Reference: Church
American
The Greek word translated church signifies generally an assembly, either common or religious; and it is sometimes so translated, as in Ac 19:32,39. In the New Testament it usually means a congregation of religious worshippers, either Jewish, as Ac 7:38, or Christians, as Mt 16:18; 1Co 6:4. The latter sense is the more common one; and it is thus used in a twofold manner, denoting,
1. The universal Christian church: either the invisible church, consisting of those whose names are written in heaven, whom God knows, but whom we cannot infallibly know, Heb 12:23; or the visible church, made up of the professed followers of Christ on earth, Col 1:24; 1Ti 3:5,15.
2. A particular church or body of professing believers, who meet and worship together in one place; as the churches of Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, etc., to which Paul addressed epistles.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us.
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together.
But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what remains of my sufferings for Christ in my flesh for the sake of his body, which is the church,
not by works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
All that are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in faithfulness. Grace be with you all. Amen.
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
Easton
Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship.
In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the "Church of England," the "Church of Scotland," etc.
We find the word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated "assembly" in the ordinary classical sense (Ac 19:32,39,41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph 5:23,25,27,29; Heb 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Ro 16:5; Col 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Ac 13:1); so also we read of the "church of God at Corinth" (1Co 1:2), "the church at Jerusalem" (Ac 8:1), "the church of Ephesus" (Re 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13; Mt 16:18) are the church of Christ.
The church visible "consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children." It is called "visible" because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of "wheat and chaff," of saints and sinners. "God has commanded his people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, of making known the gospel of that kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together constitute the catholic or universal visible church." A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person a member of this church. This is "the kingdom of heaven," whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Mt 13.
The children of all who thus profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Ge 9:9-17; 12:1-3; 17:7; Ex 20:5; De 29:10-13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, announces the same great principle. "The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is unto you, and to your children" (Ac 2:38-39). The children of believing parents are "holy", i.e., are "saints", a title which designates the members of the Christian church (1Co 7:14). (See Baptism, Christian.)
The church invisible "consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof." This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called "invisible" because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who "searches the heart." "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2Ti 2:19).
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.
(1.) Its unity. God has ever had only one church on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged (Isa 49:13-23; 60:1-14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into "their own olive tree" (Ro 11:18-24; comp. Eph 2:11-22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry disciples were "added" to the "church" already existing (Ac 2:47).
(2.) Its universality. It is the "catholic" church; not confined to any particular country or outward organization, but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
(3.) Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an "everlasting kindgdom."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And Peter said to them: Repent, and be immersed, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God, and being in favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved daily to the Church.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now there were certain prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch; Barnabas, and Simeon, who is called Niger, and Lucius of Gyrene, and Manaen, who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together.
But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
boast not against the branches; but if you boast, boast not that you bear the root, but that the root bears you. You will say then: The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. read more. Well; on ac count of unbelief they were broken off; but you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed, lest he spare not you. Behold, then, the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell,. severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise, you also shall be cut off. And they, also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out from an olive-tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, against nature, into a good olive, how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive?
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia to Christ.
to the church of God which is in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; for if not, then are your children unclean; but now they are holy.
For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
For you have heard of my former mode of life in Judaism, that I greatly persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste;
For which reason, remember that you were formerly Gen tiles, by natural descent, and that you are called Uncircumcision by the Circumcision; so called, from a mark made in the flesh by hands; that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and having no God in the world: read more. but now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were formerly far off, have become near, by the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who has made both parties one, and broken down the partition wall that separated us, having abolished, in his flesh, the cause of enmity, the law of commandments in ordinances, that he might, by himself, form the two into one new man, thus making peace; and that he might reconcile both, in one body, to God, through the cross, having by it put to death the cause of enmity; and having come, he preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near: for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, having been builded upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, in whom the whole building, compactly fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are builded together, for a dwelling-place of God by his Spirit.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as the Christ also is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body.
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
for no one ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Christ the church:
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
But the foundation of God stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his; and, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, that walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Fausets
From the Greek kuriakee, "house of the Lord," a word which passed to the Gothic tongue; the Goths being the first of the northern hordes converted to Christianity, adopted the word from the Greek Christians of Constantinople, and so it came to us Anglo-Saxons (Trench, Study of Words). But Lipsius, from circus, from whence kirk, a circle, because the oldest temples, as the Druid ones, were circular in form. Ekkleesia in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly, because church buildings were built long AFTER the apostolic age. It means an organized body, whose unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole (1 Corinthians 12). The bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-32; 1:22), the body of which He is the Head.
The household of Christ and of God (Mt 10:25; Eph 2:19). The temple of the Holy Spirit, made up of living stones (Eph 2:22; 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5). Ekkleesia is used of one or more particular Christian associations, even one small enough to worship together in one house (Ro 16:5). Also of "the whole church" (Ro 16:23; 1Co 12:28). Ekkleesia occurs twice only in Matthew (Mt 16:18; 18:17), elsewhere called "the kingdom of the heavens" by Matthew, "the kingdom of God" by Mark, Luke and John. Also called Christ's "flock," never to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28), "branches" in Him "the true Vine." Founded on the Rock, "the Christ the Son of the living God," the only Foundation (Mt 16:16,18; 1Co 3:11).
Constituted as Christ's mystical body on Pentecost; thenceforth expanding in the successive stages traced in ACTS. Described in a beautiful summary (Ac 2:41,47). (On its apostasy (See BABYLON .) Professing Christendom numbers now probably 80 million of Greek churches, 90 million of Teutonic or Protestant churches, and 170 million of Roman Catholic churches. The Church of England's definition of the church is truly scriptural (Article xix): "a congregation of faithful men in the which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same." The church that shall reign with Christ is made up of those written in heaven, in the Lamb's book of life, the spirits of just, men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23; Re 21:27).
The faultless perfection and the glorious promises in Scripture assigned to the church (election, adoption, spiritual priesthood, sure guidance by the Spirit into all truth, eternal salvation) belong not to all of the visible church, but to those alone of it who are in living union with Christ (Eph 5:23-27; Heb 12:22-23). The claim for the visible church of what belongs to the invisible, in spite of Christ's warning parable of the tares and wheat (Mt 13:24-30,36-43), has led to some of Rome's deadliest errors. On the other hand, the attempt to sever the tares from the wheat prematurely has led to many schisms, which have invariably failed in the attempt and only generated fresh separations. We must wait until Christ's manifestation for the manifestation of the sons of God (Ro 8:19; Col 3:4).
The true universal church is restricted to "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1Co 1:2). They are visible in so far as their light of good works so shines before men that their Father in heaven is glorified (Mt 5:16). They are invisible insofar that it is God alone who can infallibly see who among professors are animated by a living, loving faith, and who are not. A visible community, consisting of various members and aggregations of members, was founded by Christ Himself, as needed for the extension and continuation of Christianity to all lands and all ages. The ministry of the word and the two sacraments, baptism, and the supper of the Lord, (both in part derived from existing Jewish rites, Mt 26:26-28; 1Co 5:7-8).
Baptism, the Lord's Supper were appointed as the church's distinctive ordinances (Mt 28:19-20, Greek text): "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and (only on condition of your doing so) I am with you always," etc. (See BAPTISM; LORD'S SUPPER.) The professing church that neglects the precept forfeits the promise, which is fatal to Rome's claims. No detailed church government is explicitly commanded by Jesus in the New Testament. The Old Testament ministry of high priest, priests, and Levites necessarily ended with the destruction of the one and only temple appointed by God. That the Christian ministry is not sacerdotal, as the Old Testament ministry, is proved by the title hiereus, the Greek of the Latin sacerdos, never once being used of Christian ministers.
When used at all as to the Christian church it is used of the whole body of Christians; since not merely ministers, as the Aaronic priests, but all equally, have near access to the heavenly holy place, through the torn veil of Christ's flesh (Heb 10:19-22; 13:15-16; 1Pe 2:19; Re 1:6). All alike offer "spiritual sacrifices." For a minister to pretend to offer a literal sacrifice in the Lord's supper, or to have the sacerdotal priesthood (which pertains to Christ alone), would be the sin which Moses charged on Korah: "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation to bring you near to Himself, ... to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and seek ye the priesthood also?" The temple then not being the model to the Christian church, the synagogue alone remained to be copied.
In the absence of the temple during the captivity the people assembled together on sabbaths and other days to be instructed by the prophet (Eze 14:1; 20:1; 33:31). In Ne 8:1-8 a specimen is given of such a service, which the synagogues afterward continued, and which consisted in Scripture reading, with explanation, prayers, and thanksgivings. The synagogue officers consisted of a "ruler of the synagogue," the "legate of the church" (sheliach tsibbur), corresponding to the angel of the church (Revelation 1-3), a college of elders or presbyters, and subordinate ministers (chazzan), answering to our deacons, to take care of the sacred books. Episcopacy was adopted in apostolic times as the most expedient government, most resembling Jewish usages, and so causing the least stumbling-block to Jewish prejudices (Ac 4:8; 24:1).
James, the brother of our Lord, after the martyrdom of James, the son of Zebedee and the flight of Peter (Ac 12:17), alone remained behind in Jerusalem, the recognized head there. His Jewish tendencies made him the least unpopular to the Jews, and so adapted him for the presidency there without the title (Ac 15:13-19; 21:18; Ga 2:2,9,12). This was the first specimen of apostolic local episcopacy without the name. The presbyters of the synagogue were called also (See BISHOPS, or overseers. "Those now called 'bishops' were originally 'apostles.' But those who ruled the church after the apostles' death had not the testimony of miracles, and were in many respects inferior, therefore they thought it unbecoming to assume the name of apostles; but dividing the names, they left to 'presbyters' that name, and themselves were called 'bishops'" (Ambrose, in Bingham Ecclesiastes Ant., 2:11; and Amularius, De Officiis, 2:13.)
The steps were apostle; then vicar apostolic or apostolic delegate, as Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete, temporarily (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 4:21; Tit 3:12; 1:5), then angel, then bishop in the present sense. Episcopacy gives more of centralized unity, but when made an absolute law it tends to spiritual despotism. The visible church, while avoiding needless alterations, has power under God to modify her polity as shall tend most to edification (Mt 18:18; 1Co 12:28-30; 14:26; Eph 4:11-16). The Holy Spirit first unites souls individually to the Father in Christ, then with one another as "the communion of saints." Then followed the government and ministry, which are not specifie
See Verses Found in Dictionary
In this way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
In this way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his teacher; and for the servant, that he be as his master. If they call the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household?
It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his teacher; and for the servant, that he be as his master. If they call the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household?
Another parable he laid before them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his field.
Another parable he laid before them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. But when the blade sprung up, and produced fruit, then appeared the tares also.
But when the blade sprung up, and produced fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the servants of the master of the house came, and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence, then, has it tares?
And the servants of the master of the house came, and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Whence, then, has it tares? He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Is it your will, then, that we go and gather them up?
He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Is it your will, then, that we go and gather them up? But he said, No; lest while you are gathering the tares, you root up the wheat with them.
But he said, No; lest while you are gathering the tares, you root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together till the harvest, and in time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Collect first the tares, and bind them into bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my granary.
Let both grow together till the harvest, and in time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Collect first the tares, and bind them into bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my granary.
Then Jesus left the multitudes, and went into the house. And his disciples came to him and said: Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.
Then Jesus left the multitudes, and went into the house. And his disciples came to him and said: Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said to them: He that sows the good seed is the Son of man;
He answered and said to them: He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; the tares are the sons of the Wicked One;
the field is the world; the good seed are the sons of the kingdom; the tares are the sons of the Wicked One; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. As, therefore, the tares are collected and burned in fire, so shall it be in the end of this age.
As, therefore, the tares are collected and burned in fire, so shall it be in the end of this age. The Son of man will send forth his angels, and collect out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who work iniquity,
The Son of man will send forth his angels, and collect out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who work iniquity, and cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that has ears to hear,- let him hear.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of their Father. He that has ears to hear,- let him hear.
Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican.
But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican.
But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican.
But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican. Verily, I say to you, my disciples, Whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Verily, I say to you, my disciples, Whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: Take, eat; this is my body.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying: Do you all drink of it:
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying: Do you all drink of it: for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many in order to the remission of sins.
for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many in order to the remission of sins.
Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations, immersing them (the disciples) into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;
Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations, immersing them (the disciples) into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo; I am with you all the days, even to the end of the age.
teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and lo; I am with you all the days, even to the end of the age.
and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall take them out of my hand.
and I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall take them out of my hand.
And I am no longer in the world; but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep in thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are one.
And I am no longer in the world; but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep in thy name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are one.
I do not pray thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the Evil One.
I do not pray thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the Evil One.
Then they that gladly received his word were immersed, and on that day there were added to them about three thou sand souls.
Then they that gladly received his word were immersed, and on that day there were added to them about three thou sand souls.
praising God, and being in favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved daily to the Church.
praising God, and being in favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved daily to the Church.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: Rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
But, having made a sign to them with his hand, that they should keep silence, he made known to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, and he said: Tell this to James, and to the brethren. And he went out, and departed to another place.
But, having made a sign to them with his hand, that they should keep silence, he made known to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, and he said: Tell this to James, and to the brethren. And he went out, and departed to another place.
And after they were silent, James answered and said: Brethren, hear me;
And after they were silent, James answered and said: Brethren, hear me; Simeon has declared how God, at the first, did visit the Gentiles, in order to take out from among them a people for his name.
Simeon has declared how God, at the first, did visit the Gentiles, in order to take out from among them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; and I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up;
After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; and I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called, says the Lord, who does all these things.
that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called, says the Lord, who does all these things. Known to God from eternity are all bis works.
Known to God from eternity are all bis works. For these reasons, my judgment is, that we give no trouble to those who, from among the Gentiles, have turned to God;
For these reasons, my judgment is, that we give no trouble to those who, from among the Gentiles, have turned to God;
But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord, with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were immersed.
But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord, with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were immersed.
And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
And after five days, Ananias the chief priest came down with the elders and a certain orator, Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
And after five days, Ananias the chief priest came down with the elders and a certain orator, Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the revelation of the sons of God.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the revelation of the sons of God.
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia to Christ.
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia to Christ.
Gains, my host, and the host of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus the treasurer of the city, and Quartus, my brother, salute you.
Gains, my host, and the host of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus the treasurer of the city, and Quartus, my brother, salute you.
to the church of God which is in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
to the church of God which is in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you and my spirit have come together, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you and my spirit have come together, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
On the first day of the week, let each of you lay by him, and treasure up as he has prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.
On the first day of the week, let each of you lay by him, and treasure up as he has prospered, that there may be no collections when I come.
And I went up because of a revelation, and communicated to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who are of reputation, lest, by any means, I should run or had run in vain.
And I went up because of a revelation, and communicated to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who are of reputation, lest, by any means, I should run or had run in vain.
and knowing the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, but they to the circumcision,
and knowing the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, but they to the circumcision,
For, before certain persons came from James, he ate- with the Gentiles: but, when they had come, he withdrew, and separated himself, because he feared those who were of the circumcision.
For, before certain persons came from James, he ate- with the Gentiles: but, when they had come, he withdrew, and separated himself, because he feared those who were of the circumcision.
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church,
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church,
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,
in whom you also are builded together, for a dwelling-place of God by his Spirit.
in whom you also are builded together, for a dwelling-place of God by his Spirit.
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as you have been called in one hope of your calling;
There is one body and one Spirit, even as you have been called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one immersion;
one Lord, one faith, one immersion; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in you all.
one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in you all.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
And he himself gave some to be apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ,
for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a measure of stature that fully develops the Christ;
till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a measure of stature that fully develops the Christ; that we might no longer be children, tossed and carried about by every wind of teaching, through the artifice of men, through craftiness used by them for the deliberate planning of deceit;
that we might no longer be children, tossed and carried about by every wind of teaching, through the artifice of men, through craftiness used by them for the deliberate planning of deceit; but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ,
but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ,
but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ,
but speaking truthfully in love, we might grow up in all things, into him who is the head, even the Christ, from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.
from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.
from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.
from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as the Christ also is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body.
for the husband is the head of the wife, as the Christ also is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body. But as the church is subject to the Christ, so, also, let the wives be subject to their own husbands in every thing.
But as the church is subject to the Christ, so, also, let the wives be subject to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it, that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word,
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word,
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word,
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word, in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself;
So ought men to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself; for no one ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Christ the church:
for no one ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Christ the church: because we are members of his body, being of his flesh, and of his bones.
because we are members of his body, being of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.
For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. Great is this mystery; but I speak of Christ and of the church.
Great is this mystery; but I speak of Christ and of the church.
When the Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.
When the Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.
in which new creation there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all and in all.
in which new creation there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all and in all.
Let the word of the Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, by teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord.
Let the word of the Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, by teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord.
As, on going into Macedonia, I besought you to remain in Ephesus, that you might charge some that they teach no other thing,
As, on going into Macedonia, I besought you to remain in Ephesus, that you might charge some that they teach no other thing,
I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you might set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I commanded you:
I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you might set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I commanded you:
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have determined to spend the winter there.
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have determined to spend the winter there.
Having therefore, brethren, confidence to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brethren, confidence to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he has dedicated for us, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
by a new and living way which he has dedicated for us, through the vail, that is, his flesh; and having a great high, priest over the house of God,
and having a great high, priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels;
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels;
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels;
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels; to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.
Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. But forget not to do good, and to be liberal: for with such, sacrifices God is well pleased.
But forget not to do good, and to be liberal: for with such, sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there comes into your assembly a man in splendid apparel, and with gold rings on his fingers, and there comes in also a poor man, in mean clothing,
For if there comes into your assembly a man in splendid apparel, and with gold rings on his fingers, and there comes in also a poor man, in mean clothing,
and has made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father; to him be glory and might from age to age. Amen.
and has made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father; to him be glory and might from age to age. Amen.
I know your works, and your affliction, and your poverty, (but you are rich,) and the impious words of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
I know your works, and your affliction, and your poverty, (but you are rich,) and the impious words of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
And there shall not enter it any thing unclean, or that does what is detestable, or that makes a lie: but those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And there shall not enter it any thing unclean, or that does what is detestable, or that makes a lie: but those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Hastings
1. The word ecclesia, which in its Christian application is usually tr 'church,' was applied in ordinary Greek usage to the duly constituted gathering of the citizens in a self-governing city, and it is so used of the Ephesian assembly in Ac 19:39. It was adopted in the Septuagint to tr a Heb. word, q
See Verses Found in Dictionary
I immerse you in water, in order to repentance; but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and in fire:
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness that is without. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and whoever does not take his cross and fol low after me, is not worthy of me.
Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while; and when affliction or persecution arises on account of the word, he immediately takes offense.
Another parable he laid before them, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good seed in his field.
It is, indeed, the least of all seeds; but when it is grown it is the largest of garden-plants, and be comes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and roost in its branches.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field, which, when a man finds it, he hides; and for the joy it gives, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking goodly pearls.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that is cast into the sea, and that gathers of every kind:
When Jesus came into the regions of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying: Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am? They replied: Some say that thou art John the Immerser; others, Elijah; others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. read more. He said to them: But who say you that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said to him: Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah; for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Then he charged his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Then he charged his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
But if he refuse to hear them, tell it to the church; and if he also refuse to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a publican.
Jesus said to them: Verily I say to you, That, in the restoration, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you also who have followed me shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed after, cried, saying: Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
And as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, and said: Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the age?
When, therefore, you see that detestable thing that makes desolate, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (let him that reads understand;)
When the Son of man shall come in his own glory, and all the holy angels with him, then will he sit on the throne of his own glory;
Then the King will say to those on his right hand: Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Jesus said to him: You have said. Moreover, I say to you, Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming upon the clouds of heaven.
But after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying: The time has fully come, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe the gospel.
But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then has the kingdom of God already come upon you.
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
And being asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said: The kingdom of God comes not so as to attract attention; nor shall it be said, Lo here! or Lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is among you.
nor shall it be said, Lo here! or Lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is among you.
Then Jesus said to them: Verily, verily I say to you, Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
for John indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit, not many days hence.
And in those days Peter arose in the midst of the disciples, (the number of the names together was about a hundred and twenty,) and said:
that he may be appointed to this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And there appeared to them tongues like fire, which distributed them selves, and sat one on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they attended constantly to the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
And with one consent, they continued daily in the temple; and, breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and being in favor with all the people. And the Lord added the saved daily to the Church.
And the multitude of believers were of one heart and of one soul; and no one said that any part of his possessions was his own; but they had all things in common.
And great fear came on all the church, and on all that heard these things.
In those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then there arose some who be longed to the synagogue called the synagogue of the Freedmen, and some of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of those who were from Cilicia and Asia, and they disputed with Stephen.
This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us.
This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But Saul attempted to destroy the church; entering every house, and dragging men and women, he delivered them up to prison.
Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John;
Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John;
And Saul, still breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the chief priest,
Then the churches throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Then the churches throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
But, having made a sign to them with his hand, that they should keep silence, he made known to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, and he said: Tell this to James, and to the brethren. And he went out, and departed to another place.
Now there were certain prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch; Barnabas, and Simeon, who is called Niger, and Lucius of Gyrene, and Manaen, who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Therefore, after Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others from among them, should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
And after they were silent, James answered and said: Brethren, hear me;
Then it pleased the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, chosen men from among themselves; Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren; and they wrote by their hands as follows: The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: read more. Inasmuch as we have heard that certain persons went out from us and troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, That you must be circumcised, and keep the law, to whom we gave no commandment, it has seemed good to us, having come together with one mind, to send chosen men to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have en dangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things in word. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from lewdness; from which if you keep yourselves carefully, you will do well. Farewell.
And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
But, after many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation, and offerings.
For this reason, as by one man sin entered into the world, and by his sin, death; and so death passed through to all men, because all have sinned: for till the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged where there is no law. read more. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that did not sin in the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the type of him that was to come. But the favor bestowed is not, in all respects, like the offense: for if, by the offense of one, the many have died, much more have the grace of God and the gift which is by the grace of the one man Jesus Christ, been made abundant for the many. And the gift is not like the sentence that came through one who sinned: for the sentence to condemnation was because of one offense; but the favor bestowed in order to justification, is because of many offenses. For if, by one man's offense, death has reigned through that one, much more shall those who receive the abundance of the grace, and of the gift of righteousness, reign in life through the one, who is Jesus Christ. Therefore, as, by one offense, sentence came on all men to condemnation, so, also, by one act of righteousness, the gift has come on all men to justification of life. For as by the disobedience of the one man the many have been made sinners, so, also, by the obedience of the one, the many shall be made righteous. But, besides the first offense, law was introduced, in order that offenses might abound: but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin has reigned, ending in death, so might grace reign by justification, ending in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Know you not that as many of us as were immersed into Christ Jesus, were immersed into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him, by immersion, into death, that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in a new life.
and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epenetus my beloved, who is the first fruits of Asia to Christ.
Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of the Christ salute you.
to the church of God which is in Corinth, to the sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, as you are without leaven; for Christ, our passover, has been sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of purity and truth.
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the participation of the blood of the Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the participation of the body of the Christ? Because the loaf is one, we, the many, are one body, for we are all partakers of the one loaf. read more. Look at Israel according to the flesh: are not those who eat the sacrifices partakers with the altar?
"When, therefore, you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper; for each one, in eating, takes before another, his own supper; and one is hungry, and another is drunken. read more. What, have you not houses in which to eat and drink? or do you despise the church of God, and put those to shame who have nothing to eat? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
What, have you not houses in which to eat and drink? or do you despise the church of God, and put those to shame who have nothing to eat? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: That the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was delivered up, took bread; read more. and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said: Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me. In like manner also, the cup, after he had supped, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood: do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore he that eats this bread, or drinks this cup of the Lord, in an improper manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of this bread, and drink of this cup: for he that eats and drinks in an improper manner, eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged; but being judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one an other:- and if any one is hungry, let him eat at home, that you come not together for condemnation. But other things I will set in order when I come.
For to one is given, by the Spirit, the word of wisdom; to another, the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit; to another, faith, by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healing, by the same Spirit; read more. to another, the working of mighty deeds; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, different kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues. But all these, the one and the same Spirit makes effectual, distributing to each, respectively, as he wills.
Now, you are the body of Christ, and, as individuals, you are members. And God has placed some in the church, first, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers; then mighty deeds; then gifts of healing; helps, governments, kinds of tongues.
For I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
and knowing the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, but they to the circumcision,
For, before certain persons came from James, he ate- with the Gentiles: but, when they had come, he withdrew, and separated himself, because he feared those who were of the circumcision.
for as many of you as have been immersed into Christ, have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bondman nor free man, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
for a dispensation at the fullness of the times, in order that he might bring together for himself all things in the Christ, both those which are in the heavens, and those which are on earth; in him in whom we have obtained our portion, having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
which is the earnest of our inheritance, given for the redemption of his possession to the praise of his glory.
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all his members with all things,
which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all his members with all things,
that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and having no God in the world:
that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the community of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and having no God in the world: but now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were formerly far off, have become near, by the blood of the Christ.
but now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were formerly far off, have become near, by the blood of the Christ.
but now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were formerly far off, have become near, by the blood of the Christ. For he is our peace, who has made both parties one, and broken down the partition wall that separated us, read more. having abolished, in his flesh, the cause of enmity, the law of commandments in ordinances, that he might, by himself, form the two into one new man, thus making peace; and that he might reconcile both, in one body, to God, through the cross, having by it put to death the cause of enmity;
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
for, through him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,
that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, (as I briefly wrote above, so that, when you read, you can see my understanding in the mystery of the Christ,) read more. which, in other generations, was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in the Christ, through the gospel, of which I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me, in proportion to the energy of his power: to me, who am by far the least of all the saints, has this grace been given, that I might preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of the Christ, and enlighten all men with respect to the plan of the mystery, which was concealed from the ages in God, who created all things; to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions, according to the arrangement of the ages, which he established by Christ Jesus our Lord,
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
one Lord, one faith, one immersion;
And he himself gave some to be apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
And he himself gave some to be apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ,
for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ,
for the complete instruction of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of the Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to a measure of stature that fully develops the Christ;
from whom the whole body, compactly fitted together, and united by every helping joint, according to the energy in the measure of each part, makes increase of the body, for the building up of itself in love.
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as the Christ also loved the church, and delivered himself up for it,
in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
and he is the head of the body, the church: and he is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might be preeminent;
and by him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace by the blood of his cross; by him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled read more. by means of death in his fleshly body, that he may present you holy, and without spot, and blameless in his sight;
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what remains of my sufferings for Christ in my flesh for the sake of his body, which is the church,
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house. And when this letter has been read among you, cause that it be read in the church of the Laodiceans also; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea;
And when this letter has been read among you, cause that it be read in the church of the Laodiceans also; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea;
PAUL and Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
PAUL and Sylvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in flesh, justified in spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
I will declare thy name among my brethren; in the midst of the assembly, will I sing hymns to thee.
For by one offering, he has made a perfect and perpetual expiation for the sanctified.
and having a great high, priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having; our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water;
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than the blood of Abel.
We have a sacrifice, of which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood, shed for sin, is carried by the high priest into the holiest, are burned with out the camp. read more. Wherefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here we have no abiding city, but we seek one to come. Through him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. But forget not to do good, and to be liberal: for with such, sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there comes into your assembly a man in splendid apparel, and with gold rings on his fingers, and there comes in also a poor man, in mean clothing,
But some one will say, You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith by your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
you, also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, that you may offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people, that you should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people, that you should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light:
The church in Babylon, elected together with you, salutes you, and so does Marcus my son.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, that walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Morish
This English word is said to be derived from the Greek ???????? , which signifies 'pertaining to the Lord,' and is commonly used both for an association of professing Christians, and for the building in which they worship. It is the scriptural use of the word ????????, or 'assembly,' that is here under consideration.
The word is used in reference to Israel in the N.T. on one occasion in Ac 7:38, and to a Gentile throng in Ac 19:32,41. Its first occurrence in relation to Christianity is in Mt 16:18, where upon Peter's confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God, the Lord rejoins, "upon this rock I will build my assembly," etc. Historically this spiritual building, (for 'building' never refers to a material edifice) was begun after His death and resurrection, when the Holy Ghost descended at the day of Pentecost. In this aspect of the church there is no room for any failure
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And I say to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it.
Verily, verily I say to you, unless a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it remains alone; but if it die, it produces much fruit.
This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers; he received the living oracles, that he might give them to us.
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together.
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
For by one Spirit we all were immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and we all have been made to drink of one Spirit.
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all his members with all things,
that he might show, in the ages to come, the exceeding riches of his grace by his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For we are his workman ship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared, that we should walk in them.
and enlighten all men with respect to the plan of the mystery, which was concealed from the ages in God, who created all things; to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions,
to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions,
There is one body and one Spirit, even as you have been called in one hope of your calling;
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the bath of water through the word, in order that he might present it to himself a glorious church, having neither stain, nor wrinkle, nor any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, a merciful disposition, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do you: read more. and over all these put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God, to which you are called in one body, rule in your hearts, and be thankful. Let the word of the Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, by teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we, the living, who remain till the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who are asleep for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall arise first; read more. then we, the living who remain, shall, together with them, be caught up in clouds into the air to meet the Lord, and so shall we be ever with the Lord. So, then, comfort one another with these words.
but if I delay, that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
In a great house, however, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honor, and some for dishonor.
Shun youthful desires, and follow righteousness, faithfulness, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by man, but in the sight of God, chosen and precious, you, also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, that you may offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Smith
Church.
1. The derivation of the word is generally said to be from the Greek kuriakon (kuriakon) "belonging to the Lord." But the derivation has been too hastily assumed. It is probably connected with kirk, the Latin circus, circulus, the Greek kuklos (kuklos) because the congregations were gathered in circles.
2. Ecclesia (ekklesia) the Greek word for church, originally meant an assembly called out by the magistrate, or by legitimate authority. It was in this last sense that the word was adapted and applied by the writers of the New Testament to the Christian congregation. In the one Gospel of St. Matthew the church is spoken of no less than thirty-six times as "the kingdom." Other descriptions or titles are hardly found in the evangelists. It is Christ's household,
the salt and light of the world,
Christ's flock,
Mt 26:31; Joh 10:15
its members are the branches growing on Christ the Vine, John 15; but the general description of it, not metaphorical but direct, is that it is a kingdom,
From the Gospel then we learn that Christ was about to establish his heavenly kingdom on earth, which was to be the substitute for the Jewish Church and kingdom, now doomed to destruction
The day of Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church. Before they had been individual followers Jesus; now they became his mystical body, animated by his spirit. On the evening of the day of Pentecost, the 3140 members of which the Church consisted were -- (1) Apostles; (2) previous Disciples; (3) Converts. In
we have indirectly exhibited the essential conditions of church communion. They are (1) Baptism, baptism implying on the part of the recipient repentance and faith; (2) Apostolic Doctrine; (3) Fellowship with the Apostles; (4) The Lord's Supper; (5) Public Worship. The real Church consists of all who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as his disciples, and are one in love, in character, in hope, in Christ as the head of all, though as the body of Christ it consists of many parts.
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You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has become tasteless, by what means shall it become salt again? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trod upon by men.
neither do men light a lamp and place it under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all that are in the house.
It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his teacher; and for the servant, that he be as his master. If they call the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household?
And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
This was from the Lord, and it is wondrous in our eyes. For this reason, I say to you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that will bring forth the fruits of it.
Then Jesus said to them: All of you will he offended at me this night; for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.
As the Father knows me, I also know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Watsons
CHURCH. The Greek word ????????, so rendered, denotes an assembly met about business, whether spiritual or temporal, Ac 19:32,39. It is understood also of the collective body of Christians, or all those over the face of the earth who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Saviour of mankind; this is called the visible church. But, by the word church, we are more strictly to understand the whole body of God's true people, in every period of time: this is the invisible or spiritual church. The people of God on earth are called the church militant, and those in heaven the church triumphant. It has been remarked by Dr. John Owen, that sin having entered into the world, God was pleased to found his church (the catholic or universal church) in the promise of the Messiah given to Adam; that this promise contained in it something of the nature of a covenant, including the grace which God designed to show to sinners in the Messiah, and the obedience which he required from them; and that consequently, from its first promulgation, that promise became the sole foundation of the church and of the whole worship of God therein. Prior to the days of Abraham, this church, though scattered up and down the world, and subject to many changes in its worship through the addition of new revelations, was still but one and the same, because founded in the same covenant, and interested thereby in all the benefits or privileges that God had granted, or would at any time grant. In process of time, God was pleased to restrict his church, as far as visible acknowledgment went, in a great measure, to the seed of Abraham. With the latter he renewed his covenant, requiring that he should walk before him and be upright. He also constituted him the father of the faithful, or of all them that believe, and the "heir of the world." So that since the days of Abraham, the church has, in every age, been founded upon the covenant made with that patriarch, and on the work of redemption which was to be performed according to that covenant. Now wheresoever this covenant made with Abraham is, and with whomsoever it is established, with them is the church of God, and to them all the promises and privileges of the church really belong. Hence we may learn that at the coming of the Messiah, there was not one church taken away and another set up in its room; but the church continued the same, in those that were the children of Abraham, according to the faith. It is common with divines to speak of the Jewish and the Christian churches, as though they were two distinct and totally different things; but that is not a correct view of the matter. The Christian church is not another church, but the very same that was before the coming of Christ, having the same faith with it, and interested in the same covenant. Great alterations indeed were made in the outward state and condition of the church, by the coming of the Messiah. The carnal privilege of the Jews, in their separation from other nations to give birth to the Messiah, then failed, and with that also their claim on that account to be the children of Abraham. The ordinances of worship suited to that state of things then expired, and came to an end. New ordinances of worship were appointed, suitable to the new light and grace which were then bestowed upon the church. The Gentiles came into the faith of Abraham along with the Jews, being made joint partakers with them in his blessing. But none of these things, nor the whole collectively, did make such an alteration in the church, but that it was still one and the same. The olive tree was still the same, only some branches were broken off, and others grafted into it. The Jews fell, and the Gentiles came in their room. And this may enable us to determine the difference between the Jews and Christians relative to the Old Testament promises. They are all made to the church. No individual has any interest in them except by virtue of his membership with the church. The church is, and always was, one and the same. The Jewish plea, is, that the church is with them, because they are the children of Abraham according to the flesh. Christians reply, that their privilege on that ground was of another nature, and ended with the coming of the Messiah: that the church of God, unto whom all the promises belong, are only those who are heirs of the faith of Abraham, believing as he did, and are consequently interested in his covenant. These are Zion, Jerusalem, Israel, Jacob, the temple, or church of God.
2. By a particular church we understand an assembly of Christians united together, and meeting in one place, for the solemn worship of God. To this agrees the definition given by the compilers of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England: "A congregation of faithful men, in which the true word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinances, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same," Ac 9:31; 20:17; Ga 1:2,22; 1Co 14:34; Col 4:15. The word is now also used to denote any particular denomination of Christians, distinguished by particular doctrines, ceremonies, &c, as the Romish church, the Greek church, the English church, &c.
3. On the subject of the church, opinions as opposite or varying as possible have been held, from that of the Papists, who contend for its visible unity throughout the world under a visible head, down to that of the Independents, who consider the universal church as composed of congregational churches, each perfect in itself, and entirely independent of every other. The first opinion is manifestly contradicted by the language of the Apostles, who, while they teach that there is but one church, composed of believers throughout the world, think it not at all inconsistent with this to speak of "the churches of Judea," "of Achaia," "the seven churches of Asia," "the church at Ephesus," &c. Among themselves the Apostles had no common head; but planted churches and gave directions for their government, in most cases without any apparent correspondence with each other. The Popish doctrine is certainly not found in their writings; and so far were they from making provision for the government of this one supposed church, by the appointment of one visible and exclusive head, that they provide for the future government of the respective churches raised up by them in a totally different manner, that is, by the ordination of ministers for each church, who are indifferently called bishops, and presbyters, and pastors. The only unity of which they speak is the unity of the whole church in Christ, the invisible head, by faith; and the unity produced by "fervent love toward each other." Nor has the Popish doctrine of the visible unity of the church any countenance from early antiquity. The best ecclesiastical historians have showed, that, through the greater part of the second century, the Christian churches were independent of each other. "Each Christian assembly," says Mosheim, "was a little state governed by its own laws, which were either enacted, or at least, approved, by the society. But in process of time, all the churches of a province were formed into one large ecclesiastical body, which, like confederate states, assembled at certain times in order to deliberate about the common interests of the whole." So far indeed this union of churches appears to have been a wise and useful arrangement, although afterward it was carried to an injurious extreme, until finally it gave birth to the assumptions of the bishop of Rome, as universal bishop; a claim, however, which, when most successful, was but partially submitted to, the eastern churches having, for the most part, always maintained their independence. To very large association of churches of any kind existed till toward the close of the second century, which sufficiently refutes the papal argument from antiquity. The independence of the early Christian churches does not, however, appear to have resembled that of the churches which, in modern times, are called Independent. During the lives of the Apostles and Evangelists they were certainly subject to their counsel and control,
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And they attended constantly to the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.
Then the churches throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together.
But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Let us, therefore, no longer judge one another: but rather decide to put no stumbling-block or snare in your brother's way.
Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, as you are without leaven; for Christ, our passover, has been sacrificed for us.
but now I write to you, not to associate with any one professing to be a brother, if he is lewd or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner: with such a one not even to eat.
All meats are lawful for me; but all are not profitable; all are lawful, but all do not edify. Let no one seek his own, but each the welfare of the other. read more. Any thing that is sold in the market, eat, asking no questions on account of conscience: for the earth and its fullness are the Lord s. If any one of the unbelievers invites you to a feast, and you are disposed to go, eat any thing that is set before you, asking no questions for conscience sake. But if any one say to you: This is sacrificed to idols; eat not, for the sake of him that pointed it out, and for conscience sake: conscience, I say, not your own, but that of the other. Why, then, is my liberty judged by the conscience of another? If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I evil spoken of on account of that for which I give thanks? Whether, therefore, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no occasion for stumbling, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks, or to the church of God; even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own good, but that of the many, in order that they may be saved.
So, then, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
For this reason, come out from among them, and separate yourselves, says the Lord, and touch not an unclean person, and I will receive you;
and all the brethren that are with me, to the churches of Galatia:
but I was not known, in person, to the churches of Judea which are in Christ.
For, in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith that works by love.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear with the weaknesses of one another, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
And he himself gave some to be apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
praying with all prayer and supplication, at all times, in the Spirit; and to this end being watchful in all perseverance, and supplication for all the saints:
Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
and let us consider one another that we may excite to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the custom of some; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching. read more. For if we sin willfully, after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no longer a sacrifice for sins; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and a fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: attentively consider the result of their conduct, and imitate their faith.
What profit is there, my brethren, if any one say he has faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
having been begotten again, not with corruptible seed, but with incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.