THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
Ephesus was the capital of Lesser Asia, and celebrated for the temple of Diana, to which the most part of the people of the East went frequently to worship. But St. Paul having preached the Gospel there, for two years the first time and afterwards for about a year, converted many. He wrote this Epistle to them when he was a prisoner in Rome; and sent it by Tychicus. He admonishes them to hold firmly the faith which they had received and warns them, and also those of the neighbouring cities, against the sophistry of philosophers and doctrine of false teachers who were come among them. The matters of faith contained in this Epistle are exceedingly sublime, and consequently very difficult to be understood. It was written about twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension.
Ephesians Chapter 1
The great blessings we have received through Christ. He is the head of all the church.
1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.
1:2. Grace be to you and peace, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:
In heavenly places. . .or, in heavenly things. In coelestibus.
1:4. As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity.
1:5. Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself: according to the purpose of his will:
1:6. Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us, in his beloved son.
1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of his, grace,
1:8. Which hath superabounded in us, in all wisdom and prudence,
1:9. That he might make known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in him,
1:10. In the dispensation of the fulness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.
1:11. In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.
1:12. That we may be unto the praise of his glory: we who before hoped in Christ:
1:13. In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation), in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise.
1:14. Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.
Acquisition. . .that is, a purchased possession.
1:15. Wherefore, I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus and of your love towards all the saints,
1:16. Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,
1:17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
1:18. The eyes of your heart enlightened that you may know what the hope is of his calling and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
1:19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
1:20. Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
1:21. Above all principality and power and virtue and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
1:22. And he hath subjected all things under his feet and hath made him head over all the church,
1:23. Which is his body and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
Ephesians Chapter 2
All our good comes through Christ. He is our peace.
2:1. And you, when you were dead in your offences and sins,
2:2. Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of this air, of the spirit that now worketh on the children of unbelief:
2:3. In which also we all conversed in time past, in the desires of our flesh, fulfilling the will of the flesh and of our thoughts, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:
2:4. But God (who is rich in mercy) for his exceeding charity wherewith he loved us
2:5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together in Christ (by whose grace you are saved)
2:6. And hath raised us up together and hath made us sit together in the heavenly places, through Christ Jesus.
2:7. That he might shew in the ages to come the abundant riches of his grace, in his bounty towards us in Christ Jesus.
2:8. For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God.
2:9. Not of works, that no man may glory.
Not of works. . .as of our own growth, or from ourselves; but as from the grace of God.
2:10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them.
2:11. For which cause be mindful that you, being heretofore gentiles is the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision in the flesh, made by hands:
2:12. That you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the conversation of Israel and strangers to the testament, having no hope of the promise and without God in this world.
2:13. But now in Christ Jesus, you, who some time were afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
2:14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and breaking down the middle wall of partition, the enmities in his flesh:
2:15. Making void the law of commandments contained in decrees: that he might make the two in himself into one new man, making peace
2:16. And might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, killing the enmities in himself.
2:17. And coming, he preached peace to you that were afar off: and peace to them that were nigh.
2:18. For by him we have access both in one Spirit to the Father.
2:19. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners: but you are fellow citizens with the saints and the domestics of God,
2:20. Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:
2:21. In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.
2:22. In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians Chapter 3
The mystery hidden from former ages was discovered to the apostle, to be imparted to the Gentiles. He prays that they may be strengthened in God.
3:1. For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles:
3:2. If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you:
3:3. How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words:
3:4. As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,
3:5. Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:
3:6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body: and copartners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel
3:7. Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power.
3:8. To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ:
3:9. And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God who created all things:
3:10. That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,
3:11. According to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord:
3:12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
3:13. Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
3:14. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:15. Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named:
All paternity. . .Or, the whole family. God is the Father, both of angels and men; whosoever besides is named father, is so named with subordination to him.
3:16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man:
3:17. That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that, being rooted and founded in charity,
3:18. You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
3:19. To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge: that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
3:20. Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us:
3:21. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians Chapter 4
He exhorts them to unity, to put on the new man, and to fly sin.
4:1. I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called:
4:2. With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity.
4:3. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4:4. One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling.
4:5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
4:6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.
4:7. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ.
4:8. Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive: he gave gifts to men.
4:9. Now that he ascended, what is it, but because he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
4:10. He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens: that he might fill all things.
4:11. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors:
Gave some apostles--Until we all meet, etc. . .Here it is plainly expressed, that Christ has left in his church a perpetual succession of orthodox pastors and teachers, to preserve the faithful in unity and truth.
4:12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the word of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
4:13. Until we all meet into the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ:
4:14. That henceforth we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive.
4:15. But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ:
4:16. From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity.
4:17. This then I say and testify in the Lord: That henceforward you walk not as also the Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind:
4:18. Having their understanding darkened: being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts.
4:19. Who despairing have given themselves up to lasciviousness, unto the working of all uncleanness, unto covetousness.
4:20. But you have not so learned Christ:
4:21. If so be that you have heard him and have been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus:
4:22. To put off, according to former conversation, the old man, who is corrupted according to the desire of error.
4:23. And be renewed in spirit of your mind:
4:24. And put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and holiness of truth.
4:25. Wherefore, putting away lying, speak ye the truth, every man with his neighbour. For we are members one of another.
4:26. Be angry: and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your anger.
4:27. Give not place to the devil.
4:28. He that stole, let him now steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have something to give to him that suffereth need.
4:29. Let no evil speech proceed from your mouth: but that which is good, to the edification of faith: that it may administer grace to the hearers.
4:30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God: whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.
4:31. Let all bitterness and anger and indignation and clamour and blasphemy be put away from you, with all malice.
4:32. And be ye kind one to another: merciful, forgiving one another, even as God hath forgiven you in Christ.
Ephesians Chapter 5
Exhortations to a virtuous life. The mutual duties of man and wife, by the example of Christ and of the Church.
5:1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as most dear children:
5:2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath delivered himself for us, an oblation and a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness.
5:3. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints:
5:4. Or obscenity or foolish talking or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but rather giving of thanks.
5:5. For know you this and understand: That no fornicator or unclean or covetous person (which is a serving of idols) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
5:6. Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief.
5:7. Be ye not therefore partakers with them.
5:8. For you were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light.
5:9. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness and justice and truth:
5:10. Proving what is well pleasing to God.
5:11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness: but rather reprove them.
5:12. For the things that are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
5:13. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for all that is made manifest is light.
5:14. Wherefore he saith: Rise, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall enlighten thee.
5:15. See therefore, brethren, how you walk circumspectly: not as unwise,
5:16. But as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
5:17. Wherefore, become not unwise: but understanding what is the will of God.
5:18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury: but be ye filled with the Holy Spirit,
5:19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord:
5:20. Giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the Father:
5:21. Being subject one to another, in the fear of Christ.
5:22. Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord:
5:23. Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. He is the saviour of his body.
5:24. Therefore as the church is subject to Christ: so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things.
As the church is subject to Christ. . .The church then, according to St. Paul, is ever obedient to Christ, and can never fall from him, but remain faithful to him, unspotted and unchanged to the end of the world.
5:25. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and delivered himself up for it:
5:26. That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life:
5:27. That he might present it to himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
5:28. So also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
5:29. For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the church:
5:30. Because we are members of him, body, of his flesh and of his bones.
5:31. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother: and shall cleave to his wife. And they shall be two in one flesh.
5:32. This is a great sacrament: but I speak in Christ and in the church.
5:33. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular love for his wife as himself: And let the wife fear her husband.
Ephesians Chapter 6
Duties of children and servants. The Christian's armour.
6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just.
6:2. Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise:
6:3. That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long lived upon earth.
6:4. And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger: but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.
6:5. Servants, be obedient to them that are your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ.
6:6. Not serving to the eye, as it were pleasing men: but, as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
6:7. With a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men.
6:8. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
6:9. And you, masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatenings: knowing that the Lord both of them and you is in heaven. And there is no respect of persons with him.
6:10. Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power.
6:11. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.
6:12. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.
High places, or heavenly places. . .That is to say, in the air, the lowest of the celestial regions; in which God permits these wicked spirits or fallen angels to wander.
6:13. Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.
6:14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice:
6:15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
6:16. In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.
6:17. And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).
6:18. By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit: and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:
6:19. And for me, that speech may be given me, that I may open my mouth with confidence, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
6:20. For which I am an ambassador in a chain: so that therein I may be bold to speak according as I ought.
6:21. But that you also may know the things that concern me and what I am doing, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:
6:22. Whom I have sent to you for this same purpose: that you may know the things concerning us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
6:23. Peace be to the brethren and charity with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
6:24. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruption. Amen.
In incorruption. . .That is, with a pure and perfect love.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS
The Philippians were the first among the Macedonians converted to the faith. They had a great veneration for St. Paul and supplied his wants when he was a prisoner in Rome, sending to him by Epaphroditus, by whom he sent this Epistle; in which he recommends charity, unity and humility and warns them against false teachers, whom he calls dogs and enemies of the cross of Christ. He also returns thanks for their benefactions. It was written about twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension.
Philippians Chapter 1
The apostle's affection for the Philippians.
1:1. Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ: to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
1:2. Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3. I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you:
1:4. Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy:
1:5. For your communication in the gospel of Christ, from the first day unto now.
1:6. Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus.
1:7. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that, in my bands and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy.
1:8. For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
1:9. And this I pray: That your charity may more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding:
1:10. That you may approve the better things: that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ:
1:11. Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
1:12. Now, brethren, I desire you should know that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel:
1:13. So that my bands are made manifest in Christ, in all the court and in all other places.
1:14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my bands, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.
1:15. Some indeed, even out of envy and contention: but some also for good will preach Christ.
1:16. Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
1:17. And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing that they raise affliction to my bands.
1:18. But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion or by truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
1:19. For I know that this shall fall out to me unto salvation, through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
1:20. According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded: but with all confidence, as always, so now also, shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.
1:21. For to me, to live is Christ: and to die is gain.
1:22. And if to live in the flesh: this is to me the fruit of labour. And what I shall choose I know not.
This is to me, etc. . .His meaning is, that although his dying immediately for Christ would be his gain, by putting him presently in possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the souls of his neighbours.
1:23. But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better.
1:24. But to abide still in the flesh is needful for you.
1:25. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith:
1:26. That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my coming to you again.
1:27. Only let your conversation be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you, or, being absent, may hear of you, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind labouring together for the faith of the gospel.
1:28. And in nothing be ye terrified by the adversaries: which to them is a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and this from God.
1:29. For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him:
1:30. Having the same conflict as that which you have seen in me and now have heard of me.
Philippians Chapter 2
He recommends them to unity and humility, and to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
2:1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of charity, if any society of the spirit, if any bowels of commiseration:
2:2. Fulfil ye my joy, that you be of one mind, having the same charity, being of one accord, agreeing in sentiment.
2:3. Let nothing be done through contention: neither by vain glory. But in humility, let each esteem others better than themselves:
2:4. Each one not considering the things that are his own, but those that are other men's.
2:5. For let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
2:6. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
2:7. But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.
Emptied himself, exinanivit. . .made himself as of no account.
2:8. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.
2:9. For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names:
2:10. That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:
2:11. And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.
2:12. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but much more now in my absence) with fear and trembling work out your salvation.
With fear, etc. . .This is against the false faith, and presumptuous security of modern sectaries.
2:13. For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to his good will.
2:14. And do ye all things without murmurings and hesitations:
2:15. That you may be blameless and sincere children of God, without reproof, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation: among whom you shine as lights in the world.
2:16. Holding forth the word of life to my glory in the day of Christ: because I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.
2:17. Yea, and if I be made a victim upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all.
2:18. And for the selfsame thing, do you also rejoice and congratulate with me.
2:19. And I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy unto you shortly, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know the things concerning you.
2:20. For I have no man so of the same mind, who with sincere affection is solicitous for you.
2:21. For all seek the things that are their own not the things that are Jesus Christ's.
2:22. Now know ye the proof of him: that as a son with the father, so hath he served with me in the gospel.
2:23. Him therefore I hope to send unto you immediately: so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
2:24. And I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come to you shortly.
2:25. But I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow labourer and fellow soldier, but your apostle: and he that hath ministered to my wants.
2:26. For indeed he longed after you all: and was sad, for that you had heard that he was sick.
2:27. For indeed he was sick, nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him. And not only on him, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
2:28. Therefore, I sent him the more speedily: that seeing him again, you may rejoice, and I may be without sorrow.
2:29. Receive him therefore with all joy in the Lord: and treat with honour such as he is.
2:30. Because for the work of Christ he came to the point of death: delivering his life, that he might fulfil that which on your part was wanting towards my service.
Philippians Chapter 3
He warneth them against false teachers. He counts all other things loss, that he may gain Christ.
3:1. As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not wearisome, but to you is necessary.
3:2. Beware of dogs: beware of evil workers: beware of the concision.
3:3. For we are the circumcision, who in spirit serve God and glory in Christ Jesus, not having confidence in the flesh.
3:4. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinketh he may have confidence in the flesh, I more:
3:5. Being circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews. According to the law, a Pharisee:
3:6. According to zeal, persecuting the church of God: According to the justice that is in the law, conversing without blame.
3:7. But the things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ.
3:8. Furthermore, I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ.
3:9. And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God: justice in faith.
3:10. That I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings: being made conformable to his death,
3:11. If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead.
3:12. Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.
3:13. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before,
3:14. I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.
3:15. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you,
3:16. Nevertheless, whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.
3:17. Be ye followers of me, brethren: and observe them who walk so as you have our model.
3:18. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:
3:19. Whose end is destruction: whose God is their belly: and whose glory is in their shame: who mind earthly things.
3:20. But our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:21. Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
Philippians Chapter 4
He exhorts them to perseverance in all good and acknowledges their charitable contributions to him.
4:1. Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
4:2. I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.
4:3. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.
4:5. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.
4:6. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.
4:7. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
4:8. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things.
For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc. . .Here the apostle enumerates general precepts of morality, which they ought to practise. Whatsoever things are true. . .in words, in promises, in lawful oaths, etc., he commands rectitude of mind, and sincerity of heart. Whatsoever modest. . .by these words he prescribes gravity in manners, modesty in dress, and decency in conversation. Whatsoever just. . .That is, in dealing with others, in buying or selling, in trade or business, to be fair and honest. Whatsoever holy. . .by these words may be understood, that those who are in a religious state professed, or in holy orders, should lead a life of sanctity and chastity, according to the vows they make; but these words being also applied to those in the world, indicate the virtuous life they are bound by the divine commandments to follow. Whatsoever lovely. . .that is, to practise those good offices in society, that procure us the esteem and good will of our neighbours. Whatsoever of good fame. . .That is, that by our conduct and behaviour we should edify our neighbours, and give them good example by our actions. If there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline. . .that those in error, by seeing the morality and good discipline of the true religion, may be converted. And finally, the apostle commands, not only the Philippians, but all Christians, to think on these things. . .that is, to make it their study and concern that the peace of God might be with them.
4:9. The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.
4:10. Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.
4:11. I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.
4:12. I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound (every where and in all things I am instructed): both to be full and to be hungry: both to abound and to suffer need.
4:13. I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me.
4:14. Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation.
4:15. And you also know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.
4:16. For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use.
4:17. Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account.
4:18. But I have all and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, an odour of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
4:19. And may my God supply all your want, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
4:20. Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.
4:21. Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus.
4:22. The brethren who are with me salute you. All the saints salute you: especially they that are of Caesar's household.
4:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS
Colossa was a city of Phrygia, near Laodicea. It does not appear that St. Paul had preached there himself, but that the Colossians were converted by Epaphras, a disciple of the Apostles. However, as St. Paul was the great Apostle of the Gentiles, he wrote this Epistle to the Colossians when he was in prison, and about the same time that he wrote to the Ephesians and Philippians. The exhortations and doctrine it contains are similar to that which is set forth in his Epistle to the Ephesians.
Colossians Chapter 1
He gives thanks for the grace bestowed upon the Colossians and prays for them. Christ is the head of the church and the peacemaker through his blood. Paul is his minister.
1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, and Timothy, a brother:
1:2. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ Jesus who are at Colossa.
1:3. Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.
1:4. Hearing your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have towards all the saints.
1:5. For the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, which you have heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
1:6. Which is come unto you, as also it is in the whole world and bringeth forth fruit and groweth, even as it doth in you, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
1:7. As you learned of Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus;
1:8. Who also hath manifested your love in the spirit.
1:9. Therefore we also, from the day that we heard it, cease not to pray for you and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding:
1:10. That you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing; being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God:
1:11. Strengthened with all might according to the power of his glory, in all patience and longsuffering with joy,
1:12. Giving thanks to God the Father, who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light:
1:13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,
1:14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins:
1:15. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
The firstborn. . .That is, first begotten; as the Evangelist declares, the only begotten of his Father: hence, St. Chrisostom explains firstborn, not first created, as he was not created at all, but born of his Father before all ages; that is, coeval with the Father and with the Holy Ghost.
1:16. For in him were all things created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by him and in him.
1:17. And he is before all: and by him all things consist.
1:18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may hold the primacy:
1:19. Because in him, it hath well pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell:
1:20. And through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace through the blood of his cross, both as to the things that are on earth and the things that are in heaven.
1:21. And you, whereas you were some time alienated and enemies in mind in evil works:
1:22. Yet now he hath reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unspotted and blameless before him:
1:23. If so ye continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and immoveable from the hope of the gospel which you have heard, which is preached in all the creation that is under heaven: whereof I Paul am made a minister.
1:24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:
Wanting. . .There is no want in the sufferings of Christ in himself as head: but many sufferings are still wanting, or are still to come, in his body the church, and his members the faithful.
1:25. Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfil the word of God:
1:26. The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,
1:27. To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.
1:28. Whom we preach, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
1:29. Wherein also I labour, striving according to his working which he worketh in me in power.
Colossians Chapter 2
He warns them against the impostures of the philosophers and the Jewish teachers, that would withdraw them from Christ.
2:1. For I would have you know what manner of care I have for you and for them that are at Laodicea and whosoever have not seen my face in the flesh:
2:2. That their hearts may be comforted, being instructed in charity and unto all riches of fulness of understanding, unto the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus:
2:3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
2:4. Now this I say, that no man may deceive you by loftiness of words.
2:5. For though I be absent in body, yet in spirit I am with you, rejoicing, and beholding your order and the steadfastness of your faith which is in Christ.
2:6. As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him:
2:7. Rooted and built up in him and confirmed in the faith, as also you have learned: abounding in him in thanksgiving.
2:8. Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy and vain deceit: according to the tradition of men according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ.
2:9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally.
2:10. And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power.
2:11. In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ.
2:12. Buried with him in baptism: in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him up from the dead.
2:13. And you, when you were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he hath quickened together with him, forgiving you all offences:
2:14. Blotting out the handwriting of the decree that was against us, which was contrary to us. And he hath taken the same out of the way, fastening it to the cross.
2:15. And despoiling the principalities and powers, he hath exposed them confidently in open shew, triumphing over them in himself.
2:16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of a festival day or of the new moon or of the sabbaths,
In meat, etc. . .He means with regard to the Jewish observations of the distinction of clean and unclean meats; and of their festivals, new moons, and sabbaths, as being no longer obligatory.
2:17. Which are a shadow of things to come: but the body is of Christ.
2:18. Let no man seduce you, willing in humility and religion of angels, walking in the things which he hath not seen, in vain puffed up by the sense of his flesh:
Willing, etc. . .That is, by a self willed, self invented, superstitious worship, falsely pretending humility, but really proceeding from pride. Such was the worship, that many of the philosophers (against whom St. Paul speaks, ver. 8) paid to angels or demons, by sacrificing to them, as carriers of intelligence betwixt God and men; pretending humility in so doing, as if God was too great to be addressed by men; and setting aside the mediatorship of Jesus Christ, who is the head both of angels and men. Such also was the worship paid by the ancient heretics, disciples of Simon and Menander, to the angels, whom they believed to be makers and lords of this lower world. This is certain, that they whom the apostle here condemns, did not hold the head, (ver. 19,) that is, Jesus Christ, and his mediatorship; and therefore what he writes here no way touches the Catholic doctrine and practice, of desiring our good angels to pray to God for us, through Jesus Christ. St. Jerome [Epist. ad Algas.] understands by the religion or service of angels, the Jewish teachers, who sought to subject the new Christians to the observance of the Mosaic law.
2:19. And not holding the head, from which the whole body, by joints and bands, being supplied with nourishment and compacted, groweth into the increase of God.
2:20. If then you be dead with Christ from the elements of this world, why do you yet decree as though living in the world?
2:21. Touch not: taste not: handle not.
Touch not, etc. . .The meaning is, that Christians should not subject themselves, either to the ordinances of the old law, forbidding touching or tasting things unclean; or to the superstitious invention of heretics, imposing such restraints, under pretence of wisdom, humility, or mortification.
2:22. Which all are unto destruction by the very use, according to the precepts and doctrines of men.
2:23. Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in superstition and humility, and not sparing the body; not in any honour to the filling of the flesh.
Colossians Chapter 3
He exhorts them to put off the old man, and to put on the new. The duties of wives and husbands, children and servants.
3:1. Therefore if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
3:2. Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth.
3:3. For you are dead: and your life is hid with Christ in God.
3:4. When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory.
3:5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil concupiscence and covetousness, which is the service of idols.
3:6. For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief.
3:7. In which you also walked some time, when you lived in them.
3:8. But now put you also all away: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, filthy speech out of your mouth.
3:9. Lie not one to another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds,
3:10. And putting on the new, him who is renewed unto knowledge, according to the image of him that created him.
3:11. Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all and in all.
3:12. Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience:
3:13. Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also.
3:14. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection.
3:15. And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful.
3:16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly: in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God.
3:17. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
3:18. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord.
3:19. Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter towards them.
3:20. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
3:21. Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged.
3:22. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh: not serving to the eye, as pleasing men: but in simplicity of heart, fearing God.
3:23. Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men:
3:24. Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ.
3:25. For he that doth wrong shall receive for that which he hath done wrongfully. And there is no respect of persons with God.
Colossians Chapter 4
He recommends constant prayer and wisdom. Various salutations.
4:1. Masters, do to your servants that which is just and equal: knowing that you also have a master in heaven.
4:2. Be instant in prayer: watching in it with thanksgiving.
4:3. Praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech to speak the mystery of Christ (for which also I am bound):
4:4. That I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.
4:5. Walk with wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.
4:6. Let your speech be always in grace seasoned with salt: that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
4:7. All the things that concern me, Tychicus, our dearest brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will make known to you.
4:8. What I have sent to you for this same purpose, that he may know the things that concern you and comfort your hearts:
4:9. With Onesimus, a most beloved and faithful brother, who is one of you. All things that are done here, they shall make known to you.
4:10. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, saluteth you: and Mark, the cousin german of Barnabas, touching whom you have received commandments. If he come unto you, receive him.
4:11. And Jesus that is called Justus: who are of the circumcision. These only are my helpers, in the kingdom of God: who have been a comfort to me.
4:12. Epaphras saluteth you, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, who is always solicitous for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and full in all the will of God.
4:13. For I bear him testimony that he hath much labour for you and for them that are at Laodicea and them at Hierapolis.
4:14. Luke, the most dear physician, saluteth you: and Demas.
4:15. Salute the brethren who are at Laodicea: and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
4:16. And when this epistle shall have been read with you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans: and that you read that which is of the Laodiceans.
And that you read that which is of the Laodiceans. . .What this epistle was is uncertain, and annotators have given different opinions concerning it. Some expound these words of an epistle which St. Paul wrote to the Laodiceans, and is since lost, for that now extant is no more than a collection of sentences out of the other epistles of St. Paul; therefore it cannot be considered even as a part of that epistle. Others explain that the text means a letter sent to St. Paul by the Laodiceans, which he sends to the Colossians to be read by them. However, this opinion does not seem well founded. Hence it is more probable that St. Paul wrote an epistle from Rome to the Laodiceans, about the same time that he wrote to the Colossians, as he had them both equally at heart, and that he ordered that epistle to be read by the Colossians for their instructions; and being neighbouring cities, they might communicate to each other what they had received from him; as one epistle might contain some matters not related in the other, and would be equally useful for their concern; and more particularly as they were equally disturbed by intruders and false teachers, against which the apostle was anxious to warn them, lest they should be infected by their pernicious doctrine.
4:17. And say to Archippus: Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
4:18. The salutation of Paul with my own hand. Be mindful of my bands. Grace be with you. Amen.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS
Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia, in which St. Paul, having preached the Gospel, converted some Jews and a great number of the Gentiles: but the unbelieving Jews, envying his success, raised such a commotion against him that he, and his companion, Sylvanus were obliged to quit the city. Afterwards he went to Athens, where he heard that the converts in Thessalonica were under a severe persecution, ever since his departure; and lest they should lose their fortitude, he sent Timothy to strengthen and comfort them in their sufferings. In the meantime St. Paul came to Corinth, where he wrote this first Epistle, and also the second to the Thessalonians, both in the same year, being the nineteenth after our Lord's Ascension. These are the first of his Epistles in the order of time.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
He gives thanks for the grace bestowed on the Thessalonians.
1:1. Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians: in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:2. Grace be to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all: making a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing,
1:3. Being mindful of the work of your faith and labour and charity: and of the enduring of the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before God and our Father.
1:4. Knowing, brethren, beloved of God, your election:
1:5. For our gospel hath not been unto you in word only, but in power also: and in the Holy Ghost and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.
1:6. And you became followers of us and of the Lord: receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1:7. So that you were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
1:8. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and in Achaia but also in every place: your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak any thing.
1:9. For they themselves relate of us, what manner of entering in we had unto you: and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.
1:10. And to wait for his Son from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead), Jesus, who hath delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 2
The sincerity of the apostle's preaching the gospel to them and of their receiving it.
2:1. For yourselves know, brethren, our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
2:2. But having suffered many things before and been shamefully treated, (as you know) at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness.
2:3. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit.
2:4. But as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who proveth our hearts.
2:5. For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness):
2:6. Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others.
2:7. Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children:
2:8. So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls: because you were become most dear unto us.
2:9. For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you, we preached among you the gospel of God.
2:10. You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and without blame we have been to you that have believed:
2:11. As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting you (as a father doth his children),
2:12. We testified to every one of you that you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
2:14. For you, brethren, are become followers of the churches of God which are in Judea, in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews:
2:15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and the prophets, and have persecuted us, and please not God, and are adversaries to all men;
2:16. Prohibiting us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath of God is come upon them to the end.
To fill up their sins. . .That is, to fill up the measure of their sins, after which God's justice would punish them. For the wrath of God is come upon them to the end. . .That is, to continue on them to the end.
2:17. But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
2:18. For we would have come unto you, I Paul indeed, once and again: but Satan hath hindered us.
2:19. For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
2:20. For you are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 3
The apostle's concern and love for the Thessalonians.
3:1. For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone.
3:2. And we sent Timothy, our brother and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:
3:3. That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
3:4. For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pass, and you know.
3:5. For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.
3:6. But now when Timothy came to us from you and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you:
3:7. Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith.
3:8. Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.
3:9. For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God,
3:10. Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?
3:11. Now God himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
3:12. And may the Lord multiply you and make you abound in charity towards one another and towards all men: as we do also towards you,
3:13. To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 4
He exhorts them to purity and mutual charity. He treats of the resurrection of the dead.
4:1. For the rest therefore, brethren, pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus that, as you have received from us, how you ought to walk and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more.
4:2. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus.
4:3. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: That you should abstain from fornication:
4:4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour,
4:5. Not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God:
4:6. And that no man overreach nor circumvent his brother in business: because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you before and have testified.
4:7. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification.
4:8. Therefore, he that despiseth these things, despiseth not man, but God, who also hath given his holy Spirit in us.
4:9. But as touching the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write to you: for yourselves have learned of God to love one another.
4:10. For indeed you do it towards all the brethren in all Macedonia. But we entreat you, brethren, that you abound more:
4:11. And that you use your endeavour to be quiet: and that you do your own business and work with your own hands, as we commanded you: and that you walk honestly towards them that are without: and that you want nothing of any man's.
4:12. And we will not have you ignorant brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.
4:13. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again: even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him.
4:14. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who have slept.
4:15. For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment and with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ shall rise first.
4:16. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air: and so shall we be always with the Lord.
4:17. Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
The day of the Lord shall come when least expected. Exhortations to several duties.
5:1. But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you:
5:2. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall so come as a thief in the night.
5:3. For when they shall say: Peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.
5:4. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief.
5:5. For all you are the children of light and children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness.
5:6. Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do: but let us watch, and be sober.
5:7. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunk, are drunk in the night.
5:8. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, having on the breast plate of faith and charity and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
5:9. For God hath not appointed us unto wrath: but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
5:10. Who died for us: that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with him.
5:11. For which cause comfort one another and edify one another, as you also do.
5:12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you;
5:13. That you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work's sake. Have peace with them.
5:14. And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet: comfort the feeble minded: support the weak: be patient towards all men.
The unquiet. . .That is, such as are irregular and disorderly.
5:15. See that none render evil for evil to any man: but ever follow that which is good towards each other and towards all men.
5:16. Always rejoice.
5:17. Pray without ceasing.
5:18. In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.
5:19. Extinguish not the spirit.
5:20. Despise not prophecies.
5:21. But prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
5:22. From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.
5:23. And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things: that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5:24. He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it.
5:25. Brethren, pray for us.
5:26. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.
5:27. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
5:28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS
In this Epistle St. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to be constant in the faith of Christ and not to be terrified by the insinuations of false teachers telling them that the day of judgment was near at hand, as there must come many signs and wonders before it. He bids them to hold firm the traditions received from him, whether by word, or by epistle, and shews them how they may be certain of his letters by the manner he writes.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 1
He gives thanks to God for their faith and constancy and prays for their advancement in all good.
1:1. Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians. In God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
1:2. Grace unto you: and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3. We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith groweth exceedingly and the charity of every one of you towards each other aboundeth.
1:4. So that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations: which you endure
1:5. For an example of the just judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you suffer.
1:6. Seeing it is a just thing with God to repay tribulation to them that trouble you:
1:7. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with the angels of his power:
1:8. In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9. Who shall suffer eternal punishment in destruction, from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his power:
1:10. When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be made wonderful in all them who have believed; because our testimony was believed upon you in that day.
1:11. Wherefore also we pray always for you: That our God would make you worthy of his vocation and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith in power:
1:12. That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 2
The day of the Lord is not to come till the man of sin be revealed. The apostle's traditions are to be observed.
2:1. And we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and of our gathering together unto him:
2:2. That you be not easily moved from your sense nor be terrified, neither by spirit nor by word nor by epistle. as sent from us, as if the day of the Lord were at hand.
2:3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for unless there come a revolt first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition
A revolt. . .This revolt, or falling off, is generally understood, by the ancient fathers, of a revolt from the Roman empire, which was first to be destroyed, before the coming of Antichrist. It may, perhaps, be understood also of a revolt of many nations from the Catholic Church; which has, in part, happened already, by means of Mahomet, Luther, &c., and it may be supposed, will be more general in the days of the Antichrist. The man of sin. . .Here must be meant some particular man, as is evident from the frequent repetition of the Greek article: o`, 'the' man of sin, 'the' son of perdition, 'the' adversary or opposer. It agrees to the wicked and great Antichrist, who will come before the end of the world.
2:4. Who opposeth and is lifted up above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself as if he were God.
In the temple. . .Either that of Jerusalem which some think he will rebuild; or in some Christian church, which he will pervert to his own worship: as Mahomet has done by the churches of the east.
2:5. Remember you not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2:6. And now you know what withholdeth, that he may be revealed in his time.
2:7. For the mystery of iniquity already worketh: only that he who now holdeth do hold, until he be taken out of the way.
2:8. And then that wicked one shall be revealed: whom the Lord Jesus shall kill with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: him
2:9. Whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in all power and signs and lying wonders:
2:10. And in all seduction of iniquity to them that perish: because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Therefore God shall send them the operation of error, to believe lying:
God shall send. . .That is God shall suffer them to be deceived by lying wonders, and false miracles, in punishment of their not entertaining the love of truth.
2:11. That all may be judged who have not believed the truth but have consented to iniquity.
2:12. But we ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved of God, for that God hath chosen you firstfruits unto salvation, in sanctification of the spirit and faith of the truth:
2:13. Whereunto also he hath called you by our gospel, unto the purchasing of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2:14. Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.
Traditions. . .See here that the unwritten traditions are no less to be received than their epistles.
2:15. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God and our Father, who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope in grace,
2:16. Exhort your hearts and confirm you in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 3
He begs their prayers and warns them against idleness.
3:1. For the rest, brethren, pray for us that the word of God may run and may be glorified, even as among you:
May run. . .That is, may spread itself, and have free course.
3:2. And that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men: for all men have not faith.
3:3. But God is faithful, who will strengthen and keep you from evil.
3:4. And we have confidence concerning you in the Lord that the things which we command, you both do and will do.
3:5. And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God and the patience of Christ.
3:6. And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.
3:7. For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.
3:8. Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing: but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you.
3:9. Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.
3:10. For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.
3:11. For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly: working not at all, but curiously meddling.
3:12. Now we charge them that are such and beseech them by the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with silence, they would eat their own bread.
3:13. But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
3:14. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
3:15. Yet do not esteem him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.
3:16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all.
3:17. The salutation of Paul with my own hand: which is the sign in every epistle. So I write.
3:18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TIMOTHY
St. Paul write this Epistle to his BELOVED TIMOTHY, being then bishop of Ephesus, to instruct him in the duties of a bishop, both in respect to himself and to his charge; and that he ought to be well informed of the good morals of those on whom he was to impose hands: Impose not hands lightly upon any man. He tells him also how he should behave towards his clergy. The Epistle was written about 33 years after our Lord's Ascension; but where it was written is uncertain: the more general opinion is, that it was in Macedonia.
1 Timothy Chapter 1
He puts Timothy in mind of his charge and blesses God for the mercy he himself had received.
1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the commandment of God our Saviour and Christ Jesus our hope:
1:2. To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:3. As I desired thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some not to teach otherwise:
1:4. Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith.
1:5. Now the end of the commandment is charity from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned faith.
1:6. From which things some, going astray, are turned aside unto vain babbling:
1:7. Desiring to be teachers of the law: understanding neither the things they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1:8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.
1:9. Knowing this: That the law is not made for the just man but for the unjust and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the wicked and defiled, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
The law is not. . .He means, that the just man doth good, and avoideth evil, not as compelled by the law, and merely for fear of the punishment appointed for transgressors; but voluntarily, and out of the love of God and virtue; and would do so, though there were no law.
1:10. For fornicators, for them who defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and whatever other thing is contrary to sound doctrine:
1:11. Which is according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God which hath been committed to my trust.
1:12. I give him thanks who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he hath counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry:
1:13. Who before was a blasphemer and a persecutor and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1:14. Now the grace of our Lord hath abounded exceedingly with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.
1:15. A faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.
1:16. But for this cause have I obtained mercy: that in me first Christ Jesus might shew forth all patience, for the information of them that shall believe in him unto life everlasting.
1:17. Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1:18. This precept, I commend to thee, O son Timothy: according to the prophecies going before on thee, that thou war in them a good warfare,
1:19. Having faith and a good conscience, which some rejecting have made shipwreck concerning the faith.
1:20. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered up to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy Chapter 2
Prayers are to be said for all men, because God wills the salvation of all. Women are not to teach.
2:1. I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men:
2:2. For kings and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity.
2:3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour,
2:4. Who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2:5. For there is one God: and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus:
One mediator. . .Christ is the one and only mediator of redemption, who gave himself, as the apostle writes in the following verse.
2:6. Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times.
a redemption for all. . . He is also the only mediator, who stands in need of no other to recommend his petitions to the Father. But this is not against our seeking the prayers and intercession, as well of the faithful upon earth, as of the saints and angels in heaven, for obtaining mercy, grace, and salvation, through Jesus Christ. As St. Paul himself often desired the help of the prayers of the faithful, without any injury to the mediatorship of Jesus Christ.
2:7. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle (I say the truth, I lie not), a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
2:8. I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.
2:9. In like manner, women also in decent apparel: adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire:
2:10. But, as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
2:11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
2:12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to use authority over the man: but to be in silence.
2:13.For Adam was first formed; then Eve.
2:14. And Adam was not seduced; but the woman, being seduced, was in the transgression.
2:15. Yet she shall be saved through child bearing; if she continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.
1 Timothy Chapter 3
What sort of men are to be admitted into the clergy. The church is the pillar of truth.
3:1. A faithful saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth good work.
3:2. It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher,
Of one wife. . . The meaning is not that every bishop should have a wife (for St. Paul himself had none), but that no one should be admitted to the holy orders of bishop, priest, or deacon, who had been married more than once.
3:3. Not given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but
3:4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity.
3:5. But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
3:6. Not a neophyte: lest, being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil.
A neophyte. . . That is, one lately baptized, a young convert.
3:7. Moreover, he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
3:8. Deacons in like manner: chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre:
3:9. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience.
3:10. And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime.
3:11. The women in like manner: chaste, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things.
3:12. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife: who rule well their children and their own houses.
3:13. For they that have ministered well shall purchase to themselves a good degree and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:14. These things I write to thee, hoping that I shall come to thee shortly.
3:15. But 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.
The pillar and ground of the truth. . . Therefore the church of the living God can never uphold error, nor bring in corruptions, superstition, or idolatry.
3:16. And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory.
1 Timothy Chapter 4
He warns him against heretics, and exhorts him to the exercise of piety.
4:1. Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils,
4:2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy and having their conscience seared,
4:3. Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful and by them that have known the truth.
Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats. . . He speaks of the Gnostics, the Marcionites, the Eneratites, the Manicheans, and other ancient heretics, who absolutely condemned marriage, and the use of all kind of meat; because they pretended that all flesh was from an evil principle. Whereas the church of God, so far from condemning marriage, holds it a holy sacrament; and forbids it to none but such as by vow have chosen the better part: and prohibits not the use of any meats whatsoever in proper times and seasons; though she does not judge all kind of diet proper for days of fasting and penance.
4:4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving:
4:5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
4:6. These things proposing to the brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished up in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which thou hast attained unto.
4:7. But avoid foolish and old wives fables: and exercise thyself unto godliness.
4:8. For bodily exercise is profitable to little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
4:9. A faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
4:10. For therefore we labour and are reviled, because we hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful.
4:11. These things command and teach:
4:12. Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.
4:13. Till I come, attend unto reading, to exhortation and to doctrine.
4:14. Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.
4:15. Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all.
4:16. Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.
1 Timothy Chapter 5
He gives him lessons concerning widows, and how he is to behave to his clergy.
5:1. An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren:
5:2. Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.
5:3. Honour widows that are widows indeed.
5:4. But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house and to make a return of duty to her parents; for this is acceptable before God.
5:5. But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day.
5:6. For she that liveth in pleasures is dead while she is living.
5:7. And this give in charge, that they may be blameless.
5:8. But if any man have not care of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.
5:9. Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband.
5:10. Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work.
5:11. But the younger widows avoid. For when they have grown wanton in Christ, they will marry:
5:12. Having damnation, because they have made void their first faith.
Their first faith. . . Their vow, by which they had engaged themselves to Christ.
5:13. And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tattlers also and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not.
5:14. I will, therefore, that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil.
5:15. For some are already turned aside after Satan.
5:16. If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed.
5:17. Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
5:18. For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
5:19. Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses.
5:20. Them that sin reprove before all that the rest also may have fear.
5:21. I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side.
5:22. Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste.
5:23. Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities.
5:24. Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after.
5:25. In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1 Timothy Chapter 6
Duties of servants. The danger of covetousness. Lessons for the rich.
6:1. Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of the Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed.
6:2. But they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who are partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
6:3. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to that doctrine which is according to godliness,
6:4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but sick about questions and strifes of words; from which arise envies, contentions, blasphemies, evil suspicions,
6:5. Conflicts of men corrupted in mind and who are destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness.
6:6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6:7. For we brought nothing into this world: and certainly we can carry nothing out.
6:8. But having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content.
6:9. For they that will become rich fall into temptation and into the snare of the devil and into many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men into destruction and perdition.
6:10. For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.
6:11. But thou, O man of God, fly these things: and pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness.
6:12. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called and be it confessed a good confession before many witnesses.
6:13. I charge thee before God who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession:
6:14. That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
6:15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords:
6:16. Who only hath immortality and inhabiteth light inaccessible: whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.
6:17. Charge the rich of this world not to be highminded nor to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God (who giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy)
6:18. To do good, to be rich in good work, to give easily, to communicate to others,
6:19. To lay up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.
6:20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane novelties of words and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called.
6:21. Which some promising, have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TIMOTHY
In this Epistle, the Apostle again instructs and admonishes Timothy in what belonged to his office, as in the former; and also warns him to shun the conversation of those who had erred from the truth, describing at the same time their character, He tells him of his approaching death and desires him to come speedily to him. It appears from this circumstance that he wrote this second Epistle in the time of his last imprisonment at Rome and not long before his martyrdom.
2 Timothy Chapter 1
He admonishes him to stir up the grace he received by his ordination and not to be discouraged at his sufferings, but to hold firm the sound doctrine of the gospel.
1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:
1:2. To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:3. I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day.
1:4. Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy:
1:5. Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.
1:6. For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.
1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love and of sobriety.
1:8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God.
1:9. Who hath delivered us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world:
1:10. But is now made manifest by the illumination of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath destroyed death and hath brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel.
By the illumination. . .That is, by the bright coming and appearing of our Saviour.
1:11. Wherein I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles.
1:12. For which cause, I also suffer these things: but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day.
1:13. Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus.
1:14. Keep the good thing committed to thy trust by the Holy Ghost who dwelleth in us.
1:15. Thou knowest this, that all they who are in Asia are turned away from me: of whom are Phigellus and Hermogenes.
1:16. The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: because he hath often refreshed me and hath not been ashamed of my chain:
1:17. But when he was come to Rome, he carefully sought me and found me.
1:18. The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou very well knowest.
2 Timothy Chapter 2
He exhorts him to diligence in his office and patience in suffering. The danger of the delusions of heretics.
2:1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus:
2:2. And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also.
2:3. Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:4. No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.
2:5. For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
2:6. The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits.
2:7. Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.
2:8. Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
2:9. Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound.
2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.
2:11. A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.
2:12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
2:13. If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself.
2:14. Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2:15. Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2:16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.
2:17. And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:
2:18. Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.
2:19. But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.
2:20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.
2:21. If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.
2:22. But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23. And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.
2:24. But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild toward all men, apt to teach, patient,
2:25. With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth;
2:26. And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil by whom they are held captive at his will.
2 Timothy Chapter 3
The character of heretics of latter days. He exhorts Timothy to constancy. Of the great profit of the knowledge of the scriptures.
3:1. Know also this, that in the last days shall come dangerous times.
3:2. Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked,
3:3. Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness,
3:4. Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasure more than of God:
3:5. Having an appearance indeed of godliness but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid.
3:6. For of these sort are they who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, who are led away with divers desires:
3:7. Ever learning, and never attaining to the knowledge of the truth.
3:8. Now as Jannes and Mambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
Jannes and Mambres. . .The magicians of king Pharao.
3:9. But they shall proceed no farther: for their folly shall be manifest to all men, as theirs also was.
3:10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
3:11. Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me.
3:12. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3:13. But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse: erring, and driving into error,
3:14. But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them:
3:15. And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures which can instruct thee to salvation by the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:16. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:
All scripture,. . .Every part of divine scripture is certainly profitable for all these ends. But, if we would have the whole rule of Christian faith and practice, we must not be content with those Scriptures, which Timothy knew from his infancy, that is, with the Old Testament alone: nor yet with the New Testament, without taking along with it the traditions of the apostles, and the interpretation of the church, to which the apostles delivered both the book, and the true meaning of it.
3:17. That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.
2 Timothy Chapter 4
His charge to Timothy. He tells him of his approaching death and desires him to come to him.
4:1. I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:
4:2. Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.
4:3. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears:
4:4. And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.
4:5. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober.
An evangelist. . .a diligent preacher of the gospel.
4:6. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand.
4:7. I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith.
4:8. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.
4:9. For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica:
4:10. Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.
4:11. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
4:12. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
4:13. The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments.
4:14. Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works:
4:15. Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.
4:16. At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge!
4:17. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
4:18. The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
4:19. Salute Prisca, and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.
4:20. Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
4:21. Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren, salute thee.
4:22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TITUS
St. Paul, having preached the faith in the island of Crete, he ordained his beloved disciple and companion, Titus, bishop, and left him there to finish the work which he had begun. Afterwards the Apostle, on a journey to Nicopolis, a city of Macedonia, wrote this Epistle to Titus, in which he directs him to ordain bishops and priests for the different cities, shewing him the principal qualities necessary for a bishop. He also gives him particular advice for his own conduct to his flock, exhorting him to hold to strictness of discipline, but seasoned with lenity. It was written about thirty-three years after our Lord's Ascension.
Titus Chapter 1
What kind of men he is to ordain priests. Some men are to be sharply rebuked.
1:1. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:
1:2. Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:
1:3. But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:
1:4. To Titus, my beloved son according to the common faith, grace and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.
1:5. For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:
1:6. If any be without crime, the husband of one wife. having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly.
1:7. For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:
1:8. But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:
1:9. Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers.
1:10. For there are also many disobedient, vain talkers and seducers: especially they who are of the circumcision.
1:11. Who must be reproved, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
1:12. One of them a prophet of their own, said: The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful bellies.
1:13. This testimony is true. Wherefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith:
1:14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn themselves away from the truth.
1:15. All things are clean to the clean: but to them that are defiled and to unbelievers, nothing is clean: but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
1:16. They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good work reprobate.
Titus Chapter 2
How he is to instruct both old and young. The duty of servants. The Christian's rule of life.
2:1. But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine:
2:2. That the aged men be sober, chaste, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
2:3. The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well:
2:4. That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children.
2:5. To be discreet, chaste, sober, having a care of the house, gentle, obedient to their husbands: that the word of God be not blasphemed.
2:6. Young men, in like manner, exhort that they be sober.
2:7. In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity,
2:8. The sound word that can not be blamed: that he who is on the contrary part may be afraid, having no evil to say of us.
2:9. Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters: in all things pleasing, not gainsaying:
2:10. Not defrauding, but in all things shewing good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
2:11. For the grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men:
2:12. Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world,
2:13. Looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
2:14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.
2:15. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus Chapter 3
Other instructions and directions for life and doctrine.
3:1. Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.
3:2. To speak evil of no man, not to be litigious but gentle: shewing all mildness towards all men.
3:3. For we ourselves also were some time unwise, incredulous, erring, slaves to divers desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
3:4. But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:
3:5. Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.
3:6. Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:
3:7. That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting.
3:8. It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have thee affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
3:9. But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.
3:10. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, avoid:
3:11. Knowing that he that is such an one is subverted and sinneth, being condemned by his own judgment.
By his own judgment. . .Other offenders are judged, and cast out of the church, by the sentence of the pastors of the same church. Heretics, more unhappy, run out of the church of their own accord, and by doing so, give judgment and sentence against their own souls.
3:12. When I shall send to thee Artemas or Tychicus, make haste to come unto me to Nicopolis. For there I have determined to winter.
3:13. Send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollo, with care that nothing be wanting to them.
3:14. And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful.
3:15. All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO PHILEMON
Philemon, a noble citizen of Colossa, had a servant named Onesimus, who robbed him and fled to Rome, where he met St. Paul, who was then a prisoner there the first time. The apostle took compassion on him and received him with tenderness and converted him to the faith; for he was a Gentile before. St. Paul sends him back to his master with this Epistle in his favour: and though he beseeches Philemon to pardon him, yet the Apostle writes with becoming dignity and authority. It contains divers profitable instructions and points out the charity and humanity that masters should have for their servants.
Philemon Chapter 1
He commends the faith and charity of Philemon; and sends back to him his fugitive servant, whom he had converted in prison.
1:1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer,
1:2. And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.
1:3. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4. I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers.
1:5. Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus and towards all the saints:
1:6. That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work that is in you in Christ Jesus.
1:7. For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.
1:8. Wherefore, though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus to command thee that which is to the purpose:
1:9. For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.
1:10. I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,
1:11. Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee but now is profitable both to me and thee:
1:12. Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels.
1:13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel.
1:14. But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.
1:15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:
1:16. Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
1:17. If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.
1:18. And if he hath wronged thee in any thing or is in thy debt, put that to my account.
1:19. I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee that thou owest me thy own self also.
1:20. Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord! Refresh my bowels in the Lord.
1:21. Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
1:22. But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
1:23. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus:
1:24. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow labourers.
1:25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE HEBREWS
St. Paul wrote this Epistle to the Christians in Palestine, the most part of whom being Jews before their conversion, they were called Hebrews. He exhorts them to be thoroughly converted and confirmed in the faith of Christ, clearly shewing them the preeminence of Christ's priesthood above the Levitical, and also the excellence of the new law above the old. He commends faith by the example of the ancient fathers: and exhorts them to patience and perseverance and to remain in fraternal charity. It appears from chap. 13 that this Epistle was written in Italy, and probably at Rome, about twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension.
Hebrews Chapter 1
God spoke of old by the prophets, but now by his Son, who is incomparably greater than the angels.
1:1. God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all,
1:2. In these days, hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world.
1:3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high:
The figure. . .that is, the express image, and most perfect resemblance. Making purgation. . .That is, having purged away our sins by his passion.
1:4. Being made so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.
1:5. For to which of the angels hath he said at any time: Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee? And again: I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
1:6. And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: And let all the angels of God adore him.
1:7. And to the angels indeed he saith: He that maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire.
1:8. But to the Son: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
1:9. Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
1:10. And: Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of thy hands are the heavens.
1:11. They shall perish: but thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment.
1:12. And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the selfsame: and thy years shall not fail.
1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?
1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?
Hebrews Chapter 2
The transgression of the precepts of the Son of God is far more condemnable than of those of the Old Testament given by angels.
2:1. Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip.
2:2. For if the word spoken by angels became steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:
2:3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.
2:4. God also bearing them witness by signs and wonders and divers miracles and distributions of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.
2:5. For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof we speak.
2:6. But one in a certain place hath testified, saying: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
2:7. Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels: thou hast crowned him with glory and honour and hast set him over the works of thy hands.
2:8. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet. For in that he hath subjected all things to him he left nothing not subject to him. But now we see not as yet all things subject to him.
2:9. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the grace of God he might taste death for all.
2:10. For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion.
Perfect by his passion. . .By suffering, Christ was to enter into his glory, Luke 24.26, which the apostle here calls being made perfect.
2:11. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:
2:12. I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise thee.
2:13. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold I and my children, whom God hath given me.
2:14. Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil:
2:15. And might deliver them, who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to servitude.
2:16. For nowhere doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold.
No where doth he, etc. . .That is, he never took upon him the nature of angels, but that of the seed of Abraham.
2:17. Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.
2:18. For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted.
Hebrews Chapter 3
Christ is more excellent than Moses. Wherefore we must adhere to him by faith and obedience.
3:1. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly vocation consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus:
3:2. Who is faithful to him that made him, as was also Moses in all his house.
3:3. For this man was counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, by so much as he that hath built the house hath greater honour than the house.
3:4. For every house is built by some man: but he that created all things is God.
3:5. And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be said:
3:6. But Christ, as the Son in his own house: which house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and glory of hope unto the end.
3:7. Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith: To-day if you shall hear his voice,
3:8. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the desert,
3:9. Where your fathers tempted me, proved and saw my works,
3:10. Forty years: for which cause I was offended with this generation, and I said: They always err in heart. And they have not known my ways.
3:11. As I have sworn in my wrath: If they shall enter into my rest.
3:12. Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God.
3:13. But exhort one another every day, whilst it is called to day, that none of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
3:14. For we are made partakers of Christ: yet so, if we hold the beginning of his substance firm unto the end.
3:15. While it is said: To day, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in that provocation.
3:16. For some who heard did provoke: but not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
3:17. And with whom was he offended forty years? Was it not with them that sinned, whose carcasses were overthrown in the desert?
3:18. And to whom did he swear, that they should not enter into his rest: but to them that were incredulous?
3:19. And we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief.
Hebrews Chapter 4
The Christian's rest. We are to enter into it through Jesus Christ.
4:1. Let us fear therefore lest, the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting.
4:2. For unto us also it hath been declared in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith of those things they heard.
4:3. For we, who have believed, shall enter into rest; as he said: As I have sworn in my wrath: If they shall enter into my rest; and this indeed when the works from the foundation of the world were finished.
4:4. For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works.
4:5. And in this place again: If they shall enter into my rest.
4:6. Seeing then it remaineth that some are to enter into it, and they to whom it was first preached did not enter because of unbelief:
4:7. Again he limiteth a certain day, saying in David; To day, after so long a time as it is above said: To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
4:8. For if Jesus had given them rest he would never have afterwards spoken of another day.
Jesus. . .Josue, who in Greek is called Jesus.
4:9. There remaineth therefore a day of rest for the people of God.
4:10. For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his.
4:11. Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest: lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.
4:12. For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow: and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
4:13. Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.
4:14. Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession.
4:15. For we have not a high priest who cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.
4:16. Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid.
Hebrews Chapter 5
The office of a high priest. Christ is our high priest.
5:1. For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:
5:2. Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
5:3. And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
5:4. Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was.
5:5. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee.
5:6. As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.
5:7. Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence.
5:8. And whereas indeed he was the Son of God, he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
5:9. And being consummated, he became, to all that obey him, the cause of eternal salvation:
5:10. Called by God a high priest, according to the order of Melchisedech.
5:11. Of whom we have much to say and hard to be intelligibly uttered: because you are become weak to hear.
5:12. For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat.
5:13. For every one that is a partaker of milk is unskilful in the word of justice: for he is a little child.
5:14. But strong meat is for the perfect: for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and evil.
Hebrews Chapter 6
He warns them of the danger of falling by apostasy and exhorts them to patience and perseverance.
6:1. Wherefore, leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on to things more perfect: not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works and of faith towards God,
The word of the beginning. . .The first rudiments of the Christian doctrine.
6:2. Of the doctrine of baptisms and imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
6:3. And this will we do, if God permit.
6:4. For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
It is impossible, etc. . .The meaning is, that it is impossible for such as have fallen after baptism, to be again baptized; and very hard for such as have apostatized from the faith, after having received many graces, to return again to the happy state from which they fell.
6:5. Have moreover tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come,
6:6. And are fallen away: to be renewed again to penance, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God and making him a mockery.
6:7. For the earth, that drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God.
6:8. But that which bringeth forth thorns and briers is reprobate and very near unto a curse: whose end is to be burnt.
6:9. But, my dearly beloved, we trust better things of you, and nearer to salvation; though we speak thus.
6:10. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work and the love which you have shewn in his name, you who have ministered and do minister to the saints.
6:11. And we desire that every one of you shew forth the same carefulness to the accomplishing of hope unto the end:
6:12. That you become not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience shall inherit the promises.
6:13. For God making promises to Abraham, because he had no one greater by whom he might swear, swore by himself,
6:14. Saying: Unless blessing I shall bless thee and multiplying I shall multiply thee.
6:15. And so patiently enduring he obtained the promise.
6:16. For men swear by one greater than themselves: and an oath for confirmation is the end of all their controversy.
6:17. Wherein God, meaning more abundantly to shew to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed an oath:
6:18. That by two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have the strongest comfort, we who have fled for refuge to hold fast the hope set before us.
6:19. Which we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, and which entereth in even within the veil:
6:20. Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.
Hebrews Chapter 7
The priesthood of Christ according to the order of Melchisedech excels the Levitical priesthood and puts an end both to that and to the law.
7:1. For this Melchisedech was king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him:
7:2. To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by interpretation is king of justice: and then also king of Salem, that is, king of peace:
7:3. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened unto the Son of God, continueth a priest for ever.
Without father, etc. . .Not that he had no father, etc., but that neither his father, nor his pedigree, nor his birth, nor his death, are set down in scripture.
7:4. Now consider how great this man is, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the principal things.
7:5. And indeed they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is to say, of their brethren: though they themselves also came out of the loins of Abraham.
7:6. But he, whose pedigree is not numbered among them, received tithes of Abraham and blessed him that had the promises.
7:7. And without all contradiction, that which is less is blessed by the better.
7:8. And here indeed, men that die receive tithes: but there, he hath witness that he liveth.
7:9. And (as it may be said) even Levi who received tithes paid tithes in Abraham:
7:10. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedech met him.
7:11. If then perfection was by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchisedech: and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
7:12. For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law,
7:13. For he of whom these things are spoken is of another tribe, of which no one attended on the altar.
7:14. For it is evident that our Lord sprung out of Juda: in which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
7:15. And it is yet far more evident: if according to the similitude of Melchisedech there ariseth another priest,
7:16. Who is made, not according to the law of a law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of an indissoluble life.
7:17. For he testifieth: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.
7:18. There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof:
7:19. For the law brought nothing to perfection: but a bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw nigh to God.
7:20. And inasmuch as it is not without an oath (for the others indeed were made priests without an oath:
7:21. But this with an oath, by him that said unto him: The Lord hath sworn and he will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever).
7:22. By so much is Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
7:23. And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:
Many priests, etc. . .The apostle notes this difference between the high priests of the law, and our high priest Jesus Christ; that they being removed by death, made way for their successors; whereas our Lord Jesus is a priest for ever, and hath no successor; but liveth and concurreth for ever with his ministers, the priests of the new testament, in all their functions. Also, that no one priest of the law, nor all of them together, could offer that absolute sacrifice of everlasting redemption, which our one high priest Jesus Christ has offered once, and for ever.
7:24. But this, for that he continueth for ever, hath an everlasting priesthood:
7:25. Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us.
Make intercession. . .Christ, as man, continually maketh intercession for us, by representing his passion to his Father.
7:26. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens:
7:27. Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, in offering himself.
7:28. For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath (which was since the law) the Son who is perfected for evermore.
Hebrews Chapter 8
More of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ and of the New Testament.
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 majesty in the heavens,
8:2. A minister of the holies and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.
The holies. . .That is, the sanctuary.
8:3. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.
8:4. If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law.
If then he were on earth, etc. . .That is, if he were not of a higher condition than the Levitical order of earthly priests, and had not another kind of sacrifice to offer, he should be excluded by them from the priesthood, and its functions, which by the law were appropriated to their tribe.
8:5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.
Who serve unto, etc. . .The priesthood of the law and its functions were a kind of an example and shadow of what is done by Christ in his church militant and triumphant, of which the tabernacle was a pattern.
8:6. But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament which is established on better promises.
8:7. For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.
8:8. For, finding fault with them, he saith: Behold the days shall come, saith the Lord: and I will perfect, unto the house of Israel and unto the house of Juda, a new testament:
8:9. Not according to the testament which I made to their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt: because they continued not in my testament: and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
8:10. For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my laws into their mind: and in their heart will I write them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.
8:11. And 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 of them.
They shall not teach, etc. . .So great shall be light and grace of the new testament, that it shall not be necessary to inculcate to the faithful the belief and knowledge of the true God, for they shall all know him.
8:12. Because I will be merciful to their iniquities: and their sins I will remember no more.
8:13. Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old is near its end.
A new. . .Supply 'covenant'.
Hebrews Chapter 9
The sacrifices of the law were far inferior to that of Christ.
9:1. The former indeed had also justifications of divine service and a sanctuary.
9:2. For there was a tabernacle made the first, wherein were the candlesticks and the table and the setting forth of loaves, which is called the Holy.
9:3. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies:
9:4. Having a golden censer and the ark of the testament covered about on every part with gold, in which was a golden pot that had manna and the rod of Aaron that had blossomed and the tables of the testament.
9:5. And over it were the cherubims of glory overshadowing the propitiatory: of which it is not needful to speak now particularly.
9:6. Now these things being thus ordered, into the first tabernacle, the priests indeed always entered, accomplishing the offices of sacrifices.
9:7. But into the second, the high priest alone, once a year: not without blood, which he offereth for his own and the people's ignorance:
9:8. The Holy Ghost signifying this: That the way into the Holies was not yet made manifest, whilst the former tabernacle was yet standing.
9:9. Which is a parable of the time present: according to which gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot, as to the conscience, make him perfect that serveth, only in meats and in drinks,
9:10. And divers washings and justices of the flesh laid on them until the time of correction.
Of correction. . .Viz., when Christ should correct and settle all things.
9:11. But Christ, being come an high Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hand, that is, not of this creation:
9:12. Neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption.
Eternal redemption. . .By that one sacrifice of his blood, once offered on the cross, Christ our Lord paid and exhibited, once for all, the general price and ransom of all mankind: which no other priest could do.
9:13. For if the blood of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer, being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh:
9:14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?
9:15. And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death for the redemption of those transgressions which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
9:16. For where there is a testament the death of the testator must of necessity come in.
9:17. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.
9:18. Whereupon neither was the first indeed dedicated without blood.
9:19. For when every commandment of the law had been read by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people.
9:20. Saying: This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
9:21. The tabernacle also and all the vessels of the ministry, in like manner, he sprinkled with blood.
9:22. And almost all things, according to the law, are cleansed with blood: and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
9:23. It is necessary therefore that the patterns of heavenly things should be cleansed with these: but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
9:24. For Jesus is not entered into the Holies made with hands, the patterns of the true: but into Heaven itself, that he may appear now in the presence of God for us.
9:25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the Holies every year with the blood of others:
Offer himself often. . .Christ shall never more offer himself in sacrifice, in that violent, painful, and bloody manner, nor can there be any occasion for it: since by that one sacrifice upon the cross, he has furnished the full ransom, redemption, and remedy for all the sins of the world. But this hinders not that he may offer himself daily in the sacred mysteries in an unbloody manner, for the daily application of that one sacrifice of redemption to our souls.
9:26. For then he ought to have suffered often from the beginning of the world. But now once, at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin by the sacrifice of himself.
9:27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment:
9:28. So also Christ was offered once to exhaust the sins of many. The second time he shall appear without sin to them that expect him unto salvation.
To exhaust. . .That is, to empty, or draw out to the very bottom, by a plentiful and perfect redemption.
Hebrews Chapter 10
Because of the insufficiency of the sacrifices of the law, Christ our high priest shed his own blood for us, offering up once for all the sacrifice of our redemption. He exhorts them to perseverance.
10:1. For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, by the selfsame sacrifices which they offer continually every year, can never make the comers thereunto perfect.
10:2. For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer.
They would have ceased. . .If they had been of themselves perfect to all the intents of redemption and remission, as Christ's death is there would have been no occasion of so often repeating them: as there is no occasion for Christ's dying any more for our sins.
10:3. But in them there is made a commemoration of sins every year:
10:4. For it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.
10:5. Wherefore, when he cometh into the world he saith: Sacrifice and oblation thou wouldest not: but a body thou hast fitted to me.
10:6. Holocausts for sin did not please thee.
10:7. Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of me: that I should do thy will, O God.
10:8. In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to thee, which are offered according to the law.
10:9. Then said I: Behold, I come to do thy will, O God: He taketh away the first, that he may establish that which followeth.
10:10. In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.
10:11. And every priest indeed standeth daily ministering and often offering the same sacrifices which can never take away sins.
10:12. But this man, offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God,
10:13. From henceforth expecting until his enemies be made his footstool.
10:14. For by one oblation he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
10:15. And the Holy Ghost also doth testify this to us. For after that he said:
10:16. And this is the testament which I will make unto them after those days, saith the Lord. I will give my laws in their hearts and on their minds will I write them:
10:17. And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.
10:18. Now, where there is a remission of these, there is no more an oblation for sin.
There is no more an oblation for sin. . .Where there is a full remission of sins, as in baptism, there is no more occasion for a sin offering to be made for such sins already remitted; and as for sins committed afterwards, they can only be remitted in virtue of the one oblation of Christ's death.
10:19. Having therefore, brethren, a confidence in the entering into the holies by the blood of Christ:
10:20. A new and living way which he hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh:
10:21. And a high priest over the house of God:
10:22. Let us draw near with a true heart, in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with clean water.
10:23. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised):
10:24. And let us consider one another, to provoke unto charity and to good works:
10:25. Not forsaking our assembly, as some are accustomed: but comforting one anther, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.
10:26. For if we sin wilfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there is now left no sacrifice for sins:
If we sin wilfully. . .He speaks of the sin of wilful apostasy from the known truth; after which, as we can not be baptized again, we can not expect to have that abundant remission of sins, which Christ purchased by his death, applied to our souls in that ample manner as it is in baptism: but we have rather all manner of reason to look for a dreadful judgment; the more because apostates from the known truth, seldom or never have the grace to return to it.
10:27. But a certain dreadful expectation of judgment, and the rage of a fire which shall consume the adversaries.
10:28. A man making void the law of Moses dieth without any mercy under two or three witnesses:
10:29. How much more, do you think he deserveth worse punishments, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath esteemed the blood of the testament unclean, by which he was sanctified, and hath offered an affront to the Spirit of grace?
10:30. For we know him that hath said: Vengeance belongeth to me, and I will repay. And again: The Lord shall judge his people.
10:31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
10:32. But call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions.
10:33. And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort.
10:34. For you both had compassion on them that were in bands and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.
10:35. Do not therefore lose your confidence which hath a great reward.
10:36. For patience is necessary for you: that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.
10:37. For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come will come and will not delay.
10:38. But my just man liveth by faith: but if he withdraw himself, he shall not please my soul.
10:39. But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul.
Hebrews Chapter 11
What faith is. Its wonderful fruits and efficacy demonstrated in the fathers.
11:1. Now, faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not.
11:2. For by this the ancients obtained a testimony.
11:3. By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God: that from invisible things visible things might be made.
11:4. By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts. And by it he being dead yet speaketh.
11:5. By faith Henoch was translated that he should not see death: and he was not found because God had translated him. For before his translation he had testimony that he pleased God.
11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is: and is a rewarder to them that seek him.
11:7. By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house: by the which he condemned the world and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith.
11:8. By faith he that is called Abraham obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing whither he went.
He that is called Abraham. . .or, Abraham being called.
11:9. By faith he abode in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in cottages, with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise.
11:10. For he looked for a city that hath foundations: whose builder and maker is God.
11:11. By faith also Sara herself, being barren, received strength to conceive seed, even past the time of age: because she believed that he was faithful who had promised,
11:12. For which cause there sprung even from one (and him as good as dead) as the stars of heaven in multitude and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
11:13. All these died according to faith, not having received the promises but beholding them afar off and saluting them and confessing that they are pilgrims and strangers on the earth.
11:14. For they that say these things do signify that they seek a country.
11:15. And truly, if they had been mindful of that from whence they came out, they had doubtless, time to return.
11:16. But now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
11:17. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
11:18. (To whom it was said: In Isaac shalt thy seed be called:)
11:19. Accounting that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Whereupon also he received him for a parable.
For a parable. . .That is, as a figure of Christ, slain and coming to life again.
11:20. By faith also of things to come Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
11:21. By faith Jacob, dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and adored the top of his rod.
Adored the top of his rod. . .The apostle here follows the ancient Greek Bible of the seventy interpreters, (which translates in this manner, Gen. 47. 31.,) and alleges this fact of Jacob, in paying a relative honour and veneration to the top of the rod or sceptre of Joseph, as to a figure of Christ's sceptre and kingdom, as an instance and argument of his faith. But some translators, who are no friends to this relative honour, have corrupted the text, by translating it, he worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff; as if this circumstance of leaning upon his staff were any argument of Jacob's faith, or worthy the being thus particularly taken notice of by the Holy Ghost.
11:22. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the going out of the children of Israel and gave commandment concerning his bones.
11:23. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents: because they saw he was a comely babe, and they feared not the king's edict.
11:24. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, denied himself to be the son of Pharao's daughter:
11:25. Rather choosing to be afflicted with the people of God than to have the pleasure of sin for a time:
11:26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of the Egyptians. For he looked unto the reward.
11:27. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the fierceness of the king: for he endured, as seeing him that is invisible.
11:28. By faith he celebrated the pasch and the shedding of the blood: that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them.
11:29. By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting, were swallowed up.
11:30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, by the going round them seven days.
11:31. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with the unbelievers, receiving the spies with peace.
11:32. And what shall I yet say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephthe, David, Samuel, and the prophets:
11:33. Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
11:34. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners.
11:35. Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection.
11:36. And others had trial of mockeries and stripes: moreover also of bands and prisons.
11:37. They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted:
11:38. Of whom the world was not worthy: wandering in deserts, in mountains and in dens and in caves of the earth.
11:39. And all these, being approved by the testimony of faith, received not the promise:
11:40. God providing some better thing for us, that they should not be perfected without us.
Hebrews Chapter 12
Exhortation to constancy under their crosses. The danger of abusing the graces of the New Testament.
12:1. And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us:
12:2. Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who, having joy set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3. For think diligently upon him that endured such opposition from sinners against himself that you be not wearied, fainting in your minds.
12:4. For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5. And you have forgotten the consolation which speaketh to you, as unto children, saying: My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord: neither be thou wearied whilst thou art rebuked by him.
12:6. For whom the Lord loveth he chastiseth: and he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
12:7. Persevere under discipline. God dealeth with you as with his sons. For what son is there whom the father doth not correct?
12:8. But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are made partakers, then are you bastards and not sons.
12:9. Moreover, we have had fathers of our flesh for instructors, and we reverenced them. Shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits and live?
12:10. And they indeed for a few days, according to their own pleasure, instructed us: but he, for our profit, that we might receive his sanctification.
12:11. Now all chastisement for the present indeed seemeth not to bring with it joy, but sorrow: but afterwards it will yield to them that are exercised by it the most peaceable fruit of justice.
12:12. Wherefore, lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees:
12:13. And make straight steps with your feet: that no one, halting, may go out of the way; but rather be healed.
12:14. Follow peace with all men and holiness: without which no man shall see God.
12:15. Looking diligently, lest any man be wanting to the grace of God: lest any root of bitterness springing up do hinder and by it many be defiled:
12:16. Lest there be any fornicator or profane person, as Esau who for one mess sold his first birthright.
12:17. For know ye that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected. For he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it.
He found, etc. . .That is, he found no way to bring his father to repent, or change his mind, with relation to his having given the blessing to his younger brother Jacob.
12:18. For you are not come to a mountain that might be touched and a burning fire and a whirlwind and darkness and storm,
12:19. And the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, which they that had excused themselves, that the word might not be spoken to them.
12:20. For they did not endure that which was said: and if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned.
12:21. And so terrible was that which was seen, Moses said: I am frighted, and tremble.
12:22. But you are come to mount Sion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of angels,
12:23. And to the church of the firstborn who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
12:24. And to Jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the sprinkling of blood which speaketh better than that of Abel.
12:25. See that you refuse him not that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke upon earth, much more shall not we that turn away from him that speaketh to us from heaven.
12:26. Whose voice then moved the earth; but now he promiseth, saying: Yet once more: and I will move, not only the earth, but heaven also.
12:27. And in that he saith: Yet once more, he signifieth the translation of the moveable things as made, that those things may remain which are immoveable.
12:28. Therefore, receiving an immoveable kingdom, we have grace: whereby let us serve, pleasing God, with fear and reverence.
12:29. For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews Chapter 13
Divers admonitions and exhortations.
13:1. Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you.
13:2. And hospitality do not forget: for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels.
13:3. Remember them that are in bands, as if you were bound with them: and them that labour, as being yourselves also in the body.
13:4. Marriage honourable in all, and the bed undefiled. For fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Or, Let marriage be honourable in all. . .That is, in all things belonging to the marriage state. This is a warning to married people, not to abuse the sanctity of their state, by any liberties or irregularities contrary thereunto. Now it does not follow from this text that all persons are obliged to marry, even if the word omnibus were rendered, in all persons, instead of in all things: for if it was a precept, St. Paul himself would have transgressed it, as he never married. Moreover, those who have already made a vow to God to lead a single life, should they attempt to marry, they would incur their own damnation. 1 Tim. 5. 12.
13:5. Let your manners be without covetousness, contented with such things as you have. For he hath said: I will not leave thee: neither will I forsake thee.
13:6. So that we may confidently say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me.
13:7. Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,
13:8. Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today: and the same for ever.
13:9. Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats: which have not profited those that walk in them.
13:10. We have an altar whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle.
13:11. For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin are burned without the camp.
13:12. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13:13. Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. . .That is, bearing his cross. It is an exhortation to them to be willing to suffer with Christ, reproaches, persecutions, and even death, if they desire to partake of the benefit of his suffering for man's redemption.
13:14. For, we have not here a lasting city: but we seek one that is to come.
13:15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to his name.
13:16. And do not forget to do good and to impart: for by such sacrifices God's favour is obtained.
13:17. Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you.
13:18. Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience, being willing to behave ourselves well in all things.
13:19. And I beseech you the more to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
13:20. And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great pastor of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the blood of the everlasting testament,
13:21. Fit you in all goodness, that you may do his will; doing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory for ever and ever. Amen.
13:22. And I beseech you, brethren, that you suffer this word of consolation. For I have written to you in a few words.
13:23. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty: with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you.
13:24. Salute all your prelates and all the saints. The brethren from Italy salute you.
13:25. Grace be with you all. Amen.
THE CATHOLIC EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE
This Epistle is called Catholic or Universal, as formerly were also the two Epistles of St. Peter, the first of St. John and that of St. Jude, because they were not written to any peculiar people or particular person, but to the faithful in general. It was written by the apostle St. James, called the Less, who was also called the brother of our Lord, being his kinsman (for cousins german with the Hebrews were called brothers). He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. In this Epistle are set forth many precepts appertaining to faith and morals; particularly, that faith without good works will not save a man and that true wisdom is given only from above. In the fifth chapter he publishes the sacrament of anointing the sick. It was written a short time before his martyrdom, about twenty-eight years after our Lord's Ascension.
James Chapter 1
The benefit of tribulations. Prayer with faith. God is the author of all good, but not of evil. We must be slow to anger and not hearers only, but doers of the word. Of bridling the tongue and of pure religion.
1:1. James, the servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
1:2. My brethren, count it all joy, when you shall fall into divers temptations:
Into divers temptations. . .The word temptation, in this epistle, is sometimes taken for trials by afflictions or persecutions, as in this place: at other times, it is to be understood, tempting, enticing, or drawing others into sin.
1:3. Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience
1:4. And patience hath a perfect work: that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing.
1:5. But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men abundantly and upbraideth not. And it shall be given him.
1:6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind.
1:7. Therefore let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
1:8. A double minded man is inconstant in all his ways.
1:9. But let the brother of low condition glory in his exaltation:
1:10. And the rich, in his being low: because as the flower of the grass shall he pass away.
1:11. For the sun rose with a burning heat and parched the grass: and the flower thereof fell off, and the beauty of the shape thereof perished. So also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
1:12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for, when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him.
1:13. Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils: and he tempteth no man.
1:14. But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured.
1:15. Then, when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death.
1:16. Do not err, therefore, my dearest brethren.
1:17. Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration.
1:18. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.
Some beginning. . .That is, a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
1:19. You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger.
1:20. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.
1:21. Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23. For if a man be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass.
1:24. For he beheld himself and went his way and presently forgot what manner of man he was.
1:25. But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work: this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26. And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
1:27. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.
James Chapter 2
Against respect of persons. The danger of transgressing one point of the law. Faith is dead without works.
2:1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, with respect of persons.
With respect of persons. . .The meaning is, that in matters relating to faith, the administering of the sacraments, and other spiritual functions in God's church, there should be no respect of persons; but that the souls of the poor should be as much regarded as those of the rich. See Deut. 1.17.
2:2. For if there shall come into your assembly a man having a golden ring, in fine apparel; and there shall come in also a poor man in mean attire:
2:3. And you have respect to him that is clothed with the fine apparel and shall say to him: Sit thou here well: but say to the poor man: Stand thou there, or: Sit under my footstool:
2:4. Do you not judge within yourselves, and are become judges of unjust thoughts?
2:5. Hearken, my dearest brethren: Hath not God chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him?
2:6. But you have dishonoured the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you by might? And do not they draw you before the judgment seats?
2:7. Do not they blaspheme the good name that is invoked upon you?
2:8. If then you fulfil the royal law, according to the scriptures: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; you do well.
2:9. But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, being reproved by the law as transgressors.
2:10. And whosoever shall keep the whole law, but offend in one point, is become guilty of all.
Guilty of all;. . .That is, he becomes a transgressor of the law in such a manner, that the observing of all other points will not avail him to salvation; for he despises the lawgiver, and breaks through the great and general commandment of charity, even by one mortal sin. For all the precepts of the law are to be considered as one total and entire law, and as it were a chain of precepts, where, by breaking one link of this chain, the whole chain is broken, or the integrity of the law consisting of a collection of precepts. A sinner, therefore, by a grievous offence against any one precept, incurs eternal punishment; yet the punishment in hell shall be greater for those who have been greater sinners, as a greater reward shall be for those in heaven who have lived with greater sanctity and perfection.
2:11. For he that said: Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also: Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou do not commit adultery, but shalt kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
2:12. So speak ye and so do, as being to be judged by the law of liberty.
2:13. For judgment without mercy to him that hath not done mercy. And mercy exalteth itself above judgment.
2:14. What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but hath not works? Shall faith be able to save him?
2:15. And if a brother or sister be naked and want daily food:
2:16. And one of you say to them: Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; yet give them not those things that are necessary for the body, what shall it profit?
2:17. So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
2:18. But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works. Shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.
2:19. Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble.
2:20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22. Seest thou that faith did cooperate with his works and by works faith was made perfect?
2:23. And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God.
2:24. Do you see that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?
2:25. And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers and sending them out another way?
2:26. For even as the body without the spirit is dead: so also faith without works is dead.
James Chapter 3
Of the evils of the tongue. Of the difference between the earthly and heavenly wisdom.
3:1. Be ye not many masters, my brethren, knowing that you receive the greater judgment.
3:2. For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.
3:3. For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us: and we turn about their whole body.
3:4. Behold also ships, whereas they are great and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth.
3:5. Even so the tongue is indeed a little member and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.
3:6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell.
3:7. For every nature of beasts and of birds and of serpents and of the rest is tamed and hath been tamed, by the nature of man.
3:8. But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.
3:9. By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men who are made after the likeness of God.
3:10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
3:11. Doth a fountain send forth, out of the same hole, sweet and bitter water?
3:12. Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear grapes? Or the vine, figs? So neither can the salt water yield sweet.
3:13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge, among you? Let him shew, by a good contestation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.
3:14. But if you have bitter zeal, and there be contention in your hearts: glory not and be not liars against the truth.
3:15. For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish.
3:16. For where envying and contention is: there is inconstancy and every evil work.
3:17. But the wisdom that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, without dissimulation.
3:18. And the fruit of justice is sown in peace, to them that make peace.
James Chapter 4
The evils that flow from yielding to concupiscence and being friends to this world. Admonitions against pride, detraction and the like.
4:1. From whence are wars and contentions among you? Are they not hence, from your concupiscences, which war in your members?
4:2. You covet, and have not: you kill and envy and cannot obtain. You contend and war, and you have not: because you ask not.
4:3. You ask and receive not: because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your concupiscences.
4:4. Adulterers, know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God.
4:5. Or do you think that the scripture saith in vain: To envy doth the spirit covet which dwelleth in you?
4:6. But he giveth greater grace. Wherefore he saith: God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
4:7. Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil: and he will fly from you.
4:8. Draw nigh to God: and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
4:9. Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into sorrow.
4:10. Be humbled in the sight of the Lord: and he will exalt you.
4:11. Detract not one another, my brethren. He that detracteth his brother, or he that judgeth his brother, detracteth the law and judgeth the law. But if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
4:12. There is one lawgiver and judge, that is able to destroy and to deliver.
4:13. But who art thou that judgest thy neighbour? Behold, now you that say: To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and there we will spend a year and will traffic and make our gain.
4:14. Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow.
4:15. For what is your life? It is a vapour which appeareth for a little while and afterwards shall vanish away. For that you should say: If the Lord will, and, If we shall live, we will do this or that.
4:16. But now you rejoice in your arrogancies. All such rejoicing is wicked.
4:17. To him therefore who knoweth to do good and doth it not, to him it is sin.
James Chapter 5
A woe to the rich that oppress the poor. Exhortations to patience and to avoid swearing. Of the anointing the sick, confession of sins and fervour in prayer.
5:1. Go to now, ye rich men: weep and howl in your miseries, which shall come upon you.
5:2. Your riches are corrupted: and your garments are motheaten.
5:3. Your gold and silver is cankered: and the rust of them shall be for a testimony against you and shall eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up to yourselves wrath against the last days.
5:4. Behold the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which by fraud has been kept back by you, crieth: and the cry of them hath entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5:5. You have feasted upon earth: and in riotousness you have nourished your hearts, in the day of slaughter.
5:6. You have condemned and put to death the Just One: and he resisted you not.
5:7. Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth: patiently bearing till he receive the early and latter rain.
5:8. Be you therefore also patient and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
5:9. Grudge not, brethren, one against another, that you may not be judged. Behold the judge standeth before the door.
5:10. Take, my brethren, for example of suffering evil, of labour and patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
5:11. Behold, we account them blessed who have endured. You have heard of the patience of Job and you have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is merciful and compassionate.
5:12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. But let your speech be: Yea, Yea: No, No: that you fall not under judgment.
5:13. Is any of you sad? Let him pray: Is he cheerful in mind? Let him sing.
5:14. Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Let him bring in, etc. . .See here a plain warrant of scripture for the sacrament of extreme unction, that any controversy against its institution would be against the express words of the sacred text in the plainest terms.
5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man. And the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.
5:16. Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
Confess your sins one to another. . .That is, to the priests of the church, whom (ver.14) he had ordered to be called for, and brought in to the sick; moreover, to confess to persons who had no power to forgive sins, would be useless. Hence the precept here means, that we must confess to men whom God hath appointed, and who, by their ordination and jurisdiction, have received the power of remitting sins in his name.
5:17. Elias was a man passible like unto us: and with prayer he prayed that it might not rain upon the earth. And it rained not for three years and six months.
5:18. And he prayed again. And the heaven gave rain: and the earth brought forth her fruit.
5:19. My brethren, if any of you err from the truth and one convert him:
5:20. He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way shall save his soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE
The first Epistle of St. Peter, though brief, contains much doctrine concerning Faith, Hope, and Charity, with divers instructions to all persons of what state or condition soever. The Apostle commands submission to rulers and superiors and exhorts all to the practice of a virtuous life in imitation, of Christ. This Epistle is written with such apostolical dignity as to manifest the supreme authority with which its writer, the Prince of the Apostles, had been vested by his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He wrote it at Rome, which figuratively he calls Babylon, about fifteen years after our Lord's Ascension.
1 Peter Chapter 1
He gives thanks to God for the benefit of our being called to the true faith and to eternal life, into which we are to enter by many tribulations. He exhorts to holiness of life, considering the holiness of God and our redemption by the blood of Christ.
1:1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers dispersed through Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect,
1:2. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied.
1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead:
1:4. Unto an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you,
1:5. Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
1:6. Wherein you shalt greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations:
1:7. That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1:8. Whom having not seen, you love: in whom also now though you see him not, you believe and, believing, shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorified;
1:9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1:10. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and diligently searched, who prophesied of the grace to come in you.
1:11. Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify, when it foretold those sufferings that are in Christ and the glories that should follow.
1:12. To whom it was revealed that, not to themselves but to you, they ministered those things which are now declared to you by them that have preached the gospel to you: the Holy Ghost being sent down from heaven, on whom the angels desire to look.
1:13. Wherefore, having the loins of your mind girt up, being sober, trust perfectly in the grace which is offered you in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1:14. As children of obedience, not fashioned according to the former desires of your ignorance,
1:15. But according to him that hath called you, who is holy, be you also in all manner of conversation holy:
1:16. Because it is written: You shall be holy, for I am holy.
1:17. And if you invoke as Father him who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to every one's work: converse in fear during the time of your sojourning here.
1:18. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as gold or silver, from your vain conversation of the tradition of your fathers:
1:19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unspotted and undefiled
1:20. Foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but manifested in the last times for you:
1:21. Who through him are faithful in God who raised him up from the dead and hath given him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.
1:22. Purifying your souls in the obedience of charity, with a brotherly love, from a sincere heart love one another earnestly:
1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God who liveth and remaineth for ever.
1:24. For all flesh is as grass and all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass is withered and the flower thereof is fallen away.
1:25. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel hath been preached unto you.
1 Peter Chapter 2
We are to lay aside all guile and go to Christ the living stone, and, as being now his people, walk worthily of him, with submission to superiors and patience under sufferings.
2:1. Wherefore laying away all malice and all guile and dissimulations and envies and all detractions,
2:2. As newborn babes, desire the rational milk without guile, that thereby you may grow unto salvation:
2:3. If so be you have tasted that the Lord is sweet.
2:4. Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honourable by God:
2:5. Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
2:6. Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded.
2:7. To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:
2:8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set.
2:9. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
2:10. Who in times past were not a people: but are now the people of God. Who had not obtained mercy: but now have obtained mercy.
2:11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul,
2:12. Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
2:13. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling,
2:14. Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good.
2:15. For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
2:16. As free and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God.
2:17. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
2:18. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward.
2:19. For this is thankworthy: if, for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.
2:20. For what glory is it, if, committing sin and being buffeted for it, you endure? But if doing well you suffer patiently: this is thankworthy before God.
2:21. For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.
2:22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
2:23. Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not, but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly.
2:24. Who his own self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were healed.
2:25. For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.
1 Peter Chapter 3
How wives are to behave to their husbands. What ornaments they are to seek. Exhortations to divers Virtues.
3:1. In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without the word, by the conversation of the wives,
3:2. Considering your chaste conversation with fear.
3:3. Whose adorning, let it not be the outward plaiting of the hair, or the wearing of gold, or the putting on of apparel:
3:4. But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God.
3:5. For after this manner heretofore, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
3:6. As Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, doing well and not fearing any disturbance.
3:7. Ye husbands, likewise dwelling with them according to knowledge, giving honour to the female as to the weaker vessel and as to the co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.
3:8. And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
3:9. Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
3:10. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
3:11. Let him decline from evil and do good: Let him seek after peace and pursue it:
3:12. Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.
3:13. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?
3:14. But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled.
3:15. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.
3:16. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3:17. For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer than doing ill.
3:18. Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit,
3:19. In which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison:
Spirits that were in prison. . .See here a proof of a third place, or middle state of souls: for these spirits in prison, to whom Christ went to preach, after his death, were not in heaven; nor yet in the hell of the damned: because heaven is no prison: and Christ did not go to preach to the damned.
3:20. Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.
3:21. Whereunto baptism, being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but, the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Whereunto baptism, etc. . .Baptism is said to be of the like form with the water by which Noe was saved, because the one was a figure of the other. Not the putting away, etc. . .As much as to say, that baptism has not its efficacy, in order to salvation, from its washing away any bodily filth or dirt; but from its purging the conscience from sin, when accompanied with suitable dispositions in the party, to answer the interrogations made at that time, with relation to faith, the renouncing of Satan with all his works; and the obedience to God's commandments.
3:22. Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.
1 Peter Chapter 4
Exhortations to cease from sin, to mutual charity, to do all for the glory of God, to be willing to suffer for Christ.
4:1. Christ therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sins:
4:2. That now he may live the rest of his time in the flesh, not after the desires of men but according to the will of God.
4:3. For the time past is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the Gentiles, for them who have walked in riotousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings and unlawful worshipping of idols.
4:4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them into the same confusion of riotousness: speaking evil of you.
4:5. Who shall render account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
4:6. For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead: That they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh: but may live according to God, in the Spirit.
4:7. But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watch in prayers.
4:8. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
4:9. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring,
4:10. As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4:11. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.
4:12. Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you: as if some new thing happened to you.
4:13. But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4:14. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and that which is his Spirit resteth upon you.
4:15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a railer or coveter of other men's things.
4:16. But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in that name.
4:17. For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if at first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?
4:18. And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Scarcely. . .That is, not without much labour and difficulty; and because of the dangers which constantly surround, the temptations of the world, of the devil, and of our own corrupt nature.
4:19. Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.
1 Peter Chapter 5
He exhorts both priests and laity to their respective duties and recommends to all humility and watchfulness.
5:1. The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:
5:2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:
5:3. Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.
5:4. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.
5:5. In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.
5:6. Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:
5:7. Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.
5:8. Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
5:9. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world.
5:10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.
5:11. To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.
5:12. By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.
5:13. The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.
5:14. Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE
In this Epistle St. Peter says (chap. 3.), Behold this second Epistle I write to you: and before (chap. 1. 14,) Being assured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand. This shews, that it was written a very short time before his martyrdom, which was about thirty-five years after our Lord's Ascension. In this Epistle he admonishes the faithful to be mindful of the great gifts they received from God and to join all other virtues with their faith. He warns them against false teachers, by describing their practices and foretelling their punishments. He describes the dissolution of this world by fire and the day of judgment.
2 Peter Chapter 1
He exhorts them to join all other virtues with their faith, in order to secure their salvation.
1:1. Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ: to them that have obtained equal faith with us in the justice of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1:2. Grace to you and peace be accomplished in the knowledge of God and of Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:3. As all things of his divine power which appertain to life and godliness are given us through the knowledge of him who hath called us by his own proper glory and virtue.
1:4. By whom he hath given us most great and precious promises: that by these you may be made partakers of the divine nature: flying the corruption of that concupiscence which is in the world.
1:5. And you, employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue: And in virtue, knowledge:
1:6. And in knowledge, abstinence: and in abstinence, patience: and in patience, godliness:
1:7. And in godliness, love of brotherhood: and in love of brotherhood, charity.
1:8. For if these things be with you and abound, they will make you to be neither empty nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9. For he that hath not these things with him is blind and groping, having forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10. Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your calling and election. For doing these things, you shall not sin at any time.
1:11. For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the ever-lasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1:12. For which cause, I will begin to put you always in remembrance of these things: though indeed you know them and are confirmed in the present truth.
1:13. But I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.
1:14. Being assured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand, according as our Lord Jesus Christ also hath signified to me.
1:15. And I will endeavour that you frequently have after my decease whereby you may keep a memory of these things.
1:16. For we have not by following artificial fables made known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ: but we were eyewitnesses of his greatness.
1:17. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.
1:18. And this voice, we heard brought from heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.
1:19. And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.
1:20. Understanding this first: That no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.
No prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation. . .This shows plainly that the scriptures are not to be expounded by any one's private judgment or private spirit, because every part of the holy scriptures were written by men inspired by the Holy Ghost, and declared as such by the Church; therefore they are not to be interpreted but by the Spirit of God, which he hath left, and promised to remain with his Church to guide her in all truth to the end of the world. Some may tell us, that many of our divines interpret the scriptures: they may do so, but they do it always with a submission to the judgment of the Church, and not otherwise.
1:21. For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter Chapter 2
He warns them against false teachers and foretells their punishment.
2:1. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there shall be among you lying teachers who shall bring in sects of perdition and deny the Lord who bought them: bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
Seeds of perdition. . .That is, heresies destructive of salvation.
2:2. And many shall follow their riotousness, through whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2:3. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not: and their perdition slumbereth not.
2:4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be reserved unto judgment:
2:5. And spared not the original world, but preserved Noe, the eighth person, the preacher of justice, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
2:6. And reducing the cities of the Sodomites and of the Gomorrhites into ashes, condemned them to be overthrown, making them an example to those that should after act wickedly,
2:7. And delivered just Lot, oppressed by the injustice and lewd conversation of the wicked:
2:8. For in sight and hearing he was just, dwelling among them who from day to day vexed the just soul with unjust works.
2:9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented:
2:10. And especially them who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government: audacious, self willed, they fear not to bring in sects, blaspheming.
2:11. Whereas angels, who are greater in strength and power, bring not against themselves a railing judgment.
Bring not a railing judgment, etc. . .That is, they use no railing, nor cursing sentence; not even in their conflicts with the evil angels. See St. Jude, ver. 9.
2:12. But these men, as irrational beasts, naturally tending to the snare and to destruction, blaspheming those things which they know not, shall perish in their corruption:
2:13. Receiving the reward of their injustice, counting for a pleasure the delights of a day: stains and spots, sporting themselves to excess, rioting in their feasts with you:
The delights of a day: that is, the short delights of this world, in which they place all their happiness.
2:14. Having eyes full of adultery and of sin that ceaseth not: alluring unstable souls: having their heart exercised with covetousness: children of malediction.
2:15. Leaving the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity,
2:16. But had a check of his madness, the dumb beast used to the yoke, which, speaking with man's voice, forbade the folly of the prophet.
2:17. These are fountains without water and clouds tossed with whirlwinds, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved.
2:18. For, speaking proud words of vanity, they allure by the desires of fleshly riotousness those who for a little while escape, such as converse in error:
2:19. Promising them liberty, whereas they themselves are the slaves of corruption. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same also he is the slave.
2:20. For if, flying from the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they be again entangled in them and overcome: their latter state is become unto them worse than the former.
2:21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice than, after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them.
2:22. For, that of the true proverb has happened to them: The dog is returned to his vomit; and: The sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
2 Peter Chapter 3
Against scoffers denying the second coming of Christ. He declares the sudden dissolution of this world and exhorts to holiness of life.
3:1. Behold this second epistle I write to you, my dearly beloved, in which, I stir up by way of admonition your sincere mind:
3:2. That you may be mindful of those words which I told you before from the holy prophet and of your apostles, of the precepts of the Lord and Saviour.
3:3. Knowing this first: That in the last days there shall come deceitful scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
3:4. Saying: Where is his promise or his coming? For since the time that the fathers slept, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
3:5. For this they are wilfully ignorant of: That the heavens were before, and the earth out of water and through water, consisting by the word of God:
3:6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
3:7. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of the ungodly men.
3:8. But of this one thing be not ignorant, my beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
3:9. The Lord delayeth not his promise, as some imagine, but dealeth patiently for your sake, not willing that any should perish, but that all should return to penance,
3:10. But the day of the Lord shall come as a thief, in which the heavens shall pass away with great violence and the elements shall be melted with heat and the earth and the works which are in it shall be burnt up.
3:11. Seeing then that all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness?
3:12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord, by which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with the burning heat?
3:13. But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to his promises, in which justice dwelleth.
3:14. Wherefore, dearly beloved, waiting for these things, be diligent that you may be found before him unspotted and blameless in peace.
3:15. And account the longsuffering of our Lord, salvation: as also our most dear brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, hath written to you:
3:16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
3:17. You therefore, brethren, knowing these things before, take heed, lest being led aside by the error of the unwise, you fall from your own steadfastness.
3:18. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and unto the day of eternity, Amen.