Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: give unto us this day our daily bread: read more.
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. read more.
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
Daily duty » Select readings
See that no one may return evil for evil to any one; but always pursue good toward one another, and toward all. Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; read more.
in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you. Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesying; but prove all things; and hold fast to the beautiful; abstain from every evil sight. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is the one calling you, who indeed will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you in the name of the Lord, that this epistle shall be read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you. Quench not the Spirit; despise not prophesying; but prove all things; and hold fast to the beautiful; abstain from every evil sight. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is the one calling you, who indeed will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you in the name of the Lord, that this epistle shall be read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep; in order that you may not sorrow, even as those having no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and is risen, so also will God bring with him those who sleep in Jesus. For we speak this to you in the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left unto the coming of the Lord, can not anticipate those who are asleep, read more.
because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, will at the same time along with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. So comfort one another with these words.
because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, will at the same time along with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be always with the Lord. So comfort one another with these words.
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister. And Mary was the one anointing the Lord with myrrh, and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick. read more.
And Jesus hearing said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love. Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then remained two days in the place in which He was. Then after this He says to the disciples, Let us go again unto Judea. The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him. Then the disciples said to Him, Lord, if he is asleep, he will be saved. But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Then however Jesus spoke to them openly, Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him. Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples; Let us go too, that we may die with Him. Then Jesus having come, found him having four days in the sepulcher. But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
And Jesus hearing said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus, with Divine love. Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then remained two days in the place in which He was. Then after this He says to the disciples, Let us go again unto Judea. The disciples said to Him, Master, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; dost thou go hither again? Jesus responded, Are there not twelve hours of the day? If any one may walk in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world: if any one may walk in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. He spoke these things: and after this He says to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; and I go that I may awaken him. Then the disciples said to Him, Lord, if he is asleep, he will be saved. But Jesus spoke concerning his death: and they thought that He spoke concerning the rest of sleep. Then however Jesus spoke to them openly, Lazarus is dead, and I rejoice on account of you that I was not there, in order that you may believe; but let us go to him. Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples; Let us go too, that we may die with Him. Then Jesus having come, found him having four days in the sepulcher. But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go.
And the Sabbath passing away, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, prepared aromatics, in order that having come they may anoint Him. And exceedingly early in the morning, the first of the Sabbaths, they come to the sepulcher, the sun approaching the horizon. And they were saying to themselves, Who shall for us roll away the stone from the sepulcher? read more.
And looking up, they see that the stone has already been rolled away: for it was exceedingly great. And having come to the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right, clothed in a white robe. And they were affrighted. But he says to them, Fear not: you are seeking Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified: He is risen; He is not here: see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, that He goes before you into Galilee: you shall see Him there, as He told you. And having come out from the sepulcher, they fled; and trembling and ecstasy possessed them, and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid. OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT
And looking up, they see that the stone has already been rolled away: for it was exceedingly great. And having come to the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right, clothed in a white robe. And they were affrighted. But he says to them, Fear not: you are seeking Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified: He is risen; He is not here: see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, that He goes before you into Galilee: you shall see Him there, as He told you. And having come out from the sepulcher, they fled; and trembling and ecstasy possessed them, and they said nothing to any one; for they were afraid. OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT OMITTED TEXT
And on the first of the Sabbath, at the depth of the dawn, they came to the sepulcher, bearing the aromatics which they had prepared, And they found the stone, having been rolled away from the sepulcher. And coming in they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, while they were at a loss concerning this, and behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and they being afraid, and turning their face towards the ground, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen. Remember how He spoke to you, being with you in Galilee, Saying That it behooveth the Son of man to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to be crucified, and to rise again on the third day. And they remembered His words. And having returned from the sepulcher, they proclaimed all these things to the eleven, and all the rest. And Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them spoke these things to the apostles. And their words appeared before them like a dream; and they doubted them. OMITTED TEXT And behold, two of them on that day were journeying to a village, distant from Jerusalem sixty furlongs, to which was the name Emmaus: and they were conversing with one another concerning all those things which had transpired. And it came to pass, while they are talking and making inquiry, Jesus Himself also having come nigh, journeyed along with them: and their eyes were held so as not to recognize Him. And He said to them, What speeches are these which you are interchanging to one another, walking along? And they stood still, looking sad. And one, whose name was Cleopas, said to Him, Dost thou only sojourn at Jerusalem and not know the things which have taken place in it in these days? And He said to them, What? And they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet-man mighty in work and word before God and all the people. How the chief priests and our rulers indeed delivered Him up to the condemnation of death, and they crucified Him. But we were hoping that He is the one about to redeem Israel: but truly in addition to all these things, this is the third day from which these things took place. But certain women from us truly surprised us, being early at the sepulcher; and not seeing His body, came, saying, they had also seen a vision of angels, who say that He is alive. And certain ones of those with us went away to the sepulcher, and found as the women also said: and they saw Him not. And He said to them, O ye foolish, and slow in heart to believe in all those things which the prophet spoke! Did it not behoove Christ to suffer, and to enter into His glory? And beginning from Moses and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself. And they drew nigh to the village, whither they were going: and He made as though He would go further: and they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us: because it is at the evening, and the day has already declined. And He came in to abide with them. And it came to pass, while He was reclining with them at the table, taking bread, He blessed it, and breaking it, He gave it to them: and their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him; and He vanished from them. And they said to one another, Did not our heart bum within us, while He was talking to us on the way, as He was expounding the Scriptures to us? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those with them gathered together, saying, The Lord indeed is risen, and was seen by Simon. And they expounded those things on the way, and bow He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. And they speaking these things, He stood in their midst, and they being affrighted and filled with fear, thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, Why are you excited, and why do reasonings arise in your heart? See my hands and my feet, that I am He: feel me; and see, because a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me having. OMITTED TEXT And they still disbelieving from joy, and wondering, He said to them, Have you here any edible? And they gave Him a piece of baked fish: and taking it, He did eat in their presence. And He said to them, These are my words which I spoke to you, being still with you, that it behooves all things which have been written concerning me in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms, to be fulfilled. Then He opened their mind, that they might understand the Scriptures. And He said to them, As it has been written, That Christ must suffer, and rise from the dead on the third day;
And it came to pass, while they were at a loss concerning this, and behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and they being afraid, and turning their face towards the ground, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen. Remember how He spoke to you, being with you in Galilee, Saying That it behooveth the Son of man to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to be crucified, and to rise again on the third day. And they remembered His words. And having returned from the sepulcher, they proclaimed all these things to the eleven, and all the rest. And Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them spoke these things to the apostles. And their words appeared before them like a dream; and they doubted them. OMITTED TEXT And behold, two of them on that day were journeying to a village, distant from Jerusalem sixty furlongs, to which was the name Emmaus: and they were conversing with one another concerning all those things which had transpired. And it came to pass, while they are talking and making inquiry, Jesus Himself also having come nigh, journeyed along with them: and their eyes were held so as not to recognize Him. And He said to them, What speeches are these which you are interchanging to one another, walking along? And they stood still, looking sad. And one, whose name was Cleopas, said to Him, Dost thou only sojourn at Jerusalem and not know the things which have taken place in it in these days? And He said to them, What? And they said to Him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet-man mighty in work and word before God and all the people. How the chief priests and our rulers indeed delivered Him up to the condemnation of death, and they crucified Him. But we were hoping that He is the one about to redeem Israel: but truly in addition to all these things, this is the third day from which these things took place. But certain women from us truly surprised us, being early at the sepulcher; and not seeing His body, came, saying, they had also seen a vision of angels, who say that He is alive. And certain ones of those with us went away to the sepulcher, and found as the women also said: and they saw Him not. And He said to them, O ye foolish, and slow in heart to believe in all those things which the prophet spoke! Did it not behoove Christ to suffer, and to enter into His glory? And beginning from Moses and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself. And they drew nigh to the village, whither they were going: and He made as though He would go further: and they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us: because it is at the evening, and the day has already declined. And He came in to abide with them. And it came to pass, while He was reclining with them at the table, taking bread, He blessed it, and breaking it, He gave it to them: and their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him; and He vanished from them. And they said to one another, Did not our heart bum within us, while He was talking to us on the way, as He was expounding the Scriptures to us? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those with them gathered together, saying, The Lord indeed is risen, and was seen by Simon. And they expounded those things on the way, and bow He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. And they speaking these things, He stood in their midst, and they being affrighted and filled with fear, thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, Why are you excited, and why do reasonings arise in your heart? See my hands and my feet, that I am He: feel me; and see, because a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me having. OMITTED TEXT And they still disbelieving from joy, and wondering, He said to them, Have you here any edible? And they gave Him a piece of baked fish: and taking it, He did eat in their presence. And He said to them, These are my words which I spoke to you, being still with you, that it behooves all things which have been written concerning me in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms, to be fulfilled. Then He opened their mind, that they might understand the Scriptures. And He said to them, As it has been written, That Christ must suffer, and rise from the dead on the third day;
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Concerning whom there is much word to us, and difficult to speak, since you are dull of hearing. For indeed you, who ought to be teachers so far as time is concerned, have need that some one again teach you what are the rudiments of the beginning of the oracles of God; and you have need of milk, not solid food. For every one partaking of milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe; read more.
but solid food belongs to the perfect, those having their senses disciplined by use unto the discernment both of the good and the evil.
but solid food belongs to the perfect, those having their senses disciplined by use unto the discernment both of the good and the evil.
Therefore having left the word of the beginning of Christ, let us be carried to perfection; not again laying the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, and of the laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And we will do this, if God may permit. read more.
For it is impossible that those having been once enlightened, and tasted the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and having tasted the beautiful word of God, and the dynamites of the coming age, indeed having fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance; having crucified to themselves again the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. For the earth drinking the rain coming often upon her, and bringing forth the herb nutritious to those by whom it is also cultivated, receives blessings from God: but that which produces thorns and thistles, is reprobate, and nigh unto the curse; whose end is unto burning. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things concerning you, and things appertaining to salvation, if indeed we do thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the divine love which you manifested in his name, having ministered to the saints, and ministering. But we desire each one of you to exhibit the same diligence unto the full assurance of hope unto the end: in order that you may not be dull, but imitators of those who through faith and longsufferings do inherit the promises. For God having promised Abraham, since he had no greater one by whom to swear, swore by himself, saying, If indeed blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee: and thus having waited long, he received the promise. For men swear by the greater: and an oath of confirmation is to them an end to all controversy:
For it is impossible that those having been once enlightened, and tasted the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and having tasted the beautiful word of God, and the dynamites of the coming age, indeed having fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance; having crucified to themselves again the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. For the earth drinking the rain coming often upon her, and bringing forth the herb nutritious to those by whom it is also cultivated, receives blessings from God: but that which produces thorns and thistles, is reprobate, and nigh unto the curse; whose end is unto burning. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things concerning you, and things appertaining to salvation, if indeed we do thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the divine love which you manifested in his name, having ministered to the saints, and ministering. But we desire each one of you to exhibit the same diligence unto the full assurance of hope unto the end: in order that you may not be dull, but imitators of those who through faith and longsufferings do inherit the promises. For God having promised Abraham, since he had no greater one by whom to swear, swore by himself, saying, If indeed blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee: and thus having waited long, he received the promise. For men swear by the greater: and an oath of confirmation is to them an end to all controversy:
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
And I say unto you, Make unto yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, in order that, when it may fail, they may receive you into eternal tabernacles.
Verse Concepts
Importunity » Select readings
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: give unto us this day our daily bread: read more.
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. read more.
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
Prayer » Select readings
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: give unto us this day our daily bread: read more.
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. read more.
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
And a certain one was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and Martha her sister. And Mary was the one anointing the Lord with myrrh, and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Then the sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold the one whom thou lovest is sick.
But Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, that they might comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus comes, went to meet Him: and Mary sat in the house. read more.
Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews, having come to Mary and seeing the things which He did, believed on Him: but certain ones of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus did.
Then Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. And now I know that, whatsoever things you may ask of God, God will give to you. Jesus says to her, Thy brother will rise again. Martha says to Him, I know he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; the one believing on me, though he may die, shall live: and every one living and believing on me can never die: do you believe this? She says to Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, come into the world. And having said this, she departed, and called her sister Mary, speaking secretly, The Teacher is present, and calls you. She, when she heard, arises quickly, and comes to Him: Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was yet in the place where Martha met Him. Then the Jews being with her in the house, and comforting her, seeing Mary, that she arose up quickly and went out, followed her, thinking that she goes to the tomb in order that she may weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was, seeing Him, fell at His feet, saying to Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Then when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews, having come with her, weeping, He groaned in spirit, and troubled Himself, and said, Where have you laid him? They say to Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then the Jews were saying, Behold, how He loved him as a friend! And some of them said, Was not this One, having opened the eyes of the blind, able to bring it to pass, that he indeed should not die? Then Jesus again groaning in Himself comes to the tomb; and it was a cave, and a stone was laid upon it. Jesus says; Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the dead, says to Him; Lord, already he smelleth: for he is dead four days. Jesus says to her; Did I not tell thee, that, if thou canst believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone; and Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee, because Thou hast heard Me. I know that Thou dost always hear Me; but on account of the multitude standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that Thou didst send Me. And speaking these things, He cried out with a great voice, Lazarus, come forth. And the dead came out, bound as to his feet and hands with graveclothes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus says to them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews, having come to Mary and seeing the things which He did, believed on Him: but certain ones of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus did.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
And He still speaking, behold, a multitude and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was coming before them; and he drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. And Jesus said to him, Judas, do you betray the Son of man with a kiss? And those around Him seeing what was coming on Him, said, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? read more.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus responding said, Hold on until this: and touching his ear, healed him. Jesus said to the high priests, and magistrates of the temple, and elders who were assembled to Him; You have come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs. I being daily with you in the temple, you reached not out your hands unto me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. And taking Him, they led Him away, and led Him into the house of the chief priest. And Peter followed Him a long way off. And having lighted a fire in the midst of the court, and they sitting together, Peter was sitting in the midst of them. And a certain maidservant, seeing him sitting at the fire, and fixing her eyes on him, said, This man was with Him. And he denied Him, saying, Woman, I know Him not. And after a brief interval another seeing him, said, Truly, thou art one of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about one hour having elapsed, a certain other man accosted him, saying, He was truly with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know Him not. And immediately, he yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turning, looked upon Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He said to him, that, Before the cock shall crow thou shalt deny me thrice. And having gone out, he wept bitterly.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus responding said, Hold on until this: and touching his ear, healed him. Jesus said to the high priests, and magistrates of the temple, and elders who were assembled to Him; You have come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs. I being daily with you in the temple, you reached not out your hands unto me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. And taking Him, they led Him away, and led Him into the house of the chief priest. And Peter followed Him a long way off. And having lighted a fire in the midst of the court, and they sitting together, Peter was sitting in the midst of them. And a certain maidservant, seeing him sitting at the fire, and fixing her eyes on him, said, This man was with Him. And he denied Him, saying, Woman, I know Him not. And after a brief interval another seeing him, said, Truly, thou art one of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about one hour having elapsed, a certain other man accosted him, saying, He was truly with Him: for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know Him not. And immediately, he yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turning, looked upon Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He said to him, that, Before the cock shall crow thou shalt deny me thrice. And having gone out, he wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
And behold, a certain lawyer stood up tempting Him, saying, Teacher, having done what shall I inherit eternal life? He said to him, What has been written in the law? how do you read it? And he responding said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with divine love from all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. read more.
And He said to him, You answered correctly: do this, and you shall live. But he, wishing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus responding said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and fell among thieves, who indeed having stripped him of his raiment, administered blows, went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest came down that way: and seeing him, passed by on the other side. And likewise also a Levite, being at the place, coming and seeing, passed by on the other side. And a certain Samaritan, on a journey, came near him: and seeing, had compassion on him, and having come to him, he bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and having mounted him on his own beast, carried him to a tavern, and cared for him. And on the morrow, taking out two denaria, gave them to the host, and said, Care for him; and whatsoever you expend in addition, on my return, I will pay you. Which one of these three seems to you to have been the neighbor of him who fell among the thieves? And he said, The one having done mercy with him. And Jesus said to him, Go, thou, and do likewise.
And He said to him, You answered correctly: do this, and you shall live. But he, wishing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Jesus responding said, A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and fell among thieves, who indeed having stripped him of his raiment, administered blows, went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest came down that way: and seeing him, passed by on the other side. And likewise also a Levite, being at the place, coming and seeing, passed by on the other side. And a certain Samaritan, on a journey, came near him: and seeing, had compassion on him, and having come to him, he bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and having mounted him on his own beast, carried him to a tavern, and cared for him. And on the morrow, taking out two denaria, gave them to the host, and said, Care for him; and whatsoever you expend in addition, on my return, I will pay you. Which one of these three seems to you to have been the neighbor of him who fell among the thieves? And he said, The one having done mercy with him. And Jesus said to him, Go, thou, and do likewise.
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
And He said, A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to the father, Father, give to me the portion of the estate that falls to me. And he immediately divided unto them his living. And not many days afterward the younger son gathering all together, departed into a far-off country; and there wasted his substance living riotously. read more.
And he having expended all, a severe famine came into that country; and he began to be in want. And having gone he joined himself to one of the citizens of that country: and he sent him into his fields to feed swine: and he was desiring to fill his stomach from the pods, which the swine were eating: and no one gave unto him: and having come to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread in abundance, but here I perish with hunger! Having risen I will go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And having risen, he came to his father. And he being yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck, and kissed him copiously. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: and I am no more worthy to be called thy son. And the father said to his servants, Bring hither the first robe, and put it on him; and give a ring to his hand, and sandals to his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, slay him, and eating, let us be merry: because this my son was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. And his elder son was in the field: and while coming he drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And calling one of the servants, asked him what these things might be. And he said to him, Because thy brother has come; and thy father has slain the fatted calf, because he received him sound. And he was angry, and did not wish to come in: and his father having gone out, continued to intreat him. And responding he said to the father, Behold, I serve thee so many years, and have never transgressed thy commandment: and thou hast never given me a kid, that I may rejoice with my friends: but when this thy son, the one devouring thy living with harlots came, thou hast slain for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Child, thou art always with me, and all mine are thine: and it behooved me to be glad and rejoice; because this thy brother was dead, and is alive; was lost, and is found.
And he having expended all, a severe famine came into that country; and he began to be in want. And having gone he joined himself to one of the citizens of that country: and he sent him into his fields to feed swine: and he was desiring to fill his stomach from the pods, which the swine were eating: and no one gave unto him: and having come to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread in abundance, but here I perish with hunger! Having risen I will go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And having risen, he came to his father. And he being yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and having run, fell upon his neck, and kissed him copiously. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: and I am no more worthy to be called thy son. And the father said to his servants, Bring hither the first robe, and put it on him; and give a ring to his hand, and sandals to his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, slay him, and eating, let us be merry: because this my son was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. And his elder son was in the field: and while coming he drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And calling one of the servants, asked him what these things might be. And he said to him, Because thy brother has come; and thy father has slain the fatted calf, because he received him sound. And he was angry, and did not wish to come in: and his father having gone out, continued to intreat him. And responding he said to the father, Behold, I serve thee so many years, and have never transgressed thy commandment: and thou hast never given me a kid, that I may rejoice with my friends: but when this thy son, the one devouring thy living with harlots came, thou hast slain for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Child, thou art always with me, and all mine are thine: and it behooved me to be glad and rejoice; because this thy brother was dead, and is alive; was lost, and is found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
And Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said, Athenian men, I perceive that in all things you are very religious. For going through, and seeing your devotions, I also found an altar on which it was superscribed, To THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore I now preach unto you Him whom you are ignorantly worshiping. God having made the world and all things which are in it, being himself Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; read more.
neither is he worshiped by human hands, as if needing something, Himself having given life, and breath, and all things to all; and of (one) man he created every nation of men to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, having determined their predestinated times, and the boundaries of their habitation; that they should seek God, if perhaps indeed they might feel after him, and find him, though not being far from each one of you. For in him we live and move and have our being, as indeed certain ones of your own poets have said, For we are truly his offspring. Then being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that divinity is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, the invention of art and the device of man. Then indeed God winking at the times of ignorance, now commands all men everywhere to repent: as He has appointed a day, in which he is about to judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; giving faith to all, having raised Him from the dead.
neither is he worshiped by human hands, as if needing something, Himself having given life, and breath, and all things to all; and of (one) man he created every nation of men to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, having determined their predestinated times, and the boundaries of their habitation; that they should seek God, if perhaps indeed they might feel after him, and find him, though not being far from each one of you. For in him we live and move and have our being, as indeed certain ones of your own poets have said, For we are truly his offspring. Then being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that divinity is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, the invention of art and the device of man. Then indeed God winking at the times of ignorance, now commands all men everywhere to repent: as He has appointed a day, in which he is about to judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; giving faith to all, having raised Him from the dead.
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
And it came to pass, we going to the prayer, a certain damsel having a spirit of divination met us, who brought much gain to her masters telling fortunes. She, following Paul and us, continued to cry out, saying, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And she continued to do this many days. And Paul, being worn out, and turning round, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And he came out the same hour. read more.
And her masters seeing that the hope of their gain was gone, arresting Paul and Silas, dragged them into the forum to the rulers, and leading them to the magistrates, said, These men do exceedingly trouble our city, being Jews, and they proclaimed customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, or to do, being Romans. And the crowd stood up together against them: and the magistrates tearing off their garments, commanded the lictors to beat them with rods. And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, cast them into the interior prison, and fastened their feet into the wood. But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. And the jailer, being awakened, and seeing the doors of the prison open, seizing a sword, was about to kill himself, thinking that his prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are here. And having asked for a light, he sprang in, and being alarmed, he fell down before Paul and Silas, and leading them out said, Sirs, what does it behoove me to do in order that I may be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou and thy household shall be saved. And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, along with all who were in his house. And taking them that hour of the night, he washed the blood from their stripes; and he and his were baptized immediately: and leading them into his house, he set a table by them, and rejoiced throughout his house, having believed in God. But it being day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, Send away these men. And the jailer proclaimed these words to Paul, The magistrates have sent word that you may be released: now therefore having gone out, depart in peace. But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly uncondemned, being Roman men, they cast us into prison, and now do they cast us out privately? for no; but having come themselves let them lead us out. And the lictors proclaimed these words to the magistrates. And hearing that they are Romans, they were alarmed; and having come they called for them, and leading them out, requested them to go away from their city. And having come out from the prison they came to Lydia, and seeing the brethren, comforted them, and departed.
And her masters seeing that the hope of their gain was gone, arresting Paul and Silas, dragged them into the forum to the rulers, and leading them to the magistrates, said, These men do exceedingly trouble our city, being Jews, and they proclaimed customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, or to do, being Romans. And the crowd stood up together against them: and the magistrates tearing off their garments, commanded the lictors to beat them with rods. And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, cast them into the interior prison, and fastened their feet into the wood. But at midnight Paul and Silas, praying, continued to sing praises to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all were loosed. And the jailer, being awakened, and seeing the doors of the prison open, seizing a sword, was about to kill himself, thinking that his prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are here. And having asked for a light, he sprang in, and being alarmed, he fell down before Paul and Silas, and leading them out said, Sirs, what does it behoove me to do in order that I may be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou and thy household shall be saved. And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, along with all who were in his house. And taking them that hour of the night, he washed the blood from their stripes; and he and his were baptized immediately: and leading them into his house, he set a table by them, and rejoiced throughout his house, having believed in God. But it being day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, Send away these men. And the jailer proclaimed these words to Paul, The magistrates have sent word that you may be released: now therefore having gone out, depart in peace. But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly uncondemned, being Roman men, they cast us into prison, and now do they cast us out privately? for no; but having come themselves let them lead us out. And the lictors proclaimed these words to the magistrates. And hearing that they are Romans, they were alarmed; and having come they called for them, and leading them out, requested them to go away from their city. And having come out from the prison they came to Lydia, and seeing the brethren, comforted them, and departed.
Select readings » The majesty of God
Select readings » Song of moses when pharaoh and his army were overthrown
Select readings » The deliverance of the israelites from pharaoh
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
And Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied saying; Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, because He looked upon us and wrought redemption to His people, and raised up unto us a horn of salvation in the house of David His son. read more.
As he spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning; salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all those who hate us, to execute mercy with our fathers, and remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father: to grant unto us, having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies, to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. And thou, little child, shall be called a prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in remission of their sins, through the bowels of mercy of our God, in which the dayspring from on high looked upon us, to appear unto those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet in the way of peace. And the little child continued to grow and waxed strong in spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
As he spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning; salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all those who hate us, to execute mercy with our fathers, and remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to Abraham our father: to grant unto us, having been delivered out of the hand of our enemies, to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. And thou, little child, shall be called a prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in remission of their sins, through the bowels of mercy of our God, in which the dayspring from on high looked upon us, to appear unto those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet in the way of peace. And the little child continued to grow and waxed strong in spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his showing unto Israel.
Select readings » Joseph revealing his identity
Select readings » Mankind in extremity
Select readings » Mary's magnificat
And Mary said; My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because He looked upon the low state of his handmaiden. read more.
For behold from now all generations call me blessed; because the Mighty One did great things unto me, and His name is holy; and His mercy unto generation of generations to them that fear Him. He wrought power by his own arm; he dispersed the proud in the thought of their heart. He cast down the mighty from thrones and exalted the humble. He filled the poor with good things, and sent away the rich empty. He delivered his son Israel, to remember mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever. And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
For behold from now all generations call me blessed; because the Mighty One did great things unto me, and His name is holy; and His mercy unto generation of generations to them that fear Him. He wrought power by his own arm; he dispersed the proud in the thought of their heart. He cast down the mighty from thrones and exalted the humble. He filled the poor with good things, and sent away the rich empty. He delivered his son Israel, to remember mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever. And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Select readings » God's providence
Look unto the fowls of heaven, how they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not more excellent than they? And which one of you being solicitous is able to add one moment to his existence? And why are you solicitous concerning raiment? Know the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. read more.
But I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. But if God so clothed the verdure of the field, existing today and tomorrow cast into the oven, how much more you, O ye of little faith? Therefore be not solicitous, saying, What can we eat? or what can we drink? or with what can we be clothed? For after all these things the heathen were seeking; for your heavenly Father knoweth that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore be not solicitous unto the morrow: for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
But I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. But if God so clothed the verdure of the field, existing today and tomorrow cast into the oven, how much more you, O ye of little faith? Therefore be not solicitous, saying, What can we eat? or what can we drink? or with what can we be clothed? For after all these things the heathen were seeking; for your heavenly Father knoweth that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore be not solicitous unto the morrow: for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
And on the first of the Sabbath, at the depth of the dawn, they came to the sepulcher, bearing the aromatics which they had prepared, And they found the stone, having been rolled away from the sepulcher. And coming in they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, while they were at a loss concerning this, and behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and they being afraid, and turning their face towards the ground, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen. Remember how He spoke to you, being with you in Galilee, Saying That it behooveth the Son of man to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to be crucified, and to rise again on the third day. And they remembered His words. And having returned from the sepulcher, they proclaimed all these things to the eleven, and all the rest. And Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them spoke these things to the apostles. And their words appeared before them like a dream; and they doubted them. OMITTED TEXT
And it came to pass, while they were at a loss concerning this, and behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and they being afraid, and turning their face towards the ground, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but He is risen. Remember how He spoke to you, being with you in Galilee, Saying That it behooveth the Son of man to be delivered into the hands of sinners, and to be crucified, and to rise again on the third day. And they remembered His words. And having returned from the sepulcher, they proclaimed all these things to the eleven, and all the rest. And Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them spoke these things to the apostles. And their words appeared before them like a dream; and they doubted them. OMITTED TEXT
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one saying to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out demons, and in thy name done many mighty works? Then I will confess unto them that I never knew you: depart from me, ye who work iniquity. read more.
Then every one who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and fell against that house; and it did not fall; for it was founded upon the rock. And every one hearing these words of mine, and doing them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat against that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Then every one who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and fell against that house; and it did not fall; for it was founded upon the rock. And every one hearing these words of mine, and doing them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain came down, and the rivers came, and the winds blew, and beat against that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all of one accord in the same place. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a mighty, rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them; read more.
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And Jews were dwelling at Jerusalem, devout men from every nation, of those under the heaven; and this report prevailing, the multitude came together and was confounded, because they were hearing them speaking each one in his own dialect. And they were all astounded and marveled, saying, Are not all these who are speaking, Galileans? And how do we hear each one in our own dialect in which we were born, Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those inhabiting Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, indeed Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya which is beyond Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking the mighty works of God in our own languages. And all were astounded and bewildered, saying one to another, What does this wish to be? And others mocking, continued to say, that these people are full of fermented wine. And Peter standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke to them: Judean men and all ye dwelling at Jerusalem, let this be known unto you, and know my words. For these are not drunken, as you suppose; for it is the third hour of the day; but this is that which has been spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and upon my servants and my handmaidens I will pour out of my Spirit on those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will give wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great day of the Lord shall come. And it shall come to pass, that every one who may call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Israelitish men, hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been demonstrated unto you from God by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as yourselves know; Him by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, having been delivered, you having nailed up, slew through the hand of lawless men; whom God raised up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was impossible that he should be held by it. For David says in reference to him, I foresaw my Lord always before me, because he is on my right hand, in order that I may not be moved. Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue was glad, and my flesh shall indeed still rest in hope, because thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, nor suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with gladness with thy countenance. Men, brethren, it is lawful to speak to you with boldness concerning the patriarch David, because he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God swore with an oath, that from the fruit of his loins One should sit upon the throne; foreseeing he spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ, that He was not left in Hades, neither did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, whose witnesses we are. Therefore on the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, has poured out this which you both see and hear. For David hath not ascended into the heavens, but he says, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I may make thy enemies the footstool of thy feet. Then let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God hath made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And Jews were dwelling at Jerusalem, devout men from every nation, of those under the heaven; and this report prevailing, the multitude came together and was confounded, because they were hearing them speaking each one in his own dialect. And they were all astounded and marveled, saying, Are not all these who are speaking, Galileans? And how do we hear each one in our own dialect in which we were born, Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those inhabiting Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, indeed Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya which is beyond Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking the mighty works of God in our own languages. And all were astounded and bewildered, saying one to another, What does this wish to be? And others mocking, continued to say, that these people are full of fermented wine. And Peter standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke to them: Judean men and all ye dwelling at Jerusalem, let this be known unto you, and know my words. For these are not drunken, as you suppose; for it is the third hour of the day; but this is that which has been spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; and upon my servants and my handmaidens I will pour out of my Spirit on those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will give wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great day of the Lord shall come. And it shall come to pass, that every one who may call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Israelitish men, hear these words, Jesus the Nazarene, a man having been demonstrated unto you from God by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, as yourselves know; Him by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, having been delivered, you having nailed up, slew through the hand of lawless men; whom God raised up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was impossible that he should be held by it. For David says in reference to him, I foresaw my Lord always before me, because he is on my right hand, in order that I may not be moved. Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue was glad, and my flesh shall indeed still rest in hope, because thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, nor suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with gladness with thy countenance. Men, brethren, it is lawful to speak to you with boldness concerning the patriarch David, because he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God swore with an oath, that from the fruit of his loins One should sit upon the throne; foreseeing he spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ, that He was not left in Hades, neither did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, whose witnesses we are. Therefore on the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, has poured out this which you both see and hear. For David hath not ascended into the heavens, but he says, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I may make thy enemies the footstool of thy feet. Then let all the house of Israel assuredly know that God hath made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
And the high priests said; Are these things so? And he said, Men, brothers and fathers, hear ye; The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, while he was in Mesopotamia, before he migrated into Haran, and He said to him; Come out from thy country and from thy kindred, and come hither into the land which I will show unto thee. read more.
And after his father died he migrated himself thence into this country in which you now dwell, and God gave him no inheritance in it, not the step of his foot; and he promised to give it to him, and his seed after him, for an inheritance, there being no child to him. And thus God spoke, that his seed shall sojourn in a strange land, and they will enslave it and oppress it four hundred years. And the nation whom they shall serve I will judge, says God, and after these things they shall come out and serve me in this place. And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac, Jacob; and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, envying Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him grace and wisdom before Pharaoh the king of Egypt; and he placed him governor over Egypt and all his house. And the famine came into all the land and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no sustenance. And Jacob hearing that there is food in Egypt, sent away our fathers first. And the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren, and his race became manifest to Pharaoh. And Joseph sending, called to him Jacob his father, and all the family, seventy-five souls. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he and our fathers died there. And they were carried over into Shechem, and buried in a tomb which Abraham purchased from the sons of Emmor in Shechem with a sum of money. When the time of the promise which God made with Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until another king arose over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. He dealing fraudulently with our race, afflicted our fathers, that they should expose their infants, so that they should not live. During which time Moses was born, and was beautiful to God; who was kept three months in the house of his father. And he being exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him, and adopted him for a son to herself. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and was mighty in his words and works. And when the time of the fortieth year was fulfilled to him, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And seeing a certain one suffering affliction, he interposed, and executed vengeance in behalf of the oppressed one, slaying the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren would understand that God through his hand is giving them salvation: but they did not recognize it. On the following day, he appeared to them fighting, and undertook to reduce them to peace, saying, Men, you are brethren; therefore do not injure one another. And the one injuring his neighbor thrust him away, saying, Who appointeth you a leader and a judge over us? whether do you wish to kill me, in the manner in which you slew the Egyptian yesterday? And at this word Moses fled, and became a sojourner in the land of Midia, where he begat two sons. And forty years having passed away, an angel appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai in the flame of fire of the bramble bush. And Moses, seeing the sight, was astonished: and he coming nigh to investigate, the voice of the Lord came: I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. And Moses trembling, did not dare to investigate. And the Lord said to him, Loose the sandal of thy feet: for the place on which thou standest is holy ground. Seeing, I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and heard their groaning, and have come down to deliver them. And come now, I will send thee into Egypt. And this Moses whom they denied, saying, Who hath established thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent a ruler and deliverer, with the hand of an angel having appeared unto him in a bush. He led them out, doing wonders and miracles in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This Moses is the one having said to the sons of Israel, A prophet will God raise up to you of your brethren, like unto me. And this is the one being in the church in the wilderness with the angel speaking to him in Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give unto us; to whom our fathers were not willing to be obedient, but thrust him away, and turned back in their hearts towards Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for this Moses, who led us out from the land of Egypt, we know not what happened to him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. And God turned away, and gave them up to serve the host of the heaven; as has been written in the book of the prophets: Slain victims and sacrifices you have not brought unto me forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel. And ye took up the shrine of Moloch, and the star of the god Remphan, images which you made to worship them; and I will transport you beyond Babylon. And the tabernacle of testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as the one speaking to Moses commanded him to make it according to the example he had seen; which our fathers receiving, brought in along with Joshua in the dispossession of the nations, whom God drove out, from the face of our fathers, until the days of David, who found favor before God, and asked that he should build a tabernacle for the house of Jacob. But Solomon built a house for him. But the Most High dwelleth not in houses built with hands, as the prophet says, Heaven is my throne, and earth the footstool of my feet: What house will you build for me? says the Lord; Or what shall be the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all of these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? and they slew those proclaiming concerning the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you became: who received the law in the administrations of angels, and did not keep it. And hearing these words, they were cut through their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, and looking up to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
And after his father died he migrated himself thence into this country in which you now dwell, and God gave him no inheritance in it, not the step of his foot; and he promised to give it to him, and his seed after him, for an inheritance, there being no child to him. And thus God spoke, that his seed shall sojourn in a strange land, and they will enslave it and oppress it four hundred years. And the nation whom they shall serve I will judge, says God, and after these things they shall come out and serve me in this place. And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac, Jacob; and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, envying Joseph, sold him into Egypt: and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him grace and wisdom before Pharaoh the king of Egypt; and he placed him governor over Egypt and all his house. And the famine came into all the land and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no sustenance. And Jacob hearing that there is food in Egypt, sent away our fathers first. And the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren, and his race became manifest to Pharaoh. And Joseph sending, called to him Jacob his father, and all the family, seventy-five souls. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he and our fathers died there. And they were carried over into Shechem, and buried in a tomb which Abraham purchased from the sons of Emmor in Shechem with a sum of money. When the time of the promise which God made with Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until another king arose over Egypt, who knew not Joseph. He dealing fraudulently with our race, afflicted our fathers, that they should expose their infants, so that they should not live. During which time Moses was born, and was beautiful to God; who was kept three months in the house of his father. And he being exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him, and adopted him for a son to herself. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and was mighty in his words and works. And when the time of the fortieth year was fulfilled to him, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And seeing a certain one suffering affliction, he interposed, and executed vengeance in behalf of the oppressed one, slaying the Egyptian. And he supposed that his brethren would understand that God through his hand is giving them salvation: but they did not recognize it. On the following day, he appeared to them fighting, and undertook to reduce them to peace, saying, Men, you are brethren; therefore do not injure one another. And the one injuring his neighbor thrust him away, saying, Who appointeth you a leader and a judge over us? whether do you wish to kill me, in the manner in which you slew the Egyptian yesterday? And at this word Moses fled, and became a sojourner in the land of Midia, where he begat two sons. And forty years having passed away, an angel appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai in the flame of fire of the bramble bush. And Moses, seeing the sight, was astonished: and he coming nigh to investigate, the voice of the Lord came: I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. And Moses trembling, did not dare to investigate. And the Lord said to him, Loose the sandal of thy feet: for the place on which thou standest is holy ground. Seeing, I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and heard their groaning, and have come down to deliver them. And come now, I will send thee into Egypt. And this Moses whom they denied, saying, Who hath established thee a ruler and a judge? him hath God sent a ruler and deliverer, with the hand of an angel having appeared unto him in a bush. He led them out, doing wonders and miracles in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This Moses is the one having said to the sons of Israel, A prophet will God raise up to you of your brethren, like unto me. And this is the one being in the church in the wilderness with the angel speaking to him in Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give unto us; to whom our fathers were not willing to be obedient, but thrust him away, and turned back in their hearts towards Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for this Moses, who led us out from the land of Egypt, we know not what happened to him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. And God turned away, and gave them up to serve the host of the heaven; as has been written in the book of the prophets: Slain victims and sacrifices you have not brought unto me forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel. And ye took up the shrine of Moloch, and the star of the god Remphan, images which you made to worship them; and I will transport you beyond Babylon. And the tabernacle of testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as the one speaking to Moses commanded him to make it according to the example he had seen; which our fathers receiving, brought in along with Joshua in the dispossession of the nations, whom God drove out, from the face of our fathers, until the days of David, who found favor before God, and asked that he should build a tabernacle for the house of Jacob. But Solomon built a house for him. But the Most High dwelleth not in houses built with hands, as the prophet says, Heaven is my throne, and earth the footstool of my feet: What house will you build for me? says the Lord; Or what shall be the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all of these things? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? and they slew those proclaiming concerning the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you became: who received the law in the administrations of angels, and did not keep it. And hearing these words, they were cut through their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, and looking up to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
And seeing the multitudes, He went up into the mountain; and having sat down, His disciples came to Him. And having opened His mouth He taught them, saying; Blessed are the poor in spirit: because the kingdom of the heavens is theirs. read more.
Blessed are the meek, because they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that mourn: because they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: because they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: because they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: because they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: because they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for the kingdom of the heavens is theirs. Blessed are ye when they may despise you, and shall persecute you, and may say all evil against you, falsifying, for my sake. Rejoice, and he exceedingly glad: because your reward is great in the heavens: for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth; and if the salt may lose its savor, in what shall it be salted? It is yet without value, except having been cast out, to be trodden under feet by the people. Ye are the light of the world. A city sitting on a mountain is unable to be hidden. Neither do they light a candle, and place it under a bushel, but on the candlestick; and it shineth to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before the people, in order that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Blessed are the meek, because they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that mourn: because they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: because they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: because they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: because they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: because they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for the kingdom of the heavens is theirs. Blessed are ye when they may despise you, and shall persecute you, and may say all evil against you, falsifying, for my sake. Rejoice, and he exceedingly glad: because your reward is great in the heavens: for in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth; and if the salt may lose its savor, in what shall it be salted? It is yet without value, except having been cast out, to be trodden under feet by the people. Ye are the light of the world. A city sitting on a mountain is unable to be hidden. Neither do they light a candle, and place it under a bushel, but on the candlestick; and it shineth to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before the people, in order that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Select readings » Old age
Select readings » The wrath of God
Select readings » Esther's triumph
Select readings » The omnipotence and incomparableness of God
Select readings » The majesty and providence of God
Select readings » Christ's kingdom foreshadowed
Select readings » The animals of the field
Select readings » God's challenge to job
Select readings » Nature's testimony
Select readings » In captivity
Select readings » The omnipresence of God
Select readings » Charity
Select readings » The new heaven and the new earth
Select readings » Paul in front of governor felix
Select readings » Paul in front of agrippa
Select readings » The joy of the righteous
Select readings » The state of the Godly
Select readings » Confidence in God
Select readings » The king of glory
Select readings » God, our refuge
Select readings » The new song
Select readings » The river of life
Select readings » God, Glory of
Select readings » The righteous and the wicked in contrast
Select readings » The triumphant king
Select readings » Lights and shadows
Select readings » Mankind in nature
United prayer » Select readings
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: give unto us this day our daily bread: read more.
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. read more.
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
And it came to pass, that He was in a certain place praying; when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And He said to them, When you pray, say, Our Father, let thy name be hallowed: let thy kingdom come: give unto us this day our daily bread: read more.
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
and forgive us our sins; for we also do forgive every one owing us: and lead us not into temptation. And He said to them, Which one of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; since my friend came to me from the road, and I have nothing which I may place before him. And he responding from within, said, Do not give me trouble: the door has already been closed, and my children are in bed with me; I am not able rising to give unto thee. I say unto you, If indeed having risen he will not give unto him, because he is his friend, yet on account of his shamelessness, rising he will give him as much as he needs. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one asking receives; and the one seeking finds; and to the one knocking it shall be opened. And which father of you shall if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or indeed a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? Or indeed shall he ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If then you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, then how much more will your Father who is from heaven give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?
And He spoke a parable to them that it behooves them to pray always, and not to faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a certain city, fearing not God, and regarding not man. And there was a widow in that city; and she continued to come to him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. read more.
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
And he was not willing for a time: but after these things he said in himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man, yet because this widow causes me trouble, I will avenge her, lest coming forever she may smite me in the face. But the Lord said, I fear what the unjust judge says. And shall not God avenge His elect, crying to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will avenge them speedily. Moreover the Son of man having come, will He then find faith upon the earth?
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
He spake a parable to them, saying, The farm of a certain rich man was very productive: and he was reasoning in himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no place where I shall store my fruits? And he said, I will do this: I will take down my barns, and build greater, and there I will gather all my fruits and my goods. read more.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him, Thou fool, this night they are demanding thy soul from thee; and to whom shall those things which thou hast prepared, belong? So is every one laying up treasure for himself, and not rich toward God.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said to him, Thou fool, this night they are demanding thy soul from thee; and to whom shall those things which thou hast prepared, belong? So is every one laying up treasure for himself, and not rich toward God.
There was a certain rich man, and he was habitually clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day. But a certain beggar, Lazarus by name, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed by the crumbs falling from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming continued to lick his sores. read more.
And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.
And it came to pass that the beggar died, and himself was carried by the angels into the bosom of Abraham: and the rich man also died, and was buried. And in Hades lifted up his eyes, being in torment, sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he calling said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, because I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Child, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented. And in addition to all these things, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you, in order that those wishing to go hence to you may not be able, neither can they come thence to us. And he said, Moreover I intreat you, father, that you may send him to the house of my father: for I have five brothers; in order that he may testify to them, that they may not also come to this place of the torment. But Abraham says, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said, No, father Abraham: but if one may go to them from the dead, they will repent. But he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one may rise from the dead.