For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it;

You were taught, with regard to your former manner of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful lusts;

the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, but thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.

On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;

But remember the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings,

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rains.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, and were submissive to their own husbands;

he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away."