At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily. the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals.

whilst we shall continue our applications to prayer, and to preaching.

About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch:

Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

but Paul and Barnabas being appriz'd of it, tore their clothes, and throwing themselves among the crowd,

but Paul and Barnabas being appriz'd of it, tore their clothes, and throwing themselves among the crowd,

they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses.

At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:

At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him: and when they were arriv'd he told them, you know how I have always behav'd towards you from the first day of my arrival in Asia: read more. how I have serv'd the Lord with all resignation, with tears, and trials occasion'd by the insidious practices of the Jews: that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private: remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing in our Lord Jesus Christ. but now I am fix'd in my resolution to go to Jerusalem, without any apprehension of what may befal me there: save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me." things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour. and now I am persuaded you will none of you see my face any more: whilst I have been among you, I have proclaim'd the kingdom of the Messias: I therefore declare to you at this present time, that I am not responsible for the ruin of any: for I have acquainted you with the whole dispensation of God without reserve. be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock. read more. nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers. be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd. I have not desir'd to get from any one either silver, or gold, or apparel. you yourselves can witness, that what was necessary for myself and those who were with me, these very hands have supply'd. my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

on the morrow we set out, and arriv'd at Cesarea, and went to the house of Philip the evangelist, with whom we lodg'd:

after we had been there several days, a prophet arriv'd from Judea, one Agabus, who made us a visit.

having then different gifts, according to the respective favour bestowed upon us; if it be prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of his gift. if it be the ministry, let him attend on that ministry; and he that teacheth, on teaching; he that exhorteth, read more. on exhortation: he that giveth, let him be disinterested; he that presideth, let him be diligent; he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.

salute Andronicus and Junias my relations, and fellow-prisoners, who are distinguish'd among the apostles,

for Christ did not send me to baptize: but to preach the gospel: tho' not with the preaching of the wise, lest the cross of Christ should have been hinder'd in its efficacy.

for in barely preaching the gospel, I have nothing to glory in: because I am under an obligation to do it; yea, wo is unto me if I preach not the gospel.

which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.

which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:

the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the christians that are at Philippi, to the bishops, and to the deacons.

and by him all things consist.

provided you continue well-grounded and settled in the faith, and do not abandon that hope which has been offer'd to you by the gospel, and is proclaim'd to all mankind; of which I Paul am made a minister.

these are vices which draw down the divine vengeance upon unbelieving nations;

as for you, masters, give to your servants what is just and suitable: considering that you also have a master in heaven.

a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching:

for if a man is incapable of governing his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?

he that takes no care of his relations, especially those of his own family, has renounc'd the faith and is worse than an infidel. Let none be put upon the list of widows, but such as are at least threescore years of age, and have been married but once: read more. such as have been recommended by their good actions, by the education of their children, by their hospitality, by their officiousness to the faithful, by relieving the afflicted, and by the practice of every virtue. as for young widows, don't admit them: for being impatient of religious restraint, they will be marry'd:

who ought to be curb'd, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid lucre.

who ought to be curb'd, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid lucre.

In all things show yourself a pattern of virtue: in teaching shewing uncorruptness,

In all things show yourself a pattern of virtue: in teaching shewing uncorruptness,

This is a secure rule, and what I would have you constantly maintain, that they who have believed in God, should take care to be examples of virtue, for that is commendable and useful to mankind. but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. read more. A man that is an heretick, after the first and second admonition, avoid: it being plain that such a person is perverted, and knows in his own conscience that his tenets are false. When I shall send you Artemas, or Tychicus, endeavour to meet me at Nicopolis: for I have determined to winter there. dispatch Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos, and take care that nothing be wanting to their journey.

Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord,