Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Elder » In the Christian church
So the disciples decided to send relief, every man according to his means, to the brothers in Judea. This they did, forwarding their contributions to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
But some men came down from Judea and attempted to teach the brethren, saying, "Unless you are circumcised according to Moses' custom, you cannot be saved." Now when dispute and controversy sprang up between them and Paul and Barnabas, the brethren appointed Paul and Barnabas, and certain others, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. So the church saw them off on their journey, and they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria. Here they set forth the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Upon their arrival in Jerusalem they were received by the church and the apostles and elders, and they told them all things that God had done with them. But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, but were now believers, stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise Gentile, and to order them to keep the Law of Moses." The apostles and elders met to consider the matter; and after there had been a long discussion, Peter rose and said: "Brothers, you know how a good while ago God made choice among you, that from my lips the Gentiles were to hear the message of the gospel and believe. "And God, who knows the hearts of all, gave this testimony in their behalf, by bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit just as he did upon us; "and he made no distinction between us and them, in cleansing their hearts by faith. "Now then, why are you tempting God by laying on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? "On the contrary we believe that it is by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that we and they shall be saved." Then the whole assembly remained silent, and listened to Barnabas and Saul as they told the signs and wonders which God had wrought among the Gentiles through them. When they had finished speaking, James said: "Brothers, listen to me. Symeon has told how God first looked graciously upon the Gentiles, to take out from among them a people to be called by his name. "And this is in harmony with the language of the prophets, which says. "After these things I will return, And I will rebuild David's fallen tent; And I will build again its ruins, And I will set it up; "So that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, Even all the Gentiles, who are called by my name, "Says the Lord, who has been making this known from the beginning of the world. "My judgment therefore, is against troubling those who turn to God from among the Gentiles; "but that we should write to them to abstain from the pollution of idols and from fornication, from meat killed by strangling, and from blood. "For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers in every town where he is read aloud, Sabbath after Sabbath, in the synagogues." Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, to select some of their number, and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The men chosen were Judas called Bar-Sabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. They took with them the following letter. "The apostles and older brothers send greeting to the Gentile Brotherhood throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; "as we have heard that some of your number who went out from us have troubled you with words and upset your souls, without having received any such instruction from us; "we have unanimously decided to select certain men, and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul; "men who have risked their very lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. "So we have sent Judas and Silas to tell you the same things by word of mouth. "For it has seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; "that you abstain from food that has been sacrificed to idols, and from tasting blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. Keep yourselves clear from these things and it will be well with you. Farewell." So they, when they had been dispatched, went down to Antioch, and after gathering the whole multitude together, they handed them the letter, and when they had read it they rejoiced at the comfort it brought. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many a good counsel. After spending some time there the brothers let them go with a greeting of peace to those who had sent them. Silas, however, stayed with them. Paul and Barnabas also stayed in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, in company with others.
Upon their arrival in Jerusalem they were received by the church and the apostles and elders, and they told them all things that God had done with them. But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees, but were now believers, stood up and said, "It is necessary to circumcise Gentile, and to order them to keep the Law of Moses." The apostles and elders met to consider the matter; and after there had been a long discussion, Peter rose and said: "Brothers, you know how a good while ago God made choice among you, that from my lips the Gentiles were to hear the message of the gospel and believe. "And God, who knows the hearts of all, gave this testimony in their behalf, by bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit just as he did upon us; "and he made no distinction between us and them, in cleansing their hearts by faith. "Now then, why are you tempting God by laying on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? "On the contrary we believe that it is by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that we and they shall be saved." Then the whole assembly remained silent, and listened to Barnabas and Saul as they told the signs and wonders which God had wrought among the Gentiles through them. When they had finished speaking, James said: "Brothers, listen to me. Symeon has told how God first looked graciously upon the Gentiles, to take out from among them a people to be called by his name. "And this is in harmony with the language of the prophets, which says. "After these things I will return, And I will rebuild David's fallen tent; And I will build again its ruins, And I will set it up; "So that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, Even all the Gentiles, who are called by my name, "Says the Lord, who has been making this known from the beginning of the world. "My judgment therefore, is against troubling those who turn to God from among the Gentiles; "but that we should write to them to abstain from the pollution of idols and from fornication, from meat killed by strangling, and from blood. "For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers in every town where he is read aloud, Sabbath after Sabbath, in the synagogues." Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, to select some of their number, and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The men chosen were Judas called Bar-Sabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. They took with them the following letter. "The apostles and older brothers send greeting to the Gentile Brotherhood throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia; "as we have heard that some of your number who went out from us have troubled you with words and upset your souls, without having received any such instruction from us; "we have unanimously decided to select certain men, and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul; "men who have risked their very lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. "So we have sent Judas and Silas to tell you the same things by word of mouth. "For it has seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; "that you abstain from food that has been sacrificed to idols, and from tasting blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. Keep yourselves clear from these things and it will be well with you. Farewell." So they, when they had been dispatched, went down to Antioch, and after gathering the whole multitude together, they handed them the letter, and when they had read it they rejoiced at the comfort it brought. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many a good counsel. After spending some time there the brothers let them go with a greeting of peace to those who had sent them. Silas, however, stayed with them. Paul and Barnabas also stayed in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, in company with others.
They chose elders for them in every church, after prayer and fasting, and commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Verse Concepts
Never neglect the gift within you, which was given in fulfilment of prophecy at the time of the laying on of hands by the elders.
Verse Concepts
And as they went on their way through the cities they handed them the resolutions which the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem had ordained for them to keep. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and continued to increase in number daily.
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church to come to him;
Verse Concepts
Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, and be shepherds of the church of God which he has purchased with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock; and that from among your own number, men will arise, perverting the truth, to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
So be on guard; and remember that for three years I ceased not to admonish you all, night and day, even with tears. "And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace. He is able to build you up, and to give you your inheritance among all those who are consecrated.
So be on guard; and remember that for three years I ceased not to admonish you all, night and day, even with tears. "And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace. He is able to build you up, and to give you your inheritance among all those who are consecrated.
On the following day we went with Paul to call on James, and all the elders were present.
Verse Concepts
Let the elders who fill their offices well, be held worthy of twofold honor; especially those who have the task of preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, You must not muzzle an ox when he is treading out the grain, and The worker is worth his wages. Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you might set right the things left unfinished, and appoint presbyters in every city as I had instructed you; men who are blameless, the husband of one wife, with believing children who are not accused of riot or insubordination. For indeed a presiding officer, as God's steward, ought to be blameless, not self-willed or quick-tempered, not a drunkard or violent, or greedy of filthy lucre; read more.
but he must be hospitable, a lover of the good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled. He must hold to the faithful word according to the teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by sound teaching, and to confute our opponents.
but he must be hospitable, a lover of the good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled. He must hold to the faithful word according to the teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by sound teaching, and to confute our opponents.
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For by it men of old times had witness borne to them.
Verse Concepts
Is any in good spirits? Let him sing unto his harp. Is any one of you ill? Let him send for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, after anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will restore the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.
Now to you who are presbyters I make this appeal; for I am myself a presbyter, and was a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed. Be shepherds to your flock of God; take charge of them willingly, and not through compulsion; not for filthy lucre, but with a willing mind; not by way of lording it over your heritage, but by becoming examples to the flock. read more.
Then, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you too will receive the fadeless wreath of glory. You younger men must submit to the presbyters; and all of you must put on the garment of humility and serve one another, for God resists the haughty, But gives grace to the humble.
Then, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you too will receive the fadeless wreath of glory. You younger men must submit to the presbyters; and all of you must put on the garment of humility and serve one another, for God resists the haughty, But gives grace to the humble.
The Elder to the Elect Lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have come to know the truth.
Verse Concepts
The Elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Verse Concepts
Faith » By it saints » Obtain a good report
For by it men of old times had witness borne to them.
Verse Concepts
Faith/faithfulness » What is achieved through and by faith
While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people crowded awe-struck around them, in what was known as Solomon's Portico. When he saw this, Peter said to the people. "Men of Israel, why are you wondering at this? Why do you stare at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made this man to walk? "The God of Abram, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you betrayed and disowned before Pilate, when he had decided to let him go; read more.
"but you disowned the holy and righteous One, and asked as a favor the release of a murderer. "The Pioneer of Life you put to death. But God has raised him from the dead, and we are witnesses of that fact. "And his name, on the ground of faith in his name, has made strong this man, whom you now see and know; yes, the faith that is through him has made this man sound and strong again, in the presence of you all.
"but you disowned the holy and righteous One, and asked as a favor the release of a murderer. "The Pioneer of Life you put to death. But God has raised him from the dead, and we are witnesses of that fact. "And his name, on the ground of faith in his name, has made strong this man, whom you now see and know; yes, the faith that is through him has made this man sound and strong again, in the presence of you all.
For I conclude that a man is justified by faith, altogether apart from the deeds of the Law. Is God then the God of the Jews alone, and not of the Gentiles also? He is God of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised through faith, and by their faith will he justify the uncircumcised. read more.
Do we then render law invalid through faith? Certainly not; on the contrary we make it stand.
Do we then render law invalid through faith? Certainly not; on the contrary we make it stand.
What then shall we say? That Gentiles who never pursed righteousness have overtaken it, even the righteousness of faith?
Verse Concepts
And the Scripture, anticipating God's justification of the Gentiles by faith, announced the gospel to Abraham beforehand in the words, In thee shall all the Gentiles be blessed. So then they who are children of faith are blessed with Abraham the faithful; but a curse rests on those who have their root in the works of the Law; for it is written. Cursed is every one that continues not in all the things written in the Book of the Law, to do them. read more.
And it is manifest that by the Law no man is justified in the sight of God. because The just shall live by faith, and the Law has nothing to do with faith, but declares, The man that has done these things shall live therein. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is every one who is hanged upon a tree), to the end that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that through faith we might receive the promised Spirit.
And it is manifest that by the Law no man is justified in the sight of God. because The just shall live by faith, and the Law has nothing to do with faith, but declares, The man that has done these things shall live therein. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is every one who is hanged upon a tree), to the end that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that through faith we might receive the promised Spirit.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is God's gift. It is not of works, so that any one can boast of it; for we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good deeds, which God predestined us to make our daily way of life.
Now faith is the title-deed of things hoped for; the putting to the proof of things not seen. For by it men of old times had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the world was fashioned by the Word of God, so that what we see was not made out of what is visible. read more.
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice more acceptable than that of Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it he, although he is dead, still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. Before his translation he had witness borne to him that he pleased God. now without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he ever rewards those who are seeking. By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised;
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice more acceptable than that of Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it he, although he is dead, still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. Before his translation he had witness borne to him that he pleased God. now without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he ever rewards those who are seeking. By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised;
Faith/faithfulness » What faith is
Now faith is the title-deed of things hoped for; the putting to the proof of things not seen. For by it men of old times had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the world was fashioned by the Word of God, so that what we see was not made out of what is visible.
Hope » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is the title-deed of things hoped for; the putting to the proof of things not seen. For by it men of old times had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the world was fashioned by the Word of God, so that what we see was not made out of what is visible.
Reputation » Spiritual
I say this, for the tidings of your obedience have been told throughout the world. On your own behalf, then, I rejoice; but I want you to be wise unto the good, but innocents in evil.
Verse Concepts
For by it men of old times had witness borne to them.
Verse Concepts
First I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout all the world.
Verse Concepts
He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconiun.
Verse Concepts
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice more acceptable than that of Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it he, although he is dead, still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. Before his translation he had witness borne to him that he pleased God. now without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he ever rewards those who are seeking. read more.
By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised; and thus there sprang from one man, and him practically dead, a nation like the stars in the heavens in multitude, or grains of sand upon the seashore, innumerable. These all died in faith, not having yet received the promises; nay, but they saw them from afar, and hailed them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it plain that they are seeking a Fatherland. And if they had cherished the memory of that land from which they went out, they would have found an opportunity to return; but now they are longing for a better homeland, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; and he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, was on the point of offering up Isaac; yes, he who had received the promise was about to offer up his only son, of whom it had been said, It is through Isaac that your posterity will be traced. For he accounted God able even to raise from the dead, from whence, figuratively speaking, he did indeed receive him back again. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the exodus of the children of Israel, and gave instructions in regard to his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He accounted the obloquy of Christ to be greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he fixed his eyes on the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not because he feared the wrath of the king, but he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he established the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood, in order that the Destroying Angel might not touch the firstborn. By faith the people crossed over the Red Sea as on dry land; and when the Egyptians tried to do this they were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled seven days. By faith Rahab, the harlot, perished not with the disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, of Samson, and of Jeptha; of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, proved valiant in warfare, and routed armies of aliens. Woman received their dear ones alive from the dead; and others were broken on the wheel, not accepting the offered deliverance, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others again bore trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, even of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, persecuted, tormented??38 of whom the world was not worthy??andering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though these all had witness borne to them by their faith, they received not the promise;
By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised; and thus there sprang from one man, and him practically dead, a nation like the stars in the heavens in multitude, or grains of sand upon the seashore, innumerable. These all died in faith, not having yet received the promises; nay, but they saw them from afar, and hailed them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it plain that they are seeking a Fatherland. And if they had cherished the memory of that land from which they went out, they would have found an opportunity to return; but now they are longing for a better homeland, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; and he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, was on the point of offering up Isaac; yes, he who had received the promise was about to offer up his only son, of whom it had been said, It is through Isaac that your posterity will be traced. For he accounted God able even to raise from the dead, from whence, figuratively speaking, he did indeed receive him back again. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the exodus of the children of Israel, and gave instructions in regard to his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He accounted the obloquy of Christ to be greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he fixed his eyes on the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not because he feared the wrath of the king, but he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he established the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood, in order that the Destroying Angel might not touch the firstborn. By faith the people crossed over the Red Sea as on dry land; and when the Egyptians tried to do this they were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled seven days. By faith Rahab, the harlot, perished not with the disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, of Samson, and of Jeptha; of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, proved valiant in warfare, and routed armies of aliens. Woman received their dear ones alive from the dead; and others were broken on the wheel, not accepting the offered deliverance, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others again bore trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, even of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, persecuted, tormented??38 of whom the world was not worthy??andering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though these all had witness borne to them by their faith, they received not the promise;
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
I say this, for the tidings of your obedience have been told throughout the world. On your own behalf, then, I rejoice; but I want you to be wise unto the good, but innocents in evil.
Verse Concepts
For by it men of old times had witness borne to them.
Verse Concepts
First I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout all the world.
Verse Concepts
He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconiun.
Verse Concepts
By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice more acceptable than that of Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it he, although he is dead, still speaks. By faith Enoch was translated so that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him. Before his translation he had witness borne to him that he pleased God. now without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he ever rewards those who are seeking. read more.
By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised; and thus there sprang from one man, and him practically dead, a nation like the stars in the heavens in multitude, or grains of sand upon the seashore, innumerable. These all died in faith, not having yet received the promises; nay, but they saw them from afar, and hailed them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it plain that they are seeking a Fatherland. And if they had cherished the memory of that land from which they went out, they would have found an opportunity to return; but now they are longing for a better homeland, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; and he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, was on the point of offering up Isaac; yes, he who had received the promise was about to offer up his only son, of whom it had been said, It is through Isaac that your posterity will be traced. For he accounted God able even to raise from the dead, from whence, figuratively speaking, he did indeed receive him back again. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the exodus of the children of Israel, and gave instructions in regard to his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He accounted the obloquy of Christ to be greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he fixed his eyes on the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not because he feared the wrath of the king, but he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he established the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood, in order that the Destroying Angel might not touch the firstborn. By faith the people crossed over the Red Sea as on dry land; and when the Egyptians tried to do this they were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled seven days. By faith Rahab, the harlot, perished not with the disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, of Samson, and of Jeptha; of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, proved valiant in warfare, and routed armies of aliens. Woman received their dear ones alive from the dead; and others were broken on the wheel, not accepting the offered deliverance, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others again bore trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, even of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, persecuted, tormented??38 of whom the world was not worthy??andering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though these all had witness borne to them by their faith, they received not the promise;
By faith Noah, warned of God of things not yet seen, reverently gave heed, and built an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is of faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It was by faith that he sojourned in the promised land as an alien, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, his fellow heirs of the same promise. For he continually looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, although she was past the age for child-bearing, because she counted Him faithful who had promised; and thus there sprang from one man, and him practically dead, a nation like the stars in the heavens in multitude, or grains of sand upon the seashore, innumerable. These all died in faith, not having yet received the promises; nay, but they saw them from afar, and hailed them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it plain that they are seeking a Fatherland. And if they had cherished the memory of that land from which they went out, they would have found an opportunity to return; but now they are longing for a better homeland, that is, a heavenly. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; and he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, was on the point of offering up Isaac; yes, he who had received the promise was about to offer up his only son, of whom it had been said, It is through Isaac that your posterity will be traced. For he accounted God able even to raise from the dead, from whence, figuratively speaking, he did indeed receive him back again. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the exodus of the children of Israel, and gave instructions in regard to his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He accounted the obloquy of Christ to be greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he fixed his eyes on the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not because he feared the wrath of the king, but he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he established the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood, in order that the Destroying Angel might not touch the firstborn. By faith the people crossed over the Red Sea as on dry land; and when the Egyptians tried to do this they were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled seven days. By faith Rahab, the harlot, perished not with the disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more shall I say? for time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, of Samson, and of Jeptha; of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, proved valiant in warfare, and routed armies of aliens. Woman received their dear ones alive from the dead; and others were broken on the wheel, not accepting the offered deliverance, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others again bore trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, even of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, persecuted, tormented??38 of whom the world was not worthy??andering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Yet, though these all had witness borne to them by their faith, they received not the promise;
Substance » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is the title-deed of things hoped for; the putting to the proof of things not seen. For by it men of old times had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the world was fashioned by the Word of God, so that what we see was not made out of what is visible.