Philippians
Chapter 1
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ,
to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the
bishops and deacons: 2Grace be unto you, and peace,
from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4Always
in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5For
your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6Being
confident of this very thing, that he which hath 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 defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of
my grace. 8For 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; 10That
ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and
without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with
the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory
and praise of God.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that
the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the
furtherance of the gospel; 13So that my bonds in Christ are
manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14And
many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much
more bold to speak the word without fear. 15Some indeed
preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16The
one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add
affliction to my bonds: 17But the other of love, knowing that
I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18What then?
notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is
preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19For
I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the
supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20According 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 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is
gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit
of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am
in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with
Christ; which is far better: 24Nevertheless to abide in the
flesh is more needful for you. 25And having this
confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your
furtherance and joy of faith; 26That 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 becometh the
gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I
may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one
mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28And in
nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token
of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29For
unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on
him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30Having the same
conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Chapter 2
1 If there be therefore any consolation in
Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any
bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look 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: 6Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in
fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven,
and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. 13For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,
without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among
whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the
word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not
run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17Yea, and if I be
offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice
with you all. 18For the same cause also do ye joy, and
rejoice with me. 19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send
Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I
know your state. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will
naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not
the things which are Jesus Christ’s. 22But ye know the
proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in
the gospel. 23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon
as I shall see how it will go with me. 24But I trust in the
Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25Yet I supposed
it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in
labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to
my wants. 26For he longed after you all, and was full of
heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27For
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. 28I
sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye
may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29Receive
him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in
reputation: 30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto
death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Chapter 3
1 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. 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil
workers, beware of the concision. 3For 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 thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the
flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of
Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as
touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting
the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7But
what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea
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: 10That
I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of
his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11If
by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not
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. 13Brethren, 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, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus
minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal
even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, 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 ye have us for an ensample. 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: 19Whose end is
destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is
in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20For our
conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who 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.
Chapter 4
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed
for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly
beloved. 2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they
be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat thee also,
true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,
with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names
are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and
again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all
men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but
in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus. 8Finally, 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. 9Those
things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in
me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at
the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also
careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak in
respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith
to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, 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. 13I
can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14Notwithstanding
ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15Now
ye 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 ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica
ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17Not because I
desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But
I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the
things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a
sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But 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 for ever and
ever. Amen. 21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The
brethren which are with me greet you. 22All the saints salute
you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. 23The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
TOP
Colossians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of
God, and Timotheus our brother, 2To 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.
3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4Since we heard of your
faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the
saints, 5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6Which
is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth
fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it,
and knew the grace of God in truth: 7As ye also learned of
Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of
Christ; 8Who 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 ye might be filled with
the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That
ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in
every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened
with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and
longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who
hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For
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: 17And
he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And
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. 19For it pleased the Father that in him
should all fulness dwell; 20And, 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. 21And
you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by
wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22In the body of his
flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable
in his sight: 23If ye continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which
ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is
under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24Who now
rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the
afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the
church: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the
dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of
God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages
and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To
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: 28Whom
we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that
we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I
also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me
mightily.
Chapter 2
1 For I would that ye 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; 2That 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; 3In whom are hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you
with enticing words. 5For though I be absent in the flesh, yet
am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the
stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7Rooted
and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8Beware 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. 9For in him
dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are
complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In
whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in
putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of
Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen
with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised
him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having
forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting 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; 15And having
spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in
drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is
of Christ. 18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a
voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things
which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19And
not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of
God. 20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments
of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to
ordinances, 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22Which
all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of
men? 23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will
worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to
the satisfying of the flesh.
Chapter 3
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For
ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When
Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye 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: 6For which things’ sake
the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7In
the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie
not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed
in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where
there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, 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; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave
you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put
on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the
peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one
body; and be ye thankful. 16Let 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. 17And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,
as it is fit in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives,
and be not bitter against them. 20Children, obey your
parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21Fathers,
provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22Servants,
obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with
eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23And
whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25But he that doeth
wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no
respect of persons.
Chapter 4
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which
is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving; 3Withal 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: 4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to
speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,
redeeming the time. 6Let your speech be alway with
grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every
man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who
is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the
Lord: 8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he
might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9With Onesimus,
a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make
known unto you all things which are done here. 10Aristarchus
my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas,
(touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive
him;) 11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the
circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of
God, which have been a comfort unto me. 12Epaphras, who is one
of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for
you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of
God. 13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for
you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14Luke,
the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15Salute the
brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in
his house. 16And when this epistle is read among you, cause
that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise
read the epistle from Laodicea. 17And say to Archippus,
Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou
fulfil it. 18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my
bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
First Thessalonians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, 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.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making
mention of you in our prayers; 3Remembering without ceasing
your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord
Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4Knowing,
brethren beloved, your election of God. 5For our gospel came
not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and
in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for
your sake.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,
having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7So
that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8For
from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and
Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad;
so that we need not to speak any thing. 9For they themselves
shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned
to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And to
wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even
Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Chapter 2
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto
you, that it was not in vain: 2But even after that we had
suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi,
we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much
contention. 3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor
of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4But 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 trieth our hearts. 5For neither at any time used
we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is
witness: 6Nor 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
cherisheth her children: 8So 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 ye were dear unto us. 9For
ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and
day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto
you the gospel of God. 10Ye are witnesses, and God also,
how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that
believe: 11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged
every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That
ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and
glory.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,
because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye
received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth,
the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14For
ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are
in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own
countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both
killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and
they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16Forbidding
us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their
sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short
time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see
your face with great desire. 18Wherefore we would have come
unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19For
what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not
even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For
ye are our glory and joy.
TOP
Chapter 3
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we
thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2And sent
Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the
gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your
faith: 3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for
yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4For verily,
when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer
tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5For 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 labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and
brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good
remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see
you: 7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all
our affliction and distress by your faith: 8For now we live, if
ye stand fast in the Lord. 9For what thanks can we render to
God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before
our God; 10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see
your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus
Christ, direct our way unto you. 12And the Lord make you to
increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men,
even as we do toward you: 13To the end he may stablish
your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Chapter 4
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and
exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye
ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2For
ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3For
this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication: 4That every one of you should know
how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5Not in
the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6That
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. 7For God hath not called us unto
uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8He therefore that despiseth,
despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I
write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10And
indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we
beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11And
that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with
your own hands, as we commanded you; 12That ye may walk
honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of
nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,
concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which
have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For
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. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the
dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore
comfort one another with these words.
Chapter 5
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have
no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly
that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For
when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon
them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But
ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a
thief. 5Ye are all the children of light, and the children 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. 7For they that sleep sleep in
the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8But
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. 9For God
hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus
Christ, 10Who 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 ye do. 12And we beseech you,
brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the
Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in
love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14Now
we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15See
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. 17Pray without
ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise
not prophesyings. 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good. 22Abstain 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. 24Faithful is he
that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray
for us. 26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I
charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy
brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you. Amen.
Second Thessalonians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church
of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace
unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3We
are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because
that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you
all toward each other aboundeth; 4So that we ourselves glory in
you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your
persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous
judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for
which ye also suffer: 6Seeing it is a righteous thing
with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7And
to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire
taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory
of his power; 10When 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 fulfil all the good
pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12That
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him,
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
TOP
Chapter 2
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That
ye 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; 4Who opposeth and
exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so
that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is
God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told
you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he
might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity
doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be
taken out of the way. 8And 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: 9Even him,
whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and
lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness
in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that
they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them
strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they
all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for
you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning
chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of
the truth: 14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the
obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore,
brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,
whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even
our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting
consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts,
and stablish you in every good word and work.
Chapter 3
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of
the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is
with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and
wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3But the Lord is
faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4And
we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do
the things which we command you. 5And the Lord direct your
hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that
walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For
yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves
disorderly among you; 8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for
nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might
not be chargeable to any of you: 9Not because we have not
power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10For
even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not
work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some
which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now
them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that
with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13But ye,
brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14And if any man obey not
our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him,
that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy,
but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all
means. The Lord be with you all. 17The salutation of
Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 18The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
First Timothy
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment
of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2Unto
Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3As I besought
thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou
mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither
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 charity out of a
pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith
unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside
unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law;
understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8But
we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing
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, 10For
whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for
menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other
thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11According to the
glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath
enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious:
but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And
the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is
in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy
of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy,
that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a
pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise
God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy,
according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them
mightest war a good warfare; 19Holding faith, and a good
conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made
shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have
delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Chapter 2
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be
made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is
one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who
gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto
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. 8I
will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in
modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair,
or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh
women professing godliness) with good works. 11Let the woman
learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a
woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam
was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding
she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity
and holiness with sobriety.
Chapter 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the
office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then
must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good
behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to
wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler,
not covetous; 4One that ruleth 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?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall
into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a
good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave,
not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding
the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these
also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found
blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave,
not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the
deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own
houses well. 13For 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 thee, hoping to come
unto thee shortly: 15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know
how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16And
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.
Chapter 4
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy;
having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to
marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created
to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be
refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is
sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these
things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the
words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But
refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather
unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but
godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that
now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a
faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For therefore
we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God,
who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11These
things command and teach. 12Let no man despise thy youth; but
be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attendance
to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift
that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of
the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give
thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take
heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing
this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Chapter 5
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a
father; and the younger men as brethren; 2The elder
women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4But
if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety
at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable
before God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate,
trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and
day. 6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8But
if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house,
he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9Let
not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having
been the wife of one man, 10Well 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. 11But the younger widows
refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will
marry; 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their
first faith. 13And withal they learn to be idle,
wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also
and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I will
therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house,
give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15For
some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any man or
woman that believeth 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 honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For
the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the
corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19Against
an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20Them
that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21I
charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect
angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before
another, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands suddenly on
no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 23Drink
no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine
often infirmities. 24Some men’s sins are open beforehand,
going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25Likewise
also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that
are otherwise cannot be hid.
Chapter 6
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count
their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his
doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And 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. 3If
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; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings,
evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,
and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such
withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be
therewith content. 9But 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. 10For 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. 11But
thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good
fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called,
and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who
quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius
Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this
commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord
Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is
the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who
only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach
unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and
power everlasting. Amen. 17Charge them that are rich in this
world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in
the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18That
they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute,
willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a
good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on
eternal life. 20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy
trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of
science falsely so called: 21Which some professing have erred
concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
Second Timothy
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of
God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2To
Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I thank God,
whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without
ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4Greatly
desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled
with joy; 5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that
is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother
Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir
up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7For
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind. 8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the
testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the
afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9Who
hath 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, 10But is now made
manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished
death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11Whereunto
I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12For
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. 13Hold
fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and
love which is in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was
committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia
be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16The
Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me,
and was not ashamed of my chain: 17But, when he was in Rome, he
sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18The 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, thou knowest very well.
Chapter 2
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me
among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as
a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth
himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who
hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if a man also strive for
masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6The
husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7Consider
what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was
raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer
trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is
not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s
sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory. 11It is a faithful saying: For if we
be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12If
we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he
also will deny us: 13If we believe not, yet he abideth
faithful: he cannot deny himself.
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. 15Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16But shun profane
and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17And
their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18Who
concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past
already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,
having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one
that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20But in a
great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of
wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21If
a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared
unto every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow
righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out
of a pure heart. 23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,
knowing that they do gender strifes. 24And the servant of the
Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach,
patient, 25In meekness instructing those that oppose
themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at
his will.
Chapter 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous
times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers,
false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors,
heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For
of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly
women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever
learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now
as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth:
men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they
shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,
as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions,
afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what
persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea,
and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But
evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being
deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast
learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Chapter 4
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing
and his kingdom; 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For
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; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5But watch thou in all
things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof
of thy ministry. 6For I am now ready to be offered, and the
time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth
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.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10For
Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed
unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11Only
Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable
to me for the ministry. 12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13The
cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with
thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14Alexander
the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his
works: 15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath 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. 17Notwithstanding
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. 18And the Lord
shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto
his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19Salute
Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus
abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21Do
thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens,
and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22The Lord Jesus
Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Titus
Chapter 1
1 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; 2In hope of eternal life,
which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3But
hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is
committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4To
Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and
peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in
every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife,
having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7For a
bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon
angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8But
a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he
may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the
gainsayers. 10For there are many unruly and vain talkers and
deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11Whose mouths
must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they
ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 12One of themselves, even
a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil
beasts, slow bellies. 13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke
them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14Not giving
heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15Unto
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. 16They profess that they know God; but in works they
deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good
work reprobate.
Chapter 2
1 But speak thou the things which become sound
doctrine: 2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound
in faith, in charity, in patience. 3The aged women likewise,
that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,
not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4That they may
teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their
children, 5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not
blasphemed. 6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7In
all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8Sound speech, that cannot
be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having
no evil thing to say of you. 9Exhort servants to be
obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in
all things; not answering again; 10Not purloining, but
shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our
Saviour in all things.
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this
present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with
all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Chapter 3
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities
and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2To
speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all
meekness unto all men. 3For we ourselves also were sometimes
foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living
in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But
after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not
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
Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our
Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made
heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a
faithful saying, and these things I will that thou 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 unprofitable and
vain. 10A man that is an heretick after the first and second
admonition reject; 11Knowing that he that is such is subverted,
and sinneth, being condemned of himself. 12When I shall send
Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis:
for I have determined there to winter. 13Bring Zenas the lawyer
and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto
them. 14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for
necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. 15All that are
with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be
with you all. Amen.
Philemon
1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our
brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2And
to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the
church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I thank my God, making
mention of thee always in my prayers, 5Hearing of thy love and
faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6That
the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging
of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we
have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the
saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee
that which is convenient, 9Yet for love’s sake I rather
beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a
prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus,
whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11Which in time past was to
thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12Whom
I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13Whom
I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered
unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14But without thy mind
would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of
necessity, but willingly. 15For perhaps he therefore departed
for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16Not
now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me,
but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17If
thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18If
he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine
account; 19I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I
will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me
even thine own self besides. 20Yea, brother, let me have joy of
thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21Having
confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also
do more than I say. 22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for
I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23There
salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24Marcus,
Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
TOP
Hebrews
Chapter 1
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in
time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days
spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the worlds; 3Who 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 hath by
inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5For unto which
of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten
thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6And
again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let
all the angels of God worship him. 7And of the angels he saith, Who
maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8But
unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9Thou
hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10And,
Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the
heavens are the works of thine hands: 11They shall perish; but thou
remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12And as a
vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the
same, and thy years shall not fail. 13But to which of the angels said
he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14Are
they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be
heirs of salvation?
Chapter 2
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2For
if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and
disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3How 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; 4God
also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the
world to come, whereof we speak. 6But one in a certain place
testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man,
that thou visitest him? 7Thou madest him a little lower than the
angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the
works of thy hands: 8Thou hast 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. 9But
we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of
death, crowned with glory and honour; 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 perfect through sufferings. 11For both he
that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which
cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12Saying, I will
declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise
unto thee. 13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold
I and the children which God hath 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; 15And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to
bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;
but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all
things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be
a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself
hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Chapter 3
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who
was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all
his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than
Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the
house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that
built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful
in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be
spoken after; 6But 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 Ghost saith, To day if ye will
hear his voice, 8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in
the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9When your fathers tempted
me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10Wherefore I was
grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart;
and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall
not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any
of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13But
exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we are made partakers of
Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15While
it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation. 16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit
not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17But with whom was he
grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases
fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom sware he that they should not
enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19So we see that
they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Chapter 4
1 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. 2For
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. 3For
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. 4For he spake in a certain place of the
seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his
works. 5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my
rest. 6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein,
and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7Again,
he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it
is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8For
if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another
day. 9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10For
he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God
did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest
any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither
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. 14Seeing
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. 15For we have
not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need.
Chapter 5
1 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: 2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on
them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with
infirmity. 3And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also
for himself, to offer for sins. 4And no man taketh this honour unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5So also
Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto
him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6As he saith also
in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec. 7Who 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; 8Though he were
a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And
being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that
obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of
Melchisedec. 11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be
uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12For when for the time ye
ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the
first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of
milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is
unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by
reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Chapter 6
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of
repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine
of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of
eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. 4For
it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of
the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If
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. 7For
the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth
herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8But
that which beareth 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. 10For God is
not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed
toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And
we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance
of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13For when
God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by
himself, 14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying
I will multiply thee. 15And so, after he had patiently endured, he
obtained the promise. 16For men verily swear by the greater: and an
oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17Wherein
God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability
of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18That 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: 19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither
the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Chapter 7
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most
high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed
him; 2To 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; 3Without 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. 4Now consider how great this man was,
unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5And
verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the
priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the
law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6But
he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and
blessed him that had the promises. 7And without all contradiction the
less is blessed of the better. 8And here men that die receive tithes;
but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9And
as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10For
he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
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 Melchisedec, and
not be called after the order of Aaron? 12For the priesthood being
changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13For
he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man
gave attendance at the altar. 14For it is evident that our
Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning
priesthood. 15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the
similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16Who is
made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an
endless life. 17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever
after the order of Melchisedec. 18For there is verily a disannulling
of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19For
the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did;
by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20And 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 sware
and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec:) 22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better
testament. 23And they truly were many priests, because they were not
suffered to continue by reason of death: 24But this man,
because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25Wherefore
he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing
he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26For such an high
priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27Who needeth 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. 28For
the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath,
which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Chapter 8
1 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; 2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the
true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3For every high
priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of
necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4For if he were
on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer
gifts according to the law: 5Who 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, saith he, that thou make all things according to
the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by
how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established
upon better promises. 7For if that first covenant had been
faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8For
finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I
will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9Not
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, saith the Lord. 10For
this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith 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: 11And
they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying,
Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12For
I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities
will I remember no more. 13In that he saith, A new covenant,
he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is
ready to vanish away.
Chapter 9
1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances
of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2For there was a
tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table,
and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3And after the
second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4Which
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, and the tables of the covenant; 5And over it the cherubims of
glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6Now
when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first
tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7But into the
second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood,
which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the
holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet
standing: 9Which 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; 10Which
stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances,
imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11But Christ
being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect
tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12Neither
by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into
the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13For
if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the
unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14How much more
shall the 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, they which are called might receive the
promise of eternal inheritance. 16For where a testament is,
there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17For a
testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength
at all while the testator liveth. 18Whereupon neither the first testament
was dedicated without blood. 19For 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, 20Saying, This is the blood of the
testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21Moreover he sprinkled
with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22And
almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of
blood is no remission.
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. 24For Christ is not
entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of
the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25Nor
yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the
holy place every year with blood of others; 26For then must he often
have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the
world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And
as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So
Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for
him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Chapter 10
1 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. 2For
then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once
purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3But in those sacrifices
there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4For
it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away
sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice
and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6In
burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8Above when he said, Sacrifice
and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not,
neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9Then
said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may
establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through
the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11And
every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12But this man, after he
had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13From
henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14For by
one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15Whereof
the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16This
is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the
Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write
them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18Now
where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the
holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he
hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And
having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw
near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let
us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is
faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke
unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26For
if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there
remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking
for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He
that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of
how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath
trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth
unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his
people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the
living God. 32But call to remembrance the former days, in which,
after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33Partly,
whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and
partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34For
ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your
goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring
substance. 35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath
great recompence of reward. 36For ye have need of patience, that,
after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37For
yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38Now
the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall
have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto
perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Chapter 11
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good
report. 3Through 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 speaketh. 5By 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. 6But without faith it is impossible to please him:
for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7By 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. 8By 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 whither he went. 9By 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: 10For
he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is
God. 11Through 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. 12Therefore 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. 13These all died in
faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were
persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were
strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For they that say such things
declare plainly that they seek a country. 15And truly, if they had
been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have
had opportunity to have returned. 16But now they desire a better country,
that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for
he hath prepared for them a city. 17By faith Abraham, when he was
tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his
only begotten son, 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall
thy seed be called: 19Accounting that God was able to raise him
up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20By
faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By
faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and
worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22By faith
Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel;
and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23By 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. 24By
faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of
Pharaoh’s daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming
the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had
respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook
Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is
invisible. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling
of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29By
faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians
assaying to do were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell
down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31By 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: 33Who
through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises,
stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped
the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight,
turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their
dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial
of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, 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. 39And these all, having obtained a good
report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided
some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Chapter 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is
set before us, 2Looking 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. 3For
consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye
be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against
sin. 5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you
as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint
when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening,
God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth
not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,
then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9Furthermore 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? 10For
they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he
for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now
no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless
afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are
exercised thereby. 12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and
the feeble knees; 13And make straight paths for your feet, lest that
which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14Follow
peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord: 15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be
defiled; 16Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as
Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17For ye 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 ye are not come unto the mount that might be
touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and
tempest, 19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice
they that heard intreated 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: 21And
so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and
quake:) 22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the
living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To
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 perfect, 24And
to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that
speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25See that ye refuse
not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on
earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him
that speaketh from heaven: 26Whose voice then shook the earth:
but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but
also heaven. 27And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the
removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those
things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Wherefore we receiving a
kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a
consuming fire.
Chapter 13
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2Be not forgetful
to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3Remember
them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer
adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 4Marriage is
honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God
will judge. 5Let your conversation be without
covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath
said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may
boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do
unto me. 7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken
unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their
conversation. 8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for
ever. 9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it
is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats,
which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 10We
have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 11For
the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the
high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12Wherefore Jesus
also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the
gate. 13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing
his reproach. 14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one
to come. 15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to
God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his
name. 16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased. 17Obey them that have the rule over
you, and submit yourselves: for they watch 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.
|