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 also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together.
But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his own mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Spirit;
All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
Easton
Derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., "the Lord's house"), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship.
In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament, both words meaning simply an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it early received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the "Church of England," the "Church of Scotland," etc.
We find the word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated "assembly" in the ordinary classical sense (Ac 19:32,39,41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph 5:23,25,27,29; Heb 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Ro 16:5; Col 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Ac 13:1); so also we read of the "church of God at Corinth" (1Co 1:2), "the church at Jerusalem" (Ac 8:1), "the church of Ephesus" (Re 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1Co 15:9; Ga 1:13; Mt 16:18) are the church of Christ.
The church visible "consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children." It is called "visible" because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of "wheat and chaff," of saints and sinners. "God has commanded his people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to his kingdom, of making known the gospel of that kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together constitute the catholic or universal visible church." A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person a member of this church. This is "the kingdom of heaven," whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Mt 13.
The children of all who thus profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Ge 9:9-17; 12:1-3; 17:7; Ex 20:5; De 29:10-13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the New Testament dispensation, announces the same great principle. "The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is unto you, and to your children" (Ac 2:38-39). The children of believing parents are "holy", i.e., are "saints", a title which designates the members of the Christian church (1Co 7:14). (See Baptism, Christian.)
The church invisible "consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof." This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called "invisible" because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who "searches the heart." "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (2Ti 2:19).
The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.
(1.) Its unity. God has ever had only one church on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged (Isa 49:13-23; 60:1-14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into "their own olive tree" (Ro 11:18-24; comp. Eph 2:11-22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry disciples were "added" to the "church" already existing (Ac 2:47).
(2.) Its universality. It is the "catholic" church; not confined to any particular country or outward organization, but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
(3.) Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an "everlasting kindgdom."
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And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit: for the promise is to you and to your children, yea and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers, as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen who had been educated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul;
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together.
But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly:
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
and if thou boastest, remember thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Wilt thou say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in? read more. Well; they were broken off for their infidelity, and thou standest by faith: therefore be not high-minded but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, neither would He spare thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: towards them that fell, severity; but towards thee, goodness; if thou continue in his goodness: for else thou also shalt be cut off. And they, if they do not continue in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able again to graft them in. For if thou wert cut out of the wild olive, which was natural to thee, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive; how much more shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree?
and the church in their house. Salute my beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
even to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours;
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband: else were your children unclean; but they are holy.
not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
For ye have heard of my conversation formerly in Judaism, that I outragiously persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste:
Wherefore remember that ye were formerly Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; and ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus, read more. ye, who were formerly afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and removed the wall of partition from between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might form the two into one new man, in Himself, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both in one body unto God, by the cross, having thereby slain the enmity: and He came and preached peace to you that were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God; being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone: in whom the whole building fitly joined together increaseth to an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are built up together for an habitation of God by the Spirit.
for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and the saviour of that body.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord also doth the church:
Salute the brethren in Laodicea; and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
However, the foundation of God standeth firm, having this inscription, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
To the angel of the church at Ephesus write, These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Fausets
From the Greek kuriakee, "house of the Lord," a word which passed to the Gothic tongue; the Goths being the first of the northern hordes converted to Christianity, adopted the word from the Greek Christians of Constantinople, and so it came to us Anglo-Saxons (Trench, Study of Words). But Lipsius, from circus, from whence kirk, a circle, because the oldest temples, as the Druid ones, were circular in form. Ekkleesia in the New Testament never means the building or house of assembly, because church buildings were built long AFTER the apostolic age. It means an organized body, whose unity does not depend on its being met together in one place; not an assemblage of atoms, but members in their several places united to the One Head, Christ, and forming one organic living whole (1 Corinthians 12). The bride of Christ (Eph 5:25-32; 1:22), the body of which He is the Head.
The household of Christ and of God (Mt 10:25; Eph 2:19). The temple of the Holy Spirit, made up of living stones (Eph 2:22; 1Co 3:16; 1Pe 2:5). Ekkleesia is used of one or more particular Christian associations, even one small enough to worship together in one house (Ro 16:5). Also of "the whole church" (Ro 16:23; 1Co 12:28). Ekkleesia occurs twice only in Matthew (Mt 16:18; 18:17), elsewhere called "the kingdom of the heavens" by Matthew, "the kingdom of God" by Mark, Luke and John. Also called Christ's "flock," never to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28), "branches" in Him "the true Vine." Founded on the Rock, "the Christ the Son of the living God," the only Foundation (Mt 16:16,18; 1Co 3:11).
Constituted as Christ's mystical body on Pentecost; thenceforth expanding in the successive stages traced in ACTS. Described in a beautiful summary (Ac 2:41,47). (On its apostasy (See BABYLON .) Professing Christendom numbers now probably 80 million of Greek churches, 90 million of Teutonic or Protestant churches, and 170 million of Roman Catholic churches. The Church of England's definition of the church is truly scriptural (Article xix): "a congregation of faithful men in the which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same." The church that shall reign with Christ is made up of those written in heaven, in the Lamb's book of life, the spirits of just, men made perfect (Heb 12:22-23; Re 21:27).
The faultless perfection and the glorious promises in Scripture assigned to the church (election, adoption, spiritual priesthood, sure guidance by the Spirit into all truth, eternal salvation) belong not to all of the visible church, but to those alone of it who are in living union with Christ (Eph 5:23-27; Heb 12:22-23). The claim for the visible church of what belongs to the invisible, in spite of Christ's warning parable of the tares and wheat (Mt 13:24-30,36-43), has led to some of Rome's deadliest errors. On the other hand, the attempt to sever the tares from the wheat prematurely has led to many schisms, which have invariably failed in the attempt and only generated fresh separations. We must wait until Christ's manifestation for the manifestation of the sons of God (Ro 8:19; Col 3:4).
The true universal church is restricted to "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1Co 1:2). They are visible in so far as their light of good works so shines before men that their Father in heaven is glorified (Mt 5:16). They are invisible insofar that it is God alone who can infallibly see who among professors are animated by a living, loving faith, and who are not. A visible community, consisting of various members and aggregations of members, was founded by Christ Himself, as needed for the extension and continuation of Christianity to all lands and all ages. The ministry of the word and the two sacraments, baptism, and the supper of the Lord, (both in part derived from existing Jewish rites, Mt 26:26-28; 1Co 5:7-8).
Baptism, the Lord's Supper were appointed as the church's distinctive ordinances (Mt 28:19-20, Greek text): "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ... Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and (only on condition of your doing so) I am with you always," etc. (See BAPTISM; LORD'S SUPPER.) The professing church that neglects the precept forfeits the promise, which is fatal to Rome's claims. No detailed church government is explicitly commanded by Jesus in the New Testament. The Old Testament ministry of high priest, priests, and Levites necessarily ended with the destruction of the one and only temple appointed by God. That the Christian ministry is not sacerdotal, as the Old Testament ministry, is proved by the title hiereus, the Greek of the Latin sacerdos, never once being used of Christian ministers.
When used at all as to the Christian church it is used of the whole body of Christians; since not merely ministers, as the Aaronic priests, but all equally, have near access to the heavenly holy place, through the torn veil of Christ's flesh (Heb 10:19-22; 13:15-16; 1Pe 2:19; Re 1:6). All alike offer "spiritual sacrifices." For a minister to pretend to offer a literal sacrifice in the Lord's supper, or to have the sacerdotal priesthood (which pertains to Christ alone), would be the sin which Moses charged on Korah: "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation to bring you near to Himself, ... to stand before the congregation to minister to them; and seek ye the priesthood also?" The temple then not being the model to the Christian church, the synagogue alone remained to be copied.
In the absence of the temple during the captivity the people assembled together on sabbaths and other days to be instructed by the prophet (Eze 14:1; 20:1; 33:31). In Ne 8:1-8 a specimen is given of such a service, which the synagogues afterward continued, and which consisted in Scripture reading, with explanation, prayers, and thanksgivings. The synagogue officers consisted of a "ruler of the synagogue," the "legate of the church" (sheliach tsibbur), corresponding to the angel of the church (Revelation 1-3), a college of elders or presbyters, and subordinate ministers (chazzan), answering to our deacons, to take care of the sacred books. Episcopacy was adopted in apostolic times as the most expedient government, most resembling Jewish usages, and so causing the least stumbling-block to Jewish prejudices (Ac 4:8; 24:1).
James, the brother of our Lord, after the martyrdom of James, the son of Zebedee and the flight of Peter (Ac 12:17), alone remained behind in Jerusalem, the recognized head there. His Jewish tendencies made him the least unpopular to the Jews, and so adapted him for the presidency there without the title (Ac 15:13-19; 21:18; Ga 2:2,9,12). This was the first specimen of apostolic local episcopacy without the name. The presbyters of the synagogue were called also (See BISHOPS, or overseers. "Those now called 'bishops' were originally 'apostles.' But those who ruled the church after the apostles' death had not the testimony of miracles, and were in many respects inferior, therefore they thought it unbecoming to assume the name of apostles; but dividing the names, they left to 'presbyters' that name, and themselves were called 'bishops'" (Ambrose, in Bingham Ecclesiastes Ant., 2:11; and Amularius, De Officiis, 2:13.)
The steps were apostle; then vicar apostolic or apostolic delegate, as Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete, temporarily (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 4:21; Tit 3:12; 1:5), then angel, then bishop in the present sense. Episcopacy gives more of centralized unity, but when made an absolute law it tends to spiritual despotism. The visible church, while avoiding needless alterations, has power under God to modify her polity as shall tend most to edification (Mt 18:18; 1Co 12:28-30; 14:26; Eph 4:11-16). The Holy Spirit first unites souls individually to the Father in Christ, then with one another as "the communion of saints." Then followed the government and ministry, which are not specifie
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So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.
it is sufficient sure for the disciple that he be treated as his master, and the servant as his lord. If then they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
it is sufficient sure for the disciple that he be treated as his master, and the servant as his lord. If then they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
Another parable propounded He unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man, who sowed good grain in his ground:
Another parable propounded He unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man, who sowed good grain in his ground: but while men were asleep, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away.
but while men were asleep, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. Now when the blade shot forth, and produced the corn, then the tares also appeared.
Now when the blade shot forth, and produced the corn, then the tares also appeared. So the servants came to their master, and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? whence then are the tares?
So the servants came to their master, and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? whence then are the tares? And he said unto them, Some enemy hath done this. The servants therefore said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
And he said unto them, Some enemy hath done this. The servants therefore said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, No: least in plucking up the tares ye root up the corn along with them.
But he said, No: least in plucking up the tares ye root up the corn along with them. Let both grow together till harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather the weeds together, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but carry the wheat into my barn.
Let both grow together till harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather the weeds together, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but carry the wheat into my barn.
Then Jesus leaving the multitude went into the house; and his disciples came to Him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field:
Then Jesus leaving the multitude went into the house; and his disciples came to Him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field: and He answered them, and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
and He answered them, and said, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of my kingdom; and the tares are the children of the wicked one.
the field is the world; the good seed are the children of my kingdom; and the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered together, and burnt in the fire; so shall it be in the end of the world:
As therefore the tares are gathered together, and burnt in the fire; so shall it be in the end of the world: the Son of man will send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that commit offences, and those who do iniquity, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire,
the Son of man will send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that commit offences, and those who do iniquity, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. But the righteous shall then shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
But the righteous shall then shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.
And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And if he disregard them, tell it to the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican.
And if he disregard them, tell it to the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican.
And if he disregard them, tell it to the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican.
And if he disregard them, tell it to the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.
Now as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body:
Now as they were at table, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body: and He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it:
and He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be shed for many for the remission of sins:
for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be shed for many for the remission of sins:
Go ye therefore and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
Go ye therefore and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
and of the holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; nor shall any one force them out of my hand.
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; nor shall any one force them out of my hand.
And as I am to be no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to Thee, Holy Father, keep by thy name those whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
And as I am to be no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to Thee, Holy Father, keep by thy name those whom Thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
I do not pray that Thou wouldest take them out of the world, but that thou wouldest keep them from the evil.
I do not pray that Thou wouldest take them out of the world, but that thou wouldest keep them from the evil.
They therefore that received his word with readiness were baptized: and in that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
They therefore that received his word with readiness were baptized: and in that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Then Peter filled with the holy Spirit said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,
Then Peter filled with the holy Spirit said unto them, Ye rulers of the people,
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. And he said, Go, tell these things to James and to the other brethren. And 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. And he said, Go, tell these things to James and to the other brethren. And he departed and went to another place.
And after they had done speaking, James rose up and said, Brethren, hearken unto me.
And after they had done speaking, James rose up and said, Brethren, hearken unto me. ---Simeon hath related, how God at first condescended to take out of the Gentiles a people to his name.
---Simeon hath related, how God at first condescended to take out of the Gentiles a people to his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets,
And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, "After this will I return, and rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and set it up again.
as it is written, "After this will I return, and rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will repair its ruins, and set it up again. That the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the nations, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord who doth all these things."
That the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the nations, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord who doth all these things." Now all his works are known unto God from the beginning of the world:
Now all his works are known unto God from the beginning of the world: wherefore my advice is, not to trouble those who from among the Gentiles are converted to God; but to write to them,
wherefore my advice is, not to trouble those who from among the Gentiles are converted to God; but to write to them,
But Crispus the ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing the word believed, and were baptized.
But Crispus the ruler of the synagogue believed on the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing the word believed, and were baptized.
And the next day Paul went in with us to James: and all the elders were present.
And the next day Paul went in with us to James: and all the elders were present.
And after five days, the high-priest Ananias came down with the elders, and one Tertulius an orator, who appeared before the governor against Paul.
And after five days, the high-priest Ananias came down with the elders, and one Tertulius an orator, who appeared before the governor against Paul.
For the earnest expectation of the world is waiting for the revelation of the sons of God:
For the earnest expectation of the world is waiting for the revelation of the sons of God:
and the church in their house. Salute my beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
and the church in their house. Salute my beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Gaius my host, and that of the whole church saluteth you. Erastus, the chamberlain of the city, and our brother Quartus saluteth you.
Gaius my host, and that of the whole church saluteth you. Erastus, the chamberlain of the city, and our brother Quartus saluteth you.
even to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours;
even to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours;
when ye are assembled together with my spirit, by the power, I say,
when ye are assembled together with my spirit, by the power, I say,
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you set apart something, putting it into the treasury, according as he is prospered: that there may be no need of collections, when I come.
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you set apart something, putting it into the treasury, according as he is prospered: that there may be no need of collections, when I come.
But I went up according to a divine revelation, and laid before them the gospel which I preach among the gentiles: though privately to those of note, least I should run, or had run in vain.
But I went up according to a divine revelation, and laid before them the gospel which I preach among the gentiles: though privately to those of note, least I should run, or had run in vain.
and knowing the grace which was given to me; James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars of the church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
and knowing the grace which was given to me; James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars of the church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
For before certain men came from James, he did eat with the gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
For before certain men came from James, he did eat with the gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church;
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church;
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God;
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God;
in whom ye also are built up together for an habitation of God by the Spirit.
in whom ye also are built up together for an habitation of God by the Spirit.
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit,
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
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.
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry,
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ:
to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we may be no longer children fluctuating and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the artful insinuations of men, and their crafty methods of deceiving;
That we may be no longer children fluctuating and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the artful insinuations of men, and their crafty methods of deceiving; but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ:
but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ:
but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ:
but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and the saviour of that body.
for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and the saviour of that body. As the church then is subject to Christ, so also should wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
As the church then is subject to Christ, so also should wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it: to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable. Men ought so to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself.
Men ought so to love their wives, as their own bodies: he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord also doth the church:
For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord also doth the church: for we are members of his body, as if taken out of his flesh, and of his bones, as Eve was out of Adam's.
for we are members of his body, as if taken out of his flesh, and of his bones, as Eve was out of Adam's. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.
This mystery is great: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.
When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.
When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.
Wherein there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free: but Christ is all and in all.
Wherein there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free: but Christ is all and in all.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude singing in your hearts to the Lord.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude singing in your hearts to the Lord.
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
As I exhorted thee to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain persons not to teach other doctrine,
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee:
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee:
When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, endeavour to come to me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.
When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, endeavour to come to me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.
Having therefore, brethren, free admission into the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brethren, free admission into the holy places by the blood of Jesus, the new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say,
the new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, and having a great high-priest over the house of God,
his flesh, and having a great high-priest over the house of God, let us draw near with sincerity, in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts cleansed from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
let us draw near with sincerity, in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts cleansed from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
but ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring in fine clothes, and there come in also a poor man in a mean habit;
For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring in fine clothes, and there come in also a poor man in a mean habit;
and hath made us kings and priests to his God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
and 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 and affliction and poverty (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those that say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
I know thy works and affliction and poverty (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those that say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
And nothing shall enter into it that defileth, and practiseth abomination and falshood: but those only who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And nothing shall enter into it that defileth, and practiseth abomination and falshood: but those only 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 unto repentance; but He that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry: He shall baptize you with the holy Spirit and with fire.
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
and the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
and he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
yet hath he no root in himself, and therefore is but for a short season; and when affliction cometh, or persecution on account of the word, he is as soon disgusted.
Another parable propounded He unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a man, who sowed good grain in his ground:
Which is indeed one of the lest of all seeds: but when it is grown, is the greatest among herbs, and even becometh a tree; so that the birds of the air come and lodge in it's branches.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hid in a field, which a man having found conceals, and being rejoiced at it goes and sells all that he has, and purchases that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking precious pearls,
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, that was cast into the sea, and inclosed fishes of various sorts;
And when Jesus came into the parts of Cesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am? And they answered, Some say thou art John the Baptist, others Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. read more. But, saith He unto them, whom do ye say that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God. And Jesus replied and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon son of Jonas, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, 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 thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, 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 charged He his disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Messiah.
Then charged He his disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Messiah.
And if he disregard them, tell it to the church: but if he disregard the church too, let him be unto thee as an heathen and a publican.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I tell you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon the twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel:
and the multitudes, that went before and that followed, cried saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
And when He was got to the mount of olives, the disciples came to Him in private and said, Tell us when these things shall be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world.
When therefore ye shall see the desolating abomination, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing at the holy place, (let him, that readeth, attend) then let those in Judea flee to the mountains:
So when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon his glorious throne:
Then will the king say to them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Jesus saith unto him, It is as thou hast said: and I tell you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Now after John was cast into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel.
But if I cast out demons by the power of God, you may be sure the kingdom of God is come unto you:
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's pleasure to give you the kingdom.
And being asked by the pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, He answered and said, the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. Neither shall they say, Behold it is here, or behold it is there; for the kingdom of God is within you.
Neither shall they say, Behold it is here, or behold it is there; for the kingdom of God is within you.
Then said Jesus unto them, I tell you truly, that unless ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
for John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall within a few days be baptized with the holy Spirit.
And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, (now the number of the persons that were together was about an hundred and twenty,)
to take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas is fallen by his transgression, that he might go to his own place.
And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they continued stedfast in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
And the heart and soul of the multitude that believed was one: no one called any of his possessions his own property, but they had all things common.
And great fear came upon the whole assembly, and upon all that heard these things.
Now in those days, as the number of disciples increased, there rose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
But there rose up some of the synagogue, which is called that of the libertines, and some of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and Asia, to dispute with Stephen:
This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us.
This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
But Saul made havock of the church, entring into the houses, and dragging out men and women, committed them to prison.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John:
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John:
But Saul still breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came to the high priest, and desired of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus,
Then the churches throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had rest, being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord; and through the consolation of the holy Spirit were multiplied.
Then the churches throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had rest, being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord; and through the consolation of the holy Spirit were multiplied.
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. And he said, Go, tell these things to James and to the other brethren. And he departed and went to another place.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers, as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen who had been educated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul;
And when they had appointed them elders in every church, praying and fasting, they recommended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
A dissension therefore arising, and Paul and Barnabas having no small dispute with them, it was resolved that Paul and Barnabas, and some others, should go up to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem about this question.
And after they had done speaking, James rose up and said, Brethren, hearken unto me.
Then it seemed good to the apostles, and elders, and the whole church, to send men chose from among themselves to Antioch along with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas sirnamed Barsabas, and Silas; leading men among the brethren: and they wrote by their hand, as follows, The apostles and elders and brethren here to the Gentile brethren which are in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting. read more. Forasmuch as we have heard, that some who went out from us, have troubled you by their discourses, unsettling your minds, saying, ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we gave no such commission; it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved brethren Barnabas and Paul, who have exposed their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent with them Judas and Silas, to tell you the same things also by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the holy Spirit, and so to us, to lay no more burthen upon you than these necessary things. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from fornication: from which ye will do well to keep yourselves. Farewel.
And he went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the churches.
But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly:
But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood.
And the next day Paul went in with us to James: and all the elders were present.
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for to that all have sinned: for sin was in the world before the law. Now sin is not imputed where there is no law; read more. and yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the type of Him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift: for if through the offence of one many died, much more hath the grace of God, and the gift bestowed by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. For the gift is not as the sentence was by one that sinned; for the sentence is passed from one offence to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences to justification. For if, by the offence of one, death reigned through one, much more they who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life through one, even Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one the effect of it was upon all men to condemnation: so also by the righteousness of one, the effect was upon all men to justification of life. For as by the disobedience of one man many were made sinners; so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Now the law made some entrance, that the offence might appear to abound; but where sin abounded, grace hath superabounded; that as sin had reigned in death, so grace might reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Know ye not, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life:
and the church in their house. Salute my beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
even to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, and called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both their Lord and ours;
Do ye not know that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any one destroy the temple of God, him will God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, and this temple are ye.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new mass, without leaven. For our paschal lamb, even Christ, was slain for us. Wherefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavening of sincerity and truth.
---The cup of blessing 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 is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread. read more. Consider Israel according to the flesh, Are not they, that eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar?
When therefore ye thus assemble together, this is not eating the Lord's supper: for in eating every one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry, and another is glutted. read more. What! have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or do ye despise the church of God, and shame those that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
What! have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or do ye despise the church of God, and shame those that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. For I received from the Lord, that which I also delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: read more. and gave thanks, and brake it, and said, "Take and eat; this is my body, which is going to be broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." And in the same manner He took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant ratified in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink of it, in remembrance of me." As often then as ye eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, ye commemorate the Lord's death till he come. So that whosoever eateth this bread, or drinketh of the cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this cup: for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgement against himself, not distinguishing the Lord's body. For this many among you are weak and infirm, and several are fallen asleep. If then we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged: but when judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait for one another: and if any one be hungry, let him eat at home, that ye may not come together to your condemnation. And as to other things, I will set them in order when I come.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; read more. to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another various kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the same Spirit distributing to every one in particular as He sees fit.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and his members each of you in particular. And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
and knowing the grace which was given to me; James, and Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars of the church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
For before certain men came from James, he did eat with the gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ: and there is neither Jew nor Greek, those is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And as many as shall walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be on them, even upon all the Israel of God.
that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might reduce all things, both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ: even in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated to it according to the purpose of Him who effecteth all things after the counsel of His own will:
who is the pledge of our inheritance, till the redemption of his purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church; which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
and ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus,
and ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus, ye, who were formerly afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
ye, who were formerly afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
ye, who were formerly afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and removed the wall of partition from between us; read more. having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might form the two into one new man, in Himself, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both in one body unto God, by the cross, having thereby slain the enmity:
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God;
that by immediate revelation He made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in brief, by which, when ye read it, ye may perceive my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,) read more. which in other generations was not made known to men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers of his promise in Christ, by the gospel: of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God conferred on me by the effectual operation of his power. On me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace bestowed, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and make all men to see the communication of the mystery, which from the ages past hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions; according to the ancient purpose, which He executed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry,
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ:
to the edifying of the body of Christ:
to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
And He is the head of the body, which is the church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence.
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace by the blood of his cross; by Him only, whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven. And you that were formerly alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, read more. yet now hath He reconciled in the body of his flesh, through death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Salute the brethren in Laodicea; and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house. And when this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; that ye may also read that from Laodicea.
And when this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; that ye may also read that from Laodicea.
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory.
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
saying, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee."
For by one offering He hath perfected for ever those that are sanctified.
his flesh, and having a great high-priest over the house of God, let us draw near with sincerity, in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts cleansed from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
let us draw near with sincerity, in the full assurance of faith, having our hearts cleansed from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than Abel.
We have an altar, of which those who perform service in the tabernacle have no right to eat. As the bodies of those animals, whose blood being offered for sin is brought into the holy place by the high-priest, are not eaten, but are burnt without the camp. read more. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us then go out unto Him without the camp, bearing his reproach: for we have here no continuing city, but are seeking that which is to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring in fine clothes, and there come in also a poor man in a mean habit;
But one may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
and precious, ye also are built up as living stones, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should declare the glories of Him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should declare the glories of Him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you saluteth you, and so doth Marcus my son.
To the angel of the church at Ephesus write, These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Morish
This English word is said to be derived from the Greek ???????? , which signifies 'pertaining to the Lord,' and is commonly used both for an association of professing Christians, and for the building in which they worship. It is the scriptural use of the word ????????, or 'assembly,' that is here under consideration.
The word is used in reference to Israel in the N.T. on one occasion in Ac 7:38, and to a Gentile throng in Ac 19:32,41. Its first occurrence in relation to Christianity is in Mt 16:18, where upon Peter's confession that Jesus was the Son of the living God, the Lord rejoins, "upon this rock I will build my assembly," etc. Historically this spiritual building, (for 'building' never refers to a material edifice) was begun after His death and resurrection, when the Holy Ghost descended at the day of Pentecost. In this aspect of the church there is no room for any failure
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And I also say unto thee, as thou art called Peter, so upon this rock, which thou hast confessed, will I build my church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.
Though I tell you indeed and in truth, Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it remaineth alone; but if it die, it produceth much fruit.
This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together.
And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
so also is the mystical body of Christ; for by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, (whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free) and are all made to drink into one Spirit:
and hath put all things under his feet, and given Him to be head over all things to the church; which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
That in the ages to come He might shew the superabundant riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus.
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God before prepared us, that we might walk in them.
and make all men to see the communication of the mystery, which from the ages past hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ; that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions;
that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions;
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, benignity, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any one has a complaint against any: even as Christ hath forgiven you, so also do ye. read more. And above all these put on love, which is the band of perfection. And let the peace of God preside in your hearts, to which ye are also called as united in one body: and be thankful for it. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude singing in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to our God and Father by Him.
For this we tell you in the word of the Lord, that we who shall be living and remain to the coming of the Lord, shall not be before those that are asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with acclamation, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; read more. then we who are living and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we for ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
But if I should be retarded, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, some for meaner uses.
Flee youthful passions: and follow righteousness, fidelity, love, and peace, with all those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart:
to whom coming as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also are built up as living stones, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable 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 be grown insipid, wherewith shall it be seasoned? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be thrown out of doors, and trodden under foot.
Nor do men light a candle, to put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and then it giveth light to all in the house.
it is sufficient sure for the disciple that he be treated as his master, and the servant as his lord. If then they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Therefore I tell you, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation, that will bring forth the fruits thereof.
Then saith Jesus unto them, Ye will all take offence at me this night; for it is written, "I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered:"
Even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Watsons
CHURCH. The Greek word ????????, so rendered, denotes an assembly met about business, whether spiritual or temporal, Ac 19:32,39. It is understood also of the collective body of Christians, or all those over the face of the earth who profess to believe in Christ, and acknowledge him to be the Saviour of mankind; this is called the visible church. But, by the word church, we are more strictly to understand the whole body of God's true people, in every period of time: this is the invisible or spiritual church. The people of God on earth are called the church militant, and those in heaven the church triumphant. It has been remarked by Dr. John Owen, that sin having entered into the world, God was pleased to found his church (the catholic or universal church) in the promise of the Messiah given to Adam; that this promise contained in it something of the nature of a covenant, including the grace which God designed to show to sinners in the Messiah, and the obedience which he required from them; and that consequently, from its first promulgation, that promise became the sole foundation of the church and of the whole worship of God therein. Prior to the days of Abraham, this church, though scattered up and down the world, and subject to many changes in its worship through the addition of new revelations, was still but one and the same, because founded in the same covenant, and interested thereby in all the benefits or privileges that God had granted, or would at any time grant. In process of time, God was pleased to restrict his church, as far as visible acknowledgment went, in a great measure, to the seed of Abraham. With the latter he renewed his covenant, requiring that he should walk before him and be upright. He also constituted him the father of the faithful, or of all them that believe, and the "heir of the world." So that since the days of Abraham, the church has, in every age, been founded upon the covenant made with that patriarch, and on the work of redemption which was to be performed according to that covenant. Now wheresoever this covenant made with Abraham is, and with whomsoever it is established, with them is the church of God, and to them all the promises and privileges of the church really belong. Hence we may learn that at the coming of the Messiah, there was not one church taken away and another set up in its room; but the church continued the same, in those that were the children of Abraham, according to the faith. It is common with divines to speak of the Jewish and the Christian churches, as though they were two distinct and totally different things; but that is not a correct view of the matter. The Christian church is not another church, but the very same that was before the coming of Christ, having the same faith with it, and interested in the same covenant. Great alterations indeed were made in the outward state and condition of the church, by the coming of the Messiah. The carnal privilege of the Jews, in their separation from other nations to give birth to the Messiah, then failed, and with that also their claim on that account to be the children of Abraham. The ordinances of worship suited to that state of things then expired, and came to an end. New ordinances of worship were appointed, suitable to the new light and grace which were then bestowed upon the church. The Gentiles came into the faith of Abraham along with the Jews, being made joint partakers with them in his blessing. But none of these things, nor the whole collectively, did make such an alteration in the church, but that it was still one and the same. The olive tree was still the same, only some branches were broken off, and others grafted into it. The Jews fell, and the Gentiles came in their room. And this may enable us to determine the difference between the Jews and Christians relative to the Old Testament promises. They are all made to the church. No individual has any interest in them except by virtue of his membership with the church. The church is, and always was, one and the same. The Jewish plea, is, that the church is with them, because they are the children of Abraham according to the flesh. Christians reply, that their privilege on that ground was of another nature, and ended with the coming of the Messiah: that the church of God, unto whom all the promises belong, are only those who are heirs of the faith of Abraham, believing as he did, and are consequently interested in his covenant. These are Zion, Jerusalem, Israel, Jacob, the temple, or church of God.
2. By a particular church we understand an assembly of Christians united together, and meeting in one place, for the solemn worship of God. To this agrees the definition given by the compilers of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England: "A congregation of faithful men, in which the true word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered according to Christ's ordinances, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same," Ac 9:31; 20:17; Ga 1:2,22; 1Co 14:34; Col 4:15. The word is now also used to denote any particular denomination of Christians, distinguished by particular doctrines, ceremonies, &c, as the Romish church, the Greek church, the English church, &c.
3. On the subject of the church, opinions as opposite or varying as possible have been held, from that of the Papists, who contend for its visible unity throughout the world under a visible head, down to that of the Independents, who consider the universal church as composed of congregational churches, each perfect in itself, and entirely independent of every other. The first opinion is manifestly contradicted by the language of the Apostles, who, while they teach that there is but one church, composed of believers throughout the world, think it not at all inconsistent with this to speak of "the churches of Judea," "of Achaia," "the seven churches of Asia," "the church at Ephesus," &c. Among themselves the Apostles had no common head; but planted churches and gave directions for their government, in most cases without any apparent correspondence with each other. The Popish doctrine is certainly not found in their writings; and so far were they from making provision for the government of this one supposed church, by the appointment of one visible and exclusive head, that they provide for the future government of the respective churches raised up by them in a totally different manner, that is, by the ordination of ministers for each church, who are indifferently called bishops, and presbyters, and pastors. The only unity of which they speak is the unity of the whole church in Christ, the invisible head, by faith; and the unity produced by "fervent love toward each other." Nor has the Popish doctrine of the visible unity of the church any countenance from early antiquity. The best ecclesiastical historians have showed, that, through the greater part of the second century, the Christian churches were independent of each other. "Each Christian assembly," says Mosheim, "was a little state governed by its own laws, which were either enacted, or at least, approved, by the society. But in process of time, all the churches of a province were formed into one large ecclesiastical body, which, like confederate states, assembled at certain times in order to deliberate about the common interests of the whole." So far indeed this union of churches appears to have been a wise and useful arrangement, although afterward it was carried to an injurious extreme, until finally it gave birth to the assumptions of the bishop of Rome, as universal bishop; a claim, however, which, when most successful, was but partially submitted to, the eastern churches having, for the most part, always maintained their independence. To very large association of churches of any kind existed till toward the close of the second century, which sufficiently refutes the papal argument from antiquity. The independence of the early Christian churches does not, however, appear to have resembled that of the churches which, in modern times, are called Independent. During the lives of the Apostles and Evangelists they were certainly subject to their counsel and control,
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And they continued stedfast in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Then the churches throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had rest, being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord; and through the consolation of the holy Spirit were multiplied.
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together.
But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly:
But he sent from Miletus to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, not to lay a stumbling-block or scandal before a brother.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new mass, without leaven. For our paschal lamb, even Christ, was slain for us.
But now I have written to you, not to associate with him, if any one, that is called a brother, be a whoremonger, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious; with such a one no not to eat.
If all things be lawful for me, yet all things are not expedient: all things may be lawful for me, but all things do not edify. Let no one seek his own only, but every one another's benefit. read more. Eat then whatever is sold in the shambles, asking no questions for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: and if any of the unbelievers invite you to an entertainment, and ye have a mind to go, whatever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience-sake. But if any one say to you, This hath been sacrificed to an idol,---eat it not; for his sake who informed thee, and for conscience-sake: for, as I said, the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, so that thou mayst have food enough without it. Conscience I say, not thy own, but the other's; for why is my liberty to be judged by another man's conscience? And if I partake with thankfulness, why am I blamed for that, for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Behave inoffensively both to the Jews, and to the Greeks, and to the church of God. Even as I also endeavour to please all men in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
And therefore if any one be in Christ, he is created anew: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
Wherefore, "come out from the midst of them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing," and I will receive you:
and all the brethren that are with me, to the churches of Galatia:
and was not known in person to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, do ye, who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, least thou also shouldst be tempted.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault, do ye, who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, least thou also shouldst be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry,
praying at all seasons with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and intercession for all the saints;
Salute the brethren in Laodicea; and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
Now we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother who walketh disorderly, and not according to the instruction which he received from us.
(for He is faithful who hath promised) and let us observe each other to the incitement of love and good works: not forsaking our assemblies, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. read more. For if we sin wilfully after having received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins; but a dreadful expectation of judgement, and a fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Remember your guides, who spake the word of God to you; whose faith imitate, considering the happy end of their conversation.
What is the advantage, my brethren, if any one say that he has faith, and he hath not works, can faith alone save him?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
being regenerated not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.