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.
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and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.
there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.
but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:
he saved us not in consideration of any virtuous actions which we had done, but out of his meer mercy, by the baptism of regeneration, he form'd us anew, by the plentiful effusion of the holy spirit,
All that are with me salute you. salute our christian friends. grace be with you all. AMEN.
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men 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."
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and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.
and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,
Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.
but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.
having thus harangued them, he broke up the assembly.
don't triumph over the branches: or if you do, remember the root is not dependent upon you, but you upon the root. you will say then, "the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in." read more. well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear, lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. consider then the divine benignity, and his severity: his severity to those who fell, and his benignity to you, provided you adhere thereto; otherwise you likewise will be lopt off. nay, even the Jews, if they don't continue still incredulous, shall be grafted in: since divine power can graft them in again. for if you were taken from the wild olive, which was natural to you, to be grafted into a good olive-stock of a different nature, with how much greater reason shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree?
salute the church that is in their house. salute my dear Epenetus, who is the first christian convert of Asia.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who being sanctified by Christ Jesus, are saints by that vocation, to all that any where invoke the name of Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours.
for the unbelieving husband is christianiz'd by the believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is christianiz'd by the believing husband: else were your children heathens: whereas they are christians.
for I am the meanest of the apostles, not worthy the name of an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
you have heard of my former behaviour, whilst I was of the Jewish religion, with what excessive violence I persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste:
Wherefore remember that you were heretofore Gentiles, being denominated the uncircumcised, by those who are the circumcised by a manual operation; that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God. read more. but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them: and being come, he preached the glad tidings of peace to YOU who were afar off, and to US that were nigh. for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father. Therefore now, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and domesticks of God's family, being built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, whereof Jesus Christ himself is the main stone of the angle: on which the whole structure rises with symmetry into a temple, consecrated by the Lord: who by his spirit has likewise made you a part of this divine mansion.
for the husband presides over his wife, as Christ presides over the church: and he it is that preserves the whole body.
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
no man was ever yet averse to his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as the Lord doth the church:
Salute our brethren of Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the
however, the foundation of the divine architect is still immoveable, having this inscription, " the Lord discerns who are his." and, " let every one that invokes the name of the Lord, depart from iniquity."
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
To the angel of the church of Ephesus, write, "HE that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, says thus,
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
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even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.
even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven.
if the disciple fare as well as his master, and the servant as his lord, is not that sufficient? if they style the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call his domestics so.
if the disciple fare as well as his master, and the servant as his lord, is not that sufficient? if they style the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call his domestics so.
Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field:
Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too.
but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares?
so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up?
'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root
no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn.
up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn.
Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.
Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man:
he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one:
the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels.
the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age.
as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity;
the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Simon Peter made answer, thou art Christ the son of the living God.
Simon Peter made answer, thou art Christ the son of the living God.
and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican.
if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican.
if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican.
if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican. I declare unto you, "whatever things ye disallow on earth, are disallow'd by heaven: and whatever ye authorize on earth, are authoriz'd by heaven."
I declare unto you, "whatever things ye disallow on earth, are disallow'd by heaven: and whatever ye authorize on earth, are authoriz'd by heaven."
While they were yet eating, Jesus took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, take, eat; this represents my body.
While they were yet eating, Jesus took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, take, eat; this represents my body. and he took the cup, and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it:
and he took the cup, and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it: for this represents my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for mankind for the remission of sins.
for this represents my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for mankind for the remission of sins.
go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost:
go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost: teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.
teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.
it is I that give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any one force them out of my hand.
it is I that give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any one force them out of my hand.
and now I shall be no more in the world, but they will be in the world, when I am come to thee. holy father keep them by that authority, with which thou hast invested me, that they may be one, as we are.
and now I shall be no more in the world, but they will be in the world, when I am come to thee. holy father keep them by that authority, with which thou hast invested me, that they may be one, as we are.
I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the malignity of it.
I do not pray you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the malignity of it.
then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.
then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.
praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.
praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.
then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel,
then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel,
but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place.
but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place.
After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention.
After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention. Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name.
Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name. and this is agreeable to the oracles of the prophets: as it is written,
and this is agreeable to the oracles of the prophets: as it is written, "after this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down:
"after this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: I will repair its ruins, and raise it up: that the rest of mankind, even all the nations, that profess my name, may seek the Lord.
I will repair its ruins, and raise it up: that the rest of mankind, even all the nations, that profess my name, may seek the Lord. he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world.
he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world. wherefore my opinion is not to disquiet the Gentile converts: but only to write to them,
wherefore my opinion is not to disquiet the Gentile converts: but only to write to them,
the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his family, as well as many of the Corinthians, who heard Paul, and were baptized.
the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his family, as well as many of the Corinthians, who heard Paul, and were baptized.
the next day Paul went with us to James, where all the pastors assembled.
the next day Paul went with us to James, where all the pastors assembled.
Five days after the sovereign pontiff Ananias arriv'd and some of the senators, who with one Tertullus a pleader, appear'd before the governour as plaintiffs against Paul.
Five days after the sovereign pontiff Ananias arriv'd and some of the senators, who with one Tertullus a pleader, appear'd before the governour as plaintiffs against Paul.
mankind impatiently desire that the divine being would display himself to his creatures,
mankind impatiently desire that the divine being would display himself to his creatures,
salute the church that is in their house. salute my dear Epenetus, who is the first christian convert of Asia.
salute the church that is in their house. salute my dear Epenetus, who is the first christian convert of Asia.
Gaius, with whom I lodge, who purveys for the church in general, salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you; and Quartus a brother.
Gaius, with whom I lodge, who purveys for the church in general, salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you; and Quartus a brother.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who being sanctified by Christ Jesus, are saints by that vocation, to all that any where invoke the name of Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who being sanctified by Christ Jesus, are saints by that vocation, to all that any where invoke the name of Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours.
that is, when you are assembled, and I virtually there, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that is, when you are assembled, and I virtually there, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come.
every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come.
and I went up according to revelation, and communicated to them that gospel, which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those who were of note, lest the pains, that I have already taken, or may hereafter take in the gospel, should be in vain.
and I went up according to revelation, and communicated to them that gospel, which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those who were of note, lest the pains, that I have already taken, or may hereafter take in the gospel, should be in vain.
Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision:
for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision:
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church,
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church,
Therefore now, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and domesticks of God's family,
Therefore now, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and domesticks of God's family,
who by his spirit has likewise made you a part of this divine mansion.
who by his spirit has likewise made you a part of this divine mansion.
endeavouring to preserve the spiritual union by your affectionate attachment to one another.
endeavouring to preserve the spiritual union by your affectionate attachment to one another. Being one body, acted by one spirit, since you all have but one expectation in view;
Being one body, acted by one spirit, since you all have but one expectation in view; there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.
one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.
It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:
It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:
thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ:
till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ: that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit:
that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit: but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:
but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:
but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:
but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head: from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
for the husband presides over his wife, as Christ presides over the church: and he it is that preserves the whole body.
for the husband presides over his wife, as Christ presides over the church: and he it is that preserves the whole body. as the church then is subordinate to Christ, so let women be to their husbands upon all occasions.
as the church then is subordinate to Christ, so let women be to their husbands upon all occasions. You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her: to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word,
to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word,
to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word,
to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word, that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible. in like manner ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: "he that loves his wife, loveth himself."
in like manner ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: "he that loves his wife, loveth himself." no man was ever yet averse to his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as the Lord doth the church:
no man was ever yet averse to his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as the Lord doth the church: of which we are the several parts constituting his body.
of which we are the several parts constituting his body. the scripture says, "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and they two shall be as one."
the scripture says, "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and they two shall be as one." these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church.
these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church.
Christ is your life, and when he shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.
Christ is your life, and when he shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.
by which there is now neither Greek, or Jew; circumcised, or uncircumcised; Barbarian, or Scythian; slave, or freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
by which there is now neither Greek, or Jew; circumcised, or uncircumcised; Barbarian, or Scythian; slave, or freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God.
Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God.
At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,
At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,
When I shall send you Artemas, or Tychicus, endeavour to meet me at Nicopolis: for I have determined to winter there.
When I shall send you Artemas, or Tychicus, endeavour to meet me at Nicopolis: for I have determined to winter there.
Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies,
Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies, by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh;
by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh; and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God,
and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God, let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
but you are come to mount Sion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable congress of angels, to the general assembly,
but you are come to mount Sion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable congress of angels, to the general assembly,
but you are come to mount Sion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable congress of angels, to the general assembly,
but you are come to mount Sion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable congress of angels, to the general assembly, the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Let our sacrifice then, which we are to offer to God by Jesus Christ, be that of incessant praises, the offering of our lips, which celebrate his name:
Let our sacrifice then, which we are to offer to God by Jesus Christ, be that of incessant praises, the offering of our lips, which celebrate his name: but don't forget to be beneficent to the community; for such sacrifice is acceptable to God.
but don't forget to be beneficent to the community; for such sacrifice is acceptable to God.
when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited:
when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited:
who hath made us kings and priests to his God and father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
who hath made us kings and priests to his God and father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
"I know thy works, thy tribulation and poverty (tho' thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of satan.
"I know thy works, thy tribulation and poverty (tho' thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of satan.
and nothing that is impure, no one that is guilty of any abomination, or a lye, shall ever enter there: but they alone who are written in the lamb's book of life.
and nothing that is impure, no one that is guilty of any abomination, or a lye, shall ever enter there: but they alone 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 indeed baptize you with water to lead you to repentance; but he that cometh after me, is my superiour, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the effusion of the holy Ghost, in the appearance of fire:
from that time Jesus began to preach, "Repent, said he, for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh."
but the heirs to the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness without: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me.
but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.
Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field:
'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls:
Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish:
As Jesus was going to the district of Cesarea-Philippi, he asked his disciples, what do people say of me? that I am a common man? they replied, some think you are John the Baptist, some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. read more. but what, said he, do you take me to be? Simon Peter made answer, thou art Christ the son of the living God. to whom Jesus reply'd, blessed art thou Simon, son of Jona: for 'tis not man that hath revealed this unto thee, but my father who is in heaven. and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it. and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Then he charged his disciples not to tell any man that he was the Christ.
Then he charged his disciples not to tell any man that he was the Christ.
if he does not relent, tell it to the church: but if he is not moved by the church, show him no more regard than you would to a pagan or a publican.
Jesus reply'd, I declare unto you, that in the new age, when the son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye that have followed me shall likewise sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
while the crowd that were marching before, and behind, cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna."
And when he was upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private, and said, tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of this age?
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, mention'd by Daniel the prophet, stand about the holy place, (let him that readeth,
When the son of man shall come in his majesty, accompanied with all his holy angels, he shall sit upon the throne of his glory.
the king shall say to those on his right hand, come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
But after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, spreading the good news of the kingdom of the Messiah. "the time, said he, is accomplish'd, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
but if I cast out demons by the finger of God, it follows, that the reign of the Messiah is now begun among you.
fear not, ye little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to grant you the kingdom.
Upon the Pharisees asking him, when the kingdom of God should come, he answer'd them, the kingdom of God is not usher'd in with pomp and exclamations, as see here! or see there! for even now the kingdom of God is commenc'd among you.
as see here! or see there! for even now the kingdom of God is commenc'd among you.
but Jesus answer'd, I assure you, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye will have no life in you.
" for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy ghost, not many days hence."
At that time the disciples being assembled, to the number of about an hundred and twenty, Peter rose up in the midst of them,
that he may be admitted to this apostolick ministry which Judas abandoned, to go to his own place."
and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.
they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart, praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.
Now the whole body of believers were but one heart, and one soul: no one look'd upon what he possessed, as his own, but every thing was held in common.
which affected the whole assembly, and all that heard of it with great dread.
At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily.
when some out of the several synagogues, belonging to the freed men, to the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and to those of Cilicia, and of Asia, came to dispute with Stephen.
'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.
'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.
and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,
and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,
and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,
and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,
as for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entring into their houses, whence he dragg'd away both men and women, to throw them into prison.
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John,
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John,
Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,
Then the churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, were unmolested and establish'd, and by their religious conduct, and the assistance of the holy spirit, grew more extensive.
Then the churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, were unmolested and establish'd, and by their religious conduct, and the assistance of the holy spirit, grew more extensive.
but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place.
Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
upon which Paul and Barnabas having warmly contested the point with them, it was resolved, that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles upon this question.
After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention.
Then the apostles, the presbyters, and the whole church thought it proper to select some out of their own body to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch: such as Judas surnam'd Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting. read more. Whereas we have been appriz'd, that some who went from us, have embarass'd you with their discourse, and unsettled your minds, maintaining, that you ought to be circumcised, and to observe the law, though we gave them no such injunction: after having been assembled, we unanimously judg'd it proper to send particular deputies to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have exposed their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. we therefore send Judas and Silas to inform you in person of this affair. for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions; that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the flesh of strangled animals, and from fornication: you will do well to preserve your selves from these practices. farewel.
he departed, and passing through Syria and Cilicia, he settled the churches there.
but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.
At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:
At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:
be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
the next day Paul went with us to James, where all the pastors assembled.
after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple:
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, so death by this sin; and thereby death passed upon all men, who all by his means became mortal. sin indeed was in the world all the time before the law: but then sin is not punished when there is no law. read more. nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned by violating a positive law, as did Adam, who is the type of him that was to come: but yet the damage of the fall does not exactly correspond to the advantages of the divine favour: for tho' through the fall of one, mankind became mortal, yet this is greatly over-ballanced by the favour and bounty of God, in the benevolence of one man, Jesus Christ, to all mankind. neither is the gift, as was the fall by one sin: for the sentence of condemnation, was for one offence; but the divine favour extends to justification from a multitude of sins. for tho' death reigned thro' the single offence of one, they who receive the most valuable favour, even the gift of righteousness, shall much more easily reign by the life of one, even Jesus Christ. Therefore as by one offence all men fell under condemnation: even so by one act of righteousness, all men are restored to life. for as by one man's disobedience many receiv'd the punishment of sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many receive the reward of the righteous. the law was introduc'd, that the greatness of the fall might fully appear; but the more sin display'd its enormity, the divine favour was so much the more transcendent. that as sin prevailed unto death, even so might the divine favour prevail by righteousness unto eternal life, thro' Jesus Christ our Lord.
don't you know that when we were all baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we were plunged into a state figurative of his death. therefore we are buried with him by being plunged into a sort of death: that as Christ was raised up from the dead into a state of glory with the father, even so we also should proceed to a new state of life.
salute the church that is in their house. salute my dear Epenetus, who is the first christian convert of Asia.
salute one anther with an holy kiss. all the churches of Christ here, salute you.
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who being sanctified by Christ Jesus, are saints by that vocation, to all that any where invoke the name of Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours.
Don't you know, that you are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwells in you? if any man divide the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for you, who are the temple of God, are consecrated to him.
purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, since you should be without leaven. for Christ our paschal lamb has been sacrificed for us. therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with unaffected sincerity and truth.
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? for the bread being one, as many as we are, we are one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. read more. consider the custom of the Jews by descent, are not they which eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? what say I then?
when you thus assemble therefore, this is not eating the Lord's supper. for in eating every one strives to take his own supper first, and while one is hungry, another is surfeited. read more. what, have you no houses to eat and drink in? or have ye a contempt for the church of God, or is it to insult those who are in want? what shall I say to you? shall I commend such behaviour? I do not approve of it.
what, have you no houses to eat and drink in? or have ye a contempt for the church of God, or is it to insult those who are in want? what shall I say to you? shall I commend such behaviour? I do not approve of it. For I received it from the Lord, and I inform'd you of it: that the Lord Jesus, the night in which he was betrayed, took bread: read more. and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, "take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." in the same manner he took the cup, after supper, and said, "this cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." As often then as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye make a declaration of the Lord's death till he come. so that whosoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup without respect to the Lord, does make a criminal use of the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man then sift and approve himself, and accordingly let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. for he that eats and drinks in a disrespectful manner, not discriminating the Lord's body, eateth and drinketh to his own punishment. hence it is, that many are weak and sickly among you, and no small number now sleep in their graves. for if we made such a discrimination, we should not be punished. but when we are punished, we are chastised by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, stay for one another. and if any one is press'd with hunger, let him eat at home; that ye may not otherwise meet with punishment. as for other matters, I will set them in order when I come.
for to one the spirit gives the knowledge of the prophetical writings; to another the same spirit gives the knowledge of the doctrines of religion; to another faith; to another the gifts of healing; read more. to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages. but all are wrought by one and the same spirit, distributing to every one in particular, as he thinks fit.
Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
for I am the meanest of the apostles, not worthy the name of an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.
for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision:
for as many of you as have been baptized into christianity, have been invested as christians. there is now no distinction of Jew or Greek, of bond or free, of male or female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
as many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, even upon the Israel of God.
when the full time of the dispensation was come, to reduce all things both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ. It is by him, that we have a share in the inheritance, which was before allotted to us, in consequence of his design, who executes the whole plan, as he himself had contriv'd it:
and this is the pledge of our inheritance, being given for the deliverance of his peculiar people, to the display of his glory.
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church, which is his body, a work compleatly finished in all its parts.
which is his body, a work compleatly finished in all its parts.
that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God.
that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God. but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus.
but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus.
but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition read more. (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them:
for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father.
for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father.
for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father.
for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father. Therefore now, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and domesticks of God's family,
having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short, by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ. read more. which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit, "that the Gentiles should be heirs as well as the Jews, make one body together, and partake of the divine promise in Christ by the gospel." of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence: upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ; and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things: that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates, in pursuance of that dispensation which he made to former ages by Christ Jesus our Lord:
endeavouring to preserve the spiritual union by your affectionate attachment to one another.
there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:
It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:
thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:
thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ:
from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:
that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
he himself is the head of the church, which is his body. he is the prince, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might be chief.
and having made peace by the blood of his cross, to reconcile all things to himself, both those in heaven, and those upon earth. You then that formerly were alienated from God, and were enemies by your imaginations and wicked practices, even you has Jesus Christ now reconciled to the body of his church, read more. through his own death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his own sight:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:
Salute our brethren of Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which uses to meet in his house. when this epistle has been read among you, take care that it be read likewise in the church of the Laodiceans, and
church which uses to meet in his house. when this epistle has been read among you, take care that it be read likewise in the church of the Laodiceans, and
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, who believe in God the father, and in our Lord Jesus Christ. grace and peace be with you from God our father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians, who believe in God the father, and in our Lord Jesus Christ. grace and peace be with you from God our father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord.
the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.
who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and qualify us to be his peculiar people, passionately affected to virtue.
who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and qualify us to be his peculiar people, passionately affected to virtue.
"I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."
for by one single oblation he has purified for ever those that are sanctified.
and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God, let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
the church of the first-born who are enroll'd in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the aspersion of that blood which cries for pardon, and not for vengeance as that of Abel.
We have a victim, whereof they, who still serve at the tabernacle, have no more right to eat, than the sacrificers had to eat of the flesh of those beasts, which were burnt without the camp, and whose blood the highpriest carried into the sanctuary. read more. for Jesus likewise suffered without the gate, to show he was the expiatory victim for the people. let us therefore decamp, and bear the reproach of following his example: for we have. no settled corporation here, but are in expectation of that which is approaching. Let our sacrifice then, which we are to offer to God by Jesus Christ, be that of incessant praises, the offering of our lips, which celebrate his name: but don't forget to be beneficent to the community; for such sacrifice is acceptable to God.
when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited:
it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical. where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith.
you your selves are as so many living stones, you are the edifice, the spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, agreeable to God by Jesus Christ.
and this they were destin'd to. but you are the chosen race, you are kings and priests, the holy nation, the peculiar people, that you might display his glory, who called you out
and this they were destin'd to. but you are the chosen race, you are kings and priests, the holy nation, the peculiar people, that you might display his glory, who called you out
the church at Babylon, who are likewise Christians, and Mark my son salute you.
To the angel of the church of Ephesus, write, "HE that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, says thus,
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 tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it.
verily, verily I say unto you, when a corn of wheat is thrown into the ground, there it lies a single grain unless it dies: but if it die, it becomes very fruitful.
'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.
there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.
having thus harangued them, he broke up the assembly.
for by one spirit we have all been baptized, to be form'd into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and have been all made to drink of one spirit.
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church, which is his body, a work compleatly finished in all its parts.
that in the ages to come, he might shew the immense riches of his gracious kindness towards us, through Christ Jesus.
for he hath made us a-new, and form'd us by Christ Jesus to do good works, for which God had before prepared us, that we might live in them.
and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things: that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,
that the manifold wisdom of God, in ordering his heavenly kingdom, might by his church be now made known, to princes and magistrates,
Being one body, acted by one spirit, since you all have but one expectation in view;
to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word, that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible.
be you therefore adorn'd with a compassionate temper, with benevolence, humility, meekness, patience as becometh saints and chosen favourites of God: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, when one has any cause of complaint against another: as the Lord forgave you, do you likewise forgive. read more. to all this add love, which is the band of perfect union: may the peace of Christ, to which you are called to be but one body, influence your hearts, to be benevolent. Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God. let your discourse and your actions be all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him.
for one thing I have in charge to tell you from the Lord, that we, who shall be found still alive at the coming of the Lord, shall not get the advance of those that are dead: for the Lord himself will descend from heaven, and by the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet of God, resound the summons: they who died christians shall rise first: read more. then we, who shall be still alive, shall be convey'd together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall ever be with the Lord. therefore comfort one another with this information.
you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God.
in a palace there are vessels not only of gold, and of silver, but of wood and of earth likewise: some are for honourable uses, and others for meaner purposes.
Avoid the passions of youth. pursue justice, fidelity, benevolence and concord with all sincere christians.
which however rejected it is by men, is the precious stone, which God has chosen: and you your selves are as so many living stones, you are the edifice, the spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, agreeable to God by 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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Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt become insipid, how shall it recover its savour? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be cast out and trod under foot.
and when men light a lamp, they do not put it under a bushel: but on the stand, to give light to all the family.
if the disciple fare as well as his master, and the servant as his lord, is not that sufficient? if they style the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call his domestics so.
and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof.
then said Jesus to them, I shall be the occasion of your revolting all from me this night: for it is written, "I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered."
(as the father and I are known to one another:) and I lay down my life for them.
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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they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Then the churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, were unmolested and establish'd, and by their religious conduct, and the assistance of the holy spirit, grew more extensive.
there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.
but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.
At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:
let us not judge one another any more: but rather come to this determination, not to put a stumbling-block, or any thing in a brother's way, that may make him fall.
purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, since you should be without leaven. for Christ our paschal lamb has been sacrificed for us.
but my meaning was, not to keep company with any christian known to be vicious, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, no not even to eat with such a one.
are all things lawful for me? yet all things are not expedient: are all things lawful for me? yet all things do not edify. Let no man consult barely his own interest: but every man that of others. read more. whatever is sold in the shambles, that eat, without making any scrupulous enquiry. for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and you are disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, without asking any question out of a scruple of conscience. but if any man say to you, this is offered in sacrifice to an idol, don't eat, for his sake that mentioned it, and for conscience sake. when I say conscience, I don't mean your own, but that of the other: for why should I expose my liberty to the censure of another man's conscience? if I am thankful for what I have, why should I chuse to be evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. give no offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. thus I endeavour to be acceptable to all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of others, so as they may be saved.
therefore, if any man be a christian, he is in a new creation: the old state of things is chang'd to one entirely new.
wherefore come out from among them, be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
who are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: grace be to you, and peace from God the father,
but was personally unknown to the churches of Christ in Judea,
for in the christian-dispensation, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but an active benevolent faith.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore him with all gentleness, taking heed lest you yourselves be overcome by temptation.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore him with all gentleness, taking heed lest you yourselves be overcome by temptation. bear with one another's infirmities, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:
Pour out your souls unto God upon all occasions, watching in prayer with all perseverance and supplication for all christians:
Salute our brethren of Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the
We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us.
and let us animate one another to the mutual returns of love, and kind offices: not abandoning our assemblies, as some do; but encourage one another: even so much the more, as you see the day approaching. read more. for if we wilfully apostatize, after having received the knowledge of the truth, it is as a sin for which there is no sacrifice appointed. and nothing is to be expected but that dreadful judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour all such adversaries.
Remember those who have the rule over you, who have preach'd to you the word of God: imitate their faith; consider their conduct, and the exit they made.
What advantage is it, my brethren, for a man to say he has faith, if he has no beneficence? can such a faith save him?
as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.
since your regeneration is not owing to any corruptible principles, but to the unchangeable word of the immortal God.