Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
AND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
Daily duty » Select readings
See that no man return evil for evil to any man; but always pursue that which is good, both towards one another, and towards all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. read more.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-wards. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved faultless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-wards. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved faultless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I conjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are fallen asleep, that ye be not afflicted, as the rest [of mankind] who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, so also those that have fallen asleep for Jesus shall God bring with him. For this I say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent those who are fallen asleep. read more.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
NOW there was a sick man, Lazarus, of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was the Mary who had anointed the Lord with the balm, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. read more.
When Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. Then, though he heard he was ill, yet notwithstanding he abode in the same place where he was two days. But after that he saith to his disciples, Let us go again into Judea. The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews have just now sought to stone thee; and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he doth not stumble, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light with him. These things said he: and after that he saith to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I go to waken him up. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he is asleep, he will recover. Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they apprehended that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus therefore told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order that ye may believe; but let us go to him. Then said Thomas, (called Didymus, the twin,) to his fellow-disciples, Let us go too, that we may die with him. Then Jesus, when he came; found that he had already lain in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews had come with the women who were about Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, met him: but Mary sat in the house. And Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But even now I know, that whatsoever things thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise at the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and every one who is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die to eternity. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yes, Lord I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who cometh into the world. So when she had thus spoken, she went away, and called her sister Mary privately, saying, The Master is near at hand, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she rose hastily, and came to him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was on the spot where Martha had met him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, observing Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When therefore Mary was come where Jesus was, beholding him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died! When Jesus then saw her weeping, and all the Jews who came with her lamenting, he groaned in spirit, and was himself greatly agitated: and he said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! But some of them said, Could not this man, who openeth the eyes of the blind, have caused that this person should not have died? Then Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. It was an excavation, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Remove the stone. The sister of the deceased, Martha, said to him, Lord, he is by this time putrid: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they removed the stone where the deceased was lying. And Jesus lifted his eyes upwards, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me! And I knew that thou always dost hear me: but for the sake of the multitude standing by I spake, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had thus spoken, with a loud voice he cried, Lazarus, come forth! And the deceased came forth, his feet and his hands wrapped with the linen swathes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go!
When Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. Then, though he heard he was ill, yet notwithstanding he abode in the same place where he was two days. But after that he saith to his disciples, Let us go again into Judea. The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews have just now sought to stone thee; and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he doth not stumble, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light with him. These things said he: and after that he saith to them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I go to waken him up. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he is asleep, he will recover. Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they apprehended that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus therefore told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I rejoice on your account that I was not there, in order that ye may believe; but let us go to him. Then said Thomas, (called Didymus, the twin,) to his fellow-disciples, Let us go too, that we may die with him. Then Jesus, when he came; found that he had already lain in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews had come with the women who were about Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, met him: but Mary sat in the house. And Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But even now I know, that whatsoever things thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise at the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and every one who is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die to eternity. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yes, Lord I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who cometh into the world. So when she had thus spoken, she went away, and called her sister Mary privately, saying, The Master is near at hand, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she rose hastily, and came to him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was on the spot where Martha had met him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, observing Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When therefore Mary was come where Jesus was, beholding him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died! When Jesus then saw her weeping, and all the Jews who came with her lamenting, he groaned in spirit, and was himself greatly agitated: and he said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! But some of them said, Could not this man, who openeth the eyes of the blind, have caused that this person should not have died? Then Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. It was an excavation, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Remove the stone. The sister of the deceased, Martha, said to him, Lord, he is by this time putrid: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they removed the stone where the deceased was lying. And Jesus lifted his eyes upwards, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me! And I knew that thou always dost hear me: but for the sake of the multitude standing by I spake, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had thus spoken, with a loud voice he cried, Lazarus, come forth! And the deceased came forth, his feet and his hands wrapped with the linen swathes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go!
AND when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, purchased aromatics, that they might come, and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, as the sun was rising. And said among themselves, Who will roll away for us the stone from the door of the sepulchre? read more.
And looking again, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was vastly large. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting at the right hand, clothed in a white robe; and they were greatly terrified. But he saith unto them, Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus the Nazarean, who was crucified; he is risen, he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he told you. And they going out hastily, fled from the sepulchre, for trembling and astonishment had seized them: and they said not a word to any person, for they were affrighted. Now being arisen early, on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She going, told it to those who had been with him, as they were wailing and weeping. And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, gave no credit to her. Then after this, he was manifested under another form, to two of them as they were walking, and going into the country. And they came back and told the news to the rest; neither did they believe them. Afterwards he shewed himself to the eleven, as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them for their infidelity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he was risen.
And looking again, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was vastly large. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting at the right hand, clothed in a white robe; and they were greatly terrified. But he saith unto them, Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus the Nazarean, who was crucified; he is risen, he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he told you. And they going out hastily, fled from the sepulchre, for trembling and astonishment had seized them: and they said not a word to any person, for they were affrighted. Now being arisen early, on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She going, told it to those who had been with him, as they were wailing and weeping. And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, gave no credit to her. Then after this, he was manifested under another form, to two of them as they were walking, and going into the country. And they came back and told the news to the rest; neither did they believe them. Afterwards he shewed himself to the eleven, as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them for their infidelity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he was risen.
NOW on the first day of the week, at the earliest dawn of day, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the aromatics which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And on entering, found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments: and when they were exceedingly terrified, and inclined their face to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? he is not here; he is risen: remember how he spoke to you, while he was yet in Galilee, saying, That the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his declarations, and returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven, and to the rest. Now there were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women who were with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their declarations seemed in their view as a mere fancy, and they gave them no credence. Then Peter rising up, ran off to the sepulchre, and leaning forward saw the linen clothes laid separately, and went away wondering in himself what was become of him. And behold, two of them were going the same day to a village, distant about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. And they were conversing with each other, concerning all those things which had happened. And it came to pass, as they were conversing together, and talking the matter over, even Jesus himself drew near, and walked on with them. But their eyes were under a restraint, that they might not discover him. And he said unto them, What are these discourses that ye interchange among you, as ye are walking, and bear such a face of dejection? Then one of them, named Cleopas, answering said, Art thou the only sojourner at Jerusalem, who hath not known the singular events of those days? And he said to them, Of what sort? and they said to him, Those which relate to Jesus the Nazarean, who was a man, a prophet, mighty in word and deed before God and all the people: and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to a sentence of death, and crucified him. But we had entertained hopes that this was the person who should have redeemed Israel: and ah! besides all these things, to-day concludes that third day since these things were done. And indeed, certain women belonging to us exceedingly amazed us who were very early at the sepulchre; and not finding his body, came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who told them that he was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the sepulchre, and found every thing just as the women had said: but him they did not see. And he said unto them, O ye void of understanding, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Messiah to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the scriptures, the things relating to himself. And they drew nigh to the village, whither they were going: and he was proceeding on, as if going farther. And they warmly pressed him, saying, Stay with us: for the evening draws on, and the day declines. And he went in to stay with them. And it came to pass, when he was sitting down at table with them, taking up a loaf, he blessed it, and breaking, distributed it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he became invisible to them. And they said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us, as he talked with us on the road, and as he distinctly opened to us the scriptures? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them crowded together, saying, The Lord is risen assuredly, and hath appeared to Simon. Then these recounted what had passed on the road, and how he was known to them by the breaking of the bread. While they were relating these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you! But terrified and affrighted, they thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, Why are ye under such agitation of mind? and why do reasonings arise in your hearts? look upon my hands and my feet, that it is my very self: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And thus speaking, he exposed to them his hands and his feet. But when they still could not credit it for joy, and marvelled, he said unto them, Have ye here any thing eatable? Then they gave him a part of a broiled fish, and a piece of honey-comb. And receiving it, he did eat in their presence. And said unto them, These are the sayings which I spake unto you, when I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he thoroughly their understanding, that they should understand the scriptures, and said to them, That thus it is written, and thus must the Messiah suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments: and when they were exceedingly terrified, and inclined their face to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? he is not here; he is risen: remember how he spoke to you, while he was yet in Galilee, saying, That the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his declarations, and returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven, and to the rest. Now there were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women who were with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their declarations seemed in their view as a mere fancy, and they gave them no credence. Then Peter rising up, ran off to the sepulchre, and leaning forward saw the linen clothes laid separately, and went away wondering in himself what was become of him. And behold, two of them were going the same day to a village, distant about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. And they were conversing with each other, concerning all those things which had happened. And it came to pass, as they were conversing together, and talking the matter over, even Jesus himself drew near, and walked on with them. But their eyes were under a restraint, that they might not discover him. And he said unto them, What are these discourses that ye interchange among you, as ye are walking, and bear such a face of dejection? Then one of them, named Cleopas, answering said, Art thou the only sojourner at Jerusalem, who hath not known the singular events of those days? And he said to them, Of what sort? and they said to him, Those which relate to Jesus the Nazarean, who was a man, a prophet, mighty in word and deed before God and all the people: and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to a sentence of death, and crucified him. But we had entertained hopes that this was the person who should have redeemed Israel: and ah! besides all these things, to-day concludes that third day since these things were done. And indeed, certain women belonging to us exceedingly amazed us who were very early at the sepulchre; and not finding his body, came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who told them that he was alive. And some of those who were with us went to the sepulchre, and found every thing just as the women had said: but him they did not see. And he said unto them, O ye void of understanding, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Messiah to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the scriptures, the things relating to himself. And they drew nigh to the village, whither they were going: and he was proceeding on, as if going farther. And they warmly pressed him, saying, Stay with us: for the evening draws on, and the day declines. And he went in to stay with them. And it came to pass, when he was sitting down at table with them, taking up a loaf, he blessed it, and breaking, distributed it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he became invisible to them. And they said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us, as he talked with us on the road, and as he distinctly opened to us the scriptures? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them crowded together, saying, The Lord is risen assuredly, and hath appeared to Simon. Then these recounted what had passed on the road, and how he was known to them by the breaking of the bread. While they were relating these things, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you! But terrified and affrighted, they thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, Why are ye under such agitation of mind? and why do reasonings arise in your hearts? look upon my hands and my feet, that it is my very self: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And thus speaking, he exposed to them his hands and his feet. But when they still could not credit it for joy, and marvelled, he said unto them, Have ye here any thing eatable? Then they gave him a part of a broiled fish, and a piece of honey-comb. And receiving it, he did eat in their presence. And said unto them, These are the sayings which I spake unto you, when I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he thoroughly their understanding, that they should understand the scriptures, and said to them, That thus it is written, and thus must the Messiah suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Concerning whom we have much to discourse, and of difficult interpretation to explain, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For though ye ought for the time to be teachers of others, ye have again need that some one teach you the leading principles of the oracles of God; and are become as those who need milk, and not solid food. For every one who useth milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness: for he is an infant. read more.
But solid nourishment is proper for grown men, even as many as by habit have their organs of perception exercised for the discernment both of good and evil.
But solid nourishment is proper for grown men, even as many as by habit have their organs of perception exercised for the discernment both of good and evil.
WHEREFORE, desisting from initiatory discourse respecting Christ, let us advance towards perfection; not again laying a foundation of repentance from dead works, and faith in God, of the doctrine of ablutions, and of imposition of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And so we will do, if God permit. read more.
For it is not possible to renew again unto repentance those who have been once illuminated, and have tasted the celestial gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and yet have fallen away: for they crucify again to themselves the Son of God, and expose him to public infamy. For the earth which imbibes the rain which often falls upon it, and bringeth forth herbage suitable for those by whom it is cultured, receiveth a blessing from God; but if it produceth thorns and thistles, it is abandoned, and near the curse [of barrenness], whose end will be for burning. But, beloved, we are persuaded concerning you that things are better, and connected with salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unjust, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have demonstrated in his name, having ministered assistance to the saints, and still ministering. But we earnestly desire that every one of you do manifest the same diligence, in order to obtain the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but imitators of those who, by faith and long suffering, are inheriting the promises. For God when he gave the promise to Abraham forasmuch as he had nothing greater to swear by, sware by himself, saying, "Verily, blessing, I will bless thee, and multiplying, I will multiply thee." And so after long patient waiting he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by something greater than themselves; and an oath for confirmation is with them conclusive in all disputes.
For it is not possible to renew again unto repentance those who have been once illuminated, and have tasted the celestial gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and yet have fallen away: for they crucify again to themselves the Son of God, and expose him to public infamy. For the earth which imbibes the rain which often falls upon it, and bringeth forth herbage suitable for those by whom it is cultured, receiveth a blessing from God; but if it produceth thorns and thistles, it is abandoned, and near the curse [of barrenness], whose end will be for burning. But, beloved, we are persuaded concerning you that things are better, and connected with salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unjust, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have demonstrated in his name, having ministered assistance to the saints, and still ministering. But we earnestly desire that every one of you do manifest the same diligence, in order to obtain the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but imitators of those who, by faith and long suffering, are inheriting the promises. For God when he gave the promise to Abraham forasmuch as he had nothing greater to swear by, sware by himself, saying, "Verily, blessing, I will bless thee, and multiplying, I will multiply thee." And so after long patient waiting he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by something greater than themselves; and an oath for confirmation is with them conclusive in all disputes.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
And I say unto you, Make yourselves friends with the unrighteous mammon that when ye fail, they may receive you into the eternal mansions.
Verse Concepts
Importunity » Select readings
AND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
Prayer » Select readings
AND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
NOW there was a sick man, Lazarus, of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was the Mary who had anointed the Lord with the balm, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: and many of the Jews had come with the women who were about Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, met him: but Mary sat in the house. read more.
And Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But even now I know, that whatsoever things thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise at the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and every one who is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die to eternity. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yes, Lord I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who cometh into the world. So when she had thus spoken, she went away, and called her sister Mary privately, saying, The Master is near at hand, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she rose hastily, and came to him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was on the spot where Martha had met him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, observing Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When therefore Mary was come where Jesus was, beholding him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died! When Jesus then saw her weeping, and all the Jews who came with her lamenting, he groaned in spirit, and was himself greatly agitated: and he said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! But some of them said, Could not this man, who openeth the eyes of the blind, have caused that this person should not have died? Then Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. It was an excavation, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Remove the stone. The sister of the deceased, Martha, said to him, Lord, he is by this time putrid: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they removed the stone where the deceased was lying. And Jesus lifted his eyes upwards, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me! And I knew that thou always dost hear me: but for the sake of the multitude standing by I spake, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had thus spoken, with a loud voice he cried, Lazarus, come forth! And the deceased came forth, his feet and his hands wrapped with the linen swathes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go! Then many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
And Martha said to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But even now I know, that whatsoever things thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise at the resurrection in the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and every one who is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die to eternity. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yes, Lord I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who cometh into the world. So when she had thus spoken, she went away, and called her sister Mary privately, saying, The Master is near at hand, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she rose hastily, and came to him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the village, but was on the spot where Martha had met him. Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, observing Mary, that she rose up hastily, and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When therefore Mary was come where Jesus was, beholding him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died! When Jesus then saw her weeping, and all the Jews who came with her lamenting, he groaned in spirit, and was himself greatly agitated: and he said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! But some of them said, Could not this man, who openeth the eyes of the blind, have caused that this person should not have died? Then Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre. It was an excavation, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Remove the stone. The sister of the deceased, Martha, said to him, Lord, he is by this time putrid: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shalt see the glory of God? Then they removed the stone where the deceased was lying. And Jesus lifted his eyes upwards, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me! And I knew that thou always dost hear me: but for the sake of the multitude standing by I spake, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he had thus spoken, with a loud voice he cried, Lazarus, come forth! And the deceased came forth, his feet and his hands wrapped with the linen swathes; and his face bound round with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go! Then many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
And while he was yet speaking, behold a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and approached Jesus to kiss him. Then said Jesus unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? Then when they who were about him saw what was ready to happen, they said unto him, Lord, shall we strike with the sword? read more.
And one of them struck at a servant of the high-priest, and cut off his right ear. Then Jesus, addressing them, said, Permit me thus far: and touching his ear, he healed him. Then said Jesus to the chief priests and captains of the temple, and to the elders who were come forth against him, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched out no hands upon me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then seizing upon him, they led him away, and brought him into the palace of the high-priest. But Peter followed at a distance. And as they had lighted a fire in the middle of the hall, and had seated themselves in a company, Peter sat down in the midst of them. But a certain maid-servant who sat at the fire, eyeing him, and looking at him stedfastly, said, This man was also with him. But he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another seeing him, said, Surely thou art one of them. Then said Peter, Man, I am not. And at about an hour's distance, another person strongly asserted, saying, Of a certainty this fellow was also with him: for he too is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And instantly, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord, turning round, looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, That before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter going without, wept bitterly.
And one of them struck at a servant of the high-priest, and cut off his right ear. Then Jesus, addressing them, said, Permit me thus far: and touching his ear, he healed him. Then said Jesus to the chief priests and captains of the temple, and to the elders who were come forth against him, Are ye come out as against a robber, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched out no hands upon me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then seizing upon him, they led him away, and brought him into the palace of the high-priest. But Peter followed at a distance. And as they had lighted a fire in the middle of the hall, and had seated themselves in a company, Peter sat down in the midst of them. But a certain maid-servant who sat at the fire, eyeing him, and looking at him stedfastly, said, This man was also with him. But he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a little while another seeing him, said, Surely thou art one of them. Then said Peter, Man, I am not. And at about an hour's distance, another person strongly asserted, saying, Of a certainty this fellow was also with him: for he too is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And instantly, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord, turning round, looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, That before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter going without, wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
And, behold, a certain doctor of the law arose, to make trial of him, saying, Master, by doing what shall I inherit eternal life? And he said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might, and with all thy understanding, and thy neighbour as thyself." read more.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered rightly: this do, and thou shalt live. Then he, desirous to make himself appear a righteous person, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? Then Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who, when they had both stripped him, and covered him with wounds, got off, leaving him half dead. And it so fell out, that a certain priest went down that way, and seeing him, he kept the opposite side of the road. And a Levite also, in the same way, being near the place, came, and seeing him, kept the opposite side of the road. But a certain Samaritan travelling, came by him, and seeing him, was moved with compassion, and coming up to him, bound up his wounds, after pouring on them oil and wine; then setting him on his own beast, he led him to an inn, and took particular care of him. And on the morrow, as he was departing, he took out of his purse two denarii, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take great care of him; and whatever farther expence may be incurred, when I return, I will repay thee. Which then of these three do you suppose to be the neighbour of him who fell into the robbers' hands? And he said, He that shewed mercy towards him. Then said Jesus to him, Go, and do thou exactly the same.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered rightly: this do, and thou shalt live. Then he, desirous to make himself appear a righteous person, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? Then Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who, when they had both stripped him, and covered him with wounds, got off, leaving him half dead. And it so fell out, that a certain priest went down that way, and seeing him, he kept the opposite side of the road. And a Levite also, in the same way, being near the place, came, and seeing him, kept the opposite side of the road. But a certain Samaritan travelling, came by him, and seeing him, was moved with compassion, and coming up to him, bound up his wounds, after pouring on them oil and wine; then setting him on his own beast, he led him to an inn, and took particular care of him. And on the morrow, as he was departing, he took out of his purse two denarii, and gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take great care of him; and whatever farther expence may be incurred, when I return, I will repay thee. Which then of these three do you suppose to be the neighbour of him who fell into the robbers' hands? And he said, He that shewed mercy towards him. Then said Jesus to him, Go, and do thou exactly the same.
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
Then he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of substance which falls to my share. And he divided with them his fortune. And not many days after, the younger son, collecting his all, travelled into a far distant country, and there dissipated his substance in a life of debauchery. read more.
But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
But when he had spent all, there came a terrible famine in that region; and he began to know want. And he went and connected himself with one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he eagerly longed to fill his belly with the charob berries which the swine did eat: and no person gave him [a morsel]. Then coming to himself, he said, How many hirelings of my father abound with loaves of bread, and I am pining away with famine! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and I am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hirelings. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet at a considerable distance, his father discovered him, and was moved with compassion, and running, fell on his neck, and kissed him again and again. Then said the son unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe, and clothe him; and put a ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet: and bring hither the stall-fed steer, and kill it; and let us eat, and be joyous. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. And they began to be joyous. Now his elder brother had been in the field: and when coming home he drew near the house, he heard a concert of music, and the chorus. And calling one of the servants, he inquired what these things meant. And he said, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed for him the stall-fed steer, because he hath received him in health. Then he was in great wrath, and would not enter the doors: therefore his father came out, and entreated him. But he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years I am serving thee, and never have transgressed thy command: yet to me thou hast never once given a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but no sooner is this son of thine come, who hath devoured thy substance with whores, than thou hast killed for him the stall-fed steer. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all my possessions are thine. But it was right that we should rejoice, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
Then Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus said, Ye men of Athens, I observe that in all things ye are too much devoted to the worship of daemons. For as I walked about, and attentively viewed the objects of your worship, I found even an altar on which was this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you in ignorance adore, him I preach unto you. The God who created the world, and all things in it, he that is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples of man's construction; read more.
nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed any creature, himself imparting to all beings life, and breath, and all things. And hath made from one man's blood all the nations of mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, fixing the predetermined periods of their existence, and the boundaries of their several abodes; that they should seek the Lord, if indeed they might haply grope him out, and find him, though truly he is not far from any individual of us: for from him we derive life, and power of motion, and existence; as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are even his offspring." Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Divinity is like to gold, or silver, or stone sculptured by human art or contrivance. These times indeed of ignorance God then overlooked; but he now commands all men in every place to repent: because he hath fixed the day in which he will judge the whole world in righteousness by the man whom he hath appointed; affording evidence of this to all, by raising him from the dead.
nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed any creature, himself imparting to all beings life, and breath, and all things. And hath made from one man's blood all the nations of mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, fixing the predetermined periods of their existence, and the boundaries of their several abodes; that they should seek the Lord, if indeed they might haply grope him out, and find him, though truly he is not far from any individual of us: for from him we derive life, and power of motion, and existence; as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are even his offspring." Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Divinity is like to gold, or silver, or stone sculptured by human art or contrivance. These times indeed of ignorance God then overlooked; but he now commands all men in every place to repent: because he hath fixed the day in which he will judge the whole world in righteousness by the man whom he hath appointed; affording evidence of this to all, by raising him from the dead.
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
Now it happened as we were going to the oratory, a certain damsel having a pythonic spirit met us, who produced for her masters much gain as a fortuneteller: she following Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who preach to you the way of salvation. And this she did for several days. Then Paul was wearied out, and turning, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour. read more.
But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the forum before the chief rulers, and presenting them to the magistrates, they said, These are the men that exceedingly disturb the peace of our city, being Jews, and enjoin customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to practise, being Romans. And the populace stood up together against them: and the magistrates, after having had their garments torn from their backs, commanded them to be beaten with rods. And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody: who, receiving such an injunction, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas, after joining in prayer, sang hymns to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken: and instantly all the doors flew open, and every man's chains were loosed. Then the jailor being roused from sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword, going to destroy himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no injury: for we are all here. Thereupon calling for a light, he rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas; and having first brought them out, said, Sirs! what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, thou, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all who were in his house. And taking them that same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was baptised, himself and all who belonged to him immediately. And when he had brought them into his house, he spread the table, and greatly rejoiced with all his household, believing in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, Set those men at large. Then the jailor told these words to Paul, That the magistrates had sent to set them at liberty: now therefore, [said he,] get ye out, and pursue your journey in peace. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens, and have cast us into prison; and would they now clandestinely send us away? no, verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Then the lictors reported all these words to the magistrates: and they were terrified, when they heard they were Roman citizens. So they came and spoke kindly to them, and fetching them out, besought them to depart from the city. Then leaving the prison, they went unto Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went their way.
But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the forum before the chief rulers, and presenting them to the magistrates, they said, These are the men that exceedingly disturb the peace of our city, being Jews, and enjoin customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to practise, being Romans. And the populace stood up together against them: and the magistrates, after having had their garments torn from their backs, commanded them to be beaten with rods. And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody: who, receiving such an injunction, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas, after joining in prayer, sang hymns to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken: and instantly all the doors flew open, and every man's chains were loosed. Then the jailor being roused from sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword, going to destroy himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no injury: for we are all here. Thereupon calling for a light, he rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas; and having first brought them out, said, Sirs! what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, thou, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all who were in his house. And taking them that same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was baptised, himself and all who belonged to him immediately. And when he had brought them into his house, he spread the table, and greatly rejoiced with all his household, believing in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, Set those men at large. Then the jailor told these words to Paul, That the magistrates had sent to set them at liberty: now therefore, [said he,] get ye out, and pursue your journey in peace. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens, and have cast us into prison; and would they now clandestinely send us away? no, verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. Then the lictors reported all these words to the magistrates: and they were terrified, when they heard they were Roman citizens. So they came and spoke kindly to them, and fetching them out, besought them to depart from the city. Then leaving the prison, they went unto Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went their way.
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 the God of Israel; for he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people; and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David: read more.
as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been from the beginning: even preservation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his own holy covenant: the oath which he sware to Abraham our father, to give us, that we, secure from fear, rescued from the hands of our enemies, should serve him, in righteousness and holiness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give the knowledge of salvation to his people, by the remission of their sins, through the bowels of mercy of our God; with which he hath visited us, as the dawn of the morning from on high, to illumine those who sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and became mighty in spirit, and was in the deserts until the days of his public exhibition to Israel.
as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been from the beginning: even preservation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his own holy covenant: the oath which he sware to Abraham our father, to give us, that we, secure from fear, rescued from the hands of our enemies, should serve him, in righteousness and holiness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give the knowledge of salvation to his people, by the remission of their sins, through the bowels of mercy of our God; with which he hath visited us, as the dawn of the morning from on high, to illumine those who sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and became mighty in spirit, and was in the deserts until the days of his public exhibition to 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 hath exulted in God my Saviour: for he hath looked upon the lowly state of his maid-servant: for, lo! henceforth shall all generations pronounce me blessed. read more.
For the Mighty One hath done great things for me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is upon those who fear him, from generation to generation. He hath displayed strength from his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath cast down potentates from the throne, and hath exalted the lowly. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath succoured Israel his servant, that he might be mindful of mercy for ever; as he had spoken to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her home.
For the Mighty One hath done great things for me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is upon those who fear him, from generation to generation. He hath displayed strength from his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath cast down potentates from the throne, and hath exalted the lowly. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath succoured Israel his servant, that he might be mindful of mercy for ever; as he had spoken to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned unto her home.
Select readings » God's providence
Look on the birds of the air: for they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not of more value than they? But which of you, by his cares, can add one cubit to his stature? And why are ye anxious about clothing? Contemplate the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, nor spin: read more.
yet I tell you, Not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. If God then so clothe a vegetable of the field, which to-day is, [in beauty], and tomorrow is cast into the furnace, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Wherefore be under no anxiety, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? (for after all these things the heathen seek:) and your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of them all. But seek ye, in the first place, the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be given you over. Be not therefore anxious about to-morrow: for tomorrow will provide for its own wants. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
yet I tell you, Not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. If God then so clothe a vegetable of the field, which to-day is, [in beauty], and tomorrow is cast into the furnace, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Wherefore be under no anxiety, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? (for after all these things the heathen seek:) and your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of them all. But seek ye, in the first place, the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be given you over. Be not therefore anxious about to-morrow: for tomorrow will provide for its own wants. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
NOW on the first day of the week, at the earliest dawn of day, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the aromatics which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And on entering, found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments: and when they were exceedingly terrified, and inclined their face to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? he is not here; he is risen: remember how he spoke to you, while he was yet in Galilee, saying, That the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his declarations, and returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven, and to the rest. Now there were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women who were with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their declarations seemed in their view as a mere fancy, and they gave them no credence. Then Peter rising up, ran off to the sepulchre, and leaning forward saw the linen clothes laid separately, and went away wondering in himself what was become of him.
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments: and when they were exceedingly terrified, and inclined their face to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? he is not here; he is risen: remember how he spoke to you, while he was yet in Galilee, saying, That the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his declarations, and returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven, and to the rest. Now there were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women who were with them, that told these things to the apostles. And their declarations seemed in their view as a mere fancy, and they gave them no credence. Then Peter rising up, ran off to the sepulchre, and leaning forward saw the linen clothes laid separately, and went away wondering in himself what was become of him.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one who saith to me, Lord, Lord! shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have we not cast out devils? and in thy name done many miracles? And then will I profess unto them, that I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity. read more.
Every man therefore who is hearing from me these words, and puts them in practice, I will compare him to the intelligent man, who erected his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the rivers rushed, and the winds blew, and they beat against that house, and it fell not; for it was founded on a rock. And every man who is hearing these sayings of mine, and doth not practise them, he will resemble the foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the rivers rushed, and the winds blew, and set against that house, and it fell; and the fall of it was great.
Every man therefore who is hearing from me these words, and puts them in practice, I will compare him to the intelligent man, who erected his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the rivers rushed, and the winds blew, and they beat against that house, and it fell not; for it was founded on a rock. And every man who is hearing these sayings of mine, and doth not practise them, he will resemble the foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the rivers rushed, and the winds blew, and set against that house, and it fell; and the fall of it was great.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
SO when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with unanimity assembled together. And there came suddenly from heaven a sound as it were of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there was an appearance to them of divided tongues, as of fire, and it rested on every one of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven. And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God. And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them; Men of Judea, and all ye who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words: for these men are not, as ye suppose, drunk, for it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour our of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and upon my servants and my handmaidens in those days will I pour out of my spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will perform prodigies in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Lord shall be saved." Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus the Nazarean, a man from God, pointed out to you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know: him, by the destined counsel and foreknowledge of God delivered up, ye have seized, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: forasmuch as it was not possible that he should be held thereby. For David speaketh concerning him, "I have seen the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand, that I might not be shaken: therefore is my heart full of joy, and my tongue hath exulted; and still shall my flesh also repose in hope, that thou wilt not leave my soul in the mansion of the dead, nor permit that Holy One of thine to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with delight by thy countenance." Men and brethren, permit me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he hath been both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah to sit upon his throne; he, foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul should not be left in the mansion of the dead, and that his flesh should not see corruption. This very Jesus hath God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. He therefore being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, hath poured out this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: for he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet." Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him Lord and Messiah, even that very Jesus whom ye crucified.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven. And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God. And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them; Men of Judea, and all ye who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words: for these men are not, as ye suppose, drunk, for it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour our of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and upon my servants and my handmaidens in those days will I pour out of my spirit; and they shall prophesy: and I will perform prodigies in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Lord shall be saved." Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus the Nazarean, a man from God, pointed out to you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know: him, by the destined counsel and foreknowledge of God delivered up, ye have seized, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: forasmuch as it was not possible that he should be held thereby. For David speaketh concerning him, "I have seen the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand, that I might not be shaken: therefore is my heart full of joy, and my tongue hath exulted; and still shall my flesh also repose in hope, that thou wilt not leave my soul in the mansion of the dead, nor permit that Holy One of thine to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with delight by thy countenance." Men and brethren, permit me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he hath been both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah to sit upon his throne; he, foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul should not be left in the mansion of the dead, and that his flesh should not see corruption. This very Jesus hath God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. He therefore being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, hath poured out this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: for he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet." Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him Lord and Messiah, even that very Jesus whom ye crucified.
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
THEN said the high-priest, Are these things so? He replied, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear me: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, Go forth out of thy country, and from among thy relations, and come hither to a land which I will shew thee. read more.
Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not so much as the print of his foot: yet he promised to give it for a possession to him and to his seed after him, when he had no son. Then spake God to him thus, That his seed should sojourn in a foreign land: and that they should enslave it, and grievously afflict it, four hundred years. And the nation by which they shall be enslaved will I judge, said God: and after these things they shall come out, and shall worship 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, envious, sold Joseph into Egypt: yet God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he appointed him governor over Egypt and all his house. Then came a famine upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no provisions. But when Jacob heard that there were provisions in Egypt, he sent our fathers, the first time. And the second time Joseph was made known unto his brethren; and Joseph's family was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph, and invited his father Jacob to come to him, and all his kindred, consisting of seventy-five persons. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, himself, and our fathers, and they removed him to Sychem, and laid him in the sepulchre which Abraham had bought, at a price paid in silver, of the sons of Emmor, the father of Shechem. But as the time of the promise which God had with an oath confirmed unto Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until another king arose, who knew not Joseph. This man, forming crafty designs against our nation, grievously treated our fathers, so as to cause them to expose their children, in order to exterminate the race. At which time Moses was born, and was endued with singular beauty from God, who was brought up three months in the house of his father: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him home, and brought him up for herself, as a son. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of Egypt, and was mighty in words and actions. But when he had completed his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them treated injuriously, he defended him, and executed vengeance for him who had suffered the outrage, smiting the Egyptian. For he thought that his brethren would understand that God by his hand would give them deliverance: but they understood not. And the following day he shewed himself to them as they were fighting, and urged them to peace, saying, My friends, ye are brethren; wherefore do ye ill treat one another? Then he who did his neighbour wrong thrust him from him, saying, Who appointed thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him in the desert of mount Sinai the angel of the Lord, in a flame of fire in a bush. But when Moses saw it, he marvelled at the sight: and as he was drawing nearer to observe it, a voice from the Lord came to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Then Moses trembling, dared not to look farther. Then the Lord said unto him, "Loose the sandal from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Attentive I have beheld the evil treatment of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them. And now come hither, I will send thee into Egypt." This very Moses whom they had rejected, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them forth, after performing miracles and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is the Moses who said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren, as myself; him shall ye hear." This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us: to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and turned back in their hearts unto Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what hath happened to him. And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice for the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Have ye offered me slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yet have ye taken up the tabernacle of Moloc, and the star of your god Remphan, those figures which ye made to pay adoration to them: and I will transport you beyond Babylon. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as he that spake to Moses commanded, that he should make it according to the model which he had seen. Which also our fathers having received, brought in with Joshua into the place possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out from before the presence of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favour before God, and sought to procure an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built an house for him. Though the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as the prophet saith, "Heaven is my throne, and earth the footstool for my feet: what kind of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what place is there for my repose? hath not my hand made all these things?" Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and in ears, ye do always oppose yourselves against the Holy Ghost: as your fathers, so are ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they killed those who before published the tidings of the coming of that Righteous Person; of whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it. Now when they heard these things, they were cut through their hearts as with a saw, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. But he being full of the Holy Ghost, and looking up stedfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not so much as the print of his foot: yet he promised to give it for a possession to him and to his seed after him, when he had no son. Then spake God to him thus, That his seed should sojourn in a foreign land: and that they should enslave it, and grievously afflict it, four hundred years. And the nation by which they shall be enslaved will I judge, said God: and after these things they shall come out, and shall worship 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, envious, sold Joseph into Egypt: yet God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he appointed him governor over Egypt and all his house. Then came a famine upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no provisions. But when Jacob heard that there were provisions in Egypt, he sent our fathers, the first time. And the second time Joseph was made known unto his brethren; and Joseph's family was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph, and invited his father Jacob to come to him, and all his kindred, consisting of seventy-five persons. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, himself, and our fathers, and they removed him to Sychem, and laid him in the sepulchre which Abraham had bought, at a price paid in silver, of the sons of Emmor, the father of Shechem. But as the time of the promise which God had with an oath confirmed unto Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until another king arose, who knew not Joseph. This man, forming crafty designs against our nation, grievously treated our fathers, so as to cause them to expose their children, in order to exterminate the race. At which time Moses was born, and was endued with singular beauty from God, who was brought up three months in the house of his father: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him home, and brought him up for herself, as a son. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of Egypt, and was mighty in words and actions. But when he had completed his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them treated injuriously, he defended him, and executed vengeance for him who had suffered the outrage, smiting the Egyptian. For he thought that his brethren would understand that God by his hand would give them deliverance: but they understood not. And the following day he shewed himself to them as they were fighting, and urged them to peace, saying, My friends, ye are brethren; wherefore do ye ill treat one another? Then he who did his neighbour wrong thrust him from him, saying, Who appointed thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him in the desert of mount Sinai the angel of the Lord, in a flame of fire in a bush. But when Moses saw it, he marvelled at the sight: and as he was drawing nearer to observe it, a voice from the Lord came to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Then Moses trembling, dared not to look farther. Then the Lord said unto him, "Loose the sandal from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Attentive I have beheld the evil treatment of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them. And now come hither, I will send thee into Egypt." This very Moses whom they had rejected, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them forth, after performing miracles and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is the Moses who said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren, as myself; him shall ye hear." This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us: to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and turned back in their hearts unto Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what hath happened to him. And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice for the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Have ye offered me slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yet have ye taken up the tabernacle of Moloc, and the star of your god Remphan, those figures which ye made to pay adoration to them: and I will transport you beyond Babylon. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as he that spake to Moses commanded, that he should make it according to the model which he had seen. Which also our fathers having received, brought in with Joshua into the place possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out from before the presence of our fathers, unto the days of David; who found favour before God, and sought to procure an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built an house for him. Though the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as the prophet saith, "Heaven is my throne, and earth the footstool for my feet: what kind of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what place is there for my repose? hath not my hand made all these things?" Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and in ears, ye do always oppose yourselves against the Holy Ghost: as your fathers, so are ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they killed those who before published the tidings of the coming of that Righteous Person; of whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers: who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it. Now when they heard these things, they were cut through their hearts as with a saw, and gnashed upon him with their teeth. But he being full of the Holy Ghost, and looking up stedfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
THEN seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and seating himself, his disciples came to him: and opening his mouth, he taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their's is the kingdom of heaven. read more.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be fed to the full. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for their's is the kingdom in heaven. Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake. Rejoice and exult; for plenteous is your reward in the heavens: for just so they persecuted the prophets who went before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt become insipid, with what can it be salted? it is of no farther use for any purpose, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid that is situated on an eminence. Neither do men burn a lamp, and set it under a bushel, but on its stand; and it sheds light on all that are in the house. Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be fed to the full. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for their's is the kingdom in heaven. Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake. Rejoice and exult; for plenteous is your reward in the heavens: for just so they persecuted the prophets who went before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt become insipid, with what can it be salted? it is of no farther use for any purpose, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid that is situated on an eminence. Neither do men burn a lamp, and set it under a bushel, but on its stand; and it sheds light on all that are in the house. Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Select readings » Old age
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United prayer » Select readings
AND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
AND it came to pass, as he was in a certain place praying, when he had done, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray say, Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will be done as in heaven so upon earth. Give us our necessary food, day by day: read more.
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one who is indebted to us. And bring us not into temptation; but deliver us from the wicked one. And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and he shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come to me off a journey, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within answering, shall say, Give me no farther trouble: my door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed; I am unable to rise and give thee. I tell you, though even he would not rise and give him because he is his friend; yet because of his importunity, roused up, he will give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. For what father of you, if his son ask a loaf, will he give him a stone? or if a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask also an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, evil as ye are, know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your Father, who is in heaven, give his Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
THEN he spake also to them a parable, to shew that we ought to pray always, and not faint; saying, There was a certain judge in a particular city, having no fear of God, nor respect for man: and there was a certain widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, Do me justice against my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
And he would not for a long while: but after this he said, Though I fear not God, nor respect man; yet because this woman is so troublesome to me, I will do her justice, lest by her perpetual coming she stun me with her importunity, Then said the Lord, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God execute vengeance for his own elect, who cry out to him day and night, though he bear long with them? Yes, I tell you, that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, ah! shall he find faith on the earth?
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The estate of a certain rich man bore plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do? for I have not room where I may house my crops. And he said, I will do this; I will take down my barns, and build them larger, and collect there all my crops, and my good things! read more.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast a multitude of good things in store for many years, be at ease, eat, drink, and be merry! But God said to him, Thou fool! this night shall they demand thy life from thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? Just such is every one who heapeth up treasure for self, and is not rich towards God.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast a multitude of good things in store for many years, be at ease, eat, drink, and be merry! But God said to him, Thou fool! this night shall they demand thy life from thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? Just such is every one who heapeth up treasure for self, and is not rich towards God.
Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making splendid entertainments every day: and there was a certain pauper, named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate covered with ulcers, and importunately desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: yea even the dogs came and licked his ulcers. read more.
Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried: and in hell, lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham at a vast distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. And crying out, he said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented with this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou hast received thy good things during thy life, and Lazarus, in like manner, what was afflictive: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all these considerations, between us and you there is a vast chasm fixed: so that they who might be willing to pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass through to us, from thence. And he said, I entreat thee then, father, that thou wouldest send him to my paternal mansion: for I have five brothers: that he may testify to them, that they also come not into this place of torment. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hearken to them. But he said, Ah no, father Abraham! but if one came to them from the dead, they will repent. Then he said to him, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.
Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried: and in hell, lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham at a vast distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. And crying out, he said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented with this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou hast received thy good things during thy life, and Lazarus, in like manner, what was afflictive: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all these considerations, between us and you there is a vast chasm fixed: so that they who might be willing to pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass through to us, from thence. And he said, I entreat thee then, father, that thou wouldest send him to my paternal mansion: for I have five brothers: that he may testify to them, that they also come not into this place of torment. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hearken to them. But he said, Ah no, father Abraham! but if one came to them from the dead, they will repent. Then he said to him, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.