We, though we are Jews by birth and not outcasts of Gentile origin, know that no one is pronounced righteous as the result of obedience to Law, but only through faith in Christ Jesus.

And it was among them that we all once lived our lives, indulging the cravings of our earthly nature, and carrying out the desires prompted by that earthly nature and by our own thoughts. Our very nature exposed us to the Divine Wrath, like the rest of mankind.

And dost

Hearing this, some of the Pharisees who were with him said: "Then are we blind too?"

"Have any of our leading men believed in him, or any of the Pharisees?

Here one of the Students of the Law interrupted him by saying: "Teacher, when you say this, you are insulting us also."

For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

"Two men went up into the Temple Courts to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax-gatherer.

Again, you younger men should show deference to the older. And all of you should put on the badge of humility in mutual service, for 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives his help to the humble.'

And they

His parents spoke in this way because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that, if any one should acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, he should be expelled from their synagogues.

All those whom the Father gives me will come to me; and no one who comes to me will I ever turn away.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they expel you from among them, and taunt you, and reject your Name as an evil thing--on account of the Son of Man.

I wrote a few lines to the Church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, declines to recognize us.

so that no one is able to buy or sell, except those that bear this brand--either the name of the Beast or the number indicated by the letters of his name.

Cast him out

If he refuses to listen to them, speak to the Church; and, if he also refuses to listen to the Church, treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax-gatherer.

I have decided-having been present in spirit at your meetings, when the power of the Lord Jesus was with us-

General references

As for these people who do not know the Law--they are cursed!"