Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Elder » In the Christian church
And according as any one of the disciples was prospered, they determined every one of them to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judaea; which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And there came down certain men from Judaea, and taught the brethren, Unless ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved. But when Paul and Barnabas had had no small dissension and debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell." They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And when they had remained some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to those who sent them. (...) But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing, with many others also, the glad tidings of the word of the Lord.
And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they related what great things God had wrought with them. But there rose up certain believers of the sect of the Pharisees, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. And after much debate, Peter rose up and said to them, Brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it to us; and made no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do ye provoke the anger of God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as they. And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they related what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the gentiles by them. And after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken to me. Simeon hath related how God first visited the gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written: "After this I will return, and will rebuild the tabernacle of David which hath fallen; and I will rebuild its ruins, and will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the gentiles, who have been called by my name, saith the Lord, who doeth these things, which were known from the beginning." Wherefore my judgment is, that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we should write to them by letter to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from that which hath been strangled, and from blood. For Moses from the times of old hath had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath. Then it was decided by the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among themselves, and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. And they wrote by them, "The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are from the gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting. Whereas we have heard, that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no command; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell." They therefore being sent away came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words and confirmed them. And when they had remained some time, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to those who sent them. (...) But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing, with many others also, the glad tidings of the word of the Lord.
And having appointed for them elders in every church, they prayed with fasting, and commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
And as they journeyed through the cities, they delivered to them for their observance the decrees which had been ordained by the apostles and elders that were at Jerusalem. The churches therefore were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord, which he purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves will men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Therefore be watchful, and remember that for the space of three years, night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified.
Therefore be watchful, and remember that for the space of three years, night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified.
And the day following Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially they who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he is treading out the grain"; and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Against an elder receive not an accusation without two or three witnesses.
For this cause I left thee behind in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed thee; if any one is without reproach, the husband of one wife, having believing children, that are not accused of dissoluteness, or unruly. For a bishop must be without reproach, as Gods steward; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain, read more.
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, discreet, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the sure word according to what he was taught, that he may be able by sound teaching both to exhort, and to refute the gainsayers.
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, discreet, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the sure word according to what he was taught, that he may be able by sound teaching both to exhort, and to refute the gainsayers.
Is any sick among you? let him call to him the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; even if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellowelder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a sharer in the glory that is to be revealed; tend the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for base gain, but with ready mind; not as lording it over your allotted charge, but being examples to the flock; read more.
and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye will receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. In like manner, ye younger men, submit yourselves to the elder; and all of you be clothed with humility toward each other; for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."
and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye will receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. In like manner, ye younger men, submit yourselves to the elder; and all of you be clothed with humility toward each other; for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."
The elder to the elect Cyria, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all that know the truth,
Faith » By it saints » Obtain a good report
Faith/faithfulness » What is achieved through and by faith
And as he held fast to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomons greatly wondering. But Peter seeing it, answered the people: Men of Israel, why wonder ye at this? Or why look ye earnestly on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his servant Jesus, whom ye indeed delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. read more.
But ye denied the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer should be granted to you. But the author of life ye killed; whom God raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. And his name, through faith in his name, made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is through him gave him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
But ye denied the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer should be granted to you. But the author of life ye killed; whom God raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. And his name, through faith in his name, made this man strong, whom ye see and know; yea, the faith which is through him gave him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
We conclude therefore, that a man is accepted as righteous through faith, without the works of the Law. Or is God [the God] of Jews alone? Is he not also the God of gentiles? Yea, of gentiles also. Seeing there is but one God, who will accept the circumcised as righteous by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. read more.
Do we then make void the Law through faith? Far be it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
Do we then make void the Law through faith? Far be it! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
What then shall we say? That the gentiles, who did not strive after righteousness, obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith;
Moreover the Scripture, foreseeing that God was to accept the gentiles as righteous by faith, proclaimed beforehand the glad tidings to Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then they who have faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as rely on the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law, to do them." read more.
But further, that through the observance of the Law no one is accepted as righteous with God is evident; for "the righteous shall live by faith." And the Law hath nothing to do with faith; but [its language is], "He that hath done them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that is hanged on a beam of wood," to the end that in Christ Jesus the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the gentiles, that we through faith might receive the Spirit which was promised.
But further, that through the observance of the Law no one is accepted as righteous with God is evident; for "the righteous shall live by faith." And the Law hath nothing to do with faith; but [its language is], "He that hath done them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, "Cursed is every one that is hanged on a beam of wood," to the end that in Christ Jesus the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the gentiles, that we through faith might receive the Spirit which was promised.
For by grace ye have been saved, through faith; and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any one should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God before prepared that we should walk in them.
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that that which is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. read more.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it though dead he yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for before his translation he had the testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it though dead he yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for before his translation he had the testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised.
Faith/faithfulness » What faith is
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that that which is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.
Hope » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that that which is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.
Reputation » Spiritual
For your obedience hath become known to all. Over you, then, I rejoice; but I would have you wise as to that which is good, and simple as to that which is evil.
In the first place, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it though dead he yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for before his translation he had the testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised. Wherefore there sprang even from one, and him become as dead, a race like the stars of heaven in multitude, and like the sand by the seashore which cannot be numbered. These all died in faith, not having received the promised blessings, but having seen them from afar, and greeted them, and having professed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For they who say such things show plainly that they are seeking a country. And if indeed they had been mindful of that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return; but now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his onlybegotten son, he to whom it was said, "From Isaac shall thine offspring be reckoned;" accounting that God is able even to raise from the dead; whence also he did figuratively receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when dying, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was fair and they feared not the kings commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; which the Egyptians attempted and were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encompassed for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disobeyed, after having received the spies with peace. And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, and Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel, and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promised blessings, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received back their dead by a resurrection; but others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and also of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and mountains, and caves and the clefts of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promised blessing,
By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised. Wherefore there sprang even from one, and him become as dead, a race like the stars of heaven in multitude, and like the sand by the seashore which cannot be numbered. These all died in faith, not having received the promised blessings, but having seen them from afar, and greeted them, and having professed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For they who say such things show plainly that they are seeking a country. And if indeed they had been mindful of that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return; but now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his onlybegotten son, he to whom it was said, "From Isaac shall thine offspring be reckoned;" accounting that God is able even to raise from the dead; whence also he did figuratively receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when dying, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was fair and they feared not the kings commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; which the Egyptians attempted and were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encompassed for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disobeyed, after having received the spies with peace. And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, and Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel, and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promised blessings, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received back their dead by a resurrection; but others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and also of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and mountains, and caves and the clefts of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promised blessing,
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
For your obedience hath become known to all. Over you, then, I rejoice; but I would have you wise as to that which is good, and simple as to that which is evil.
In the first place, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it though dead he yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for before his translation he had the testimony that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised. Wherefore there sprang even from one, and him become as dead, a race like the stars of heaven in multitude, and like the sand by the seashore which cannot be numbered. These all died in faith, not having received the promised blessings, but having seen them from afar, and greeted them, and having professed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For they who say such things show plainly that they are seeking a country. And if indeed they had been mindful of that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return; but now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his onlybegotten son, he to whom it was said, "From Isaac shall thine offspring be reckoned;" accounting that God is able even to raise from the dead; whence also he did figuratively receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when dying, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was fair and they feared not the kings commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; which the Egyptians attempted and were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encompassed for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disobeyed, after having received the spies with peace. And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, and Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel, and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promised blessings, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received back their dead by a resurrection; but others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and also of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and mountains, and caves and the clefts of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promised blessing,
By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when called, obeyed to go forth to a place which he was afterward to receive for an inheritance, and went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of the promise, as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God. Through faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive, even when she was past age, because she accounted him faithful who had promised. Wherefore there sprang even from one, and him become as dead, a race like the stars of heaven in multitude, and like the sand by the seashore which cannot be numbered. These all died in faith, not having received the promised blessings, but having seen them from afar, and greeted them, and having professed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For they who say such things show plainly that they are seeking a country. And if indeed they had been mindful of that from which they came out, they would have had opportunity to return; but now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his onlybegotten son, he to whom it was said, "From Isaac shall thine offspring be reckoned;" accounting that God is able even to raise from the dead; whence also he did figuratively receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when dying, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was fair and they feared not the kings commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called son of Pharaohs daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; which the Egyptians attempted and were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encompassed for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disobeyed, after having received the spies with peace. And what shall I say more? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, of Barak, and Samson, and Jephthah, of David and Samuel, and the prophets; who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promised blessings, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received back their dead by a resurrection; but others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and also of bonds and imprisonment; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and mountains, and caves and the clefts of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promised blessing,
Substance » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we perceive that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that that which is seen hath not been made out of things which appear.