Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. ²⁰ For food destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eats with offence. ²¹ It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak. ²² Have you faith? have it to yourself before God. Happy is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows. ²³ And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Romans 15

Fellowship with one another in patience as God is Patient with us

We then that are strong should bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ² Let everyone of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. ³ For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached you fell on me. ⁴ For whatsoever things were written in old times were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. ⁵ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: ⁶ That all of you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷ Wherefore receive all of you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Jesus during His earthly Ministry Confirmed God's Promises to the Jews and the Prophets of Old had also already Declared to the Gentiles that they would Receive of the same God's Promises

⁸ Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision [Jews] for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: ⁹ And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing unto your name. ¹⁰ And again he says, Rejoice, all of you Gentiles, with his people. ¹¹ And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; and extol him, all you people. ¹² And again, Isaiah says, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. ¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that all of you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul is the Chosen Messenger of the Gospel to the Gentiles

¹⁴ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that all of you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. ¹⁵ Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, ¹⁶ That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁷ I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. ¹⁸ For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, ¹⁹ Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ²⁰ Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: ²¹ But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. ²² For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

²³ But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; ²⁴ Whenever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way in that direction by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. ²⁵ But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. ²⁶ For it has pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. ²⁷ It has pleased them assuredly; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. ²⁸ When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. ²⁹ And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. ³⁰ Now I plead to you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that all of you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; ³¹ That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; ³² That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. ³³ Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 16

Final Instructions

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: ² That all of you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that all of you assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you: for she has been a supporter of many, and of myself also.

Paul's Personal Greetings to The Church in Rome

³ Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: ⁴ Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. ⁵ Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ. ⁶ Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us. ⁷ Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. ⁸ Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. ⁹ Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. ¹⁰ Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. ¹¹ Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. ¹² Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. ¹³ Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. ¹⁴ Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. ¹⁵ Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. ¹⁶ Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. ¹⁷ Now I plead to you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which all of you have learned; and avoid them. ¹⁸ For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. ¹⁹ For your obedience has come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. ²⁰ And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ²¹ Timothy my fellow worker, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. ²² I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. ²³ Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you, and Quartus a brother.

Benediction

²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Farewell Doxology

²⁵ Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, ²⁶ But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: ²⁷ To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

 

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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

1st CORINTHIANS

1 Corinthians 1

Introduction

Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, ² Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's: ³ Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Prayer of Intersessions and Thanksgiving

⁴ I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; ⁵ That in everything all of you are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; ⁶ Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: ⁷ So that all of you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁸ Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that all of you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, by whom all of you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul Addresses Divisions and Factions within the Church

¹⁰ Now I plead to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that all of you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹ For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. ¹² Now this I say, that everyone of you says, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. ¹³ Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were all of you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; ¹⁵ Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. ¹⁶ And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. ¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Jesus Christ the Wisdom, Power and Authority of God

¹⁸ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. ²⁰ Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ²¹ For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ²² For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: ²³ But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; ²⁴ But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ²⁶ For all of you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: ²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; ²⁸ And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: ²⁹ That no flesh should glory in his presence. ³⁰ But of him are all of you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: ³¹ That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. ² For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. ³ And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. ⁴ And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: ⁵ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

True Eternal Wisdom comes from God the Holy Spirit

⁶ Nevertheless we speak wisdom among them that are complete[complete in Jesus Christ]: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nothing: ⁷ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: ⁸ Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. ¹⁰ But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴ But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵ But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. ¹⁶ For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3

No Divisions in the Church

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. ² I have fed you with milk, and not with food: for until now all of you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are all of you able. ³ For all of you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are all of you not carnal, and walk as men? ⁴ For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are all of you not carnal? ⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom all of you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

Build on the One True Foundation of Jesus Christ

⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase. ⁸ Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are laborers together with God: all of you are God's farming, all of you are God's building. ¹⁰ According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. ¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; ¹³ Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If any man's work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. ¹⁵ If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. ¹⁶ Know all of you not that all of you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? ¹⁷ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple all of you are. ¹⁸ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. ²⁰ And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. ²¹ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's; ²² Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's; ²³ And all of you are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 4

The Servants of God are to be a Faithful and Responsible in all things

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Paul Explains his Apostleship in Christ

³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yes, I judge not mine own self. ⁴ For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. ⁶ And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that all of you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. ⁷ For who makes you to differ from another? and what have you that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it? ⁸ Now all of you are full, now all of you are rich, all of you have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God all of you did reign, that we also might reign with you. ⁹ For I think that God has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ's sake, but all of you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but all of you are strong; all of you are honorable, but we are despised. ¹¹ Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; ¹² And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: ¹³ Being defamed, we implore: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the waste of all things unto this day. ¹⁴ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. ¹⁵ For though all of you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have all of you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. ¹⁶ Wherefore I plead to you, be all of you followers of me. ¹⁷ For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. ¹⁸ Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. ¹⁹ But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. ²¹ What will all of you? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

1 Corinthians 5

Remove those who Unrepentantly boast in their Immorality from among the Fellowship of Christian Brethren

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. ² And all of you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that has done this deed might be taken away from among you. ³ For I assuredly, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that has so done this deed, ⁴ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when all of you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵ To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ Your glorying is not good. Know all of you not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? ⁷ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that all of you may be a new lump, as all of you are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: ⁸ Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. ⁹ I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: ¹⁰ Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortionists, or with idolaters; for then must all of you essentially go out of the world. ¹¹ But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortionist; with such an one no not to eat. ¹² For what have I to do to judge them also that are outside? do not all of you judge them that are within? ¹³ But them that are outside God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1 Corinthians 6

Try to Settle Disputes without Lawsuits Among Believers

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? ² Do all of you not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are all of you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Know all of you not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? ⁴ If then all of you have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. ⁵ I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? ⁶ But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. ⁷ Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because all of you go to law one with another. Why do all of you not rather endure wrong? why do all of you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? ⁸ No, all of you do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. ⁹ Know all of you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, ¹⁰ Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you: but all of you are washed, but all of you are sanctified, but all of you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Sexual Immorality [mental and physical] has Spiritual Consequences

¹² All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. ¹³ Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴ And God has both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. ¹⁵ Know all of you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. ¹⁶ What? know all of you not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, says he, shall be one flesh. ¹⁷ But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. ¹⁸ Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is [in the soul] without the body; but he that commits fornication [also] sins against his own body. ¹⁹ What? know all of you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which all of you have of God, and all of you are not your own? ²⁰ For all of you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 7

Christian individuality remains in both Marriage and Singleness

Now concerning the things whereof all of you wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. ² Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. ³ Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. ⁴ The wife has not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband has not power of his own body, but the wife. ⁵ Defraud all of you not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that all of you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ⁶ But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. ⁷ For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. ⁸ I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. ⁹ But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. ¹⁰ And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: ¹¹ But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. ¹² But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife that believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. ¹³ And the woman which has an husband that believes not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. ¹⁴ For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. ¹⁵ But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace. ¹⁶ For what know you, O wife, whether you shall save your husband? or how know you, O man, whether you shall save your wife? ¹⁷ But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called everyone, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. ¹⁸ Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. ¹⁹ Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. ²⁰ Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. ²¹ Are you called being a servant? care not for it: but if you may be made free, use it rather. ²² For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. ²³ All of you are bought with a price; be not all of you the servants of men. ²⁴ Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. ²⁵ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. ²⁶ I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. ²⁷ Are you bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. ²⁸ But and if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. ²⁹ But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remains, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; ³⁰ And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; ³¹ And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away. ³² But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: ³³ But he that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. ³⁴ There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. ³⁵ And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that all of you may attend upon the Lord without distraction. ³⁶ But if any man think that he behaves himself indecent toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sins not: let them marry. ³⁷ Nevertheless he that stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. ³⁸ So then he that gives her in marriage does well; but he that gives her not in marriage does better. ³⁹ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. ⁴⁰ But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 8

Don't directly participate in non-Christian cultures i.e. food sacrificed to idols but do participate in non-Christian cultures as a Christian outsider i.e. it is ok for the Christian to eat halal (Islam) foods but only as an outsider - the problems and confusions come when a Christian begins to mingle Christianity among false religions and wrongly actively participates in a false religion

Now as concerning things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. ² And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he should know. ³ But if any man love God, the same is known of him. ⁴ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. ⁵ For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, as there be gods many, and lords many, ⁶ But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. ⁷ Nevertheless there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. ⁸ But food commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. ⁹ But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak. ¹⁰ For if any man see you which have knowledge sit to eat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; ¹¹ And through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? ¹² But when all of you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, all of you sin against Christ. ¹³ Wherefore, if food make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.

1 Corinthians 9

Christian Ministers are Permitted to have a Spouse

Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not all of you my work in the Lord? ² If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are all of you in the Lord. ³ Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, ⁴ Have we not power to eat and to drink? ⁵ Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? ⁶ Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? ⁷ Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? ⁸ Say I these things as a man? or says not the law the same also? ⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses, You shall not suppress the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn. Does God take care for oxen? ¹⁰ Or says he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows should plow in hope; and that he that threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. ¹¹ If we have planted unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? ¹² If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. ¹³ Do all of you not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? ¹⁴ Even so has the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. ¹⁵ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. ¹⁶ For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! ¹⁷ For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. ¹⁸ What is my reward then? Assuredly that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. ¹⁹ For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. ²⁰ And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; ²¹ To them that are without law, as without law, being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. ²² To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³ And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. ²⁴ Know all of you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that all of you may obtain. ²⁵ And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. ²⁶ I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: ²⁷ But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 10

The Old Testament Events were given as Examples for Us to learn from

Moreover, brethren, I would not that all of you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; ² And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ And did all eat the same spiritual food; ⁴ And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. ⁵ But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. ⁶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. ⁷ Neither be all of you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. ⁸ Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. ⁹ Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. ¹⁰ Neither murmur all of you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. ¹¹ Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. ¹² Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³ There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that all of you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that all of you may be able to bear it.

Warning against mingling Christianity with any of the False Religions of the World

¹⁴ Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. ¹⁵ I speak as to wise men; judge all of you what I say. ¹⁶ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? ¹⁷ For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. ¹⁸ Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? ¹⁹ What say I then? that the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? ²⁰ But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that all of you should have fellowship with devils. ²¹ All of you cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: all of you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. ²² Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

The Believer's Freedom do all Things to the Glory of God

²³ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. ²⁴ Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. ²⁵ Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: ²⁶ For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. ²⁷ If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and all of you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. ²⁸ But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: ²⁹ Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? ³⁰ For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? ³¹ Whether therefore all of you eat, or drink, or whatsoever all of you do, do all to the glory of God. ³² Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: ³³ Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 11

Use Structure in Services

Be all of you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. ² Now I praise you, brethren, that all of you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. ³ But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. ⁴ Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. ⁵ But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. ⁶ For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. ⁷ For a man indeed should not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. ⁸ For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. ⁹ Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. ¹⁰ For this cause should the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. ¹¹ Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. ¹² For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. ¹³ Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? ¹⁴ Does not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? ¹⁵ But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. ¹⁶ But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

The Lord's Supper

¹⁷ Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that all of you come together not for the better, but for the worse. ¹⁸ For first of all, when all of you come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. ¹⁹ For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. ²⁰ When all of you come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. ²¹ For in eating everyone takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. ²² What? have all of you not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise all of you the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. ²³ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴ And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. ²⁵ After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had eaten, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood: this do all of you, as often as all of you drink it, in remembrance of Me. ²⁶ For as often as all of you eat this bread, and drink this cup, all of you do show the Lord's death till he comes. ²⁷ Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. ²⁹ For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. ³⁰ For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. ³¹ For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. ³² But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. ³³ Wherefore, my brethren, when all of you come together to eat, wait one for another. ³⁴ And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that all of you come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 Corinthians 12

Concerning the use of Spiritual Gifts

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. ² All of you know that all of you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as all of you were led. ³ Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit. ⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit likewise. ⁸ In order to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: ¹¹ But all these works that one and the very same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. ¹² For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? ¹⁸ But now has God set the members everyone of them in the body, as it has pleased him. ¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body? ²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body. ²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. ²² No, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our indecent parts have more abundant loveliness. ²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked. ²⁵ That there should be no division in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. ²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷ Now all of you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. ²⁸ And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Christian Charity - The More Excellent Way!

³¹ But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing. ⁴ Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, ⁵ Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. ¹³ And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 14

Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues

Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that all of you may prophesy. ² For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; nevertheless in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ³ But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. ⁴ He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church. ⁵ I would that all of you all spoke with tongues but rather that all of you prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. ⁶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? ⁷ And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? ⁸ For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? ⁹ So likewise all of you, except all of you utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for all of you shall speak into the air. ¹⁰ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. ¹¹ Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. ¹² Even so all of you, forasmuch as all of you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that all of you may excel to the edifying of the church. ¹³ Wherefore let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. ¹⁴ For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ¹⁶ Else when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you says? ¹⁷ For you assuredly give thanks well, but the other is not edified. ¹⁸ I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than all of you all: ¹⁹ Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: nevertheless in malice be all of you children, but in understanding be men. ²¹ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, says the LORD. ²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. ²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that all of you are mad? ²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: ²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you truthfully.

Orderly Worship

²⁶ How is it then, brethren? when all of you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. ²⁷ If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ²⁸ But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. ²⁹ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. ³⁰ If anything be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace. ³¹ For all of you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. ³² And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. ³³ For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ³⁴ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also says the law. ³⁵ And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. ³⁶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? ³⁷ If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. ³⁸ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. ³⁹ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. ⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 15

The Gospel - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also all of you have received, and wherein all of you stand; ² By which also all of you are saved, if all of you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless all of you have believed in vain. ³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. ⁷ After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. ⁸ And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ⁹ For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. ¹¹ Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so all of you believed.

Our Christian Resurrection in Jesus Christ

¹² Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; all of you are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. ¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. ²⁰ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. ²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. ²⁴ Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign, till he has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For he has put all things under his feet. But when he says all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. ²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. ²⁹ Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? ³⁰ And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? ³¹ I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our LORD, I die daily. ³² If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantages it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; in order to morrow we die. ³³ Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

A Resurrection Spiritual Body Replaces our Current Body of Physical Flesh

³⁵ But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? ³⁶ You fool, that which you plant is not quickened, except it die: ³⁷ And that which you plant, you plant not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: ³⁸ But God gives it a body as it has pleased him, and to every seed his own body. ³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. ⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. ⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory. ⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is planted in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ It is planted in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is planted in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ It is planted a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶ Nevertheless that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. ⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be all of you steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as all of you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 16

No collection of money is to be made during Paul's visit

Now concerning the collection [offerings] for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do all of you. ² Upon the first day [Sunday] of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. ³ And when I come, whomsoever all of you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. ⁴ And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Personal Requests

⁵ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. ⁶ And it may be that I will abide, yes, and winter with you, that all of you may bring me on my journey anywhere I go. ⁷ For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to stay a while with you, if the Lord permit. ⁸ But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. ¹⁰ Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do. ¹¹ Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. ¹² As concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. ¹³ Watch all of you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. ¹⁴ Let all your things be done with love. ¹⁵ I plead to all of you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, ¹⁶ That all of you submit yourselves unto such, and to everyone that helps with us, and labors. ¹⁷ I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. ¹⁸ For they have refreshed my spirit and your's: therefore acknowledge all of you them that are such.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. ²⁰ All the brethren greet you. Greet all of you one another with an holy kiss. ²¹ The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. ²² If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. ²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. ²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

2nd CORINTHIANS

2 Corinthians 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: ² Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The God of All Comfort

³ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; ⁴ Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ. ⁶ And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. ⁷ And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as all of you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall all of you be also of the consolation. ⁸ For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: ⁹ But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead: ¹⁰ Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ¹¹ All of you also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Paul's Change of Plans

¹² For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly toward you. ¹³ For we write no other things unto you, than what all of you read or acknowledge; and I trust all of you shall acknowledge even to the end; ¹⁴ As also all of you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as all of you also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁵ And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that all of you might have a second benefit; ¹⁶ And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. ¹⁷ When I therefore was thus minded, did I use levity? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes yes, and no no? ¹⁸ But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and no. ¹⁹ For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him was yes. ²⁰ For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. ²¹ Now he which establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; ²² Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. ²³ Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. ²⁴ Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith all of you stand.

2 Corinthians 2

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. ² For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? ³ And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I should rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. ⁴ For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that all of you should be grieved, but that all of you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Forgiveness for the Sinner

⁵ But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part: that I may not burden you all. ⁶ Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. ⁷ So that contrariwise all of you should rather forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. ⁸ Wherefore I plead to you that all of you would confirm your love toward him. ⁹ In order to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether all of you be obedient in all things. ¹⁰ To whom all of you forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; ¹¹ Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Ministers of the New Covenant

¹² Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, ¹³ I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. ¹⁴ Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. ¹⁵ For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: ¹⁶ To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? ¹⁷ For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? ² All of you are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: ³ Forasmuch as all of you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. ⁴ And such trust have we through Christ toward God: ⁵ Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; ⁶ Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

The Glory of the New Covenant

⁷ But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the sons of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: ⁸ How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? ⁹ For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. ¹⁰ For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. ¹¹ For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious. ¹² Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: ¹³ And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the sons of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: ¹⁴ But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. ¹⁵ But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. ¹⁶ Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4

As Treasures in Jars of Clay

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; ² But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. ³ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴ In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. ¹¹ For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. ¹² So then death works in us, but life in you. ¹³ We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; ¹⁴ Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. ¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. ¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; ¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 5

Our Future Heavenly Dwelling

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: ³ If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. ⁵ Now he that has wrought us for the very same thing is God, who also has given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. ⁶ Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight: ⁸ We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. ⁹ Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.

Christianity is The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. ¹² For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that all of you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. ¹³ For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: ¹⁵ And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. ¹⁶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yes, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. ¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ¹⁸ And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ To know, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did plead to you by us: we pray you in Christ's position, be all of you reconciled to God. ²¹ For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians 6

We then, as workers together with him, plead to you also that all of you receive not the grace of God in vain. ² For he says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Paul's Personal Hardships

³ Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: ⁴ But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, ⁵ In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; ⁶ By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love sincere, ⁷ By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, ⁸ By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; ⁹ As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; ¹⁰ As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ¹¹ O all of you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. ¹² All of you are not straitened in us, but all of you are straitened in your own bowels. ¹³ Now for a recompence in the same, I speak as unto my children, be all of you also enlarged.

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

¹⁴ Be all of you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness? ¹⁵ And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? ¹⁶ And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for all of you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be all of you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. ¹⁸ And will be a Father unto you, and all of you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 7

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Paul mentions his Previous Letter to the Corinthians

² Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. ³ I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that all of you are in our hearts to die and live with you. ⁴ Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. ⁵ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; around us were fightings, within were fears. ⁶ Nevertheless God, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; ⁷ And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. ⁸ For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle has made you sorry, though it were but for a season. ⁹ Now I rejoice, not that all of you were made sorry, but that all of you sorrowed to repentance: for all of you were made sorry after a godly manner, that all of you might receive damage by us in nothing. ¹⁰ For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death. ¹¹ For behold this very same thing, that all of you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what vehement desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what revenge! In all things all of you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. ¹² Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. ¹³ Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yes, and exceedingly more rejoice did we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. ¹⁴ For if I have boasted anything to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. ¹⁵ And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling all of you received him. ¹⁶ I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

2 Corinthians 8

Generosity is Encouraged

Moreover, brethren, we do you to know of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; ² How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. ³ In order to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; ⁴ Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ⁵ And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. ⁶ Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. ⁷ Therefore, as all of you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that all of you abound in this grace also. ⁸ I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. ⁹ For all of you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that all of you through his poverty might be rich. ¹⁰ And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. ¹¹ Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which all of you have. ¹² For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not. ¹³ For I mean not that other men be eased, and all of you burdened: ¹⁴ But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their lack, that their abundance also may be a supply for your lack: that there may be equality: ¹⁵ As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Titus, Luke and another Christian Brother are sent to Corinth to Minister

¹⁶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. ¹⁷ For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. ¹⁸ And we have sent with him the brother [Luke], whose praise is in the gospel [Gospel of Luke] throughout all the churches; ¹⁹ And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: ²⁰ Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: ²¹ Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. ²² And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. ²³ Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. ²⁴ Wherefore show all of you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 9

For as concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: ² For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many. ³ Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, all of you may be ready: ⁴ Lest lest by any means if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we that we say not, all of you should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. ⁵ Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof all of you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

Sow generously by cheerfully supporting Christian Projects and Evangelism

⁶ But this I say, He which plants sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which plants bountifully shall reap also bountifully. ⁷ Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that all of you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: ⁹ As it is written, He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains forever. ¹⁰ Now he that ministers seed to the planter both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed planted, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; ¹¹ Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. ¹² For the administration of this service not only supplies the lack of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; ¹³ While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; ¹⁴ And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Corinthians 10

Paul's Defense and an Explanation of His Ministry

Now I Paul myself plead to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: ² But I plead to you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. ³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; ⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; ⁶ And being alert to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. ⁷ Do all of you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. ⁸ For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: ⁹ That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. ¹⁰ For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. ¹¹ Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. ¹² For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ¹³ But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. ¹⁴ For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: ¹⁵ Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, ¹⁶ To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. ¹⁷ But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. ¹⁸ For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 11

A Warring against false spirits and the preaching of a different Jesus

Would to God all of you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. ² For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. ³ But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent misled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. ⁴ For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if all of you receive another spirit, which all of you have not received, or another gospel, which all of you have not accepted, all of you might well bear with him. ⁵ For I suppose I was not a thing behind the very chiefest apostles. ⁶ But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things. ⁷ Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that all of you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? ⁸ I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. ⁹ And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. ¹⁰ As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. ¹¹ Wherefore? because I love you not? God knows. ¹² But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. ¹³ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Paul recaps some of the Physical Sufferings and Dangerous Perils that he has repeatedly endured

¹⁶ I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. ¹⁷ That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. ¹⁸ Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. ¹⁹ For all of you suffer fools gladly, seeing all of you yourselves are wise. ²⁰ For all of you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man strike you on the face. ²¹ I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Nevertheless whatever that anyone is bold, I speak foolishly, I am bold also. ²² Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. ²³ Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often. ²⁴ Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. ²⁸ Beside those things that are around me, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? ³⁰ If I must essentially glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. ³¹ The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not. ³² In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: ³³ And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

2 Corinthians 12

Paul's Vision [visit to Heaven] and His Thorn in the Flesh

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. ² I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows; such an one caught up to the third heaven. ³ And I knew such a man, whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows; ⁴ How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. ⁵ Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. ⁶ For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me. ⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. ⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me. ⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made complete in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul's Personal Concern for the Corinthians

¹¹ I am become a fool in glorying; all of you have compelled me: for I should have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. ¹² Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. ¹³ For what is it wherein all of you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. ¹⁴ Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. ¹⁵ And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. ¹⁶ But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. ¹⁷ Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? ¹⁸ I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? ¹⁹ Again, think all of you that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. ²⁰ For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as all of you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: ²¹ And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall mourn for many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and licentiousness which they have committed.

2 Corinthians 13

A Final Warning

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. ² I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which in time past have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: ³ Since all of you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you. ⁴ For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. ⁵ Examine yourselves, whether all of you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know all of you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except all of you be reprobates? ⁶ But I trust that all of you shall know that we are not reprobates. ⁷ Now I pray to God that all of you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that all of you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. ⁸ For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. ⁹ For we are glad, when we are weak, and all of you are strong: and this also we wish, even your completion. ¹⁰ Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction.

Final Greetings

¹¹ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be complete, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. ¹² Greet one another with an holy kiss. ¹³ All the saints salute you. ¹⁴ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

GALATIANS

Galatians 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead; ² And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: ³ Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: ⁵ To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus Christ is the Eternal Life Gospel apart from Jesus Christ there is No Other Gospel

⁶ I marvel that all of you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: ⁷ Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ⁹ As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that all of you have received, let him be accursed. ¹⁰ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God

¹¹ But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. ¹² For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹³ For all of you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: ¹⁴ And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, ¹⁶ To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: ¹⁷ Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother. ²⁰ Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. ²¹ Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; ²² And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: ²³ But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed. ²⁴ And they glorified God in me.

Galatians 2

Paul Accepted by the Apostles in Jerusalem

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. ² And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. ³ But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: ⁴ And that because of false brethren unexpectedly brought in, who came in privately to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: ⁵ To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. ⁶ But of these who seemed to be somewhat, whatsoever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person: for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: ⁷ But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; ⁸ For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: ⁹ And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. ¹⁰ Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

The Apostle Paul admonishes the Apostle Peter's behavior

¹¹ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. ¹² For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. ¹³ And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their subterfuge. ¹⁴ But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compell you the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? ¹⁵ We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, ¹⁶ Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ¹⁷ But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. ¹⁸ For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. ¹⁹ For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. ²⁰ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ²¹ I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 3

Only Resurrection Faith in Jesus Christ Exists

The Just Shall Live by Faith - The Levitical Law is not of Faith

The Levitical Law and the Observances [Temple] of the Levitical Law have ceased

O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that all of you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? ² This only would I learn of you, Received all of you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ³ Are all of you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are all of you now made complete by the flesh? ⁴ Have all of you suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. ⁵ He therefore that ministers to you the Spirit, and works miracles among you, does he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ⁶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. ⁷ Know all of you therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the sons of Abraham. ⁸ And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed. ⁹ So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. ¹⁰ For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. ¹¹ But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. ¹² And the law is not of faith: but, The man that does them shall live in them. ¹³ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree: ¹⁴ That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Ancient Promises of God are Preeminent over The Levitical Law (temporary instructions for man to follow)

¹⁵ Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man nullifies, or adds thereto. ¹⁶ Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He says not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to your seed, which is Christ. ¹⁷ And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot nullify, that it should make the promise of no effect. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. ¹⁹ Wherefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ²⁰ Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. ²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, assuredly righteousness should have been by the law. ²² But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. ²³ But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. ²⁴ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The 'born again' Children of God after the Completed Adoption in the Resurrection become The Completed Sons/Daughters of God

²⁶ For all of you are all the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for all of you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if all of you be Christ's, then are all of you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4

Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; ² But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. ³ Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: ⁴ But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵ To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶ And because all of you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷ Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

⁸ Nevertheless then, when all of you knew not God, all of you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. ⁹ But now, after that all of you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn all of you again to the weak and beggarly elements, unto which all of you desire again to be in bondage? ¹⁰ All of you observe days, and months, and times, and years. ¹¹ I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain. ¹² Brethren, I plead to you, be as I am; for I am as all of you are: all of you have not injured me at all. ¹³ All of you know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. ¹⁴ And my temptation which was in my flesh all of you despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Where is then the blessedness all of you spoke of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, all of you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. ¹⁶ Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? ¹⁷ They zealously affect you, but not well; yes, they would exclude you, that all of you might affect them. ¹⁸ But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. ¹⁹ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, ²⁰ I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

The Two Covenants: Old the Levitical Law of Mt. Sinai New [The New Testament] the Promises of Jerusalem, Mt. Zion

²¹ Tell me, all of you that desire to be under the law, do all of you not hear the law [the Law (Mt. Sinai) is deserted, empty and void]? ²² For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. ²³ But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. ²⁴ Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar. ²⁵ For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. ²⁶ But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. ²⁷ For it is written, Rejoice, you barren that bear not; break forth and cry, you that travail not: for the desolate has many more children than she which has an husband. ²⁸ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. ²⁹ But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. ³⁰ Nevertheless what says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. ³¹ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Galatians 5

Our Christian Freedom in Jesus Christ

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ² Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if all of you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ³ For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. ⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; all of you are fallen from grace. ⁵ For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. ⁶ For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. ⁷ All of you did run well; who did hinder you that all of you should not obey the truth? ⁸ This persuasion comes not of him that calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you through the Lord, that all of you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. ¹¹ And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. ¹² I would they were even cut off which trouble you. ¹³ For, brethren, all of you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ¹⁵ But if all of you bite and devour one another, take heed that all of you be not consumed one of another.

Eternal Life is by the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit and our Fallen (Flesh) Nature are Enemies at War against each other

¹⁶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and all of you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that all of you cannot do the things that all of you would. ¹⁸ But if all of you be led of the Spirit, all of you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, worldy jealousies, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, wilful restrain: against such there is no law. ²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6

Fulfill the Royal Law of Jesus Christ

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, all of you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. ² Bear all of you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden. ⁶ Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. ⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man plants, that shall he also reap. ⁸ For he that plants to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that plants to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. ¹⁰ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The New Covenant is Not in the Old Physical Circumcision it is in our New 'born again' Resurrection Creation Eternal Life

¹¹ All of you see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. ¹² As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. ¹³ For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. ¹⁴ But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. ¹⁵ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. ¹⁶ And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. ¹⁷ From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁸ Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

EPHESIANS

Ephesians 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: ² Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Spiritual Blessings are in Jesus Christ

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ⁴ According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved. ⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ⁸ Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; ⁹ Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself: ¹⁰ That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: ¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: ¹² That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³ In whom all of you also trusted, after that all of you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that all of you believed, all of you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, ¹⁶ Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; ¹⁷ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: ¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that all of you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: ²² And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, ²³ Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

Ephesians 2

We Have Been Made Alive Our Eternal Life in Jesus Christ

And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past all of you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, by grace all of you are saved; ⁶ And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷ That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace are all of you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: both of grace and faith are the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

Christians are One Church Body in Jesus Christ

¹¹ Wherefore remember, that all of you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time all of you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus all of you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; in order to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace; ¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: ¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were far off, and to them that were nigh. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. ¹⁹ Now therefore all of you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²² In whom all of you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ephesians 3

The Apostle Paul was Appointed by God to be the Primary Preacher of the Gentiles

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, ² If all of you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me toward you: ³ How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; as I wrote before in few words, ⁴ Whereby, when all of you read, all of you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ ⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; ⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: ⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. ⁸ Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; ⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: ¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, ¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: ¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. ¹³ Wherefore I desire that all of you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

A Prayer for the Church at Ephesus

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; ¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that all of you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; ¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that all of you might be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 4

There is to be Unity in the Church Body of Jesus Christ

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, plead to you that all of you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith all of you are called, ² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³ Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as all of you are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ⁷ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. ⁸ Wherefore he says, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ⁹ Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. ¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a complete man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: ¹⁴ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed back and forth, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: ¹⁶ From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Living as Children of The True Eternal Holy Light of God

¹⁷ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that all of you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, ¹⁸ Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: ¹⁹ Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. ²⁰ But all of you have not so learned Christ; ²¹ If so be that all of you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²² That all of you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴ And that all of you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. ²⁵ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. ²⁶ Be all of you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: ²⁷ Neither give place to the devil. ²⁸ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs. ²⁹ Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. ³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby all of you are sealed unto the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: ³² And be all of you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

Ephesians 5

Be all of you therefore followers of God, as dear children; ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. ³ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; ⁴ Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this all of you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ⁶ Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Be not all of you therefore partakers with them. ⁸ For all of you were sometimes darkness, but now are all of you light in the Lord: walk as children of light: ⁹ For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; ¹⁰ Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. ¹² For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. ¹³ But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light. ¹⁴ Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. ¹⁵ See then that all of you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Wherefore be all of you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ²¹ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Instructions for Wives and Husbands

²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So should men love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: ³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. ³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. ³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³ Nevertheless let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 6

Instructions for Children and Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth. ⁴ And, all of you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Instructions for Slaves (Workers) and Masters (Overseers)

⁵ Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶ Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸ Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹ And, all of you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

The Armor of God - Instructions for Christian Spiritual Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that all of you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that all of you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith all of you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: ¹⁸ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¹⁹ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I should speak.

Final Greetings

²¹ But that all of you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: ²² Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that all of you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. ²³ Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 1

Introduction

Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ² Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, ⁵ For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ⁷ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, all of you all are partakers of my grace. ⁸ For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; ¹⁰ That all of you may approve things that are excellent; that all of you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. ¹¹ Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Though Difficulties Persist for Paul the Gospel Continues to Advance

¹² But I would all of you should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; ¹³ So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; ¹⁴ And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: ¹⁶ The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: ¹⁷ But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. ¹⁹ For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. ²¹ In order to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I know not. ²³ For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: ²⁴ Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; ²⁶ That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. ²⁷ Only let your conversation be as it becomes the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that all of you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; ²⁸ And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. ²⁹ For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ³⁰ Having the same conflict which all of you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians 2

Imitate Jesus Christ's Humility

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfill all of you my joy, that all of you be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Shine as a Light of Eternal Life in the World

¹² Wherefore, my beloved, as all of you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ¹⁴ Do all things without murmurings and disputings: ¹⁵ That all of you may be blameless and harmless, the children of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom all of you shine as lights in the world; ¹⁶ Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. ¹⁷ Yes, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same cause also do all of you joy, and rejoice with me.

The Servants Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. ²⁰ For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. ²² But all of you know the proof of him, that, as a child with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. ²³ Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. ²⁴ But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. ²⁵ Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. ²⁶ For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that all of you had heard that he had been sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when all of you see him again, all of you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: ³⁰ Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Philippians 3

Have no Confidence in the Human Flesh

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. ² Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision [legalism]. ³ For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. ⁴ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: ⁵ Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as concerning the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. ⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, ⁹ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; ¹¹ If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Always Continue Pressing on Toward the Goal of Heaven

¹² Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, ¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as be complete, be thus minded: and if in anything all of you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. ¹⁶ Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. ¹⁷ Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as all of you have us for an example. ¹⁸ For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. ²⁰ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: ²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians 4

Exhortations to Live and Fellowship in a godly Manner

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. ² I plead to Euodias, and plead to Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ And I implore you also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ⁹ Those things, which all of you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Paul Acknowledges and Gives Thanks for their Financial Gifts and Personal Contributions to the Ministry

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein all of you were also careful, but all of you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in respect of lack: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ¹² I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. ¹⁴ Notwithstanding all of you have well done, that all of you did communicate with my affliction. ¹⁵ Now all of you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but all of you only. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica all of you sent once and again unto my necessity. ¹⁷ Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. ¹⁸ But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

²¹ Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. ²² All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. ²³ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

COLOSSIANS

Colossians 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, ² To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴ Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which all of you have to all the saints, ⁵ For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof all of you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; ⁶ Which has come unto you, as it is in all the world; and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day all of you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: ⁷ As all of you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; ⁸ Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. ⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that all of you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ That all of you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; ¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: ¹³ Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: ¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Jesus Christ the Fullness and Image of the Invisible God

¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: ¹⁶ For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; ²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. ²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled ²² In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and irreproachable in his sight: ²³ If all of you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which all of you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Paul's Labors are that everyone of the Church may be perfect in Christ Jesus

²⁴ Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is deficient of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: ²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; ²⁶ Even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: ²⁷ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: ²⁸ Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man complete in Christ Jesus: ²⁹ Unto which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.

Colossians 2

For I would that all of you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; ² That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; ³ In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. ⁵ For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Freedom from Human Restrictions comes through our Death and Resurrection Life in Jesus Christ

⁶ As all of you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk all of you in him: ⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as all of you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. ⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ⁹ For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. ¹⁰ And all of you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: ¹¹ In whom also all of you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: ¹² Buried with him in baptism, wherein also all of you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead. ¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; ¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. ¹⁶ Let no man therefore judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: ¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. ¹⁸ Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God. ²⁰ Wherefore if all of you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are all of you subject to ordinances, ²¹ Touch not; taste not; handle not; ²² Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? ²³ Which things have indeed a show of wisdom religious outlook, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

Colossians 3

Seeking Heaven, those things which are Above

If all of you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For all of you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall all of you also appear with him in glory. ⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience: ⁷ In the which all of you also walked some time, when all of you lived in them. ⁸ But now all of you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that all of you have put off the old man with his deeds; ¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Savages, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do all of you. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also all of you are called in one body; and be all of you thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatsoever all of you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Rules for Christian Households

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; ²³ And whatsoever all of you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord all of you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for all of you serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4

Further Instructions

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that all of you also have a Master in heaven. ² Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; ³ Likewise praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: ⁴ That I may make it manifest, as I should speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward them that are outside, redeeming the time. ⁶ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that all of you may know how all of you should answer every man.

Final Greetings

⁷ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord: ⁸ Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; ⁹ With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. ¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner salutes you, and Marcus, sister's concerning whom all of you received commandments: if he comes unto you, receive him; ¹¹ And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that all of you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him record, that he has a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. ¹⁵ Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. ¹⁶ And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that all of you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it. ¹⁸ The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

 

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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

1st THESSALONIANS

1 Thessalonians 1

Introduction

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Faith and Maturity

² We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; ³ Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; ⁴ Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. ⁵ For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; as all of you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. ⁶ And all of you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So that all of you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything. ⁹ For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how all of you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; ¹⁰ And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 2

Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: ² But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully pleaded, as all of you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. ³ For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: ⁴ But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts. ⁵ For neither at any time used we flattering words, as all of you know, nor a coat of covetousness; God is witness: ⁶ Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. ⁷ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: ⁸ So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because all of you were dear unto us. ⁹ For all of you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ All of you are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: ¹¹ As all of you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children, ¹² That all of you would walk worthy of God, who has called you unto his kingdom and glory. ¹³ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when all of you received the word of God which all of you heard of us, all of you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. ¹⁴ For all of you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for all of you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: ¹⁵ Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: ¹⁶ Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Paul's Longing to See the Thessalonians Again

¹⁷ But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. ¹⁸ Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even all of you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? ²⁰ For all of you are our glory and joy.

1 Thessalonians 3

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; ² And sent Timothy, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: ³ That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. ⁴ For assuredly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and all of you know. ⁵ For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

Timothy's Encouraging Report

⁶ But now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that all of you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: ⁷ Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: ⁸ For now we live, if all of you stand fast in the Lord. ⁹ For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; ¹⁰ Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might complete that which is lacking in your faith? ¹¹ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ¹² And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: ¹³ To the end he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 4

Living to Please God

Furthermore then we plead to you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as all of you have received of us how all of you ought to walk and to please God, so all of you would abound more and more. ² For all of you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that all of you should abstain from fornication: ⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; ⁵ Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: ⁶ That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. ⁸ He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who has also given unto us his holy Spirit. ⁹ But as concerning brotherly love all of you need not that I write unto you: for all of you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. ¹⁰ And indeed all of you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we plead to you, brethren, that all of you increase more and more; ¹¹ And that all of you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; ¹² That all of you may walk honestly toward them that are outside, and that all of you may have lack of nothing.

The Coming of the Lord and The Rapture of the Church

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that all of you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord [Jesus] Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet voice of God: and the dead in Christ having already rise[n] first: ¹⁷ Then we which are spiritually alive and remain shall be caught up together with Him in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, all of you have no need that I write unto you. ² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. ³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ⁴ But all of you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵ All of you are all the sons of light, and the sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. ¹¹ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also all of you do.

Final Instructions

¹² And we plead to you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; ¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. ¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. ¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. ¹⁶ Rejoice evermore. ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. ¹⁸ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit. ²⁰ Despise not prophesyings. ²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. ²² Abstain from all appearance of evil. ²³ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it. ²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. ²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

 

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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

2nd THESSALONIANS

2 Thessalonians 1

Introduction

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: ² Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds; ⁴ So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that all of you endure: ⁵ Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that all of you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which all of you also suffer: ⁶ Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; ⁷ And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; ¹⁰ When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe because our testimony among you was believed in that day. ¹¹ Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: ¹² That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and all of you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2

The Man (Antichrist) of Lawlessness (Void of the Royal Law)

Now we plead to you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, ² That all of you be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. ³ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ⁴ Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. ⁵ Remember all of you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ⁶ And now all of you know what withholds that he might be revealed in his time. ⁷ For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. ⁸ And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: ⁹ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, ¹⁰ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ¹² That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Christians are to Stand Firm in the Church Traditions of God

¹³ But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: ¹⁴ Unto which he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions [i.e. baptism, communion, prayer, service, etc.] which all of you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. ¹⁶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 3

Ministry Request for Prayer

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: ² And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that all of you both do and will do the things which we command you. ⁵ And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. ⁷ For yourselves know how all of you should follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; ⁸ Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: ⁹ Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. ¹¹ For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. ¹² Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. ¹³ But all of you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. ¹⁴ And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵ Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Final Greetings

¹⁶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO

1st TIMOTHY

1 Timothy 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ² Unto Timothy, my own child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Warnings Against False Teachers who are Trying to Revive the Levitical Law

³ As I besought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, ⁴ Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. ⁵ Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith sincere: ⁶ From which some having miss the mark have turned aside unto vain arguments; ⁷ Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. ⁸ But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; ⁹ Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, ¹⁰ For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men-stealers p. slave traders, kidnappers, for liars, for promise breakers, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; ¹¹ According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

The Lord's Mercy was Applied to the Apostle Paul

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; ¹³ Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and prone to cause hurt: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ Nevertheless for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. ¹⁷ Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. ¹⁸ This charge I commit unto you, child Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war a good warfare; ¹⁹ Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: ²⁰ Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 2

Instructions Regarding Church Worship [Episcopal, Presbyterian]

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; ² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; ⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; ⁶ Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. ⁷ Unto which I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. ⁸ I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. ⁹ In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; ¹⁰ But which becomes women professing godliness with good works. ¹¹ Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. ¹² But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence [does not apply to the Congregational Church structure where everyone is primarily equal]. ¹³ For Adam was first formed, then Eve. ¹⁴ And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. ¹⁵ Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with sobriety.

1 Timothy 3

Instructions for Overseers (Elders) and Deacons (Servants)

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. ² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, able to teach; ³ Not given to wine, not an attacker, not greedy of filthy immoral gain; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴ One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵ For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? ⁶ Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover he must have a good report of them which are outside; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. ⁸ Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy immoral gain; ⁹ Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰ And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹ Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³ For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ These things write I unto you, hoping to come unto you shortly: ¹⁵ But if I wait long, that you may know how you should behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. ¹⁶ And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 4

Instructions to Timothy

Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; ³ Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. ⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: ⁵ For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. ⁶ If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, unto which you have attained. ⁷ But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather unto godliness. ⁸ For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. ¹⁰ For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. ¹¹ These things command and teach. ¹² Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. ¹⁴ Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. ¹⁵ Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. ¹⁶ Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear you.

1 Timothy 5

Advice Regarding Widows, the Elderly and Servants (Workers)

Rebuke not an elder, but implore him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; ² The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. ³ Honor widows that are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. ⁷ And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. ⁸ But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. ⁹ Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. ¹⁰ Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. ¹¹ But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they will marry; ¹² Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. ¹³ And likewise they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossiping also and busybodies, speaking things which they should not. ¹⁴ I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. ¹⁵ For some are already turned aside after Satan. ¹⁶ If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. ¹⁷ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸ For the scripture says, You shall not suppress the ox that treads out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. ¹⁹ Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. ²¹ I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. ²² Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep yourself pure. ²³ Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities. ²⁴ Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. ²⁵ Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

1 Timothy 6

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. ² And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. ³ If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ⁴ He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil questionings, ⁵ Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself. ⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Paul's Concluding Instructions to Timothy

¹¹ But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. ¹³ I give you charge in the sight of God, who replenishes life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; ¹⁴ That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: ¹⁵ Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; ¹⁶ Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. ¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; ¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Paul's Personal Advice to Timothy

²⁰ O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: ²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

 

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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO

2nd TIMOTHY

2 Timothy 1

Introduction

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, ² To Timothy, my dearly beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Encouragement to Be Faithful

³ I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day; ⁴ Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy; ⁵ When I call to remembrance the sincere faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also. ⁶ Wherefore I put you in remembrance that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ⁸ Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; ⁹ Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, ¹⁰ But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: ¹¹ Unto which I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. ¹² For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ¹³ Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ That good thing which was committed unto you keep by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us. ¹⁵ This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶ The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: ¹⁷ But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. ¹⁸ The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, you know very well.

2 Timothy 2

Tou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. ³ You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. ⁴ No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. ⁵ And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. ⁶ The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits. ⁷ Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things. ⁸ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: ⁹ Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. ¹¹ It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: ¹² If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: ¹³ If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Teach others to Study to Be A Workman Approved by God

¹⁴ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. ¹⁵ Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. ¹⁷ And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; ¹⁸ Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. ²⁰ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. ²¹ If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. ²² Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. ²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God possibly will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; ²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 3

Increase in godlessness in the Last Days

This know also, that in the last days dangerous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, rebellious, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with various lusts, ⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses [Exodus 7:11], so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ⁹ But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

Paul's Remembrance and Instructions to Timothy

¹⁰ But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, ¹¹ Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. ¹² Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and seducers shall grew worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. ¹⁴ But continue you in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; ¹⁵ And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 4

Paul's Instructions to Timothy's Ministry

I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; ² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; ⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ⁵ But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

Paul's Personal Remarks about his own life and Ministry

⁶ For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Concluding instructions to Timothy

⁹ Do your diligence to come shortly unto me: ¹⁰ For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. ¹² And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. ¹³ The coat that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments. ¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: ¹⁵ Of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. ¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. ¹⁷ Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Doxology

¹⁸ And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹⁹ Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. ²⁰ Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. ²¹ Do your diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. ²² The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO

TITUS

Titus 1

Introduction

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; ² In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; ³ But has in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior; ⁴ To Titus, mine own child after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus' Calling to Pastor a Church on the Greek Island of Crete

⁵ For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you: ⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not an attacker, not given to filthy immoral gain; ⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; ⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the disputers. ¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: ¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they should not, for filthy immoral gain's sake. ¹² One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, sluggards. ¹³ This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; ¹⁴ Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. ¹⁵ Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ¹⁶ They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Titus 2

Teaching of Sound Doctrine to each the Various Fellowship Groups

But speak you the things which become sound doctrine: ² That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. ³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; ⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. ⁶ Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. ⁷ In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, ⁸ Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. ⁹ Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; ¹⁰ Not embezzling, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. ¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; ¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; ¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself an exclusive people, zealous of good works. ¹⁵ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.

Titus 3

Exhorting the Congregation to Appropriate Behavior

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, ² To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. ³ For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ⁴ But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; ⁶ Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; ⁷ That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ⁹ But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are useless and vain. ¹⁰ A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; ¹¹ Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned of himself.

Final Remarks

¹² When I shall send Artemas unto you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. ¹³ Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be lacking unto them. ¹⁴ And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. ¹⁵ All that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO

PHILEMON

Philemon 1

Introduction

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, ² And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: ³ Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

⁴ I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, ⁵ Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; ⁶ That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. ⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

Paul's request to Philemon that he receive back his disobedient servant Onesimus as a Brother in Christ

⁸ Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to admonish you that which is convenient, ⁹ Yet for love's sake I rather plead to you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I plead to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: ¹¹ Which in time past was to you useless, but now profitable to you and to me: ¹² Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: ¹³ Whom I would have retained with me, that in your position he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: ¹⁴ But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. ¹⁵ For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever; ¹⁶ Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? ¹⁷ If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. ¹⁸ If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on mine account; ¹⁹ I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: although it be I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. ²¹ Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

Paul's expresses a hope to visit Philemon

²² But likewise prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. ²³ There salute you Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus; ²⁴ Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers. ²⁵ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

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THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE

HEBREWS

Hebrews 1

The Son of God (Jesus Christ) is Superior to the Angels

God, who at several times and in various manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, ² Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; ³ Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: ⁴ Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. ⁵ For unto which of the angels said he at any time, You are my Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ⁶ And again, when he brings in the First-Born into the world, he says, And let all the angels of God worship him. ⁷ And of the angels he says, Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. ⁸ But unto the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom. ⁹ You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. ¹⁰ And, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands: ¹¹ They shall perish; but you remain; and they all shall grew old as does a garment; ¹² And as a vesture shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same, and your years shall not fail. ¹³ But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool? ¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Hebrews 2

Warning to Pay Attention

Therefore we should give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. ² For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; ³ How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ⁴ God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

Note: Jesus was Manifested a Human in the flesh to be our Eternal High Priest

⁵ For unto the angels has he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. ⁶ But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that you are mindful of him? or the son of man that you visit him?

Warning Against Unbelief

⁷ You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands: ⁸ You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. ⁹ But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ¹⁰ For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation complete through sufferings. ¹¹ For both he that santifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, ¹² Saying, I will declare your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto you. ¹³ And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God has given me. ¹⁴ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; ¹⁵ And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ¹⁶ For assuredly he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. ¹⁷ Wherefore in all things it was essential for him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful [Melchizedek] High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help them that are tempted.

Hebrews 3

The Son of God (Jesus Christ) is Greater Than Moses

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; ² Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. ³ For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house. ⁴ For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God. ⁵ And Moses assuredly was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; ⁶ But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. ⁷ Wherefore as the Holy Spirit says, Today if all of you will hear his voice, ⁸ Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: ⁹ When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. ¹⁰ Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always go astray in their heart; and they have not known my ways. ¹¹ So I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. ¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. ¹³ But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ¹⁴ For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; ¹⁵ While it is said, Today if all of you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. ¹⁶ For some, when they had heard, did provoke: nevertheless not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness? ¹⁸ And to whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? ¹⁹ So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4

The True Eternal Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. ² For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. ³ For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. ⁴ For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day likewise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. ⁵ And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. ⁶ Seeing therefore it remains that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: ⁷ Again, he limits a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if all of you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ⁸ For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. ⁹ There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. ¹⁰ For he that is entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. ¹² For the word of God is active, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Jesus Christ the Son of God, Eternal Melchizedek High Priest

¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 5

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: ² Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. ³ And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. ⁴ And no man takes this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. ⁵ So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, You are my Son, today have I begotten you. ⁶ As he says also in another place, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. ⁷ Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; ⁸ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; ⁹ And being made complete, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; ¹⁰ Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Warning Against Falling Away

¹¹ Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing all of you are dull of hearing. ¹² For when the time all of you should be teachers, all of you have need that one teach you again what are the first principles of the oracles of God; and have become such as have need of milk, and not of strong food. ¹³ For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But strong food belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 6

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto completion; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ² Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³ And this will we do, if God permit. ⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, ⁶ If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ⁷ For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God: ⁸ But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. ⁹ But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which all of you have showed toward his name, in that all of you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ¹¹ And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: ¹² That all of you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. ¹³ For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ Saying, Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you. ¹⁵ And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. ¹⁶ For men assuredly swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. ¹⁷ Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: ¹⁸ That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: ¹⁹ Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil; ²⁰ Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7

Melchizedek the Eternal High Priest

For this [Old Testament] Melchizedek (Melchisedec) [either an O.T. Epiphany of Jesus Christ or an appearance of God the person of the Holy Spirit], King of Salem (Peace) [not to be confused with the city of Jerusalem which was founded much later by King David], Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; ² To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; ³ [Eternal] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a Priest continually. ⁴ Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth [tithe] of the spoils. ⁵ And verily they that are of the sons of Levi [Levitical Priesthood], who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the [Levitical] law, that is, of their brethren, though they [birthed] come out of the loins of Abraham: ⁶ But He (Melchizedek) whose descent is not counted from them [Tribe of Levi] received tithes of Abraham, and [Melchizedek] blessed him [Abraham] that had the promises [of God]. ⁷ And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. ⁸ And here men [Levites] that die receive tithes; but there He [Melchizedek] receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that He liveth [eternal]. ⁹ And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. ¹⁰ For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest Melchizedek

¹¹ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? ¹² For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. ¹³ For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. ¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. ¹⁵ And it is yet far more evident: for that after the embodiment of Melchizedek there arises another priest, ¹⁶ Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. ¹⁷ For he testifies, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. ¹⁸ For there is assuredly a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. ¹⁹ For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. ²⁰ And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: ²¹ For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek: ²² By so much was Jesus made a guarantor of a better testament. ²³ And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: ²⁴ But this man, because he continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood. ²⁵ Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. ²⁶ For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; ²⁷ Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Hebrews 8

Jesus Christ The Eternal High Priest of The Eternal New Covenant

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; ² A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle [Temple in Heaven], which the Lord pitched, and not man. ³ For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. ⁴ For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: ⁵ Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, says he, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount. ⁶ But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. ⁷ For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. ⁸ For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: ⁹ Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, says the Lord. ¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: ¹¹ And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. ¹³ In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and grows old is ready to vanish away.

Hebrews 9

Old Testament Worship in the Earthly Levitical Tabernacle

Then assuredly the first covenant [Old Testament] had also [Levitical] ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary [in both the wilderness tabernacle and the Jerusalem Temple]. ² For there was a tabernacle made; the first [priestly room], wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. ³ And after the second veil [at one time the veil in the Temple was two curtains about 18 inches apart with openings in different places - so the High Priest could slip past the first curtain (veil) and close it without anyone seeing into the Holy of Holies - then he could enter past the 2nd veil and into the Holy of Holies], the tabernacle which is called the Holiest [Holy of Holies] of all; ⁴ Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded [Numbers 17:8], and the tables [tablets] of the covenant [Exodus 25:16]; ⁵ And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly [John 20:12 - the Tabernacle contained a replica mercyseat - the actual Mercyseat was the tomb of Jesus Christ]. ⁶ Now when these [Levitical] things were thus ordained, the [Levitical] priests went always into the first [priestly room of the] tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. ⁷ But into the second [priestly room - the Holy of Holies] went [only] the high priest alone once [on Yom Kippur] every year, not without blood [from a bull], which he offered for himself [first], and [blood from a goat] for the errors of the people: ⁸ The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was [closed] not yet made manifest [available to the people], while as the first [earthly] tabernacle was yet standing: ⁹ Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; ¹⁰ Which stood only in foods and drinks, and various washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

The Eternal Life Blood of Jesus Christ

¹¹ But [Jesus] Christ being come [incarnate] an High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect [Heavenly] tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹² Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place (Heaven), having obtained eternal redemption for us. ¹³ For if the [Levitical] blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: ¹⁴ How much more shall the [Eternal] blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ¹⁵ And for this cause He is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament [Old Testament], they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ¹⁶ For where a testament [last will - covenant] is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. ¹⁷ For a testament [will] is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. ¹⁸ Whereupon neither the first testament [Old Testament] was dedicated without blood [blood of bulls and goats]. ¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, ²⁰ Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. ²¹ Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. ²² And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission [of sin] ²³ It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [earthly tabernacle], which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: ²⁵ Nor yet that he should offer Himself often, as the [Levitical] high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others [bulls and goats]; ²⁶ For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared [manifested] to put away sin by the [crucifixion] sacrifice of Himself. ²⁷ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: ²⁸ So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time [Second Coming] without [no longer dealing with] sin [but concerning] unto salvation.

Hebrews 10

Jesus Christ was Sacrificed Once for All People

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. ² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. ³ But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. ⁵ Wherefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body have you prepared me: ⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure. ⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do your will, O God. ⁸ Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; ⁹ Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second. ¹⁰ By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ¹¹ And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: ¹² But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; ¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. ¹⁴ For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified. ¹⁵ Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, ¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; ¹⁷ And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. ¹⁸ Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

A Call to Enter into a Holy Personal Relationship with God

¹⁹ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹ And having an high priest over the house of God; ²² Let us draw near [relationship] with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure [baptism of faith] water.

A Call to Persevere

²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; ²⁴ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as all of you see the day approaching. ²⁶ For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. ²⁸ He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: ²⁹ Of how much greater punishment, suppose all of you, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ³² But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after all of you were illuminated, all of you endured a great fight of afflictions; ³³ Partly, whilst all of you were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst all of you became companions of them that were so used. ³⁴ For all of you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that all of you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. ³⁵ Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompence of reward. ³⁶ For all of you have need of patience, that, after all of you have done the will of God, all of you might receive the promise. ³⁷ For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not wait. ³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 11

The Hall of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good report. ³ Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. ⁴ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks. ⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ⁷ By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. ⁸ By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went. ⁹ By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: ¹⁰ For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ¹¹ Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. ¹² Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. ¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them far off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. ¹⁵ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. ¹⁶ But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city. ¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall your seed be called: ¹⁹ Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. ²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. ²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. ²² By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the sons of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. ²³ By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; ²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; ²⁶ Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. ²⁷ By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸ Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. ²⁹ By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. ³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. ³¹ By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. ³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, grew valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷ They were stoned, they were cut apart, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made complete.

Hebrews 12

The Cloud of Witnesses -The Testimonies of Previous Saints

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest all of you be wearied and faint in your minds.

God Disciplines His Children to be Sons

⁴ All of you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ⁵ And all of you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto sons, My son, despise not you the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of him: ⁶ For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. ⁷ If all of you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? ⁸ But if all of you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are all of you bastards, and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they assuredly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ¹¹ Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. ¹² Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; ¹³ And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Warning Against Refusing God

¹⁴ Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: ¹⁵ Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; ¹⁶ Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. ¹⁷ For all of you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. ¹⁸ For all of you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, ¹⁹ And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard implored that the word should not be spoken to them any more: ²⁰ For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: ²¹ And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: ²² But all of you are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made complete, ²⁴ And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things that that of Abel. ²⁵ See that all of you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven: ²⁶ Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. ²⁷ And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. ²⁸ Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: ²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 13

Concluding Exhortations

Let brotherly love continue. ² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unexpectedly. ³ Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. ⁴ Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. ⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as all of you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. ⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ⁷ Remember them which have the leadership among you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith emulate, accurately observe an examination of their conversation. ⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. ⁹ Be not carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with foods, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. ¹⁰ We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. ¹¹ For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. ¹² Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered [outside the city of Jerusalem] without (outside) the [city] gate. ¹³ Let us go forth [outside the city - to Mt. Zion] therefore unto Him without (outside) the camp (Jerusalem), bearing His reproach. ¹⁴ For here have we no continuing [earthly] city, but we seek one [Heaven] to come.

Exhortation to Christian Conduct

¹⁵ By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. ¹⁶ But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ¹⁷ Be persuaded of them that have the leadership among you, and defer yourselves: for they are attentive for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

The Apostle Paul requests prayers pertaining to his release from prison

¹⁸ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. ¹⁹ But I plead to you the rather to do this, that I [Apostle Paul] may be restored [from imprisonment in Jerusalem - Acts 23] to you the sooner. ²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ Make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

An additional plea from the Apostle Paul requesting that the Brethren consider his letter not to be a Rebuke but an Exhortation

²² And I plead to you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. ²³ Know all of you that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he comes [to Jerusalem] shortly, I will see you. ²⁴ Salute all them that have the leadership among you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. ²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen.

 

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THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF

JAMES

James 1

Introduction

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Trials and Temptations

² My brethren, count it all joy when all of you fall into various temptations; ³ Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. ⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that all of you may be complete and entire, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. ⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. ⁸ A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. ⁹ Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: ¹⁰ But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. ¹¹ For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. ¹² Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. ¹³ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: ¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. ¹⁶ Do not go astray, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. ¹⁸ Of his own will brings forth he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.

The Wrath of Man is Not of the Works of God

¹⁹ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ²⁰ For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. ²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and abundance of evil, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Listening and Doing Good

²² But be all of you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ²³ For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and immediately forgets what manner of man he was. ²⁵ But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ²⁶ If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain. ²⁷ Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

James 2

Favoritism is Forbidden

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. ² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; ³ And all of you have respect to him that wears the cheerful clothing, and say unto him, Sit you here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand you there, or sit here under my footstool: ⁴ Are all of you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? ⁵ Listen, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him? ⁶ But all of you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which all of you are called?

The Royal [Melchizedek] Law

⁸ If all of you fulfil the Royal [Melchizedek] Law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, all of you do well: ⁹ But if all of you have respect to persons, all of you commit sin, and are convinced of the [Levitical] law as transgressors. ¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole [Levitical] law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. ¹¹ For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if you commit no adultery, yet if you kill, you are become a transgressor of the law. ¹² So speak all of you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the [Royal - Melchizedek] Law of Liberty. ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.

Faith and Works are Combined and United as One in True Righteousness

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be all of you warmed and filled; notwithstanding all of you give them not those things which are necessary to the body; what does it profit? ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made complete? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ All of you see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ²⁵ Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 3

Taming the Tongue

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a complete man, and able also to bridle the whole body. ³ Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. ⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, anywhere the governor decides. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the embodiment of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things should not so to be. ¹¹ Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Two Kinds of Knowledge [experiences] - Earthly and Heavenly

¹³ Who is a wise man and imbued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if all of you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be implored, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is planted in peace of them that make peace.

James 4

Submit Yourselves to God

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not from this place, even of your lusts that war in your members? ² All of you lust, and have not: all of you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: all of you fight and war, yet all of you have not, because all of you ask not. ³ All of you ask, and receive not, because all of you ask amiss, that all of you may consume it upon your lusts. ⁴ All of you adulterers and adulteresses, know all of you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. ⁵ Do all of you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy? ⁶ But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble. ⁷ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, all of you sinners; and purify your hearts, all of you double minded. ⁹ Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. ¹¹ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. ¹² There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judge another?

No Boasting About Tomorrow

¹³ Go to now, all of you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: ¹⁴ Whereas all of you know not what shall be on the next day. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ For that all of you should say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. ¹⁶ But now all of you rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. ¹⁷ Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.

James 5

A Warning to Rich Oppressors

Go to now, all of you rich men, weep and wail for your miseries that shall come upon you. ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. All of you have heaped treasure together for the last days. ⁴ Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cries: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. ⁵ All of you have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; all of you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. ⁶ All of you have condemned and killed the just; and he does not resist you.

Have Patience in Suffering

⁷ Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. ⁸ Be all of you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. ⁹ Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest all of you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door. ¹⁰ Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. ¹¹ Behold, we count them happy which endure. All of you have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. ¹² But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest all of you fall into condemnation.

Prayer of Faith

¹³ Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. ¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that all of you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. ¹⁹ Brethren, if any of you do go astray from the truth, and one convert him; ²⁰ Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

 

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THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF

1st PETER

1 Peter 1

Introduction

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Praise to God for Our Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ Wherein all of you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, all of you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ⁷ That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ⁸ Whom having not seen, all of you love; in whom, though now all of you see him not, yet believing, all of you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: ⁹ Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. ¹⁰ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: ¹¹ Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. ¹² Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

A Call to Live in Personal Holiness

¹³ Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ¹⁴ As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: ¹⁵ But as he which has called you is holy, so be all of you holy in all manner of conversation; ¹⁶ Because it is written, Be all of you holy; for I am holy. ¹⁷ And if all of you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: ¹⁸ Forasmuch as all of you know that all of you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ²⁰ Who assuredly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, ²¹ Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. ²² Seeing all of you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto sincere love of the brethren, see that all of you love one another with a pure heart fervently: ²³ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. ²⁴ For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: ²⁵ But the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 Peter 2

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speaking, ² As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that all of you may grow thereby: ³ If so be all of you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Living Stones (Members of the Eternal Temple) as a Chosen (Redeemed) People

⁴ To whom coming, as unto a Living Stone (Jesus Christ), disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ⁵ All of you (Redeemed) also, as lively stones (Members of the Eternal Temple), are built up a Spiritual House (Eternal Temple), an Holy [Melchizedek] Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ⁶ Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion (Mt. Zion - the location of the Temple and of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ) a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. ⁷ Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, ⁸ And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: unto which also they were appointed. ⁹ But all of you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, an exclusive people; that all of you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; ¹⁰ Which in time past (Gentiles) were not a [godly] people, but are now (Christians) the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now [New Covenant] have obtained mercy. ¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims [on earth], abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; ¹² Having your conversation honest among the [unsaved] Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of [our judgment] visitation.

Submission to Rulers and Masters

¹³ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; ¹⁴ Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. ¹⁵ For so is the will of God, that with well doing all of you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ¹⁶ As free, and not using your liberty for a coat of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. ¹⁷ Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. ¹⁸ Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse. ¹⁹ For this deserves giving of thanks, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰ For what glory is it, if, when all of you be buffeted for your faults, all of you shall take it patiently? but if, when all of you do well, and suffer for it, all of you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. ²¹ For even hereunto were all of you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that all of you should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously: ²⁴ Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes all of you were healed. ²⁵ For all of you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1 Peter 3

Instructions to Wives and Husbands

Likewise, all of you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; ² While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. ³ Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; ⁴ But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. ⁵ For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: ⁶ Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters all of you are, as long as all of you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. ⁷ Likewise, all of you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Suffering for Doing Good

⁸ Finally, be all of you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: ⁹ Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that all of you are thereunto called, that all of you should inherit a blessing. ¹⁰ For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: ¹¹ Let him shun evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. ¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if all of you be followers of that which is good? ¹⁴ But and if all of you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are all of you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: ¹⁶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. ¹⁷ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that all of you suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. ¹⁸ For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: ¹⁹ By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; ²⁰ Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. ²¹ The like figure unto which even baptism does also now save us not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: ²² Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

1 Peter 4

Living for God

Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; ² That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ³ For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: ⁴ Wherein they think it strange that all of you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: ⁵ Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. ⁷ But the end of all things is at hand: be all of you therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. ⁸ And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover the multitude of sins. ⁹ Use hospitality one to another without grudging. ¹⁰ As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ¹² Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: ¹³ But rejoice, inasmuch as all of you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, all of you may be glad also with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If all of you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are all of you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. ¹⁶ Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. ¹⁷ For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? ¹⁹ Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 5

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: ² Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy immoral gain, but of a ready mind; ³ Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, all of you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away. ⁵ Likewise, all of you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. ⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: ⁹ Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. ¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that all of you have suffered a while, make you restored, establish, strengthen, settle you. ¹¹ To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein all of you stand. ¹³ The church that is at Babylon [Rome], elected together with you, salutes you; and so does Marcus my son. ¹⁴ Greet all of you one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

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THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF

2nd PETER

2 Peter 1

Introduction

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: ² Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

Making One's Calling (Holy Living) and Election (Office - Responsibilities) Sure

³ According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: ⁴ Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these all of you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. ⁵ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; ⁶ And to knowledge wilful restrain; and to wilful restrain patience; and to patience godliness; ⁷ And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that all of you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see far off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. ¹⁰ Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if all of you do these things, all of you shall never fall: ¹¹ For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Tabernacle (earthly body) - Temple (resurrection body)

¹² Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though all of you know them, and be established in the present truth. ¹³ Yes, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; ¹⁴ Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me. ¹⁵ Moreover I will endeavor that all of you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

Prophecy of Scripture

¹⁶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ¹⁸ And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. ¹⁹ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; unto which all of you do well that all of you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 2

False Teachers and Their Destruction

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. ³ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingers not, and their damnation slumbers not. ⁴ For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; ⁵ And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; ⁶ And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly; ⁷ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: ⁸ For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day today with their unlawful deeds; ⁹ The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: ¹⁰ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Arrogant are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. ¹¹ Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. ¹² But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; ¹³ And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceits while they feast with you; ¹⁴ Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: ¹⁵ Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ¹⁶ But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb donkey speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. ¹⁷ These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever. ¹⁸ For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. ¹⁹ While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. ²⁰ For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. ²¹ For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. ²² But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the hog that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Peter 3

The Day of the Lord

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: ² That all of you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior: ³ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, ⁴ And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. ⁵ For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: ⁶ Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: ⁷ But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. ⁸ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Future New Heaven (sky) and New Earth

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. ¹¹ Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons should all of you to be in all holy conversation and godliness, ¹² Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? ¹³ Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.

The Apostle Paul's Church Letters

¹⁴ Wherefore, beloved, seeing that all of you look for such things, be diligent that all of you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. ¹⁵ And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you; ¹⁶ As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable shift, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

A Reminder to Persevere

¹⁷ All of you therefore, beloved, seeing all of you know these things before, beware lest all of you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. ¹⁸ But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

 

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THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF

1st JOHN

1 John 1

Jesus the Son of God is the 'Word of Life' Manifested

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ² For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; ³ That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that all of you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Walking in the Light

⁵ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 2

Know that Jesus Christ has Paid for our Sins for Us

My little children, these things write I unto you, that all of you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: ² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ³ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. ⁴ He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵ But whoso keeps his word, in him assuredly is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. ⁶ He that says he abides in him should himself also so to walk, even as he walked. ⁷ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which all of you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which all of you have heard from the beginning. ⁸ Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines. ⁹ He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now. ¹⁰ He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. ¹¹ But he that hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes.

Know that Jesus Christ has Removed our Sins from Us

¹² I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

Individual Christian Growth and Maturity

¹³ I write unto you, fathers, because all of you have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because all of you have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because all of you have known the Father. ¹⁴ I have written unto you, fathers, because all of you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because all of you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and all of you have overcome the wicked one.

Do Not Love the World

¹⁵ Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.

Warning Against Antichrists (self-saviors)

¹⁸ Little children, it is the last time: and as all of you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. ¹⁹ They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. ²⁰ But all of you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know all things. ²¹ I have not written unto you because all of you know not the truth, but because all of you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. ²² Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. ²³ Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also. ²⁴ Let that therefore abide in you, which all of you have heard from the beginning. If that which all of you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, all of you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. ²⁵ And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life. ²⁶ These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. ²⁷ But the anointing which all of you have received of him abides in you, and all of you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, all of you shall abide in him.

The Children of God abiding in Jesus Christ

²⁸ And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. ²⁹ If all of you know that he is righteous, all of you know that everyone that does righteousness is born of him.

1 John 3

The Resurrection will bring Us forth as Sons/Daughters of God

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. ² Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ³ And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

The Righteous Practice Righteousness

⁴ Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. ⁵ And all of you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. ⁶ Whosoever abides in him sins not: whosoever sins has not seen him, neither known him. ⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. ⁸ He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. ⁹ Whosoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. ¹⁰ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. ¹¹ For this is the message that all of you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. ¹² Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. ¹³ Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. ¹⁴ We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death. ¹⁵ Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and all of you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. ¹⁶ Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we should lay down our lives for the brethren. ¹⁷ But whoso has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? ¹⁸ My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. ¹⁹ And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. ²⁰ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. ²¹ Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. ²² And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. ²³ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. ²⁴ And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

1 John 4

Test the Spirits

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ² Hereby know all of you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God: ³ And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof all of you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ⁴ All of you are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ⁵ They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. ⁶ We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

God's Love for Us and Our Response to His Love

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. ⁸ He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. ⁹ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. ¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Love (Highest Good) One Another

¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we should also love one another. ¹² No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us. ¹³ Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. ¹⁷ Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not yet made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love him, because he first loved us. ²⁰ If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? ²¹ And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God love his brother also.

1 John 5

Our Personal Faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God

Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loves him that brings forth loves him also that is begotten of him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. ⁴ For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

The Water (Judgment), the Blood (Life) and the Holy Spirit (Witness)

⁶ This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. ⁷ For there are three that bear (witness) record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one. ⁸ And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. ⁹ If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son. ¹⁰ He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of his Son. ¹¹ And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹² He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life.

Concluding Remarks

¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that all of you may know that all of you have eternal life, and that all of you may believe on the name of the Son of God. ¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us: ¹⁵ And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. ¹⁶ If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. ¹⁷ All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. ¹⁸ We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not. ¹⁹ And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. ²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. ²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

 

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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF

2nd JOHN

2 John 1

The Apostle John to a Small Church Fellowship

The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; ² For the truth's sake, which dwells in us, and shall be with us forever.

Christian Love is Developed from Biblical Truth

³ Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. ⁴ I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. ⁵ And now I plead to you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as all of you have heard from the beginning, all of you should walk in it.

Use Personal Christian Discernment at all Times

⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. ⁸ Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Spiritual Discernment and Biblical Obedience are Required for Christian Fellowship

⁹ Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: ¹¹ For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Closing Comments

¹² Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. ¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

 

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THE THIRD EPISTLE OF

3rd JOHN

3 John 1

The Apostle John to his friend Gaius

The elder unto the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. ² Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. ³ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.

The Greatest Joy is to Walk in Christian Truth

⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Preforming Christian Charity is Good and Desirable

⁵ Beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you do to the brethren, and to strangers; ⁶ Which have borne witness of your love before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well: ⁷ Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. ⁸ We therefore should receive such, that we might be fellow-helpers to the truth.

The Heretics and non-Christians Withhold Christian Hospitality

⁹ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. ¹⁰ Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, babbling against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church.

Follow not Men but God in Jesus Christ

¹¹ Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God. ¹² Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yes, and we also bear record; and all of you know that our record is true. ¹³ I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto you: ¹⁴ But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face.

Valediction

Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Greet the friends by name.

 

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THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF

JUDE

Jude 1

Introduction

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: ² Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

The Sin and Doom of Godless Men Jude

³ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write unto you, and exhort you that all of you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. ⁴ For there are certain men crept in unexpectedly, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into licentiousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵ I will therefore put you in remembrance, though all of you once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. ⁶ And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. ⁷ Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Uninformed Teachers

⁸ Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. ⁹ Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

¹⁰ But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. ¹¹ Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

At one time 'born again' but now have Forfeited their Salvation

¹² These are spots in your feasts of love, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; ¹³ Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

The Faithful Remnant

¹⁴ And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints, ¹⁵ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

The Unfaithful Remnant

¹⁶ These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

A Call to Persevere

¹⁷ But, beloved, remember all of you the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; ¹⁸ How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. ¹⁹ These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. ²⁰ But all of you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

A Call to Make a Difference

²² And of some have compassion, making a difference: ²³ And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Doxology

²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, ²⁵ To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

 

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REVELATION

SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE

Revelation 1

Introduction

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: ² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. ³ Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. ⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; ⁵ And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the First-Born of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ⁷ Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all families of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. ⁸ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

John Talks to the Resurrected Jesus Christ

⁹ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, ¹¹ Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. ¹² And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; ¹³ And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the breast with a golden girdle. ¹⁴ His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; ¹⁵ And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. ¹⁶ And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. ¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸ I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. ¹⁹ Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ²⁰ The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 2

Messages to the 7 Churches Ephesus

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says He that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; ² I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars: ³ And have borne, and have patience, and for my name's sake have labored, and have not fainted. ⁴ Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent. ⁶ But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. ⁷ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Smyrna

⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; ⁹ I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, but you are rich and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that all of you may be tried; and all of you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. ¹¹ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.

Pergamum

¹² And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says he which has the sharp sword with two edges; ¹³ I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ¹⁵ So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.

Thyatira

¹⁸ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things says the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; ¹⁹ I know your works, and love, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first. ²⁰ Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. ²¹ And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. ²² Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. ²³ And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ²⁴ But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you no other burden. ²⁵ But that which all of you have already hold fast till I come. ²⁶ And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ²⁷ And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. ²⁸ And I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Revelation 3

Sardis

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works fully accomplished before God. ³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you. ⁴ You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. ⁵ He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. ⁶ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Philadelphia

⁷ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; ⁸ I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name. ⁹ Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. ¹⁰ Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. ¹¹ Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown. ¹² Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. ¹³ He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Laodicea

¹⁴ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; ¹⁵ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. ¹⁷ Because you says, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ²¹ To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. ²² He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.

Revelation 4

The 7 Seals and the 7 Trumpets Throne in Heaven

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. ² And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. ³ And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. ⁴ And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. ⁵ And out of the throne proceeded lightning and thundering and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. ⁶ And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. ⁷ And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. ⁸ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

The Complete Church in Heaven

⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ¹¹ You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 5

The Church, the Scroll & the Lamb

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? ³ And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. ⁴ And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. ⁵ And one of the elders says unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. ⁶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. ⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. ⁸ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having everyone of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. ⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ¹⁰ And have made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. ¹¹ And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; ¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever. ¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that lives forever and ever.

Revelation 6

Seals 1 thru 4 The 4 Horsemen

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. ² And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. ³ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. ⁴ And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. ⁵ And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. ⁶ And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see you hurt not the oil and the wine. ⁷ And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. ⁸ And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

5th Seal Minor Tribulation Martyrs

⁹ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? ¹¹ And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

6th Seal Earthquake

¹² And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; ¹³ And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. ¹⁴ And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. ¹⁵ And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; ¹⁶ And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: ¹⁷ For the great day of his wrath has come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 7

The 144,000 (Christian Jewish Believers - Firstfruits) Sealed

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. ² And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, ³ Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. ⁴ And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the sons of Israel. ⁵ Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. ⁶ Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand. ⁷ Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. ⁸ Of the tribe of Zebulun were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The Great Tribulation Multitude

⁹ After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and families, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; ¹⁰ And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. ¹¹ And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, ¹² Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. ¹³ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? ¹⁴ And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. ¹⁶ They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. ¹⁷ For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 8

7th Seal - A Momentary Silence in Heaven Trumpets 1 thru 4

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. ² And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. ³ And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. ⁴ And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. ⁵ And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thundering, and lightning, and an earthquake. ⁶ And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. ⁷ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. ⁸ And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; ⁹ And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. ¹⁰ And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; ¹¹ And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. ¹² And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. ¹³ And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the citizens of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Revelation 9

5th Trumpet Demonic Hoard from the Pit

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. ² And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. ³ And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. ⁴ And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. ⁵ And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he strikes a man. ⁶ And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. ⁷ And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. ⁸ And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. ⁹ And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. ¹⁰ And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. ¹¹ And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue has his name Apollyon. ¹² One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

6th Trumpet Army of 200 Million

¹³ And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, ¹⁴ Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. ¹⁵ And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, in order to slay the third part of men. ¹⁶ And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. ¹⁷ And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. ¹⁸ By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. ¹⁹ For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. ²⁰ And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: ²¹ Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Revelation 10

The Little Scroll - A Strong (Good) Angel

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: ² And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, ³ And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. ⁴ And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. ⁵ And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, ⁶ And swore by him that lives forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: ⁷ But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets. ⁸ And the voice which I heard from heaven spoke unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and upon the earth. ⁹ And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey. ¹⁰ And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. ¹¹ And he said unto me, You must prophesy again before many races and tribes, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Revelation 11

The Temple - The Two Witnesses

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. ² But the court which is outside the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. ³ And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. ⁴ These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. ⁵ And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. ⁶ These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. ⁷ And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. ⁸ And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. ⁹ And they of the people and families and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. ¹⁰ And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. ¹¹ And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. ¹² And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up here. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. ¹³ And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven. ¹⁴ The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe comes quickly.

7th Trumpet Great Earthquake

¹⁵ And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. ¹⁶ And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, ¹⁷ Saying, We give you thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which are, and were, and are to come; because you have taken to you your great power, and have reigned. ¹⁸ And the nations were angry, and your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward unto your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth. ¹⁹ And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightning, and voices, and thundering, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Revelation 12

The Woman (Israel) and the Dragon (Satan)

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: ² And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. ³ And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. ⁴ And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, in order to devour her child as soon as it was born. ⁵ And she brought forth a male son, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her son was caught up unto God, and to his throne. ⁶ And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

The Rise of Antichrist

⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

The Great Tribulation Martyred Saints

¹⁰ And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now has come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ¹² Therefore rejoice, all of you heavens, and all of you that dwell in them. Woe to the citizens of the earth and of the sea! for the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time. ¹³ And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the male child. ¹⁴ And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. ¹⁵ And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. ¹⁶ And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. ¹⁷ And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 13

Sea Beast (Leviathan) - the Antichrist

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. ² And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. ³ And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. ⁴ And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? ⁵ And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. ⁶ And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. ⁷ And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all families, and tongues, and nations. ⁸ And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. ⁹ If any man have an ear, let him hear. ¹⁰ He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Land Beast (Behemoth) - the False Prophet

¹¹ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. ¹² And he exerts all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. ¹³ And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, ¹⁴ And deceives them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. ¹⁵ And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. ¹⁶ And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: ¹⁷ And that no man might buy or sell, except he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. ¹⁸ Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Revelation 14

The Lamb of God & the 144,000

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. ² And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: ³ And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. ⁴ These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb anywhere he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The 3 Witnessing Angels

⁶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷ Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment has come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. ⁸ And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. ⁹ And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ¹⁰ The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name. ¹² Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. ¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Final Tribulation Harvest of the Earth

¹⁴ And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. ¹⁵ And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time has come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. ¹⁶ And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. ¹⁷ And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. ¹⁸ And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. ¹⁹ And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. ²⁰ And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Revelation 15

The 7 Measured (Bowl) Judgments

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. ² And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had got the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ³ And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, you King of saints. ⁴ Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? for you only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before you; for your judgments are made manifest. ⁵ And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: ⁶ And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. ⁷ And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. ⁸ And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Revelation 16

And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. ² And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a dangerous and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. ³ And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. ⁴ And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. ⁵ And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O Lord, which are, and were, and shall be, because you have judged thus. ⁶ For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. ⁷ And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments. ⁸ And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. ⁹ And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. ¹⁰ And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, ¹¹ And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. ¹² And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. ¹³ And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. ¹⁴ For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. ¹⁵ Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. ¹⁶ And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. ¹⁷ And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. ¹⁸ And there were voices, and thunder, and lightning; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. ¹⁹ And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the Nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. ²⁰ And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. ²¹ And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Revelation 17

Judgment of The Great Church Prostitute

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come here; I will show unto you the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters: ² With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. ³ So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: ⁵ And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. ⁶ And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. ⁷ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. ⁸ The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. ⁹ And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. ¹⁰ And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a short space. ¹¹ And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition. ¹² And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. ¹³ These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. ¹⁴ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. ¹⁵ And he says unto me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are races and tribes, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. ¹⁶ And the ten horns which you saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. ¹⁷ For God has put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. ¹⁸ And the woman which you saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 18

The Fall of Mystery Babylon

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. ² And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. ³ For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are grew rich through the abundance of her delicacies. ⁴ And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that all of you be not partakers of her sins, and that all of you receive not of her plagues. ⁵ For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ⁶ Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she has filled fill to her double. ⁷ How much she has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. ⁸ Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. ⁹ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall mourn for her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, ¹⁰ Standing far off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come. ¹¹ And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more: ¹² The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all your wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, ¹³ And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. ¹⁴ And the fruits that your soul lusted after are departed from you, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from you, and you shall find them no more at all. ¹⁵ The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand far off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, ¹⁶ And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! ¹⁷ For in one hour so great riches has come to nothing. And every ship captain, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood far off, ¹⁸ And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! ¹⁹ And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. ²⁰ Rejoice over her, you heaven, and all of you holy apostles and prophets; for God has avenged you on her. ²¹ And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. ²² And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in you; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in you; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in you; ²³ And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived. ²⁴ And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Revelation 19

The Return of Jesus Christ Rejoicing, God Reigns on Earth

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: ² For true and righteous are his judgments: for he has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. ³ And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up forever and ever. ⁴ And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. ⁵ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, and all of you that fear him, both small and great. ⁶ And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thundering, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns. ⁷ Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. ⁸ And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. ⁹ And he says unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he says unto me, These are the true sayings of God. ¹⁰ And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See you do it not: I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. ¹¹ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war. ¹² His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. ¹³ And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. ¹⁷ And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; ¹⁸ That all of you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. ¹⁹ And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. ²⁰ And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. ²¹ And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20

The Millennium - The 1000 year Reign of Christ on Earth Confinement of the Antichrist and the False Prophet

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, ³ And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. ⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Battle of God and Magog

⁷ And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosedout of his prison,⁸ And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the fourquarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Great White Throne - The Final Judgment

¹¹ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.¹² And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 21

The New Jerusalem & the River of Life

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. ² And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. ⁴ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. ⁵ And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. ⁶ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely. ⁷ He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ⁸ But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ⁹ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, ¹¹ Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; ¹² And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: ¹³ On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. ¹⁴ And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ¹⁵ And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. ¹⁶ And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. ¹⁷ And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. ¹⁸ And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. ¹⁹ And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; ²⁰ The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, ruby; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. ²¹ And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. ²² And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. ²³ And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. ²⁴ And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. ²⁵ And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. ²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. ²⁷ And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 22

The River of Life and The Tree of Life

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: ⁴ And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. ⁵ And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign forever and ever. ⁶ And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Final Invitation

⁷ Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book. ⁸ And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. ⁹ Then says he unto me, See you do it not: for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. ¹⁰ And he says unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. ¹¹ He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. ¹² And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. ¹³ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. ¹⁴ Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ For outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. ¹⁶ I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. ¹⁷ And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. ¹⁸ For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: ¹⁹ And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ²⁰ He which testifies these things says, Certainly I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. ²¹ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

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