Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.



Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation; for it is God that has reconciled the world to himself, by Jesus Christ, by not imputing their sins to them; and hath committed to us the gospel of reconciliation. we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God. read more.
for he hath made him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us, that we might be justified by God thro' him.


which Peter observing, thus addressed them, ye men of Israel, why are ye so surprized at this event? or why do you look so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or piety, we had caus'd this man to walk? the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and renounced in opposition to Pilate, who was determined to let him go. but ye renounced him that was holy and just; you interceeded for the life of a murderer, read more.
but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. it is the faith which we have in him, that has procured strength to this man whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. and now, brethren, I know it was through ignorance, that both you and your rulers, have acted thus. but thus it is that God has accomplished what he had foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer. repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ, who has been beforehand prepar'd thereto, but must reside in heaven, till the time of the restitution of all things, of which God has spoken from the beginning by the mouth of his holy prophets. for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you. and whoever he be that will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." afterwards Samuel and all that prophesied after him, have likewise foretold these times. ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, when he said to Abraham, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed in your posterity." it is to you that God first of all sent his son Jesus, having raised him up to bless you, provided you all renounce your iniquities.

since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. read more.
salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples,

but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard.

when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. Verse Conceptselders, as community leadersSanhedrinTeachersDaybreakTeaching In The ChurchAt DaybreakBringing People Out Of Other PlacesDisciples In The Temple

then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.


then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. Verse Conceptselders, as community leadersSanhedrinTeachersDaybreakTeaching In The ChurchAt DaybreakBringing People Out Of Other PlacesDisciples In The Temple

then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus. but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard.


the chief priests continuing to accuse him with much clamour, Pilate spake to him again, and said, will you make no defence for your self? don't you hear what they urge against you? but Jesus still made no answer; so that Pilate was much amaz'd.

then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. read more.
this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved.

Then said the high priest, are these things so? Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee. read more.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows." at which the high priest Ananias order'd those that were near him to strike him on the face: which made Paul say, "may God strike thee, thou plaister'd wall: you sit to judge me according to law, and in defiance of the law you order me to be struck!" read more.
what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead." at these words the Pharisees and the Sadducees were all in confusion, the whole assembly being divided:

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

for the same temper of mind ought to be in you as was in Christ Jesus: who tho' he was the image of God, did not affect to appear with divine majesty, but divested himself thereof, by assuming the form of a servant: being made in the likeness of men, read more.
and his whole exterior showing nothing more than a meer man, he abased himself, and carried his submission so far as to die, even the death of the cross. wherefore God has highly exalted and given him a name, which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus both angels and men, the living and the dead, should pay their adorations, and that every nation should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the father.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

you know, how his fame spread from Galilee through all Judea, after the baptism which John had preach'd: how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him. we are witnesses of all his transactions, both in Judea, and at Jerusalem. however, they put him to death, even that of the cross. read more.
but God raised him up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people, but to those witnesses, which God had before chosen: to us, I say, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. and he commanded us to publish, and to testify to the people, that he was the person whom God had constituted to be the judge of the living, and of the dead. he is the person to whom all the prophets give this attestation, that all who believe in him, shall receive remission of sins, by his authority.

Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all the spiritual blessings in Christ's kingdom. according as he had chosen us in himself before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, free from vice, and devoted to virtue. having predetermin'd to adopt us by Jesus Christ to be his children, according to the good pleasure of his own will, read more.
to display the glory of his grace, which has render'd us acceptable by his beloved son: who has by his blood obtained for us the redemption, even the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace,

giving thanks to the father, who has qualified you to share in that light he affords to his people: who has deliver'd you from the state of darkness, and has translated you into the kingdom of his beloved son. It is by him, that we have obtain'd the redemption, even the remission of our sins:


I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. read more.
be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples. as the father has loved me, and I have loved you: so do you persevere in your love to me. your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments. These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat. this is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. there cannot be greater love than that of a man, who lays down his life for his friends. you will be my friends, if you do what I have commanded you. henceforth I do not treat you as servants; for the servant is unacquainted with his master's affairs: but I have treated you as friends; for what I have learnt of my father, I have communicated to you. it was not you that chose me, but I that chose you, and establish'd you, that your travels may be fruitful, and your fruit be lasting: so that whatever ye shall ask of the father for my sake, he will give it you. Above all I enjoin you, to love one another. if the world hate you, consider that it hated me before it hated you. if you were of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world does hate you. remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours. but all these things will they do unto you, out of hatred to my name, because they know not him that sent me. if I had not appear'd, and inform'd them, they would have been innocent: but now they have no excuse for their sin. he that hateth me, hateth my father also. if I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had been innocent: but though they have seen them, yet they hate both me and my father. so that the passage is fulfilled that is written in their law, "they hated me without a cause." but when the advocate is come, whom I will send to you from the father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the father, he shall testify of me. and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

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."

This it is that makes me Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ upon your account, O Gentiles; if so be you have heard of the charge, which God has graciously dispens'd to me for you Gentiles; having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short, read more.
by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ. which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit,

and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said, Verse ConceptsThe Witness Of The SpiritTaught By The Spirit

Who is it that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the son of God? it appear'd by the water, and by the blood, who he was, even Jesus the Messiah; not by the water only, but by the water and by the blood: besides, the spirit is a witness too, now the spirit is truth itself. There are three witnesses in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three testify the same thing.

it appear'd by the water, and by the blood, who he was, even Jesus the Messiah; not by the water only, but by the water and by the blood: besides, the spirit is a witness too, now the spirit is truth itself. Verse ConceptsBlood, of Jesus ChristGospel, Transmission OfRevelation, In NtThe Witness Of The Holy SpiritWater For BaptismSymbols of the Holy SpiritThe Spirit Of TruthThe Blood Of Jesustestifying

Jesus answered him, he that loves me, will observe my precepts: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. he does not love me, who does not observe my precepts: for the doctrine which you have heard, is not mine, but the father's who sent me. this is what I have to tell you, for the little time that I am with you. read more.
but the advocate, the holy spirit, whom the father will send for my sake, he will explain every thing to you, and make you remember, all that I have told you.

but when the advocate is come, whom I will send to you from the father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the father, he shall testify of me. and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said, Verse ConceptsThe Witness Of The SpiritTaught By The Spirit


In the last day, the most solemn day of the feast, Jesus being there, raised his voice, and said, if any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. he that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. (but this he meant of the spirit, which they that believed on him, should receive: for the spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.)

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

I tell you likewise, ask, and it shall be given: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and the door shall be opened. for every one that asketh, receives: he that seeketh, finds: and he that knocks has admittance. what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent? read more.
or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion? if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?

The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair. and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith. God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us:

I JOHN, who am your brother, and partake in the tribulation, in the reign, and in the patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony I gave of Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsCompanionsIslandsKingdom Of God, Entry IntoLonelinessParticipation, In ChristWitnessing, And Holy SpiritSolitudePeople Of The KingdomSharing In ChristSubsequent Witness To ChristEnduranceperserverancepartnershipperseveringChristians Being Called Brothers

and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening. however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people. On the morrow, the rulers, senators, and doctors of the law, then at Jerusalem, assembled, read more.
with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family. and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this? then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply. having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name. so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus.

went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. read more.
when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

About that time, king Herod Agrippa began to persecute some of the church. he caus'd James the brother of John to be beheaded. and perceiving that the Jews were pleas'd with this, he proceeded to secure Peter during the feast of unleavened bread: read more.
having apprehended Peter, he put him into prison, appointing a detachment of sixteen soldiers to guard him, intending to have him brought to publick execution, after Easter. thus Peter was kept in prison, but the Church prayed to God, without ceasing, for him, now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands. put on your girdle, continu'd the angel, and bind on your sandals: which he did. throw your cloak over you, said the angel, and follow me. so he went out after the angel without knowing that what the angel had done, was real; but thinking it was all a vision. when they had pass'd the first and second guard, they came to the iron-gate that leads to the city, which open'd to them of itself: so they went out and pass'd together thro' one street: when all of a sudden the angel quitted Peter. Then coming to himself; now, said he, I know for certain, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has deliver'd me from the hands of Herod, and from what the Jews were in expectation of. then recollecting where he was, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnam'd Mark, where many were assembled at prayers. when he had knock'd at the door of the gate, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there. upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there. are you mad? said they. but she persisting that it was even so, they reply'd, it is then his angel. as Peter still continued knocking, they let him in, and seeing it was he, they were extremely surpriz'd: but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place. As soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter. Herod having caus'd diligent search to be made, without being able to find him, after examining the guards, he order'd them to execution. after which he departed from Judea, and went to Cesarea, where he resided.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family. and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this? then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, read more.
since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply. having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name. so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus. but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard. so when they had further threatned them, they let them go, not finding it practicable to punish them, because of the people, who all glorified God for that which was done.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

which the Pharisees observing, why, said they to his disciples, is your master so familiar with publicans and such loose people? Jesus hearing that, said to them, they that are in health don't want a physician, but they that are sick. go then and learn the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call saints, but sinners.

when the Scribes and Pharisees saw him eating with such a crew, they ask'd his disciples, what's the meaning that he is so familiar with people of such a wretched character? Jesus hearing this, said to them, they that are in health, have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

but the Scribes and Pharisees of that place reproach'd his disciples, and said, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and scandalous people? but Jesus replied, they that are in health don't want a physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call saints, but sinners to repentance. Then they ask'd him, how comes it that John's disciples,

While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them, being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus. and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives.

Concerning the Logos, the author of Life, we declare what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have consider'd, and what has been the object of our touch. for the life was manifested, we have seen it, we testify of it, and denounce unto you, that eternal life which was with the father, and was manifested unto us. what we have seen and heard, we declare unto you, that ye also may be of the same society with us: and truly associated with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ.

then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

you know, how his fame spread from Galilee through all Judea, after the baptism which John had preach'd: how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him. we are witnesses of all his transactions, both in Judea, and at Jerusalem. however, they put him to death, even that of the cross. read more.
but God raised him up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people, but to those witnesses, which God had before chosen: to us, I say, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. and he commanded us to publish, and to testify to the people, that he was the person whom God had constituted to be the judge of the living, and of the dead. he is the person to whom all the prophets give this attestation, that all who believe in him, shall receive remission of sins, by his authority.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. he came as a witness, to represent what he knew of the light, that by his means all might be convinc'd. he was not that Light, but was sent to testify of that light. read more.
HE was the true Light who came into the world, to enlighten every man. he was in the world, even the world that had been made by him, but the world knew him not. he came unto his own, and his own received him not. but to as many as received him, and believed on him, he granted the privilege of being the sons of God. a birth which they had not from circumcision, nor from the constitution of the body, nor the institution of man, but from God. The Logos became incarnate, and had his tabernacle among us, being full of grace and truth; and we contemplated his glory, such glory as the Monogenes derived from the father. it was of him that John bare witness, when he made this declaration, "this was he of whom I said, he that cometh after me, was before me; for he did indeed exist before me."

that all men should honour the son, even as they honour the father. he that honoureth not the son, honoureth not the father who hath sent him. I declare unto you, he that heareth my doctrine, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come under condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. I declare unto you, the time is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God: and they that hear shall live. read more.
for as the father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the son, to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the son of man. let not this surprize you: for the time is coming, when all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and they that have done good, shall rise to the possession of life; and they that have done evil, shall rise to their condemnation. Of my self I can do nothing: according to my instructions I judge: and my judgment is just; because I do not consult my own will, but the will of the father who hath sent me. if I testified of my self, my testimony would be suspected. there is another who testifies of me, and I know that the testimony which he gives of me, is true. you yourselves sent to John, and he bore witness to the truth. not that I need the testimony of men: but this I tell you, for your own security. he was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing to be entertain'd for a while with his light. but I have a better witness than that of John: for the works which my father hath order'd me to finish, those very works that I do, bear me witness, that 'tis the father who sent me. and the father who sent me, hath himself born witness of me. his voice you have never heard, nor ever seen his appearance, nor will his Logos abide among you: for tho' he hath sent him, you do not believe him. You search the scriptures, for you think by their means to have eternal life, and they are the very writings which do testify of me. yet you will not come to me, that ye may have life. I do not by this seek your applause. for this I know of you, that you are not possess'd with any love for God. I am come in my father's name, and you receive me not: if another should come in his own name, him you will receive. how can you believe, who are catching at honour one from another, regardless of that glory that comes from God only? don't imagine that I shall accuse you to my father: even Moses himself in whom you confide, will be your accuser. for had you believed Moses, you would have believed me: since he has spoke of me in his writings. but if you don't believe what he has writ, how should you believe what I say?



Being therefore in his presence, they asked him, saying, Lord, is this the time when you will restore again the kingdom to Israel? and he said to them, it is not for you, to know the times or the seasons, which the father hath reserv'd in his own disposal. but ye shall receive the influence of the holy spirit, which will descend upon you: and ye shall be witnesses for me, in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the remotest part of the earth. read more.
After this discourse, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. and as they were looking stedfastly toward heaven, as he mounted up, on a sudden, two men appear'd before them robed in white, who said, "ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up to heaven? this same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall descend in the same manner as ye have seen him ascend thither."

As the lame man who was cured, held Peter and John, the people all in surprize ran to Solomon's porch, where they were. which Peter observing, thus addressed them, ye men of Israel, why are ye so surprized at this event? or why do you look so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or piety, we had caus'd this man to walk? the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and renounced in opposition to Pilate, who was determined to let him go. read more.
but ye renounced him that was holy and just; you interceeded for the life of a murderer, but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Simon Peter the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who equally share with us in the advantages of faith, thro' the veracity of our God, and of Jesus Christ. may the divine favour and felicity be poured upon you, by the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is thus his divine power has given us every thing conducive to life and piety, by making us acquainted with him, who has called us by his illustrious power; read more.
by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world. Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety: to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence. for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves. but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins. Wherefore be the more diligent, my brethren, to secure your vocation and election by your virtuous actions, for by so doing, you will never relapse: and thus you will have a free admittance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. for this reason I shall never omit to put you in mind of these things, however knowing you are already, and settled in the truth. whilst I am alive, I think it my duty to awaken you by my admonitions: knowing that I must soon leave this tabernacle, as our Lord Jesus Christ has signify'd to me. However, I shall inculcate these things so as to make you continually remember them, even after my departure. for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.

Show 1 more verse
The REVELATION of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to shew to his servants things which must shortly come to pass; this he signified by his angel whom he dispatch'd to his servant John: who publish'd the divine message, and gave his attestation to every thing that he saw concerning Jesus Christ.


I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. read more.
be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples. as the father has loved me, and I have loved you: so do you persevere in your love to me. your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments. These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat. this is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. there cannot be greater love than that of a man, who lays down his life for his friends. you will be my friends, if you do what I have commanded you. henceforth I do not treat you as servants; for the servant is unacquainted with his master's affairs: but I have treated you as friends; for what I have learnt of my father, I have communicated to you. it was not you that chose me, but I that chose you, and establish'd you, that your travels may be fruitful, and your fruit be lasting: so that whatever ye shall ask of the father for my sake, he will give it you. Above all I enjoin you, to love one another. if the world hate you, consider that it hated me before it hated you. if you were of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world does hate you. remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours. but all these things will they do unto you, out of hatred to my name, because they know not him that sent me. if I had not appear'd, and inform'd them, they would have been innocent: but now they have no excuse for their sin. he that hateth me, hateth my father also. if I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had been innocent: but though they have seen them, yet they hate both me and my father. so that the passage is fulfilled that is written in their law, "they hated me without a cause." but when the advocate is come, whom I will send to you from the father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the father, he shall testify of me. and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

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."

This it is that makes me Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ upon your account, O Gentiles; if so be you have heard of the charge, which God has graciously dispens'd to me for you Gentiles; having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short, read more.
by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ. which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit,

and this is what the holy spirit declares, when after having said, Verse ConceptsThe Witness Of The SpiritTaught By The Spirit

Who is it that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the son of God? it appear'd by the water, and by the blood, who he was, even Jesus the Messiah; not by the water only, but by the water and by the blood: besides, the spirit is a witness too, now the spirit is truth itself. There are three witnesses in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three testify the same thing.