Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. read more.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. read more.
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
Daily duty » Select readings
See that none render to any man evil for evil, but ever follow that which is good, both to one another and to all men. Rejoice evermore: Pray without ceasing: In every thing give thanks; read more.
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and may the whole of you, the spirit and the soul and the body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and may the whole of you, the spirit and the soul and the body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
Now we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe, that Jesus died and rose again, so will God bring with him those also that sleep in Christ. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them that are asleep. read more.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Now one Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha, was sick. (It was that Mary, who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick) Therefore his sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick. read more.
Jesus hearing it, said, This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. So after he had heard that he was sick, he abode still two days in the place where he was. Then after this he saith to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again. The disciples say to him, Master, the Jews but now sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if any man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. Thus he spake, and after that he saith to them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go to awake him. Then the disciples said, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover. Jesus spake of his death, but they thought he had spoken of the natural rest in sleep. Then said Jesus to them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sake I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go to him. Then said Thomas, called Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus came, he found he had been now four days in the tomb. (Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.) And many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him; but Mary sat in the house. Then said Martha to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know even now, that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, tho' he die, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yea, Lord, I believe thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. Having said this, she went and privately called Mary her sister, saying, The master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she arose quickly and came to him. Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews then who were with her in the house and comforted her, seeing Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned deeply, and troubled himself, And said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this person, who opened the eyes of the blind, have even caused that this man should not have died? Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith to him, Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been buried four days. Jesus saith to her, Said I not to thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me. And having spoken thus, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go.
Jesus hearing it, said, This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. So after he had heard that he was sick, he abode still two days in the place where he was. Then after this he saith to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again. The disciples say to him, Master, the Jews but now sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if any man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. Thus he spake, and after that he saith to them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go to awake him. Then the disciples said, Lord, if he sleep, he will recover. Jesus spake of his death, but they thought he had spoken of the natural rest in sleep. Then said Jesus to them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sake I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go to him. Then said Thomas, called Didymus, to his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. When Jesus came, he found he had been now four days in the tomb. (Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.) And many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him; but Mary sat in the house. Then said Martha to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know even now, that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, tho' he die, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yea, Lord, I believe thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. Having said this, she went and privately called Mary her sister, saying, The master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she arose quickly and came to him. Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews then who were with her in the house and comforted her, seeing Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned deeply, and troubled himself, And said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this person, who opened the eyes of the blind, have even caused that this man should not have died? Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith to him, Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been buried four days. Jesus saith to her, Said I not to thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me. And having spoken thus, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go.
And when the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, had bought spices, that they might come and embalm him. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, at the rising of the sun. And they said one to another, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? read more.
(For it was very great:) And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled away. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man, sitting on the right-side, clothed in a white robe; and they were affrighted. He saith to them, Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen: he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said to you. And going out, they fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: and they said nothing to any; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early, the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But they, hearing that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they were walking, going into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, neither believed they them. Afterwards he appeared to the eleven, sitting at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them who had seen him after he was risen.
(For it was very great:) And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled away. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man, sitting on the right-side, clothed in a white robe; and they were affrighted. He saith to them, Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen: he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter, He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said to you. And going out, they fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: and they said nothing to any; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early, the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. She went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But they, hearing that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they were walking, going into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, neither believed they them. Afterwards he appeared to the eleven, sitting at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them who had seen him after he was risen.
And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices, which they had prepared and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, And entering, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And while they were perplexed concerning it, read more.
behold two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their face to the earth, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake to you being yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise again the third day. And they remembered his words, And returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter rising, ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he seeth the linen clothes laid by themselves; and he went home, wondring at what was come to pass. And behold two of them were going the same day to a village called Emmaus, which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And as they talked and argued together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were holden, so that they did not know him. And he said to them, What discourses are these that ye have one with another, and are sad? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, Dost thou alone even sojourn at Jerusalem, and hast not known the things, which are come to pass there in these days? And he said to them, What things? And they said to him, Those concerning Jesus of Nazareth (who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ) How our chief priests and rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him, But we trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel. And beside all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women of our company astonished us, who were early at the sepulchre, And not finding his body, they came, saying, That they had seen also a vision of angels, who say, he is alive. And some of the men who were with us, went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said; but him they saw not. Then he said to them, O foolish, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them the things in all the scriptures, concerning himself. And they drew nigh the village whither they were going, and he made as tho' he would go farther. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day declines. And he went in, to abide with them. And as he sat at table with them, he took the bread, and blessed it, and brake and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he was talking to us in the way, and opening the scriptures to us? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven met together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told the things done in the way, and how he was known by them in the breaking of the bread. And as they spake thus, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith to them, Peace be unto you. But being terrified and affrighted, they thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why do reasonings arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And having spoken this, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said to them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and ate before them. And he said to them, These are the words which I spake to you, being yet with you, that all things written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms concerning me, must be fulfilled. Then opened he their understanding, to understand the scriptures, And said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
behold two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their face to the earth, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake to you being yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise again the third day. And they remembered his words, And returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter rising, ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he seeth the linen clothes laid by themselves; and he went home, wondring at what was come to pass. And behold two of them were going the same day to a village called Emmaus, which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And as they talked and argued together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were holden, so that they did not know him. And he said to them, What discourses are these that ye have one with another, and are sad? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, Dost thou alone even sojourn at Jerusalem, and hast not known the things, which are come to pass there in these days? And he said to them, What things? And they said to him, Those concerning Jesus of Nazareth (who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ) How our chief priests and rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him, But we trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel. And beside all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women of our company astonished us, who were early at the sepulchre, And not finding his body, they came, saying, That they had seen also a vision of angels, who say, he is alive. And some of the men who were with us, went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said; but him they saw not. Then he said to them, O foolish, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them the things in all the scriptures, concerning himself. And they drew nigh the village whither they were going, and he made as tho' he would go farther. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us; for it is toward evening, and the day declines. And he went in, to abide with them. And as he sat at table with them, he took the bread, and blessed it, and brake and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he was talking to us in the way, and opening the scriptures to us? And rising up the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven met together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told the things done in the way, and how he was known by them in the breaking of the bread. And as they spake thus, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith to them, Peace be unto you. But being terrified and affrighted, they thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why do reasonings arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And having spoken this, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said to them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and ate before them. And he said to them, These are the words which I spake to you, being yet with you, that all things written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms concerning me, must be fulfilled. Then opened he their understanding, to understand the scriptures, And said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Concerning whom we have many things to say, and hard to be explained, seeing ye are become dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again, which are the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unexperienced in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. read more.
But strong meat belongeth to them of full age, to them who have their senses exercised by habit to discern both good and evil.
But strong meat belongeth to them of full age, to them who have their senses exercised by habit to discern both good and evil.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God, Of the doctrine of baptisms and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permit. read more.
For it is impossible for those who were once inlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, And have fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God. But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected and nigh unto a curse, whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. But we desire that every one of you would shew unto the end the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope, That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and long suffering inherited the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all contradiction.
For it is impossible for those who were once inlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, And have fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God. But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected and nigh unto a curse, whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. But we desire that every one of you would shew unto the end the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope, That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and long suffering inherited the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all contradiction.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
And I say to you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Verse Concepts
Importunity » Select readings
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. read more.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. read more.
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
Prayer » Select readings
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. read more.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. read more.
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
Now one Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha, was sick. (It was that Mary, who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick) Therefore his sisters sent to him, saying, Lord, behold he whom thou lovest is sick.
(Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off.) And many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him; but Mary sat in the house. read more.
Then said Martha to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know even now, that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, tho' he die, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yea, Lord, I believe thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. Having said this, she went and privately called Mary her sister, saying, The master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she arose quickly and came to him. Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews then who were with her in the house and comforted her, seeing Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned deeply, and troubled himself, And said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this person, who opened the eyes of the blind, have even caused that this man should not have died? Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith to him, Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been buried four days. Jesus saith to her, Said I not to thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me. And having spoken thus, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go. Many therefore of the Jews who were come to Mary, and had seen the things, which Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Then said Martha to Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know even now, that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith to her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, tho' he die, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. Believest thou this? She saith to him, Yea, Lord, I believe thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. Having said this, she went and privately called Mary her sister, saying, The master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she arose quickly and came to him. Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews then who were with her in the house and comforted her, seeing Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the tomb, to weep there. When Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned deeply, and troubled himself, And said, Where have ye laid him? They say to him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this person, who opened the eyes of the blind, have even caused that this man should not have died? Jesus again groaning in himself, cometh to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith to him, Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been buried four days. Jesus saith to her, Said I not to thee, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from where the dead lay. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but I spake this, because of the people who stand by, that they may believe thou hast sent me. And having spoken thus, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin. Jesus saith to them, Loose him, and let him go. Many therefore of the Jews who were come to Mary, and had seen the things, which Jesus had done, believed on him. But some of them went to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. And Jesus said to him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When they who were about him saw what would follow, they said to him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? read more.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answering said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, who were come to him, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high-priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sat down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid seeing him as he sat by the light, and looking earnestly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a while another saw him and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him, for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou meanest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turning looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, Before cock-crowing, thou wilt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answering said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, who were come to him, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high-priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sat down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid seeing him as he sat by the light, and looking earnestly upon him, said, This man also was with him. But he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And after a while another saw him and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And about one hour after, another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him, for he is a Galilean. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou meanest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turning looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, Before cock-crowing, thou wilt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
And behold, a certain scribe stood up, and trying him, said, Master, what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. read more.
And he said to him, Thou hast answered right: this do and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who having stripped and wounded him departed, leaving him half dead. And it came to pass that a certain priest came down that way, and seeing him, passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan journeying, came where he was, and seeing him, was moved with tender compassion, And going to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and setting him on his own beast, he brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow departing, he took out two pieces of money, and gave them to the host, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, as I come back I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was the neighbour to him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus to him, Go and do thou likewise.
And he said to him, Thou hast answered right: this do and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who having stripped and wounded him departed, leaving him half dead. And it came to pass that a certain priest came down that way, and seeing him, passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan journeying, came where he was, and seeing him, was moved with tender compassion, And going to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and setting him on his own beast, he brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow departing, he took out two pieces of money, and gave them to the host, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, as I come back I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was the neighbour to him that fell among the robbers? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus to him, Go and do thou likewise.
Select readings » Elijah's miraculous preservation
Select readings » The parable of the prodigal son
And he said, A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father; Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided to them his substance. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took a journey into a far country, and there squandered away his substance, living riotously. read more.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields, to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine ate: and no man gave to him. And coming to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger? I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee: I am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose and came to his father: But while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and his bowels yearned, and he ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And calling one of the servants, he asked what these things meant? And he told him, Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him in good health. But he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father coming out intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I thy commandment at any time, yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this thy son was come, who hath devoured thy substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Son, thou art always with me, and all that I have is thine. But it was meet to make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields, to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine ate: and no man gave to him. And coming to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger? I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee: I am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose and came to his father: But while he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and his bowels yearned, and he ran, and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And calling one of the servants, he asked what these things meant? And he told him, Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him in good health. But he was angry, and would not go in: therefore his father coming out intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I thy commandment at any time, yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this thy son was come, who hath devoured thy substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Son, thou art always with me, and all that I have is thine. But it was meet to make merry and be glad, for this thy brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
Then Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that ye are greatly addicted to the worship of invisible powers. For as I passed along and beheld the objects of your worship, I found an altar, on which was inscribed, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD: him therefore whom ye worship without knowing him, I proclaim unto you. God who made the world and all things therein, being the Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. read more.
Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed any thing, he himself giving to all life and breath, and all things. And he hath made of one the whole nation of men, to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation: That they might seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live and move, and have our being; as certain likewise of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think the Godhead is like gold or silver, or stone, graven by art and contrivance of man. The times of ignorance indeed God overlooked; but he now commandeth all men every where to repent. Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world righteously, by the man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed any thing, he himself giving to all life and breath, and all things. And he hath made of one the whole nation of men, to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation: That they might seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live and move, and have our being; as certain likewise of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think the Godhead is like gold or silver, or stone, graven by art and contrivance of man. The times of ignorance indeed God overlooked; but he now commandeth all men every where to repent. Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world righteously, by the man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
And as we were going to prayer, a certain damsel, possest by a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by prophesying. She following after Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are servants of the most high God, who declare to us the way of salvation. And this she did for many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out of her. And he came out the same hour. read more.
But when her owners saw, that the hope of their gain was gone, laying hold of Paul and Silas, they dragged them into the market-place to the magistrates, And having brought them to the pretors, they said, These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive, neither to observe. And the multitude rose up together against them; and the pretors tearing off their garments, commanded to beat them with rods. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the jailor awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison opened, drew his sword, and was going to kill himself, supposing the prisoners were fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. Then he called for lights, and sprang in, and trembling, fell down before Paul and Silas. And having brought them out he said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved and thy houshold. And they spake the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And taking them that very hour of the night, he washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his houshold. And having brought them up into his house, he set a table before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his whole house. And when it was day, the pretors sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the jailor told these things to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publickly, uncondemned, and have cast us into prison, who are Romans: and do they now thrust us out privately? Nay verily: but let them come themselves and conduct us out. And the serjeants reported these words to the pretors; and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and comforted them; and conducting them out, requested that they would depart from the city. And coming out of the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed.
But when her owners saw, that the hope of their gain was gone, laying hold of Paul and Silas, they dragged them into the market-place to the magistrates, And having brought them to the pretors, they said, These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which it is not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive, neither to observe. And the multitude rose up together against them; and the pretors tearing off their garments, commanded to beat them with rods. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung an hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the jailor awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison opened, drew his sword, and was going to kill himself, supposing the prisoners were fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. Then he called for lights, and sprang in, and trembling, fell down before Paul and Silas. And having brought them out he said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved and thy houshold. And they spake the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And taking them that very hour of the night, he washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his houshold. And having brought them up into his house, he set a table before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his whole house. And when it was day, the pretors sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the jailor told these things to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publickly, uncondemned, and have cast us into prison, who are Romans: and do they now thrust us out privately? Nay verily: but let them come themselves and conduct us out. And the serjeants reported these words to the pretors; and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and comforted them; and conducting them out, requested that they would depart from the city. And coming out of the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed.
Select readings » The majesty of God
Select readings » Song of moses when pharaoh and his army were overthrown
Select readings » The deliverance of the israelites from pharaoh
Select readings » The prophetic blessing of zacharias
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us, in the house of his servant David: read more.
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant us, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be a prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways, To give knowledge of salvation to his people, by the remission of their sins, Thro' the tender mercy of our God, whereby the Day-spring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts, till the day of his being shewn to Israel.
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant us, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, to serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be a prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways, To give knowledge of salvation to his people, by the remission of their sins, Thro' the tender mercy of our God, whereby the Day-spring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts, till the day of his being shewn to Israel.
Select readings » Joseph revealing his identity
Select readings » Mankind in extremity
Select readings » Mary's magnificat
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. read more.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. He hath wrought strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. He hath wrought strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Select readings » God's providence
Behold the birds of the air: they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? And which of you by taking thought can add to his age the smallest measure? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: read more.
And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now: if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the still, will he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take not thought, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear? (For after all these things do the heathens seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye need all these things, But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Take not therefore thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for itself: sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now: if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the still, will he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take not thought, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or what shall we wear? (For after all these things do the heathens seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye need all these things, But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Take not therefore thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for itself: sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
Select readings » Naaman the leper
Select readings » The resurrection of jesus Christ
And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices, which they had prepared and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, And entering, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And while they were perplexed concerning it, read more.
behold two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their face to the earth, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake to you being yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise again the third day. And they remembered his words, And returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter rising, ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he seeth the linen clothes laid by themselves; and he went home, wondring at what was come to pass.
behold two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their face to the earth, they said to them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake to you being yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and rise again the third day. And they remembered his words, And returning from the sepulchre, told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. But Peter rising, ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he seeth the linen clothes laid by themselves; and he went home, wondring at what was come to pass.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name have done many wonderful works? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. read more.
Therefore whosoever heareth these my sayings, and doth them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell not; for it was founded on a rock. But every one that heareth these my sayings, and doth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Therefore whosoever heareth these my sayings, and doth them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell not; for it was founded on a rock. But every one that heareth these my sayings, and doth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
And when the day of Pentecost was come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, violent wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them distinct tongues, as of fire; and it sat upon each of them. read more.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how hear we every one, in our own native language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Africk about Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, (Jews and Proselytes) Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God? And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others mocking, said, They are full of sweet wine. Then Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, Men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and hearken to my words. These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And in those days I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and upon my handmaids, and they shall prophecy. And I will shew prodigies in heaven above, and signs on earth beneath, blood and fire, and vapour of smoke, The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord, the great and illustrious day, come. But whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man pointed out to you of God, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands, have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, as it was not possible that he should be held under it. For David speaketh concerning him, I have seen the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right-hand, that I may not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue exulteth; yea, and my flesh shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt fill me with joy by thy countenance. Men and brethren, I may say to you freely of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, That of the fruit of his loins one should sit on his throne, He foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in Hades, neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God hath raised up, whereof all we are witnesses. Being therefore exalted by the right-hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right-hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, That God hath made this Jesus whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how hear we every one, in our own native language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and dwellers in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Africk about Cyrene, and Roman sojourners, (Jews and Proselytes) Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God? And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? But others mocking, said, They are full of sweet wine. Then Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, Men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and hearken to my words. These are not drunken as ye suppose for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And in those days I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants and upon my handmaids, and they shall prophecy. And I will shew prodigies in heaven above, and signs on earth beneath, blood and fire, and vapour of smoke, The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord, the great and illustrious day, come. But whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man pointed out to you of God, by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know: Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands, have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, as it was not possible that he should be held under it. For David speaketh concerning him, I have seen the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right-hand, that I may not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue exulteth; yea, and my flesh shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hades, neither wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt fill me with joy by thy countenance. Men and brethren, I may say to you freely of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, That of the fruit of his loins one should sit on his throne, He foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in Hades, neither did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God hath raised up, whereof all we are witnesses. Being therefore exalted by the right-hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right-hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, That God hath made this Jesus whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Select readings » Elisha and the widow's oil
Select readings » Stephen's defense
Then said the high priest, Are these things so? And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, And said to him, Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into a land, which I will shew thee. read more.
And coming out of the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Haran. And from thence, after his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not to set his foot on; yet he promised to give it him for a possession, even to his seed after him, when he had no child. And God spake thus: That his seed should sojourn in a strange land, (and they will inslave them and treat them evil) four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, saith God. And after that, they shall come forth, and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriachs moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharoah king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt, and all his house. Now there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no sustenance. But Jacob hearing there was corn in Egypt, sent our fathers first. And the second time, Joseph was made known to his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was discovered to Pharoah. Then Joseph sending, called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, And were carried over to Shechem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money, of Hamor, the father of Shechem. And when the time of the promise which God had sworn to Abraham drew near, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, Till another king arose, who had not known Joseph. He dealing subtilely with our kindred, evil intreated our fathers, by causing their male infants to be exposed, that they might not live. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding beautiful, who was nursed three months in his father's house. And when he was exposed, Pharoah's daughter took him up, and brought him up for her own son. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. But when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And seeing one wronged, he defended and avenged him that was oppressed, smiting the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood, that God would deliver them by his hand; but they understood it not. And the next day, he shewed himself to them, as they were quarrelling, and would have persuaded them to peace, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren: why do ye wrong one another? But he that wronged his neighbour thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? And Moses fled at that saying, and was a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And forty years being expired, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, in the wilderness, in a flame of fire in a bush. And Moses seeing it, wondered at the sight. But as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came to him, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet; for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have surely seen the evil treatment of my people which is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come; I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses, whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge, the same did God send, to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hand of the Angel, who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, doing wonders and signs, in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, The Lord your God will raise you up, out of your brethren, a prophet like me: him shall ye hear. This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the Angel who spake to him in mount Sinai, and with our fathers; who received the living oracles to give to us: Whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt, Saying to Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. And God turned and gave them up, to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Have ye offered victims and sacrifices to me, for forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yea, ye took up the shrine of Molock, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, as he had appointed who spake to Moses, to make it according to the model which he had seen: Which also our fathers having received, brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out from the face of our fathers, till the days of David: Who found favour with God, and petitioned to find an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him an house. Yet the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will ye build me, saith the Lord: or What is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them that shewed before of the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the administration of angels, and have not kept it. And hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and gnashed their teeth upon him. But he being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up stedfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right-hand of God: And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right-hand of God.
And coming out of the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Haran. And from thence, after his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not to set his foot on; yet he promised to give it him for a possession, even to his seed after him, when he had no child. And God spake thus: That his seed should sojourn in a strange land, (and they will inslave them and treat them evil) four hundred years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, saith God. And after that, they shall come forth, and serve me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriachs moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharoah king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt, and all his house. Now there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no sustenance. But Jacob hearing there was corn in Egypt, sent our fathers first. And the second time, Joseph was made known to his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was discovered to Pharoah. Then Joseph sending, called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, And were carried over to Shechem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money, of Hamor, the father of Shechem. And when the time of the promise which God had sworn to Abraham drew near, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, Till another king arose, who had not known Joseph. He dealing subtilely with our kindred, evil intreated our fathers, by causing their male infants to be exposed, that they might not live. In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding beautiful, who was nursed three months in his father's house. And when he was exposed, Pharoah's daughter took him up, and brought him up for her own son. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. But when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And seeing one wronged, he defended and avenged him that was oppressed, smiting the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood, that God would deliver them by his hand; but they understood it not. And the next day, he shewed himself to them, as they were quarrelling, and would have persuaded them to peace, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren: why do ye wrong one another? But he that wronged his neighbour thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? And Moses fled at that saying, and was a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And forty years being expired, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, in the wilderness, in a flame of fire in a bush. And Moses seeing it, wondered at the sight. But as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came to him, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet; for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have surely seen the evil treatment of my people which is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come; I will send thee into Egypt. This Moses, whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge, the same did God send, to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hand of the Angel, who appeared to him in the bush. He brought them out, doing wonders and signs, in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, The Lord your God will raise you up, out of your brethren, a prophet like me: him shall ye hear. This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the Angel who spake to him in mount Sinai, and with our fathers; who received the living oracles to give to us: Whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt, Saying to Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. And God turned and gave them up, to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Have ye offered victims and sacrifices to me, for forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? Yea, ye took up the shrine of Molock, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, as he had appointed who spake to Moses, to make it according to the model which he had seen: Which also our fathers having received, brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out from the face of our fathers, till the days of David: Who found favour with God, and petitioned to find an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him an house. Yet the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth my footstool. What house will ye build me, saith the Lord: or What is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them that shewed before of the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the administration of angels, and have not kept it. And hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and gnashed their teeth upon him. But he being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up stedfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right-hand of God: And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right-hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain; and when he was set down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying, Happy are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. read more.
Happy are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Happy are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Happy are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. Happy are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Happy are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Happy are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is situated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do they light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Happy are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Happy are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Happy are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. Happy are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Happy are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Happy are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is situated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do they light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Select readings » Old age
Select readings » The wrath of God
Select readings » Esther's triumph
Select readings » The omnipotence and incomparableness of God
Select readings » The majesty and providence of God
Select readings » Christ's kingdom foreshadowed
Select readings » The animals of the field
Select readings » God's challenge to job
Select readings » Nature's testimony
Select readings » In captivity
Select readings » The omnipresence of God
Select readings » Charity
Select readings » The new heaven and the new earth
Select readings » Paul in front of governor felix
Select readings » Paul in front of agrippa
Select readings » The joy of the righteous
Select readings » The state of the Godly
Select readings » Confidence in God
Select readings » The king of glory
Select readings » God, our refuge
Select readings » The new song
Select readings » The river of life
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United prayer » Select readings
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. read more.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. read more.
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
And as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said to them, When ye pray, say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. read more.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves: For a friend of mine on his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him: And he from within shall answer, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed: I cannot rise and give thee? I tell you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
And he spake a parable to them to this end, that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a certain city a judge who feared not God nor reverenced man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, Do me justice on mine adversary. read more.
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
And he would not for a while, but afterwards he said in himself, Tho' I fear not God nor reverence man, Yet because this widow giveth me trouble, I will do her justice, left by her continual coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith? And shall not God vindicate his own elect, who cry to him day and night, though he bear long with them? I tell you he will vindicate them speedily. Yet when the Son of man cometh, will he find faith upon earth?
Wealth » Accumulation of » Select readings
And he spake a parable to them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he reasoned in himself, saying, What shall I do? For I have no room where to stow my fruits. And he said, This I will do: I will pull down my barns and build greater; and there will I stow all my fruits and my goods. read more.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years: take thine ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: and whose shall the things be that thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years: take thine ease; eat, drink, and be merry. But God said to him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: and whose shall the things be that thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted splendidly every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores; and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table: yea, the dogs also came and licked his sores. read more.
And the beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died and was buried: And in hell lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried 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 tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember, that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you, there is a great gulph fixed; so that they who would pass from us to you, cannot, neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee, therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded tho' one rose from the dead.
And the beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died and was buried: And in hell lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried 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 tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember, that thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you, there is a great gulph fixed; so that they who would pass from us to you, cannot, neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee, therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded tho' one rose from the dead.