Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Elder » In the Christian church
And the disciples, according as any one of them was being prospered, determined, each of them, to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea; which also they did, sending it to the elders through the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And some, coming down from Judaea, were teaching the brethren, "Unless ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." And, when Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and discussion with them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, concerning this question. They, therefore, having been sent forward by the assembly, went through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brethren. read more.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." So they being dismissed came down to Antioch; and, having assembled the multitude, they delivered the letter. And, having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation. And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren in many words, and confirmed them. And, having spent a time there, they were sent away with peace from the brethren to those who had sent them. OMITTED TEXT. But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming, with many others also, the good tidings of the word of the Lord.
And, having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the assembly and apostles and elders; and they rehearsed as many things as God wrought with them. But there rose up some from the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses." And the apostles and the elders were assembled together to see about this matter. And, much discussion having arisen, Peter, standing up, said to them, "Brethren, ye well know that, from early days, God made choice among you, that through my mouth the gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And the heart-knowing God bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as to us: and He made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do ye tempt God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were strong enough to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same manner as also they." And all the multitude kept silence: and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, recounting what signs and wonders God wrought among the gentiles through them. And, after they were silent, James answered, saying, "Brethren, hear me. Simeon declared 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 has been written, 'After these things I will return; and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; and the ruins thereof will I build again; and I will set it up; that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, even all the gentiles upon whom My name has been called,' saith the Lord, Who maketh these things known from of old. Wherefore, I judge that we should not trouble those who from among the gentiles are turning to God; but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from anything strangled, and from blood; for Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those preaching him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, with the whole assembly, to send men, chosen from themselves, to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas who is surnamed Barsabas, and Silas??eading men among the brethren; having written through their hand thus: "The apostles, and the elders, brethren, to the brethren from the gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we heard that some from among us troubled you with words, unsettling your souls??o whom we gave no directions; it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, having chosen men, to send to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have given up their souls in behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas; themselves also reporting the same things to you by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from idol-sacrifices, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." So they being dismissed came down to Antioch; and, having assembled the multitude, they delivered the letter. And, having read it, they rejoiced at the consolation. And Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, exhorted the brethren in many words, and confirmed them. And, having spent a time there, they were sent away with peace from the brethren to those who had sent them. OMITTED TEXT. But Paul and Barnabas tarried in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming, with many others also, the good tidings of the word of the Lord.
And, having appointed elders for them in every assembly; and, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord on Whom they had believed.
Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy, with laying on of the hands of the eldership.
And, as they were journeying through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep, that had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the assemblies were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.
And, having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly.
Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood. I know 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.
Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.
Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.
And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Against an elder receive not an accusation, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you; if anyone is blameless, a husband of one wife, having believing children not in accusation of rioting, or unruly. For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain; read more.
but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, righteous, pious, temperate; holding fast the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the healthful doctrine, and to convict those who contradict.
but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, righteous, pious, temperate; holding fast the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the healthful doctrine, and to convict those who contradict.
Is anyone among you sick? let him call for the elders of the assembly; and let them pray over him, having anointed 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; and, if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed; feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock; read more.
and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly."
and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly."
The elder to an elect lady and her children whom I love in truth??nd not I only, but also all who know the truth??2 for the truth's sake which abides in us, and will be with us forever:
Faith » By it saints » Obtain a good report
Faith/faithfulness » What is achieved through and by faith
And, as he was holding Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch, which is called Solomon's, greatly astonished. And Peter, seeing it, spake to the people, "Men of Israel, why do ye wonder at this? Or why look ye so intently on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Child Jesus, Whom ye, indeed, delivered up, and denied before Pilate's face, when he gave judgment to release Him; read more.
but ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked that a man?? murderer??e granted to you; and the Prince of life ye killed; Whom God raised from the dead??f which fact we are witnesses. And His name, by the faith of His name, gave strength to this man, 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 man?? murderer??e granted to you; and the Prince of life ye killed; Whom God raised from the dead??f which fact we are witnesses. And His name, by the faith of His name, gave strength to this man, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is through Him gave him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
For we reckon that a man is justified by faith, apart from works of law. Or is He the God of Jews only? Is He not of gentiles also! Yes, of gentiles also; if, indeed, God is One Who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. read more.
Do we, then, make void the law through faith? It could not be! Yea, we establish the law.
Do we, then, make void the law through faith? It could not be! Yea, we establish the law.
What, then, shall we say? that gentiles who were not following after righteous obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith;
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the gentiles through faith, proclaimed beforehand the Gospel to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So that those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. For as many as are of works of law are under a curse; for it has been written, "Cursed is every one who continues not in all the things written in the book of the law, to do them." read more.
Now that by law no one is justified with God, is evident; because "The righteous one shall live by faith." Now the law is not of faith; but "He who did them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; because it has been written, "Cursed is every one who is hung upon a tree"; that to the gentiles the blessing of Abraham might come in Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Now that by law no one is justified with God, is evident; because "The righteous one shall live by faith." Now the law is not of faith; but "He who did them shall live in them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; because it has been written, "Cursed is every one who is hung upon a tree"; that to the gentiles the blessing of Abraham might come in Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
For by grace ye have been saved through faith: and this, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any one should boast; for we are His workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared, that we should walk in them.
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen; for in this the elders were well reported of. By faith we perceive that the ages have been constituted by the word of God, so that what is seen has not arisen out of things that appear. read more.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking. By faith Enoch was translated, so as not to see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for, it has been witnessed to him that, before his translation, he had been well-pleasing to God. And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him. By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking. By faith Enoch was translated, so as not to see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for, it has been witnessed to him that, before his translation, he had been well-pleasing to God. And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him. By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised.
Faith/faithfulness » What faith is
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen; for in this the elders were well reported of. By faith we perceive that the ages have been constituted by the word of God, so that what is seen has not arisen out of things that appear.
Hope » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen; for in this the elders were well reported of. By faith we perceive that the ages have been constituted by the word of God, so that what is seen has not arisen out of things that appear.
Reputation » Spiritual
For your obedience reached unto all. I rejoice, therefore, over you; but I wish you to be wise as to that which is good, but simple as to evil.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is proclaimed in the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking. By faith Enoch was translated, so as not to see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for, it has been witnessed to him that, before his translation, he had been well-pleasing to God. And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him. read more.
By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised. Wherefore also there sprang from one, and one impotent as to these things, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable. These all died according to faith, not having obtained the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having greeted them, and having confessed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For those who say such things make it manifest that they are seeking their paternal home. And, if, indeed, they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, has offered up Isaac; yea, he who gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, to whom it was said, "In Isaac shall your seed be called;" accounting that God is able to raise even from the dead; whence he did also, as in a figure, receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning things about to be. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and he worshiped leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when approaching his end, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a comely child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer evil with the people of God, than to have an enjoyment of sin for a season; regarding the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking away to the recompense. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians, making an attempt to do, were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved; having received the spies with peace. And what more am I to say? for the time will fail me, if I speak at length concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David also, and of Samuel, and the prophets; who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they perished in the slaughter of the sword; they went about in sheep-skins, in goat-skins, being destitute, suffering tribulation, maltreated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having received a good report through faith, obtained not the promise;
By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised. Wherefore also there sprang from one, and one impotent as to these things, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable. These all died according to faith, not having obtained the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having greeted them, and having confessed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For those who say such things make it manifest that they are seeking their paternal home. And, if, indeed, they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, has offered up Isaac; yea, he who gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, to whom it was said, "In Isaac shall your seed be called;" accounting that God is able to raise even from the dead; whence he did also, as in a figure, receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning things about to be. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and he worshiped leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when approaching his end, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a comely child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer evil with the people of God, than to have an enjoyment of sin for a season; regarding the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking away to the recompense. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians, making an attempt to do, were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved; having received the spies with peace. And what more am I to say? for the time will fail me, if I speak at length concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David also, and of Samuel, and the prophets; who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they perished in the slaughter of the sword; they went about in sheep-skins, in goat-skins, being destitute, suffering tribulation, maltreated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having received a good report through faith, obtained not the promise;
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
For your obedience reached unto all. I rejoice, therefore, over you; but I wish you to be wise as to that which is good, but simple as to evil.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is proclaimed in the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking. By faith Enoch was translated, so as not to see death; and he was not found, because God translated him; for, it has been witnessed to him that, before his translation, he had been well-pleasing to God. And, apart from faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He becomes a rewarder to those who seek after Him. read more.
By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised. Wherefore also there sprang from one, and one impotent as to these things, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable. These all died according to faith, not having obtained the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having greeted them, and having confessed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For those who say such things make it manifest that they are seeking their paternal home. And, if, indeed, they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, has offered up Isaac; yea, he who gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, to whom it was said, "In Isaac shall your seed be called;" accounting that God is able to raise even from the dead; whence he did also, as in a figure, receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning things about to be. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and he worshiped leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when approaching his end, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a comely child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer evil with the people of God, than to have an enjoyment of sin for a season; regarding the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking away to the recompense. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians, making an attempt to do, were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved; having received the spies with peace. And what more am I to say? for the time will fail me, if I speak at length concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David also, and of Samuel, and the prophets; who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they perished in the slaughter of the sword; they went about in sheep-skins, in goat-skins, being destitute, suffering tribulation, maltreated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having received a good report through faith, obtained not the promise;
By faith Noah, being divinely instructed concerning things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his house; through 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 into the place which he was about to receive for an inheritance; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he was waiting for the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself also received power to conceive seed, even when past the age of child-bearing, since she accounted Him faithful, Who promised. Wherefore also there sprang from one, and one impotent as to these things, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand, which is by the sea-shore, innumerable. These all died according to faith, not having obtained the promises, but having seen them from afar, and having greeted them, and having confessed that they were strangers and sojourners on the earth. For those who say such things make it manifest that they are seeking their paternal home. And, if, indeed, they had been mindful of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they long for a better country, that is, a heavenly one; wherefore, God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when tried, has offered up Isaac; yea, he who gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, to whom it was said, "In Isaac shall your seed be called;" accounting that God is able to raise even from the dead; whence he did also, as in a figure, receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning things about to be. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and he worshiped leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when approaching his end, made mention of the departure of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a comely child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer evil with the people of God, than to have an enjoyment of sin for a season; regarding the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking away to the recompense. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians, making an attempt to do, were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, having been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who disbelieved; having received the spies with peace. And what more am I to say? for the time will fail me, if I speak at length concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David also, and of Samuel, and the prophets; who, through faith, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put to flight armies of aliens. Women received their dead by a resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting the redemption, that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tempted, they perished in the slaughter of the sword; they went about in sheep-skins, in goat-skins, being destitute, suffering tribulation, maltreated (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves, and the holes of the earth. And these all, having received a good report through faith, obtained not the promise;
Substance » The substance of things hoped for
Now faith is an assurance of things hoped for, a sure persuasion of things not seen; for in this the elders were well reported of. By faith we perceive that the ages have been constituted by the word of God, so that what is seen has not arisen out of things that appear.