And measures and matters of The Truth of the "time" we are in ...how "man" ..."thought to change time and times ... Dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, how that one day is with the Lord, as a thousand year, and a thousand year as one day.
The Lord is not slack to fulfil his promise, as some men count slackness: but is patient to us ward, and would have no man lost, but would receive all men to repentance.
Behold in a dread full dream during the whoreable nightmare of the dark season ...of the times and time ..of the season of man ...see son of man ...
and again in the utter darkness BEFORE THE DAY ...
and i was taken and shown sin ...AND SIN UNTO DEATH.
and
the changes in the "bibles" of man against Word of God and Jesus came
back to remembrance ...
Taken out the "holy
ghost" ...6 to 95 times in all the "biles of men" ...in
most all together ...have they "blotted out" the holy ghost ...(save
some in the 1611 kjv) Taken out the "holy
spirit" ...1 to 16 times in all the "biles of men"
...nevertheless corrupting many scriptures ... all together ... Added the word "church" ...over 100 times in
most of the "bibles of men" ...Look see:churches
of men Added the word "religion" ...3
to 7 times in all the "bibles of men" ...(there is NO word
"religion" in the original) ...Look see:religion Added the word "human" ...up
to 52 times in all the "bibles of men" ...save only the 1611 kjv
...does not use this word ...for the origin of "Human"...Look see:"only
human"..mmm Added the word "demons"...added
demons ! 71 to 80 times in the "biles of man" ...Look see ...demons
nay!
The Lord hateth as well him that justifieth the ungodly, as him that condemeth the innocent.
Every man
can *eschue a person moved to anger, for what he doth wisely? Even so shall the
Lord of Hosts take away from Jerusalem and from Juda, all possessions and power,
all meat and drink, the captain and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the
wise and the aged man, the worshipful of fifty year old, and the honorable: the
Senators, and the men of understanding: the masters of crafts and orators. And I
shall give you children to be your princes,( sayeth the Lord ) and babes
shall have the rule of you. One shall ever be doing violence and wrong to
another. The boy will presume against the elder, and the vile person against the
honorable. Ye when one shall take a friend of his own kindred by the bosom,
and say: Thou hast clothing, thou shalt be our head, for thou mayest keep us
from this fall and peril.
Then shall he swear and say: I can not
help you. Moreover, there is neither meat nor clothing in my house, make me
no ruler of the people. For Jerusalem and Juda must decay, because both their
words and counsel are against the Lord, they provoke the presence of his Majesty
unto anger. The changing of their countenance betrayeth them, yee they
declare their own sins themselves, as the Sodomites, and hide them not. Woe be
unto their souls, for they shall be heavily rewarded. Then shall they say: O
happy are the godly, for they may enjoy the fruits of their studies. But woe be
unto the ungodly and unrighteous for they shall be rewarded after their works. O
my people, *ribaudes oppress thee, and women have rule of thee. O my people, thy
leaders deceive thee, and tread out the way of thy footsteps. The Lord is
here to commune of the matter, and standeth to give judgement with the people.
The Lord shall come forth to reason with the Senators and princes of his people,
and shall say thus unto them: It is ye that have burnt up my vineyard, the
robbery of the poor is in your house. Wherefore do ye oppress my people, and
marred the faces of the innocents? thus shall the Lord God of Hosts revile them.
Moreover thus sayeth the Lord: Seeing the
daughters of Sion are become so proud, and come in with stretched out necks, and
with vain wanton eyes: seeing they come in tripping so nicely with their feet:
Therefore shall the Lord shave the heads of the daughters of Sion, and make
their beauty bare in the day. In that day shall the Lord take away the
gorgeousness of their apparel, and spangles, chains, *partlets, and collars,
bracelets and hooves, that goodly flowered wide and boarded raiment, brushes and
head bands, rings and garlands, holy day clothes and veils, kerchiefs and pins,
glasses and smocks, bonnets and *taches
And instead of good smell there shall be
stink among them. And for their girdles there shall be loose bands. And for well
set hair there shall be baldness. Instead of a stomacher, a sackcloth, and for
their beauty witherdness and *son burning. Their husbands and their mighty men
shall perish with the sword in battle
*eschue (avoid, escape) *ribaudes ( extortioners :MN). *partlets = ruffled covering for the neck. *taches = buckles, clasps, fasteners. *son burning exactly as recorded
wicked eagle ...
THE FOURTH BOOK OF ESDRAS Chpt 12
And where as thou sawest two underwings upon the head that is on the right side, it signifieth that it is they, whom the Highest hath kept unto their end: this is a small kingdom, full of trouble. The Lion whom thou sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring, and speaking unto the Eagle, and rebuking him for his unrighteousness, is the wind, which the Highest hath kept for them and for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, and rent them asunder before them. For he shall set them living before the judgement, and shall rebuke them: for the residue of my people shall he deliver with trouble, those that be preserved over mine ends: and he shall make them joyful until the coming day of Judgement, where of I have spoken unto thee from the beginning. This is the dream that thou sawest, and this is the interpretation. Thou only hast been meat to know the secret of the Highest.
Last Chapter of the LAST BOOK ....
Chapter 22
And he showed me a pure river of water of life clear as Crystal: proceeding out of the seat of God and of the lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river was there wood of life: which bare twelve manner of fruits: and gave fruit every month: and the leaves of the wood served to heal the people with all. And there shall be no more curse, but the seat of God and the lamb shall be in it: and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun: for the Lord Giveth them light, and they shall reign for evermore.
And he said unto me: these sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of Saints and Prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants, the things which must shortly be fulfilled. Behold I come shortly. Happy is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book. I am John which saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down, to worship before the feet of the Angel which showed me these things. And he said unto me: see thou do it not, for I am thy fellow servant and the fellow servant of thy brethren the Prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book. But worship God.
And he said unto me: seal not the sayings of prophesy of this book. For the time is at hand. He that doth evil, let him do evil still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be more righteous: and he that is holy, let him be more holy. And behold I come shortly, and my reward with me, to give every man according as his deeds shall be. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end: the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that their power may be in the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without shall be dogs and enchanters and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth or maketh leasings.
I Jesus sent mine angel, to testify unto you these things in the congregations. I am the root and the generation of David, and the bright morning star. And the spirit and the bride said come. And let him that heareth, say also, come. And let him that is a thirst, come. And let whosoever will, take of the water of life, free.
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of prophecy of this book: *If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall minish of the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from those things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith: be it, I come quickly, Amen.
Even so: come Lord Jesu.
The grace of our Lord Jesu Christ be with you all:
Amen.
*If any man shall add unto these things...And if any man shall minish of the words ... discern for yourselves ...the 100's and 100's of dieverse "bibles of man".
Either how can a man enter into a strong mans house, and violently take away his goods: except he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house? He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy of the spirit, shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. But whosoever speaketh against the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven him: no, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good also: or else make the tree evil, and his fruit evil also. For the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye say well, when ye yourselves are evil? For of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things. And an evil man out of his evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, that of every idle word that men shall have spoken: they shall give accounts at the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
I say unto you: Whosoever confesseth me before men, even him shall the son of man confess also before the angels of God. And he that denieth me before men: shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever speaketh a word against the son of man it shall be forgiven him. But unto him that blasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
When they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto the rulers, and officers, take no thought how or what thing ye shall answer or what ye shall speak. For the Holy ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what ye ought to say.
And John bare record saying: I saw the spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove and abide upon him, and I knew him not. But he that sent me to baptise in water, the same said unto me: upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descend and tarry still on him, the same is he which baptiseth with the Holy ghost. And I saw and bare record that this is the son of God.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying: If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as sayeth the scripture out of his belly shall flow rivers of water of life. This spake he of the spirit which they that believed on him, should receive. For the Holy ghost was not yet there, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
This have I spoken unto you being yet present with you. But that comforter which is the Holy ghost (whom my father will send in my name) he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have told you.
The same day at night, which was the morrow after the Saboth day, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled together for fear of the Jewes, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said to them: peace be with you. And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands, and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again: peace be with you. As my father sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said that, he breathed on them and said unto them: Receive the Holy ghost. Whosoevers sins ye remit they are remitted unto them. And whosoevers sins ye retain, they are retained.
In the former treatise (dear friend Theophilus) I have written of all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day in the which he was taken up, after that he, through the Holy ghost, had given commandments unto the Apostles, which he had chosen: to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many tokens, appearing unto them forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God, and gathered them together, and commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem: but to wait for the promise of the father, whereof ye have heard of me. For John baptised with water: but ye shall be baptised with the Holy ghost, and that within this few days. When they were come together, they asked of him saying: Lord wilt thou at this time, restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them: It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons which the father hath put in his own power: but ye shall receive power of the Holy ghost which shall come on you. And ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Jewry and in Samary, and even unto the worlds end.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said (the number of names that were together, were about an hundred and twenty) Ye men and brethren, this scripture must have needs been fulfilled which the Holy ghost through the mouth of David spake before of Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us and had obtained fellowship in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plot of ground with the reward of iniquity, and when he was hanged, burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it is known unto all the inhabiters of Jerusalem: in so much that, that field is called in their mother tongue, Acheldama, that is to say, the blood field.
When the fiftieth day was come, they were all with one accord together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as it had been the coming of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they sat. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as they had been fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled with the Holy ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the spirit gave them utterance.
Since now that he by the right hand of God exalted is, and hath received of the father the promise of the Holy ghost, he hath shed forth that which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into heaven: but he said, The Lord said to my Lord sit on my right hand until I make thy foes thy foot stool. So therefore let all the house of Israel know for a surety, that God hath made the same Jesus whom ye have crucified, Lord and Christ.
When they heard this they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and unto the other Apostles: Ye men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter said unto them: repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy ghost. For the promise was made unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words bare he witness and exhorted them saying: Save yourselves from this *untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his preaching, were baptised: and the same day, there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Then Peter full of the Holy ghost said unto them: ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man, by what means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, and whom God raised again from death: even by him doth this man stand here present before you whole. This is the stone cast aside of you builders, which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein we must be saved.
And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of *Jesu. But Peter and John answered unto them and said: whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you more than God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and heard. So threatened they them and let them go, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people. For all men lauded God for the miracle which was done: for the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.
As soon as they were let go, they came to their fellows, and showed all that the high Priests and elders had said to them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord, and said: Lord, thou art God which hast made heaven and earth the sea and all that in them is, which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said: Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things. The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers came together, against the Lord and against his Christ.
For of a truth, against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and also Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered themselves together, for to do whatsoever thy hands and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now Lord, behold their threatenings and grant unto thy servants with all confidence to speak thy word. So that thou stretch forth thine hand, that healing and signs and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And as soon as they had prayed the place moved where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy ghost, and they spake the word of God boldly.
And the multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, and of one soul. Also none of them said, that any of the things which he possessed, was his own: but had all things common. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them, that lacked. For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at the Apostles feet. And distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
A certain man named Ananias with Saphira his wife sold a possession, and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles feet. Then said Peter: Ananias how is it that Satan hath filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lie unto the Holy ghost, and keep away part of the price of the livelihood. Pertained it not unto thee only, and after it was sold, was not the price in thine own power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. When Ananias heard these words he fell down and gave up the ghost. And great fear came on all them that these things heard. And the young men rose up, and put him apart, and carried him out, and buried him.
And it fortuned as it were about the space of three hours after that his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done. And Peter said unto her: Tell me, gave ye the land for so much? And she said: ye for so much. Then Peter said unto her: why have ye agreed together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them which have buried thy husband, are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then she fell down straightway at his feet and yielded up the ghost. And the young men came in, and found her dead, and carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear came on all the congregation, and on as many as heard it.
Peter and the other Apostles answered and said: We ought more to obey God than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on tree. Him hath God lift up with his right hand, to be a ruler and a saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are his records concerning these things and also the Holy ghost whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they clave asunder: and sought means to slay them. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, had in authority among all the people and commanded to put the Apostles aside a little space, and said unto them: men of Israel take heed to your selves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Before these days rose up one Theudas boasting him self, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, which was slain, and they all which believed him were scattered abroad and brought to nought. After this man, arose there up one Judas of Galile, in the time when tribute began, and drew away much people after him. He also perished: and all even as many as harkened to him, are scattered abroad.
And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves from these men, let them alone. For if the counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought. But and if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest haply ye be found to strive against God. And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles, and beat them, and commanded that they should not speak in the name of *Jesu, and let them go.
And they departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. And daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not, teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.
In those days as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were despised in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: it is not *meet that we should leave the word of God and serve at the tables. Wherefore brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report and full of the Holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen a man full of faith and of the Holy ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Permenas, and Nicolas a convert of Antioch. Which they set before the Apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the Synagogue which are called Libertines and Syrenites, and of Alexandria, and of Cilicia, and Asia, and disputed with Stephen. And they could not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent they in men, which said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they moved the people and the elders and the scribes: and came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which said. This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law: for we heard him say: this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave us. And all that sat in the council, looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an Angel.
How be it he that is highest of all, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the Prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool, what house will ye build for me saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in hath not my hand made all these things?
Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have all ways resisted the Holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the Prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that *Just, whom ye have now betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of Angels, and have not kept it.
When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he being full of the Holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and ran upon him all at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young mans feet named Saul. And they stoned Stephen calling on and saying: Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had thus spoken, he fell asleep.
*wot (knew) *Just: cap J
When the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God: they sent unto them Peter and John. Which when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised only in the name of Christ *Jesu. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy ghost.
When Simon saw, that through laying on of the Apostles hands on them, the Holy ghost was given: he offered them money saying: give me also this power, that on whomsoever I put the hands, he may receive the Holy ghost. Then said Peter unto him: thy money perish with thee, because thou *wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money. Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity .
Then answered Simon and said: Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken, fall on me. And they when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord returned toward Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
Then the Angel of the Lord spake unto Philip saying: arise and go towards mid day unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza which is in the desert. And he arose and went on. And behold a man of Ethiopia which was a chamberlain, and of great authority with Candace queen of the Ethiophians, and had the rule of all her treasure, came to Jerusalem for to pray. And as he returned home again sitting in his chariot, he read Esai the Prophet.
Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near and join thyself to yonder chariot. And Philip ran to him, and heard him read the Prophet Esaias and said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how can I, except I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read was this. He was led as a sheep to be slain: and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. Because of his humbleness, he was not esteemed: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. The chamberlain answered Philip and said: I pray thee, of whom speaketh the Prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
And Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the chamberlain said: See here is water, what shall let me to be baptised? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with all thine heart, thou mayst. He answered and said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down both into the water: both Philip and also the chamberlain, and he baptised him. And as soon as they were come out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the chamberlain saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked throughout the country preaching in their cities, till he came to Cesarea.
And Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. But as he journeyed and was come nigh to Damasco, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, what art thou Lord? And the Lord said: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest, it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick. And he both trembling and astonied said: Lord what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him: arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
The men which journeyed with him, stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damasco. And he was three days without sight and neither ate nor drank. And there was a certain disciple at Damasco named Ananias and to him said the Lord in a vision: Ananias? And he said: behold I am here Lord. And the Lord said to him: arise and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Judas, after one called Saul of Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming into him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered: Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority of the high Priests to bind all that call on thy name. The Lord said unto him: Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my names sake.
Ananias went his way and entered into the house, and put his hands on him and said: brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight and arose and was baptised, and received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damasco. And straight way he preached Christ in the Synagogues, how that he was the son of God. All that heard him, were amazed and said: is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests? But Saul increased in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damasco, affirming that this was very Christ.
And after a good while, the Jews took counsel together, to kill him. But their laying wait was known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him.
Then the disciples took him by night and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself with the disciples and they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the Apostles and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damasco in the name of *Jesu. And he had his conversation with them at Jerusalem, and quit him self boldly in the name of the Lord *Jesu. And he spake and disputed with the Greeks: and they went about to slay him. But when the brethren knew of that, they brought him to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the congregations rest throughout all Jewry and Galile and Samary, and were edified, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and multiplied by the comfort of the Holy ghost.
And it chanced that as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years sick of the palsy. Then said Peter unto him: Eneas, Jesus Christ make thee whole: Arise and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Assaron, saw him, and turned to the Lord.
There was at Joppa a certain woman (which was a disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas) the same was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did. And it chanced in those days that she was sick and died. When they had washed her and laid her in a chamber: Because Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be grieved to come unto them.
Peter arose and came with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the chamber. And all the widows stood round about him weeping and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. And Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turned him to the body, and said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up. And he gave her the hand and lift her up, and called the saints and widows, and showed her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. And it fortuned that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
On the morrow as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the top of the house to pray, about the sixth hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten. But while they made ready. He fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at the four corners, and was let down to the earth, where in were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms, and fouls of the air. And there came a voice to him: rise Peter kill and eat. But Peter said: God forbid Lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time: what God hath cleansed, that make thou not common. This was done *thrice, and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
While Peter mused in him self what this vision which he had seen meant: behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made inquirance for Simons house, and stood before the door. And called out one and asked whether Simon which was also called Peter were lodged there. While Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: Behold, men seek thee: arise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, and doubt not: For I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius, and said. Behold, I am he whom ye seek, what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said unto him: Cornelius the captain, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the people of the Jews, was warned by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them.
And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Cesaria. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, and special friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up saying: stand up: for even I my self am a man. And as he talked with him he came in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them: Ye do know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew, to company or come unto an alien: But God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean: therefore came I unto you without saying nay, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore, for what intent have ye sent for me?
And Cornelius said: This day now four days I fasted and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house: and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said: Cornelius, thy prayer is heard and thine alms deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side, the which as soon as he is come, shall speak unto thee. Then sent I for thee immediately: and thou hast well done for to come. Now are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded unto thee of God.
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: Of a truth I perceive, that God is not partial, but in all people he that fear him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Ye know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, which is Lord over all things. Which preaching was published throughout all Jewry, and began in Galile, after the baptism which John preached, how God had anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy ghost, and with power. Which Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devils, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the Jewes and at Jerusalem: whom they slew, and hung on tree. Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses chosen before of God, which ate and drank with him, after he arose from death. And he commanded unto us to preach unto the people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a judge of quick and dead. To him give all the Prophets witness, that through his name, all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy ghost fell on all them which heard the preaching. And they of the circumcision which believed, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was shed out the gift of the Holy ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptised, which have received the Holy ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him, to tarry a few days.
*thrice (three times),
Then Peter began and expounded the thing in order to them saying: I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let down from heaven by the four corners, and it came to me. Into the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me: arise Peter, slay and eat. And I said: God forbid Lord, for nothing common or unclean, hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, count not thou those things common, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven.
And behold immediately there were three men come unto the house where I was, sent from Casarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I should go with them, without doubting. Moreover the six brethren accompanied me: and we entered into the mans house. And he showed us, how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him: Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter: he shall tell thee words, whereby both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And as I began to preach, the Holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the Lord, how he said: John baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the Holy ghost. For as much then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ: what was I, that I should have withstood God? When they heard this they held their peace and glorified God, saying: then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Jerusalem. And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioche. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioche. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people: in so much that the disciples of Antioche were the first that were called Christian.
In those days came Prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioche. And there stood up one of them, named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius days. Then the disciples every man according to his ability, purposed to send *succour unto the brethren which dwelt in Jewry. Which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
*atest (ate, to eat) *succour (security)
There were at Antioche, in the congregation certain Prophets and teachers: as Barnabas and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cerene, and Manahen Herod the Tetrarkes nurse fellow, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy ghost said: separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work where unto I have called them. Then fasted they and prayed, and put their hands on them, and let them go. And they after they were sent of the Holy ghost, came unto Seleutia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were come to Solamine, they showed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jewes. And they had John to their minister.
When they had gone throughout the Isle unto the city of Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet which was a Jewe, named *Barjesu, was with the ruler of the country, one Sergius Paulus a prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But elymas the sorcerer (for so was his name by interpretation) stood them, and sought to turn away the ruler from the faith. Then Saul which also is called Paul being full of the Holy ghost set his eyes on him, O full of all subtlety and deceitfulness, and child of the devil, and the enemy of all righteousness, thou ceasest not to pervert the straight ways of the Lord. And now behold the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind and not see the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness, and he went about seeking them that should lead him by the hand. Then the ruler when he saw what had happened, believed, and wondered at the doctrine of the Lord.
The gentiles heard and were glad and glorified the word of the Lord, and believed: even as many as were ordained unto eternal life. And the word of the Lord was published through out all the region. But the Jews moved the worshipful and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their coasts. And they shook off the dust off their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy ghost.
And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them: Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the Holy ghost, even as he did unto us and he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, as they do. Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, which told what signs and wonders God had showed among the Gentiles, by them.
And when they held their peace, James answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me. Simeon told how God at the beginning did visit the Gentiles, and received of them, people unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the Prophets, as it is written: After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it, will I build again, and I will set it up, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is named saith the Lord, which doth all these things: known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them which from among the Gentiles, are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of images from fornication, from strangled and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city that preach him, and he is read in the synagogues every Saboth day.
Then pleased it the Apostles and elders with the whole congregation, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioche with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called also Barsabas, and Silas, which were chief men among the brethren, and gave them letters in their hands after this manner.
The Apostles, elders and brethren send greetings unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. For as much as we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have jeopardied their lives for the name of our Lord *Jesu Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, which shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy ghost and to us, to put no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things: that is to say, that ye abstain from things offered to images, from blood, from strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. So fare ye well.
When they had gone throughout Phrygia, and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy ghost to preach the word in Asia, they came to Mysia, and sought to go into Bithynia. But the spirit suffered them not. Then they went over Mysia, and came down to Troada. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying: come into Macedonia and help us. After he had seen the vision, immediately we prepared to go into Macedonia, certified that the Lord had called us, for to preach the gospel unto them. Then loosed we forth from Troada, and with a straight course came to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolim, and from thence to Philippos, which is the chiefest city in the parts of Macedonia, and a free city.
We were in that city abiding a certain days. And on the Saboth days we went out of the city besides a river where men were wont to pray. And we sat down and spake unto the women which resorted thither: And a certain woman named Lydia a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, gave us audience. Whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things, which Paul spake. When she was baptised and her household, she besought us saying: If ye think that I believe on the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
And it fortuned as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit that prophesied, met us, which brought her masters much vantage with Prophesying. The same followed Paul and us and cried saying: these men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul not content, turned about and said to the spirit. I command thee in the name of Jesu Christ, that thou come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
And when her master and masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market place unto the rulers, and brought them to the officers saying: These men trouble our city, which are Jews and preach ordinances, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, seeing we are Romans. And the people ran on them, and the officers rent their clothes, and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them surely. Which jailer when he had received such commandment, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and lauded God. And the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison was shaken, and by and by all the doors opened, and every mans bonds were loosed. When the keeper of the prison waked out of his sleep and saw the prison doors open he drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice saying: Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. Then he called for a light and sprang in and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said: believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved and thy household. And they preached unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and was baptised with all that belonged unto him straight way. When he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and joyed that he with all his household, believed on God.
And when it was day, the officers sent the ministers saying: Let those men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, the officers have sent word to loose you. Now therefore get you hence and go in peace. Then said Paul unto them: they have beaten us openly uncondemned, for all that we are Romans, and have cast us into prison: and now would they send us away privily? Nay not so, but let them come themselves and fetch us out. When the ministers told these words unto the officers, they feared when they heard that they were Romans, and came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them and departed.
It fortuned, while Apollo was at Corintham, that Paul passed through the upper coasts and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples, and said unto them: have ye received the Holy ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him: no we have not heard whether there be any Holy ghost or no. And he said unto them: wherewith were ye then baptised? And they said: with Johns baptism. Then said Paul: John verily baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him, which should come after him: that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard that, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul laid his hands upon them, and the Holy ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues, and prophesied, and all the men were about twelve.
And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the Holy ghost witnesseth in every city saying: that bonds and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me: neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord *Jesu, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all (through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock, whereof the Holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. Moreover of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears.
When we had full ended the course from Tyre we arrived at Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. The next day, we that were of Pauls company departed and came unto Cesarea. And we entered into the house of Philip the Evangelist, which was one of the seven deacons, and abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there a good many days, there came a certain prophet from Jurie, named Agabus. When he was come unto us, he took Pauls girdle, and bound his hands and feet, and said: Thus saith the Holy ghost: so shall the Jewes at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
When we heard this, both we and other of the same place, besought him that he would not go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered and said: what do ye weeping and breaking mine heart? I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesu. When we could not turn his mind, we ceased, saying: the will of the Lord be fulfilled. After those days we made ourselves ready, and went up to Jerusalem. There went with us also certain of his disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple with whom we should lodge. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And on the morrow Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together. And when he had saluted them, he told by order all things, that God had wrought among the gentiles by his ministration. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand Jewes there are which believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jewes which are among the gentiles, to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee.
We have four men, which have a vow on them. Them take, and purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads and all shall know that those things which they have heard concerning thee, are nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law. For as touching the gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded, that they observe no such things: but that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from strangled and from fornication. Then the next day Paul took the men, and purified himself with them, and entered into the temple, declaring that he observed the days of the purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word. Well spake the Holy ghost by Esai the Prophet unto our fathers, saying: Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see and shall not perceive.
For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed: lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said that, the Jewes departed, and had great *despitions among themselves.
And Paul dwelt two years full in his lodging, and received all that came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concerned the Lord Jesus, with all confidence, unforbidden.
Paul the servant of Jesus Christ called to be an Apostle, put apart to preach the Gospell of God, which he promised afore by his Prophets in the holy scriptures that make mention of his son, the which was begotten of the seed of David, as pertaining to the flesh: and declared to be the son of God, with power of the Holy ghost that sanctifieth, since the time that Jesus Christ our Lord rose again from death, by whom we have received grace and Apostleship, to bring all manner heathen people unto obedience of the faith, that is in his name: of the which heathen are ye a part also, which are Jesus Christs by vocation.
To all you of Rome beloved of God and saints by calling. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
First verily I thank my God through Jesus Christ, for you all, because your faith is published throughout all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospell of his son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, beseeching that at one time or another, a prosperous journey (by the will of God) might fortune me, to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I might bestow among you some spiritual gift, to strength you with all: that is, that I might have consolation together with you, through the common faith, which both ye and I have.
Because therefore that we are justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom we have a way in through faith, unto this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the praise that shall be given of God. Neither do we so only: but also we rejoice in tribulation. For we know that tribulation bringeth patience, patience bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope. And hope maketh not ashamed for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy ghost, which is given unto us.
For when we were yet weak, according to the time: Christ died for us which were ungodly. Yet scarce will any man die for a righteous man. Peradventure for a good man durst a man die. But God setteth out his love that he hath to us, seeing that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more than now (seeing we are justified in his blood) shall we be saved from wrath, through him.
For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son: much more, seeing we are reconciled, we shall be preserved by his life. Not only so, but we also joy in God by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the atonement.
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by the means of sin. And so death went over all men, in so much that all men sinned. For even unto the time of the law was sin in the world, but sin was not regarded, as long as there was no law: nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that sinned not, with like transgression as did Adam: which is the similitude of him that is to come.
But the gift is not like as the sin. For if through the sin of one, many be dead: much more plenteous upon many was the grace of God and gift by grace: which grace was given by one man Jesus Christ.
And the gift is not over one sin, as death came through one sin of one that sinned. For damnation came of one sin unto condemnation: but the gift came to justify from many sins. For if by the sin of one, death reigned by the means of one, much more shall they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, reign in life by the means of one (that is to say) Jesus Christ.
Likewise then as by the sin of one, condemnation came on all men: even so by the justifying of one cometh the righteousness that bringeth life upon all men. For as by one mans disobedience many became sinners: so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. But the law in the meantime entered in, that sin should increase. Neverthelater where abundance of sin was, there was more plenteousness of grace. That as sin had reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by the help of Jesus Christ.
I Say the truth in Christ, and lie not, in that whereof my conscience beareth me witness in the Holy ghost that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I have wished myself to be cursed from Christ, for my brethren and my kinsmen as pertaining to the flesh, which are the Israelites. To whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the law that was given, and the service of God, and the promises: whose also are the fathers, and they of whom (as concerning the flesh) Christ came, which is God over all things blessed for ever. Amen.
Him that is weak in the faith, receive unto you, not in disputing and troubling his conscience. One believeth that he may eat all things. Another which is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not. And let not him which eateth not, judge him that eateth. For God hath received him. What art thou that judgest another mans servant? Whether he stand or fall, that pertaineth unto his master: ye, he shall stand. For God is able to make him stand.
This man putteth difference between day and day. Another man counteth all days alike. See that no man waver in his own meaning. He that observeth one day more than another, doth it for the Lords pleasure. And he that observeth not one day more than another, doth it to please the lord also. He that eateth, doth it to please the lord, for he giveth God thanks. And he that eateth not, eateth not, to please the Lord with all, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth his own servant: neither doth any of us die his own servant. If we live, we live to be at the Lords will. And if we die we die at the Lords will. Whether we live therefore or die we are the Lords. For Christ therefore died and rose again, and revived that he might be Lord both of dead and quick.
But why dost thou then judge thy brother? Other why dost thou despise thy brother? We shall all be brought before the judgement seat of Christ. For it is written: as truly as I live saith the Lord, all knees shall bow to me, and all tongues shall give a knowledge to God. So shall every one of us give accounts of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more.
But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brothers way. For I know and am full certified in the Lord Jesus that there is nothing common of itself: but unto him that judgeth it to be common: to him it is common. If thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Cause not your treasure to be evil spoken of. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink: but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy ghost. For whosoever in these things serveth Christ pleaseth well God, and is commended of men.
Let us follow those things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Destroy not the work of God for a little meats sake. All things are pure: but it is evil for that man, which eateth with hurt of his conscience. It is good neither to eat flesh, neither to drink wine, neither any thing, whereby thy brother stumbleth, either falleth, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it with thy self before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. For he that maketh conscience, is damned if he eat: because he doth it not of faith. For whatsoever is not of faith, that same is sin.
We which are strong, ought to bear the frailness of them which are weak, and not to stand in our own conceits. Let every man please his neighbor unto his wealth and edifying. For Christ pleased not himself: but as it is written. The rebukes of them which rebuked thee, fell on me. Whatsoever things are written afore time, are written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture, might have hope.
The God of patience and consolation, give unto every one of you, that ye be like minded one towards another after the example of Christ *Jesu: that ye all agreeing together, may with one mouth praise God the father of our Lord Jesus. Wherefore receive ye one another as Christ received us, to the praise of God. And I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. And let the gentiles praise God for his mercy, as it is written: For this cause I will praise thee among the gentiles, and sing in thy name. And again he saith: rejoice ye gentiles with his people. And again, praise the Lord all ye gentiles, and laud him all nations. And in another place Esaias saith: there shall be the root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the gentiles: in him shall the gentiles trust. The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing: that ye may be rich in hope through the power of the Holy ghost.
I myself am full certified of you my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness and filled with all knowledge, and are able to exhort one another. Nevertheless brethren I have somewhat boldly written unto you, as one that putteth you in remembrance, through the grace that is given me of God, that I should be the minister of *Jesu Christ among the Gentiles, and should minister the glad tidings of God, that the gentiles might be an acceptable offering sanctified by the Holy ghost. I have therefore whereof I may rejoice in Christ *Jesu, in those things which pertain to God. For I dare not speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, with word and deed, in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the spirit of God: so that from Jerusalem and the coast round about unto Illyricum, I have filled all countries with glad tidings of Christ.
That we speak of, is wisdom among them that are perfect: not the wisdom of this world, neither of the rulers of this world (which go to nought), but we speak the wisdom of God, which is in secret and lieth hid, which God ordained before the world, unto our glory: which wisdom none of the rulers of the world knew. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: The eye hath not seen, and the ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath opened them unto us by his spirit. For the spirit searcheth all things, ye the bottom of Gods secrets. For what man knoweth the things of a man: save the spirit of a man which is within him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God. And we have not received the spirit of the world: but the spirit which cometh of God, for to know the things that are given to us of God, which things also we speak, not in the cunning words of mans wisdom, but with the cunning words of the Holy ghost, making spiritual comparisons of spiritual things. For the natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God. For they are but foolishness unto him. Neither can he perceive them, because he is spiritually examined. But he that is spiritual, discusseth all things: yet he him self is judged of no man. For who knoweth the mind of the Lord, other who shall inform him? But we understand the mind of Christ.
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why rather suffer ye not wrong? why rather suffer ye not yourselves to be robbed? Nay, ye yourselves do wrong, and rob: and that the brethren. Do ye not remember how that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived. For neither fornicators, neither worshippers of images, neither whoremongers, neither weaklings, neither abusers of themselves with mankind, neither thieves, neither the covetous, neither drunkards, neither cursed speakers, neither *pillers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were ye verily: but ye are washed: ye are sanctified: ye are justified by the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God.
All things are lawful unto me: but all things are not profitable. I may do all things: but I will be brought under no mans power. Meats are ordained for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Let not the body be applied unto fornication, but unto the Lord, and the Lord unto the body. God hath raised up the Lord, and shall raise us up by his power.
Either remember ye not, that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I now take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Do ye not understand that he which coupleth himself with an harlot, is become one body? For two (saith he) shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord, is one spirit.
Flee fornication. All sins that a man doth, are without the body. But he that is a fornicator, sinneth against his own body. Either know ye not how that your bodies are the temple of the Holy ghost, which is in you, whom ye have of God, and how that ye are not your own? For ye are dearly bought. Therefore glorify ye God in your bodies and in your spirits, for they are Gods.
*pillers: those that charge others excessively, as to pillage the people, what ever the market will bear.
In spiritual things brethren I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were gentiles, and went your ways unto dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I declare unto you that no man speaking in the spirit of God, defieth Jesus. Also no man can say that Jesus is the Lord: but by the Holy ghost. There are diversities of gifts verily, yet but one spirit. And there are differences of administrations, and yet but one Lord. And there are diverse manners of operations, and yet but one God which worketh all things that are wrought, in all creatures. The gifts of the spirit are given to every man, to profit the congregation. To one is given through the spirit the utterance of wisdom: To another is given the utterance of knowledge by the same spirit. To another is given faith, by the same spirit. To another the gifts of healing by the same spirit. To another power to do miracles. To another prophecy. To another judgement of spirits. To another diverse tongues. To another the interpretation of tongues. And these all worketh even the self same spirit, dividing to every man several gifts, even as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of one body though they be many, yet are but one body: even so is Christ. For in one spirit are we all baptised to make one body, whether we be Jewes or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have all drunk of one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot say: I am not the hand, therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? And if the ear say, I am not the eye: therefore I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where were then the ear? If all were hearing. where were the smelling? But now hath God disposed the members every one of them in the body, at his own pleasure. If they were all one member: where were the body? Now are there many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor the head also to the feet, I have no need of you. Yee rather a great deal those members of the body which seem to be most feeble, are most necessary. And upon those members of that body which we think least honest, put we most honesty on. And our ungodly parts have most beauty on. For our honest members need it not. But God hath so disposed the body, and hath given most honour to that part which lacked, lest there should be any strife in the body: but that the members should indifferently care one for another. And if one member suffer, all suffer with him: if one member be had in honour, all members be glad also.
Ye are the body of Christ, and members one of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles: after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers? Are all doers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith: I have heard thee in a time accepted: and in the day of salvation, have I succoured thee. Behold, now is that well accepted time: behold now is the day of salvation. Let us give no man occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all things let us behave our selves as the ministers of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in stripes, in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watching, in fasting, in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy ghost, in love unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of righteousness of the right hand and on the left, in honour and dishonour, in evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true, as unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold we yet live: as chastened, and not killed: as sorrowing, and yet always merry: as poor, and yet make many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Prove yourselves whether ye are in the faith or not. Examine your own selves: know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be castaways? I trust that ye shall know that we are not castaways. I desire before God that ye do none evil, not that we should seem commendable: but that ye should do that which is honest: and let us be counted as lewd persons. We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. We are glad when we are weak, and ye strong. This also we wish for, even that ye were perfect. Therefore write I these things being absent, lest when I am present, I should use sharpness according to the power which the Lord hath given me, to edify, and not to destroy. Finally brethren fare ye well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace, shall be with you. Greet one another in an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy ghost be with you all. Amen
We give God thanks all way for you all making mention of you in our prayers with out ceasing, and call to remembrance your work in the faith, and labour in love and perseverance in the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God our father: because we know brethren beloved of God how that ye are elect. For our Gospell came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and also in the Holy ghost and in much certainty, as ye know after what manner we behaved ourselves among you, for your sakes. And ye became followers of us and of the Lord, and received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy ghost: so that ye were an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith also which ye have unto God, spread herself abroad in all quarters, so greatly that it needeth not us to speak anything at all. For they them selves show of you what manner of entering in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from images, for to serve the living and true God, and for to look for his son from heaven, whom he raised from death: I mean Jesus which delivereth us from wrath to come.
Warn them that they submit themselves to rule and power, to obey the officers, that they be ready unto all good works, that they speak evil of no man, that they be no fighters, but soft, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were in times past, unwise: disobedient, deceived, in danger to lusts, and to diverse manners of *voluptuousness, living in maliciousness and envy, full of hate, hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of our saviour God to man ward appeared, not of the deeds of righteousness which we wrought but of his mercy he saved us, by the fountain of the new birth, and with the renewing of the Holy ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our saviour, that we once justified by his grace, should be heirs of eternal life, through hope.
This is a true saying.
Blessed be God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which through his abundant mercy begat us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death, to enjoy an inheritance immortal and undefiled, and that perisheth not, reserved in heaven for you, which are kept by the power of God through faith, unto salvation, which salvation is prepared all ready to be showed in the last time, in the which time ye shall rejoice, though now for a season (if need require) ye are in heaviness, through many fold temptations, that your faith once tried, being much more precious than gold that perisheth (though it be tried with fire) might be found unto *laud, glory, and honour, at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom ye have not seen and yet love him, in whom even now, though ye see him not, ye yet believe: and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious: receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Of which salvation have the Prophets enquired and searched, which prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching when or at what time the spirit of Christ which was in them, should signify, which spirit testified before, the passions that should come unto Christ, and the glory that should follow after: unto which Prophets it was declared that not unto themselves, but unto us, they should minister the things which are now showed unto you of them which by the Holy ghost sent down from heaven have preached unto you the things which the angels desire to behold.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your minds, be sober, and trust perfectly on the grace that is brought unto you, by the declaring of Jesus Christ, as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves unto your old lusts of ignorance: but as he which called you is holy even so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, because it is written. Be ye holy, for I am holy.
And if so be that ye call on the father which without respect of person judgeth according to every mans works, see that ye pass the time of your pilgrimage in fear. For as much as ye know how that ye were not redeemed with corruptible silver and gold from your vain conversation which ye received by the traditions of the fathers: but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot, which was ordained before the world was made: but was declared in the last times for your sakes, which by his means have believed on God that raised him from death, and glorified him, that your faith and hope might be in God.
And for as much as ye have purified your souls through the spirit, in obeying the truth for to love brotherly without *feigning, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: for ye are born a new, not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God which liveth and lasteth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth away, but the word of the Lord endureth ever. And this is the word which by the Gospell was preached among you.
*laud (praise, worship), *feigning (pretending)
For we followed not deceivable fables when we opened unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but with our eyes we saw his majesty: even then verily when he received of God the father honour and glory, and when there came such a voice to him from that excellent glory. This is my dear beloved son, in whom I have delight. This voice we heard when it came from heaven, being with him in the holy mount.
We have also a right sure word of prophecy whereunto if ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, ye do well, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts. So that ye first know this: That, that no prophecy in the scripture hath any private interpretation. For the scripture came never by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy ghost.
*mete (worthy)Babes I write unto you how that your sins are forgiven you for his names sake. I write unto you fathers, how that ye have known him that was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, how that ye have overcome the wicked. I write unto you little children, how that ye have known the father. I write unto you fathers, how that ye have known him that was from the beginning. I write unto you young men, how that ye are strong: and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome that wicked.
See that ye love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world (as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of goods) is not of the father, but of the world. And the world vanisheth away and the lust there of: but he that fulfilleth the will of God, abideth ever.
Little children it is the last time, and as ye have heard how the Antichrist shall come even now are there many Antichrists come already. Whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt, have continued with us. But that fortuned that it might appear, that they were not of us.
And ye have an ointment of the Holy ghost, and ye know all things. I wrote not unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as though ye knew it, and know also that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is Christ? The same is the Antichrist that denieth the father and the son. Whosoever denieth the son, the same hath not the father. Let therefore abide in you that same which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning, shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the son, and in the father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
This have I written unto you, concerning them that deceive you. And the anointing which ye have received of him, dwelleth in you. And ye need not that any man teach you: but as the annointing teacheth you all things, and is true, and is no lie, and as it taught you, even so bide therein. And now babes abide in him that when he shall appear, we may be bold and not be made ashamed of him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, know also that he which followeth righteousness, is born of him.
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is Christ, is born of God. And every one that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him. In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. This is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. For all that is born of God, overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcometh the world: but he which believeth that Jesus is the son of God.
This Jesus Christ is he that came by water and blood, not by water only: but by water and blood. And it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the spirit is truth. *(For there are three which bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the Holy ghost. And these three are one). For there are three which bear record *(in earth:) the spirit, and water, and blood: and these three are one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the witness of God, which he testified of his son. He that believeth on the son of God, hath the witness in him self. He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believed not the record that God gave of his son. And this is that record, how that God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He that hath the son, hath life: and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the son of God that ye may know how that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the son of God. And this is the trust that we have in him: that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask, we know that we shall have the petitions that we desire of him.
If any man see his brother sin a sin that is not unto death, let him ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death, for which say I not that a man should pray. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not unto death.
We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked toucheth him not. We know that we are of God, and that the world is all together set on wickedness. We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us a mind to know him which is true: and we are in him that is true, through his son Jesus Christ. This same is very God, and eternal life. Babes keep yourselves from images. Amen.
*the text above was found in very small type case in the original text.: *(For there are three which bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the Holy ghost. And these three are one) and (in earth:)
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is Christ, is born of God. And every one that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him. In this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. This is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. For all that is born of God, overcometh the world. And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcometh the world: but he which believeth that Jesus is the son of God.
This Jesus Christ is he that came by water and blood, not by water only: but by water and blood. And it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the spirit is truth. *(For there are three which bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the Holy ghost. And these three are one). For there are three which bear record *(in earth:) the spirit, and water, and blood: and these three are one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the witness of God, which he testified of his son. He that believeth on the son of God, hath the witness in him self. He that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believed not the record that God gave of his son. And this is that record, how that God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He that hath the son, hath life: and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life.
*the text above was found in very small type case in the original text.: *(For there are three which bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the Holy ghost. And these three are one) and (in earth:)
Chapter 2
Wherefore we ought to give the more heed to the things we have heard lest we perish. For if the word which was spoken by angels was steadfast: so that every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense to reward how shall we escape, if we despise so great salvation, which at the first began to be preached of the Lord himself, and afterward was confirmed unto us ward, by them that heard it, God bearing witness thereto, both with signs and wonders also, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy ghost according to his own will.
Therefore holy brethren, partakers of the celestial callings consider the ambassador and high priest of our profession Christ Jesus, which was faithful to him that made him, even as was Moses in all his house. And yet was this man counted worthy of more glory than Moses: In as much as he which hath prepared the house, hath most honour in the house. Every house is prepared of some man. But he that ordained all things, is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a minister, to bear witness of those things which should be spoken afterward. But Christ as a son, hath rule over the house, whose house are we, so that we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of that hope, unto the end.
Wherefore as the *Holy ghost saith: today if ye shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, after the rebellion in the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years long. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation and said: They *erre ever in their hearts: they verily have not known my ways so that I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest. Take heed brethren that there be in none of you an evil heart in unbelief, that he should depart from the living God: but exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you wax hard hearted through the deceitfulness of sin.
We are partakers of Christ if we keep sure unto the end the first substance, so long as it is said: today if ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as when ye rebelled. For some, when they heard, rebelled: how be it not all that came out of Egypt under Moses. But with whom was he displeased forty years? Was he not displeased with them that sinned whose carcasses were overthrown in the desert? To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest: but unto them that believed not? And we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief.
*Holy ghost saith: aka: spirit of truth. *erre (error) then is plain; against the very truth and verity (realness) of God and Christ.
Chapter 6
Therefore let us love the doctrine pertaining to the beginning of a Christian man, and let us go unto perfection, and now no more lay the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of baptism, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death, and of eternal judgement. And so will we do, if God permit. For it is not possible that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the Holy ghost, and have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come: if they fall, should be renewed again unto repentance: for as much as they have (as concerning them selves) crucified the son of God afresh, making a mock of him.
For that earth which drinketh in the rain which cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs *meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God. But that ground which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned.
Nevertheless dear friends, we trust to see better of you and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love showed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister. Yee, and we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the establishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but follow them, which through faith and patience inherit the promises.
That, that first tabernacle verily had ordinances, and servings of God, and worldly holiness. For there was a fore tabernacle made, wherein was the candlestick and the table, and the show bread, which is called holy. But within the second veil was there a tabernacle, which is called holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the testament overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot with Manna, and Aarons rod that sprung and the tables of the testament. Over the ark were the cherubims of glory shadowing the seat of grace. Of which things, we will not now speak particularly.
When these things were thus ordained, the Priests went all ways into the first tabernacle and executed the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone, once every year: and not without blood, which he offered for him self, and for the ignorance of the people. Wherewith the Holy ghost this signifying that the way of holy things, was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. Which was a similitude for the time then present, and in which were offered gifts and sacrifices that could not make them that minister perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, with only meats and drinks, and diverse washings and justifyings of the flesh, which were ordained until the time of reformation.
But Christ being an high priest of good things to come, came by a greater and a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands: that is to say, not of this manner building, neither by the blood of goats and calves: but by his own blood he entered once for all into the holy place, and found eternal redemption. For if the blood of oxen and of goats and the ashes of an heifer, when it was sprinkled, purified the unclean, as touching the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ (which through the eternal spirit, offered him self without spot to God) purge your consciences from dead works for to serve the living God?
And every priest is ready daily ministering, and often times offereth one manner of offering which can never take away sins. But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, sat him down for ever on the right hand of God, and from henceforth tarrieth till his foes be made his footstool. For with one offering hath he made perfect for ever them that are sanctified. And the Holy ghost also beareth us record of this, even when he told before: This is the testament that I will make unto them: after those days saith the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and in their mind I will write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. And where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for sin.
Seeing brethren that by the means of the blood of Jesu, we may be bold to enter into that holy place, by the new and living way which he hath prepared for us, through the veil, that is to say, by his flesh. And seeing also that we have an high priest which is ruler over the house of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in a full faith, sprinkled in our hearts from an evil conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure water: and let us keep the profession of our hope, without wavering (for he is faithful that promised) and let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works: and let us not forsake the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is: but let us exhort one another, and that so much the more, because ye see that the day draweth nigh.
For if we sin willingly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins but a fearful looking for judgment, and violent fire, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despiseth Moses law, dieth without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be counted worthy, which treadeth under foot the son of God: and counteth the blood of the testament as an unholy thing wherewith he was sanctified, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. For we know him that hath said: vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense saith the Lord. And again: the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Call to remembrance the days that are passed, in the which after ye had received light, ye endured a great fight in adversities, partly while all men wondered and gazed at you for the shame and tribulation that was done unto you, and partly while ye became companions of them which so passed their time. For ye suffered also with my bonds, and took in worth the spoiling of your Goods, and that with gladness: knowing in your selves how that ye had in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great reward to recompense. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a very little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. But the just shall live by faith. And if he withdraw himself my soul shall have no pleasure in him. We are not which withdraw our selves unto damnation, but pertain to faith, to the winning of the soul.
*Jesu: Hebrew for Jesus.
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, whose mouths speak proud things. They have men in great reverence because of advantage. But ye beloved, remember the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, how that they told you that there should be beguilers in the last time which should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These are makers of sects, fleshly, having no spirit.
But ye dearly beloved, edify your selves in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life. And have compassion on some, separating them: and other save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, and hate the filthy vesture of the flesh.
Unto him that is able to keep you, that ye fall not, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with joy, that is to say, to God our saviour which only is wise, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, now and for ever. Amen.
and a similitude came back to remembrance ...
"There is a sin unto death and there is sin not unto death."
"God have mercy accept speaking against the holy ghost... "
"The holy ghost The holy spirit and itchy ears."
"God and Jesus and the spirit of truth IN YOU. "
"imagination and thoughts of his heart was only evil continually...
"the spirit of truth and ...the two women"
"The Beast and the holy ghost ....
holy spirit of God ...purest truth ...destroying the teachings ...and institutions of man...
Holy spirit of God working from the center out
"There is a sin unto death and there is sin not unto death."