Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
It happened he was praying in a certain place, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples." So he said to them. "When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be thy name; May thy kingdom come, "Give us day by day our bread for the coming day; read more.
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "'Do for me the justice of my adversary.' read more.
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
Daily duty » Select readings
Take care that none of you ever return evil for evil, but always pursue what is kind to one another and to all. Always be joyful. Pray without ceasing. read more.
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Quench not the Spirit. Do not despise prophesyings. But try all, holding fast to the good. Hold aloof from every form of evil. May the God of peace consecrate you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept altogether faultless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will fulfil my prayer. Brothers, pray for me. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I adjure you, in the name of the Lord, to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Quench not the Spirit. Do not despise prophesyings. But try all, holding fast to the good. Hold aloof from every form of evil. May the God of peace consecrate you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept altogether faultless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will fulfil my prayer. Brothers, pray for me. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I adjure you, in the name of the Lord, to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, about those who are falling asleep. You must not sorrow like other men, who have no hope. For if we really believe that Jesus died and rose again, so even so will God through Jesus bring with him those also who have fallen asleep. For this I tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are living, who survive unto the coming of the Lord, will in no wise precede those who have fallen asleep. read more.
For the Lord himself with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven. Then the dead in Christ will rise first. And afterwards we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. So comfort one another with these words.
For the Lord himself with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven. Then the dead in Christ will rise first. And afterwards we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. So comfort one another with these words.
Now a man named Lazarus was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha??2 it was Mary who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying. "Master, see who you hold dear is ill." When Jesus heard it he said, "This illness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that through it the Son of God may be glorified." read more.
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. However, when he heard that he was ill, he still remained where he was for two days; then after that he said to his disciples, "Let us go back again to Judea." "Rabbi," answered his disciples, "it was but just now that the Jews were trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus replied. "Are there not twelve hours in the daytime? If any one walks in the daytime he does not stumble, because he beholds the light of this world; but if any one walks during the night he does stumble, because the light is not in him." This he said, then told them, "Lazarus, our friend, has fallen asleep, but I am going to wake him." "Master, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well," replied the disciples. Now Jesus had been speaking concerning his death, but they thought that he was talking about natural sleep. So then he told them plainly. "Lazarus is dead; and for your sakes I am glad I was not there, in order that you may believe. Come, let us go to him." Upon this Thomas, who was called "The Twin," said to his fellow disciples, "Let us go too, that we may die with him." so when Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been four days in the tomb. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away; so a number of the Jews had gone to Martha and Mary to sympathize with them concerning their brother. So when Martha learned that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained sitting in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus. "Master, had you been here my brother would not have died; but even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the Last Day." "I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus. "He who believes in me, even if he has died, shall live. And every one who is living and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Master," she answered, "I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." With these words she went away to call her sister Mary, saying privately, "The Teacher is here and is asking for you." So when Mary heard this, she rose quickly and went to meet him. Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still at the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews who were in the house trying to console her, when they saw that Mary rose quickly and went out, followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to the place where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, "Master had you been here, my brother would not have died." Then when Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews likewise who accompanied her, sobbing, he shuddered with indignation in his spirit, and was deeply agitated. "Where have you laid him?" he said: "Master, come and see," they answered. Jesus burst into tears. "See how he loved him," said the Jews. But some of them said, "Could not this man, who has opened the eyes of the blind man, have prevented this man also from dying?" Jesus therefore, again shuddering in himself with indignation, came to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone lying upon it. "Roll away the stone," said Jesus. "Master," said Martha, the sister of the dead man "he is offensive by this time, for he has been four days in the tomb." Jesus answered her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you should see the glory of God?" Then they rolled the stone away; and Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast listened to me. And I knew that thou art ever listening to me, but for the sake of the crowd who are standing about, I said it, in order that they may believe that thou hast sent me." When he had said this he cried with a great voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" Out came the dead man, wrapped hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face bound up in a napkin. Jesus said to them, "Untie him, and let him go."
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. However, when he heard that he was ill, he still remained where he was for two days; then after that he said to his disciples, "Let us go back again to Judea." "Rabbi," answered his disciples, "it was but just now that the Jews were trying to stone you, and are you going there again?" Jesus replied. "Are there not twelve hours in the daytime? If any one walks in the daytime he does not stumble, because he beholds the light of this world; but if any one walks during the night he does stumble, because the light is not in him." This he said, then told them, "Lazarus, our friend, has fallen asleep, but I am going to wake him." "Master, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well," replied the disciples. Now Jesus had been speaking concerning his death, but they thought that he was talking about natural sleep. So then he told them plainly. "Lazarus is dead; and for your sakes I am glad I was not there, in order that you may believe. Come, let us go to him." Upon this Thomas, who was called "The Twin," said to his fellow disciples, "Let us go too, that we may die with him." so when Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been four days in the tomb. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away; so a number of the Jews had gone to Martha and Mary to sympathize with them concerning their brother. So when Martha learned that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained sitting in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus. "Master, had you been here my brother would not have died; but even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the Last Day." "I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus. "He who believes in me, even if he has died, shall live. And every one who is living and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Master," she answered, "I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." With these words she went away to call her sister Mary, saying privately, "The Teacher is here and is asking for you." So when Mary heard this, she rose quickly and went to meet him. Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still at the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews who were in the house trying to console her, when they saw that Mary rose quickly and went out, followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to the place where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, "Master had you been here, my brother would not have died." Then when Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews likewise who accompanied her, sobbing, he shuddered with indignation in his spirit, and was deeply agitated. "Where have you laid him?" he said: "Master, come and see," they answered. Jesus burst into tears. "See how he loved him," said the Jews. But some of them said, "Could not this man, who has opened the eyes of the blind man, have prevented this man also from dying?" Jesus therefore, again shuddering in himself with indignation, came to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone lying upon it. "Roll away the stone," said Jesus. "Master," said Martha, the sister of the dead man "he is offensive by this time, for he has been four days in the tomb." Jesus answered her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you should see the glory of God?" Then they rolled the stone away; and Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast listened to me. And I knew that thou art ever listening to me, but for the sake of the crowd who are standing about, I said it, in order that they may believe that thou hast sent me." When he had said this he cried with a great voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" Out came the dead man, wrapped hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face bound up in a napkin. Jesus said to them, "Untie him, and let him go."
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices in order to go and anoint him. And very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb as the sun was rising; and they kept saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" read more.
But then as they looked up they saw that the stone, which was a very large one, was already rolled away; and upon entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe. They were terrified, but he said to them. "Do not be terrified! You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified? He is risen; he is not here. See, the place where they laid him! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, "'He is going before you into Galilee, where you will see him, as he told you.'" So they went out, and ran from the tomb, for they were trembling and amazed; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid??9 Now after his resurrection, early on the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But they, although they heard that he was living and had been seen by her did not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking on their way into the country. They too went, and told the others; but they did not believe them, either. Afterward he appeared to the Eleven themselves, as they were eating, and reproached them for their lack of faith, and stubborn hearts, because they disbelieved those who had seen him risen.
But then as they looked up they saw that the stone, which was a very large one, was already rolled away; and upon entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe. They were terrified, but he said to them. "Do not be terrified! You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified? He is risen; he is not here. See, the place where they laid him! But go, tell his disciples and Peter, "'He is going before you into Galilee, where you will see him, as he told you.'" So they went out, and ran from the tomb, for they were trembling and amazed; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid??9 Now after his resurrection, early on the first day of the week he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But they, although they heard that he was living and had been seen by her did not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking on their way into the country. They too went, and told the others; but they did not believe them, either. Afterward he appeared to the Eleven themselves, as they were eating, and reproached them for their lack of faith, and stubborn hearts, because they disbelieved those who had seen him risen.
On the Sabbath Day they rested in obedience to the commandment, but in the deep dawn of the first day of the week they took the spices which they had prepared, and came to the tomb. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and on entering they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
While they were still perplexed over this, it happened that the two men stood near them in dazzling raiment. They were terrified, and bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why are you seeking him who lives among the dead? "He is not here; he is risen. Do you remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of man had to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and to rise on the third day?" Then they recollected his words, and turning away from the tomb they told all this to the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women who were telling all this to the apostles. But the whole story seemed to them but an idle tale; and they disbelieved the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, but when he stooped and looked in he saw the linen wrappings by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass. On that same day two of his disciples were walking to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking together about all these events, and as they talked and discussed matter, Jesus himself drew near and began walking beside them. But their eyes continued to be held that they should not recognize him even for an instant, And he said to them, "What words are these that you are exchanging one with another, as you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. And one of them named Cleopas, answered him, "Do you sojourn alone in Jerusalem, that you do not know what things have been happening there these days?" "What kind of things?" he answered. And they said: "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; "and how our high priest and ruler delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified him. "But we were hoping that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this is the third day since these things happened. "Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They went to his tomb at daybreak, "and found that his body was not there; then they came and told us that besides they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. "Thereupon some of our own party to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said, but him they did not see." "O foolish men," said Jesus, "slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! "Behooved it not the Christ to suffer thus, and then to enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he interpreted all the passages concerning himself. When they drew near to the village to which they are were going, he appeared to be going farther. But they urged him to stay with them, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. But as he sat down with them, and took bread, and had blessed and broken it, and was handing it to them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. "Were not our hearts burning within us," they said to each other, "while we were talking with him on the way, and he was opening to us the scriptures?" So they rose and returned to Jerusalem that very hour, and found the Eleven and the others all met together, saying, "The Lord is really risen, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they began to tell what happened on the road, and he was known to them when he broke the bread. While they were yet speaking he stood among them and said, "Peace be to you!" They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. And he said to them. "Why are you disturbed? And why do questions rise in your hearts? "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I! Feel me and see; for a ghost has not flesh and blood as I have." Then he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still did not believe it for joy, and were filled with wonder, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, how all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms concerning me." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said: "Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead, the third day;
While they were still perplexed over this, it happened that the two men stood near them in dazzling raiment. They were terrified, and bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why are you seeking him who lives among the dead? "He is not here; he is risen. Do you remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of man had to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and to rise on the third day?" Then they recollected his words, and turning away from the tomb they told all this to the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women who were telling all this to the apostles. But the whole story seemed to them but an idle tale; and they disbelieved the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, but when he stooped and looked in he saw the linen wrappings by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass. On that same day two of his disciples were walking to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking together about all these events, and as they talked and discussed matter, Jesus himself drew near and began walking beside them. But their eyes continued to be held that they should not recognize him even for an instant, And he said to them, "What words are these that you are exchanging one with another, as you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. And one of them named Cleopas, answered him, "Do you sojourn alone in Jerusalem, that you do not know what things have been happening there these days?" "What kind of things?" he answered. And they said: "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; "and how our high priest and ruler delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified him. "But we were hoping that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this is the third day since these things happened. "Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They went to his tomb at daybreak, "and found that his body was not there; then they came and told us that besides they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. "Thereupon some of our own party to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said, but him they did not see." "O foolish men," said Jesus, "slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! "Behooved it not the Christ to suffer thus, and then to enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he interpreted all the passages concerning himself. When they drew near to the village to which they are were going, he appeared to be going farther. But they urged him to stay with them, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. But as he sat down with them, and took bread, and had blessed and broken it, and was handing it to them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. "Were not our hearts burning within us," they said to each other, "while we were talking with him on the way, and he was opening to us the scriptures?" So they rose and returned to Jerusalem that very hour, and found the Eleven and the others all met together, saying, "The Lord is really risen, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they began to tell what happened on the road, and he was known to them when he broke the bread. While they were yet speaking he stood among them and said, "Peace be to you!" They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. And he said to them. "Why are you disturbed? And why do questions rise in your hearts? "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I! Feel me and see; for a ghost has not flesh and blood as I have." Then he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still did not believe it for joy, and were filled with wonder, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, how all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms concerning me." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said: "Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead, the third day;
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Concerning him I have much to say, and much that is hard to make clear to you, because you have grown dull of hearing. And this too, although you ought by this time to be teaching others, you are still needing some one to teach you the very rudiments of divine revelation. You need milk, not solid food. For every one who feeds on milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness. He is still an infant. read more.
But solid food is for adults, that is, for those who by constant practise have their faculties trained to discriminate between good and evil.
But solid food is for adults, that is, for those who by constant practise have their faculties trained to discriminate between good and evil.
So let us get beyond the teaching of the elementary doctrines of Christ, and let us be borne along toward what is mature. Let us not be continually laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith in God, of the teaching regarding ablutions and the laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permit. read more.
For in the case of those who have been once for all enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the Future Age, and then fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. For they repeatedly crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and expose him to an open shame. For land that has drunk the showers that now and again fall upon it, and produced vegetation useful for those for whom it was tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it produces thorns and thistles, it is considered worthless, and is in danger of being cursed, and its end will be to be burned. But though we thus speak, we are persuaded better things of you, beloved, and things that accompany salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you showed for his cause, in sending help to your fellow Christians, as you are still doing. but I am longing that each of you continue to show the same diligence to realize the fulness of your hope, even to the end. Then do not become slack, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises. For when God make the promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he swore by himself, saying. Surely I will bless you, and bless you; I will increase you, and increase you. And so by patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the promise. I am referring to the oath because men swear by what is greater than themselves, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
For in the case of those who have been once for all enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the Future Age, and then fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. For they repeatedly crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and expose him to an open shame. For land that has drunk the showers that now and again fall upon it, and produced vegetation useful for those for whom it was tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it produces thorns and thistles, it is considered worthless, and is in danger of being cursed, and its end will be to be burned. But though we thus speak, we are persuaded better things of you, beloved, and things that accompany salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you showed for his cause, in sending help to your fellow Christians, as you are still doing. but I am longing that each of you continue to show the same diligence to realize the fulness of your hope, even to the end. Then do not become slack, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises. For when God make the promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he swore by himself, saying. Surely I will bless you, and bless you; I will increase you, and increase you. And so by patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the promise. I am referring to the oath because men swear by what is greater than themselves, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
"And to you I say, Use mammon, dishonest as it is, to make yourselves friends, so that when it shall fail they will welcome you to the eternal tabernacles.
Verse Concepts
Importunity » Select readings
It happened he was praying in a certain place, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples." So he said to them. "When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be thy name; May thy kingdom come, "Give us day by day our bread for the coming day; read more.
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "'Do for me the justice of my adversary.' read more.
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
Prayer » Select readings
It happened he was praying in a certain place, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples." So he said to them. "When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be thy name; May thy kingdom come, "Give us day by day our bread for the coming day; read more.
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "'Do for me the justice of my adversary.' read more.
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
Now a man named Lazarus was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha??2 it was Mary who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying. "Master, see who you hold dear is ill."
Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away; so a number of the Jews had gone to Martha and Mary to sympathize with them concerning their brother. So when Martha learned that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained sitting in the house. read more.
Then Martha said to Jesus. "Master, had you been here my brother would not have died; but even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the Last Day." "I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus. "He who believes in me, even if he has died, shall live. And every one who is living and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Master," she answered, "I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." With these words she went away to call her sister Mary, saying privately, "The Teacher is here and is asking for you." So when Mary heard this, she rose quickly and went to meet him. Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still at the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews who were in the house trying to console her, when they saw that Mary rose quickly and went out, followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to the place where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, "Master had you been here, my brother would not have died." Then when Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews likewise who accompanied her, sobbing, he shuddered with indignation in his spirit, and was deeply agitated. "Where have you laid him?" he said: "Master, come and see," they answered. Jesus burst into tears. "See how he loved him," said the Jews. But some of them said, "Could not this man, who has opened the eyes of the blind man, have prevented this man also from dying?" Jesus therefore, again shuddering in himself with indignation, came to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone lying upon it. "Roll away the stone," said Jesus. "Master," said Martha, the sister of the dead man "he is offensive by this time, for he has been four days in the tomb." Jesus answered her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you should see the glory of God?" Then they rolled the stone away; and Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast listened to me. And I knew that thou art ever listening to me, but for the sake of the crowd who are standing about, I said it, in order that they may believe that thou hast sent me." When he had said this he cried with a great voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" Out came the dead man, wrapped hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face bound up in a napkin. Jesus said to them, "Untie him, and let him go." Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary, and had seen what he did, believed on him; but some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Then Martha said to Jesus. "Master, had you been here my brother would not have died; but even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know that he will rise in the resurrection, at the Last Day." "I am the resurrection and the life," said Jesus. "He who believes in me, even if he has died, shall live. And every one who is living and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Master," she answered, "I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." With these words she went away to call her sister Mary, saying privately, "The Teacher is here and is asking for you." So when Mary heard this, she rose quickly and went to meet him. Jesus had not yet arrived in the village, but was still at the place where Martha met him. Then the Jews who were in the house trying to console her, when they saw that Mary rose quickly and went out, followed her, because they thought she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to the place where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying, "Master had you been here, my brother would not have died." Then when Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews likewise who accompanied her, sobbing, he shuddered with indignation in his spirit, and was deeply agitated. "Where have you laid him?" he said: "Master, come and see," they answered. Jesus burst into tears. "See how he loved him," said the Jews. But some of them said, "Could not this man, who has opened the eyes of the blind man, have prevented this man also from dying?" Jesus therefore, again shuddering in himself with indignation, came to the tomb, which was a cave with a stone lying upon it. "Roll away the stone," said Jesus. "Master," said Martha, the sister of the dead man "he is offensive by this time, for he has been four days in the tomb." Jesus answered her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you should see the glory of God?" Then they rolled the stone away; and Jesus lifted up his eyes and said: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast listened to me. And I knew that thou art ever listening to me, but for the sake of the crowd who are standing about, I said it, in order that they may believe that thou hast sent me." When he had said this he cried with a great voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" Out came the dead man, wrapped hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face bound up in a napkin. Jesus said to them, "Untie him, and let him go." Many of the Jews, therefore, who had come with Mary, and had seen what he did, believed on him; but some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
While he was still speaking there came a crowd, and he who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus in order to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, "Judas, you are betraying the Son of man with a kiss?" Those who were around him, when they saw what was about to happen, said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with our swords?" read more.
Then one of them did strike a blow at the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. "Permit me to do this at least," said Jesus, as he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the corps of priests and captains of the temple and elders who had come out to arrest him. "Have ye come for me with swords and clubs to arrest me like a robber? "When daily I was with you in the temple you did not stretch out your hands to take me; but this is your hour and the power of darkness." So they seized him and led him away, and took him to the house of the high priest; while Peter was following him a long way off. And when they had lighted a fire in the center of the court, and had sat down together, Peter was taking his seat among them. But a certain maid servant saw him taking his seat near the fire and, with a sharp glance at him, she said, "This fellow was with him, too!" But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I know nothing about him." A little later a man saw him, and said, "You too are one of them" But Peter declared, "Man, I am not." But an hour afterwards another man kept insisting, saying. "Really, this fellow was with him. Why, he is a Galilean." "Man," said Peter, "I do not know what you mean." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crew. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter recollected the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "This very day, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And Peter went outside and wept with bitter crying.
Then one of them did strike a blow at the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. "Permit me to do this at least," said Jesus, as he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the corps of priests and captains of the temple and elders who had come out to arrest him. "Have ye come for me with swords and clubs to arrest me like a robber? "When daily I was with you in the temple you did not stretch out your hands to take me; but this is your hour and the power of darkness." So they seized him and led him away, and took him to the house of the high priest; while Peter was following him a long way off. And when they had lighted a fire in the center of the court, and had sat down together, Peter was taking his seat among them. But a certain maid servant saw him taking his seat near the fire and, with a sharp glance at him, she said, "This fellow was with him, too!" But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I know nothing about him." A little later a man saw him, and said, "You too are one of them" But Peter declared, "Man, I am not." But an hour afterwards another man kept insisting, saying. "Really, this fellow was with him. Why, he is a Galilean." "Man," said Peter, "I do not know what you mean." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crew. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter recollected the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "This very day, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And Peter went outside and wept with bitter crying.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
Then a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him. "Master," he said "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And he said to him. "What is written in the Law? What do you read there?" "You must love the Lord your God," he answered, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." read more.
"You have answered right," said Jesus "do that and you shall live." But he, determined to justify himself, said to Jesus, "But who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered. "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell among bandits who both stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. "Now a certain priest chanced to be going down that way, but on seeing him he passed on the other side. "In like manner also a Levite who came to the spot, came and looked at him, and passed on the other side. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him was moved with compassion. "He went to him bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine. He set him on his own beast, and took him to an inn, and took care of him. "The next day he took two silver pieces and gave them to the landlord and said, "'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend I will repay it to you on my way back.' "Which then of these three seems to you to have behaved like a neighbor to the man who fell among bandits?" He replied, "The one who showed mercy on him." "Go, then," said Jesus, "and do likewise."
"You have answered right," said Jesus "do that and you shall live." But he, determined to justify himself, said to Jesus, "But who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered. "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell among bandits who both stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. "Now a certain priest chanced to be going down that way, but on seeing him he passed on the other side. "In like manner also a Levite who came to the spot, came and looked at him, and passed on the other side. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him was moved with compassion. "He went to him bound up his wounds, pouring on them oil and wine. He set him on his own beast, and took him to an inn, and took care of him. "The next day he took two silver pieces and gave them to the landlord and said, "'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend I will repay it to you on my way back.' "Which then of these three seems to you to have behaved like a neighbor to the man who fell among bandits?" He replied, "The one who showed mercy on him." "Go, then," said Jesus, "and do likewise."
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
And he said: "There was a man who had two sons. "The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your property which is coming to me.' So he divided his means among them. "Not many days after that the younger son gathered everything together and took his journey into a distant country; and there he wasted his money on living unsavingly. read more.
"After he had spent everything there came a terrible famine in the land, and he began to be in want. "So he went and hired to one of the citizens of that land, who sent him out into the fields to feed swine. "And he was longing to be filled with the husks which the swine were eating, but no one gave him any. "When he came to himself he said: "'How many of my father's hired men have bread enough and to spare, while I am perishing of hunger! "'I will rise and go to my father, and say to him. "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in your sight, "'"I am no more worthy to be called your son; only make me like one of your hired men."' "So he arose and went to his father; but while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no more worthy to be called your son.' "'Fetch the best robe, quick,' said the father to his slaves, 'and put it on him, and give him a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. "'Bring that fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry, "'for this son of mine was dead and is alive again??e was lost and is found.' "So they began to make merry. But his elder son was in the field, and as he drew near to the house he heard music and dancing, "and he summoned one of the slaves, and began to inquire of him what all this meant. "'Your brother is come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has him safe and sound.' "But he was angry and would not go in; so his father came out, and attempted to plead with him; but he said to his father. "'All these years I have been slaving for you and never disobeyed a command of yours. Yet you never gave me even a kid so that I might make merry with my friends. "'But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with harlots, you have killed him the fatted calf.' "'My dear son,' answered his father, 'you are always with me and all that is mine is yours. "'But it was fitting that we should make merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found.'"
"After he had spent everything there came a terrible famine in the land, and he began to be in want. "So he went and hired to one of the citizens of that land, who sent him out into the fields to feed swine. "And he was longing to be filled with the husks which the swine were eating, but no one gave him any. "When he came to himself he said: "'How many of my father's hired men have bread enough and to spare, while I am perishing of hunger! "'I will rise and go to my father, and say to him. "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and in your sight, "'"I am no more worthy to be called your son; only make me like one of your hired men."' "So he arose and went to his father; but while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no more worthy to be called your son.' "'Fetch the best robe, quick,' said the father to his slaves, 'and put it on him, and give him a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. "'Bring that fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry, "'for this son of mine was dead and is alive again??e was lost and is found.' "So they began to make merry. But his elder son was in the field, and as he drew near to the house he heard music and dancing, "and he summoned one of the slaves, and began to inquire of him what all this meant. "'Your brother is come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has him safe and sound.' "But he was angry and would not go in; so his father came out, and attempted to plead with him; but he said to his father. "'All these years I have been slaving for you and never disobeyed a command of yours. Yet you never gave me even a kid so that I might make merry with my friends. "'But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with harlots, you have killed him the fatted calf.' "'My dear son,' answered his father, 'you are always with me and all that is mine is yours. "'But it was fitting that we should make merry and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found.'"
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
So Paul stood up in the center of Mars Hill, and said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all respects you are remarkably religious. "For as I was passing along and observing your objects of worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What you are worshiping in ignorance, this I am proclaiming to you. "The God who made the universe and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, read more.
"neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all life and breath and all things. "He has made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the bounds of their habitation, "so that they might seek God, if perhaps they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from every on of us; "for in him we live and move and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, "'For we also are his offspring.' "Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but he now commands all men that they should all, everywhere, repent; inasmuch as he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world justly, by the Man whom he has ordained, and he has given proof of all this by raising him from the dead."
"neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all life and breath and all things. "He has made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the bounds of their habitation, "so that they might seek God, if perhaps they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from every on of us; "for in him we live and move and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, "'For we also are his offspring.' "Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but he now commands all men that they should all, everywhere, repent; inasmuch as he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world justly, by the Man whom he has ordained, and he has given proof of all this by raising him from the dead."
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
Now as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave girl met us, who had a spirit of divination, and who brought her masters great gain by fortune-telling. She used to follow after Paul and us, crying out again and again, "These men are servants of the most high God, who proclaimed to you the way of salvation." She persisted in this for many days, until Paul, worn out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I charge you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her." In that very hour it came out of her. read more.
But when her owners saw that their hopes of gain were gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them before the magistrates, into the market-place. Then they brought them before the praetors, saying. "These fellows are Jews, who are making a great disturbance in our city. "They are teaching customs which it is not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or practise." The crowd, too, rose up together against them, and the praetors, after having them stripped, and after ordering them to be flogged, had many lashes inflicted upon them, and put them in prison, with a charge to the jailer to keep them safe. On receiving so strict an order he cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. But at midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison-house were shaken; and instantly all the doors were opened, and every one's chains fell off. The jailer, roused from sleep, and seeing the doors wide open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted loudly to him. "Do yourself no harm; for we are all here!" So he called for lights, and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, saying, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" "Believe on the Lord Jesus," they answered, "and you will be saved, you and all your household." Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him, as well as to all who were in his house. And he took them, the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his. And after bringing them up into his house, he set food before them, overjoyed with all his household in having believed in God. But in the morning the praetors sent their lictors with the order, "Let these men go." The jailer reported the words to Paul, saying. "The praetors have sent to release you; so come out, and go in peace." But Paul said: "They have flogged us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens; and have thrown us into prison. Are they now going to get rid of us secretly? No, indeed! Let them come here, themselves and take us out." The lictors reported these words to the praetors, who were frightened when they heard that they were Romans. So they came and conciliated them, and after taking them out of prison, begged them to leave the town. So Paul and Silas came out of the prison, and went to Lydia's house; and after they had seen the brethren and encouraged them, they left Philippi.
But when her owners saw that their hopes of gain were gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them before the magistrates, into the market-place. Then they brought them before the praetors, saying. "These fellows are Jews, who are making a great disturbance in our city. "They are teaching customs which it is not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or practise." The crowd, too, rose up together against them, and the praetors, after having them stripped, and after ordering them to be flogged, had many lashes inflicted upon them, and put them in prison, with a charge to the jailer to keep them safe. On receiving so strict an order he cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. But at midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison-house were shaken; and instantly all the doors were opened, and every one's chains fell off. The jailer, roused from sleep, and seeing the doors wide open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, because he thought that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted loudly to him. "Do yourself no harm; for we are all here!" So he called for lights, and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, saying, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" "Believe on the Lord Jesus," they answered, "and you will be saved, you and all your household." Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him, as well as to all who were in his house. And he took them, the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his. And after bringing them up into his house, he set food before them, overjoyed with all his household in having believed in God. But in the morning the praetors sent their lictors with the order, "Let these men go." The jailer reported the words to Paul, saying. "The praetors have sent to release you; so come out, and go in peace." But Paul said: "They have flogged us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens; and have thrown us into prison. Are they now going to get rid of us secretly? No, indeed! Let them come here, themselves and take us out." The lictors reported these words to the praetors, who were frightened when they heard that they were Romans. So they came and conciliated them, and after taking them out of prison, begged them to leave the town. So Paul and Silas came out of the prison, and went to Lydia's house; and after they had seen the brethren and encouraged them, they left Philippi.
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 his father, Zachariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying. "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, For he has visited and redeemed his people, "And has raised up a mighty Deliverer for us In the house of his servant David, read more.
"As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets Which have been since the world began To deliver us from our enemies, and from the power Of all who hate us. "He showed mercy to our forefathers, He remembered his holy covenant, "The oath which he swore to Abraham, our forefather, "That he we should be delivered out of the Hand of our enemies, And should serve him without fear, "In holiness and righteousness before him All our days. "And thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Most High, For thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare the way "To give to his people a knowledge of salvation Through the remission of their sins, "Through the heart of mercy of our God, Whereby the Dayspring from on high shall visit us, "To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, And to guide our feet into the paths of peace." And the child grew, and became strong in the Spirit, and remained in the desert till the day of his showing to Israel.
"As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets Which have been since the world began To deliver us from our enemies, and from the power Of all who hate us. "He showed mercy to our forefathers, He remembered his holy covenant, "The oath which he swore to Abraham, our forefather, "That he we should be delivered out of the Hand of our enemies, And should serve him without fear, "In holiness and righteousness before him All our days. "And thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Most High, For thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare the way "To give to his people a knowledge of salvation Through the remission of their sins, "Through the heart of mercy of our God, Whereby the Dayspring from on high shall visit us, "To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, And to guide our feet into the paths of peace." And the child grew, and became strong in the Spirit, and remained in the desert till the day of his showing 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, "My spirit exults in the God, who is my Saviour, "For he has regarded the humiliation of his slave, And from this hour all ages will count me blessed. read more.
"For he who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is his name. "His mercy is unto generations and generations on those who reverence him. "He has showed strength with his arm. "He has scattered proud in the imagination of their hearts; "he has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted those of low degree. "The hungry he has filled with good things, But the rich he has sent empty away. "He has helped Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, "As he spoke to our forefathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever." So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and returned home.
"For he who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is his name. "His mercy is unto generations and generations on those who reverence him. "He has showed strength with his arm. "He has scattered proud in the imagination of their hearts; "he has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted those of low degree. "The hungry he has filled with good things, But the rich he has sent empty away. "He has helped Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy, "As he spoke to our forefathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever." So Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and returned home.
Select readings » God's providence
"Behold! the birds in the sky! They neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them; and are not you worth more than they? "Which one of you by being anxious is able to add even one cubit to his stature? "Why be anxious then about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin. read more.
"But I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was robed like one of these. "If God then so clothes the grass of the field, which blooms today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith? "Then do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" "For all these are things that the Gentiles are eagerly seeking; for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all. "But continue to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. "Do not then be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own anxieties. Enough for each day are its own troubles."
"But I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was robed like one of these. "If God then so clothes the grass of the field, which blooms today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith? "Then do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" "For all these are things that the Gentiles are eagerly seeking; for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of them all. "But continue to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. "Do not then be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own anxieties. Enough for each day are its own troubles."
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
On the Sabbath Day they rested in obedience to the commandment, but in the deep dawn of the first day of the week they took the spices which they had prepared, and came to the tomb. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and on entering they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
While they were still perplexed over this, it happened that the two men stood near them in dazzling raiment. They were terrified, and bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why are you seeking him who lives among the dead? "He is not here; he is risen. Do you remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of man had to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and to rise on the third day?" Then they recollected his words, and turning away from the tomb they told all this to the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women who were telling all this to the apostles. But the whole story seemed to them but an idle tale; and they disbelieved the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, but when he stooped and looked in he saw the linen wrappings by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass.
While they were still perplexed over this, it happened that the two men stood near them in dazzling raiment. They were terrified, and bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why are you seeking him who lives among the dead? "He is not here; he is risen. Do you remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of man had to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and to rise on the third day?" Then they recollected his words, and turning away from the tomb they told all this to the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women who were telling all this to the apostles. But the whole story seemed to them but an idle tale; and they disbelieved the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, but when he stooped and looked in he saw the linen wrappings by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. "Many in that day will say to me, "'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name done many mighty works?' "Then I will tell them plainly, "'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity.' read more.
"Every one who hears my words and does them I will liken to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house, but it fell not, for it was founded upon the rock. "And every one who hears these words of mine and does them not, I will liken to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
"Every one who hears my words and does them I will liken to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house, but it fell not, for it was founded upon the rock. "And every one who hears these words of mine and does them not, I will liken to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
When the day of Pentecost was fully come, and they were all together in the same place, there came suddenly from the sky a sound like the onrush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. There appeared to them tongues, like flame, distributing themselves, one resting upon the head of each one, read more.
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Now there were, staying in Jerusalem. devout Jews from many and distant lands. So when this noise was heard, the crowd gathered in bewilderment because each man heard them speaking in his own language. The were beside themselves with wonder. "Are not these Galileans who are speaking?" they exclaimed. "Then how is it that each one of us hears them speak his own mother tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judea, in Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the district of Lybia around Cretans and Arabians, we all hear these men telling in our own tongue what great things God has done." All were astonished and bewildered and kept saying to one another, "What can this mean?" But others were saying with jeer, "These men are full of sweet wine." Then Peter, with the Eleven, stood up and addresses them in a loud voice. "Men of Judea and dwellers in Jerusalem, have no doubt about this matter, but listen to what I say. "These men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only nine o'clock in the morning. "No, this is what the prophet Joel predicted. "In the last days, God says, it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit upon all mankind; "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams; upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days, will I pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. In the sky above I will show marvels, And signs in the earth beneath; Blood and fire, and vapor of smoke. Into darkness shall the sun be turned, And into blood the moon, Ere the day of the Lord come, that great and terrible day. And every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. "Men of Israel, listen to these words. Jesus the Nazarene, a man accredited to you by God, through mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, as you yourselves know; him, delivered up by the settled purpose and fore-knowledge of God, you crucified and killed at the hands of lawless men; but God has raised him to life, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for death to hold him. For David says of him. "I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is at my right hand lest I be shaken. "Therefore my heart is glad, my tongue exults, my very body also shall pitch its tent in hope. "For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, Nor give up thy Holy One to see corruption. "Thou hast made known to me the paths of life, Thou wilt fill me with gladness in thy presence. "Men and brothers, I can speak plainly to you concerning the patriarch David, because he not only died and was buried, but his tomb is among us even to this very day. "Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that of the fruit of his loins he would set one on his throne, "he, foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection of Christ that neither was he left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of this we are all witnesses. Since he is by the mighty hand of God exalted, and has received from his Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured forth this which you now see and hear. For David did not ascend into heaven; but he himself said, "The Lord said to my Lord Sit thou on my right hand "Until I make thine enemies A footstool under thy feet. "Therefore let the whole House of Israel know assuredly that Gods has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you have crucified."
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Now there were, staying in Jerusalem. devout Jews from many and distant lands. So when this noise was heard, the crowd gathered in bewilderment because each man heard them speaking in his own language. The were beside themselves with wonder. "Are not these Galileans who are speaking?" they exclaimed. "Then how is it that each one of us hears them speak his own mother tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judea, in Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the district of Lybia around Cretans and Arabians, we all hear these men telling in our own tongue what great things God has done." All were astonished and bewildered and kept saying to one another, "What can this mean?" But others were saying with jeer, "These men are full of sweet wine." Then Peter, with the Eleven, stood up and addresses them in a loud voice. "Men of Judea and dwellers in Jerusalem, have no doubt about this matter, but listen to what I say. "These men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only nine o'clock in the morning. "No, this is what the prophet Joel predicted. "In the last days, God says, it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit upon all mankind; "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams; upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days, will I pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. In the sky above I will show marvels, And signs in the earth beneath; Blood and fire, and vapor of smoke. Into darkness shall the sun be turned, And into blood the moon, Ere the day of the Lord come, that great and terrible day. And every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. "Men of Israel, listen to these words. Jesus the Nazarene, a man accredited to you by God, through mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, as you yourselves know; him, delivered up by the settled purpose and fore-knowledge of God, you crucified and killed at the hands of lawless men; but God has raised him to life, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for death to hold him. For David says of him. "I beheld the Lord always before my face; For he is at my right hand lest I be shaken. "Therefore my heart is glad, my tongue exults, my very body also shall pitch its tent in hope. "For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, Nor give up thy Holy One to see corruption. "Thou hast made known to me the paths of life, Thou wilt fill me with gladness in thy presence. "Men and brothers, I can speak plainly to you concerning the patriarch David, because he not only died and was buried, but his tomb is among us even to this very day. "Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that of the fruit of his loins he would set one on his throne, "he, foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection of Christ that neither was he left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of this we are all witnesses. Since he is by the mighty hand of God exalted, and has received from his Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured forth this which you now see and hear. For David did not ascend into heaven; but he himself said, "The Lord said to my Lord Sit thou on my right hand "Until I make thine enemies A footstool under thy feet. "Therefore let the whole House of Israel know assuredly that Gods has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you have crucified."
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
And the high priest said, "Are these things so?" Stephen answered. "Listen, brothers and fathers. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, "Leave your country and your kindred, and come to whatever land I will show you. read more.
"So he left Chaldea and settled in Haran, and from there, after his father's death, God moved him to this land which you inhabit. "But he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not a single square yard of ground; yet he promised to bestow the land as a permanent possession on him and his posterity??e at that time being childless. "What God said was this. "'His offspring will sojourn in a foreign land where they will be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. "'And the nation, whichever it is, that enslaves them I will judge, said God, 'and after ward they shall come out, and they shall worship me in this place. "Then he gave him a covenant of circumcision, and under this covenant he became the father of Isaac, whom he circumcised on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve Patriarchs. "The patriarchs out of jealousy sold Joseph into Egypt. "But God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him grace and wisdom, when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him Governor over Egypt, and over all the royal household. "Then there came a famine over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress, so that our ancestors could not find food. "But Jacob heard that there was food in Egypt, and sent our ancestors there on their first visit. "On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Pharaoh was informed of Joseph's parentage. "Then Joseph sent and invited Jacob his father and all his family, numbering seventy-five souls, to come to him; "and Jacob went down into Egypt. "There he died, and our ancestors also, and they were carried across to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. "but as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise which God made to Abraham, the people multiplied and increased in Egypt; "until there arose a king who knew not Joseph. "He dealt craftily with our race, and oppressed our forefathers, by making them expose their infants so that they should not live. "In this time Moses was born, a divinely beautiful child, who was brought up for three months in his father's house. "When he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and brought him up as her own son. "So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in his words and works. "And when he was forty years old it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel; "and when he saw one of them wronged he wrought redress for the one overpowered, by striking down the Egyptian. "(Now he supposed that his brothers would understand how God by his hand was bringing them deliverance; but they did not.) "Next day he came upon two of them fighting, and tried to make peace between them. "'Sirs,' he said, 'you are brothers. Why are you wronging each other?' "But the man who was ill-treating his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, "'Who made you a magistrate and ruler over us? "'Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' "Alarmed at this question, Moses fled from the land, and went to live in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons. "But at the end of forty years there appeared to him, in the desert of Mt. Sinai, an angel in a flame of fire, in a bush. "When Moses saw it he was astonished at the sight. But when he drew near to look, the voice of the Lord said, "I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. "And Moses trembled and dared not gaze. "And the Lord said: "Take off your sandals, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. "Truly I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groans, and am come down to rescue them; and now, come, I will send you into Egypt. "This Moses whom they refused when they said, Who made you to be a ruler and a judge? that same Moses we find God sending as a ruler and a redeemer by the hand in the bush. "This was he who brought them out, after he had shown signs and wonders in the wilderness, for forty years. "It was this Moses who said to the Children of Israel, "God will raise up a Prophet for you from among your brothers, as he did me. "This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness along with the angel who spoke to him in Mt. Sinai, and with our ancestors to whom he gave living words to hand down to us. "To him our ancestors would not be obedient, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt. "Said they to Aaron. "Make Gods for us who shall march in front of us! As for this Moses who led us forth out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has happened to him. "And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to this idol, and began to rejoice over what they had made with their hands. "So God turned from them, and gave them up to the worship of the heavenly host, as it is written in the book of the Prophets. "Did you offer unto me slain beasts as sacrifices during the forty years in the wilderness, O House of Israel? No, it was the Tabernacle of Moloch and the star-symbol of the god Rempha that you lifted up??he images which you made in order to worship them; so I will carry you away beyond Babylon. "In the wilderness our ancestors had the Tabernacle of Testimony built, as he appointed who told Moses to make it according to the pattern he had seen. "That tabernacle was brought in by our ancestors, in their turn, when they under Joshua entered on the possession of the nations whom God thrust out before them, until the days of David. "David obtained favor with God, and asked permission to find a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. "But it was Solomon who built him a house. "Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; as said the prophet. "The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet; What kind of house will you build for me? saith the Lord. Or what resting-place shall I have? Did not my hand make this universe? "Stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Ghost! As your fathers did, so do you. "Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become??53 "you who received the law, given through angels, and obeyed it not." As they heard these words they became furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look, I see heaven open," he said, "And the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."
"So he left Chaldea and settled in Haran, and from there, after his father's death, God moved him to this land which you inhabit. "But he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not a single square yard of ground; yet he promised to bestow the land as a permanent possession on him and his posterity??e at that time being childless. "What God said was this. "'His offspring will sojourn in a foreign land where they will be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. "'And the nation, whichever it is, that enslaves them I will judge, said God, 'and after ward they shall come out, and they shall worship me in this place. "Then he gave him a covenant of circumcision, and under this covenant he became the father of Isaac, whom he circumcised on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve Patriarchs. "The patriarchs out of jealousy sold Joseph into Egypt. "But God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him grace and wisdom, when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him Governor over Egypt, and over all the royal household. "Then there came a famine over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress, so that our ancestors could not find food. "But Jacob heard that there was food in Egypt, and sent our ancestors there on their first visit. "On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Pharaoh was informed of Joseph's parentage. "Then Joseph sent and invited Jacob his father and all his family, numbering seventy-five souls, to come to him; "and Jacob went down into Egypt. "There he died, and our ancestors also, and they were carried across to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. "but as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise which God made to Abraham, the people multiplied and increased in Egypt; "until there arose a king who knew not Joseph. "He dealt craftily with our race, and oppressed our forefathers, by making them expose their infants so that they should not live. "In this time Moses was born, a divinely beautiful child, who was brought up for three months in his father's house. "When he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and brought him up as her own son. "So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in his words and works. "And when he was forty years old it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel; "and when he saw one of them wronged he wrought redress for the one overpowered, by striking down the Egyptian. "(Now he supposed that his brothers would understand how God by his hand was bringing them deliverance; but they did not.) "Next day he came upon two of them fighting, and tried to make peace between them. "'Sirs,' he said, 'you are brothers. Why are you wronging each other?' "But the man who was ill-treating his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, "'Who made you a magistrate and ruler over us? "'Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' "Alarmed at this question, Moses fled from the land, and went to live in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons. "But at the end of forty years there appeared to him, in the desert of Mt. Sinai, an angel in a flame of fire, in a bush. "When Moses saw it he was astonished at the sight. But when he drew near to look, the voice of the Lord said, "I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. "And Moses trembled and dared not gaze. "And the Lord said: "Take off your sandals, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. "Truly I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groans, and am come down to rescue them; and now, come, I will send you into Egypt. "This Moses whom they refused when they said, Who made you to be a ruler and a judge? that same Moses we find God sending as a ruler and a redeemer by the hand in the bush. "This was he who brought them out, after he had shown signs and wonders in the wilderness, for forty years. "It was this Moses who said to the Children of Israel, "God will raise up a Prophet for you from among your brothers, as he did me. "This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness along with the angel who spoke to him in Mt. Sinai, and with our ancestors to whom he gave living words to hand down to us. "To him our ancestors would not be obedient, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt. "Said they to Aaron. "Make Gods for us who shall march in front of us! As for this Moses who led us forth out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has happened to him. "And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to this idol, and began to rejoice over what they had made with their hands. "So God turned from them, and gave them up to the worship of the heavenly host, as it is written in the book of the Prophets. "Did you offer unto me slain beasts as sacrifices during the forty years in the wilderness, O House of Israel? No, it was the Tabernacle of Moloch and the star-symbol of the god Rempha that you lifted up??he images which you made in order to worship them; so I will carry you away beyond Babylon. "In the wilderness our ancestors had the Tabernacle of Testimony built, as he appointed who told Moses to make it according to the pattern he had seen. "That tabernacle was brought in by our ancestors, in their turn, when they under Joshua entered on the possession of the nations whom God thrust out before them, until the days of David. "David obtained favor with God, and asked permission to find a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. "But it was Solomon who built him a house. "Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands; as said the prophet. "The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet; What kind of house will you build for me? saith the Lord. Or what resting-place shall I have? Did not my hand make this universe? "Stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Ghost! As your fathers did, so do you. "Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become??53 "you who received the law, given through angels, and obeyed it not." As they heard these words they became furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look, I see heaven open," he said, "And the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."
Select readings » The beatitudes
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and when he had seated himself, his disciples came to him, and opening his lips he began to teach them, saying. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. read more.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness, for they shall be completely satisfied. "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 sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted in the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name's sake. "Rejoice and exult in it, because your reward was great in the heavens; for so did they persecute the prophets before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt lose its savor, in what way shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing but to be thrown out and trodden under foot of men. "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hid; "nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "So let your light shine before men that they may see good you do, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness, for they shall be completely satisfied. "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 sons of God. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted in the cause of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my name's sake. "Rejoice and exult in it, because your reward was great in the heavens; for so did they persecute the prophets before you. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt lose its savor, in what way shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing but to be thrown out and trodden under foot of men. "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hid; "nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "So let your light shine before men that they may see good you do, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Select readings » Old age
Select readings » The wrath of God
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Select readings » Nature's testimony
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Select readings » Paul in front of governor felix
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Select readings » The joy of the righteous
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Select readings » The righteous and the wicked in contrast
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United prayer » Select readings
It happened he was praying in a certain place, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples." So he said to them. "When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be thy name; May thy kingdom come, "Give us day by day our bread for the coming day; read more.
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "'Do for me the justice of my adversary.' read more.
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
Unwise prayers » Select readings
It happened he was praying in a certain place, and when he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, teach us how to pray, just as John taught his disciples." So he said to them. "When you pray, say, "Father, hallowed be thy name; May thy kingdom come, "Give us day by day our bread for the coming day; read more.
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
"Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone who has offended us; "And bring us not into temptation." He also said to them. "Suppose you have a friend and you go to him, 'My friend, lend me three loaves of bread, "for a friend of mine is come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.' "and he from indoors shall answer. 'Do not pester me. The door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot rise and give to you.' "I tell you that, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his importunate persistence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you. "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you. "For he that asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door shall be opened. "What father is there among you who, if his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish will give him instead a serpent? "Or if he asks for an egg, will offer him a scorpion? "If you give good gifts to your children, how much more shall the Father who is in heaven give the Holy spirit to those that ask him!"
He also taught them by a parable how they ought always to pray and never to lose heart. "There was a certain town," he said, "a judge who had neither reverence for God, nor respect for man. "In that same town there was a widow who came again and again before him, saying, "'Do for me the justice of my adversary.' read more.
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
"For a while he would not, but afterwards he said to himself, 'Though I have neither reverence for God nor regard for man, "'yet because this woman annoys me I will give her justice, lest by her continual coming she wear me out.' "Listen" said the Lord, "to what this unjust judge says. "And will not God see justice done to his elect who are crying unto him day and night, even if he seems to delay helping them? "I tell you that he will quickly see justice done to his elect! Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith upon the earth?"
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
Then he spoke to them in a parable. "The ground of a certain rich man bore heavy crops. "So he debated with himself saying, 'What shall I do? for I have no place in which to store my crops.' "And he said to himself. 'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns and build larger ones in which I will store all my wheat and my goods. read more.
"'And I will say to my soul, "'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years! Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.' "But God said to him. 'Foolish man! This very night your soul is wanted! And these things you have prepared, whose shall they be? "So is he that lays up treasures for himself and is not rich toward God."
"'And I will say to my soul, "'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years! Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.' "But God said to him. 'Foolish man! This very night your soul is wanted! And these things you have prepared, whose shall they be? "So is he that lays up treasures for himself and is not rich toward God."
"Now there was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and made merry every day in splendor. "And a certain beggar named Lazarus was thrown at his door. "He was full of sores, and longingly desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. Yes! even the dogs came and licked his sores. read more.
"But in the course of time the beggar died; and he was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom. "The rich man also died, and was buried. And as he was tormented in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham have mercy on me; and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' "'Remember my son.' said Abraham, 'that you had in your lifetime all your good things, and in the same way Lazarus his evil things; but now here he is comforted, and you are in anguish. "But besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who want to cross from here to you cannot, nor can those who would cross from you to us.' "'I beg you then, father,' he said, 'send him to my fathers house. For I have five brothers. "'Let him earnestly warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.' "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets, let them listen to them.' "'Nay, Father Abraham,' he said 'but if some one went to them from the dead they would repent.' "'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,' said Father Abraham, 'neither will they be persuaded if one should rise from the dead.'"
"But in the course of time the beggar died; and he was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom. "The rich man also died, and was buried. And as he was tormented in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham have mercy on me; and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' "'Remember my son.' said Abraham, 'that you had in your lifetime all your good things, and in the same way Lazarus his evil things; but now here he is comforted, and you are in anguish. "But besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who want to cross from here to you cannot, nor can those who would cross from you to us.' "'I beg you then, father,' he said, 'send him to my fathers house. For I have five brothers. "'Let him earnestly warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.' "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets, let them listen to them.' "'Nay, Father Abraham,' he said 'but if some one went to them from the dead they would repent.' "'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,' said Father Abraham, 'neither will they be persuaded if one should rise from the dead.'"