Now Stephen full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.

and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

he sent therefore Timothy and Erastus, two of his assistants in the ministry, before to Macedonia; but stay'd himself in Asia for some time.

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: read more. 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:

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: read more. 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. for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock.

for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock. nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers.

nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers.

is this only the voice of reason? does not the law express the same too? for it is written in the law of Moses, "thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." are oxen the objects of divine care? read more. or is it said, no doubt, for our sakes? for our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he who plows should plow in hope; and that he who thresheth should expect the advantage.

let all things be done with decency, and without disorder.

Now if it has been declared, that Christ rose from the dead, how comes it, that some among you assert, "there is no resurrection of the dead?" for if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. read more. and if Christ be not risen, then our preaching is empty talk, and your faith even meer amusement. yea, and we are no better than enthusiastic impostors by affirming that God raised up Christ, when he never did raise him up. for if the dead are not raised, then was not Christ raised: and if Christ was not raised, your faith is meer illusion, your sins are not yet forgiven. then they too who died christians, are entirely lost. if our expectations as christians all terminate in this life, we of all men are most to be pitied. But Christ is actually risen, as previous to those who were dead. for since by man came death, by man the resurrection of the dead will likewise come. for as by Adam all die, even so by Christ shall all be restored to life. but every one in proper order: Christ has the precedence, next they who were Christians shall rise at his advent. and then will be the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God even the father; after having abolished all rule, and all authority, and power. for he must reign, "till God has cast all his enemies under his feet." the last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. for he hath subjected all things to him. but when it is said all things are subjected, it is plain that he is to be excepted, who did subject all things to him. and when all things shall be reduced under subjection to him, then shall the son also himself be subject to him that put all things under his subjection, that God may be all in all. If it be not so, what can they effect who are baptized for the dead? if the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for the dead? and why do we continually expose our lives to danger? I am daily receiving new mortifications, witness your cruel boastings against me, which I bear for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord; besides, my engaging with those monsters, as I may say, at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me? if the dead don't rise, "let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." be not deceived : "vicious conversation corrupts good morals."

pass thro' Macedonia) and perhaps I shall make some stay, if not pass the winter with you, that you may forward me on my journey, wherever I go.

besides these troubles from without, that which crouds upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

This is the third time I am coming to you: "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." I told you once before, and now being absent I write to forewarn you and all that have sinned, that when I shall arrive, I will not spare them; read more. since you demand a proof of my mission from Christ, who with regard to you has shown no want of power among you. for tho' he was crucified with the appearance of weakness, yet he lives by the power of God; tho' we are afflicted upon his account, we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

that he might deliver us from the vices of this present age, according to the will of God, even our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. amen. I wonder you have so soon deserted unto another gospel,

what I write to you, I call God to witness is all true:

Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.

now a mediator supposes two parties, of which God is but one.

let us then not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we be not tired.

be upon your guard against snarlers, against the contrivances of the crafty, against the spurious breed;

for there are many that wander about, of whom I have frequently told you, and now repeat it with tears, that they are enemies to the cross of Christ: who in the. end will be ruin'd, who place their religion in sensuality, their glory in that which is their shame, and fix their thoughts upon this earth.

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,

At my departure from Macedonia, I advised you to stay at Ephesus in order to charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, or trouble their heads with fables and endless genealogies, which rather promote disputes than the gospel-dispensation:

or trouble their heads with fables and endless genealogies, which rather promote disputes than the gospel-dispensation:

pretending to be doctors of the law, tho' they neither understand what they advance, nor upon what it is founded.

pretending to be doctors of the law, tho' they neither understand what they advance, nor upon what it is founded. I own that the law is good, if a man make a right use of it: read more. it being plain, that the law was not design'd against the just, but against the lawless and refractory, against irreligion and vice, impiety and prophaneness, parricide and man-slaughter,

it is a proposition worthy to be believ'd, and be embrac'd by all, that Jesus Christ is come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest.

This charge, my son Timothy, I recommend to you, agreeably to the prophetic gifts heretofore conferr'd on you, by virtue of which you might carry on a successful warfare, assisted by faith and a good conscience: for some having discarded the one, have entirely lost the other. read more. Hymeneus and Alexander are of that number, whom I have deliver'd to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

I exhort you therefore, above all things, to present supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men:

I exhort you therefore, above all things, to present supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in the practice of all piety and virtue;

for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in the practice of all piety and virtue; for such offices are commendable, and agreeable to God our saviour, read more. who wills that all men be saved, by embracing the truth. for there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

for there is but one God, and but one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself for the redemption of all mankind: this is what was to be promulg'd in due time:

who gave himself for the redemption of all mankind: this is what was to be promulg'd in due time:

I direct therefore that the men pray in publick and private, lifting up their hands to heaven with innocence, charity, and composure.

Let the women with submissive silence attend to instruction. for I don't allow a woman to be a teacher, nor to dictate to her husband; but let her be silent. read more. for Adam was the first that was form'd, then Eve. Adam was not seduc'd, but the woman, who was the cause of his transgression.

This I write, tho' I hope to make you a visit in a little time, that in case I am retarded,

This I write, tho' I hope to make you a visit in a little time, that in case I am retarded, you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God.

you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God.

broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd,

broach'd by hypocrititical impostors, whose consciences are cauteriz'd, interdicting marriage; and the use of animal food; which God created for the repast of the faithful, who embrace the truth with thankfulness.

as for prophane and groundless fables, reject them.

don't give occasion to any to despise your youth: but be a pattern to believers in your discourse, in your behaviour, by your charity, faith and chastity.

Don't treat a senior with harsh reproof, but exhort him as a father, and the young men, as brethren:

Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing. for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward." read more. don't receive any accusation against a pastor, but upon the deposition of two or three witnesses. Those that transgress reprove in publick, to strike a terror in the rest.

If any one deviate from this doctrine, not adhering to the wholesome instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true doctrine of piety,

If any one deviate from this doctrine, not adhering to the wholesome instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, the true doctrine of piety, he is full of pride and ignorance, touch'd with a spirit of chicanery and wrangling, productive of envy, contention, calumny, read more. mischievous opinions, and a familiarity with pernicious ignorant impostors, who consider religion only as it makes for their gain.

mischievous opinions, and a familiarity with pernicious ignorant impostors, who consider religion only as it makes for their gain. Religion indeed with contentment leads to great gain. read more. as we brought nothing into the world, certain it is, we can carry nothing away. having therefore food and raiment,

as we brought nothing into the world, certain it is, we can carry nothing away. having therefore food and raiment, we ought to think that sufficient. but they who will be rich, expose read more. themselves to temptations and snares, and to many foolish noxious passions, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. for the love of money is the root of all evil: which some having obtain'd, have revolted from the faith, and brought upon themselves variety of piercing pains.

which some having obtain'd, have revolted from the faith, and brought upon themselves variety of piercing pains. As for you the minister of God, avoid those things: adhere to justice, piety, faith, charity, patience, and benignity of temper. read more. exert yourself in the glorious cause of faith, and secure the prize of eternal life, to which you were called, when you made that excellent profession of faith before so many witnesses. I enjoin you, before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who made a glorious confession before Pontius Pilate;

I enjoin you, before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who made a glorious confession before Pontius Pilate; to observe these precepts, to lead an unspotted life without reproof until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. whose advent HE will in his own time display, WHO is perfectly happy, who alone is omnipotent, the king of kings, and the lord of all that bear rule; who alone is essentially immortal, dwelling in that inaccessible light, which no mortal ever saw, or can see: to whom belongs everlasting honour and empire. amen.

who alone is essentially immortal, dwelling in that inaccessible light, which no mortal ever saw, or can see: to whom belongs everlasting honour and empire. amen. Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment; read more. to be beneficent, to be rich in good works, to be liberal to the common fund, securing to themselves a well-grounded expectation of obtaining hereafter an immortal life. O Timothy, keep what is deposited in your care, avoiding the prophane empty declamations and objections of a spurious science, which some have profess'd,

O Timothy, keep what is deposited in your care, avoiding the prophane empty declamations and objections of a spurious science, which some have profess'd,

O Timothy, keep what is deposited in your care, avoiding the prophane empty declamations and objections of a spurious science, which some have profess'd,

O Timothy, keep what is deposited in your care, avoiding the prophane empty declamations and objections of a spurious science, which some have profess'd,

he that enters into the service, disengages himself from civil affairs, that he may be acceptable to his officer.

and their doctrine will spread like the gangrene. Hymeneus and Philetus are such: they have deserted the faith themselves, and debauch'd the faith of others, by maintaining, "the resurrection is already past."

Of this number are they, who insinuate themselves into families, to make a prey of the weaker sex, who are inveigled by their vitious suggestions, abetted by their own subtle passions, and by lending an assiduous ear to such lessons, render it impossible they should ever be acquainted with the truth. read more. Moses did not meet with greater opposition from Jannes and Jambres, than truth does from men so corrupted in their mind, and so adulterated in their faith.

as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh:

for Damas, out of love to this world has abandon'd me, and is gone to Thessalonica: Crescens, to Galatia: and Titus, to Dalmatia.

and has in due time manifested by the preaching of his word, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our saviour:

For there are many, especially among the Jews, who are obstinate, vain talkers and deceivers; who ought to be curb'd, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid lucre. read more. one of their own prophets said, "the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."

one of their own prophets said, "the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."

not doating on Jewish Fables, and the tenets of men, that deviate from the truth.

not doating on Jewish Fables, and the tenets of men, that deviate from the truth. to the pure all things are pure: but to corrupt infidels nothing is pure; whose very mind and conscience is polluted. read more. they make a profession of knowing God; but in fact they deny him, being execrably incredulous, and utter strangers to all virtue.

but what is agreeable to sound doctrine: advise the aged to be prudent, grave, temperate, sound in faith,

but what is agreeable to sound doctrine: advise the aged to be prudent, grave, temperate, sound in faith,

but to lectures on virtue, that they may teach the young women prudence, to love their husbands,

but to lectures on virtue, that they may teach the young women prudence, to love their husbands,

that the word of God may not be blasphemed. the young men likewise exhort to be modest.

For the divine savour has display'd its salutary effects to all mankind: teaching us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and to practise temperance, justice and piety in this present world;

who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and qualify us to be his peculiar people, passionately affected to virtue.

Admonish them to be subject to princes and to magistrates, to obey their orders, and to exert their virtue and loyalty upon all occasions.

but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick, after the first and second admonition, avoid:

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.

I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ,

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, read more. if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame. for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land: but that which bears thorns and briars, is look'd upon as lying under a curse; whose end will be to be burnt.

Dear children, the last time is come: as ye have heard that antichrist was to come, accordingly many antichrists have already appeared; whereby we know that we are now in the last times. they went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that it might be manifest, that they were not all of us. read more. As for you who have receiv'd the unction of the holy spirit, you know the whole affair. I have not written to you, as to people unacquainted with the truth of the gospel: but as to such who know it, and know that it cannot give rise to any imposture. who is so great an impostor as he, who denies that Jesus is the Christ? he is antichrist, that denies the father and the son. whosoever denieth the son, disowns the father:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

and every spirit that does not own that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not from God." this is that anti-christian spirit which you have heard was to come, and even now it appears in the world.

To the angel of the church of Ephesus, write, "HE that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, says thus, I know thy works, thy labour, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those who are evil: thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, but are not; and hast found them lyars: read more. thou hast suffer'd, hast patience, for my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted. nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent. but in this thou art right, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.