(32)This mystery is great; but I am speaking of Christ and of the church. (33)Nevertheless, do ye also, severally, each so love his wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she reverence her husband.



VI.

CHILDREN, obey your parents, in the Lord; for this is right. (2)Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, (3)that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

(4)And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

(5)Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; (6)not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; (7)with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; (8)knowing that whatever good thing each may have done, that shall he receive from the Lord, whether bond or free.

(9)And masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening; knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

(10)Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11)Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. (12)For to us, the contest is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places[6:12]. (13)Therefore take on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having fully done all, to stand. (14)Stand therefore, having girded your loins about with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness; (15)and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16)in addition to all, having taken on the shield of faith, in which ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (17)And receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (18)praying at every fitting season in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; (19)and for me, that utterance may be given to me, in the opening of my mouth with boldness, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20)for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

(21)But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and a faithful minister in the Lord, will make all known to you; (22)whom I sent to you for this very thing, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might encourage your hearts.

(23)Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(24)Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.



THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS.

I.

PAUL and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[1:1] and deacons: (2)Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3)I thank my God on every remembrance of you,—(4)always, in every supplication of mine, making the supplication for you all with joy,— (5)for your fellowship in respect to the gospel[1:5] from the first day until now; (6)being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (7)As it is just for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart[1:7]; being all of you, both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, partakers of the grace with me. (8)For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all, with the tender affection of Jesus Christ.

(9)And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more, in knowledge and all discernment; (10)in order that ye may approve the things that are most excellent[1:10], that ye may be pure and without offense unto the day of Christ; (11)being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which is by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

(12)But I desire that ye should know, brethren, that the things which befell me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the gospel; (13)so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in all the Praetorium, and to all the rest; (14)and that the greater part of the brethren, made confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

(15)Some indeed preach Christ also from envy and strife, but some also from good will; (16)the one, out of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel; (17)the other, out of contentiousness, proclaim Christ not with pure intent, supposing that they shall add affliction[1:17] to my bonds. (18)What then? Notwithstanding, in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice. (19)For I know that this will turn out for my salvation, through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ; (20)according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall in nothing be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so also now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

(21)For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22)But if it be to live in the flesh, this to me is fruit of labor; and which I shall choose I know not; (23)but am constrained by the two, having the desire to depart, and to be with Christ, for it is far better; (24)but to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sakes. (25)And being persuaded of this, I know that I shall remain, and shall continue with you all for your furtherance and joy in the faith; (26)that your glorying may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me, through my coming to you again.

(27)Only let your deportment be as becomes the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or remain absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (28)and in nothing terrified by the adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation[1:28], and that from God. (29)Because to you it was granted in behalf of Christ,—not only to believe on him,—but in his behalf to suffer also; (30)having the same conflict as ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.



II.

IF then there is any consolation[2:1] in Christ, if any comfort from love, if any communion of the Spirit, if any tender affection and compassion, (2)make my joy complete, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of the one mind; (3)doing nothing through contentiousness or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each esteeming others better than himself; (4)regarding not each one his own, but each one also the things of others. (5)Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; (6)who, being in the form of God, did not account it robbery to be equal with God; (7)but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. (8)And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9)Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave him a name which is above every name; (10)that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of beings in heaven, and of beings on earth, and of beings under the earth, (11)and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(12)Wherefore, my beloved, as ye always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (13)for it is God who works in you both to will and to perform, of his good pleasure.

(14)Do all without murmurings and disputings; (15)that ye may become blameless and simple, children of God, unreproachable, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye appear as do the heavenly lights in the world; (16)holding forth[1:16] the word of life; for a ground of glorying to me at the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain, or labor in vain.

(17)But even if I am poured out on the sacrifice and ministration of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice with you all. (18)For the same cause[2:18], do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me.

(19)But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, that I also may be cheered, when I know your state. (20)For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. (21)For all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. (22)But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child with a father, he served with me for the gospel. (23)Him therefore I hope to send without delay, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me; (24)but I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. (25)Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my wants. (26)For he was longing after you all, and was much distressed, because ye heard that he was sick. (27)For indeed he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. (28)I sent him therefore with the more haste, that seeing him again ye might rejoice, and that I may be less sorrowful. (29)Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in honor; (30)because for the work of Christ he came near to death, hazarding his life, that he might supply what things were lacking on your part, of the ministration to me.



III.

FINALLY, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me is not burdensome, and for you it is safe.

(2)Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision. (3)For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (4)Though I have confidence also in the flesh. If any other thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I more; (5)circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; (6)as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

(7)But what things were gain to me, these I have accounted loss for Christ. (8)Nay more, and I account all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and account them refuse, that I may gain Christ, (9)and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God, upon faith; (10)that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings[3:10], being conformed to his death; (11)if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

(12)Not that I already obtained [the prize][3:12], or have already been perfected; but I pursue onward, if I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. (13)Brethren, I do not count myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, and reaching forth to the things before, (14)I pursue on toward the mark, for the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus.

(15)Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be of this mind; and if in any thing ye are otherwise minded, this also God will reveal to you. (16)Nevertheless, whereto we have attained, in the same let us walk.

(17)Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark those who so walk, as ye have us for an example. (18)For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; (19)whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. (20)For our citizenship[3:20] is in heaven; from whence we also look for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; (21)who will transform the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working with which he is able also to subject all things to himself.

(1)Therefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

(2)I beseech Euodia, and I beseech Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. (3)Yea, I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellow, help these women, who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

(4)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (5)Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (6)Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (7)And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(8)Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9)The things also, which ye learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace will be with you.

(10)But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye revived again in your care for my welfare; for which ye were also careful, but lacked opportunity. (11)Not that I speak in respect of want; for I learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. (12)I both know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in every thing, and in all things, I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. (13)I can do all things, in him who strengthens me.

(14)Notwithstanding, ye did well to share with me in my affliction. (15)And ye also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in an account of giving and receiving[4:15], but ye only; (16)that also in Thessalonica, ye sent once and again to my necessity. (17)Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that abounds to your account.

(18)But I have all, and abound; I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things sent from you, an odor of sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. (19)But my God will supply all your need, according to his riches in glory, in Christ Jesus.

(20)Now to God and our Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

(21)Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me salute you.

(22)All the saints salute you, but especially they that are of Caesar's household.

(23)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.



THE LETTER OF PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS.

I.

PAUL, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy the brother, (2)to the saints in Colosse, and faithful brethren in Christ: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3)We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (4)having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have toward all the saints, (5)because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (6)which is come to you, as also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit and increasing also in you, since the day ye heard it, and knew the grace of God in truth; (7)as ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ, (8)who also made known to us your love in the Spirit.

(9)For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10)that ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, bringing forth fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11)being strengthened with all strength, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joy; (12)giving thanks to the Father, who made us meet for the portion of the inheritance of the saints in light; (13)who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (14)in whom we have the redemption, the remission of our sins; (15)who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature, (16)because in him were all things created, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things have been created by him, and for him; (17)and he is before all things, and in him all things subsist. (18)And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that he may become in all things pre-eminent. (19)For He was pleased, that in him should all the fullness dwell; (20)and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, whether the things on the earth, or the things in the heavens.

(21)And you also, being in time past alienated, and enemies in your mind in wicked works, yet now has he reconciled (22)in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and unaccused before him; (23)if indeed ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye heard, which was preached in the whole creation which is under heaven; of which I Paul was made a minister.

(24)Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body, which is the church; (25)of which I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, (26)the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been manifested to his saints; (27)to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; (28)whom we announce, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ; (29)to which end I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me with power.



II.

FOR I would have you know how great a conflict I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2)that their hearts might be encouraged, they being knit together in love, and unto all the riches of the full assurance of the understanding, unto the full knowledge of the mystery of God, even Christ; (3)in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

(4)And this I say, that no one may beguile you with enticing words. (5)For though I am absent in the flesh, yet in the spirit I am with you, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith toward Christ.

(6)As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him; (7)having been rooted and being built up in him, and being established in the faith as ye were taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

(8)Beware lest there shall be any one that despoils you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9)Because in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (10)And ye are made complete in him[2:10], who is the head of all principality and power; (11)in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; (12)being buried with him in the immersion, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. (13)And you also, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made alive together with him, graciously forgiving us all our trespasses; (14)blotting out the handwriting in ordinances that was against us, which was opposed to us, and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; (15)despoiling principalities and powers[2:15a], he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it[2:15b].

(16)Let not any one therefore judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a feast-day, or of a new-moon, or of a sabbath; (17)which are a shadow of the things to come, but the body is of Christ. (18)Let no one defraud you of the prize, seeking it[2:18] in humiliation and worship of the angels, intruding into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, (19)and not holding fast the head, from whom all the body, by means of the joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and being knit together, increases with the increase of God.

(20)If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (21)"Handle not, nor taste, nor touch," (22)(which are all to perish with the using,) after the commandments and teachings of men? (23)Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in self-chosen worship, and humiliation, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor, for the satisfying of the flesh.



III.

IF then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, sitting on the right hand of God. (2)Set your mind on the things above, not on the things upon the earth. (3)For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (4)When Christ, our life, shall be manifested, then will ye also with him be manifested in glory.

(5)Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; (6)on account of which things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience; (7)in which ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things. (8)But now, do ye also put all away, anger, wrath, malice, reviling, filthy communication out of your mouth. (9)Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, (10)and have put on the new man, who is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him who created him; (11)where there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

(12)Put on therefore, as God's chosen, holy and beloved, bowels of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, (13)forbearing one another, and freely forgiving each other, if any one have a complaint against any, even as Christ freely forgave you, so also do ye; (14)and over all these, love, which is the bond of perfectness. (15)And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which ye were also called in one body; and be thankful.

(16)Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, in grace singing in your hearts to God. (17)And whatever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(18)Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

(19)Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter toward them.

(20)Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing, in the Lord.

(21)Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.

(22)Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord. (23)Whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; (24)knowing that from the Lord ye will receive the recompense of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ. (25)For he that does wrong will receive that which he did wrongfully; and there is no respect of persons.

(1)Masters, render to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

(2)Persevere in prayer, being watchful therein with thanksgiving; (3)at the same time praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds, (4)that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

(5)Walk in wisdom toward those without, redeeming the time. (6)Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

(7)All my affairs will Tychicus make known to you, the beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord; (8)whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that he may know your condition, and may comfort your hearts; (9)together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all the things here.

(10)Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner salutes you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom ye received commands (if he come to you, receive him), (11)and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow-workers, for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.

(12)Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. (13)For I bear him witness, that he has much concern[4:13] for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.

(14)Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, salute you.

(15)Salute the brethren in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church in his house. (16)And when the letter has been read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea. (17)And say to Archippus: Take heed to the ministry which thou didst receive in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

(18)The salutation by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.



THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS.

I.

PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace.

(2)We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (3)remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before God and our Father; (4)knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election; (5)because our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men were we among you, for your sake. (6)And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit; (7)so that ye became an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (8)For from you has sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we have no need to speak anything. (9)For they themselves report concerning us, what manner of entrance we had to you, and how ye turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, (10)and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.



II.

FOR yourselves, brethren, know our entrance to you, that it has not become vain. (2)But having before suffered, and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. (3)For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile; (4)but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts. (5)For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness; (6)nor of men sought we glory, neither from you, nor from others, though able to use authority, as Christ's apostles. (7)But we were gentle among you, as a nurse cherishes her children; (8)so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye were dear to us. (9)For ye remember, brethren, our labor and toil; night and day working, in order not to burden any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

(10)Ye are witnesses, and God, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves to you that believe; (11)as ye know how we exhorted, and encouraged, and charged every one of you, as a father his children, (12)that ye should walk worthy of God, who is calling you into his kingdom and glory.

(13)For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when ye received the word of God heard from us, ye received not the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you that believe. (14)For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus; for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, as they have of the Jews; (15)who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us forth, and please not God, and are contrary to all men; (16)hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; and the wrath came upon them to the utmost.

(17)But we, brethren, having been severed from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face, with great desire. (18)Wherefore we would fain have come to you, even I, Paul, once and again; and Satan hindered us. (19)For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not also ye, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20)For ye are our glory and joy.



III.

WHEREFORE, when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; (2)and sent Timothy, our brother, and a fellow-worker with God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to exhort you concerning your faith; (3)that no one should be shaken by these afflictions, for yourselves know that unto this we are appointed. (4)For even when we were with you, we told you before that we are to suffer affliction; as also it came to pass, and ye know. (5)For this cause, when I too could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

(6)But now, when Timothy came to us from you, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you; (7)for this cause we were consoled, brethren, over you in all our affliction and distress, through your faith; (8)because now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. (9)For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before our God; (10)night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

(11)Now God and our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. (12)And the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all, as we also do toward you; (13)to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.



IV.

FURTHERMORE then, brethren, we beseech you, and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as ye received from us how ye ought to walk and to please God, as also ye are walking, ye would abound yet more. (2)For ye know what commands we gave you, through the Lord Jesus. (3)For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that ye abstain from fornication; (4)that each one of you know how to possess[4:4] his vessel in sanctification and honor; (5)not in lustful passion, as also the Gentiles who know not God. (6)That no one go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter[4:6]; because the Lord is the avenger for all these things, as we also told you before, and testified. (7)For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in sanctification. (8)Therefore he that rejects, rejects not man, but God, who also gave to you his Holy Spirit.

(9)But concerning brotherly love ye need not that I write to you; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. (10)For indeed ye do it, toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we beseech you, brethren, to abound yet more; (11)and to study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (12)that ye may walk becomingly toward those without, and may have need of nothing.

(13)But we desire that you should not be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are sleeping, that ye sorrow not, as others who have no hope. (14)For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also those who fell asleep through Jesus will God bring with him.

(15)For this we say to you, in the word of the Lord, that we the living, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who fell asleep. (16)Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ will first rise. (17)Then we the living, who remain, will be caught up together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(18)Wherefore, encourage one another with these words.



V.

BUT of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write to you. (2)For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (3)For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

(4)But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief. (5)For all ye are sons of light, and sons of day; we are not of night, nor of darkness. (6)So then let us not sleep, as others; but let us watch and be sober. (7)For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunken, are drunken in the night. (8)But let us, being of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation; (9)because God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ; (10)who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (11)Wherefore encourage each other, and edify one the other, as also ye do.

(12)And we beseech you, brethren, to know those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (13)and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

(14)Now we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all. (15)See that none render evil for evil to any one but ever follow that which is good, both toward one another, and toward all.

(16)Rejoice always. (17)Pray without ceasing. (18)In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, toward you.

(19)Quench not the Spirit. (20)Despise not prophesyings; (21)but prove all things, hold fast that which is good. (22)Abstain from every form of evil. (23)And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved whole without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (24)Faithful is he who calls you, who also will do it.

(25)Brethren, pray for us.

(26)Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

(27)I adjure you by the Lord, that this letter be read to all the holy brethren.

(28)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.



THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS.

I.

PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians, in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: (2)Grace to you, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(3)We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another abounds; (4)so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions which ye endure; (5)a token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer; (6)since it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to those who afflict you, (7)and to you who are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power, (8)in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God, and those who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; (9)who shall suffer justice, eternal destruction, from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power; (10)when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all who believed (because our testimony to you was believed), in that day.

(11)To which end we also pray for you always, that our God may count you worthy of the calling, and accomplish all the good pleasure of goodness and the work of faith, with power; (12)that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.



II.

NOW we beseech you, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, (2)that ye be not hastily shaken in mind[2:2a], or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter, as through us, as that the day of the Lord is at hand[2:2b]. (3)Let not any one deceive you in any manner; because [that day will not come], except there come first the falling away, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4)he that opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

(5)Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? (6)And now ye know what withholds, in order that he may be revealed in his own time. (7)For the mystery of iniquity is already working; only until he who now withholds shall be out of the way. (8)And then will the Lawless One be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of his mouth, and will destroy with the manifestation of his coming; (9)[him,] whose coming is after the working of Satan, in all power and signs and lying wonders, (10)and in all deceit of unrighteousness for those who perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11)And for this cause God sends them a working of delusion, in order that they may believe the lie; (12)that they may all be judged, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

(13)But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you to salvation, in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; (14)whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (15)So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions[2:15] which ye were taught, whether by word, or by our letter.

(16)Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God and our Father, who loved us, and gave us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, (17)encourage your hearts, and establish you in every good work and word.



III.

FINALLY, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run, and be glorified, as also with you; (2)and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for all have not the faith. (3)But faithful is the Lord, who will establish you, and guard you from evil[3:3]. (4)And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that ye both do, and will do, the things which we command you. (5)And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.

(6)Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not after the tradition[3:6] which they received from us. (7)For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; that we were not disorderly among you, (8)nor did we eat bread of any one for naught, but with labor and toil, working night and day that we might not be burdensome to any of you; (9)not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example to you, that ye should follow us. (10)For also when we were with you, this we commanded you: If any will not work, neither let him eat. (11)For we hear of some who walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies. (12)Now such we command, and exhort, in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness working, they eat their own bread.

(13)But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (14)And if any one obeys not our word by this letter, mark that man, and keep not company with him, that he may be shamed. (15)And count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

(16)Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always, in every way. The Lord be with you all.

(17)The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a token in every letter; so I write.

(18)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.



THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY.

I.

PAUL, an apostle of Christ Jesus, according to the commandment of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope, (2)to Timothy, a true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3)As I besought thee to remain still in Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain ones not to teach other doctrine, (4)nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which further disputes rather than God's dispensation, which is in faith, [so do.]

(5)Now the end of the commandment is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned; (6)from which some swerving turned aside to idle prattling; (7)desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. (8)But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; (9)knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers[1:9]; for man-slayers, (10)for fornicators, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers of men, for liars, for false swearers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teachings; (11)according to the glorious gospel of the blissful God, with which I was entrusted.

(12)And I thank him who gave me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, that he accounted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13)who was formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and overbearing. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief; (14)and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly, with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

(15)Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (16)But for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first[1:16a] Christ Jesus might show forth all his long-suffering[1:16b], for a pattern to those who should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

(17)Now to the King eternal, the imperishable, invisible, only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

(18)This charge I commit to thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before concerning thee, that thou mayest wage in them the good warfare; (19)having faith, and a good conscience, which some thrusting away made shipwreck concerning the faith. (20)Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered over to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.



II.

I EXHORT then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; (2)for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and decorum. (3)For this is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God; (4)who desires that all should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

(5)For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6)who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time; (7)whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle (I speak truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

(8)I desire, therefore, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing; (9)in like manner also that women, in becoming apparel, adorn themselves with modesty and sobriety; not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly raiment; (10)but, which becomes women professing godliness, by means of good works.

(11)Let the woman learn in silence, with all subjection. (12)But I permit not the woman to teach, nor to have authority over the man, but to be in silence. (13)For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (14)And Adam was not deceived; but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into transgression. (15)But she shall be saved through child-bearing, if they continue in faith, and love, and holiness, with sobriety.



III.

FAITHFUL is the saying, if any one desires the office of overseer[3:1], he desires a good work. (2)The overseer then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, discreet, orderly, hospitable, apt in teaching; (3)not given to wine, not a striker, but forbearing, averse to strife, not a lover of money; (4)presiding well over his own house, having his children in subjection with all decorum; (5)(but if one knows not how to preside over his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (6)not a novice[3:6], lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the Devil. (7)But he must also have a good testimony from those without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.

(8)Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of gain; (9)holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (10)And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, being without reproach. (11)[Their] wives in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

(12)Let the deacons be husbands of one wife, presiding well over their children and their own houses. (13)For they that have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good degree[3:13], and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(14)These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee shortly; (15)but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (16)And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested[3:16] in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, was received up in glory.



IV.

NOW the Spirit says expressly, that in after-times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and teachings of demons; (2)of those who speak lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (3)forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from food, which God created to be received with thanksgiving, for those[4:3] who believe and know the truth. (4)For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving; (5)for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

(6)If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nurtured in the words of the faith and of the good teaching, which thou hast strictly followed. (7)But the profane and silly fables[4:7] avoid, and exercise thyself unto godliness. (8)For bodily exercise is profitable for little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (9)Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance. (10)For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

(11)These things command and teach. (12)Let no one despise thy youth; but become an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in love, in faith, in purity. (13)Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. (14)Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee through prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. (15)Meditate on these things[4:15]; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest to all. (16)Give heed to thyself, and to the teaching; continue in them; for in doing this thou wilt save both thyself, and those who hear thee.



V.

REBUKE not an elder, but entreat him as a father; younger men as brethren; (2)elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity. (3)Honor as widows those who are widows indeed. (4)But if any widow has children or grand-children, let these learn first to show piety to their own household, and to requite their parents, for this is acceptable before God.

(5)Now she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day. (6)But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. (7)And these things command, that they may be blameless. (8)But if any one provides not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

(9)Let not one be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one husband; (10)well reported of for good works; if she brought up children, if she lodged strangers, if she washed the feet of the saints, if she relieved the afflicted, if she diligently followed every good work.

(11)But younger widows refuse; for when they have become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; (12)having condemnation, because they broke their first faith. (13)And at the same time they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busy-bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

(14)I desire therefore that younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. (15)For already, some turned aside after Satan.

(16)If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

(17)Let elders who preside well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and teaching. (18)For the Scripture says: Thou shalt not muzzle an ox while treading out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

(19)Against an elder receive not an accusation, except before two or three witnesses[5:19].

(20)Those who sin rebuke before all, that the rest also may fear.

(21)I charge thee before God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing with partiality.

(22)Lay hands hastily on no one, neither share in other men's sins. Keep thyself pure.

(23)No longer drink water only, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and for thy frequent infirmities.

(24)The sins of some men are openly manifest, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. (25)In like manner also the good works are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise can not be hidden.



VI.

LET as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed. (2)And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; but the rather do them service, because they who receive the benefit are faithful and beloved. These things teach and exhort.

(3)If any one teaches otherwise, and assents not to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the teaching which is according to godliness, (4)he is puffed up with pride, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5)vain disputings of men corrupted in mind, and robbed of the truth, supposing that godliness is a means of gain. (6)But godliness with contentment is a great means of gain. (7)For we brought nothing into the world; it is certain we can also carry nothing out; (8)and having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. (9)But they who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which sink men into destruction and perdition. (10)For the love of money is a root of all evils; which some coveting after wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

(11)But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness of spirit. (12)Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the eternal life, unto which thou wast called, and didst make the good profession before many witnesses.

(13)I charge thee in the sight of God, who preserves all alive, and of Jesus Christ, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good profession, (14)that thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; (15)which in his own times[6:15] he will show, who is the blissful and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (16)who only has immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man has seen, or can see; to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.

(17)Charge those who are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor place their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who gives us all things richly for enjoyment; (18)that they do good, be rich in good works, be free in imparting, willing to communicate; (19)laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

(20)O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane babblings, and oppositions of that which is falsely called knowledge; (21)which some professing erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee.



THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY.

I.

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2)to Timothy, a beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(3)I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; (4)longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; (5)calling to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that it dwells in thee also. (6)For which cause I put thee in remembrance, that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the laying on of my hands. (7)For God did not give us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of chastisement.

(8)Be not then ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship with me for the gospel, according to the power of God; (9)who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose, and the grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before eternal ages, (10)but now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ; who abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through the gospel; (11)for which I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (12)For which cause I suffer also these things. But I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him, unto that day.

(13)Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou heardest from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (14)The good thing committed to thee keep, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

(15)Thou knowest this, that all those in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. (16)The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; because he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; (17)but when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. (18)The Lord grant to him, that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day! And in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.



II.

THOU therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2)And the things that thou heardest from me by many witnesses[2:2], the same commit thou to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (3)Endure hardship with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4)No one serving as a soldier entangles himself with the affairs of life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier. (5)And if a man also contends in the games, he is not crowned, unless he contends lawfully. (6)The husbandman that labors must first partake of the fruits. (7)Consider what I say; for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.

(8)Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel; (9)in which I endure hardship, even unto bonds, as an evil-doer; but the word of God is not bound. (10)For this cause, I endure all things for the sake of the chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (11)Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him; (12)if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we shall deny him, he also will deny us; (13)if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he can not deny himself.

(14)Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the subverting of the hearers.

(15)Endeavor to present thyself approved to God, a workman not made ashamed, rightly dividing[2:15] the word of truth. (16)But shun the profane babblings; for they will go on to more ungodliness. (17)And their word will eat as does a canker; of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (18)who erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and overturn the faith of some.

(19)Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, having this seal: The Lord knew those who are his; and, Let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. (20)But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some for honor and some for dishonor. (21)If a man therefore cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful for the master, prepared for every good work.

(22)But flee youthful lusts; and follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (23)But the foolish and ignorant questionings avoid, knowing that they beget strifes. (24)And a servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle toward all, apt in teaching, patient of evil; (25)in meekness admonishing those who oppose themselves; if haply God may give them repentance unto the full knowledge of the truth; (26)and that they may awake to soberness out of the snare of the Devil, being taken captive by him, to do his will[2:26].



III.

BUT know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. (2)For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3)without natural affection, implacable, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, without love to the good, (4)betrayers, headlong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (5)having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; and from these turn away. (6)For of these are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7)ever learning, and never able to come to the full knowledge of the truth.

(8)Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so also do these withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. (9)But they shall proceed no further; for their folly shall be fully manifest to all, as was also theirs.

(10)But thou didst strictly follow my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, (11)persecutions, afflictions; what things came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of all the Lord delivered me. (12)Yea, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (13)But evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14)But do thou continue in the things which thou learnedst and wast assured of, knowing of whom thou didst learn; (15)and that from a child thou didst know the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16)All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable[3:16] for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; (17)that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.



IV.

I CHARGE thee before God, and Christ Jesus who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom, (2)preach the word; apply thyself in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. (3)For the time will come when they will not endure the sound teaching, but according to their own desires will to themselves heap up teachers, having itching ears; (4)and they will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to fables.

(5)But be thou watchful in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully accomplish thy ministry. (6)For I am now about to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (7)I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; (8)henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me in that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

(9)Endeavor to come to me shortly. (10)For Demas forsook me, having loved the present world, and departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (11)Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for the ministry. (12)But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.

(13)The cloak, which I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring, and the books, especially the parchments.

(14)Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; the Lord reward him according to his works. (15)Of whom do thou also beware; for he has greatly withstood our words.

(16)At my first answer no one came forward with me, but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge! (17)But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished, and all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (18)The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom; to whom be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

(19)Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

(20)Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.

(21)Endeavor to come before winter. Eubulus salutes thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

(22)The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.



THE LETTER OF PAUL TO TITUS.

I.

PAUL, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's chosen, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness; (2)upon hope of eternal life, which God, who can not lie, promised before eternal ages, (3)but in its own[1:3] times manifested his word in the preaching, with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of our Savior God; (4)to Titus, a true child according to the common faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

(5)For this cause I left thee behind in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and appoint elders in each city, as I directed thee; (6)if any one is without reproach, the husband of one wife, having believing children not accused of rioting or unruly. (7)For the overseer[1:7] must be, without reproach, as God's steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of gain; (8)but hospitable, a lover of the good, discreet, just, holy, temperate; (9)holding fast the faithful word according to the teaching, that he may be able with the sound teaching both to exhort, and to refute the gainsayers. (10)For there are many unruly vain talkers and deceivers, chiefly they of the circumcision; (11)whose mouths must be stopped, who overturn whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain. (12)One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said: Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. (13)This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; (14)not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, who turn away from the truth.

(15)To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and conscience are defiled. (16)They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and for every good work reprobate.



II.

BUT do thou speak the things which become the sound teaching; (2)that aged men be sober, grave, discreet, sound in the faith, in love, in patience; (3)that aged women likewise be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; (4)that they may teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, (5)to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

(6)The younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. (7)In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works; in teaching, showing uncorruptness, gravity, (8)sound speech, that can not be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be put to shame, having no evil thing to say of us.

(9)Exhort servants to submit themselves to their own masters, to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting, (10)not purloining, but showing all good faith; that they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God in all things,

(11)For the saving grace of God appeared to all men, (12)teaching us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13)looking for the blissful hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; (14)who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and cleanse for himself a people to be his own, zealous of good works.

(15)These things speak, and exhort, and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise thee.



III.

PUT them in mind to submit themselves to governments, to authorities, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2)to speak evil of no one, to be averse to strife, forbearing, showing all meekness to all men.

(3)For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, going astray, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. (4)But when the kindness and the love toward man of our Savior God appeared, (5)not by works of righteousness which we did, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the bathing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; (6)which he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; (7)that, having been justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

(8)Faithful is the saying; and concerning these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they who have believed God may be careful to take the lead in good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (9)But avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

(10)A man that causes divisions, after a first and second admonition, avoid[3:10]; (11)knowing that he that is such is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

(12)When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, endeavor to come to me to Nicopolis; for I have determined there to winter.

(13)Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos, send forward on their journey zealously, that nothing may be wanting to them. (14)And let ours also learn to take the lead in good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful.

(15)All that are with me salute thee. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.



THE LETTER OF PAUL TO PHILEMON.

PAUL, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon the beloved and our fellow-laborer, (2)and to Apphia the beloved[1:2], and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: (3)Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(4)I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers, (5)hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and unto all the saints; (6)that the fellowship of thy faith[1:6] may become effectual in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us, unto Christ Jesus. (7)For I had[1:7] much joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. (8)Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon thee that which is becoming, (9)yet for love's sake I beseech rather; being such a one, as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ, (10)I beseech thee for my child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus; (11)who in time past was unprofitable to thee, but is now profitable to thee and to me; (12)whom I sent back to thee. But do thou receive him, that is, my own flesh; (13)whom I would have retained with myself, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel. (14)But without thy consent I desired to do nothing; that thy benefit may not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. (15)For perhaps he departed for a season to this end, that thou shouldest receive him as thine forever; (16)no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord!

(17)If thou countest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

(18)But if he wronged thee in any thing, or owes aught, put that to my account. (19)I, Paul, wrote it with my own hand, I will repay. Not to say to thee, that to me thou owest also thine own self besides. (20)Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. (21)Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

(22)But at the same time be preparing for me also a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

(23)There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus; (24)Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-laborers.

(25)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.



LETTER TO THE HEBREWS.

I.

GOD, who in many parts and in many ways spoke of old to the fathers by the prophets, (2)in these last days spoke to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, by whom he also made the worlds; (3)who, being the brightness of his glory and the impress of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself[1:3] made a cleansing of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (4)having become so much superior to the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they.

(5)For to whom of the angels said he ever:

Thou art my Son, I this day have begotten thee;

and again: I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son. (6)But when he has again brought in[1:6] the first-begotten into the world, he says And let all the angels of God worship him. (7)And of the angels he says:

Who makes his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire;

(8)but of the Son:

Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom; (9)Thou lovedst righteousness, and hatedst iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, anointed thee, With the oil of gladness, above thy fellows;

(10)and:

Thou, Lord, in the beginning, didst found the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands; (11)They will perish, but thou remainest; And they all will become old, as does a garment, (12)And as a vesture thou wilt fold them up, and they will be changed; But thou art the same, And thy years will not fail.

(13)But to whom of the angels has he ever said:

Sit on my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

(14)Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for ministration, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?



II.

ON this account, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things heard, lest haply we should let them slip[2:1]. (2)For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received just retribution, (3)how shall we escape, having neglected so great a salvation; which began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard, (4)God also bearing witness, with signs and wonders, and divers miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

(5)For not to the angels did he put in subjection the world to come, of which we are speaking. (6)But one in a certain place testified, saying:

What is man, that thou art mindful of him, Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7)Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor; (8)Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet.

For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.

But now we do not yet see all things put under him. (9)But we behold him, who was made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, on account of the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, in order that he by the grace of God might taste death for every one. (10)For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

(11)For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (12)saying:

I will declare thy name to my brethren; In the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to thee.

(13)And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold, I and the children whom God gave me. (14)Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner took part in the same; that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the Devil; (15)and might deliver those who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

(16)For surely he does not succor angels; but he succors the seed of Abraham. (17)Wherefore, in all things it became him to be made like to his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (18)For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.



III.

WHEREFORE, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Jesus, (2)who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all His house. (3)For he has been accounted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house. (4)For every house is builded by some one; but he who built all things is God. (5)And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, as a testimony of the things which were to be afterward spoken; (6)but Christ as son over His house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the boldness and the joyousness of the hope firm unto the end[3:6].

(7)Wherefore, as the Holy Spirit says:

To-day, if ye will hear his voice, (8)Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, In the day of the temptation in the wilderness; (9)Where your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my works, forty years. (10)Wherefore, I was offended with that generation; And I said: They always go astray in their heart, And they knew not my ways; (11)As I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.

(12)Take heed, brethren, lest there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (13)But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called To-day, that no one of you may be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (14)For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. (15)When it is said: To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation; (16)who then, when they had heard, provoked? Nay, was it not all who came forth out of Egypt by Moses? (17)But with whom was he offended forty years? Was it not with those who sinned? whose carcasses fell in the wilderness. (18)And to whom did he swear, that they should not enter into his rest, but to those who believed not? (19)And we see that they were not able to enter in, because of unbelief.



IV.

LET us fear therefore, lest, a promise being still left us of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. (2)For to us were the glad tidings preached, as also to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mingled with faith in those who heard. (3)For we who believed enter into the rest, as he said: As I swore in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (4)For he has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day thus: And God rested on the seventh day from all his works; (5)and in this again: They shall not enter into my rest.

(6)Since then it remains that some do enter into it, and they to whom the glad tidings were first preached entered not in because of unbelief, again (7)he limits a certain day, To-day, (saying in David, after so long a time, as has before been said,)

To-day, if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts.

(8)For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not, after this, have spoken of another day.

(9)So then, there remains a Sabbath-rest to the people of God. (10)For he that entered into his rest, himself rested from his works, as God did from his own. (11)Let us therefore endeavor to enter into that rest, that no one may fall into the same example of unbelief.

(12)For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13)And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

(14)Having therefore a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15)For we have not a high priest who can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but who has in all points been tempted in like manner, without sin. (16)Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.



V.

FOR every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; (2)being able to bear with the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is encompassed with infirmity; (3)and on account of it he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to make offering for sins. (4)And no one takes to himself the honor, but being called by God, as was also Aaron. (5)So also Christ did not glorify himself to be made high priest, but he who spoke to him:

Thou art my Son, I this day have begotten thee;

(6)as also in another place, he says:

Thou art a priest forever, After the order of Melchizedek;

(7)who, in the days of his flesh offering up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and being heard on account of his godly fear, (8)though a Son yet learned from what he suffered the [required] obedience, (9)and being perfected became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him; (10)called by God, High Priest[5:10], after the order of Melchizedek.

(11)Of whom we have much to say, and hard to be explained, since ye have become dull of hearing. (12)For though ye ought, on account of the time, to be teachers, ye again have need that some one teach you the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. (13)For every one who partakes of milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness; for he is a child. (14)But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, who by use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.



VI.

WHEREFORE, leaving the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2)of the doctrine of immersions, and of the laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3)And this we will do[6:3], if God permit. (4)For it is impossible that they who have once been enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, (5)and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6)and have fallen away, should again be renewed to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame. (7)For the earth which has drunk in the rain oft coming upon it, and brings forth herbs fit for those for whose sake it is tilled, receives blessing from God; (8)but if it bears thorns and briers it is rejected, and is near to cursing; whose end is to be burned.