# verses

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And they asked them, saying, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"


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but how he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself."


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These things his parents said because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone should confess that He was Christ, he would be excommunicated.


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Therefore they called a second time the man who was blind, and said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this Man is a sinner."


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He answered and said, "Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One <i>thing</i> I do know: that although I was blind, now I see."


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He answered them, "I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you wish to hear <i>it</i> again? Do you also want to become His disciples?"


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We know that God has spoken to Moses; but <i>as for </i>this <i>Man</i>, we do not know where He is from."


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The man answered and said to them, "Why, this is a remarkable thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He opened my eyes!


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Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.


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Since eternity past it was unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of <i>one</i> having been born blind.


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They answered and said to him, "You were completely born in sins, and do you teach us?" And they cast him out.


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<n>Jesus Affirms His Deity</n> Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and having found him, He said to him, "Do you believe in the Son of God?"


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And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see might become blind."


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Then <i>some</i> of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and said to Him, "Are we blind also?"


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Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.


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<n>The Parable of the Good Shepherd</n> "Most assuredly I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold through the door, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber.


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To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and he leads them out.


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And whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.


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But they will by no means follow a stranger, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."


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This illustration Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.


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<n>I AM the Good Shepherd</n> Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.


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I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.


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The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.


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But a hired hand, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.


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And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.


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No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it <i>up </i>again. This command I have received from My Father."


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Others said, "These are not the words of <i>one</i> being demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"


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Then the Jews encircled Him and said to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly."


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Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, these things testify about Me.


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And I give to them eternal life, and they shall never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.


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My Father, who has given <i>them</i> to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch <i>them</i> out of My Father's hand.


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Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?"


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The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."


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Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, <span class='smcaps'>'I said, "You are gods"</span> '?


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do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?


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but if I am doing <i>them</i>, even if you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."


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And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He stayed there.


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And many came to Him and said, "John indeed performed no sign, but everything which John said about this <i>Man</i> was true."


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<n>The Death of Lazarus</n> Now there was a certain man who was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.


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Now it was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with myrrh, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.


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And when Jesus heard, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."


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Therefore when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed in the place where He was <i>for </i>two days.


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The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, <i>just</i> now the Jews were seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?"


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Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.


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These things He said, and after this He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awaken him."


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And I rejoice for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."


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Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him."


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<n>I AM the Resurrection and the Life</n> Therefore when He had come, Jesus found that he had already been in the tomb four days.


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And many of the Jews had come to the <i>women</i> around Martha and Mary, so that they might console them concerning their brother.


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Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.


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She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."


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And when she had said these things, she went out and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you."


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Then the Jews who were with her in the house and consoling her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb, so that she may weep there."


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Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, seeing Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."


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Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.


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But some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, have done <i>something</i> to keep this man from dying?"


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<n>Lazarus Raised from the Dead </n> Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying upon it.


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Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the <i>one</i> having died, said to Him, "Lord, already there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."


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Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.


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And I knew that You always hear Me, but because of the people standing around I said <i>this</i>, so that they may believe that You sent Me."


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And the <i>one</i> having died came out, bound hands and feet with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped in a handkerchief. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let <i>him</i> go."


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<n>The Conspiracy to Kill Jesus</n> Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and seeing the things which Jesus had done, believed in Him.


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Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What are we doing? For this Man works many signs.


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If we leave Him alone in this way, all will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and will take away both our place and nation."


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But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You don’t know anything,


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nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish."


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Now this he did not say on his own, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation,


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and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.


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Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but He went away from there into the country near the desert, to a city called Ephraim, and there He stayed with His disciples.


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Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, so that they might purify themselves.


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Then they were seeking Jesus, and they were speaking with one another, standing in the temple, "What do you think—that He will definitely not come to the feast?"


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Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report <i>it</i>, so that they might seize Him.


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<n>Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany</n> Then Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had died, whom He raised from the dead.


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Then they made for Him a supper there; and Martha was serving, but Lazarus was one of those reclining <i>to eat</i> with Him.


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Then Mary, having taken a pound of very costly pure nard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.


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This he said, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to pilfer the things which were placed in it.


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<n>The Plot to Kill Lazarus </n> Now a large crowd from the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.


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<n>The Triumphal Entry</n> On the next day a large crowd which was coming to the feast, having heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,


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took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and they were crying out, "Hosanna! <span class='smcaps'>'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord</span>!' The King of Israel!"


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"<span class='smcaps'>Do not fear, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on the colt of a donkey</span>."


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His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him, and <i>that </i>they did these things to Him.


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Therefore the crowd which was with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, was testifying.


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The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are not doing any good. Look, the world has gone after Him!"


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<n>Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus</n> And there were some Greeks among those coming up, so that they might worship at the feast.


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Then they approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and they asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."


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Most assuredly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.


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He that loves his life shall lose it, and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it for eternal life.


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And if anyone serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant shall be also. If anyone serve Me, him My Father will honor.


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<n>Jesus Foretells of His Death</n> "Now My soul has been troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this reason I came to this hour.


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Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven, saying, "I have both glorified <i>it</i>, and will glorify <i>it</i> again."


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Therefore the crowd which was standing and heard were saying that it had thundered. Others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."


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The crowd answered Him, "We heard from the law that the Christ abides forever; and so how do You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"


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Then Jesus said to them, "<i>For</i> yet a little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.


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While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departing, He was hidden from them.


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<n>The Unbelief of the People</n> But even though He had done so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in Him,


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that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he said: "<span class='smcaps'>Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed</span>?"


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"<span class='smcaps'>He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them</span>."


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Nevertheless even from among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be excommunicated;


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And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come that I might judge the world, but that I might save the world.


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He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word which I spoke, that <i>word</i> will judge him in the last day.


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For I have not spoken on My own <i>authority</i>; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.


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And I know that His command is eternal life. Therefore, whatever I speak, as the Father has said to Me, thus I speak."


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<n>Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet</n> Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.


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And after supper, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him,


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Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,


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Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, and to dry <i>them</i> with the towel with which He was girded.


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Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand."


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Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me."


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Jesus said to him, “He that is bathed need only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."


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So when He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, He reclined again, and said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?


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Therefore if I, your Lord and your Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.


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Most assuredly I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than he who sent him.


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I do not speak concerning all of you. I know <i>those</i> whom I chose; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, <span class='smcaps'>'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me</span>.'


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From now <i>on</i> I tell you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM.


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Most assuredly I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me."


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When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in His spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly I say to you, one of you will betray Me."


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Jesus answered, "It is the <i>one</i> to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.


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And after the piece of bread, then Satan entered him. Therefore Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."


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For some were thinking, since Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, "Buy <i>the </i>things of which we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.


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<n>The New Commandment</n> When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in Him.


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If God has been glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.


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Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you.


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A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.


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<n>Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial</n> Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but later you will follow Me."


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Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Most assuredly I say to you, the rooster shall by no means crow till you deny Me three times.


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<n>The Way, the Truth, and the Life</n> "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.


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In My Father's house are many mansions; if<i> it were </i>not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.


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And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and I will receive you unto Myself; so that where I am, there you may be also.


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Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.


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"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now <i>on</i> you know Him and you have seen Him."


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Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He that has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?


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Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words which I speak to you I do not speak on My own <i>authority</i>; but the Father who abides in Me does the works.


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Believe Me that I <i>am</i> in the Father and the Father <i>is </i>in Me, but if not, believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.


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"Most assuredly I say to you, he that believes in Me, the works which I do he will do also; and greater <i>works</i> than these he will do, because I go to My Father.


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And whatever you may ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.


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And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may abide with you forever,


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the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, because He abides with you and shall be in you.


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"Yet a little while and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.


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He that has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him."


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Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, and what has happened that You are about to manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?"


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Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and we will make Our home with him.


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He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.


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But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and will remind you <i>of</i> all things which I said to you.


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Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


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You have heard that I said to you, 'I am going away and coming <i>back</i> to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.


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I will no longer speak many things with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.


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But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father has charged Me, thus I do. Rise up, let us go from here.


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Every branch in Me which does not bear fruit He takes away; and every <i>branch</i> which bears fruit He prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.


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Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit on its own, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.


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I am the vine, you <i>are</i> the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; because apart from Me you can do nothing.


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If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out like a branch and dries up; and they gather them and throw <i>them</i> into the fire, and they are burned.


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If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what ever you may desire, and it shall be done for you.


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If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and I abide in His love.


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No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things which I heard from My Father I have made known to you.


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You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you may ask the Father in My name He may give to you.


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If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.


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Remember the word which I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.


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But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.


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If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse concerning their sin.


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If I had not done the works among them which no one else has done, they would have no sin; but now they have both seen and they have hated both Me and My Father.


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But <i>this was</i> so that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'


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"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me.


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They will excommunicate you; but a time is coming when everyone who kills you will think that he is offering God a service.


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But these things I have spoken to you, so that when the time comes, you may remember them, that I told you. But these things I did not say to you from the beginning, because I was with you.


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<n>The Work of the Holy Spirit</n> "But now I am going to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'


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Nevertheless I speak the truth to you. It is profitable for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.


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However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own <i>authority</i>, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will announce to you things to come.


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All things which the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He takes from what is Mine and will announce it to you.


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<n>Sorrow Will Turn Into Joy</n> "A little <i>while</i> and you will not see Me; and again a little <i>while</i> and you will see Me, because I am going to the Father."


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Then <i>some</i> of His disciples said to one another, "What is this that He says to us, 'A little <i>while</i> and you will not see Me; and again a little <i>while</i> and you will see Me'; and, 'I am going to the Father'?"


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Therefore they said, "What is this that He says, 'A little <i>while</i>'? We do not understand what He is saying."


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Now Jesus knew that they were desiring to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring with one another that I said, 'A little <i>while</i> and you will not see Me; and again a little <i>while</i> and you will see Me'?


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Most assuredly I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be grieved, but your grief will be turned into joy.


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A woman, whenever she gives birth, has sorrow, because her hour has come; but whenever the child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish, on account of the joy that a human being has been born into the world.


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Therefore you also now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.


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And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.


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<n>Peace for the Disciples</n> "These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.


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In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will beseech the Father for you;


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for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.


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I came forth from the Father and I have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and I am going to the Father."


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Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God."


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Behold, the hour is coming, and has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and you will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.


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These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world."


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<n>Jesus Prays for Himself</n> Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,


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just as You have given Him authority over all flesh, so that He will give eternal life to all You have given Him.


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And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.


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And now, O Father, glorify Me alongside Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.


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<n>Jesus Prays for His Disciples</n> I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You have given them to Me, and they have kept Your word.


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Because I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received <i>them</i>, and they knew truly that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.


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I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for <i>those</i> whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.


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And I am no longer in the world, yet these are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name which You have given to Me, that they may be one just as We <i>are</i>.


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When I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. <i>Those</i> whom You have given to Me I guarded; and not one of them is lost except the son of perdition, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.


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But now I am coming to You, and these things I speak in the world, so that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.


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I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.


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I do not ask that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil <i>one</i>.


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<n>Jesus Prays for All Believers</n> "I am not praying for these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word;


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so that they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.


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And the glory which You have given to Me, I have given to them, so that they may be one just as We are one:


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I in them, and You in Me; so that they may be perfected in unity, and so that the world may know that You have sent Me, and You loved them just as You loved Me.


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Father, I desire that those also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, so that they may behold My glory which You gave to Me; because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.


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O righteous Father! Indeed the world did not know You, yet I knew You; and these knew that You sent Me.


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And I made known to them Your name, and I will make it known, so that the love <i>with</i> which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."


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<n>Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane</n> After saying these things, Jesus went out with His disciples across the winter stream Kidron, where there<i> was</i> a garden, into which He and His disciples entered.


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Now Judas, who was betraying Him, also knew the place, because Jesus often gathered there also with His disciples.


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Then Judas, having taken the detachment <i>of soldiers</i> and attendants from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.


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They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus said to them, "I AM." And Judas, the <i>one</i> betraying Him, was standing with them.


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Jesus answered, "I have told you that I AM! Therefore if you seek Me, allow these <i>men</i> to go,"


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so that the word might be fulfilled which He said, "<i>Those</i> whom You have given Me I have lost none."


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Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And the servant's name was Malchus.


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Then Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"


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<n>Jesus Before the High Priest</n> Then the detachment <i>of soldiers</i> and the captain and the attendants of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.


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And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.


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Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was profitable for one man to perish for the people.


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<n>Peter Denies Jesus</n> And Simon Peter was following Jesus, as was the other disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.


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But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.


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Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this Man's disciples, <i>are you</i>?" He said, "I am not."


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And the servants and attendants who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Now Peter was standing with them and warming himself.


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<n>The High Priest Questions Jesus</n> Then high priest asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.


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Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always come together, and in secret I spoke nothing.


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Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard Me, what I spoke to them. Indeed they know what I said."


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And when He had said these things, one of the attendants who stood by slapped Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, "Is this how You answer the high priest?"


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Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?"


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<n>Peter Denies Jesus Again </n> Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. Therefore they said to him, "You are not also <i>one</i> of His disciples, <i>are you</i>?" Then he denied it and said, "I am not!"


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One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with Him?"


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<n>Jesus Before Pilate </n> Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium, lest they might be defiled, but so that they might eat the Passover.


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They answered and said to him, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him over to you."


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Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone,"


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that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which He said, signifying by what sort of death He was about to die.


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Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"


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Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?"


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Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I might not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."


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Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say <i>rightly</i> that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."


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Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And having said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him.


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"But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you wish <i>that</i> I should release the King of the Jews?"


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Then they all cried out again, saying, "Not this <i>Man</i>, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a bandit.


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And the soldiers twisted a crown out of thorns and put it on His head, and they put a purple robe around Him.


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Pilate then went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, so that you may know that I find no fault in Him."


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<n>Jesus Sentenced to Death</n> Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, "Behold, the Man!"


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Therefore, when the chief priests and the attendants saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "You take Him and crucify <i>Him</i>, for I find no fault in Him."


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The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God."


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and he entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave him no answer.


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Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have authority to crucify You, and I have authority to release You?"


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Jesus answered, "You would have no authority at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore the one who betrayed Me to you has a greater sin."


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From this <i>point </i>Pilate was seeking to release Him, but the Jews kept crying out, saying, "If you release this <i>Man</i>, you are no friend of Caesar's. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."


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Therefore Pilate, having heard this saying, led Jesus outside and sat down on the judgment seat in a place that is called <i>The</i> Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.


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Now it was the Preparation <i>Day</i> of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold your King!"


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But they cried out, "Away <i>with Him</i>, away <i>with Him</i>! Crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"


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<n>The Crucifixion of Jesus</n> And bearing His cross, He went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,


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Now Pilate wrote a title and he put <i>it</i> on the cross. And it was written: JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.


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Then many of the Jews read this title, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin.


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Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'He said, "I am the King of the Jews." ' "


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Then the soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, woven from the top in one piece.


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Therefore they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it will be," so that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: "<span class='smcaps'>They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots</span>." Therefore the soldiers did these things.


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Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the <i>wife</i> of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.


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Therefore Jesus, seeing His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!"


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Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her into his own <i>care</i>.


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<n>It Is Finished </n> After this, Jesus, seeing that all things already had been fulfilled, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, "I thirst!"


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Now a vessel was set full of sour wine; and they, having filled a sponge with sour wine, put it around a hyssop, they held it to His mouth.


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Therefore when Jesus received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.


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<n>Jesus’ Side Is Pierced</n> Therefore the Jews, since it was the Preparation <i>Day</i>, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and they might be taken away.


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Then the soldiers came and they broke the legs of the first <i>man,</i> and of the other who was crucified with Him.


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And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he tells the truth, so that you may believe.


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For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not a bone of His shall be broken."


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And again another Scripture says, "<span class='smcaps'>They shall look at Him whom they pierced</span>."


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<n>The Burial of Jesus</n> After these things<i>,</i> Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away the body of Jesus.


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And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.


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Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen strips with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.


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Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried.


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<n>The Resurrection of Jesus</n> On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.


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Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."


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Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb; and he saw the linen strips lying there,


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and the facecloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen strips, but apart from <i>them,</i> having been rolled up in one place.


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<n>Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene</n> But Mary stood outside facing the tomb weeping. Therefore as she was weeping, she stooped down <i>and</i> <i>looked</i> into the tomb.


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And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.


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Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him."


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And having said these things, she turned back and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.


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Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You carried Him away, tell me where You put Him, and I will take Him away."


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Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' "


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Mary Magdalene went reporting to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and <i>that</i> He had spoken these things to her.


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<n>Jesus Appears to the Disciples</n> Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace to you."


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And having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.


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Therefore Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! Just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you."


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If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain <i>the sins</i> of any, they have been retained."


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<n>Jesus and Thomas</n> But Thomas, one of the twelve, the <i>one </i>called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.


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The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will by no means believe."


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And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been closed, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"


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Then He said to Thomas, "Bring your finger here, and see My hands; and bring your hand here, and put <i>it</i> into My side. Be not unbelieving, but believing."


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Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."


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<n>The Purpose of This Book</n> And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;


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but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that <i>by </i>believing you may have life in His name.


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<n>Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples</n> After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this manner He showed Himself:


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Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the <i>sons</i> of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.


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Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are coming with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.


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But as daybreak had already come, Jesus stood upon the shore; however the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.


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And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find <i>some</i>." Therefore they cast, and they were not able to haul it in because of the multitude of fish.


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Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and he threw himself into the sea.


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But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.


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Then as they got off onto the land, they saw a charcoal fire laid there, and fish placed on it, and bread.


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Simon Peter went up and hauled the net onto the land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.


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Jesus said to them, "Come, eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared to question Him, "Who are You?"—knowing that it was the Lord.


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This <i>was</i> now the third time Jesus was manifested to His disciples, having been raised from the dead.


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<n>Jesus Restores Peter</n> So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, <i>son</i> of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I care for You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."


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He said to him again a second time, "Simon, <i>son</i> of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I care for You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."


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He said to him the third time, "Simon, <i>son</i> of Jonah, do you care for Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you care for Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I care for You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.


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Most assuredly I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and used to walk where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and will carry <i>you</i> where you do not wish."


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But this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."


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<n>Jesus and the Beloved Disciple</n> Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had reclined on His chest at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"


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Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is <i>that</i> to you? You follow Me."


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Therefore this saying went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is <i>that</i> to you?"


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This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.


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And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that not even the world itself would have room for the books which would be written. Amen.


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The former account I made concerning all things, O Theophilus, which Jesus began both to do and teach,


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until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,


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to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.


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<n>The Promise of the Holy Spirit</n> And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to await for the promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;


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for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."


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Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"


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And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has placed in His own authority.


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But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."


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<n>The Ascension of Jesus</n> Now after He said these things, while they were beholding <i>Him</i>, He was lifted up, and a cloud withdrew Him from their sight.


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And while they looked intently into heaven, while He was going, behold, two men stood along side them in white apparel,


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who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This <i>same</i> Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you watched Him go into heaven."


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<n>The Upper Room</n> Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey.


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And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying; both Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.


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These were continuing with one mind in prayer and petition, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.


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<n>Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas</n> And in those days Peter, rising up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), said,


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“Men <i>and</i> brothers; it was necessary <i>for</i> this Scripture to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;


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(Now this man purchased a field by means of the wages of<i> his</i> iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.


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And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood).


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For it is written in the book of Psalms: <span class='smcaps'>'Let his homestead become desolate, and let no one dwell in it'</span>; and, <span class='smcaps'>'May another take his office of overseer</span>. '


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Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us in every time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,


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beginning from the baptism of John until the day in which He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."


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And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, knower of all hearts, show whom You have chosen of these two


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to receive a portion in this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."


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And they cast their lots. And the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


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<n>The Coming of the Holy Spirit</n> And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.


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And suddenly a sound came out of heaven, as being borne along by a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.


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And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


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And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because they were hearing each one speaking in his own language.


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And they were all amazed and were marveling, saying to one another, “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?


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Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,


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Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,


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<n>Peter’s Sermon</n> But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke out to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.


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“<span class='smcaps'>And it shall be in the last days,” says God, "that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> and on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> And I will give wonders in the heaven above, and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke.</span>


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<span class='smcaps'> The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and magnificent Day of the Lord. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved</span>."


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"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves also know—


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Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you took, and by lawless hands, nailing <i>Him</i> to a cross, you killed <i>Him</i>;


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whom God raised, <i>thus</i> doing away with the labor pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.


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For David says concerning Him, "<span class='smcaps'>I foresaw the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.</span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Because You will not abandon my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> You have made known to me the ways of life; You will fill me full of joy with Your presence</span>.”


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“Men, brothers, let<i> me</i> speak with boldness to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.


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Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to seat <i>Him </i>on his throne,


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foreseeing <i>this</i>, he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, ‘that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.’


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Therefore having being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.


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For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: `<span class='smcaps'>The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, </span>


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Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."


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<n>The First Converts</n> Now having heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men <i>and</i> brothers, what shall we do?"


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Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


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For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call."


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And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this crooked generation."


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Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added.


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And they were continuing in the teaching of the apostles, and in fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.


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<n>Life Among the Believers</n> Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.


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and they were selling their possessions and goods, and were dividing them among all, to the degree that anyone had a need.


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So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were sharing food with joy and simplicity of heart,


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praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to the church daily those who were being saved.


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<n>Peter Heals a Lame Man</n> Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, <i>which was </i>the ninth <i>hour</i>.


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And a man lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they would lay each day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;


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But Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but <i>that </i>which I do have, I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk."


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And taking hold of him by his right hand, he raised <i>him</i>; and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.


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So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.


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Then they recognized that this was the one sitting for the alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with astonishment and amazement because of that which had happened to him.


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<n>Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico</n> And while the lame man who had been healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, utterly astonished.


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So when Peter saw <i>this</i>, he replied to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk?


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The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.


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And on the basis of faith in<RF q=9>9 Literally<i>, the faith of His name</i>. Most assuredly this is an objective genitive—the faith that saves and heals is a faith in the name and person of Jesus Christ.</n> His name, this <i>one </i>whom you observe and know, was made strong by His name. And the faith, which is by Him, has given to him this wholeness before you all.


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But those things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.


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Repent therefore and turn back, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,


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whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.


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For Moses said to the fathers, <span class='smcaps'>'The Lord our God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brothers. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> 'And it shall be that every person who does not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people</span>.'


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Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and his successors, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days.


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You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, <span class='smcaps'>'And in your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed</span>.'


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To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."


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<n>Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin</n> Now while they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,


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being greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.


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And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.


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However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.


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Now it came to pass on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together at Jerusalem,


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as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of high priestly descent.


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And they brought them forward and began to inquire, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"


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Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:


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let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this<i> name</i> this <i>man</i> stands here before you whole.


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Nor is there salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven which has been given among men by which we must be saved."


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<n>The Name of Jesus Forbidden</n> Now when they observed the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.


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But seeing the man that had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against <i>them</i>.


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saying, "What shall we do to these men? For indeed, that a known sign has come to pass by them is evident to all those who are dwelling in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.


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But lest it be spread further among the people, let us threaten them with a threat, to speak no longer in this name."


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But Peter and John answered them and said, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you be the judge.


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So having threatened them further, they released them, finding no way of punishing them, on account of the people, because they all were glorifying God over that which had occurred.


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<n>The Believers Pray for Boldness </n> And being released, they came to their own, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.


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So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one mind and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them,


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who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: <span class='smcaps'>'Why did the nations rage, and the people conspired vain things? </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were assembled together against the Lord and against His Christ</span>.'


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For truly they were assembled against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel,


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Now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,


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by extending Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may come about through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."


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And when they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.


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<n>The Believers Share Their Possessions</n> Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things belonging to him was his own, but they had all things in common.


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And with great power the apostles were giving forth their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.


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Nor was there anyone needy among them; for all who were owners of lands or houses were selling them, and were bringing the proceeds of the things which had been sold,


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and were placing them beside the feet of the apostles; and they were distributing to each, to the degree that anyone had need.


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And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,


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who, possessing a field, sold it and brought the money and placed it beside the feet of the apostles.


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<n>Ananias and Sapphira</n> But a certain man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property.


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And he kept back for himself from the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and placed it beside the feet of the apostles.


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But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart <i>for</i> you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and <i>for </i>you to keep back for yourself from the price of the land?


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While it remained unsold, did it not remain yours? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why have you purposed this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God."


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Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. And great fear came upon all those who heard of it.


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And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much."


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Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that it was agreed by you to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out <i>as well</i>."


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Then immediately she fell down beside his feet and died. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her with her husband.


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<n>The Apostles Heal Many</n> Now by the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders took place among the people. And they were all with one mind in Solomon's Porch.


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so that they were bringing the sick and placing them on couches and pallets, so that as Peter was passing, at least his shadow might fall on some of them.


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And also the multitude from the surrounding cities were coming together into Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.


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<n>The Apostles Are Persecuted</n> Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,


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But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the doors of the prison, and leading them out, he said,


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And when they heard that, they entered the temple about daybreak and were teaching. Now when the high priest and those with him arrived, they called together the council, even all the elders of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison for them to be brought.


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<n>The Apostles on Trial Again</n> But when the attendants arrived, and did not find them in the jail, they returned and announced,


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saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut in all security, and the guards standing before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"


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Now when they heard these words, both the high priest and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests, they were greatly perplexed about them, as to what would come of this.


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So one came and reported to them, <i>saying</i>, "Behold, the men whom you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"


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Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned.


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saying, "Did we not give you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you want to bring on us the blood of this Man!"


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Him God has exalted to His right hand as Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.


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And we are His witnesses of these words, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."


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<n>Gamaliel’s Advice</n> But when they heard this, they were infuriated and were resolving to kill them.


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Then someone in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a short time.


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And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves to these men, as to what you are about to do.


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For before these days, Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be someone, to whom was joined a number of men, about four hundred. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.


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After this arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the census, and caused considerable number of people after him to revolt. He too perished, and as many as were persuaded by him were scattered.


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And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will fail;


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And they were persuaded by him, and when they called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.


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Then they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing because they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name of Jesus.


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And daily in the temple, and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus the Christ.


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<n>Choosing of the Seven</n> Now in those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint from the Greek speaking Jews against the Aramaic speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.


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Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not pleasing to us that we should forsake the word of God to serve tables.


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Therefore, brothers, select seven men from among you, of <i>good</i> reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint for this need.


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And the word was pleasing before all the congregation, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,


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And the word of God was growing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was being multiplied exceedingly, and a great many of the priests were obeying the faith.


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<n>Stephen Accused of Blasphemy</n> And Stephen, full of faith and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.


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But there arose some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, both of the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, debating with Stephen.


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Then they secretly instigated men to say, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God."


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And they aroused the people and the elders and the scribes; and coming upon him, they seized him, and led him to the council.


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And they put forward false witnesses saying, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law;


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for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses handed down to us."


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And looking intently at him, all those who sat in the council saw his face like<i> the</i> face of an angel.


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And he said, "Men, brothers and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,


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and said to him, <span class='smcaps'>'Go out from your land and from your relatives, and come to a land which I will show you</span>.'


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Then he went forth from the land of the Chaldeans and settled down in Haran. And from there, after his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell.


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And He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a place to put his foot on, and He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him, though he had no child.


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But God spoke in this way: that his offspring would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would enslave them, and they would treat them badly four hundred years.


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‘<span class='smcaps'>And the nation which they will serve, I will judge</span>,' said God, <span class='smcaps'>'and after these things they will come out and serve Me in this place</span>.'


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Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham fathered Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the twelve patriarchs.


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<n>The Patriarchs in Egypt</n> "And the patriarchs, being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; and God was with him,


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and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him ruler over Egypt and all his house.


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“Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no provisions.


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And on the second <i>visit</i> Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.


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And they were brought back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb which Abraham bought for a price of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.


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“Now when the time of the promise drew near which God swore to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt,


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This <i>king</i> took advantage of our race, and oppressed our fathers, to make their babies exposed, in order that they might not preserve their lives.


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At this time Moses was born, and he was well pleasing to God; who was brought up in his father's house for three months.


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But when he was exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up, and brought him up for herself as a son.


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Now when he had turned forty years old, it came into his heart to look upon his brothers, the sons of Israel.


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And seeing someone being wronged, he retaliated, and avenged him who was being oppressed, and struck the Egyptian.


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For he supposed that his brothers understood that God was giving to them deliverance by his hand, but they did not understand.


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And on the next day he appeared to them as they were fighting, and <i>tried to</i> reconcile them to peace, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong one another?'


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"But the one wronging his neighbor pushed him away, saying, <span class='smcaps'>'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? </span>


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Now Moses, at this saying, fled and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.


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“And forty years having been fulfilled, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.


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And Moses, seeing it, marveled at the sight; and as he approached it to observe closely, the voice of the Lord came to him,


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saying, <span class='smcaps'>'I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob</span>.' And Moses was trembling and was not bold enough to look closely.


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'Then the Lord said to him, "<span class='smcaps'>Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground</span>.


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"<span class='smcaps'>I have certainly seen the mistreatment of My people in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt</span>." '


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<n>Israel Rebels Against God</n> “This Moses whom they denied, saying, <span class='smcaps'>'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge</span>?' This man God sent as a ruler and redeemer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush.


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He led them out, and did wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.


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"This is that Moses who said to the sons of Israel, <span class='smcaps'>'The Lord our God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brothers</span>.’


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This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and <i>with</i> our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us,


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whom our fathers did not desire to be obedient, but they rejected <i>him</i> and returned in their heart back to Egypt,


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saying to Aaron, <span class='smcaps'>'Make for us gods who will go before us; as for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him</span>.'


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And they made a calf in those days, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.


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But God turned away and gave them over to serve the host of heaven, just as it is written in the book of the Prophets: <span class='smcaps'>'Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Indeed you carried up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, the images which you made to worship them; and I will relocate you beyond Babylon</span>.'


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<n>God’s True Tabernacle</n> “The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, just as the One speaking to Moses commanded him, to make it according to the pattern that he had seen,


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which also our fathers, having received in turn, also brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David,


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who found favor before God and asked <i>opportunity </i>to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.


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<span class='smcaps'>'Heaven is My throne, and </span><span class='smcaps'><i>the </i></span><span class='smcaps'>earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? </span>


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<n>Israel Resists the Holy Spirit</n> "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, you also do.


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Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold about the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers,


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<n>Stephen Martyred</n> Now hearing these things they were infuriated in their hearts, and were gnashing their teeth against him.


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But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking intently into heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,


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and he said, "Behold! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"


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and casting him outside the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes beside the feet of a young man named Saul.


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Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And having said this, he fell asleep.”


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<n>Saul Persecutes the Church</n> Now Saul was agreeing with them in his murder. And in that day there arose a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.


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But Saul was doing injury to the church, going in from house to house, and dragging away both men and women, and putting them in prison.


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And the crowds with one accord gave heed to the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs which he was doing.


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For many of those having unclean spirits had cried out with a loud voice, and <i>the spirits </i>came out; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.


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<n>Simon the Sorcerer</n> Now a certain man named Simon was previously in the city practicing magic and astounding the people of Samaria, claiming himself to be someone great,


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to whom they gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."


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But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.


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Then Simon himself also believed; and having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip, and observing miracles and signs occurring, he was astounded.


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<n>Simon’s Sin</n> Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,


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For He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.


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Now when Simon observed that by the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,


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But Peter said to him, "Your money perish with you, because you thought to acquire the gift of God through money!


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Repent therefore from this your wickedness, and make petition to God, if perhaps the intent of your heart will be forgiven you.


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Then Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me."


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Then solemnly bearing witness to and speaking the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.


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<n>Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch</n> Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Get up and go toward the south on the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desolate.


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So he got up and went; and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, a court official of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem worshipping,


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And Phillip, running up to it, heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"


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Now the portion of the Scripture which he was reading was this: "<span class='smcaps'>He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will recount His generation? For His life is taken away from the earth</span>."


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So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this; of himself, or of someone else?"


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And Philip, opening his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached the good news <i>about</i> Jesus to him.


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Now as they were going down the road, they came upon some water. And the eunuch said, "Behold, <i>here is</i> water: what prevents me from being baptized?"


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And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, both Phillip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.


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Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip, and the eunuch did not see him any longer; and he went on his way rejoicing.


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But Philip was found at Azotus. And as he passed through, he preached the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.


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<n>Saul’s Conversion</n> Then Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest


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and requested from him letters <i>of authority </i>to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he should find any who were of the Way, both men or women, he might bring them, having been bound, to Jerusalem.


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And as he was going, it came about that he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.


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And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"


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And Saul got up from the ground, and although his eyes were open, he saw no one; and leading him by the hand, they brought <i>him</i> into Damascus.


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<n>Ananias Baptizes Saul</n> Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Behold I <i>am here</i>, Lord."


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And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to Straight Street, and seek out in the house of Judas a man named Saul, of Tarsus; for behold, he is praying.


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And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might see again."


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But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many wicked things he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem;


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But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel to Me to bear My name before Gentiles and kings, and the sons of Israel.


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And Ananias departed and entered the house; and putting his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me, the One who appeared to you in the way which you were coming, so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."


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And immediately <i>something</i> like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again; and he got up and was baptized.


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And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Now Saul was with the disciples in Damascus three days.


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<n>Saul Preaches Christ</n> And immediately in the synagogues he was proclaiming Christ, that He is the Son of God.


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And all those who heard were astounded, and were saying, "Is this not the one who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might take them having been bound, to the chief priests?"


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But Saul all the more was growing strong, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus, proving that this <i>Jesus</i> is the Christ.


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But their plot became known to Saul. And they closely watched the <i>city</i> gates both day and night, in order that they might kill him.


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But the disciples, taking him by night, they let him down through the wall, lowering <i>him </i>in a basket.


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<n>Saul at Jerusalem</n> Now when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.


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But Barnabas, taking hold of him, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus.


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and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and he was speaking and disputing with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they were attempting to kill him.


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Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified, and going in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, were multiplying.


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<n>Aeneas and Dorcas</n> Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all <i>parts of the country</i>, that he went down to the saints who were dwelling in Lydda.


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And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who had been confined to a bed for eight years, who was paralyzed.


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And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately.


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Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which being translated is called Dorcas. This <i>woman</i> was full of good works and charitable giving which she was doing.


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But it came about in those days that she became ill and died; and they washed her, and put <i>her</i> in an upper room.


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Now since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was in Joppa, sent to him, urging him not to delay in coming to them.


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And arising, Peter went with them. When he arrived, they took him into the upper room, and all the widows stood beside him weeping, showing <i>him </i>tunics and cloaks which Dorcas was making, <i>while </i>being with them.


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But Peter, having put them all outside, knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.


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And giving to her his hand, he raised her up; and when he called the saints and the widows, he presented her living.


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<n>Cornelius Sends for Peter</n> Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian <i>Regiment</i>,


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a devout <i>man</i>, and one that feared God, together with all his household, who often gave alms to the people, and making petition to God always.


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About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, "Cornelius!"


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And looking intently at him and becoming fearful he said, "What is it, lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.


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Now when the angel who had been speaking to Cornelius had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.


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<n>Peter’s Vision</n> Now on the next day, as they were traveling and drawing near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, <i>at </i>about the sixth hour.


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And he saw heaven having been opened, and descending to him a certain vessel like a great sheet, having been bound at the four corners, and being let down upon the ground,


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in which were all the four-footed <i>animals</i> of the earth and the wild animals, and the reptiles, and the birds of the air.


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And a voice <i>spoke</i> again the second time to him, "That which God has made clean, you must not make common."


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Now as Peter was very perplexed within himself as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius, having found by inquiry the house of Simon, stood at the gateway.


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And Peter, going down to the men, said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the reason for which you are here?”


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And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and fearing God, having a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was given a revelation by a holy angel to send for you to his house, and to hear a message from you."


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Therefore he invited them in and received <i>them</i> as guests. Now on the next day Peter went forth with them, and some brothers from Joppa went with him.


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<n>Peter at Cornelius’ House</n> And on the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and close friends.


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Now when it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, <i>and</i> fell at his feet and worshipped <i>him</i>.


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and he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to associate with or to approach a Gentile; and yet God has shown to me that I should call no man common or unclean;


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therefore also without objecting, I came when I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"


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So Cornelius said, "From the fourth day until this hour I was fasting, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in shining clothing,


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Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, whose surname is Peter. He is staying as a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner, beside the sea. When he arrives, he will speak to you.'


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"Therefore immediately I sent to you, and you have done well to come. Now then we are all present before God, to hear all the things having been commanded you by God."


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<n>Peter Preaches to Cornelius’ Household</n> And Peter, opening his mouth, said: "In truth I comprehend that God is not One to show partiality.


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The word which <i>God</i> sent to the sons of Israel, preaching the good news of peace through Jesus Christ--He being Lord of all--


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you know, the word coming to be throughout all of Judea, and beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John proclaimed,


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Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.


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And we are witnesses of all things which He did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they also killed by hanging on a tree.


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not to all the people, but to witnesses, who having been chosen beforehand by God, <i>even</i> to us, who ate and drank together with Him after He arose from the dead.


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And He commanded us to proclaim to the people, and to testify solemnly that He is the <i>One</i> having been appointed by God <i>to be</i> Judge of the living and the dead.


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To Him all the prophets bear witness, <i>that </i>through His name, everyone believing in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins."


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<n>The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles</n> While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.


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And those of the circumcision who believed were astounded, as many as had come with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.


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“Surely no one can forbid water, <i>can he</i>, that these should not be baptized who received the Holy Spirit just as we<i> have</i>?"


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And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay for some days.


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<n>Peter Defends God’s Grace</n> Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.


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"I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel coming down like a great sheet, being lowered by the four corners from heaven; and it came as far as me;


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on which, looking intently, I was contemplating, and I saw the four-footed <i>animals</i> of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the birds of the air.


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"But the voice answered me a second time from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not make common.'


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And behold, immediately three men stood before the house in which I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.


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And the Spirit told me to go with them, without wavering. Now these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the house of the man.


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And he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house, standing and saying to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter,


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And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'


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"If then God has given to them the same gift as He gave to us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder God?"


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And hearing these things, they remained silent, and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted even to the Gentiles repentance unto life."


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<n>Barnabus and Saul at Antioch</n> Then those who were scattered because of the tribulation coming about over Stephen, went about as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews only.


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But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, entering into Antioch spoke to the Greek speaking Jews, preaching the good news of the Lord Jesus.


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And the word about them was heard in the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas to go as far as Antioch;


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who, arriving and seeing the grace of God, was glad, and encouraged them all with purpose of heart to continue with the Lord,


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for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.


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and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for a whole year they assembled with the church and instructed many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.


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And rising up, one of them named Agabus, foretold by the Spirit of a great famine about to happen in all the world, which also came to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar.


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Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined as a ministry to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea;


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<n>Herod’s Violence Against the Church</n> Now at that time Herod the king put <i>forth </i>his hands to harm some from the church.


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And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded further to arrest Peter also (these were during the days of Unleavened Bread),


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whom also seizing, he put him in prison, and handed him over to four four-man squads of soldiers to guard him, planning after the Passover to bring him again to the people.


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<n>Peter’s Miraculous Escape</n> Therefore Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer was being made by the church to God on his behalf.


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But when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping, between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison.


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And behold, an angel of the Lord stood <i>there</i>, and a light shined in the prison room; and striking the side of Peter, he roused him saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell away from his hands.


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And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals"; and he did so. And he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me."


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And going out, he was following him, and did not know that the thing taking place by the angel was true, but he was thinking that he was seeing a vision.


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And going though the first and the second guard <i>posts</i>, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city, which was opened to them of its own accord; and going out, they went forward one street, and immediately the angel withdrew from him.


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And Peter, having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord has sent forth His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jews."


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And realizing <i>this</i>, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where a considerable <i>number</i> were gathered together and were praying.


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When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but running in, she announced that Peter stood at the gate.


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But they said to her, "You are mad!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel."


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And motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." And going out, he went to another place.


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Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers, as to what had become of Peter.


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And Herod, seeking for him and not finding him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they be executed. And going down from Judea to Caesarea, he was spending time <i>there</i>.


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<n>Herod’s Violent Death</n> Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one purpose they came to him, and persuading Blastus, the one over the king's bedroom, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's <i>country</i>.


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And on an appointed day Herod, clothing himself with royal apparel, and sitting on the judgment seat, was delivering an address to them.


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Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.


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<n>Barnabus and Saul Appointed</n> And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, having fulfilled their ministry, taking along with <i>them</i> John also, whose surname was Mark.


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Now there were some in the church being in Antioch <i>who were</i> prophets and teachers: both Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.


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Now as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them."


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<n>Preaching at Cyprus</n> So these <i>two</i>, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.


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And arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.


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And going across the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus,


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who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.


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But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) resisted them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.


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But Saul, who also is <i>called</i> Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently at him,


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<i>he </i>said, "O full of all guile and all craft, <i>you</i> son of <i>the</i> devil, <i>you</i> enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?


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And now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately a mistiness and darkness fell upon him, and going about, he sought someone to lead him by the hand.


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Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.


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<n>John Mark Deserts Paul and Barnabus</n> Now Paul and his companions put to sea from Paphos, and came to Perga of Pamphylia; But John deserted them and returned to Jerusalem.


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But they went from Perga, and arrived in Antioch of Pisidia, and entering into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, they sat down.


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Now after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent to them, saying, "Men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”


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And Paul, arising and motioning with his hand, said, "Men, Israelites, and you who fear God, listen:


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The God of this people chose our fathers, and lifting up the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm brought them out from it.


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And after these things, <i>for </i>about four hundred and fifty years, He gave <i>them</i> judges until <i>the time of</i> Samuel the prophet.


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And then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.


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And removing him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom He also said bearing witness, <span class='smcaps'>'I have found David the son of Jesse, </span><span class='smcaps'><i>to be </i></span><span class='smcaps'>a man after My </span><span class='smcaps'><i>own</i></span><span class='smcaps'> heart, who will do all My will</span>.'


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Now as John was finishing his course, he said, 'Whom do you suppose me to be? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandal of whose feet I am not worthy to loosen.'


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"Men, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the message of this salvation has been sent.


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For those dwelling in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor the voices of the Prophets which are read according to each Sabbath, condemning <i>him</i>, they fulfilled <i>the Scriptures.</i>


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And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, taking Him down from the tree, they put <i>Him</i> in a tomb.


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who appeared for <i>many</i> days more to those going up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.


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that God has fulfilled this promise for us to their children, when He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm: <span class='smcaps'>'You are My Son, today I have begotten You</span>.'


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And that He raised Him from the dead, no longer being about to return to corruption, thus He has said: <span class='smcaps'>'I will give you the holy </span><span class='smcaps'><i>and </i></span><span class='smcaps'>sure </span><span class='smcaps'><i>blessings</i></span><span class='smcaps'> of David</span>.'


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Therefore also in another <i>Psalm</i> He says, <span class='smcaps'>'You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption</span>.'


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For David indeed in his own generation, having served by the purpose of God, died, and was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;


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Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this Man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,


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and from all things from which you could not (by the Law of Moses) be justified, by Him everyone that believes is justified.


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"<span class='smcaps'>Behold, you despisers, and marvel and perish! For I will work a work in your days which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you</span>.' "


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<n>Blessing and Conflict at Antioch</n> Now as the Jews were going out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.


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And when the synagogue service was broken up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking <i>to them</i>, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.


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And the Jews, seeing the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and spoke against the things being said by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.


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But Paul and Barnabas, speaking boldly said, "It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to you first; but since you <RF q=1>1 Apotheo, Gk. Also means <i>to repudiate</i>, or <i>to reject</i>.</n>thrust it away, and judge yourselves not worthy of eternal life; behold, we turn to the Gentiles.


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For so the Lord has commanded us: <span class='smcaps'>'I have set you to be a light of the nations, that you should be for salvation to the end of the earth.</span>' "


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Now when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.


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But the Jews incited the devout and prominent women and the leading <i>men</i> of the city, and raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out from their borders.


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<n>At Iconium</n> And it came to pass in Iconium that they went in together into the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in a way so that a great multitude, both of the Jews and of the Greeks, believed.


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Therefore they spent a considerable time there, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, giving signs and wonders to take place by their hands.


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And the multitude of the city was divided: and some were with the Jews, and others with the apostles.


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And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,


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they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region.


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<n>At Lystra and Derbe</n> And a certain man in Lystra, powerless in his feet, was sitting, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked.


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This <i>man</i> heard Paul speaking; who, gazing intently on him and seeing that he had faith to be healed,


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And the crowds, seeing what Paul had done, raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have been made like men and have come down to us!"


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And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was before their city, bearing bulls and garlands to the gates, together with the crowds, was desiring to sacrifice <i>to them.</i>


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But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard this, they tore their garments and rushed in to the crowd, crying out


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and saying, "Men! Why are you doing these things? We men are of the same nature as you, preaching the gospel to you, that you must turn from these useless things to turn to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all the things in them,


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And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, giving to you rain from heaven and fruitbearing seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."


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But there arrived from Antioch and Iconium <i>certain </i>Jews, and having persuaded the crowds and having stoned Paul, they dragged <i>him</i> outside the city, thinking he was dead.


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But when the disciples encircled him, he stood and entered into the city. And the next day he went out together with Barnabas to Derbe.


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And having preached the gospel to that city and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,


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strengthening the souls of the disciples, urging <i>them</i> to continue in the faith, <i>saying, “</i>Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God."


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And having chosen elders for them in every church, <i>and </i>having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.


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From there they sailed to Antioch, where they were commended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.


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Now arriving and gathering the church together, they related all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith for the Gentiles.


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<n>The Council at Jerusalem</n> And certain men coming down from Judea were teaching the brothers, "If you are not circumcised in the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."


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Therefore when there arose a serious dissension and debate with Paul and Barnabus, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this issue.


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Therefore, being sent forth by the church, they were passing through Phoenicia and Samaria, telling in detail <i>about</i> the conversion of the Gentiles; and they were causing great joy to all the brothers.


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And having come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they declared all that God had done with them.


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But some of those from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."


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And after much debate, Peter arose and said to them: "Men <i>and</i> brothers, you know that from early days God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.


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And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as also <i>He did</i> to us,


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Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?


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But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe that we will be saved in the same manner as they."


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Then all the multitude stopped speaking and listened to Barnabas and Paul telling as many signs and wonders as God had done among the Gentiles through them.


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Now after they had finished speaking, James answered, saying, "Men <i>and</i> brothers, listen to me:


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Simeon has related how God first visited <i>them </i>to take from the Gentiles a people for His name.


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“<span class='smcaps'>After this I will return, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen; and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> in order that the rest of men may seek out the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things</span>.'


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Therefore I judge that we must not cause trouble for those who are turning to God from <i>among</i> the Gentiles;


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but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and <i>from</i> blood.


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“For Moses has had from ancient generations those who proclaim him in each city, being read in the synagogues from one Sabbath to another."


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Then it seemed best to the apostles and the elders, together with the whole church, to send men being chosen from them to Antioch, together with Paul and Barnabas, <i>namely</i>, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.


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Writing by their hand these things: The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia who are of the Gentiles: Greetings.


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Inasmuch as we have heard that some went out from among us and troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'that you must be circumcised and keep the law'—to whom we gave no <i>such</i> command—


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it seemed best to us, being like-minded, to send chosen men to you, with our beloved <i>brothers </i>Barnabas and Paul,


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We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by word <i>of mouth</i>.


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For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to put on you no greater burden except for these necessary things:


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that you abstain from meat offered to idols, and from blood, and from <i>anything</i> strangled, and from fornication; from which keeping yourselves back, you will do well. Farewell.


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Then having been dismissed, they came to Antioch; and having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.


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Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.


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But Paul and Barnabas spent time in Antioch, teaching and preaching the good news of the word of the Lord, with many others also.


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<n>Division over John Mark</n> Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit our brothers in each city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."


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But Paul considered it fitting not to take along with them the one who withdrew from them in Pamphylia, and who had not gone together with them to the work.


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Therefore a sharp disagreement arose so that they were separated from one another. And Barnabas, taking along Mark, sailed to Cyprus.


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<n>Timothy Joins Paul and Silas</n> Now he arrived at Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek,


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Paul desired this <i>Timothy</i> to go forth with him, and taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was Greek.


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And as they were going through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep, which had been decided by the apostles and the elders at Jerusalem.


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<n>Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia</n> Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the Galatian region, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in Asia.


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And a vision appeared during the night to Paul. A certain man of Macedonia was standing, urging him, and saying, "Come across to Macedonia and help us."


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Now when he saw the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.


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<n>Lydia Baptized at Philippi</n> Therefore, putting to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis,


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and from there to Philippi, which is chief of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were spending some days in that very city.


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And on the Sabbath day we went outside the city beside a river, where prayer was customarily made; and having sat down we spoke to the women who assembled together <i>there</i>.


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And a certain woman named Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard us, whose heart the Lord opened to give heed to the things spoken by Paul.


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And when she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us.


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<n>Paul and Silas Imprisoned</n> Now it came to pass, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl, having a spirit of Python, met us, who brought much profit to her masters by fortune telling.


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This girl, following after Paul and us, was crying out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation."


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And this she did for many days. But Paul, being greatly annoyed and turning around, said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out in that very hour.


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And when her masters saw that the hope of their profit was gone, they took Paul and Silas, and dragged <i>them</i> to the marketplace before the rulers.


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and they are proclaiming customs which are not lawful for us to receive or to do, since we are Romans.”


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And the crowd rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore their clothes and ordered <i>men</i> to beat <i>them</i> with rods.


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And when they laid many strokes on them, they cast them into prison, commanding the prison keeper to keep them securely;


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who, having received such a command, cast them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.


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<n>The Philippian Jailer Saved </n> Now about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.


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And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and all the bonds were loosed.


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And becoming awake, the prison keeper, seeing the doors of the prison open, drawing a sword, he was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to have escaped.


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And he took them along in that same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he and all his family were baptized.


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And bringing them up into his house, he set a meal before them; and he rejoiced with his whole house, having believed in God.


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And the prison keeper announced these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent so that you may be released. Now therefore depart, and go in peace."


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But Paul said to them, "They beat us publicly, although we were uncondemned Romans, and they cast <i>us</i> into prison, and now do they cast us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and lead us out."


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And the officers related to the magistrates these words, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.


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And coming out from the prison, they entered into <i>the house of</i> Lydia; and seeing the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.


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<n>Preaching Christ at Thessalonica</n> Now traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.


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And according to Paul’s custom, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,


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interpreting and pointing out that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, and to arise from the dead, and <i>saying </i>that "This is the Christ, Jesus, whom I proclaim to you."


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And some of them were persuaded and were joined with Paul and Silas, both of the devout Greeks, a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.


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<n>Assault on Jason’s House</n> And the Jews who did not believe took some wicked men from the marketplace, and forming a mob, <i>they </i>threw the city into disorder, and came upon the house of Jason, and sought to bring them to the people.


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But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the rulers of the city, crying out, "The men who have upset the whole world, these have come here, too;


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whom Jason has received; and these all practice contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus."


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<n>In Berea</n> Then the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away during the night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.


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Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all readiness, each day examining the Scriptures <i>to see </i>whether these things might be so.


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But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul in Berea, they came there also, agitating the crowds.


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Then immediately the brothers sent Paul away, to go toward the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.


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And those conducting Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy, that as quickly as possible they should come to him, they departed.


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<n>In Athens</n> And in Athens, while Paul waited for them, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was full of idols.


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Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the <i>Gentile</i> worshippers, and in the marketplace daily with those coming by.


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And also some of the Epicurean and of the Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. And some were saying, "What does this seed-picker wish to say?" But others <i>said</i>, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign deities," because he was preaching the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.


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And taking hold of him, they brought <i>him</i> to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is you speak about?


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For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we desire to know what these things might mean."


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Now all the Athenians and the strangers staying there as visitors spent their time in nothing other than to say or to hear some new thing.


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Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men, Athenians, according to all things I perceive you as <i>being </i>very religious;


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for as I passed by and considered the objects of your worship, I found also an altar on which it had been inscribed: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, <i>Him</i> whom being ignorant of you worship, this <i>One</i> I announce to you:


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The God who made the world and all the things in it, Him being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands,


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nor by the hands of men is He served, as though He needed anything, for He gives to all life, and breath, with respect to all things.


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And He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, and He ordained their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,


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<i>in order for them </i>to seek the Lord, if perhaps indeed they might grope for Him and find <i>Him</i>, and yet being indeed not far from each one of us;


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for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'


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"Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to suppose that the Godhead is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and the imagination of man.


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because He has appointed a day in which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by <i>the</i> Man whom He has appointed, having given proof to all, by raising Him from the dead."


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But when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some were scoffing, but others said, "We will hear you again concerning this."


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However, some men were joined to him and believed, among whom were also Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.


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And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome); <i>and </i>he came to them,


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and because he was of the same trade, he remained with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.


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Now when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, solemnly bearing witness to the Jews that Jesus<i> is</i> the Christ.


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And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his clothes and said to them, "Your blood <i>be</i> on your <i>own </i>heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."


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And having gone over from there, he went into the house of a certain <i>man</i> named Justus, who worshipped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.


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And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, were believing and were being baptized.


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Now the Lord spoke to Paul by a vision in the night, <i>saying</i>, "Do not fear, but speak, and do not keep silent;


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Now while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one purpose rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,


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And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If then it was some misdeed or wicked crime, O Jews, according to reason I would bear with you.


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But if it is a question about a word and names and your own law, see <i>to it</i> yourselves; for I do not wish to be a judge of these things."


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Then all the Greeks, taking hold of Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, were beating him before the judgment seat. And none of these things was a concern to Gallio.


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<n>Paul Returns to Antioch</n> Now Paul still remained there a good while, then bid farewell to the brothers, and sailed away for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off in Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.


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And he arrived in Ephesus, and he left those <i>two</i> there; but he, having entered into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews.


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but bid farewell to them saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast which is in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he put out to sea from Ephesus.


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And having gone down to Caesarea, and having gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.


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After having spent some time there, he departed, and went from place to place through the Galatian region and the Phrygian <i>region</i>, strengthening all the disciples.


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<n>Ministry of Apollos</n> Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, had arrived in Ephesus.


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This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things about the Lord, although he knew only the baptism of John.


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And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. And when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.


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And when he desired to go across to Achaia, having urged him on, the brothers wrote to the disciples <i>there</i> to receive him; and when he arrived, he assisted greatly with those who had believed through grace;


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for he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, demonstrating by the Scriptures <i>that</i> Jesus was the Messiah.


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<n>Paul in Ephesus </n> And it came about, while Apollos was in Corinth, that Paul, having gone through the interior regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples


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<i>he</i> said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit, having believed?" So they said to him, "We have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."


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But Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus."


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And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.


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And he entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, debating and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.


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But when some became hardened and disbelieving, speaking evil against the Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples, each day debating in the school of a certain Tyrannus.


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Now this took place for two years, so that all who were dwelling in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.


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so that even handkerchiefs or aprons from his skin were brought to those who were sick, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out from them.


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<n>The Seven Sons of Sceva</n> Then some of the wandering Jews, exorcists, attempted to name the name of the Lord Jesus over those having the evil spirits, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."


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Then the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped upon them, and having subdued them, prevailed against them, so that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.


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Now this became known to all both Jews and Greeks who were dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and they were praising the name of the Lord Jesus.


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And many of those who were practicing magic brought together their books and burned them up before everyone. And they counted up the prices of them, and <i>found it to be</i> fifty thousand <i>pieces</i> of silver.


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<n>The Riot at Ephesus</n> When these things were fulfilled, Paul resolved in his spirit, having gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."


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And having sent to Macedonia two of those who were ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed on for a time in Asia.


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For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, providing no little trade <i>for</i> the craftsmen,


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whom he gathered, with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.


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And you observe and hear that not only at Ephesus, but almost in all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great multitude, saying that they are not gods which are made by human hands.


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And not only is this business of ours in danger to come into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and also her magnificence, and is about to be destroyed, she whom all Asia and the world worship."


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And hearing <i>this</i>, and becoming full of anger, they were crying out saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"


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And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one purpose into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul.


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And also some of the officials of Asia, being friends with him, sent word to him and urged him not to present himself in the theater.


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Then others were calling out something different, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.


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And from the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and desired to make a defense to the people.


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But recognizing he was a Jew, there arose one voice from <i>them </i>all, calling out for two hours, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"


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And having quieted the crowd, the city clerk said: "Men of Ephesus, for what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the <i>image </i>fallen from heaven?


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Therefore, since these things are undeniable, it is necessary for you to be quieted and to do nothing rash.


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For you have brought these men <i>here</i> who are neither temple thieves nor blasphemers of your goddess.


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Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a word against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.


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But if you are wanting to know anything about other <i>matters</i>, it shall be determined by the lawful assembly.


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For we also are in danger of being accused of insurrection concerning today’s events, there being no cause for which we will be able to give, <i>as </i>an explanation for this commotion.


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<n>Through Macedonia and Greece</n> Now after the disturbance had ceased, Paul, summoning the disciples and greeting them, went away to go to Macedonia.


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and spent three months <i>there</i>. And as a plot by the Jews developed against him, as he was to put to sea for Syria, a decision came about to return through Macedonia.


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And Sopater, a Berean, was accompanying him to Asia—also Aristarchus of the Thessalonians, and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus, <i>the</i> Asians.


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And we sailed away after the days of Unleavened Bread, from Philippi, and we came to them in Troas within five days, where we spent seven days.


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<n>Ministering at Troas</n> Now on the first <i>day</i> of the week, the disciples being assembled to break bread, Paul was discussing with them, being about to leave on the next day, and extended his message until midnight.


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And a certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, being overwhelmed by a deep sleep. While Paul was speaking for a while longer, having been overwhelmed by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.


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But Paul, going down, fell upon him, and embracing him said, "Do not be troubled, for his life is in him."


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And going up and breaking bread and eating, and talking for a considerable time, until daybreak, thus he departed.


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<n>From Troas to Miletus</n> Now we, having gone ahead on the ship, put to sea for Assos, from there intending to take Paul on board; for thus it had been arranged, since he intended to go on foot.


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And having sailing away from there, on the next day we arrived opposite Chios. The following day we approached to Samos and remained in Trogyllium. The following day we came to Miletus.


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For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, in order that it might not happen to him to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying, if it was possible for him to be in Jerusalem <i>on</i> the day of Pentecost.


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<n>The Ephesian Elders Exhorted</n> Now from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the church.


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And when they were present with him, he said to them: "You know from the first day which I arrived in Asia, how I was with you the whole time,


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serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;


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how I kept back nothing that was profitable, but declared it to you, teaching you publicly and from house to house,


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solemnly bearing witness to both Jews and to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus.


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And now behold, I, having been bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,


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except that the Holy Spirit in every city is solemnly bearing witness, saying that bonds and tribulations are waiting for me.


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But I count myself as nothing; nor do I regard my life as valuable to myself, so that I may complete my course with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear solemn testimony to the gospel of the grace of God.


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And now behold, now I know that you all, among whom I have passed through preaching the kingdom of God, will no longer see my face.


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Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you <i>as </i>overseers, to shepherd the church of the Lord, and of God, which He purchased with His own blood.


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Also from among you yourselves will arise men speaking things having been distorted, <i>in order</i> to draw away the disciples after them.


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Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years, night and day I did not cease, with tears, exhorting each one.


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So for the present, I entrust you, brothers, to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who have been sanctified.


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By all things I have shown you, that thus laboring it is necessary to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "


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feeling pain most of all for the words which he said, that they were about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.


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<n>Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem</n> Now when it came to pass that we had put to sea, having withdrawn from them, running a straight course we came to Cos, and on the next <i>day</i> to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.


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When we had sighted Cyprus, and had left it behind <i>on the </i>left, we sailed to Syria, and put in to harbor in Tyre, for the ship was unloading its cargo.


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And having discovered disciples, we stayed there seven days. They said to Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.


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But when it came about that we had completed the days <i>there</i>, having gone out we departed, all <i>of them</i> accompanying us, together with <i>their </i>wives and children, until <i>we were</i> outside the city. And having bowed <i>our</i> knees on the shore, we prayed.


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And having greeted one another, we went up into the ship, and they returned to their own <i>homes</i>.


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And completing our voyage from Tyre, we arrived in Ptolemais, and having greeted the brothers, we stayed one day with them.


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On the next day those accompanying Paul went forth and came to Caesarea, and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.


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And coming to us and taking Paul's belt, and binding his feet and hands, he said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, ' The man whose belt this is, the Jews will bind in this way in Jerusalem, and they will deliver <i>him</i> into the hands of the Gentiles.' "


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Now when we heard these things, both we and the local residents urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.


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Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus."


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Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Cypriot named Mnason, a long-standing disciple, with whom we would stay as a guest.


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And having greeted them, he reported one by one those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.


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And hearing this, they were glorifying the Lord, saying to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;


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and they have been informed about you, that you are teaching defection from Moses, to all the Jews who are among the Gentiles, saying for them not to circumcise their children nor to walk in our customs.


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Therefore do this, which we say to you: There are four men with us who have taken a vow upon themselves.


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Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay for them that they may have their head shaved, and that all may know that those things of which they have been informed about you are nothing, but <i>that</i> you are agreeing with and keeping the law yourself.


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But as for the Gentile believers, we wrote, having judged that they should keep no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, and <i>from anything</i> strangled, and from fornication.”


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<n>Arrested in the Temple</n> Then Paul, having taken the men, on the next day having been purified with them, entered into the temple, <i>thus</i> giving notice to the completion of the days of the purification, until <i>the time</i> when the offering was offered in behalf of each one of them.


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Now when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, were stirring up all the crowd and put their hands on him,


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crying out, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who is teaching all <i>people</i> everywhere against the people and the Law and this place; and furthermore he has brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place."


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For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.


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And all the city was aroused; and there was a mob forming among the people, and taking hold of Paul they were dragging him outside the temple; and immediately the doors were shut.


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And seeking to kill him, a report went up to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem had been stirred up,


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who immediately having taken along soldiers and centurions, ran down among them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.


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And the commander, approaching, took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he was inquiring who he might be and what he had done.


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But others among the crowd were crying out one thing and some another; and because he was unable to ascertain the truth because of the noise, he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.


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But when he arrived at the stairs, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd.


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<n>Paul Addresses the Jerusalem Mob</n> Then as Paul was about to be led into the barracks, he said to the commander, "Is it permitted from me to speak to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek?


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Are you not then the Egyptian who rose up before these days, and led forth the four thousand men of the assassins into the wilderness?”


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But Paul said, "I am a Jew from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city; and I request of you, permit me to speak to the people."


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And permitting him, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying,


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And hearing that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they granted <i>him </i>more silence. And he said:


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"I am indeed a Jew, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the exactness of the law of our forefathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today.


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I, who persecuted this Way to<i> the</i> death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women,


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as also the high priest testifies of me, along with the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus in order to bring those who were there, having been bound, to Jerusalem, that they might be punished.


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Now it happened, as I was going and approaching Damascus, about midday, suddenly from heaven a great light shone about me.


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"So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.'


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"And those who were with me observed the light and became terrified, but they did not hear the voice of the <i>One</i> speaking to me.


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So I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus, and it will be told to you about all the things which it has been appointed for you to do.'


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"And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.


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And Ananias, a certain devout man according to the law, being testified of by all the Jews dwelling in Damascus,


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came to me and he stood and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And I, in that very hour, looked up at him.


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And he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and hear the voice from His mouth.


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And now, what are you going to do? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'


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“And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance,


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and saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry and go out quickly from Jerusalem, for they will not receive your witness about Me.'


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And I said, 'Lord, they know that in every synagogue I was imprisoning and beating those believing on You.


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And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was standing by consenting to his murder, and guarding the clothes of those murdering him.'


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<n>Paul’s Roman Citizenship</n> Now they were listening to him until this statement, and they lifted their voice saying, "Take away such a <i>man</i> from the earth, for it is not fitting <i>for</i> him to live!"


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the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, and said for him that he should be given a hearing with scourging, so that he might learn why they were crying thus against him.


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But as they were stretching him out with the thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?"


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And the centurion, hearing this, going to the commander he reported, saying, "Watch what you are about to do, for this man is a Roman."


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And the commander answered, "I acquired this citizenship with much money.” And Paul said, "But I was born <i>a citizen</i>."


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Then immediately those who were about to interrogate him withdrew from him; and even the commander was afraid, having learned he was a Roman, and that he had bound him.


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<n>The Sanhedrin Divided</n> Now on the next day, desiring to know the truth <i>as to</i> why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from the bonds, and ordered the chief priests and their whole council to come, and brought Paul down and presented <i>him</i> to them.


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Then Paul, looking intently at the council, said, "Men, brothers, I have lived with all good conscience toward God until this day."


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Then Paul said to him, "God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit judging me according to the law, and contrary to the law do you command that I should be struck?"


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Then Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he is the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak wickedly of a ruler of your people.' "


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But when Paul perceived that one part was of the Sadducees and the other of the Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, "Men <i>and</i> brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"


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And when he had spoken this, there came to be a dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.


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For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—nor angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.


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And there came to be a great outcry, and the scribes of the Pharisees' party stood up and contended sharply, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."


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And when much dissension developed, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be torn apart by them, commanded the detachment of soldiers to go down and seize him from the midst of them, and to bring <i>him</i> into the barracks.


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<n>The Plot Against Paul</n> Now on the next night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, Paul; for as you solemnly testified about the things concerning Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."


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Now when it was day, some of the Jews joined in a conspiracy and bound themselves by a curse, saying neither would they eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.


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who came to the chief priests and to the elders and said, "We have bound ourselves by oath with a curse to taste nothing until we have killed Paul.


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Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you are going to determine more accurately the things concerning him; but we, before he comes near, are prepared to kill him."


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But when Paul's sister's son heard about the ambush, he came and entered into the barracks, and told <i>this</i> to Paul.


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And Paul, summoning one of the centurions, said, "Lead this young man away to the commander, for he has something to tell him."


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Therefore taking him along, he brought him to the commander and said, "The prisoner Paul, having summoned me, asked me to bring this young man to you, for he has something to tell you."


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And the commander, taking him by his hand, withdrew to a private place and inquired, "What is it that you have to tell me?"


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And he said, "The Jews have agreed to ask that tomorrow you bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin, as though they are going to learn something more accurate concerning him.


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Therefore you <i>must</i> not be persuaded by them; for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves by a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him; and now they are prepared, waiting for the promise from you."


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Then the commander dismissed the young man, and commanded him, "Tell no one that you have made known these things to me."


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And having summoned two of the centurions he said, "Make ready two hundred soldiers, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, in order that they may go to Caesarea, to leave at the third hour of the night;


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and place mounts at <i>their</i> disposal, in order that they may put Paul on them, and bring him safely to Felix the governor."


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This man, having been arrested by the Jews, was about to be killed by them. I came upon <i>them</i> with the detachment of soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.


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and I found that he was accused concerning questions of their law, <i>but</i> had no accusation <i>against him</i> worthy of death or chains.


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And when it became known to me that a plot against the man by the Jews was about to happen, I sent him at once to you, and also commanded the accusers to state the charges against him before you. Farewell.


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Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris.


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When they entered into Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, <i>they</i> also presented Paul to him.


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And when the governor read the letter, he asked what province he was from. And learning that he was from Cilicia,


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he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's Praetorium.


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<n>The Accusations Against Paul</n> Now after five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders and a certain attorney named Tertullus, who made known to the governor the charges against Paul.


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And when he had been called, Tertullus began to accuse <i>him</i>, saying: "Attaining much peace by you and successes coming about for this nation by your foresight,


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For <i>we</i> have found this man <i>to </i>be a plague, and <i>one</i> causing discord among all the Jews throughout the world, and a leader of the Nazarenes sect,


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from whom you will be able, having judged <i>him</i> yourself, to learn about all these things of which we are accusing him.”


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<n>The Defense Before Felix</n> But Paul answered (the governor, having nodded for him to speak): "Knowing that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, the more cheerfully I defend the things concerning myself,


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because you being able to know that it has not been more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.


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And they did not find me with anyone in the temple disputing, or inciting a crowd to rise up, neither in the synagogues nor in the city.


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But I confess this to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing in all things which are written throughout the Law and in the Prophets,


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having hope in God, which even they themselves are waiting for, that there is going to be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and <i>the</i> unjust.


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And in this I myself am engaging, having a conscience blameless toward God and men through everything.


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among whom some Jews from Asia found me, having been purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with turmoil,


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unless it is because of this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you today.' "


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<n>Felix Procrastinates</n> And when he heard these things, Felix adjourned them, knowing more accurately the things concerning the Way, and said, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case."


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And ordering the centurion to keep watch over Paul and to let him have some liberty, and not to forbid <i>any</i> of his own to serve or to come to him.


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Now after some days, when Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.


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And as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and answered, "Go away for now; but when I have opportunity I will summon you."


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Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore sending for him more often, he was conversing with him.


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But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, desiring to grant favors to the Jews, left Paul in prison.


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<n>Paul Appeals to Caesar</n> Now when Festus had set foot in the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Ceasarea.


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And the high priest and the prominent men of the Jews made known to him the case against Paul; and they were appealing to him,


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asking for favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem—while planning an ambush to kill him along the way.


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But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he was about to go there shortly.


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“Therefore," he said, "the prominent men among you, let them go with me and accuse this man, if there is anything in this man.”


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And when he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.


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When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious accusations against Paul, which they were not able to prove,


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while he defended himself, <i>saying,</i> "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar did I commit any sin."


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But Festus, desiring to grant a favor to the Jews, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me concerning these things?"


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But Paul said, "I am standing before the judicial bench of Caesar, by whom it is necessary <i>for</i> me to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as also you know very well.


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For if I am doing wrong, and have done anything worthy of death, I am not trying to escape a death sentence; but if there is nothing in these things of which these <i>people</i> are accusing me, no one is able to deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar."


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Then Festus, having talked together with the council, answered, "Have you appealed to Caesar? Before Caesar you shall go!"


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<n>Paul Before Agrippa</n> And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and greeted Festus.


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And as he was spending many days there, Festus laid before the king the charges against Paul, saying: "There is a certain man who was left a prisoner by Felix,


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about whom the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, when I was in Jerusalem, asking for punishment against him.


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To them I answered, 'It is not a custom with Romans to deliver any man to destruction before the <i>one</i> being accused may meet his accusers face to face, and may receive an opportunity for defense concerning the charge.'


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"Therefore when they had assembled here, having made no delay, on the next day I took my seat at the judicial bench, and I commanded the man to be brought <i>in</i>;


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concerning whom, when the accusers stood, they brought no accusation of the things which I was supposing,


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but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul professed to be alive.


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And being uncertain <i>as to</i> the investigation concerning this, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these charges.


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But when Paul appealed that he be kept for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I may send him to Caesar."


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Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also was wishing to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you shall hear him."


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Therefore on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with all pomp, and had entered into the auditorium together with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, and when Festus had commanded, Paul was brought.


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And Festus said: "King Agrippa and all the men who are with us, observe this man about whom the people of the Jews petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying against <i>him</i> that it is not fitting <i>for</i> him to live any longer.


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But when I came to understand him to have done nothing worthy of death, and also he had appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to send him.


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About whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you, and especially before you King Agrippa, in order that when this hearing is finished I may have something to write.


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<n>Paul’s Early Life</n> Then Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself." So Paul, having extended his hand, spoke in his own defense:


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“I have considered myself fortunate, King Agrippa, being able to speak in my own defense before you today, concerning all the things of which I am accused of by the Jews,


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especially since you are well versed both in all the customs and questions in relation to the Jews; therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.


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“Therefore my way of life from my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews know,


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since they have known me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.


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And now for the hope of the promise having been made by God to the fathers, I stand before <i>you</i> judged,


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<i>a promise</i> to which our twelve tribes, as they earnestly serve God night and day, hope to attain. Concerning which hope I am accused by <i>the</i> Jews, King Agrippa.


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“Therefore I thought in myself that it was necessary to do many hostile things against the name of Jesus the Nazarene;


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which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were being put to death, I cast my vote against them.


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And I punished them often in all the synagogues, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even as far as to foreign cities.


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<n>Paul Recounts His Conversion</n> "In which <i>pursuits</i> also, as I traveled to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,


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at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.


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And when we all had fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'


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But arise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness both <i>of the things</i> which you have seen, and <i>of the things</i> which I will appear to you,


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to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the authority of Satan to God, <i>in order for </i>them to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'


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<n>Paul’s Post-Conversion Life</n> "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,


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but to those first in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, proclaiming that they must repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.


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Therefore, having obtained help from God, until this day I stand, witnessing both to common <i>people</i> and great <i>people</i>, saying nothing except the things which both the prophets and Moses spoke of as being about to happen,


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that the Christ was to suffer, that as the first to rise from the dead, He was about to proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."


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Now as he spoke these things, Festus said with a loud voice, "You are mad, Paul! Your higher learning is driving you to madness!"


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For the king knows about these things, to whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things escapes his notice, since this thing was not done in a corner.


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And Paul said, "I would pray to God, both in a short time and a long time, not only you, but also all who are hearing me today, would become such as I am, except for these chains."


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When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those sitting together with them;


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and when they withdrew, they were speaking among themselves, saying, "This man practices nothing worthy of death or chains."


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<n>Paul Sails to Rome</n> Now when it was decided that we should sail away to Italy, they handed over both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan Regiment.


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And having boarded a ship of Adramyttium, scheduled to sail to the ports along the Asian coasts, we put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.


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And the next day we put in to harbor at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly, and permitted <i>him</i> to go to <i>his</i> friends to find care.


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And from there having put to sea, we sailed under the sheltered side of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.


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And sailing slowly many days, and with difficulty arriving down off Cnidus, since the wind would not permit us to go on, we sailed under the sheltered side of Crete, down off Salmone.


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<n>Paul’s Warning Ignored</n> Now when much time had been spent, the voyage having already become dangerous, because the Fast had already gone by, Paul recommended,


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saying to them, "Men, I perceive this voyage is going to be with hardship and much loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship but also our lives."


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But the centurion was persuaded by the helmsman and the ship owner, rather than by the things being said by Paul.


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And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority gave counsel to put to sea from there, if perhaps they might be able to get to Phoenix to spend the winter there, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and to the northwest.


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<n>The Storm</n> And when a south wind blew gently, supposing they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along close in shore to Crete.


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and when the ship was seized by it, and not being able to face into the wind, we were being driven along, <i>having </i>given in <i>to the wind.</i>


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And running under<i> the sheltered side of</i> a certain little island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.


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And having hoisted it up, they used cables for undergirding the ship; and being afraid lest they run aground in the Syrtes <i>Shallows</i>, they let down the driving anchor, thus they were being driven along <i>by the wind.</i>


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And neither the sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, finally all hope for us to be saved was taken away.


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Now when they had abstained from food for a long time, then stood Paul in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have followed my advice and not put to sea from Crete, and to spare <i>yourselves </i>this hardship and loss.


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And now I urge you to keep up <i>your</i> courage, for there will be loss of not one life among you, only of the ship.


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saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; for it is necessary for you to stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those sailing with you.'


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"Therefore keep up your courage, men; for I believe God that it will be in the very manner it has been spoken to me.


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<n>The Shipwreck</n> Now when it was the fourteenth night, as we were driven about in the Adriatic Sea, in the middle of the night the sailors sensed that land was approaching them.


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And having taken a sounding, they found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms;


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and being afraid lest we should run aground on the rocks, they threw out four anchors from the stern, and were praying for day to come.


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Now as the sailors were seeking to flee from the ship, and letting down the skiff into the sea, in pretense of spreading out anchors from the prow,


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Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "If these men do not remain in the ship, you cannot be saved."


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And until the <i>time</i> was about to be day, Paul was urging them all to receive their share of food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you continue waiting without eating, having taken nothing.


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Therefore I urge you to take food, for this is for your deliverance; for not a hair from your head shall fall."


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And having said these things and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and having broken it, he began to eat.


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Now when it became day, they did not recognize the land; but they noticed a certain bay which had a beach, on which they resolved, if possible, to run the ship ashore.


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And casting off the anchors, they were leaving them in the sea, meanwhile loosening the ropes of the rudders; and having raised the mainsail to the wind, they began steering toward the beach.


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But they struck a reef and ran the vessel aground, and the prow became stuck and remained unmoved, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.


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And the soldiers' decision was that they would kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape.


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But the centurion, wanting to rescue Paul, hindered them in their intention, and commanded that those who were able to swim to jump down first to go toward the land,


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and the rest, some on boards and others on parts from the ship. And in this way it came about that all were brought to safety.


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<n>Paul’s Ministry on Malta</n> And when they were rescued, then they learned that the island was called Malta.


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And the natives were showing us extraordinary kindness; for having kindled a fire they accepted us all into <i>their</i> society, because of the rain which had begun, and because of the cold.


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But when Paul had gathered a large bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper having come out because of the heat, fastened on his hand.


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And when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "Certainly this man is a murderer, whom though he was rescued from the sea, justice does not permit to continue living."


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And they were expecting him to be about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited for a long time and observed nothing unusual happening to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.


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Now in the areas around that place were pieces of land <i>belonging</i> to the leading citizen of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us, and received us hospitably as guests for three days.


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And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery, to whom Paul came in and prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him.


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Then after this happened, also the rest who were ill on the island were coming to him and were being healed,


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who also honored us with many honors, and when we put to sea, they gave us the things that we needed.


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<n>Paul Arrives at Rome</n> Now after three months we put to sea in a ship that had wintered on the island, <i>belonging</i> to Alexandria, with the figurehead of the Twin Brothers.


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from where having sailed around we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day arose a south wind, on the second day we came to Puteoli,


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And from there the brothers, when they heard about our circumstances, they came to meet with us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns, whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God and took courage.


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Now when we came to Rome, the centurion handed over the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.


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<n>Paul’s Ministry at Rome</n> And it came to pass after three days that Paul called together those who were prominent among the Jews; and when they had come together, he said to them: "Men, brothers, though I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our forefathers, yet I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans,


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But when the Jews spoke in opposition, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.


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Therefore for this reason I have requested you, to see and to speak to you, for because of the hope of Israel I am wearing this chain."


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Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers who arrived report or speak anything evil about you.


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But we request to hear from you the things which you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."


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And having appointed for him a day, many came to him at his house, to whom he was explaining and solemnly testifying to the kingdom of God, and persuading them of the things concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning till evening.


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And being in disagreement with one another, they went away after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,


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saying, <span class='smcaps'>'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and by no means understand; and seeing you shall see, and by no means perceive; </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> For the hearts of this people has become dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and they should hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their heart and turn back, so that I should heal them</span>." '


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"Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!"


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Then Paul remained two full years in his own rented house, and he was receiving all those who were coming to him,


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preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called <i>to be </i>an apostle, having been separated unto the gospel of God


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who was declared Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of <i>the</i> dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,


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through whom we received grace and apostleship for <i>the </i>obedience of faith among all the nations for His name,


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To all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called <i>to be</i> saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


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<n>Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome</n> First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.


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For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,


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For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, that you may be established—


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Now I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that often I planned to come to you (and I was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.


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<n>The Just Shall Live by Faith</n> For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, both to the Jew first and to the Greek.


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For in it <i>the</i> righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>The just shall live by faith</span>."


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<n>God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness</n> For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.


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For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, both His eternal power and divinity, so that they are without excuse.


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Because, having known God, they did not glorify <i>Him</i> as God, or give thanks, but became vain in their reasonings, and their foolish heart was darkened.


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and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for a likeness of an image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and reptiles.


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Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of the own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves,


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who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.


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For this reason God gave them up to shameful lusts; for even their women exchanged the natural use for that which is contrary to nature,


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and likewise also the men, having forsaken the natural use of the woman, were inflamed by their lust for one another, men with men, committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the recompense which was fitting for their error.


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And just as they did not approve to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do the things which are not fitting;


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having been filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, greed, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness; they are whisperers,


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slanderers, haters of God, insolent men, proud, braggarts, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,


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who, having known the righteous judgment of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but also approve of those who practice them.


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<n>God’s Righteous Judgment</n> Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, everyone who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself, for you who judge are practicing the same things.


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But do you suppose this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things yet doing them, that you will escape the judgment of God?


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Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?


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But according to your hardness and impenitent heart you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God,


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to those who by the endurance of good works are seeking glory and honor and incorruption—eternal life.


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But to those who are contentious, and who disobey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath,


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tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that works evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;


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For all who have sinned without the law shall also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law


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(for <i>it is </i>not the hearers of the law <i>who</i> are righteous before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified;


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for whenever Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, these, not having the law, are a law unto themselves,


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who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience witnessing with <i>them</i>, and among themselves their thoughts accuse or even defend <i>them</i>),


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<n>The Jews Guilty as the Gentiles</n> Behold, you are called a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God,


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and know <i>His</i> will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law,


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an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth in the law.


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You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?


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You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege?


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<n>Circumcision of No Profit</n> For indeed circumcision profits if you keep the law; but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.


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Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?


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And will not the physically uncircumcised, who keeps the law, judge you along with your written <i>code</i> and circumcision, as a lawbreaker?


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but he <i>is</i> a Jew that <i>is one</i> inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in <i>the </i>spirit, not in <i>the </i>letter, whose praise is not from men but from God.


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<n>God’s Judgment Defended</n> What then <i>is</i> the superiority of the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?


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By no means! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar, just as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>That You may be justified in Your words, and You may prevail when You are judged</span>."


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But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? <i>Surely</i> God, the <i>One </i>inflicting wrath is not unrighteous, is <i>He</i>? (I speak as a man.)


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For if by my lie the truth of God has abounded to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?


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And why not say, "Let us do evil so that good may come"?—just as we are slandered, and just as some affirm that we say. <i>The</i> judgment of whom is just.


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<n>All Have Sinned</n> What then? Are we <i>any</i> better? Not at all. For we previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.


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<span class='smcaps'> All </span><span class='smcaps'><i>have </i></span><span class='smcaps'>turned aside; together they became unprofitable; there is not </span><span class='smcaps'><i>one</i></span><span class='smcaps'> doing kindness, there is not so much as one. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Their throat is an opened grave; with their tongues they deceived; </span><span class='smcaps'><i>the </i></span><span class='smcaps'>poison of asps is under their lips; </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Ruin and misery </span><span class='smcaps'><i>are</i></span><span class='smcaps'> in their ways; </span>


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Now we know that as many things as the law says, it speaks to those under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be held accountable to God.


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Therefore by works of the law no flesh shall be justified in His sight, for through the law <i>comes</i> <i>the</i> knowledge of sin.


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<n>Righteousness Through Faith</n> But now the righteousness of God apart from the law has been revealed, being witnessed to by the Law and the Prophets,


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even the righteousness of God, through faith in<RF q=10>10 Or, faith of Jesus Christ</n> Jesus Christ, to all and upon all those that believe. For there is no distinction;


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whom God set forth as a propitiation through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness through the passing over of the sins having previously committed, in the forbearance of God,


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for a demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of he who has faith in Jesus.


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Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith.


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Or is He the God of the Jews only? But is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,


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since there is one God who will justify <i>the </i>circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.


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Therefore do we nullify the law through faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold <i>the</i> law.


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<n>Abraham Justified by Faith</n> What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?


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For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."


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But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,


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just as David also speaks of the blessing of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:


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"<span class='smcaps'>Blessed </span><span class='smcaps'><i>are</i></span> <span class='smcaps'><i>they</i></span><span class='smcaps'> whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered; </span>


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Does this blessing then come upon the circumcision, or also upon the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.


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How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.


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And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which <i>he had while </i>in uncircumcision, so that he should be the father of all those that believe, although uncircumcised, so that righteousness should also be imputed to them,


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and the father of circumcision to those not only of circumcision, but also to those following in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham<i> had while</i> in uncircumcision.


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<n>The Promise Given Through Faith </n> For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through <i>the</i> law, but through <i>the</i> righteousness of faith.


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For if those who are of <i>the</i> law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise has been nullified,


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Therefore it is of faith that it may be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those of the law, but also to those of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,


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(just as it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>I have appointed you a father of many nations</span>") before God, whom he believed, the <i>One</i> who gives life to the dead and calls those things which are not as though they were;


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who, contrary to hope, on hope believed, so that he should become a father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."


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And not weakening in faith, he did not consider his own body, already having been worn out (being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb,


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he did not waver at the promise of God in unbelief, but was empowered by faith, giving glory to God,


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but for us also, to whom it was going to be credited, those believing on Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,


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<n>Justification by Faith</n> Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,


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through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.


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And not only that, but we also rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces endurance;


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And hope does not put to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.


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For scarcely on behalf of a righteous <i>man</i> will anyone die; though perhaps for a good man someone might even dare to die.


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For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.


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And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom now we received the reconciliation.


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<n>Death Through Adam, Life through Christ</n> Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death passed to all men, because all sinned—


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Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.


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But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one man many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to the many.


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And the gift is not as by one having sinned. For the judgment <i>which came</i> from one <i>offense brought</i> condemnation, but the free gift from many offenses brought justification.


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For if by the transgression of the one man death reigned through that one <i>man,</i> much more those receiving the abundance of the grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)


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So then, as through one <i>man’s</i> transgression <i>judgment came</i> to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one <i>Man’s</i> righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.


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For through the disobedience of the one man the many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of the One many shall be constituted righteous.


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But <i>the</i> law came in alongside, so that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace superabounded,


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so that just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.


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<n>Dead to Sin, Alive to God</n> What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may abound?


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Or do you not know that as many <i>of us</i> as were baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?


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Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.


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For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be <i>in the likeness</i> of <i>His</i> resurrection;


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knowing this, that our old man was crucified <i>with Him</i>, so that the body of sin may be done away with, <i>that</i> we should no longer serve sin.


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knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, no longer dies. Death is no longer master <i>over</i> Him.


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For what <i>death</i> He died, He died to sin once for all; but what <i>life</i> He lives, He lives to God.


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Likewise you also, consider yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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nor present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.


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<n>Slaves to Righteousness</n> What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!


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Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to whom you obey, whether of sin <i>resulting</i> in death, or of obedience <i>resulting</i> in righteousness?


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But thanks be to God, that though you used to be slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from <i>your</i> heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.


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I speak in human terms on account of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to uncleanness, and to lawlessness <i>resulting</i> in <i>more</i> lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness <i>resulting</i> in sanctification.


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So what fruit did you have then of which <i>things</i> you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.


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But now having been freed from sin, and having become enslaved to God, you have your fruit <i>resulting</i> in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.


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For the wages of sin <i>is</i> death, but the gift of God<i> is</i> eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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<n>Freed from the Law</n> Or do you not know, brothers (for I speak to those knowing the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a man as long as he lives?


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For the woman who is under a man has been bound by law to the living husband. But if the husband should die, she is released from the law of the husband.


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So then, while the husband is living, she will be called an adulteress if she becomes <i>married</i> to a different husband; but if her husband should die, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, having become <i>married</i> to a different husband.


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Therefore, my brothers, you also were put to death to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, so that we might bear fruit to God.


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For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused through the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.


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But now we were released from the law, having died in <i>that</i> to which we were held fast, so that we should serve as slaves in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.


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<n>Sin’s Advantage in the Law</n> What shall we say then? Is the law sin? By no means! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known lust unless the law had said, "<span class='smcaps'>You shall not covet.</span>"


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But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of lust. For apart from the law sin <i>was</i> dead.


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<n>Law Cannot Save from Sin</n> Then has that which is good become death to me? By no means! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through that which is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.


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For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but <i>how</i> to do what is good, I do not find.


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Therefore I find this law, that <i>when</i> I wish to do the right<i> thing</i>, evil is right there with me.


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But I see a different law in my members, waging war against the law of my mind, and capturing me by the law of sin which is in my members.


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I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself with the mind serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.


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<n>Life Through the Spirit</n> <i>There is</i> therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.


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For what <i>was</i> impossible <i>for</i> the law to do in that it was weak through the flesh, God <i>did</i> by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and concerning sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,


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so that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.


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For those who are fleshly set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those <i>who live</i> according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.


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For the mind set on the flesh<i> is</i> death, but the mind set on the Spirit<i> is </i>life and peace.


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Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not submit to the law of God, nor indeed can it.


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But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.


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But if Christ is in you, the body indeed is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is alive because of righteousness.


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But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.


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For if you live according to the flesh you shall die; but if by <i>the</i> Spirit you put to death the practices of the body, you will live.


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For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again unto fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."


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And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer together, so that we may also be glorified together.


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<n>From Suffering to Glory </n> For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy <i>to be compared</i> with the coming glory to be revealed in us.


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For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but on account of Him who subjected it in hope;


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because even the creation itself shall be freed from the slavery of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.


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And not only that, but also <i>we </i>ourselves having the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting adoption, the redemption of our body.


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For by this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he <i>already </i>sees?


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Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.


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But He that searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes on behalf of the saints according to <i>the will</i> <i>of</i> God.


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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to<i> His</i> purpose.


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Because whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.


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Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.


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<n>God’s Everlasting Love</n> What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who <i>can be</i> against us?


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He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up on behalf of us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?


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Who is he that condemns? Christ is the <i>One</i> having died, but rather also having been raised, who is even at <i>the</i> right hand of God, who also intercedes on our behalf.


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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?


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As it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>For Your sake we are put to death the whole day long; we are accounted as sheep for slaughter</span>."


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For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,


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nor height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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<n>Israel’s Rejection of Christ</n> I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience witnessing with me in the Holy Spirit,


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For I could wish that I myself to be accursed from Christ on behalf of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,


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who are Israelites, of whom are the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the law-giving, and the worship, and the promises;


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of whom are the fathers and from whom Christ <i>came</i>, according to the flesh, He who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.


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<n>Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose</n> But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all those of Israel <i>are of</i> Israel,


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nor <i>are they</i> all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "<span class='smcaps'>In Isaac your seed shall be called</span>."


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That is, those who are the children of the flesh are not the children of God; but <i>it is </i>the children of the promise that are regarded as descendants.


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For this is the word of promise: "<span class='smcaps'>At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.</span>"


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(for <i>the children</i> not yet being born, nor having done anything good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),


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<n>Israel’s Rejection and God’s Justice</n> What shall we say then? <i>Is </i>there unrighteousness with God? By no means!


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For He says to Moses, "<span class='smcaps'>I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion</span>."


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For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "<span class='smcaps'>For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth</span>."


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But indeed, O man, who are you to <i>be </i>answering back against God? Shall the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?"


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Or does not the potter have the right over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and the other for dishonor?


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But what if God, wanting to show <i>His</i> wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,


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and so that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory,


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As also in Hosea He says: "<span class='smcaps'>I will call those My people who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved." </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> "And it shall be in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' there they shall be called sons of the living God</span>."


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Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "<span class='smcaps'>Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved; </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> For He is finishing and cutting short an account in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short account upon the earth</span>."


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And just as Isaiah foretold: "<span class='smcaps'>If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.</span>”


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<n>Israel’s Unbelief</n> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;


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Why? Because <i>they did</i> not <i>seek it</i> by faith, but rather by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stone of stumbling.


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Just as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and everyone believing on Him will not be put to shame</span>."


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<n>Israel Needs the Gospel</n> Brothers, the good pleasure of my heart and my supplication to God on behalf of Israel, is for <i>their</i> salvation.


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For they, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.


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For Moses writes about the righteousness which <i>is</i> of the law, "<span class='smcaps'>That the man who does those things shall live by them</span>."


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But the righteousness of faith says, "<span class='smcaps'>Do not say in your heart, 'Who shall ascend into heaven</span>?' " (that is, to bring Christ down)


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or, " <span class='smcaps'>'Who shall descend into the abyss</span>?' " (that is, to bring up Christ from the dead).


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But what does it say? "<span class='smcaps'>The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart</span>" (that is, the word of faith which we proclaim):


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that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and you believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.


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For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.


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For the Scripture says, "<span class='smcaps'>Whoever believes on Him shall not be put to shame</span>."


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For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him.


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<n>Israel Rejects the Gospel</n> How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear apart from a preacher?


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And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those preaching the gospel of good things</span>!"


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But I say, have they not heard? Yes, indeed <i>they have</i>: "<span class='smcaps'>Their voice went out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world</span>."


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But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "<span class='smcaps'>I will provoke you to jealousy by </span><span class='smcaps'><i>those who are</i></span><span class='smcaps'> not a nation, by a foolish nation I will anger you</span>."


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But Isaiah is very bold and says: "<span class='smcaps'>I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me</span>."


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But to Israel he says: "<span class='smcaps'>the whole day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people</span>."


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<n>Israel’s Rejection Not Total</n> I say then, has God cast away His people? By no means! For I too am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.


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God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know <i>what the Scripture says</i> in Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,


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"<span class='smcaps'>Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life</span>"?


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But what is God’s reply to him? "<span class='smcaps'>I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal</span>."


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And if by grace, <i>it is</i> no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if <i>it is </i>of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.


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What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained <i>it</i>, and the rest were blinded.


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Just as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day</span>."


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And David says: "<span class='smcaps'>Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever</span>!"


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<n>Israel’s Rejection Not Permanent</n> I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? By no means! But by their transgression, salvation <i>has come</i> to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.


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But if their transgression is riches for the world, and their defeat is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness be!


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For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am indeed an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,


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For if their casting away means reconciliation <i>for the</i> world, what will their acceptance be, if not life from the dead?


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For if the firstfruit is holy, <i>so</i> also the lump; and if the root is holy, so also the branches.


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But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in <i>among</i> them, and became a partaker of the root and of the fatness of the olive tree,


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do not be arrogant towards the branches. But if you are arrogant, <i>remember</i> that it is not you that supports the root, but the root <i>supports</i> you.


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That is true. By unbelief they were broken off, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear.


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Behold then the kindness and severity of God: upon those that fell, severity; but upon you, kindness, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also shall be cut off.


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And they also, if they do not remain in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.


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For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these, the natural ones, be grafted into their own olive tree?


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For I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers, lest you be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.


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And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>The Deliverer shall come out of Zion, and He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob; </span>


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As regards to the gospel, <i>they are</i> enemies for your sake; but as regards to election, <i>they are</i> beloved for the sake of the fathers.


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For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now you were shown mercy through their disobedience,


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even so these now were disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also might be shown mercy.


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Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable <i>are</i> His judgments and untraceable <i>are </i>His ways!


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"<span class='smcaps'>For who has known </span><span class='smcaps'><i>the</i></span><span class='smcaps'> mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?" </span>


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For from Him and through Him and to Him <i>are</i> all things; to Him <i>be</i> the glory forever! Amen.


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<n>Living Sacrifices</n> Therefore, brothers, I exhort you through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, <i>which is</i> your reasonable service.


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And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and well pleasing and perfect will of God.


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<n>Serve God with Spiritual Gifts</n> For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself too highly, beyond what you should think, but to think soberly, as God has imparted to each one a measure of faith.


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Having then gifts differing according to the grace having been given to us, <i>let us use them</i>: whether prophecy, <i>let us prophesy</i> according to the proportion of faith;


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whether exhorting, in the exhortation; whether sharing, with simplicity; whether leading, with diligence; whether showing mercy, with cheerfulness.


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<n>Love</n> <i>Let</i> love <i>be</i> without hypocrisy. Hate that which is evil. Cleave to that which is good.


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Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but <i>rather </i>associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.


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Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>Vengeance is Mine, I will repay</span>," says the Lord.


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Therefore "<span class='smcaps'>If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink; for </span><span class='smcaps'><i>by </i></span><span class='smcaps'>doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head</span>."


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<n>Submit to Government</n> Let every person submit to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God, and the authorities that exist are established by God.


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Consequently the <i>one</i> resisting the authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and those opposing shall receive judgment to themselves.


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For rulers are not a fear to good works, but to evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do what is good, and you shall have praise from the same.


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For he is God's servant to you for good. But if you do evil, fear; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's servant, an avenger for wrath to the <i>one</i> practicing evil.


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Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.


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For on account of this you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God, always giving attention to this very thing.


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Render therefore to all their dues: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.


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<n>Love Your Neighbor</n> Owe nothing to no one, except to love one another, for he who loves one another has fulfilled the law.


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For, "<span class='smcaps'>You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet</span>," and <i>if </i>there is any other commandment, in this word it is summed up, namely, "<span class='smcaps'>You shall love your neighbor as yourself</span>."


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<n>Put on Christ</n> And <i>do</i> this, knowing the time, that <i>it is</i> already<i> the</i> hour for us to be roused out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we <i>first </i>believed.


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The night is advanced, the day is at hand. Therefore let us put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.


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Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelries and drinking bouts, not in orgies and debaucheries, not in strife and jealousy.


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One indeed believes that he may eat all things, but another, being weak, eats <i>only </i>vegetables.


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Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.


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Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he shall be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.


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One indeed judges one day above another; but another judges every day <i>the same</i>. Let each be fully assured in his own mind.


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He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord; and he that does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. And he that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he that does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.


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For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.


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For to this end Christ died and rose and lived <i>again</i>, so that He might be Lord both of <i>the</i> dead and <i>the</i> living.


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But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.


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For it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.</span>"


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Therefore let us no longer judge one another, but judge this rather, not to put a stumbling block or an offense before our brother.


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<n>The Law of Love</n> I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself; except to him considering anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.


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But if your brother is grieved on account of your food, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food the one on behalf of whom Christ died.


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For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.


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Therefore let us pursue the things <i>which make</i> for peace and the things by which one may edify another.


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Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but <i>are</i> evil for the man eating with offense.


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It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor <i>to do anything</i> by which your brother stumbles or is offended or becomes weak.


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Do you have faith? By yourself, have it before God. Blessed is he that does not condemn himself in what he approves.


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But he who doubts, if he eats, has been condemned, because <i>it is </i>not of faith; and everything which <i>is</i> not of faith is sin.


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<RF q=1>1 The Majority Text includes Romans 14:24-26, TR puts these last three verses after 16:24</n> Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to <i>the</i> revelation of <i>the </i>mystery kept secret since the world began,


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but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, for obedience to the faith—


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<n>Bearing Others’ Burdens</n> We then who are strong are obligated to bear with the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.


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For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>The reproaches of those reproaching You fell on Me</span>."


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For as many things as were previously written, were written for our own instruction, that through the patience and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope.


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Now may the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be like-minded among one another, according to Christ Jesus,


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<n>Glorify God Together</n> Therefore receive one another, just as also Christ received you, to <i>the</i> glory of God.


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Now I say that Christ Jesus has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises <i>given </i>to the fathers,


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and that the Gentiles might glorify God on behalf of His mercy, as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing praise to Your name</span>."


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And again: "<span class='smcaps'>Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Praise Him, all you peoples</span>!"


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And again, Isaiah says: "<span class='smcaps'>There shall be the root of Jesse; and He that shall rise to rule over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope</span>."


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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


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Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.


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And I write more boldly to you brothers, in part, as reminding you, because of the grace having been given to me by God,


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that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God as a priest, so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.


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For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ did not work out through me, in word and deed, for the obedience of <i>the</i> Gentiles—


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in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.


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And so eagerly striving to evangelize not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon the foundation of another,


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but as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand</span>."


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But now no longer having a place in these regions, and having a longing to come to you for many years,


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whenever I travel to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope <i>while</i> traveling through to see you, and to be sent forward there by you, if I may be filled in part <i>from</i> you first.


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For Macedonia and Achaia thought it good to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.


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For they thought it good, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles shared in spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things.


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But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.


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Now I beseech you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf,


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that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,


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<n>Sister Phoebe Commended</n> I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,


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so that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and you may stand by her in whatever thing she may need from you; for indeed she has proved to be a helper of many and of myself also.


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who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.


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And greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.


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Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow captives, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.


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Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those from the <i>household</i> of Narcissus who are in the Lord.


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Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.


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Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.


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<n>Avoid Divisive People</n> Now I urge you, brothers, to look out for those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.


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For such <i>people</i> do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and through smooth speech and flattering, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.


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For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I rejoice on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent to what is evil.


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And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet quickly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


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Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.


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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.<RF q=2>2 The Majority Text puts Rom 16:25-27 after Rom 14:23</n>


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, called <i>to be</i> an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,


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to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called <i>to be</i> saints, with all those who in every place are calling on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:


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<n>Spiritual Gifts at Corinth</n> I thank my God always on your behalf for the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus,


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who will also confirm you until the end, <i>that you may be</i> unimpeachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.


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<n>Divisions in the Church </n> Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no dissention among you, but <i>that </i>you be made complete in the same mind and in the same opinion.


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For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by those of Chloe's household, that there is quarreling among you.


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Now this I say, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ."


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Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Other than that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.


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For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ should be deprived of its power.


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<n>Christ the Power and Wisdom of God</n> For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.


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For it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of the prudent I will invalidate</span>."


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Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?


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For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, God was well pleased, through the foolishness of preaching, to save those that believe.


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For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, not many noble, <i>are called</i>.


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But God chose the foolish things of the world in order that He might humiliate the wise, and God chose the weak things of the world in order that He might humiliate the mighty<i>.</i>


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And the lowly things of the world, and the despised things God has chosen, and the things which are not, in order that He might nullify the things that are,


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But from Him you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption;


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<n>Christ Crucified</n> And I, brothers, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.


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And my message and my preaching <i>were</i> not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,


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<n>Spiritual Wisdom</n> However, we speak wisdom among those that are mature, but not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are being destroyed.


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But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the <i>wisdom</i> having been hidden, which God foreordained before the ages for our glory,


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which none of the rulers of this age understood (for had they understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory).


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But as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, that which God has prepared for those who love Him</span>."


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But God has revealed <i>them</i> to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.


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For who among men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.


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Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, in order that we might know the things freely given to us by God;


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which things we also speak, not in words taught in human wisdom, but in words taught by the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.


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But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


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For "<span class='smcaps'>Who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him</span>?" But we have the mind of Christ.


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<n>Divisions in the Church</n> And I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.


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I gave you milk to drink, and not solid food; for you were not yet able <i>to receive it</i>. Indeed, neither are you now yet able;


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for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal, and walking according to human principles?


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Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord has given to each one?


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Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.


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According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise architect I have laid the foundation, but another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.


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Now if anyone builds on this foundation <i>with</i> gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,


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each one's work shall be made manifest; for the Day shall expose it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test each one's work, as to what sort it is.


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If anyone's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.


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If anyone destroys the temple of God, God shall destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which <i>temple</i> you are.


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<n>Avoid Wordly Wisdom</n> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.


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For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>He catches the wise in their craftiness</span>";


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and again, "<span class='smcaps'>The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are useless.</span>"


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whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all things are yours.


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<n>The Ministry of Apostles</n> Let a man so consider us, as ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.


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But to me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by a human court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself.


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For I am conscious of nothing, but I have not been justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.


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So then judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who also will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make clear the purposes of the hearts. Then each one's praise shall come from God.


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Now these things, brothers, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, in order that you may learn in us not to think above what is written, <i>and </i>that none of you may become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.


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For who makes you differ <i>from another</i>? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if you did indeed receive <i>what you have</i>, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?


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You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us; and I wish <i>that</i> indeed you did reign, in order that we also might reign with you!


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For I think that God has exhibited us, the apostles, last, as men appointed to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.


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We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are lauded, but we are despised!


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being defamed, we encourage; we have become as the sweepings of the world, the offscouring of all things, to this day.


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For though you might have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet <i>you do</i> not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.


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Because of this I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.


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But I will come to you quickly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are arrogant, but the power.


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<n>Immorality Defiles the Church</n> It is actually heard that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father's wife!


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And you have become arrogant, and have not grieved instead, so that he who did this deed would be removed from your midst.


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For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has done this deed in this way,


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in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,


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hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, in order that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.


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Purge out the old leaven, in order that you may be a new batch of dough, since you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.


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So then let us observe the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.


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Yet I certainly did not mean with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to leave this world!


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But now I have written to you not to associate with anyone named a brother, who is a fornicator, or covetous person, or an idolater, or abusive person, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a person.


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For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?


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<n>Lawsuits Against Brothers</n> Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?


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Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you incompetent to judge <i>even </i>the smallest matters?


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If then you have ordinary lawsuits, do you appoint those who are disdained within the church to judge<i>?</i>


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I say <i>this</i> to your shame. So is there not among you a wise <i>man</i>, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brother <i>and another</i>?


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Actually then, it is already a defeat for you that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather accept wrong? Why not rather accept being defrauded?


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Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,


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nor covetous, nor thieves, nor drunkards, nor abusive people, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.


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And such were some of you! But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.


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<n>Flee Sexual Immorality</n> All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.


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Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both this <i>stomach</i> and these <i>foods</i>. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.


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Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make <i>them</i> members of a harlot? By no means!


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Do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body <i>with her</i>? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh."


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Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits fornication sins against his own body.


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Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?


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For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.


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<n>Instruction on Marriage</n> Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.


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Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let each <i>man</i> have his own wife, and let each <i>woman</i> have her own husband.


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Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.


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The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband <i>does</i>. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife <i>does</i>.


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Do not deprive one another, except by mutual agreement, <i>and that</i> for a season, so that you may devote yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control.


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For I wish that all men would be as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this way and another in that.


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But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they should remain as I also <i>remain</i>;


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but if they are not exercising self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn <i>with passion</i>.


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<n>Keep Your Marriage Vows</n> Now to those who have married I command, yet not I, but the Lord: A wife is not to be separated from her husband—


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and even if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband—and a husband is not to divorce his wife.


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But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and she consents to live with him, let him not divorce her.


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And a wife who has an unbelieving husband, if he consents to live with her, let her not divorce him.


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For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.


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But if the unbelieving <i>spouse</i> separates, let <i>him or her </i>separate; the brother or the sister has not been bound in such cases; but God has called us to peace.


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For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?


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<n>Live as You Are Called</n> Otherwise as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I command in all the churches.


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Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.


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Were you called as a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather make use of <i>it</i>.


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For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's free <i>man</i>. Likewise he who is called as a free <i>man</i> is Christ's slave.


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<n>The Unmarried and the Widowed</n> Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord; but I give judgment, as having received mercy by the Lord to be faithful.


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Therefore I consider this to be good because of the present distress, that <i>it is</i> good for a man to be as he is:


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Have you been bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Have you been released from a wife? Do not seek a wife.


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But even if you should marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin should marry, she has not sinned. But such will have trouble in the flesh, and I would spare you.


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But this I say, brothers, the time has been shortened; so that from now on even those having wives should be as though they had none,


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and those weeping as though not weeping, and those rejoicing as though not rejoicing, and those buying as though not possessing,


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But I want you to be without anxiety. The unmarried man cares about the things of the Lord—<i>about </i>how he may please the Lord.


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But the <i>man</i> having married cares about the things of the world—<i>about </i>how he may please his wife.


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And the wife and the virgin are different. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the woman having married cares about the things of the world—about how she may please her husband.


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And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a snare upon you, but for that which is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.


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But if any man thinks he is behaving dishonorably toward his virgin, if she is past her youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he desires. He does not sin; let them marry.


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But <i>he</i> who stands in his heart, not having necessity, but has power over his own desire, and has decided this in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.


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So then he who gives <i>her</i> in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.


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A wife has been bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband also dies, she is free to be married to whom she desires, only in the Lord.


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But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.


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<n>Food Sacrificed to Idols</n> Now concerning the <i>things</i> offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.


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Therefore concerning the eating of the things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.


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For even if they are being called “gods” whether in heaven or on earth (just as there are many gods and many lords),


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yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom <i>are</i> all things, and through whom we <i>live</i>.


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However, this knowledge is not in all <i>people</i>; rather some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as <i>something</i> offered to idols; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.


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But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat do we have more, nor if we do not eat do we lack.


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For if anyone should see you who has knowledge dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, being weak, be strengthened so that they eat foods offered to idols?


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But when you thus sin against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.


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Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will by no means eat meat, lest I cause my brother to stumble.


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<n>Paul Surrenders His Rights</n> Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?


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If I am not an apostle to others, yet indeed I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.


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Do we not have <i>the</i> right to take along a wife <i>who is</i> a sister, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?


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Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink from the milk of the flock?


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For it is written in the law of Moses, "<span class='smcaps'>You shall not muzzle an ox while it threshes</span>." Is it oxen God is concerned about?


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Or does He say <i>this</i> altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, for it is written, that he that plows should plow in hope, and he that threshes, in hope should partake of his hope.


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If we have sown spiritual things for you, <i>is it</i> a great thing if we reap your material things?


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If others partake of this right over you, do not we even more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but bear all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.


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Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat from the temple, and those who serve at the altar have a share in the altar?


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But I used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should become thus for me; for it is better for me rather to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.


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For if I preach the gospel, there is nothing for me to boast about, for necessity is pressed upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!


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For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I have been entrusted with a commission.


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What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ free of charge, so as not to exploit my rights in the gospel.


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<n>Serving All Men</n> For being free from all <i>men</i>, I have made myself a servant to all, in order that I might win the more;


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and to the Jews I became as a Jew, in order that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, in order that I might win those who are under the law;


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to those outside the law, as <i>one</i> outside the law (not being outside the law toward God, but subject to <i>the </i>law toward Christ), in order that I might win those outside the law;


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to the weak I became as weak, in order that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all <i>men</i>, that I might by all means save some.


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Now this I do for the sake of the gospel, in order that I may become a partaker of it <i>with you</i>.


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<n>Striving for a Crown</n> Do you not know that those running in a stadium all run, but <i>only </i>one receives the prize? So run, in order that you may win.


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And everyone who competes exercises self-control <i>in</i> all things. Now they <i>compete</i> in order that they may receive a perishable crown, but we <i>compete</i> <i>for </i>an imperishable crown.


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But I treat my body roughly, and I bring it into subjection, lest, having preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.


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<n>Warning Against Idolatry</n> Now I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,


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and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they were drinking from that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.


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Nevertheless, with the majority of them God was not pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.


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Now these things took place as examples for us, in order that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.


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Neither be idolaters, just as some of them; as it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play</span>."


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Neither let us commit fornication, just as some of them fornicated, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;


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neither let us tempt Christ, just as also some of them tempted <i>Him</i>, and were destroyed by serpents;


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Now all these things happened to those <i>people</i> as examples, and they were written for our instruction, to whom the ends of the ages have come.


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No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way out, <i>so as for</i> you to be able to bear it.


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The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?


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Look at Israel according to the flesh: are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?


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<i>No</i>, but that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not desire that you should have fellowship with demons.


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You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons.


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<n>Do All to the Glory of God</n> All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.


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And if any of the unbelievers invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, questioning nothing, for conscience' sake.


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But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for his conscience' sake; for "<span class='smcaps'>The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness</span>."


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“Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my freedom judged by another man's conscience?


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just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the <i>profit</i> of many, that they may be saved.


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<n>Head Coverings</n> Now I praise you, brothers, because you remember me in all things, and you hold fast the traditions just as I handed down to you.


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But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.


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But every woman who prays or who prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her own head, for that is one and the same as if her <i>head</i> were shaved.


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For if a woman is not covered, let her also have her hair cut. But if it is a shameful <i>thing </i>for a woman to have her hair cut, or to be shaved, let her be covered.


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For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.


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Because of this, the woman ought to have a <i>symbol</i> <i>of</i> authority on her head, because of the angels.


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Nevertheless, neither is the man apart from the woman, nor the woman apart from the man, in the Lord.


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But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory for her; because her long hair has been given <i>to her</i> in place of a covering.


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<n>The Lord’s Supper</n> Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, because you are not coming together for the better, but for the worse.


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For first of all, when you come together in church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.


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For there must also be sects among you, in order that those who are approved may become recognized among you.


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What? Have you not houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God, and disgrace those who do not have? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.


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For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered unto you: that the Lord Jesus, during the night in which He was betrayed, took bread;


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and having given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which has been broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."


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Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."


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For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.


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<n>Examine Yourself</n> Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord irreverently will be guilty of the body of the Lord and of the blood of the Lord.


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For he that eats and drinks irreverently eats and drinks judgment to himself, not judging correctly the body of the Lord.


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But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, in order that we may not be condemned along with the world.


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But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will put in order when I come.


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<n>Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity</n> Now concerning spiritual <i>gifts</i>, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.


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You know that when you were pagans, how you were led <i>astray</i>, being carried away to these speechless idols.


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Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.


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For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,


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to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another discerning of spirits, and to another <i>different</i> kinds of tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues.


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But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.


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<n>Unity and Diversity in One Body</n> For just as the body is one and has many parts, but all the parts of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.


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For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given to drink into one Spirit.


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If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?


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And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?


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If the whole body <i>were</i> an eye, where <i>would be</i> the hearing? If the whole <i>were</i> hearing, where <i>would be</i> the smelling?


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And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."


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And <i>the parts</i> of the body which we consider to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater propriety.


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But our presentable <i>parts</i> have no need. But God united the body, giving greater honor to the <i>part</i> being inferior,


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And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer together; or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice together.


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And <i>those</i> whom God has appointed in the church <i>are</i>: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, kinds of tongues.


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All <i>are</i> not apostles, <i>are they</i>? All <i>are</i> not prophets, <i>are they</i>? Are all teachers? <i>Are</i> all <i>workers of</i> miracles?


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<n>Love is the Greatest</n> Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become <i>as</i> sounding brass or a clashing cymbal.


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And though I have <i>the gift of</i> prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.


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And though I give away all my possessions to feed <i>the poor</i>, and though I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.


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Love never fails. But whether there <i>are</i> prophecies, they shall pass away; whether there<i> are</i> tongues, they shall cease; whether there<i> is</i> knowledge, it shall pass away.


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When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child; but when I became a man, I put away the things of the child.


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For now we see through a mirror by reflection, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.


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<n>Prophecy and Tongues</n> Pursue love, and desire the spiritual <i>gifts</i>, but especially that you may prophesy.


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For he who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.


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Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you should prophesy; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.


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<n>Tongues Must Be Interpreted</n> But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either in a revelation, or in knowledge, or in a prophesy, or in doctrine?


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Likewise the lifeless things, when they make a sound, whether flute or harp, unless they make a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is being played on the flute, or what is being played on the harp?


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So also you, <i>if you</i> do not give a clear word by the tongue, how will it be known what is being spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.


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Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be as a foreigner to the <i>one </i>speaking, and the <i>one</i> speaking <i>shall be</i> as a foreigner to me.


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So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual <i>gifts</i>, seek that you may abound to the edification of the church.


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What is the <i>outcome</i> then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the mind.


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Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" when you give thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?


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but in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order that I may instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.


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<n>Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers</n> Brothers, do not be children in your understanding; rather, in malice be children, but in understanding be men.


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In the law it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>With</span><span class='smcaps'><i> men</i></span><span class='smcaps'> of other tongues and by strange lips I will speak to this people; and yet not even in this way will they hear Me</span>," says the Lord.


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So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.


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If then the whole church comes together at the same place, and all speak in tongues, and there come in <i>those that are</i> unlearned or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad?


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But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an unlearned person comes in, he is reproved by all, he is discerned by all.


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And so the secrets of his heart become clear; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God, reporting that God is truly among you!


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<n>Order in Church Meetings</n> What is <i>the outcome</i> then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each of you has a song, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.


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If anyone speaks in an <i>unknown</i> tongue, <i>let it be </i>by two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.


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But if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.


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Let your women be silent in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but to be in subjection, just as the law also says.


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And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for women to speak in church.


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If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or <i>is</i> spiritual<i>,</i> let him recognize that the things which I am writing to you are the commandments of the Lord.


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<n>The Resurrection of Christ</n> Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, and in which you stand,


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through which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.


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For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,


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Thereafter He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, of whom the majority remain until now, but some have fallen asleep.


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For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.


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But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than them all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.


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<n>The Resurrection of the Dead</n> Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?


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And we are found <i>to be </i>false witnesses of God, because we bore witness concerning God, that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise—if in fact the dead are not raised.


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<n>The Last Enemy Destroyed</n> But now Christ has been raised from the dead, <i>and</i> has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.


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But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then those who belong to Christ at His coming.


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Then <i>will be</i> the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God, even the Father, when He abolishes every ruler and every authority and power.


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For "He has subjected all things under His feet." But when He says that "all things have been subjected," it is evident that <i>this is</i> except for Him who subjected all things to Him.


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Now when all things are made subject to Him, then also the Son Himself will be subjected to Him who subjected all things to Him, in order that God may be all in all.


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<n>Effects of Denying the Resurrection </n> Otherwise, what will they do who are being baptized for the dead, if the dead are not raised at all? Why are they also baptized for the dead?


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If, in the manner of men, I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what is the benefit to me? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"


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Awake to righteousness, and do not sin! For some have no knowledge of God. I speak <i>this</i> to your shame.


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<n>The Resurrection Body </n> But someone will say, "How are the dead raised? And with what sort of body do they come?"


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And what you sow, you do not sow that body that will be, but a bare grain—perhaps wheat or some other <i>grains</i>.


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All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is a different <i>kind</i> <i>of flesh</i> for men, and another flesh for beasts, another for fish, and another for birds.


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And there<i> are </i>heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies; but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another.


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There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from <i>another</i> star in glory.


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So also is the resurrection of the dead. <i>The body</i> is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.


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It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.


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Thus also it is written, "The first man Adam <i>became</i> a living being;" the last Adam <i>became</i> a life-giving spirit.


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However, that which is spiritual is not first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.


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Like the <i>man</i> made of dust, so also <i>are</i> those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly <i>Man</i>, so also <i>are </i>those <i>who are </i>heavenly.


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And just as we have borne the image of the <i>man</i> of dust, let us also bear the image of the heavenly <i>Man</i>.


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<n>Our Final Victory </n> Now this I say, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor can corruption inherit incorruption.


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in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.


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So when this corruptible should put on incorruption, and this mortal should put on immortality, then will come to pass the word which was written: "<span class='smcaps'>Death is swallowed up in victory." </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> "O Death, where</span><span class='smcaps'><i> is</i></span><span class='smcaps'> your sting? O Hades, where</span><span class='smcaps'><i> is</i></span><span class='smcaps'> your victory</span>?"


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So then, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.


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<n>The Collection for the Saints</n> Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:


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On the first day of the week let each one of you put <i>something</i> aside, storing up whatever he may prosper, in order that there be no collections when I come.


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But when I arrive, <i>those</i> whom ever you approve by letters, these I will send to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.


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<n>Plans for Travel</n> Now I will come to you when I go through Macedonia (for I am coming through Macedonia).


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And perhaps I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I may go.


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For I do not wish to see you now in passing; but I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.


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Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also <i>do</i>.


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Therefore let no one despise him. But send him away in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brothers.


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<n>Final Instructions</n> Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not his will to come at this time; however, he will come whenever he has an opportunity.


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I urge you, brothers (you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints)


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that you also subject yourselves to such <i>people</i> and to everyone who works and labors with us.


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I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they have supplied.


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<n>Greetings</n> The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, together with the church that is in their house.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, together with all the saints who are in all Achaia:


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<n>God of All Comfort</n> Blessed <i>be</i> the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,


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who comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, by means of the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.


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Because just as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.


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Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.


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(And our hope concerning you is steadfast); if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, thus also <i>you will partake</i> of the consolation.


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<n>Delivered from Suffering</n> For we do not desire you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.


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Yes, we have had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,


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who delivered us from so great a death, and is delivering <i>us</i>; in whom we trust that He will still deliver <i>us</i>,


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you also laboring together for us in prayer, that thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf for the gift <i>given</i> to us through many.


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<n>Paul’s Change of Plans </n> For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we have conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with worldly wisdom but by the grace of God, and especially toward you.


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For we write no other things to you except what you read or also understand. And I hope that you will understand, even until the end,


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just as also you have understood us in part, that we are your boasting, as indeed you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.


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<n>Sparing the Church</n> And in this confidence I intended to come to you earlier, that you might have a second benefit,


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and through you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be sent on to Judea.


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Therefore, when I decided this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I decide, do I decide according to the flesh, that there may be with me “Yes, Yes,” and “No, No?”


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For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not “Yes and no,” but in Him was “Yes.”


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For all the promises of God in Him <i>are</i> “Yes,” and in Him “Amen,” to the glory of God through us.


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Moreover I call upon God as a witness against my soul, that in order to spare you, I came no more to Corinth.


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Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.


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For if I cause you sorrow, then who is he who makes me glad if not the <i>one</i> which is made sorrowful by me?


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<n>Forgive the Sinner </n> And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is <i>the joy</i> of you all.


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For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, through many tears, not that you might be made sorrowful, but that you might know the abundant love that I have for you.


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so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort <i>him</i>, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.


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For to this end I also wrote, so that I might put you to the test, <i>to see</i> if you are obedient in all things.


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And to whom you forgive anything, I also <i>forgive;</i> for if indeed I have forgiven anything, <i>the </i>one whom I have forgiven, <i>I have done so</i> for your sakes in the presence of Christ,


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<n>Triumph in Christ</n> Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,


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I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but saying farewell to them, I departed for Macedonia.


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Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and making known through us the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.


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To some we are the fragrance of death unto death, but to others the fragrance of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?


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For we are not as the rest, corrupting the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.


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<n>Ministers of the New Covenant</n> Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or <i>letters</i> of recommendation from you?


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You yourselves are our letter, having been written in our hearts, being known and being read by all men;


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being made known that you are <i>the</i> letter of Christ, which was ministered by us, having been written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone but in tablets of flesh, <i>namely</i> in hearts.


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Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to consider anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,


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who also has made us efficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of <i>the</i> letter but of <i>the</i> Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.


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<n>Glory of the New Covenant</n> Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters on stones, came to be with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently into the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, the <i>glory which</i> <i>was</i> passing away,


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For if the ministry of condemnation <i>had</i> glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness exceed in glory.


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For even that which has been glorified has not been glorified in this respect, because of the surpassing glory.


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and not as Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the end of what was fading away.


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But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is removed in Christ.


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But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.


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<n>The Light of the Gospel</n> Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not despair,


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but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor falsifying the word of God, but by the disclosure of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience before God.


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among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine on them.


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For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.


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Because it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts to give <i>the</i> light of the knowledge of the glory of God in <i>the</i> face of Jesus Christ.


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<n>Treasures in Jars of Clay</n> But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that the extraordinary character of the power may be of God and not of us;


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always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.


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For we who are living are always handed over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifest in our body.


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And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "<span class='smcaps'>I believed, and therefore I spoke</span>," we also believe, therefore we also speak,


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knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us through Jesus, and will present us together with you.


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For all things<i> are</i> for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.


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<n>Seeing the Invisible</n> Therefore we do not despair, but even if our outward man is decaying, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.


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For our momentary light affliction is working out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,


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while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are for a season, but the things which are not seen last forever.


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<n>Assurance of the Resurrection</n> For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made by hand, eternal in the heavens.


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For also in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,


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For we who are in<i> this</i> tent groan, being burdened, inasmuch as we do not desire to be stripped, but to put on <i>clothing</i>, that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.


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Now He who has prepared us for very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.


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Therefore always being confident, and knowing that while we are in the body, we are away from home from the Lord


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but we are confident and prefer rather to be away from home from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.


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<n>The Judgment Seat of Christ</n> Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether being at home, or being away from home, to be well pleasing to Him.


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For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, in accordance with the things which he did, whether good or bad.


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Knowing, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made known to God. And I also hope to have been made known in your consciences.


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<n>Be Reconciled to God</n> For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give to you an opportunity of boasting on our behalf, so that you may have <i>an answer</i> for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.


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For if we were beside ourselves, it <i>was</i> for God; or if we are of sound mind, <i>it is</i> for you.


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and He died for all, so that they who live should live no longer for themselves, but for the <i>One</i> who died for them and rose again.


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Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know <i>Him thus</i> no longer.


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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, <i>he is</i> a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.


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And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and who gave to us the ministry of <i>this</i> reconciliation,


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that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not reckoning their transgressions against them, and committing to us the word of <i>this </i>reconciliation.


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Now then, we serve as ambassadors for Christ, as though God were appealing through us: we implore <i>you</i> on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.


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For He made Him who knew no sin <i>to be</i> sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


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For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.


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but in everything commending ourselves as ministers of God: in much endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses,


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through the word of truth, through the power of God, through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,


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as being unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as being disciplined, and not being put to death;


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as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


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<n>The Temple of the Living God</n> Do not become unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what participation is there for righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion is there for light with darkness?


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And what agreement is there for Christ with Belial? Or what part is there for a believer with an unbeliever?


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And what union is there for the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God, just as God has said: <span class='smcaps'>"I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Therefore "Come out from the midst of them and be separated,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you." </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> "I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty</span>."


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Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.


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<n>The Corinthians’ Repentance</n> Receive us <i>in your hearts</i>. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one.


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I do not speak to condemn you; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, so that we die together and we live together.


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Great is my confidence toward you, great is my boasting concerning you. I have been filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.


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For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side; outside <i>were</i> fightings, inside <i>were</i> fears.


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and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted over you, as he reported to us your earnest longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.


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Because even if I made you sorry in the letter, I do not regret it, even if I did regret it. For I perceive that the same letter made you sorry, though only for a season.


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Now I rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led to repentance; for you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.


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For godly sorrow brings about repentance <i>leading</i> to salvation, without regret; but worldly sorrow brings about death.


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For behold this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner, how much diligence it brought about in you, even an eagerness to defend, even indignation, even fear, even longing, even zeal, even vengeance! In all things you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in this matter.


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Therefore, although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of him who did the wrong, nor for the sake of him who was wronged, but so that your diligence on our behalf might be made known to you before God.


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Because of this we have been comforted. And in your comfort we rejoiced exceedingly more over the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.


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Because if in anything I have boasted to him concerning you, I was not put to shame, but as we spoke all things to you in truth, thus also our boasting to Titus became truth.


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And his affections are far greater toward you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.


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<n>A Call to Generous Giving</n> Now we make known to you brothers, the grace of God which has been given to the churches of Macedonia,


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how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity.


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For I bear witness that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,


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and not as we hoped, but they first gave their own selves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God,


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so that we urged Titus, that just as he had begun before, thus he would also finish this grace also in you.


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But as you abound in everything—in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.


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I speak not by a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by means of the diligence of others.


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For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet on account of you He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.


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And I give <i>my</i> opinion in this: For this is profitable for you, who not only previously began doing <i>this</i>, but also desired to, since last year.


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And now also complete doing <i>it</i>; that as indeed there<i> was </i>the readiness to desire <i>it</i>, thus also there<i> may be</i> the completion from what you have.


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For if there is first a readiness, it is acceptable according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.


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but by way of equality, that now at the present time your abundance <i>may supply</i> their need, that their abundance also may supply your need, in order that there may be equality.


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As it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>He </span><span class='smcaps'><i>who gathered</i></span><span class='smcaps'> much did not have too much, and he </span><span class='smcaps'><i>who gathered</i></span><span class='smcaps'> little had no lack</span>."


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<n>Collection for the Judean Saints</n> But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you in the heart of Titus.


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And we sent together with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,


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and not only <i>that</i>, but who was also chosen by the churches as our traveling companion with this gift, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and <i>to show</i> our readiness—


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And we sent together with them our brother whom we often approved in many things, being diligent, but now <i>being </i>much more diligent, by <i>his</i> great confidence in you.


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If <i>anyone inquires </i>about Titus, <i>he is</i> my partner and fellow worker concerning you; or if our brothers <i>are inquired about</i>, <i>they are</i> messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.


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Therefore show to them the proof of your love, and of our boasting concerning you, before the churches.


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<n>Administering the Gift</n> Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you;


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for I know your readiness, about which I boast concerning you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has provoked the majority.


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And I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting about you lose its justification in this matter, that just as I said, you may be prepared,


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lest perhaps if <i>some</i> Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.


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Therefore I thought it necessary to urge the brothers, that they should go before <i>me</i> to you, and should arrange in advance your generous gift, which you had previously promised, <i>that</i> this would be ready, thus as a blessing and not as grudgingly given.


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<n>The Cheerful Giver</n> But this<i> I say</i>: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.


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Let each <i>one give</i> just as he decides in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.


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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that in everything always having all sufficiency, you may abound for every good work,


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just as it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>He has dispersed, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever</span>."


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Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness;


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Because the ministry of this service not only is supplying the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,


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while through the approved character of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and <i>for the</i> generosity of your sharing toward them and toward all,


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<n>Paul Defends His Ministry</n> Now I, Paul, myself appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who face to face <i>am</i> lowly among you, but when I am away am bold toward you.


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But I beseech <i>you</i> that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I plan to be bold toward some, who consider us as walking according to the flesh.


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For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty by God to the pulling down of strongholds,


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casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,


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Do you look at things as they appear? If anyone has persuaded himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.


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For even if I should boast somewhat more concerning our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I will not be ashamed,


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“For his letters," they say, "are severe and boisterous, but his bodily presence <i>is</i> feeble, and his speech amounts to nothing."


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Let such a person consider this, that of what sort we are in word by letters when we are absent, of such a kind <i>we will</i> also <i>be</i> in deed when we are present.


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For we dare not to class ourselves or to compare ourselves with those who commend themselves, but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, do not understand.


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But we will not boast beyond limits, but according to the measure of the sphere <i>of influence </i>which God assigned us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.


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For we are not overextending ourselves, as though our authority did not reach to you, for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;


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not boasting beyond the limits in the labors of others, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you according to our sphere <i>of influence</i>,


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to preach the gospel to the <i>regions</i> beyond you, <i>and</i> not to boast in the things done in the sphere <i>of influence</i> of others.


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<n>Paul and the False Apostles</n> Oh, that you would bear with me a little in my foolishness; but indeed you do bear with me.


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For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.


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But I fear, lest perhaps as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.


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For if he who comes <i>to you </i>preaches another Jesus whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you did not accept, you may well put up with him!


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But even if I <i>am</i> unskilled in speech, yet <i>I am</i> not <i>inferior </i>in knowledge, but in every <i>way</i> I was made known to you in all things.


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Or did I commit sin in humbling myself in order that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you freely?


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and when I was present with you, and in need, I did not burden anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. And in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and so I will keep myself.


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As the truth of Christ is in me, that this boasting will not be silenced in me in the regions of Achaia.


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But what I am doing, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity of those who desire an opportunity, that in what they boast they may be found just as we <i>are</i>.


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Therefore <i>it is</i> no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.


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<n>Reluctant Boasting</n> Again I say, let no one think me a fool. Otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little.


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What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.


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For you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes from you, if someone exalts himself, if someone strikes you in the face.


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To our shame, I say that we were too weak <i>for that</i>! But in whatever anyone is bold (I speak foolishly) I am bold also.


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<n>Suffering for Christ</n> Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.


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Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I <i>am</i> even more: in labors far more, in beatings immeasurably, in imprisonments far more, in deaths often.


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Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have spent in the depth <i>of the sea</i>.


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<i>In</i> journeys often, <i>in</i> dangers of rivers, <i>in</i> dangers of robbers,<i> in</i> dangers from<i> my own</i> race, <i>in</i> dangers from the Gentiles,<i> in</i> dangers in the city,<i> in</i> dangers in the wilderness, <i>in</i> dangers in the sea, <i>in </i>dangers among false brothers;


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in labor and hardship, in sleepless nights often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—


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Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I do not burn <i>with indignation</i>?


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In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me;


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<n>The Vision of Paradise</n> It is indeed not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:


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I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows), such a one was caught up to the third heaven.


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that he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not permitted for a man to utter.


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Concerning such a one I will boast, but concerning myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.


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For if I should desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak <i>the</i> truth. But I spare <i>you</i>, lest anyone consider me to be beyond what he sees me <i>to be</i> or hears something from me.


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<n>The Thorn in the Flesh</n> And lest I exalt myself above measure by the excellence of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, that it might beat me, lest I exalt myself above measure.


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And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may rest upon me.


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Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.


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<n>Concern for the Corinthian Church</n> I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me! For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing have I been inferior to the super apostles, though I am nothing.


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Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and miracles.


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For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!


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Now for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you. For I do not seek what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.


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And I gladly will spend and be expended for your souls; although the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.


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But be that <i>as it may</i>, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I took you with guile!


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I urged Titus, and I sent with him the brother. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did <i>we</i> not <i>walk</i> in the same Spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?


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Again, do you think that we are defending ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.


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For I am afraid, lest perhaps when I come, I will not find you as I desire, and that I will be found by you as you do not desire; lest perhaps there<i> be</i> contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, disputes, slanders, gossipings, pride, disorders;


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lest, when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will mourn for many who have previously sinned and have not repented for the impurity and fornication and lewdness which they practiced.


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<n>Paul’s Final Advice</n> This <i>will be</i> the third time I am coming to you. "<span class='smcaps'>By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established</span>."


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I have previously said, and I say beforehand, as being present the second <i>time</i>, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare <i>you,</i>


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since you are seeking proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but strong in you.


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For although He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we are weak in Him, yet we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.


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Scrutinize yourselves as to whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you are reprobates?


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Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is honorable, though we may be as reprobates.


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For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.


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Because of this I write these things being absent, in order that when I am present I may not deal sharply with you, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for edification and not for destruction.


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<n>Final Greetings</n> Finally brothers, farewell. Restore <i>yourselves,</i> comfort <i>yourselves</i>, be in agreement, be at peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.


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The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),


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who gave Himself for our sins, so that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,


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<n>No Other Gospel</n> I marvel that you are turning so quickly from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,


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which is not another; except there are certain people who trouble you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ.


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But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach a gospel to you other than what we preached to you, let him be accursed.


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As we have said before, and I say again just now, if anyone preaches a gospel to you other than what you received, let him be accursed.


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For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.


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<n>Paul Called by God </n> But I make known to you, brothers, the gospel preached by me is not according to man.


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For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but through the revelation of Jesus Christ.


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For you have heard of my former conduct at one time in Judaism, that beyond measure I used to persecute the church of God, and I was devastating it.


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And I was advancing in Judaism above many my own age, being far more zealous for the traditions of my forefathers.


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But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called <i>me</i> through His grace,


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to reveal His Son in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,


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neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.


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But they heard only, "He who persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which at one time he was devastating."


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<n>The Apostles Accept Paul</n> Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, also taking Titus along.


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And I went up by revelation, and I set before them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those with influence, lest somehow I might run, or had run, in vain.


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and that was because of false brothers secretly brought in (who slipped in to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might reduce us to slavery),


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to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.


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But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows partiality to no man—so to me, those with influence contributed nothing,


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but on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted <i>with</i> the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter <i>was with the gospel </i>for the circumcised,


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(for He who worked with Peter in <i>the</i> apostleship to the circumcised, worked also with me in <i>that for</i> the Gentiles),


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and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace which was given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we <i>should go</i> to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised;


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only they desired that we should remember the poor, which indeed I made every effort to do this very thing.


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<n>Paul Opposes Peter</n> But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was to be blamed.


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For before certain <i>men</i> came from James, he would eat together with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and began to separate himself, fearing those of the circumcision party.


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And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.


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<n>Justification by Faith</n> But when I saw that they did not act rightly with respect to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in Gentile fashion and not in Jewish fashion, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as Jews?


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knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith <RF q=11>11 Or, faith of Christ.</n>in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by <i>the</i> works of the law; because no flesh shall be justified by <i>the</i> works of the law.


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But if by seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? By no means!


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I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the <i>life</i> which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.


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I do not annul the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing."


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<n>By Faith, or by Works of the Law?</n> O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was portrayed publicly among you as crucified?


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This only do I wish to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?


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Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?—


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Just as Abraham "<span class='smcaps'>believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness</span>."


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And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, <i>saying</i> that, "<span class='smcaps'>In you all the nations shall be blessed</span>."


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<n>The Law Brings a Curse</n> For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all the things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.</span>"


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But that no one is justified by the law before God is evident, for "<span class='smcaps'>The just shall live by faith</span>."


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But the law is not of faith, but "<span class='smcaps'>the man who does them shall live by them</span>."


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Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, "<span class='smcaps'>Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,</span>"


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so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.


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<n>The Law and the Promise</n> Brothers, I speak in human fashion: a covenant is man-made, yet once it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.


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Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises spoken. He does not say, "And to seeds," referring to many, but referring to one, "<span class='smcaps'>And to your Seed</span>," who is Christ.


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And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, does not annul the covenant previously confirmed to Christ by God, so that it make the promise of no effect.


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For if the inheritance <i>comes</i> by the law, it is no longer of promise; but God has given it to Abraham by promise.


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<n>Purpose of the Law </n> Why then the law? It was added on account of transgressions, until the Seed should come to whom it had been promised; and it was commanded through angels by the hand of a mediator.


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Therefore, <i>is</i> the law against the promises of God? By no means! For if a law had been given which was able to give life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.


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But the Scripture has confined all under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.


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But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, having been hemmed in for the faith which was to be revealed.


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Therefore the law has become our custodian, <i>leading us</i> to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.


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There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.


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Now I say, for as much time as the heir is a minor, he does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,


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But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,


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And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"


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<n>Paul’s Concerns for the Galatians</n> But at one time indeed, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature were not gods.


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But now, having known God, or rather, having been known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and worthless elements, to which once again you wish to be slaves?


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Brothers, I beseech you, become as I am, because I also <i>am</i> as you <i>are</i>. You have not wronged me at all.


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And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise nor disdain, but as an angel of God you received me, even as Christ Jesus.


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What then was your blessing? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me!


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They are zealous for you in the wrong way; indeed, they wish to shut you out, so that you will be zealous about them.


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But he who was of the servant girl was born according to the flesh, and he of the free woman according to the promise,


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which things are symbolic. For these are two covenants: one in fact from Mount Sinai, bearing children into slavery, which is Hagar—


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for Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children—


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For it is written: "<span class='smcaps'>Rejoice, O barren </span><span class='smcaps'><i>one</i></span><span class='smcaps'>, who does not give birth; break forth and shout, </span><span class='smcaps'><i>you </i></span><span class='smcaps'>who does not have birth pangs; for the children of the desolate are many more than those of her who has a husband</span>."


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But just as then the <i>one</i> who was born according to the flesh persecuted the <i>one born</i> according to the Spirit, so also it is now.


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But what does the Scripture say? "<span class='smcaps'>Cast out the servant girl and her son, for the son of the servant girl shall by no means inherit with the son of the free woman</span>."


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<n>Freedom in Christ</n> Stand fast therefore in the freedom in which Christ has made us free, and do not be loaded down again with a yoke of bondage.


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And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is obligated to keep the whole law.


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For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.


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I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will be intent on nothing else; but he who troubles you will bear his judgment, whoever he may be.


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And I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been done away with.


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For you, brothers, were called to freedom; only do not use freedom for an opportunity for the flesh, but <i>rather</i> through love serve one another.


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For all the law is fulfilled in one word, in <i>this</i>: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."


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<n>Walk in the Spirit</n> I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall by no means fulfill the lust of the flesh.


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For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these things oppose each other, so that you cannot do the things that you wish.


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idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions,


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envies, murders, drinking bouts, revelries, and the like; which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.


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<n>Bear One Another’s Burdens</n> Brothers, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness, looking out for yourself lest you also be tempted.


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But let each <i>person</i> examine his own work, and then he will have boasting in himself alone, and not in another.


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<n>Be Generous and Do Good</n> Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.


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For he who sows to his flesh, from his own flesh will reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap everlasting life.


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And while we do good, let us not lose heart, for in due season we shall reap if we do not become weary.


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So then, as we have opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those who are of the household of faith.


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As many as wish to make a good showing in the flesh, these compel you to get circumcised, only so that they should not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.


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For not even those who are circumcised keep the law themselves, but they wish you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.


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But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.


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And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:


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<n>Spiritual Blessings in Christ</n> Blessed <i>be</i> the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ,


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even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love,


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having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,


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In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace


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having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,


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for an administration of the fullness of the times, <i>He might </i>bring together all things in Christ, those in heaven and those on the earth—in Him.


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In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose, who works all things according to the counsel of His will,


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in whom you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,


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who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of His glory.


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<n>Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom</n> Because of this I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,


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that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,


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having the eyes of your heart enlightened; that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,


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and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power


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which He worked in Christ, having raised Him from the dead, and seated <i>Him</i> at His right hand in the heavenlies,


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above every ruler and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the coming <i>age</i>.


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<n>By Grace Through Faith</n> And you <i>He made alive,</i> who were dead in transgressions and sins,


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in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,


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among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the senses, and were by nature children of wrath, as also the rest.


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even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),


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that in the coming ages He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.


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For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; <i>it is</i> the gift of God,


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For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.


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<n>One in Christ</n> Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made by hands in the flesh,


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that at that time you were separated from Christ, being estranged from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, not having hope and without God in the world.


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<n>Christ Our Peace</n> For He Himself is our peace, who has made both <i>groups </i>one, and has destroyed the dividing wall of separation,


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having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might create in Himself one new man <i>from</i> the two, <i>thus</i> establishing peace,


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and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, putting to death the enmity in Himself.


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<n>Christ Our Cornerstone</n> So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,


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being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,


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<n>God’s Mysterious Plan Revealed</n> For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—


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which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:


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that the Gentiles should be joint heirs, and of the same body, and joint partakers in His promise in Christ by the gospel,


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of which I became a minister according to the free gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.


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<n>Purpose of the Mystery</n> To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,


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and to enlighten all <i>as to</i> what is the administration of the mystery, which had been hidden from the ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;


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that the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies,


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Therefore I beseech <i>you</i> not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, which is your glory.


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<n>Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth</n> For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,


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that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power by His Spirit in the inner man,


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that you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height—


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and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.


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Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,


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<n>Unity in the Body of Christ</n> Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,


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<n>Spiritual Gifts</n> But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the free gift of Christ.


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Therefore He says: "<span class='smcaps'>When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men</span>."


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But that "He ascended"—what is it but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?


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He that descended, He is also the <i>One</i> who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.


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And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,


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for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,


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until we all arrive to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to <i>the</i> measure of <i>the</i> stature of the fullness of Christ;


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that we may no longer be infants, being tossed as by waves, and being carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in regard to deceitful scheming,


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from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the working of the measure of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the edification of itself in love.


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<n>The New Man</n> This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,


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having been darkened in understanding, being estranged from the life of God, because of the ignorance which is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;


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who, having become callous, gave themselves over to debauchery, for the working of uncleanness with utmost greediness.


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that you put off, concerning your former way of life, the old man which is being corrupted according to the deceitful lusts,


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and that you put on the new man which was created in the likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness.


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<n>Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit</n> Therefore, having put off falsehood, "<span class='smcaps'>Let each one speak truth with his neighbor,</span>" for we are members of one another.


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Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working that which is good with his hands, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.


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Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for edification, that it may give grace to them that hear.


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And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ forgave us.


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And walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.


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But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;


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neither wickedness, nor foolish talk or coarse jesting, which are not proper, but rather thanksgiving.


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For this you know, that no fornicator, or unclean person, nor covetous person, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.


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Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.


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<n>Walk in Light</n> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light—


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But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.


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Therefore He says: "Awake, you who are sleeping, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."


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speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,


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because the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.


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But just as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives be to their own husbands in everything.


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that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and blameless.


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So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he that loves his own wife loves himself.


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For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as also the Lord does the church.


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"<span class='smcaps'>For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh</span>."


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Nevertheless you also individually, let each one love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respect her husband.


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"<span class='smcaps'>Honor your father and mother</span>," which is the first commandment with a promise:


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


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<n>Slaves and Masters</n> Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling, in simplicity of heart, as to Christ;


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not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your soul,


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knowing that whatever good thing anyone does, the same he shall receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.


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And masters, do the same things towards them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.


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<n>The Whole Armor of God</n> Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.


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For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual <i>forces</i> of evil in the heavenlies.


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Because of this, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having accomplished all things, to stand.


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Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,


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above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.


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through every prayer and petition, praying in every season in the Spirit, being watchful to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints—


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and for me, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,


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for the sake of which I serve as an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I must speak.


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<n>Final Greetings</n> But that you also may know my circumstances, and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make all things known to you;


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whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our situation, and that he may comfort your hearts.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, together with the overseers and ministers:


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having been persuaded of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus;


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just as it is right for me to think this concerning you all, because I have you in my heart, both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.


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that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order that you may be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ,


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having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which <i>comes </i>through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.


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<n>The Advance of the Gospel</n> But I want you to know, brothers, that the things <i>which happened </i>to me have come about for the advancement of the gospel,


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so that it has become evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;


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and most of the brothers in the Lord, having been persuaded by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word fearlessly.


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The <i>former </i>proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;


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What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice; yes, and I will rejoice.


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<n>To Live is Christ</n> For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,


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according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I will be ashamed, but with utmost boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.


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But if I am to live on in the flesh, this to me will mean fruit from my labor; and what I shall choose I do not know.


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For I am hard pressed by the two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, <i>which is</i> far better.


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And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,


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<n>Striving and Suffering for Christ</n> Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,


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and not being terrified in anything by your enemies, which is to them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and this from God.


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For to you it has been granted for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,


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<n>Unity Through Humility</n> Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and acts of compassion,


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complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being united in spirit, intent on one purpose,


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doing nothing according to selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility, regarding one another as being better than yourselves.


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but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming to be in the likeness of men.


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And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.


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Therefore God also has highly exalted Him, and has bestowed on Him <i>the</i> name which is above every name,


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that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,


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and <i>that </i>every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


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<n>Lights in the World</n> So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;


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in order that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as light bearers in the world,


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holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.


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But even if I am being poured upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice; <i>yea,</i> and I rejoice with you all.


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<n>Paul Commends Timothy </n> Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your circumstances.


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And you know his approved character, that as a child with his father he served with me as a slave for the gospel.


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<n>Paul Commends Epaphroditus</n> Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my needs;


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For indeed he was sick, <i>and </i>near death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.


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Therefore I sent him more eagerly, in order that when you see him again you may have joy, and I may be less anxious.


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because for the work of Christ he drew near unto death, being careless with his life, in order that he might fill up that which was lacking in your service to me.


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<n>Righteousness Through Faith</n> Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not troublesome, but for you it is safe.


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For we are the <i>true</i> circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh,


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though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:


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circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;


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More than that I also consider all things to be loss, on account of the surpassing worth of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have sustained the loss of all things, and I consider them to be rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ,


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and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith <RF q=12>12 Or faith of Christ<i>.</i></n>in Christ, the righteousness <i>which is</i> of God by faith;


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<i>so as</i> to know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,


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<n>Pressing Toward the Goal </n> Not that I have already obtained <i>it</i>, or have already been made perfect; but I press on, if also I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.


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Brothers, I do not count myself as having laid hold of <i>it </i>yet; but one thing<i> I do</i>, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,


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Therefore, as many as are mature, let us think this way; and if in anything you think otherwise, even this God will reveal to you.


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Nevertheless, to what we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, <i>being</i> of the same mind.


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<n>Our Citizenship in Heaven</n> Be fellow imitators of me, brothers, and look out for those walking this way, just as you have us for a pattern.


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For many walk, of whom often I was speaking to you, and now even weeping I tell you, <i>that they are</i> the enemies of the cross of Christ:


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whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who are mindful of earthly things.


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For our citizenship exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,


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who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subject all things to Himself.


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Therefore, my beloved and longed for brothers, my joy and crown, in this way stand fast in the Lord, beloved.


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<n>Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer</n> I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.


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Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who labored together with me in the gospel, and with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.


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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, along with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;


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and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


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Finally, brothers, as many things as are true, as many as are honorable, as many as are just, as many as are pure, as many as are lovely—if there is any virtue and if there is any praise—meditate on these things.


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The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.


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But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now once <i>again</i> you have revived your mindfulness on my behalf, inasmuch as indeed you were mindful, but you lacked opportunity.


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Not that I am speaking with respect to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am.


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I know how to be brought low, and I know how to live in prosperity. In every place and in all <i>circumstances</i> I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.


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Now you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went out from Macedonia, no church shared with me in an accounting of giving and receiving except you only.


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And I have all things and abound. I have been made full, having received from Epaphroditus the things <i>sent</i> from you, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by <i>the</i> will of God, and Timothy our brother,


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To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


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<n>Thanksgiving and Prayer</n> We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,


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because of the hope being laid up for you in <i>the</i> heavens, in which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,


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which has come to you, just as also in all the world, and is bearing fruit and growing, just as also among you, from the day which you heard and fully knew the grace of God in truth;


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just as also you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,


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<n>Preeminence of Christ </n> On account of this we also, since the day we heard <i>of it</i>, we do not cease praying for you, and asking that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;


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that you should walk worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit and increasing in the full knowledge of God;


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being strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, for all endurance and longsuffering with joy;


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giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.


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He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,


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for by Him all things were created, those in the heavens and those on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.


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And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things He might have the preeminence;


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<n>Reconciled in Christ</n> for it pleased <i>the Father that</i> all the fullness should dwell in Him,


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and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.


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And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled


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in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach before Him—


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if indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm and not drifting away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was proclaimed to all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, have become a minister.


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<n>Paul’s Ministry to the Church</n> I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for His body’s sake, which is the church,


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of which I became a minister according to the dispensation of God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,


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<i>even </i>the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.


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To whom God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;


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whom we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;


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For I want you to know how great a struggle I have concerning you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,


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that their hearts may be comforted, being joined together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to a full knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,


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For though indeed I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderliness and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.


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having been rooted and built up in Him and being established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.


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See that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.


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In whom you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,


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having been buried together with Him in baptism, in which also you were raised together through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.


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And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,


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having blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and He has taken it out of the midst, nailing it to the cross.


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<i>And </i>having disarmed principalities and powers, He mocked them in public, triumphing over them in it.


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<n>Let No One Disqualify You</n> Therefore do not let anyone judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or of a new moon or of sabbaths,


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Let no one rule against you, desiring <i>to do so</i> in <i>false</i> humility and in worship of the angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, in vain being puffed up by his carnal mind,


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and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, supported and joined together by joints and ligaments, grows with the growth of God.


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If you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you submit to regulations—


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These things indeed have a reputation of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and severity <i>on the</i> body, but <i>are</i> not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.


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<n>Put on the New Self</n> If then you have been raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at <i>the</i> right <i>hand</i> of God.


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Therefore put to death your members on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.


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But now you yourselves are to put off all <i>these</i>: wrath, anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.


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and have put on the new man who is renewed in full knowledge according to the image of Him who created it,


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where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.


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<n>Character of the New Man</n> Therefore, as <i>the</i> elect of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience;


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forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone should have a complaint against any; just as Christ forgave you, so you also <i>do</i>.


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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.


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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


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And whatsoever you may do in word or deed, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.


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<n>Instructions for Christian Households</n> Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.


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Bondservants, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.


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knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.


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Masters, provide to your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in <i>the</i> heavens.


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praying at the same time also for us, that God would open a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, because of which I am also in chains,


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Let your speech always be with grace, having been seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer each <i>one</i>.


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<n>Final Greetings</n> Tychicus, <i>our</i> beloved brother and faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all things about me.


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I am sending him to you for this very thing, that he may know your circumstances, and he may encourage your hearts,


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with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all the things<i> happening</i> here.


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Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, receive him),


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and Jesus who is called Justus. These alone are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.


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Epaphras greets you, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, always struggling for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and complete in all the will of God.


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For I bear him witness that he has much zeal for you, and those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.


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<n>Closing Exhortations and Blessing</n> And whenever this letter is read before you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the <i>one</i> from Laodicea.


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And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God <i>the</i> Father and <i>the</i> Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and <i>the</i> Lord Jesus Christ.


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<n>The Faith of the Thessalonian Believers </n> We give thanks to God always concerning you all, making mention of you in our prayers,


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constantly remembering your work of faith, labor of love, and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,


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For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, just as you know what kind <i>of men </i>we were among you for your sake.


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And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, in that you received the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Spirit,


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For from you the word of the Lord has resounded, not only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we need not say anything.


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For they themselves report about us what kind of entrance we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,


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and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.


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<n>Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians</n> For you yourselves know, brothers, <i>regarding</i> our coming to you, that it was not in vain.


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But suffering before and being spitefully treated at Philippi, just as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much conflict.


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but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who is testing our hearts.


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For neither were we using flattering speech, as you know, nor covering up greed, God is <i>our </i>witness.


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Nor seeking glory from men, neither from you, nor from others, even though we were able to carry weight as apostles of Christ.


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In this way longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you had become dear to us.


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For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.


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You are witnesses, and <i>so is </i>God, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we were among you that believe;


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as indeed you know how each one of you, as a father <i>to</i> his own children, we exhorted, and comforted <i>you</i>, and imploring you,


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Because of this we also give thanks to God unceasingly, so that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received not the word of men, but just as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at work in you that believe.


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For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you suffered the same things from your fellow countrymen, just as they <i>did</i> from the Jews,


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who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and <i>are</i> hostile to all men,


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forbidding us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, so as always to fill up <i>the measure of</i> their sins; but the wrath <i>of God </i>has come upon them to the uttermost.


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<n>Paul’s Longing to See Them Again</n> But we, brothers, being unwillingly separated from you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, were all the more eager to see your face with much desire.


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For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? <i>Is</i> it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?


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<n>Concern for Their Faith</n> Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were well pleased to be left behind at Athens alone,


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and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, in order to establish you and exhort you concerning your faith,


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that no one should be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.


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For even when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we were going to be afflicted, just as it has come to pass, and as you know.


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Because of this, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor be in vain.


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<n>Timothy’s Encouraging Report</n> But now when Timothy came to us from you, and brought good news to us of your faith and your love, and that you have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, as we also <i>long to see</i> you—


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because of this we were encouraged, brothers, in regard to you in all our affliction and distress by your faith.


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For whatever thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we are rejoicing because of you in the presence of our God,


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night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and to perfect what is lacking in your faith?


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<n>Prayer for the Church</n> Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, lead us directly to you.


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And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all <i>men</i>, as indeed we also <i>do</i> toward you,


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so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.


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<n>Live to Please God</n> Finally then, brothers, we request of you and exhort <i>you</i> in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you do so more and more.


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that no one should transgress against and to defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we told you before and solemnly warned <i>you</i>.


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Therefore he who rejects <i>this</i> does not reject man, but God, who has given His Holy Spirit to you.


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Now concerning brotherly love you have no need <i>for me</i> to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.


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For indeed you do so toward all the brothers in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you increase more and more,


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and that you aspire to be quiet, and to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, just as we commanded you,


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<n>The Coming of the Lord</n> Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you be sorrowful as those who have no hope.


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For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, thus also God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.


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For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.


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Because the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a cry of command, with <i>the</i> voice of an archangel, and with <i>the</i> trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.


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Then we who are alive <i>and</i> remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall always be with the Lord.


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<n>The Day of the Lord</n> But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I should write to you.


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For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, just as labor pains upon the woman that is pregnant, and they shall by no means escape.


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But we, since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on a breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.


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For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to <i>the</i> obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,


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<n>Final Instructions and Benediction</n> And we request of you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and instruct you,


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Now we exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the discouraged, be supportive of the weak, be patient toward all.


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See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue that which is good, both for one another and for all.


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Now <i>may</i> the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and <i>the</i> Lord Jesus Christ:


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<n>God’s Final Judgment and Glory</n> We are obligated to give thanks to God always for you, brothers, <i>and </i>rightfully so, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all increases towards one another,


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so that we ourselves are boasting in you among the churches of God about your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,


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<i>which is</i> evidence of the righteous judgment of God, so that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, on behalf of which you also suffer.


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and to give you who are being afflicted rest along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His mighty angels,


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in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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These shall pay a penalty—eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might,


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whenever He comes, in that Day, to be glorified among His saints and to be marveled among all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.


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Therefore we also pray always concerning you that our God may count you worthy of <i>this</i> calling, and may fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,


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in order that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.


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<n>The Great Falling Away and the Man of Sin</n> Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we beseech you,


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not to be quickly shaken from your mind, nor be disturbed, neither by spirit nor by word nor by letter, as if from us, <i>as though</i> the day of Christ has come.


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Let no one deceive you by any means; for <i>that day will not come</i> unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is unveiled, the son of perdition,


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who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or <i>every</i> object of worship, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.


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For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains <i>will continue </i>until one arises from out of <i>the</i> midst.


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And then the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and will destroy by the brightness of His coming.


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The coming of the <i>lawless </i>one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,


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and with all deceit of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.


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<n>Stand Firm</n> But we are obligated to give thanks to God always for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth,


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So then, brothers, stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our letter.


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Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and a good hope by grace,


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<n>Pray for Us</n> Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, just as <i>it is </i>with you,


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And we trust in the Lord concerning you, that the things which we command to you, you are both doing, and will do <i>them.</i>


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<n>Warning Against Idleness</n> But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother living in idleness, and not according to the tradition which they received from us.


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nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but in labor and hardship, working night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you,


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not because we do not have authority, but in order that we may give ourselves as a pattern to you, so that you might follow us.


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For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat!


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For we hear <i>that</i> some are walking among you in a disorderly way, not working at all, but being busybodies.


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And to such <i>people</i> we command and urge by our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.


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Now if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take note of him, and do not associate with him, that he may be ashamed.


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<n>Benediction</n> Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to <i>the</i> commandment of God our Savior and <i>the</i> Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,


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To Timothy, <i>my </i>own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


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<n>Warnings Against False Teachings</n> Just as I urged you to remain in Ephesus as I traveled into Macedonia, that you should command certain <i>people</i> not to teach differently,


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nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.


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Now the goal of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,


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knowing this: that the law is not laid down for the righteous, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for killers of fathers and killers of mothers, for murderers,


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for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is opposed to sound doctrine,


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<n>Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy</n> And I give thanks to the <i>One</i> who empowers me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considered me faithful, putting me into the ministry,


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I, who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I was shown mercy, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief,


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Faithful is this word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.


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However, because of this I was shown mercy, so that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, as a pattern for those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.


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Now to the King of the Ages, immortal, invisible, <i>the</i> only wise God, <i>be</i> honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.


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<n>Fight the Good Fight</n> This charge I commit to you, <i>my</i> son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that you may war by them the good warfare,


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having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,


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of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.


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<n>Pray for All People</n> Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all people,


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on behalf of kings and all those who are in authority, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.


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for which I was appointed a herald and apostle—I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie—a teacher of Gentiles in faith and truth.


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<n>Men and Women in the Church</n> I desire therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.


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Likewise also that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and discretion, not with braids or gold or pearls or expensive clothing,


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Nevertheless she shall be saved through childbirth, if they remain in faith and love, and sanctification, with self-control.


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<n>Qualifications for Overseers</n> Faithful is this word: If anyone aspires to the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.


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It is necessary, therefore, for a bishop to be irreproachable, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, well-behaved, hospitable, skillful at teaching;


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not given to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not loving money;


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not a new convert, lest being puffed up <i>with pride</i> he fall into the <i>same</i> condemnation as the devil.


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Moreover he must have a good testimony among those outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


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<n>Qualifications for Deacons</n> Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not being given to much wine, not greedy for money,


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For those who have served well as deacons obtain a standing for themselves and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.


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but if I am delayed, <i>I write</i> so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.


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And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among <i>the </i>Gentiles, believed on in the world, <i>and </i>was received up in glory.


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<n>The Great Apostasy</n> But the Spirit explicitly says, that in latter times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,


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forbidding to marry, <i>commanding</i> to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who are believers and have come to know the truth.


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Because every creature of God is good, and not one is to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving,


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<n>A Good Servant of Jesus Christ </n> Instructing the brothers in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, being nourished by the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.


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For bodily exercise is profitable a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the present life and of the coming life.


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For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.


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Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but <i>rather </i>become a pattern for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.


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Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.


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Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.


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<n>Instructions for the Church</n> Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but <i>rather </i>exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,


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But if a certain widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own household and to make repayment to their parents; for this is acceptable before God.


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Now she who is really a widow and having been left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.


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But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his <i>own</i> house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


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having a reputation for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.


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But refuse <i>to enroll</i> the younger widows; for whenever they grow lustful against Christ, they desire to marry,


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And besides they learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle but also gossipy and busybodies, speaking things <i>which are</i> not proper.


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Therefore I desire that the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage the house, to give no opportunity to the adversary because of reproach.


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If any believing man or believing woman has widows, let <i>that one</i> relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.


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<n>Honor the Elders</n> Let the elders having ruled well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.


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For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox threshing <i>grain</i>," and, "The worker is worthy of his wages."


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I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing according to partiality.


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No longer drink water <i>only</i>, but use a little wine on account of your stomach, and your frequent illnesses.


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The sins of some men are evident beforehand, preceding them to judgment, but some also follow after.


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Likewise also the good works <i>of some</i> are evident beforehand, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden.


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Let as many as are slaves under a yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.


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And those having believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve as slaves, because those receiving the good service are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.


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<n>Error and Greed </n> If anyone teaches differently and does not consent to sound words, even those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,


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he is puffed up, understanding nothing, but <i>is</i> morbidly concerned with disputes and word battles, from which come envy, strife, slanders, evil suspicions,


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constant wranglings of men of corrupt minds and having been deprived of the truth, supposing that godliness is a means of profit. Withdraw from such <i>people</i>.


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But those desiring to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and many senseless and harmful lusts which sink men into destruction and perdition.


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For the love of money is<i> the</i> root of all evil, of which some <i>by</i> aspiring have strayed away from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


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<n>The Good Confession</n> You however, O man of God, flee these things. But pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.


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Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have confessed the good confession before many witnesses.


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I charge you before God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,


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that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,


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which He will show in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,


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who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or is able to see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.


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<n>Instructions to the Rich</n> Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to put their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who provides all things richly for us to enjoy,


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<n>Guard the Faith</n> O Timothy! Guard that which was committed to your trust, turning away from the profane and empty babblings and opposing views of what is falsely called “knowledge,”


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which some, by professing <i>expertise,</i> missed the mark concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life which <i>is</i> in Christ Jesus,


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To Timothy, <i>my </i>beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.


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<n>Encouragement to be Faithful</n> I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, how unceasingly I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day,


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taking recollection of the genuine faith <i>that is</i> in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.


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For which cause I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.


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<n>Not Ashamed of the Gospel</n> Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but endure hardship with the gospel according to the power of God,


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who having saved us, and having called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time <i>itself</i>,


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but has now been revealed through the appearance of our Savior Jesus Christ, having abolished death on the one hand, <i>and</i> having brought to life immortality through the gospel on the other,


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For which cause I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I have been persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed to Him until that Day.


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Hold to the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.


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This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.


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May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me, and he was not ashamed of my chain;


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May the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you very well know how many ways he served in Ephesus.


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<n>A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus</n> You therefore, my child, be empowered by the grace which is in Christ Jesus.


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And the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be competent to teach others also.


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No one serving as a soldier entangles <i>himself</i> in the affairs of <i>civilian</i> life, in order that he may please the <i>one</i> having enlisted him.


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And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.


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Because of this, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.


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<n>Approved and Disapproved Workers</n> Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to dispute about words, useful for nothing, for the ruin of the hearers.


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Be diligent to show yourself approved unto God, a worker unashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


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who have strayed concerning the truth, asserting that the resurrection has already occurred; and they overturn the faith of some.


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Nevertheless the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those that are His," and, "Let everyone naming the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."


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Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.


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Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the <i>latter</i>, he will be a vessel for honor, having been consecrated and useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.


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Flee youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.


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And a servant of the Lord ought not to fight, but to be gentle to all, skillful at teaching, forbearing,


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in meekness instructing those that oppose, if God perhaps may give them repentance, to a full knowledge of the truth,


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and they regain their senses <i>and escape</i> out of the snare of the devil, having been captured alive by him to do his will.


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<n>Perilous Times and Perilous Men</n> But know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come.


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For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,


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For of these are those <i>who</i> creep into houses and captivate gullible women having been loaded down with sins, who are led by various lusts,


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And in just the way Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, thus also these resist the truth: men corrupted in mind, disapproved regarding the faith.


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But they shall not advance further, for their folly shall be manifest to all, as also theirs became.


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<n>Paul’s Charge to Timothy</n> You however have carefully followed my doctrine, lifestyle, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,


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persecutions, <i>and </i>afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, in Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.


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But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them,


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and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.


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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,


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<n>Preach the Word</n> I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead in accordance with His appearing and His kingdom:


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preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.


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For there will be a time when they will not put up with sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts, they will heap up for themselves teachers, tickling their ears,


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You however be watchful in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.


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For I am already being poured out <i>as a drink offering</i>, and the time of my departure has arrived.


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Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not only to me, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.


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For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and traveled to Thessalonica—Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.


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Bring the cloak which I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.


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But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled, and all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.


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And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him <i>be</i> glory forever and ever. Amen!


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Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to <i>the</i> faith of the elect of God and <i>the</i> full knowledge of <i>the</i> truth which is according to godliness,


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but has in due time manifested His word in a proclamation, <i>with </i>which I was entrusted according to the command of God our Savior;


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To Titus, <i>my </i>own son according to <i>our</i> common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God <i>the</i> Father and <i>the</i> Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.


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<n>Qualification for Elders</n> For this reason I left you behind in Crete, so that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and you should appoint elders in every city as I commanded you:


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if a man is unimpeachable, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or <i>who are </i>insubordinate.


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For a bishop must be unimpeachable, as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,


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holding fast to the faithful word as he was taught, that he may be able to exhort by sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.


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<n>The Elders’ Task</n> For there are also many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,


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whom it is necessary to shut <i>their</i> mouths, who overturn whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.


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There said a certain one of them, a prophet of their own, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons."


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All things indeed are pure to the pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience have been defiled.


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They profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.


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Older women likewise are to be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teaching what is good,


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temperate, pure, homemakers, good, submitting to their own husbands, lest the word of God be blasphemed.


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in all respects showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, dignity, incorruptibility,


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sound speech that cannot be condemned, in order that the <i>one</i> who is an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.


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<i>Exhort</i> bondservants to be subject to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not talking back,


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not embezzling, but showing good faith, so that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.


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teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,


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who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people as <i>His</i> own possession, zealous for good works.


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<n>Be Ready for Every Good Work</n> Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,


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For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.


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not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,


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that having been justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.


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Faithful is this word, and concerning these things I want you to strongly affirm, so that those who have believed in God may take thought to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.


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<n>Avoid Dissension</n> But avoid foolish disputes and genealogies, and strifes and legal fights; for they are unprofitable and futile.


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<n>Final Instructions</n> Whenever I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.


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And let our <i>people</i> also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, lest they be unfruitful.


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All who <i>are</i> with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.


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<n>Greeting</n> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow worker,


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that the sharing of your faith may become effective in full knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.


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For we have much thanksgiving and encouragement over your love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.


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<n>Paul’s Plea for Onesimus</n> Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you what is fitting,


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rather on account of love I appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the elder, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—


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whom I wished to keep with myself, in order that on your behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the gospel.


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But I wished to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good might not be by necessity, but by <i>being</i> voluntary.


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For perhaps he was taken away for a time on account of this, in order that you might keep him eternally,


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no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.


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I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—lest I say to you that even yourself you owe to me!


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Having been persuaded of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.


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But meanwhile, also prepare for me a guestroom, for I hope that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.


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<n>God’s Supreme Revelation</n> God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,


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has in these last days spoken to us by <i>His</i> Son, whom He has appointed heir <i>of</i> all things, through whom also He made the worlds;


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who being the radiance of His glory and the exact expression of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,


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<n>The Son Exalted Above Angels</n> For to which of the angels did He ever say: "<span class='smcaps'>You are My Son, today I have begotten You</span>"? And again: "<span class='smcaps'>I will be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to Me</span>"?


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But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "<span class='smcaps'>Let all the angels of God worship Him</span>."


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And of the angels He says, "<span class='smcaps'>He who makes His angels spirits and His ministers flames of fire</span>."


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But of the Son <i>He says</i>: "<span class='smcaps'>Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of righteousness </span><span class='smcaps'><i>is</i></span><span class='smcaps'> the scepter of Your Kingdom. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.</span>"


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And: "<span class='smcaps'>You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> They shall perish, but You continue; and they all shall grow old like a garment; </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> and like a cloak You will roll them up, and they shall be changed. But You are the same, and Your years shall not fail</span>."


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But to which of the angels has He ever said: "<span class='smcaps'>Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet</span>"?


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Are they not all ministering spirits being sent out to minister for the sake of those who shall be heirs of salvation?


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<n>Do Not Neglect Salvation</n> On account of this we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.


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For if the word which was spoken through angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just retribution,


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how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which in the beginning was spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard,


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God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?


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<n>The Son Made Lower than Angels</n> For He did not subject the world which is to come, concerning which we speak, to angels.


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But someone somewhere testified, saying: "<span class='smcaps'>What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You visit him? </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> You made him a little lower than the angels, You crowned him with glory and honor, </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> You have subjected all things under his feet</span>." For in subjecting to him all things<i>, </i>He left nothing not subjected to him. But now we do not yet see all things having been subjected to him.


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But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, through the suffering of death, having been crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God, He might taste death for everyone.


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<n>Bringing Many Sons to Glory </n> For it was fitting for Him, on account of whom <i>are</i> all things and through whom <i>are</i> all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.


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For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers,


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saying: "<span class='smcaps'>I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You</span>."


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And again: "<span class='smcaps'>I will put My trust in Him</span>." And again: "<span class='smcaps'>Behold I and the children to whom God has given Me</span>."


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Therefore since the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same things, in order that through death He might destroy the <i>one</i> having the power of death, that is, the devil,


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and that He might set free these, as many as by fear of death through all of their lives, were subject to bondage.


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Therefore He was obligated to become like His brothers in all <i>respects</i>, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in things <i>pertaining</i> to God, in order that He might make propitiation for the sins of the people.


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<n>Jesus Greater than Moses</n> Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus Christ,


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For He has been counted worthy of more honor than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house.


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And Moses indeed <i>was</i> faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of the things which would be spoken,


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but Christ <i>was faithful </i>as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the boast of hope firm until the end.


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<n>A Rest for the People of God</n> Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says: "<span class='smcaps'>Today, if you will hear His voice, </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Where your fathers tested Me, they tried Me, and saw My works forty years. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> Therefore I was indignant with that generation, and said, 'They go astray in their heart; and they did not know My ways.' </span>


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Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any one of you a wicked heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;


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but encourage yourselves every day, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.


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For we have become partakers of Christ, if indeed we hold fast the beginning of the assurance firm until the end,


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while it is said: "<span class='smcaps'>Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion</span>."


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And with whom was He indignant <i>those </i>forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?


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<n>The Promise of Rest</n> Therefore let us fear, lest while the promise remains to enter into His rest, any one of you seem to have fallen short.


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For indeed we have had the gospel preached <i>to us</i> just as those also; but the word which they heard did not profit those, not having been mixed with faith in those having heard it.


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For we who have believed enter that rest, as He has said: "<span class='smcaps'>So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest</span>," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.


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For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day thus, "<span class='smcaps'>And God rested on the seventh day from all His works</span>;"


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Therefore since it remains <i>for</i> some to enter into it, and those formerly having the gospel preached <i>to them</i> did not enter on account of disobedience,


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again He appoints a certain day, saying in David, "<span class='smcaps'>Today</span>," after such a time, just as it has been said: "<span class='smcaps'>Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts</span>."


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For he who has entered into His rest also rested himself from his works, as God <i>did</i> from His own.


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Therefore let us be diligent to enter into that rest, lest anyone falls in the same example of disobedience.


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For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.


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And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to His eyes, to whom we must give account.


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<n>Jesus the Great High Priest</n> Therefore having a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast <i>our</i> confession.


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For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but having been tempted in all <i>respects</i> in quite the same way as <i>we are</i>, yet without sin.


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Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.


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<n>Qualifications for High Priesthood</n> For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in the things <i>pertaining</i> to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins,


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being able to deal gently with those who sin in ignorance and go astray, since he himself is also beset with weakness.


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On account of this he is obligated to offer <i>sacrifices </i>for sins, just as concerning the people, so also concerning himself.


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And no man takes this honor upon himself, but he that is called by God, just as Aaron also <i>was</i>.


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<n>A Priest Forever </n> So also Christ did not exalt Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "<span class='smcaps'>You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.</span>"


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Just as He also says in another place: "<span class='smcaps'>You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek</span>";


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who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up both prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears to the <i>One</i> who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His reverence,


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having been designated by God a High Priest "<span class='smcaps'>after the order of Melchizedek</span>,"


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concerning whom we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become sluggish in hearing.


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<n>Warning Against Apostasy</n> For indeed, although you ought to be teachers by this time, again you have need <i>for someone </i>to teach you what are the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.


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For everyone who partakes <i>only </i>of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.


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But solid food is for the mature, for those because of their practice have their senses trained for the distinguishing of both good and evil.


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Therefore, leaving the subject of the beginning of Christ, let us be moved to perfection, not again laying down a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,


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of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.


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For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,


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and <i>then </i>having fallen away, to renew <i>them</i> again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and hold Him up to contempt.


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For the earth which drinks the rain that often falls on it, and bears suitable vegetation for those on account of whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God;


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but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, of which the end <i>is</i> for burning.


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But we are persuaded concerning you, beloved, of better things and those pertaining to salvation, even though we speak in this manner.


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For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.


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But we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,


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lest you become dull, but <i>become</i> imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


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<n>The Certainty of God’s Promise</n> For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,


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saying, "<span class='smcaps'>Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you</span>."


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For men indeed swear by the greater, and the oath for confirmation <i>is</i> an end of every dispute to them.


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Thus God, wanting to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His counsel, guaranteed it by an oath,


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in order that through two unchangeable things, in which<i> it is</i> impossible for God to lie, we might have strong encouragement, who have fled to take hold of the hope being set before <i>us</i>;


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which <i>hope</i> we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and secure, and which enters into the inner <i>side</i> of the veil,


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where the forerunner has entered on our behalf, <i>even</i> Jesus, having become a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.


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<n>The Priestly Order of Melchizedek</n> For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,


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to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of everything, first being interpreted "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, which is "king of peace,"


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without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.


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But observe how great this <i>man was</i>, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.


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And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to collect tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;


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but the <i>one</i> not tracing his descent from them has received tithes from Abraham, and he has blessed the <i>one</i> having the promises.


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And here on the one hand mortal men receive tithes, but there on the other he<i> receives them</i>, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.


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<n>Jesus Compared to Melchizedek </n> Therefore, if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), why is there yet a need <i>for</i> another priest to rise, after the order of Melchizedek, and not to be called after the order of Aaron?


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For He concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.


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For it is evident that our Lord has risen out of Judah, regarding which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.


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And it is yet even more clearer, if according to the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest


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who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.


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For He testifies: "<span class='smcaps'>You </span><span class='smcaps'><i>are</i></span><span class='smcaps'> a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek</span>."


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For on the one hand an annulment comes about of the preceding commandment on account of its weakness and uselessness.


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For the law made nothing perfect; but there<i> is</i> the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.


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for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him that said to Him: "<span class='smcaps'>The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You </span><span class='smcaps'><i>are</i></span><span class='smcaps'> a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek</span>' ",


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Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those coming to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.


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For such a High Priest was fitting for us, <i>who is </i>holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;


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who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices beforehand, on behalf of His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.


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For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, <i>appoints</i> a Son who has been perfected forever.


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<n>Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant</n> Now <i>this is</i> the main point of the things being said: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,


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For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; therefore it is necessary that this <i>high priest</i> also have something to offer.


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For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;


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who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses had been warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle, for He says, "See <i>that</i> you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain."


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But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted upon better promises.


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For if that first <i>covenant</i> had been faultless, then no occasion would have been sought for a second.


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For finding fault <i>with</i> them, He says: "<span class='smcaps'>Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, in the day when I took their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. Because they did not persevere in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind, and I will inscribe them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> And by no means will they teach each </span><span class='smcaps'><i>one </i></span><span class='smcaps'>his fellow citizen, and each </span><span class='smcaps'><i>one</i></span><span class='smcaps'> his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. </span>


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<span class='smcaps'> For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins and their lawless deeds I shall by no means remember anymore</span>."


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In that He says, "A new <i>covenant</i>," He has made the first obsolete. And whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.


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<n>The Earthly Sanctuary</n> Now even the first <i>covenant</i> had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.


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For a tabernacle was prepared: the first <i>part</i>, in which <i>were</i> both the lampstand and the table and the showbread, which is called the holy place;


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having a golden altar, and the ark of the covenant having been overlaid on all sides with gold, in which <i>was</i> a golden jar holding the manna, and the rod of Aaron which budded, and the tablets of the covenant;


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and above it <i>were</i> cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; concerning these things we cannot now speak in detail.


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<n>Limitations of the Earthly Service</n> Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services,


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but into the second <i>part</i> the high priest <i>enters</i> alone once during the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;


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the Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing,


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which <i>was</i> symbolic for the present time, according to which both gifts and sacrifices are being offered, which are not able, in respect to conscience, to make perfect the <i>one</i> performing the service,


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<i>concerned</i> only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances which are imposed until a time of reformation.


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<n>Redemption Through the Blood of Christ</n> But Christ came <i>as</i> a High Priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.


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Not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered once for all into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption.


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For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling those having been defiled, sanctifies for the purity of the flesh,


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by how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works in order that we might serve the living God?


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And on account of this He is the Mediator of the new covenant, so that, since a death has occurred for redemption of the transgressions at the time of the first covenant, that those having been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.


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<n>The Mediator’s Death Necessary</n> For where there <i>is</i> a testament, there is necessity for death to be offered of the <i>one</i> making the testament.


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For a testament is valid over dead <i>people</i>, since it is never valid when the <i>one</i> making the testament lives.


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For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses according to law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,


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saying, "<span class='smcaps'>This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you</span>."


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And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.


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<n>Greatness of Christ’s Sacrifice</n> Therefore it <i>was</i> necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens to be continually purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves by better sacrifices than these.


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For Christ did not enter into <i>the</i> holies made by hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf;


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not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the Holies every year with another’s blood—


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since it would have been necessary <i>for</i> Him to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the consummation of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin through the sacrifice of Himself.


