Thematic Bible: Select readings
Thematic Bible
Christ » Devotions of » Select readings
And as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto 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 also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more.
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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?
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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 also a parable to them, to shew that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying, There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
Daily duty » Select readings
See that no one render evil for evil to any man; but always pursue that which is good, both to each other and to all men. Be always joyful. Pray continually. read more.
In every circumstance be thankful; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Slight not prophesyings: yet try all things, and hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly: and grant that your whole frame, spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless to 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 adjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
In every circumstance be thankful; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Slight not prophesyings: yet try all things, and hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly: and grant that your whole frame, spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless to 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 adjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The Dead » Resurrection of » Select readings
But I would not have you ignorant, my brethren, concerning those that are fallen asleep, that ye may not be grieved like others who have no hope: for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also those, that sleep in Jesus, will God bring with Him. For this we tell you in the word of the Lord, that we who shall be living and remain to the coming of the Lord, shall not be before those that are asleep. read more.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with acclamation, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are living and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we for ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with acclamation, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are living and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we for ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Now there was a certain person sick, to wit, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and Martha her sister. (And it was Mary, that anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) His sisters therefore sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. read more.
But when Jesus heard it, He said, This sickness is not unto 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. Therefore when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed indeed two days in the place where He was: and after that He saith to his disciples, Let us go again into Judea. The disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews very lately attempted to stone thee, and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? if any man walk in the day, he doth not stumble; for he seeth the light of this world: but if any one walk in the night, he stumbleth; because he hath no light. Having thus answered them, He afterwards saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. Therefore his disciples said, Lord, if he sleep, he will do well. But Jesus spake of his death; though they thought that He was speaking of the refreshment of sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, Lazarus is dead: and I am glad for your sakes, I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go to him. Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. And when Jesus came, He found that he had been four days in the grave. Now Bethany was near to Jerusalem, being but about fifteen furlongs from it: and many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him: but Mary was sitting in the house. And Martha said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will grant it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then told her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth on me, though he were dead, shall live again. And every one that is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die. Dost thou believe this? She saith unto Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, telling her privately, The Master is coming and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she gets up with all speed and comes to Him. For Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. The Jews therefore that were with her in the house to comfort her, seeing Mary that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the grave to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw Him, fell down at his feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Jesus therefore, when He saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping, that came with her, groaned in spirit and was troubled. And He said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto Him, Lord, come and see: and Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold, how he loved him! but some of them said, Could not He, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused also that this man should not have died? Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre: which was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he is offensive; for it is the fourth day. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that if thou believest, thou shalt see the glory of God? So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me. And when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go.
But when Jesus heard it, He said, This sickness is not unto 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. Therefore when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed indeed two days in the place where He was: and after that He saith to his disciples, Let us go again into Judea. The disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews very lately attempted to stone thee, and art thou going thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? if any man walk in the day, he doth not stumble; for he seeth the light of this world: but if any one walk in the night, he stumbleth; because he hath no light. Having thus answered them, He afterwards saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is asleep; but I am going to awake him. Therefore his disciples said, Lord, if he sleep, he will do well. But Jesus spake of his death; though they thought that He was speaking of the refreshment of sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, Lazarus is dead: and I am glad for your sakes, I was not there, that ye may believe: but let us go to him. Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. And when Jesus came, He found that he had been four days in the grave. Now Bethany was near to Jerusalem, being but about fifteen furlongs from it: and many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him: but Mary was sitting in the house. And Martha said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will grant it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then told her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth on me, though he were dead, shall live again. And every one that is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die. Dost thou believe this? She saith unto Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, telling her privately, The Master is coming and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she gets up with all speed and comes to Him. For Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. The Jews therefore that were with her in the house to comfort her, seeing Mary that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the grave to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw Him, fell down at his feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Jesus therefore, when He saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping, that came with her, groaned in spirit and was troubled. And He said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto Him, Lord, come and see: and Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold, how he loved him! but some of them said, Could not He, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused also that this man should not have died? Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre: which was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he is offensive; for it is the fourth day. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that if thou believest, thou shalt see the glory of God? So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me. And when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go.
And when the sabbath was past Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices in order to come and embalm Him: and very early in the morning of the first day of the week they come to the sepulchre at sun-rising. And they said to one another, Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulchre? read more.
(but when they looked up, they saw that the stone was rolled away,) for it was a very great one. And they went into the sepulchre and saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white robe; and they were affrighted: but he said to them, Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is risen, He is not here, see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter particularly, that He is going before you into Galilee: there ye will see Him, as He told you. And they hasted out and fled from the sepulchre; for they were seized with trembling and amazement: neither said they any thing to any one; for they were afraid. Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven devils: and she went and told those that used to be with Him, who were mourning and weeping; but they, though they heard that He was indeed alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe it. After this He appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking, going into the country: and they went and told the rest; but they did not believe them neither. At last he appeared to the eleven as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them with their unbelief, and hardness of heart; because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He was risen.
(but when they looked up, they saw that the stone was rolled away,) for it was a very great one. And they went into the sepulchre and saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white robe; and they were affrighted: but he said to them, Be not affrighted, ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is risen, He is not here, see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell his disciples, and Peter particularly, that He is going before you into Galilee: there ye will see Him, as He told you. And they hasted out and fled from the sepulchre; for they were seized with trembling and amazement: neither said they any thing to any one; for they were afraid. Now Jesus being risen early on the first day of the week appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven devils: and she went and told those that used to be with Him, who were mourning and weeping; but they, though they heard that He was indeed alive, and had been seen by her, did not believe it. After this He appeared in another form to two of them as they were walking, going into the country: and they went and told the rest; but they did not believe them neither. At last he appeared to the eleven as they were sitting at table, and upbraided them with their unbelief, and hardness of heart; because they did not believe those 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 some others with them:) and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre: so they went in, but found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And while they were in perplexity about it, behold, two men stood by them in shining robes. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the ground, the men said unto them, Why do ye seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen: remember how He spake to you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified; and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things to the eleven apostles, and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, that told these things to the apostles: and their words appeared to them as an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves: and he went away, wondering in himself at what had happened. And behold two of them were going that day to a village about threescore furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. And they were conversing together about all these things which had happened. And while they were discoursing and reasoning together, Jesus himself drew near and went along with them. But their eyes were so restrained that they did not know Him. And He said unto them, What subjects are these, which ye are discoursing of to one another as ye walk, and why are ye sorrowful? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to Him, Art thou only a sojourner at Jerusalem, and hast not heard of the things which have been done there within these few days? And He said unto them, What things? And they replied, Those concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful both in work and word before God and all the people: how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we hoped that it was He that would have delivered Israel: and besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. And indeed some women of our company much surprised us: who having been early at the sepulchre, and not finding his body there, came and said likewise that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. And some of those that were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said: but Him they did not see. And He said unto them, O people void of understanding and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Was not the Messiah to suffer these things, and so to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses, and all the prophets, He explained to them in all the scriptures the things that were spoken concerning Himself. And they drew nigh to the village whither they were going: and He made as if He was going farther. And they pressed Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to tarry with them. And as He sat at table with them, He took bread and blessed it, and then brake it and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. And He disappeared from them. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, as He was talking with us by the way, and while He was opening to us the scriptures? And they rose up immediately and returned to Jerusalem; and sound the eleven and others with them assembled together, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath been seen by Simon. Then these also related what had happened by the way, and how He became known to them in breaking of bread. And as they were thus speaking, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be to you. But they being terrified and frighted, thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why do such thoughts rise 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 ye see me have. And when He said this, He shewed them his hands and feet. But they not yet believing for joy, and being amazed, He said to them, Have ye here any thing to eat? And they gave Him part of a broiled fish and some honey-comb: and He took, and did eat before them. And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all the things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and Psalms, concerning me. Then He opened their mind, to understand the scriptures: and said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it was necessary that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead on the third day;
And while they were in perplexity about it, behold, two men stood by them in shining robes. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the ground, the men said unto them, Why do ye seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen: remember how He spake to you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified; and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things to the eleven apostles, and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, that told these things to the apostles: and their words appeared to them as an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves: and he went away, wondering in himself at what had happened. And behold two of them were going that day to a village about threescore furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. And they were conversing together about all these things which had happened. And while they were discoursing and reasoning together, Jesus himself drew near and went along with them. But their eyes were so restrained that they did not know Him. And He said unto them, What subjects are these, which ye are discoursing of to one another as ye walk, and why are ye sorrowful? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to Him, Art thou only a sojourner at Jerusalem, and hast not heard of the things which have been done there within these few days? And He said unto them, What things? And they replied, Those concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful both in work and word before God and all the people: how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we hoped that it was He that would have delivered Israel: and besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. And indeed some women of our company much surprised us: who having been early at the sepulchre, and not finding his body there, came and said likewise that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. And some of those that were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said: but Him they did not see. And He said unto them, O people void of understanding and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Was not the Messiah to suffer these things, and so to enter into his glory? And beginning from Moses, and all the prophets, He explained to them in all the scriptures the things that were spoken concerning Himself. And they drew nigh to the village whither they were going: and He made as if He was going farther. And they pressed Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to tarry with them. And as He sat at table with them, He took bread and blessed it, and then brake it and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. And He disappeared from them. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, as He was talking with us by the way, and while He was opening to us the scriptures? And they rose up immediately and returned to Jerusalem; and sound the eleven and others with them assembled together, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath been seen by Simon. Then these also related what had happened by the way, and how He became known to them in breaking of bread. And as they were thus speaking, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be to you. But they being terrified and frighted, thought they saw a spirit. And He said to them, Why are ye troubled? and why do such thoughts rise 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 ye see me have. And when He said this, He shewed them his hands and feet. But they not yet believing for joy, and being amazed, He said to them, Have ye here any thing to eat? And they gave Him part of a broiled fish and some honey-comb: and He took, and did eat before them. And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all the things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and Psalms, concerning me. Then He opened their mind, to understand the scriptures: and said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it was necessary that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead on the third day;
God » Wisdom of » Select readings
spiritual Growth » Encouraged » Select readings
Concerning whom we have much to say and difficult to be explained, since ye are become dull of hearing. For whereas ye ought for the time to be teachers of others, ye have need again of some one to teach you the first rudiments of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk and not of solid food. For every one that wanteth milk, is unacquainted with the doctrine of justification; for he is an infant: read more.
but firm food is for persons come to age, who by habit have their senses exercised to a discernment both of good and evil.
but firm food is for persons come to age, who by habit have their senses exercised to a discernment both of good and evil.
Wherefore omitting the discourse about the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us proceed 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 of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgement: (tho' we will do this also, if God permit:) for it is impossible that those, read more.
who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Spirit, and of the good word of God, and the powers of the gospel-age, and yet fall away, should be renewed again to repentance: since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and make an open example of Him. For as the earth, which imbibeth the rain that is frequently coming upon it, and produceth herbs fit for those by whom it is cultivated, receiveth a blessing from God: but that which bringeth forth thorns and briars, is rejected and near to a curse, (whose end is burning) so are they. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak for your caution. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewn to his name, by having ministred to the saints, and yet ministring. And we desire that every one of you would shew the same diligence to acquire the full assurance of hope even unto the end: that ye would not be sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, saying, "Verily blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And thus waiting patiently he obtained the promise. For men swear by a greater Being, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all controversy.
who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Spirit, and of the good word of God, and the powers of the gospel-age, and yet fall away, should be renewed again to repentance: since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and make an open example of Him. For as the earth, which imbibeth the rain that is frequently coming upon it, and produceth herbs fit for those by whom it is cultivated, receiveth a blessing from God: but that which bringeth forth thorns and briars, is rejected and near to a curse, (whose end is burning) so are they. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak for your caution. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewn to his name, by having ministred to the saints, and yet ministring. And we desire that every one of you would shew the same diligence to acquire the full assurance of hope even unto the end: that ye would not be sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience are inheriting the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, saying, "Verily blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee." And thus waiting patiently he obtained the promise. For men swear by a greater Being, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all controversy.
Heavenly » Home heavenly home the final dwelling place of the saints » Select readings
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends with these unrighteous treasures, that when they fail, ye may be received into everlasting habitations.
Importunity » Select readings
And as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto 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 also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more.
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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?
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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 also a parable to them, to shew that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying, There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
Prayer » Select readings
And as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto 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 also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more.
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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?
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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 also a parable to them, to shew that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying, There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
Select readings » The raising of lazarus
Now there was a certain person sick, to wit, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and Martha her sister. (And it was Mary, that anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) His sisters therefore sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Now Bethany was near to Jerusalem, being but about fifteen furlongs from it: and many of the Jews were come to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Therefore Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him: but Mary was sitting in the house. read more.
And Martha said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will grant it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then told her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth on me, though he were dead, shall live again. And every one that is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die. Dost thou believe this? She saith unto Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, telling her privately, The Master is coming and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she gets up with all speed and comes to Him. For Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. The Jews therefore that were with her in the house to comfort her, seeing Mary that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the grave to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw Him, fell down at his feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Jesus therefore, when He saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping, that came with her, groaned in spirit and was troubled. And He said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto Him, Lord, come and see: and Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold, how he loved him! but some of them said, Could not He, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused also that this man should not have died? Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre: which was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he is offensive; for it is the fourth day. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that if thou believest, thou shalt see the glory of God? So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me. And when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go. Therefore many of the Jews, that came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed on Him. But some of them went to the pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
And Martha said unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will grant it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus then told her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth on me, though he were dead, shall live again. And every one that is alive, and believeth in me, shall never die. Dost thou believe this? She saith unto Him, Yes, Lord, I believe that thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister, telling her privately, The Master is coming and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard it, she gets up with all speed and comes to Him. For Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. The Jews therefore that were with her in the house to comfort her, seeing Mary that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She is going to the grave to weep there. Then Mary, when she came where Jesus was and saw Him, fell down at his feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Jesus therefore, when He saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping, that came with her, groaned in spirit and was troubled. And He said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto Him, Lord, come and see: and Jesus wept. The Jews therefore said, Behold, how he loved him! but some of them said, Could not He, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused also that this man should not have died? Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, cometh to the sepulchre: which was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus saith, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of the deceased, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he is offensive; for it is the fourth day. Jesus saith unto her, Did I not tell thee, that if thou believest, thou shalt see the glory of God? So they took away the stone from the place where the corpse was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast heard me. I knew indeed that Thou always hearest me: but because of the people standing by I say this, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me. And when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that had been dead came forth, having his feet and hands rolled up in grave-cloths: and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus bid them, Loosen him and let him go. Therefore many of the Jews, that came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed on Him. But some of them went to the pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Select readings » David's lament over absalom
Select readings » The betrayal of jesus by judas iscariot
And while He was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him: and Jesus said to him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? But when they that 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 high priest's servant and cut off his right ear: but Jesus said, Suffer ye thus far; and He touched his ear and healed him. Then said Jesus to the chief priests, and officers of the temple, and elders, that were come to Him, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was day after day with you in the temple, ye did not stretch out your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then they took Him and led Him away, and brought Him to the high priest's. And Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and sat down together, Peter also sat down among them: and a servant-maid seeing him as he sat by the fire, and looking hard at him, said, This fellow was also with Him: But he denied Him, saying, Woman, I do not know Him. And after a little while another person seeing him said, And thou art one of them: but Peter said, Man, I am not. And about an hour after, another confidently affirmed saying, In truth this fellow also was with Him; for he is a Galilean too: but Peter answered, Man, I know not what thou sayst. And immediately, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter; and Peter called to mind the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, Before the cock crow thou wilt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
And one of them smote the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear: but Jesus said, Suffer ye thus far; and He touched his ear and healed him. Then said Jesus to the chief priests, and officers of the temple, and elders, that were come to Him, Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was day after day with you in the temple, ye did not stretch out your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Then they took Him and led Him away, and brought Him to the high priest's. And Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and sat down together, Peter also sat down among them: and a servant-maid seeing him as he sat by the fire, and looking hard at him, said, This fellow was also with Him: But he denied Him, saying, Woman, I do not know Him. And after a little while another person seeing him said, And thou art one of them: but Peter said, Man, I am not. And about an hour after, another confidently affirmed saying, In truth this fellow also was with Him; for he is a Galilean too: but Peter answered, Man, I know not what thou sayst. And immediately, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter; and Peter called to mind the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, Before the cock crow thou wilt deny me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Select readings » The parable of the good samaritan
And behold, a lawyer stood up to try Him, and said, Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the law? How readest thou there? And he answered, 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 neighbor as thyself. read more.
And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; do this and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus replying said, There was a certain man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among thieves, who after they had stripped and beaten him, went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest came down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place, went and looked at him, and then crossed the way and passed by. But a certain Samaritan, as he was travelling, came up to him, and when He saw him, he was moved with compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he went away he took out two denaries, and gave them to the inn-keeper, and said to him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee. Which now of these three dost thou think was neighbor to him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that took pity on him. Therefore said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou in like manner.
And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; do this and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus replying said, There was a certain man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among thieves, who after they had stripped and beaten him, went away, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest came down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place, went and looked at him, and then crossed the way and passed by. But a certain Samaritan, as he was travelling, came up to him, and when He saw him, he was moved with compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine; and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an inn and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he went away he took out two denaries, and gave them to the inn-keeper, and said to him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee. Which now of these three dost thou think was neighbor to him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that took pity on him. Therefore said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou in like manner.
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 that falleth to my share. And he divided his substance between them. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together and went abroad into a distant country, and there squandered away his substance by living luxuriously. read more.
And when he had spent all, there happen'd a grievous famine in that country, and he began to be in want. And he went and let himself to one of the people of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the husks which the swine did eat: and no man relieved him. But 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 rise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he rose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion; and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And his son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, bring out 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, and was lost and is found. And they began to be merry. But his elder son was out in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing: and he called one of the servants to him, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and well: but he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and desired him. But he answered and said to his father, Behold so many years as I serve thee, nor have I ever transgressed thy command, and yet thou hast never given me a kid, to be merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, who hath eaten up thy substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art always with me, and all that I have is thine. But it was fit we should be merry and rejoice; for this thy brother was dead, and is come to life again, was lost and is found.
And when he had spent all, there happen'd a grievous famine in that country, and he began to be in want. And he went and let himself to one of the people of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the husks which the swine did eat: and no man relieved him. But 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 rise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he rose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion; and he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And his son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, bring out 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, and was lost and is found. And they began to be merry. But his elder son was out in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing: and he called one of the servants to him, and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and well: but he was angry, and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and desired him. But he answered and said to his father, Behold so many years as I serve thee, nor have I ever transgressed thy command, and yet thou hast never given me a kid, to be merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, who hath eaten up thy substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art always with me, and all that I have is thine. But it was fit we should be merry and rejoice; for this thy brother was dead, and is come to life again, was lost and is found.
Select readings » The brevity of life
Select readings » Paul on mars' hill
Then Paul stood up in the midst of the Areopagus and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that you are indeed over-much religious: for as I was passing along, and looking at what ye worshipped, I found an altar on which there was inscribed, "To the unknown God." Whom therefore ye worship unknown, Him do I declare unto you. The God that made the world and all things therein, being lord of heaven and earth dwelleth not in temples made with hands: read more.
nor is He served by the hands of men, as needing any thing: for He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the seasons before-appointed them, and the bounds of their habitation; that they might seek the Lord, if possibly they might trace Him, and find Him: though indeed He is not far from every one of us. For in Him we live and move, and exist; as some also of your own poets have said, "For we his offspring are." Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Deity is like to gold, or silver, or stone, carved by the art and device of man. Wherefore though God overlooked the times of this ignorance, He now requireth all men every where to repent. Because He hath fixed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom He hath appointed thereto; having given assurance of it to all men, by raising Him from the dead.
nor is He served by the hands of men, as needing any thing: for He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; and hath made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the seasons before-appointed them, and the bounds of their habitation; that they might seek the Lord, if possibly they might trace Him, and find Him: though indeed He is not far from every one of us. For in Him we live and move, and exist; as some also of your own poets have said, "For we his offspring are." Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Deity is like to gold, or silver, or stone, carved by the art and device of man. Wherefore though God overlooked the times of this ignorance, He now requireth all men every where to repent. Because He hath fixed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom He hath appointed thereto; having given assurance of it to all men, by raising Him from the dead.
Select readings » Judah's defense
Select readings » Paul and silas in prison
Now as we were going to the place of prayer, there met us a young woman that had a spirit of divination, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. She following Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who shew 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 come out of her. read more.
And he came out that instant. And when her masters saw, that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the court to the magistrates. And when they brought them to the governors, they said, These men cause great disturbance in our city, for they are Jews, and teach customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor practise, who are Romans. And the populace rose up together against them: and the officers stripped off their clothes, and ordered them to be scourged. And when they had given them many stripes, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. Who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Now in the middle of the night Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. And on a sudden 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 bonds were loosed. The jailor waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword and was going to kill himself, thinking that 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 being in a tremor fell down before Paul and Silas: and bringing them out, he said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thine house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all in his family. And he took them at that very time of the night, and bathed their stripes: and was baptized, he and all his immediately after. And he brought them into his house, and spread a table for them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his household. And when it was the day the governors sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the jailor told these words to Paul, saying, the governors have sent orders, that you should be discharged; now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said unto them, They have publicly beaten us, uncondemned, and Romans, and cast us into prison, and do they now turn us out privately? No verily, let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants reported these words to the governors: and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and intreated them, and when they had brought them out, they desired them to leave the city. And when they were come out of the prison, they went into the house of Lydia: and seeing the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
And he came out that instant. And when her masters saw, that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the court to the magistrates. And when they brought them to the governors, they said, These men cause great disturbance in our city, for they are Jews, and teach customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor practise, who are Romans. And the populace rose up together against them: and the officers stripped off their clothes, and ordered them to be scourged. And when they had given them many stripes, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. Who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Now in the middle of the night Paul and Silas were praying and singing praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. And on a sudden 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 bonds were loosed. The jailor waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword and was going to kill himself, thinking that 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 being in a tremor fell down before Paul and Silas: and bringing them out, he said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thine house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all in his family. And he took them at that very time of the night, and bathed their stripes: and was baptized, he and all his immediately after. And he brought them into his house, and spread a table for them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his household. And when it was the day the governors sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. And the jailor told these words to Paul, saying, the governors have sent orders, that you should be discharged; now therefore depart, and go in peace. But Paul said unto them, They have publicly beaten us, uncondemned, and Romans, and cast us into prison, and do they now turn us out privately? No verily, let them come themselves and fetch us out. And the serjeants reported these words to the governors: and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And they came and intreated them, and when they had brought them out, they desired them to leave the city. And when they were come out of the prison, they went into the house of Lydia: and seeing 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 Spirit, and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us, read more.
in the house of his servant David, as He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets from the beginning, even salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, to display his mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, according to the oath which He sware to Abraham our father, to grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, my child, shalt be called the prophet of the most High; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to make known salvation to his people, in the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring hath visited us from on high, to enlighten 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 became strong in spirit: and he was in the deserts till the time of his being manifested to Israel.
in the house of his servant David, as He spake by the mouth of his holy prophets from the beginning, even salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, to display his mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, according to the oath which He sware to Abraham our father, to grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. And thou, my child, shalt be called the prophet of the most High; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to make known salvation to his people, in the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring hath visited us from on high, to enlighten 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 became strong in spirit: and he was in the deserts till the time of his being manifested 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 handmaid: for behold, from henceforth shall all generations call me blessed: read more.
for He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and his name is holy, and his mercy is on them that fear Him, unto all generations. He hath wrought powerfully with his arm; He hath confounded those that were proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent away empty. He hath supported Israel his servant, in remembrance of his mercy (even as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed,) for ever." And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her own house.
for He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and his name is holy, and his mercy is on them that fear Him, unto all generations. He hath wrought powerfully with his arm; He hath confounded those that were proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath cast down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent away empty. He hath supported Israel his servant, in remembrance of his mercy (even as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed,) for ever." And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her own house.
Select readings » God's providence
Look at the birds of the air; they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns: and yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye preferable to them? And which of you by all his thought can add one cubit to his stature? And why are ye sollicitous about raiment? consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I tell you, read more.
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 is growing to-day, and to-morrow is cast into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or how shall we be clothed? (things which the heathens are so inquisitive after) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these shall be superadded unto you. Be not therefore sollicitous about the morrow; for the morrow will require thought for its own affairs: sufficient to each day is its own trouble.
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 is growing to-day, and to-morrow is cast into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or how shall we be clothed? (things which the heathens are so inquisitive after) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these shall be superadded unto you. Be not therefore sollicitous about the morrow; for the morrow will require thought for its own affairs: sufficient to each day is its own trouble.
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 some others with them:) and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre: so they went in, but found not the body of the Lord Jesus. read more.
And while they were in perplexity about it, behold, two men stood by them in shining robes. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the ground, the men said unto them, Why do ye seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen: remember how He spake to you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified; and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things to the eleven apostles, and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, that told these things to the apostles: and their words appeared to them as an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves: and he went away, wondering in himself at what had happened.
And while they were in perplexity about it, behold, two men stood by them in shining robes. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the ground, the men said unto them, Why do ye seek the living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen: remember how He spake to you, when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and be crucified; and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things to the eleven apostles, and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, that told these things to the apostles: and their words appeared to them as an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves: and he went away, wondering in himself at what had happened.
Select readings » Wise and foolish builders
Not every one that saith unto 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 wrought many miracles? and I will then declare unto them, I never owned you, depart from me, ye workers of iniquity. read more.
Whoever therefore heareth these words of mine, and performeth them, I will compare him to a prudent man, who built his house on a rock: and the rain fell upon it, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And whoever heareth these words of mine, and performeth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: and the rain fell upon it, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and the fall thereof was great.
Whoever therefore heareth these words of mine, and performeth them, I will compare him to a prudent man, who built his house on a rock: and the rain fell upon it, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And whoever heareth these words of mine, and performeth them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: and the rain fell upon it, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and the fall thereof was great.
Select readings » Peter on the day of pentecost
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, "And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy. And I will give prodigies in the heaven, and signs upon the earth; blood, and fire, and smoky vapour. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you, (as ye yourselves also know,) Him being given up by the determinate counsel and fore-knowlege of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up again, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David saith concerning Him, "I set the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; and my flesh shall rest in hope, that Thou wilt not leave my soul in the invisible state, nor suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; and Thou wilt fill me with joy by the light of thy countenance." Men and brethren, allow me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet; and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah, to sit on his throne; foreseeing this he spake of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, that his soul was not left in the invisible state, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up from the dead, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this gift, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this very Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, "And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy. And I will give prodigies in the heaven, and signs upon the earth; blood, and fire, and smoky vapour. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you, (as ye yourselves also know,) Him being given up by the determinate counsel and fore-knowlege of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up again, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David saith concerning Him, "I set the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; and my flesh shall rest in hope, that Thou wilt not leave my soul in the invisible state, nor suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; and Thou wilt fill me with joy by the light of thy countenance." Men and brethren, allow me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet; and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah, to sit on his throne; foreseeing this he spake of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, that his soul was not left in the invisible state, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up from the dead, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this gift, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this very 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, "Brethren and fathers, hearken,---The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, Depart from thy native country and from thy kindred, and come into the country which I shall shew thee. read more.
Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father died, He removed him into this land in which ye now dwell: though He gave him no inheritance in it, no not the breadth of a foot; but He promised to give it to him for a possession, even to his seed after him; though he had then no child." And God spake thus unto him, "that his seed should sojourn in a strange country, and they shall in slave and abuse them four hundred years:" and God said, "I will judge the nation, to which they shall be in slavery; and afterwards they shall come out, and shall worship me in this place." And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, envying him, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he appointed him governor over Egypt, and over all his houshold. And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers could not find sustenance. But Jacob hearing that there was corn in Egypt, sent out our fathers first: and at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob, and all his kindred, even seventy-five souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died there, he and our fathers: and were carried to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre which he had bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. Till another king arose, who knew not Joseph. This king formed crafty schemes against our nation, and oppressed our fathers, causing their children to be exposed, that their race might be extinguished. In which time Moses was born, who was exceeding beautiful, and he was nourished up in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him up and nourished him for her own son. And Moses was trained up in all the wisdom of the Egyptians: and he was mighty in words, and in deeds. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them injured he defended him, and smiting the Egyptian he avenged him that was wronged. Now he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would give them deliverance by his hand: but they understood not. And the next day he came to them, as they were two of them fighting, and would have persuaded them to agree, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren, why do ye injure one another? But he, that injured his neighbor, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday? Upon this Moses fled, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Now Moses, when he saw it, was amazed at the sight; and as he came near to observe it, there was a voice of the Lord to him, saying, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;" but Moses trembling durst not look on. And the Lord said to him, "Take off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place on which thou standest is holy ground. I have seen the oppression of my people that are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. Therefore come now, and I will send thee into Egypt." This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? did God send, by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush, to be their ruler and deliverer. And he brought them out, performing 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 unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear." This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us. To whom our fathers would not be subject, but renounced him, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for as to 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 own hands. Then God turned away, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O house of Israel, did ye offer to me your victims and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them by: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon." The tabernacle of witness was among our fathers in the wilderness, as He, that spake unto Moses, ordered him to make it according to the model which he had seen in the mount: and which our fathers receiving, they with Joshua, brought into the territory of the nations, whom God drove out from before the face of our fathers, till the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God, and was desirous to provide an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built Him an house. Though the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as the prophet saith, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what house will ye build for 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 do always resist the holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and slew those who prophesied concerning the coming of that righteous One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers; who received the law by the ministration of angels, and yet have not kept it. And when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him. But he being full of the holy Spirit looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God: and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father died, He removed him into this land in which ye now dwell: though He gave him no inheritance in it, no not the breadth of a foot; but He promised to give it to him for a possession, even to his seed after him; though he had then no child." And God spake thus unto him, "that his seed should sojourn in a strange country, and they shall in slave and abuse them four hundred years:" and God said, "I will judge the nation, to which they shall be in slavery; and afterwards they shall come out, and shall worship me in this place." And He gave him the covenant of circumcision: and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, envying him, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he appointed him governor over Egypt, and over all his houshold. And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers could not find sustenance. But Jacob hearing that there was corn in Egypt, sent out our fathers first: and at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob, and all his kindred, even seventy-five souls. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died there, he and our fathers: and were carried to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre which he had bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. Till another king arose, who knew not Joseph. This king formed crafty schemes against our nation, and oppressed our fathers, causing their children to be exposed, that their race might be extinguished. In which time Moses was born, who was exceeding beautiful, and he was nourished up in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him up and nourished him for her own son. And Moses was trained up in all the wisdom of the Egyptians: and he was mighty in words, and in deeds. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And seeing one of them injured he defended him, and smiting the Egyptian he avenged him that was wronged. Now he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would give them deliverance by his hand: but they understood not. And the next day he came to them, as they were two of them fighting, and would have persuaded them to agree, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren, why do ye injure one another? But he, that injured his neighbor, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? Wilt thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday? Upon this Moses fled, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Now Moses, when he saw it, was amazed at the sight; and as he came near to observe it, there was a voice of the Lord to him, saying, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;" but Moses trembling durst not look on. And the Lord said to him, "Take off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place on which thou standest is holy ground. I have seen the oppression of my people that are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. Therefore come now, and I will send thee into Egypt." This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? did God send, by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush, to be their ruler and deliverer. And he brought them out, performing 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 unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear." This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel that spake to him on mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and who received the oracles of life to give unto us. To whom our fathers would not be subject, but renounced him, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt, saying to Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for as to 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 own hands. Then God turned away, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O house of Israel, did ye offer to me your victims and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them by: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon." The tabernacle of witness was among our fathers in the wilderness, as He, that spake unto Moses, ordered him to make it according to the model which he had seen in the mount: and which our fathers receiving, they with Joshua, brought into the territory of the nations, whom God drove out from before the face of our fathers, till the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God, and was desirous to provide an habitation for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built Him an house. Though the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as the prophet saith, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what house will ye build for 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 do always resist the holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and slew those who prophesied concerning the coming of that righteous One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers; who received the law by the ministration of angels, and yet have not kept it. And when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him. But he being full of the holy Spirit looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God: and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.
Select readings » The beatitudes
And seeing the multitudes He went up to a mountain, and when He was set down, His disciples came to Him, and He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. read more.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake: rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets, that were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt be grown insipid, wherewith shall it be seasoned? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be thrown out of doors, and trodden under foot. Ye are the light of the world: a city, that is situated on a hill, cannot be hid. Nor do men light a candle, to put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and then it giveth light to all in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake: rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets, that were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt be grown insipid, wherewith shall it be seasoned? it is no longer fit for any thing, but to be thrown out of doors, and trodden under foot. Ye are the light of the world: a city, that is situated on a hill, cannot be hid. Nor do men light a candle, to put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and then it giveth light to all in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.
Select readings » Old age
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United prayer » Select readings
And as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto 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 also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more.
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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?
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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 also a parable to them, to shew that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying, There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
Unwise prayers » Select readings
And as He was praying in a certain retired place, as soon as He had done, one of his disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples. And He said unto 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 also upon earth; give us day by day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, read more.
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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?
for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." And He said unto 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 and say, Do not be troublesome; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I cannot rise to give thee. I tell you, tho' 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 wants. And so I tell you, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son ask bread of any father among you, will he give him a stone? and if he ask for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a serpent? or if he ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? If ye then, who are 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 also a parable to them, to shew that men ought always to pray, and not to faint: saying, There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice of my adversary. read more.
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
And he would not for a time: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow gives me trouble, I will do her justice, least by continually coming she weary me out. And the Lord said, hear what even the unjust judge saith: and will not God do justice for his elect that cry to Him day and night, though He bear long with them. I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. And yet when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith in the land?
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 within himself, saying, What shall I do? for I have not room to lay up my corn. And he said, This I will do: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will bestow all my products and my goods. read more.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast plenty of goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is he that heapeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast plenty of goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is he that heapeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.
Now there was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, living voluptuously and splendidly every day. And there was a poor man 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: and the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass that the poor man died, read more.
and was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham from afar, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said, Son, remember that thou receivedst thy good things in thy life-time, and likewise Lazarus his evils: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you; so that they, who would pass from hence to you, cannot; nor can they pass to us, who would come from thence. Then he said, Therefore I intreat thee, Father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify to them my misery, least they also come into this place of torment. Abraham answered him, They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them: and he said, Nay, father Abraham, but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent. And he replied, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.
and was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham from afar, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said, Son, remember that thou receivedst thy good things in thy life-time, and likewise Lazarus his evils: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides, there is a great gulf fixed between us and you; so that they, who would pass from hence to you, cannot; nor can they pass to us, who would come from thence. Then he said, Therefore I intreat thee, Father, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify to them my misery, least they also come into this place of torment. Abraham answered him, They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them: and he said, Nay, father Abraham, but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent. And he replied, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.