Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,