46:016:012 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
46:016:013 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
46:016:014 Let all your things be done with charity.
46:016:015 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
46:016:016 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
46:016:017 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
46:016:018 For they have refreshed my spirit and your’s: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
46:016:019 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
46:016:020 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
46:016:021 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
46:016:022 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
46:016:023 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
46:016:024 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Book 47 2 Corinthians
47:001:001 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
47:001:002 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
47:001:003 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
47:001:004 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
47:001:005 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
47:001:006 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
47:001:007 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
47:001:008 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
47:001:009 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
47:001:010 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
47:001:011 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
47:001:012 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
47:001:013 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
47:001:014 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our’s in the day of the Lord Jesus.
47:001:015 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
47:001:016 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
47:001:017 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
47:001:018 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
47:001:019 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
47:001:020 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
47:001:021 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
47:001:022 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
47:001:023 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
47:001:024 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
47:002:001 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
47:002:002 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
47:002:003 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
47:002:004 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
47:002:005 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
47:002:006 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
47:002:007 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
47:002:008 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
47:002:009 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
47:002:010 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
47:002:011 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
47:002:012 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
47:002:013 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
47:002:014 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
47:002:015 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
47:002:016 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
47:002:017 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
47:003:001 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
47:003:002 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
47:003:003 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
47:003:004 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
47:003:005 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
47:003:006 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
47:003:007 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
47:003:008 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
47:003:009 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
47:003:010 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
47:003:011 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
47:003:012 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
47:003:013 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
47:003:014 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
47:003:015 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
47:003:016 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
47:003:017 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
47:003:018 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
47:004:001 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
47:004:002 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
47:004:003 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
47:004:004 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
47:004:005 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
47:004:006 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
47:004:007 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
47:004:008 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
47:004:009 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
47:004:010 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
47:004:011 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
47:004:012 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
47:004:013 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
47:004:014 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
47:004:015 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
47:004:016 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
47:004:017 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
47:004:018 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
47:005:001 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
47:005:002 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
47:005:003 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
47:005:004 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
47:005:005 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
47:005:006 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
47:005:007 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
47:005:008 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
47:005:009 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
47:005:010 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
47:005:011 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
47:005:012 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
47:005:013 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
47:005:014 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
47:005:015 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
47:005:016 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
47:005:017 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
47:005:018 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
47:005:019 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
47:005:020 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
47:005:021 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
47:006:001 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
47:006:002 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
47:006:003 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
47:006:004 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
47:006:005 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
47:006:006 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
47:006:007 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
47:006:008 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
47:006:009 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
47:006:010 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
47:006:011 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
47:006:012 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
47:006:013 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.
47:006:014 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
47:006:015 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
47:006:016 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
47:006:017 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
47:006:018 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
47:007:001 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
47:007:002 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
47:007:003 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
47:007:004 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
47:007:005 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
47:007:006 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
47:007:007 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
47:007:008 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
47:007:009 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
47:007:010 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
47:007:011 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
47:007:012 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
47:007:013 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
47:007:014 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
47:007:015 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
47:007:016 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
47:008:001 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
47:008:002 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
47:008:003 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
47:008:004 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
47:008:005 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
47:008:006 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
47:008:007 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
47:008:008 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
47:008:009 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
47:008:010 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
47:008:011 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
47:008:012 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
47:008:013 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
47:008:014 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
47:008:015 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
47:008:016 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
47:008:017 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
47:008:018 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
47:008:019 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
47:008:020 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
47:008:021 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
47:008:022 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
47:008:023 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
47:008:024 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
47:009:001 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
47:009:002 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
47:009:003 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
47:009:004 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
47:009:005 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
47:009:006 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
47:009:007 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
47:009:008 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
47:009:009 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
47:009:010 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
47:009:011 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
47:009:012 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
47:009:013 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
47:009:014 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
47:009:015 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
47:010:001 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
47:010:002 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
47:010:003 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
47:010:004 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
47:010:005 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
47:010:006 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
47:010:007 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
47:010:008 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
47:010:009 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
47:010:010 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
47:010:011 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
47:010:012 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
47:010:013 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
47:010:014 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
47:010:015 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
47:010:016 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
47:010:017 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
47:010:018 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
47:011:001 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
47:011:002 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
47:011:003 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
47:011:004 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
47:011:005 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
47:011:006 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
47:011:007 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
47:011:008 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
47:011:009 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
47:011:010 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
47:011:011 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
47:011:012 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
47:011:013 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
47:011:014 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
47:011:015 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
47:011:016 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
47:011:017 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
47:011:018 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
47:011:019 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
47:011:020 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
47:011:021 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
47:011:022 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
47:011:023 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
47:011:024 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
47:011:025 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
47:011:026 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
47:011:027 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
47:011:028 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
47:011:029 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
47:011:030 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
47:011:031 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
47:011:032 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
47:011:033 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
47:012:001 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
47:012:002 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
47:012:003 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
47:012:004 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
47:012:005 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
47:012:006 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
47:012:007 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
47:012:008 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
47:012:009 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
47:012:010 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
47:012:011 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
47:012:012 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
47:012:013 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
47:012:014 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your’s but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
47:012:015 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
47:012:016 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
47:012:017 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
47:012:018 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
47:012:019 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
47:012:020 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
47:012:021 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
47:013:001 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
47:013:002 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
47:013:003 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
47:013:004 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
47:013:005 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
47:013:006 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
47:013:007 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
47:013:008 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
47:013:009 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
47:013:010 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
47:013:011 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
47:013:012 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
47:013:013 All the saints salute you.
47:013:014 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Book 48 Galatians
48:001:001 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
48:001:002 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
48:001:003 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
48:001:004 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
48:001:005 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
48:001:006 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
48:001:007 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
48:001:008 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
48:001:009 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
48:001:010 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
48:001:011 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
48:001:012 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
48:001:013 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
48:001:014 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
48:001:015 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
48:001:016 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
48:001:017 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
48:001:018 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
48:001:019 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
48:001:020 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
48:001:021 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
48:001:022 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
48:001:023 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
48:001:024 And they glorified God in me.
48:002:001 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
48:002:002 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
48:002:003 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
48:002:004 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
48:002:005 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
48:002:006 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
48:002:007 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
48:002:008 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
48:002:009 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
48:002:010 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
48:002:011 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
48:002:012 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
48:002:013 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
48:002:014 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
48:002:015 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
48:002:016 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
48:002:017 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
48:002:018 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
48:002:019 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
48:002:020 I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
48:002:021 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
48:003:001 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
48:003:002 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
48:003:003 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
48:003:004 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
48:003:005 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
48:003:006 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
48:003:007 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
48:003:008 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
48:003:009 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
48:003:010 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
48:003:011 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
48:003:012 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
48:003:013 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
48:003:014 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
48:003:015 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
48:003:016 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
48:003:017 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
48:003:018 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
48:003:019 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
48:003:020 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
48:003:021 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
48:003:022 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
48:003:023 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
48:003:024 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
48:003:025 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
48:003:026 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
48:003:027 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
48:003:028 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
48:003:029 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
48:004:001 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
48:004:002 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
48:004:003 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
48:004:004 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
48:004:005 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
48:004:006 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
48:004:007 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
48:004:008 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
48:004:009 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
48:004:010 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
48:004:011 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
48:004:012 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
48:004:013 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
48:004:014 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
48:004:015 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
48:004:016 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
48:004:017 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
48:004:018 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
48:004:019 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
48:004:020 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
48:004:021 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
48:004:022 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
48:004:023 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
48:004:024 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
48:004:025 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
48:004:026 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
48:004:027 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
48:004:028 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
48:004:029 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
48:004:030 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
48:004:031 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
48:005:001 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
48:005:002 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
48:005:003 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
48:005:004 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
48:005:005 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
48:005:006 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
48:005:007 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
48:005:008 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
48:005:009 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
48:005:010 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
48:005:011 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
48:005:012 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
48:005:013 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
48:005:014 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
48:005:015 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
48:005:016 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
48:005:017 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
48:005:018 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
48:005:019 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
48:005:020 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
48:005:021 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
48:005:022 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
48:005:023 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
48:005:024 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
48:005:025 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
48:005:026 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
48:006:001 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
48:006:002 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
48:006:003 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
48:006:004 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
48:006:005 For every man shall bear his own burden.
48:006:006 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
48:006:007 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
48:006:008 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
48:006:009 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
48:006:010 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
48:006:011 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
48:006:012 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
48:006:013 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
48:006:014 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
48:006:015 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
48:006:016 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
48:006:017 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
48:006:018 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Book 49 Ephesians
49:001:001 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
49:001:002 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
49:001:003 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
49:001:004 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
49:001:005 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
49:001:006 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
49:001:007 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
49:001:008 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
49:001:009 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
49:001:010 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
49:001:011 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
49:001:012 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
49:001:013 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
49:001:014 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
49:001:015 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
49:001:016 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
49:001:017 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
49:001:018 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
49:001:019 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
49:001:020 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
49:001:021 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
49:001:022 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
49:001:023 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
49:002:001 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
49:002:002 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
49:002:003 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
49:002:004 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
49:002:005 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
49:002:006 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
49:002:007 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
49:002:008 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
49:002:009 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
49:002:010 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
49:002:011 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
49:002:012 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
49:002:013 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
49:002:014 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
49:002:015 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
49:002:016 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
49:002:017 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
49:002:018 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
49:002:019 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
49:002:020 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
49:002:021 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
49:002:022 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
49:003:001 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
49:003:002 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
49:003:003 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
49:003:004 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
49:003:005 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
49:003:006 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
49:003:007 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
49:003:008 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
49:003:009 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
49:003:010 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
49:003:011 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
49:003:012 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
49:003:013 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
49:003:014 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
49:003:015 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
49:003:016 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
49:003:017 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
49:003:018 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
49:003:019 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
49:003:020 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
49:003:021 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
49:004:001 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
49:004:002 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
49:004:003 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
49:004:004 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
49:004:005 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
49:004:006 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
49:004:007 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
49:004:008 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
49:004:009 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
49:004:010 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
49:004:011 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
49:004:012 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
49:004:013 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
49:004:014 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
49:004:015 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
49:004:016 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
49:004:017 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
49:004:018 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
49:004:019 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
49:004:020 But ye have not so learned Christ;
49:004:021 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
49:004:022 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
49:004:023 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
49:004:024 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
49:004:025 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
49:004:026 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
49:004:027 Neither give place to the devil.
49:004:028 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
49:004:029 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
49:004:030 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
49:004:031 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
49:004:032 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
49:005:001 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
49:005:002 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
49:005:003 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
49:005:004 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
49:005:005 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
49:005:006 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
49:005:007 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
49:005:008 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
49:005:009 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
49:005:010 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
49:005:011 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
49:005:012 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
49:005:013 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
49:005:014 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
49:005:015 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
49:005:016 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
49:005:017 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
49:005:018 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
49:005:019 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
49:005:020 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
49:005:021 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
49:005:022 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
49:005:023 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
49:005:024 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
49:005:025 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
49:005:026 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
49:005:027 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
49:005:028 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
49:005:029 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
49:005:030 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
49:005:031 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
49:005:032 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
49:005:033 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
49:006:001 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
49:006:002 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
49:006:003 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
49:006:004 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
49:006:005 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
49:006:006 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
49:006:007 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
49:006:008 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
49:006:009 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
49:006:010 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
49:006:011 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
49:006:012 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
49:006:013 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
49:006:014 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
49:006:015 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
49:006:016 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
49:006:017 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
49:006:018 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
49:006:019 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
49:006:020 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
49:006:021 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
49:006:022 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
49:006:023 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
49:006:024 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Book 50 Philippians
50:001:001 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
50:001:002 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
50:001:003 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
50:001:004 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
50:001:005 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
50:001:006 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
50:001:007 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
50:001:008 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
50:001:009 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
50:001:010 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
50:001:011 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
50:001:012 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
50:001:013 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
50:001:014 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
50:001:015 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
50:001:016 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
50:001:017 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
50:001:018 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
50:001:019 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
50:001:020 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
50:001:021 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
50:001:022 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.