# verses

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And Jesus said, "For judgment I am come into this world, that they that see not might see, and that they that see might be made blind." 


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And some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said unto Him, "Are we blind also?" 


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Jesus said unto them, "If you were blind, you should have no sin; but now you say, `We see.' Therefore your sin remaines." 


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Jesus the True Shepherd<br/>"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 


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


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And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 


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And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers." 


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This parable Jesus spoke unto them, but they understood not what things they were which He spoke unto them. 


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Jesus the Good Shepherd<br/>Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 


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I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 


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The thief comes  not but to steal and to kill and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 


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But he that is a hireling and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, see the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep. 


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


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No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received from My Father." 


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Others said, "These are not the words of him that has a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?" 


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The Shepherd Knows His Sheep<br/>And it was at Jerusalem the Feast of the Dedication, and it was winter. 


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Then came the Jews round about Him and said unto Him, "How long dost you make us to doubt? If you be the Christ, tell us plainly." 


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Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you believed not. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 


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And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. 


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My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. 


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


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The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we stone you not, but for blasphemy and because you, being a man, makest yourself God ." 


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


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But if I do, though you believe not Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him." 


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The Believers Beyond Jordan<br/>and He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John had first baptized; and there He abode.


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And many resorted unto Him and said that John did no miracle, but all things that John spoke of this Man were true. 


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The Death of Lazarus<br/>Now a certain man was sick named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 


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<n>(It was that Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)</n> 


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When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." 


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When He heard therefore that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two days still in the same place where He was. 


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His disciples said unto Him, "Master, the Jews of late sought to stone You, and are You going there again?" 


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Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day he stumbles not, because he see the light of this world. 


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These things said He, and after that He said unto them, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awaken him out of sleep." 


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However Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He had spoken of the taking of rest in sleep. 


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And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go unto him." 


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Then Thomas, who was called Didymus, said unto his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." 


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I Am the Resurrection and the Life<br/>Then when Jesus came, He found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 


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Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him; but Mary sat still in the house. 


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Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection and the Life. He that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; 


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She said unto Him, "Yea, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into the world." 


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Jesus and Death <n>(the Last Enemy)</n><br/>And when she had so said, she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, "The Master has come, and calls for you." 


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The Jews then, who were with her in the house and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, "She goes unto the grave to weep there." 


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Then when Mary had come where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, "Lord, if You hadst been here, my brother would not have died." 


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When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled, 


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And some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?" 


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Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead<br/>Jesus therefore again, groaning in Himself, came to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 


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Jesus said, "Take you away the stone." Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said unto Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." 


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Jesus said unto her, "Said I not unto you that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God ?" 


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


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And I knew that You heartst Me always, but because of the people who stand by I said it, that they may believe that You have sent Me." 


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And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said unto them, "Loose him, and let him go." 


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The Plot to Kill Jesus<br/>Then many of the Jews who came to Mary and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed in Him. 


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Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council and said, "What shall we do? For this man does many miracles. 


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If we let him thus alone, all men will believe in him, and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation." 


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And one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, "You know nothing at all, 


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


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And he spoke this not of himself, but, being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 


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


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Jesus therefore walked no longer openly among the Jews, but went thence unto a region near the wilderness into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with His disciples. 


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And the Jews' Passover was nigh at hand, and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 


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Then they sought for Jesus and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, saying, "What think you -- that he will not come to the feast?" 


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Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command that if any man knew where He was, he should report it, that they might take Him. 


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The Anointing at Bethany<br/>Then Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, who had been dead and whom He had raised from the dead. 


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There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 


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Then Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. 


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This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money bag and took what was put therein. 


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The Plot to Kill Lazarus<br/>Many people of the Jews therefore knew that He was there. And they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom He had raised from the dead. 


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Jesus Rides into Jerusalem <n>(Triumphal Entry)</n><br/>On the next day many people who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 


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took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him and cried, "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that comes  in the name of the Lord!" 


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These things His disciples understood not at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him. 


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The people therefore who were with Him, when He called Lazarus out of his grave and raised him from the dead, bore record. 


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The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "Perceive you how you prevail not at all? Behold, the world has gone after him!" 


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The Fruitful Grain of Wheat<br/>And there were certain Greeks among them, who came up to worship at the feast. 


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They came therefore to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we would see Jesus." 


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Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone; but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. 


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


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


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Jesus Predicts His Death on the Cross<br/>"Now is My soul troubled, and what shall I say? `Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this cause came I unto this hour. 


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Father, glorify Your name." Then there came a voice from Heaven, saying, "I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN." 


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The people therefore who stood by and heard it said that it thundered. Others said, "An angel spoke to him." 


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The people answered Him, "We have heard from the law that Christ abides for ever; and how sayest you, `The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this son of man?" 


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Then Jesus said unto them, "Yet a little while is the Light with you. Walk while you have the Light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes. 


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While you have Light, believe in the Light, that you may be the children of Light." These things spoke Jesus, and departed and hid Himself from them. 


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Who Has Believed Our Report?<br/>But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not in Him, 


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that the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" 


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"He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." 


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Walk in the Light<br/>Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also, many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 


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And if any man hear My words and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 


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He that rejects Me and receives not My words, has One that judges him; the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the Last Day. 


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For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father who sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. 


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And I know that His commandment is life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto Me, so I speak." 


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Disciples Must Be Servants<br/>Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end. 


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And supper being ended, and the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, 


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


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Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet<br/>rose from supper and laid aside His garments, and took a towel and girded Himself. 


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After that He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. 


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Peter said unto Him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I wash you not, you have no part with Me." 


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Jesus said to him, "He that is washed  needs not but to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. And you are clean, but not all." 


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So after He had washed their feet and had taken His garments and had sat down again, He said unto them, "Know you what I have done to you? 


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Verily, verily I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 


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Jesus Identifies His Betrayer<br/>"I speak not of you all. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, `He that eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.' 


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Verily, verily I say unto you, he that receives whomsoever I send, receives Me; and he that receives Me, receives Him that sent Me." 


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When Jesus had thus said, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Verily, verily I say unto you that one of you shall betray Me." 


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Jesus answered, "He it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it." And when He had dipped the sop, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 


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For some of them thought, because Judas had the money bag, that Jesus had said unto him, "Buy those things that we have need of for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 


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The New Commandment<br/>Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 


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If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall straightway glorify Him. 


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Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, `where I go you cannot come,' so now say I to you. 


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A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 


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Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial<br/>Simon Peter said unto Him, "Lord, where go you?" Jesus answered him, "Where I go you cannot not follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterwards." 


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Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto you, the cock shall not crow till you have denied Me three times." 


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Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life<br/>"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. 


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


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


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Jesus said unto him, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes  unto the Father, but by Me. 


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The Father Revealed<br/>If you had known Me, you should have known My Father also; and from henceforth you know Him, and have seen Him." 


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


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Believest you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself; but the Father that dwells in Me, He does the works. 


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Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the very works' sake. 


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The Answered Prayer<br/>Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto My Father. 


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And whatsoever you shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 


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And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever" 


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even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it see Him not, neither knows Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. 


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Indwelling of the Father and the Son<br/>Yet a little while and the world see Me no more, but you see Me. Because I live, you shall live also. 


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


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Judas <n>(not Iscariot)</n> said unto Him, "Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself unto us, and not unto the world?" 


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Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him and make Our abode with him. 


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He that loves Me not, keeps not My sayings. And the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me. 


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But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 


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


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You have heard how I said unto you, `I go away and come again unto you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, `I go unto the Father,' for My Father is greater than I. 


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"Hereafter I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world cometh, and has nothing in Me. 


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But that the world may know that I love the Father, as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." 


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Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He  purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 


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"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, no more can you, unless you abide in Me. 


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"I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in Him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. 


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If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch and is withered; and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 


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If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. 


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Love and Joy Perfected<br/>"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Continue you in My love. 


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


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These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 


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Henceforth I call you not servants, for the servant knows not what his lord does; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard of My Father, I have made known unto you. 


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You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to you. 


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If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 


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Remember the word that I said unto you: `The servant is not greater than his lord.' If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. 


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


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If I had not come and spoken unto them, they would not have sin, but now they have no cloak for their sin. 


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


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The Coming Rejection<br/>But this comes  to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law: `They hated Me without a cause.' 


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"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me. 


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Jesus Warns and Comforts His Disciples<br/>"These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not lose faith. 


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They shall put you out of the synagogues; yea, the time comes  that whosoever kills you will think that he does God service. 


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But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. "And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 


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The Work of the Holy Spirit<br/>But now I go My way to Him that sent Me, and none of you asks Me, `where go Thou?' 


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Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 


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And when He is come, He will reprove the world concerning sin, and concerning righteousness, and concerning judgment: 


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However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak from Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. 


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All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you. 


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Sorrow Will Turn to Joy<br/>A little while, and you shall not see Me; and again a little while, and you shall see Me, because I go to the Father." 


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Then said some of His disciples among themselves, "What is this that He says unto us, `A little while, and you shall not see Me; and again a little while, and you shall see Me,' and, `because I go to the Father'?" 


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Now Jesus knew that they were desirous of asking Him, and said unto them, "Do you inquire among yourselves of what I said, `A little while, and you shall not see Me; and again a little while, and you shall see Me'? 


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Verily, verily I say unto you that you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 


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A woman when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour is come; but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she  remembers no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. 


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And you now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you. 


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And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily I say unto you, whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you. 


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Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World<br/>"These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs; but the time comes  when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. 


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


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I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father." 


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Now are we sure that You know all things and need not that any man should ask You. By this we believe that You camest forth from God ." 


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Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 


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These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." 


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Jesus Prays for Himself<br/>These words spoke Jesus and lifted up His eyes to Heaven and said, "Father, the hour is come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 


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as You have given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 


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


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And now, O Father, glorify You Me with Your own Self with the glory which I had with You before the world was. 


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"I have manifested Your name unto the men whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your Word. 


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For I have given unto them the Words which You gave Me; and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from You, and they have believed that You did send Me. 


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I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them whom You have given Me, for they are Thine. 


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And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your own name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one, as We are. 


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While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those that You gave Me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 


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"And now come I to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 


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I have given them Your Word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 


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I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil. 


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Jesus Prays <n>(to God)</n> for His Disciples<br/>They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 


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Jesus Prays for All Believers<br/>"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe in Me through their word, 


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


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I in them and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them, as You have loved Me. 


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"Father, I will that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 


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"O righteous Father, the world has not known You, but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent Me. 


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And I have declared unto them Your name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them." 


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The Betrayal, Arrest <n>(in Gethsemane)</n>, and Trial of Jesus<br/>When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where was a garden into which He entered with His disciples. 


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And Judas also, who betrayed Him, knew the place, for Jesus oftentimes resorted thither with His disciples. 


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Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 


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Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth and said unto them, "Whom do you seek?" 


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They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said unto them, "I am He." And Judas also, who betrayed Him, stood with them. 


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


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Then said Jesus unto Peter, "Put up your sword into the sheath. The cup which My Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" 


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Before the High Priest<br/>Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus and bound Him, 


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


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Now it was Caiaphas who gave counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.


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Peter Denies Jesus<br/>And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. That disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 


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


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Then the damsel who kept the door said unto Peter, "Are not you also one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not." 


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And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals, for it was cold and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. 


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Jesus Questioned by the High Priest<br/>The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and about His doctrine.


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Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple where the Jews always resort, and in secret have I said nothing. 


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Why askest you Me? Ask them that heard Me what I have said unto them. Behold, they know what I said." 


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And when He had thus spoken, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, "Answerest you the high priest so?" 


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Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest you Me?" 


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Peter Denies Twice More<br/>And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, "Are not you also one of his disciples?" He denied it and said, "I am not." 


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


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In Pilate's Court<br/>Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment. And it was early, and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 


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They answered and said unto him, "If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto you." 


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Then said Pilate unto them, "Take you him and judge him according to your law." The Jews therefore said unto him, "It is not lawful for us to put any man to death," 


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Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus and said unto Him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 


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


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Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews. But now is My Kingdom not from here." 


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Pilate therefore said unto Him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth hears My voice." 


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Pilate said unto Him, "What is truth?" And when he said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and said unto them, "I find in him no fault at all. 


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Taking the Place of Barabbas<br/>But you have a custom that I should release unto you one at the Passover. Will you therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?" 


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And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe 


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Pilate therefore went forth again and said unto them, "Behold, I bring him forth to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him." 


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Pilate's Decision <br/>Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said unto them, "Behold the man!" 


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When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate said unto them, "You take him and crucify him, for I find no fault in him." 


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The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God ." 


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And he went again into the judgment hall and said unto Jesus, "From where are you?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 


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Then said Pilate unto Him, "Speakest you not unto me? Know you not that I have power to crucify you, and have power to release you?" 


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Jesus answered, "You couldest have no power at all against Me, unless it were given you from above. Therefore he that delivered Me unto you has the greater sin." 


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And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend. Whosoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar." 


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When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 


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And it was the Preparation of the Passover and about the sixth hour, and Pilate said unto the Jews, "Behold your king!" 


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But they cried out, "Away with him, away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate said unto them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!" 


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The King on a Cross <n>(Crucifixion)</n><br/>And He, bearing His cross, went forth into a place called the Place of a Skull <n>(which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha)</n> 


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And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.


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Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city, and it was written in Hebrew and Greek and Latin. 


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Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, "Write not `The King of the Jews,' but, `He said, I am King of the Jews.'" 


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Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part, and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 


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They said therefore among themselves, "Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says, "They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture did they cast lots." These things therefore the soldiers did. 


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


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When Jesus therefore saw His mother and the disciple standing by whom He loved, He said unto His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 


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Then said He to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour, that disciple took her unto his own home. 


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It Is Finished<br/>After this Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst." 


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Now there was set there a vessel full of vinegar; and they filled a sponge with vinegar and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 


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When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, "It is finished." And He bowed His head and gave up the ghost. 


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Jesus' Side Is Pierced<br/>The Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, and so that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day <n>(for that Sabbath day was a high day)</n>, besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 


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but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith there came out blood and water. 


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And he that saw it bore record, and his record is true, and he knows that he says truly, that you might believe. 


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For these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled: "A bone of Him shall not be broken." 


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Jesus Buried in Joseph's Tomb<br/>And after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore and took the body of Jesus. 


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


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Then took they the body of Jesus and wound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the manner of the Jews for burial. 


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Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulcher wherein was never man yet laid. 


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There they laid Jesus therefore because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the sepulcher was nigh at hand. 


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The Empty Tomb<br/>On the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher and saw the stone taken away from the sepulcher. 


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Then she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said unto them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid Him!" 


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Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher and saw the linen cloths as they lay 


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and the napkin that had been about His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 


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Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord <n>(Christ)</n><br/>But Mary stood outside at the sepulcher weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the sepulcher, 


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


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And they said unto her, "Woman, why do you weep?" She said unto them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." 


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And when she had thus said, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 


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Jesus said unto her, "Woman, why do you weep? Whom do you seek?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said unto Him, "Sir, if you have borne Him hence, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." 


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Jesus said unto her, "Mary!" She turned herself and said unto Him, "Rabboni!" <n>(which is to say, "Master")</n>. 


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Jesus said unto her, "Touch Me not, for I am not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say unto them, `I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God .'" 


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Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things unto her. 


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The Apostles Commissioned<br/>Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in their midst and said unto them, "Peace be unto you." 


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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. 


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Whosoever sins you remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever sins you retain, they are retained." 


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Seeing and Believing<br/>The other disciples therefore said unto him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said unto them, "Unless I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe." 


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And after eight days the disciples were again within, and Thomas was with them. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be unto you." 


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Then said He to Thomas, "Reach hither your finger and behold My hands, and reach hither your hand and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing." 


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Jesus said unto him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed." 


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That You May Believe<br/>And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 


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But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you might have life through His name. 


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Breakfast by the Sea<br/>After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way showed He Himself: 


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There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. 


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Simon Peter said unto them, "I am going fishing." They said unto him, "We also go with you." They went forth and entered into a boat immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 


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But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 


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Then Jesus said unto them, "Children, have you any meat <n>(fish)</n>?" And they answered Him, "No." 


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And He said unto them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you shall find." They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it in for the multitude of fishes. 


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Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said unto Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girded his fisher's coat unto him <n>(for he was naked)</n> and cast himself into the sea. 


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And the other disciples came in a little boat <n>(for they were not far from land, but, as it were, two hundred cubits)</n>, dragging the net with fishes. 


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As soon then as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon and bread. 


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Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty three; and though there were so many, yet the net was not broken. 


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Jesus said unto them, "Come and dine." And none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord. 


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This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was risen from the dead.


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Jesus Restores Peter<br/>So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, love you Me more than these?" He said unto Him, "Yea, Lord; You know that I love You." He said unto him, "Feed My lambs." 


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He said to him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, love you Me?" He said unto Him, "Yea, Lord; You know that I love You." He said unto him, "Feed <n>(Tend)</n> My sheep." 


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He said unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, love you Me?" Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, "Lovest you Me?" And he said unto Him, "Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You." Jesus said unto him, "Feed My sheep. 


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Verily, verily I say unto you, when you wast young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you shall be old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you and carry you where you would not." 


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This spoke He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said unto him, "Follow Me." 


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The Beloved Disciple and His Book<br/>Then Peter, turning about, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at supper, and said, "Lord, who is he that betrays You?" 


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Then this saying went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. Yet Jesus had not said unto him, "He shall not die," but, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you?" 


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


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And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. 


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Prologue; Jesus Ascends to Heaven<br/>In the former  treatise, O Theophilus , I have given an account of  all that Jesus began both to do and teach 


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


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To these also He showed  Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen by them forty  days, and speaking  of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God . 


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The Holy Spirit Promised<br/>And being assembled <n>(eating)</n> together  with them, He commanded  them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise  of the Father, "which," says He, "you have heard from Me; 


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


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When they therefore had come together, they asked of Him, saying, "Lord , will You at this time restore  again the kingdom to Israel?" 


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


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But you shall  receive power  after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you  shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria , and unto  the uttermost part of the earth." 


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Jesus Ascends to Heaven<br/>And when  He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud  received Him out of their sight. 


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And while  they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two  men stood by them in white apparel, 


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who also said, "You men  of Galilee, why  stand you gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall  so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven." 


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The Upper Room Prayer Meeting<br/>Then they returned unto Jerusalem from  the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath  day's journey. 


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And when they had come in, they went up into an  upper room where abode both Peter  and James, and John and Andrew, Philip  and Thomas , Bartholomew and Matthew , James  the son of Alphaeus  and Simon  the Zealot, and Judas  the brother of James. 


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These all  continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the  women and Mary  the mother of Jesus, and with His  brethren. 


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Matthias Chosen<br/>And in those days Peter  stood up in the midst of the disciples <n>(the number of names altogether were about a  hundred and twenty)</n> and said, 


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"Men  and brethren, it was necessary that this  Scripture be fulfilled, which the  Holy Spirit by the mouth of David spoke  before concerning Judas, who was the guide to those who took Jesus. 


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Now this  man purchased a field with  the reward of iniquity; and falling  headlong, he burst asunder in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out. 


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And it  was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem, insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Akel Dama , that is to say, the Field of Blood. 


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For it is written in  the book of Psalms: `Let his  habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein'; and, `His  office let another take.' 


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


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beginning  from the baptism of John until  that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness  with us of His resurrection." 


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And they  prayed and said, "You, Lord , who know the hearts of all men, show us which of these two You have chosen, 


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that he may  take part of this ministry and apostleship from  which Judas by  transgression fell, that he might go  to his own place." 


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


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


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And suddenly  there came a sound from heaven as  of a rushing mighty wind, and it  filled all the house where they were sitting. 


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And there appeared unto them cloven  tongues like  <n>(as)</n> of fire, and it sat  upon each of them. 


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


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The Crowd's Response<br/>And there were  dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout  men out of every nation under  heaven. 


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Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude  came together and were confounded  <n>(troubled in mind)</n>, because every man heard them speaking in his own language. 


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And they were all amazed  and marveled, saying one to another, "Behold, are  not all these who speak Galileans? 


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Parthians, Medes , Elamites  and the dwellers in Mesopotamia , and in Judea and Cappadocia , Pontus  and Asia , 


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Phrygia  and Pamphylia , in Egypt  and in the parts of Libya  about Cyrene , and strangers  from Rome, both Jews  and proselytes, 


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Peter's Sermon<br/>But Peter, standing up with  the eleven, lifted  up his voice and said unto them, "You men  of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken  <n>(listen)</n> to my words. 


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`And it shall come to pass in  the last days, says God, I will  pour out My Spirit upon all  flesh; and your sons  and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 


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And on My servants  and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those days My Spirit, and they  shall prophesy. 


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And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath -- blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 


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The sun  shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before that great  and notable <n>(awesome)</n> Day of the Lord come. 


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"You men  of Israel, hear these words: Jesus  of Nazareth, a Man  approved of God among you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which  God did through Him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know -- 


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Him, being  delivered by the determinate will and foreknowledge of God, you have  taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. 


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But God  has raised Him up, having loosed  the pains of death, because  it was not possible that He should be held by it. 


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For David  speaks concerning Him: `I beheld  <n>(foresaw)</n> the Lord always before my face, for  He is on my right hand, that I should not  be moved. 


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Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue  was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope, 


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because You will not leave  my soul in hell, neither will You suffer Your  Holy One to see  corruption. 


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"Men and brethren, let me freely  speak unto you of the patriarch  David , that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. 


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Therefore, being  a prophet and knowing  that God had sworn with an oath to him that from the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh He  would raise up Christ to sit on his throne, 


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David, foreseeing  this, spoke  concerning the resurrection of Christ that `His soul was not left in hell, neither did His flesh see corruption.' 


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Therefore, being exalted by  the right hand of God, and having  received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He  has shed forth this which you now see and hear. 


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For David is not ascended into the heavens, but he himself says, `The LORD  said unto my Lord, "Sit You on My right hand 


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


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Now when they  heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men  and brethren, what  shall we do?" 


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Then Peter said unto them, "Repent  and be  baptized, everyone of you, in  the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you  shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit . 


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For the promise  is unto you, and to your children, and to all  who are afar off, even as many  as the Lord our God shall call." 


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A Vital Church Grows<br/>And with  many other words did  he testify and exhort, saying, "Save  yourselves from this untoward  generation." 


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Then those who gladly  received his words were baptized , and that same day there were added  unto them about three thousand souls. 


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And they  continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship , and in the breaking  of bread and in prayers . 


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and they sold  their possessions and goods and parted <n>(divided)</n> them among all men, as every man had need. 


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And continuing daily  with one accord in the temple, and breaking  bread from house to house, they ate  their meat with gladness and singleness  of heart, 


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praising God and having  favor with all the people. And the Lord  added to the church daily such as should be saved.


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A Lame Man Healed<br/>Now Peter  and John went  up together into the temple at the hour  of prayer, being the ninth hour. 


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And a certain man lame  from his mother's womb was being carried, whom  they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which  is called Beautiful, to ask  alms from those who entered into the temple. 


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Then Peter said, "Silver  and gold have I none, but  such as I have, I give you: in  the name of Jesus  Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 


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And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 


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


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and they knew  that it was he that sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were  filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.


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Peter Preaching in Solomon's Portico<br/>And as the lame man who had been healed held  on to Peter and John, all  the people ran together unto them in  the porch, which is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 


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And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, "You men  of Israel, why marvel you at this? Or  why look you so earnestly on us, as  though by our own power or holiness we had made this man walk? 


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The God of Abraham  and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has  glorified His Son Jesus, whom  you delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let Him go. 


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and killed the Prince  <n>(Author)</n> of Life whom  God has raised from the dead, of which  we are witnesses. 


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And His  name, through  faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yea, the faith which is by Him has given him this perfect  soundness in the presence of you all. 


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But those  things which God before had shown by the mouth of all  His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 


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Repent  you therefore and be  converted, that  your sins may be blotted out when  the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 


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


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For Moses  truly said unto the fathers, `A Prophet  shall the Lord your  God raise up unto you from your brethren, like  unto me; Him  shall you hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. 


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And it shall come to pass that every  soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people.'


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Yea, and all  the prophets from Samuel  and those who follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 


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You are the children  of the prophets and of the covenant  which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, `And in  your seed shall all  the kindreds of the earth be blessed.' 


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Unto you first , God, having  raised up His Son Jesus, sent  Him to bless you in  turning everyone of you away from his iniquities." 


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Peter and John Arrested <n>(and Imprisoned)</n><br/>And as they spoke unto the people, the priests  and the captain  <n>(ruler)</n> of the temple, and the Sadducees  came upon them, 


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being grieved that they taught the people and preached  through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.


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However, many  of those who had heard the Word believed, the number  of the men being about five thousand. 


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Addressing the Sanhedrin<br/>And it came to pass on  the morrow, that their rulers  and elders and scribes, 


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and Annas  the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and as many as were kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 


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And when  they had set them in their midst, they asked, "By what power , or by what name , have you done this?" 


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Then Peter, filled  with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, "You rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 


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if we this day are examined about the good  deed done to the infirm man, and by what means he is made whole, 


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be it known  unto you all and to all the people of Israel, that by  the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God  raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole. 


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This is `the stone  which was set at nought by you  builders and which has become the head  of the corner.'


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Neither is there  salvation in any other, for there is no other name under  heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." 


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The Name of Jesus Forbidden<br/>Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were  unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took  note concerning them that they had been with Jesus. 


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saying, "What  shall we do to these men? For indeed, that a notable  miracle has been done by them is manifest to all those who dwell in Jerusalem, and we  cannot deny it. 


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But so that it  spread no further among the people, let  us strictly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name." 


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But Peter and John answered and said unto them, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken  unto you more than unto God, judge  you; 


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So when  they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing for which  they might punish them, because of the people; for all  men glorified God for that which had been done. 


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Prayer for Boldness<br/>And being let go, they  went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 


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And when they  heard this, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, "Lord , You are God who have made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, 


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who by  the mouth of Your servant David have said, `Why  did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 


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The kings  of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His  Christ.' 


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For truly  against Your  holy child Jesus, whom  You have anointed, both  Herod and Pontius Pilate , with the Gentiles and the people  of Israel, had gathered together 


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And now, Lord, behold  their threatenings, and grant unto Your servants that  with all boldness they may speak Your Word, 


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by stretching  forth Your hand to heal, and that  signs and wonders may be done by the name  of Your holy child Jesus." 


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


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Sharing in All Things<br/>And the multitude  of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any one of them that any  of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 


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And with  great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace  was upon them all. 


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Neither was  there any among them that lacked, for  as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold 


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and laid them down at  the apostles' feet. And distribution  was made unto every man according as he had need.


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And Joses, who was surnamed by the apostles Barnabas  <n>(which is, being interpreted, "the Son  of Consolation")</n>, a Levite of the country of Cyprus , 


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Lying to the Holy Spirit<br/>But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession 


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and kept  back part of the price, his  wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part of it and laid  it at the apostles' feet. 


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But Peter said, "Ananias, why  has Satan filled your heart to lie to  <n>(deceive)</n> the Holy Spirit and to keep  back part of the price of the land? 


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While it remained, was it not your  own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own power? Why  have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have  not lied unto men, but unto God ." 


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And Ananias, hearing  these words, fell down and gave up the spirit. And great  fear came on all those who heard these things. 


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And Peter said unto her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" And she said, "Yea, for so much." 


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Then Peter said unto her, "How  is it that you have  agreed together to tempt  the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet  of those who have buried your husband are at the door and shall carry you out." 


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Then she fell  down straightway at his feet and yielded up the ghost. And the young men came in and found her dead and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 


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Continuing Power in the Church<br/>And by  the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people, and they  were all with one accord in  Solomon's Porch. 


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insomuch that they brought  forth the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 


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There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing  sick folks and those who were vexed with unclean spirits; and they were healed , every one. 


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Imprisoned Apostles Freed<br/>Then the high  priest rose up and all  those who were with him <n>(which is the sect of the Sadducees)</n>; and they were filled with indignation  <n>(envy)</n>, 


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And when they heard that, they entered  into the temple early in the morning and taught. But  the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together with all the senate  of the children of Israel, and sent  to the prison to have them brought. 


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Apostles on Trial Again<br/>But when the officers came and found them not in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, 


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"The prison  truly found we shut with all safety and the keepers standing outside before the doors; but when we had opened them, we found no man within." 


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Now when the high priest and the captain  of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they  were in doubt about them as to where this  would grow. 


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Then there came one and told them, saying, "Behold , the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." 


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Then the captain went with his officers and brought them without violence, for they  feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 


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saying, "Did not  we strictly command you that you should not teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend  to bring this man's blood  upon us." 


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Him <n>(Jesus)</n> has  God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince  and a Savior , to give  repentance to Israel and forgiveness  of sins. 


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


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Gamaliel's Advice<br/>When they  heard this, they were cut to the heart and took  counsel to slay them. 


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Then there stood  up one in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel , a doctor  of the law held in high repute among all the people, and commanded  them to put the apostles outside a little while. 


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And he said unto them, "You men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do concerning these men. 


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For before these days Theudas rose up, boasting  himself to be somebody, to whom  a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain, and all who obeyed  <n>(believed)</n> him were scattered and brought to nought. 


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After this man, rose up Judas  of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away many people after him. He also  perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 


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And now I say unto you, refrain  from these men and let them alone, for  if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; 


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but if  it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest it may happen you be found even to fight  against God ." 


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And with him they agreed. And when  they had called the apostles back and had beaten  them, they commanded  that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 


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And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing  that they were counted worthy to suffer shame  for His name. 


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Seven <n>(Anointed Brethren)</n> Chosen to Serve<br/>And in those days when  the number of the disciples was multiplied, there  arose a murmuring of the Grecians  against the Hebrews , because their  widows were neglected in the daily  ministration. 


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Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them and said, "It is not fitting that we should leave the Word of God to serve tables. 


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Therefore, brethren , look  you out among you for seven men of honest  report, full  of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom  we may appoint over this business. 


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And the saying  pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen , a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip  and Prochorus and Nicanor, and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolaus , a proselyte  of Antioch, 


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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. 


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Stephen Accused of Blasphemy<br/>And Stephen, full  of faith and power, did  great wonders and miracles among the people. 


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Then there  arose certain from the synagogue  which is called the Synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians  and Alexandrians , and those of Cilicia  and of Asia , and they disputed  with Stephen. 


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Then they  suborned men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous  words against Moses  and against God ." 


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And they stirred  up the people and the elders and the scribes, and came upon him and caught  him, and brought him to the council. 


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And they set  up false witnesses who said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 


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for we have  heard him say that  this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change  the customs <n>(rites)</n> which Moses delivered to us." 


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And all who sat on the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw  his face as though it were the face of an angel. 


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Stephen's Address: The Call of Abraham; The Trial and Death of Stephen<br/>Then said the high priest, "Are  these things so?" 


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And Stephen said, "Men , brethren and fathers, hearken! The God  of glory appeared  unto our father Abraham when  he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran  <n>(Charran)</n>, 


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and said unto him, `Get  you out of your country and from your kindred, and come into the land  which I shall show you.' 


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Then he came  out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Haran; and from thence, when his father was dead, He removed himself into this land wherein you now dwell. 


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And He gave  him no inheritance in it -- no, not  so much as to set his foot on; yet  He promised that He would give it to him as a possession and to his seed after him, when  as yet he had no child. 


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And God spoke in this way: 'That  his seed <n>(descendants)</n> should sojourn in a strange land, and that they should be brought into bondage and be mistreated for four  hundred years. 


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`And the nation  to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge,' said God, `and after that shall they come forth, and serve  Me in this place.' 


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And He gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so  Abraham begot <n>(fathered)</n> Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac  begot <n>(fathered)</n> Jacob , and Jacob begot <n>(fathered)</n> the twelve patriarchs . 


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The Patriarchs in Egypt<br/>And the patriarchs, moved  with envy, sold  Joseph into Egypt. But  God was with him 


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and delivered  him out of all his afflictions, and gave  him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 


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"Now there came a dearth and great affliction over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. 


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And on the second visit Joseph  was made known to his brethren, and Joseph's kindred were made known unto Pharaoh. 


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Then Joseph sent  and called his father Jacob to him and all his kindred, threescore  and fifteen souls. 


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And they were  carried back into Shechem, and laid in the sepulcher  that Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor , the father of Shechem. 


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God Delivers Israel by Moses<br/>"But when  the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people  grew and multiplied in Egypt, 


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The same dealt craftily with our kindred and illtreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end that they might not live. 


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At that time Moses  was born and was exceedingly fair <n>(to God)</n>, and was  nourished in his father's house three months. 


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And Moses became learned  in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was  mighty in words and in deeds. 


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"And when  he was fully forty years old, it came  into his heart to  visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 


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And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian, 


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for <n>(now)</n> he supposed his brethren would have understood how God , by his hand, would deliver them; but  they understood not. 


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And the next  day he showed himself unto them as they were quarreling, and would have set them at one again, saying, `Sirs, you are  brethren; why do you wrong one another?' 


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But he that  was doing his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, `Who  made you a ruler and judge over us? 


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Then Moses fled at this saying and became a stranger in the land of Midian , where he begot <n>(fathered)</n> two sons. 


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"And when  forty years had expired, there  appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an  angel of the Lord, in a flame  of fire in a bush . 


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When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight; and as  he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying, 


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`I am  the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Then  Moses trembled and dared not behold. 


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Then said the Lord to him, `Put  off your shoes from your feet, for the place where you standest is holy ground. 


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I have seen , I have seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning and have  come down to deliver them. And now  come, I will send you into Egypt.' 


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"This Moses  whom they refused, saying, `Who made you a ruler and a judge?' was the same  whom God sent to be a ruler  and a deliverer, by  the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 


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He brought  them out after  he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red  Sea, and in the wilderness  forty years. 


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Israel Rebels Against God<br/>This is that  Moses who said unto the children of Israel, `A Prophet  shall the Lord your God raise up unto you from your brethren, like unto me; Him  shall you hear.' 


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This is he, who in the church  in the wilderness was with the  angel who  spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers--the one who received the living  oracles to give unto us, 


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to whom  our fathers would not be obedient, but  thrust him from them, and in  their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 


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saying unto  Aaron, `Make us Gods to go before us; for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what has become of him.' 


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And they  made a calf in those days and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced  in the works of their own hands. 


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"Then God turned, and gave  them up to the worship of the host  of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: `O you  house of Israel, have you  offered to Me slain beasts and sacrifices for the space of forty  years in the wilderness? 


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Yea, you took  up the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your God Remphan, images  which you made to worship them. And I  will carry you away beyond Babylon.' 


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God's True Tabernacle<br/>"Our fathers had the tabernacle  of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking <n>(who spoke)</n> unto Moses that he  should make it according to the fashion that he had seen, 


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which  also our fathers, who came later, brought with Joshua  into the territory of the Gentiles, whom  God drove out before the face of our fathers until  the days of David. 


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`Heaven  is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house  will you build Me? says the Lord. Or what is the place of My rest? 


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Israel Resists the Holy Spirit<br/>"You stiffnecked  people, uncircumcised  in heart and ears, you do always resist  the Holy Spirit! As  your fathers did, so do you! 


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Which of  the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? And they have slain those who foretold  the coming of the Just One . Of Him  you have now been the betrayers and murderers, 


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Stephen the Martyr<br/>When they heard these things, they were  cut to the heart, and they gnashed  with their teeth at him. 


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


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


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and cast  him out of the city and stoned  him. And the witnesses  laid down their  clothes at the feet of a young man whose name was Saul.


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And he kneeled  down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord , charge not this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell  asleep. 


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Saul Persecutes the Church<br/>And Saul  was consenting unto his death. And at that time there  was a great persecution against the church  which was at Jerusalem; and they  were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria , except  the apostles. 


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As for Saul, he made havoc of the church. Entering into every house and haling men and women, he committed them to prison. 


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Christ Is Preached in Samaria<br/>Therefore those who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word.


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And the people with one  accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 


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For unclean  spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed with them; and many taken with palsies  and who were lame , were healed. 


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The Sorcerer's Profession <n>(Confession)</n> of Faith<br/>But there was a certain man called Simon, who earlier in the same city had used  sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, claiming  that he was someone great, 


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


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But when they believed  Philip's preaching of the things concerning  the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both  men and women. 


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Then Simon himself believed  also; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip and wondered , beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 


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The Sorcerer's Sin<br/>Now when  the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received  the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter  and John, 


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<n>(For as yet, He had  fallen upon none of them, for they had only  been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus)</n>. 


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And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered  them money, 


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saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit ." 


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But Peter said unto him, "Your  money perish with you, because you  have thought that the gift  of God may be purchased with money! 


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Repent  therefore of this your wickedness, and pray  God that  perhaps the thought  of your heart may be forgiven you. 


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


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And they, when they had  testified and preached the Word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem and preached the Gospel in many villages  of the Samaritans. 


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Philip Preach Christ to the Ethiopian Eunuch<br/>And the angel  of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying, "Arise  and go toward the south unto the road that goes down from Jerusalem into Gaza , which is desert ." 


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And he arose  and went. And behold, a man  of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen  of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasure and had  come to Jerusalem to worship, 


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And Philip ran thither  to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Understand  you what you readest?" 


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And he said, "How can I, unless some man should guide me?" And he  besought Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 


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The place of the Scripture from which he read was this: "He was  led as a  sheep to the slaughter; and like  a lamb before his shearer is dumb, so opened  He not His mouth. 


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In His humiliation , His judgment  was taken away. And who  shall declare His generation? For  His life is taken from the earth." 


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And the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I pray you, of whom  speaks the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man?" 


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And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, "See , here is water! What does hinder me from being baptized?" 


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And Philip said, "If  you believe with all your heart, you mayest." And he answered  and said, "I believe  that Jesus Christ is the Son of God ." 


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And he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized  him. 


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And when they had  come up out of the water, the Spirit  of the Lord caught away Philip. And the eunuch saw him no more, and <n>(he)</n> went on his way rejoicing. 


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But Philip was found at  Azotus <n>(Ashdod)</n>, and passing through, he preached  in all the cities until he came to Caesarea . 


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The Damascus Road: Saul Converted<br/>And Saul , yet breathing  out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 


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and asked  of him letters to the synagogues  at Damascus, that if he found any who were of this <n>(The)</n> Way , whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 


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And as  he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light  from heaven. 


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And he fell  to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul , Saul, why  persecutest you Me?" 


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And he said, "Who  are You, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am  Jesus whom you persecutest; it is  hard for you to kick against the goads." 


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And he, trembling  and astonished, said, "Lord, what  will You have me to do?" And the Lord said unto him, "Arise  and go into the city, and it  shall be told you what you must do." 


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And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he could see  no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 


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


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And the Lord said unto him, "Arise  and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for the one called Saul  of Tarsus; for  behold, he prays 


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and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight." 


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Then Ananias answered, "Lord , I have heard from many of this man, and how  much evil he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 


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


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And Ananias  went his way and entered into the house, and putting  his hands on him said, "Brother  Saul, the Lord , even Jesus who appeared unto you on the way as you camest, has sent me, that you  might receive your sight and be  filled with the Holy Spirit ." 


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And immediately  there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received sight forthwith, and arose and was  baptized. 


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And when  he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then  was Saul certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus. 


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Saul Preaches Christ<br/>And straightway  he preached Christ in the synagogues, that  He is the Son of God . 


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But all that heard him were amazed  and said, "Is not  this he that destroyed  those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither with the intent that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" 


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But Saul increased  the more in strength and confounded  the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving  that Jesus is the very Christ. 


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But their  lying in wait became known to Saul. And they  watched the gates day and night to kill him.


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Saul at Jerusalem<br/>And when  Saul had come to Jerusalem, he attempted  <n>(tried)</n> to join himself to the disciples, but  they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. 


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But Barnabas  took him and brought him to the apostles , and declared unto them how he had seen  the Lord on the way and that He had spoken to him, and how  he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 


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And he spoke  boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed  against the Grecians , but  they went about to slay him. 


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And when  the brethren heard of this, they brought him down to Caesarea  and sent him forth to Tarsus . 


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The Church Prospers<br/>Then the churches  throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had rest and were edified , and, walking  in the fear of the Lord and in  the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied . 


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Aeneas Healed<br/>And it came to pass, as  Peter was passing throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints  who dwelt at Lydda . 


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And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept to his bed for eight years and was sick with the palsy. 


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And Peter said unto him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole: arise, and make your bed." And he arose immediately. 


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Dorcas Restored to Life<br/>Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha <n>(which interpreted is called Dorcas)</n>. This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.


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And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 


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And inasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he should not delay to come to them. 


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Then Peter arose and went with them. And when he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 


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


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And he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and calling in the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 


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No Distinction Between Jew and Greek<br/>There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian Band, 


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a devout man and one who feared God with all his house, who gave many alms to the people and prayed to God always. 


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Cornelius Sends a Delegation<br/>He saw in a vision clearly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him and saying unto him, "Cornelius!" 


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And when he looked on him, he was afraid and said, "What is it, lord?" And he said unto him, "Your prayers and your alms have risen up as a memorial before God . 


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He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside; he shall tell you what you oughtest to do." 


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And when the angel who spoke unto Cornelius had departed, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from those who waited on him continually. 


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Peter's Vision<br/>On the morrow, as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. 


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And he became very hungry and would have eaten; but while they were making ready he fell into a trance, 


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and saw heaven opened and a certain vessel descending unto him as though it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners and let down to the earth, 


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wherein were all kinds of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air. 


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And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, that call not you common." 


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Summoned to Caesarea<br/>Now while Peter wondered to himself what this vision which he had seen could mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house and stood before the gate, 


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Then Peter went down to the men who were sent unto him from Cornelius and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the cause for which you have come?" 


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And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man and one who fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for you into his house and to hear words from you." 


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Then Peter called them in and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 


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Peter Meets Cornelius<br/>And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 


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And he said unto them, "You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to keep company with or to come unto one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 


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Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore, with what intent you have sent for me?" 


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And Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 


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and said, `Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms have been remembered in the sight of God . 


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Send therefore to Joppa and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter. He is lodged in the house of one Simon, a tanner, by the seaside. He, when he cometh, shall speak unto you.' 


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Immediately therefore I sent to you, and you have done well, that you have come. Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded you from God ." 


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Preaching to Cornelius' Household<br/>Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "In truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, 


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The Word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ <n>(He is Lord of all)</n> -- 


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that Word, I say, you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 


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


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And we are witnesses of all things which He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem -- He whom they hanged on a tree and slew. 


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not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 


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And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the quick and dead. 


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To Him all the prophets bear witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." 


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The Holy Spirit Falls <n>(Comes, In and)</n> On the Gentiles<br/>While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the Word. 


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And those of the Circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out also on the Gentiles. 


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"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit, as well as we?" 


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And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they entreated him to tarry certain days.


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Peter Defends God's Grace<br/>And the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God .


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"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. A certain vessel descended as though it had been a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners, and it came even to me. 


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And when I had fastened my eyes on it, I considered it and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things and fowls of the air. 


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And behold, immediately three men had already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 


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And the Spirit bade me go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house. 


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And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said unto him, `Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, 


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


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If therefore God gave them the same gift as He did unto us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God ?" 


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When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, "Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." 


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Barnabas and Saul at Antioch<br/>Now those who had been scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose on account of Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but unto the Jews only. 


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And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke unto the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. 


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Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 


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And when he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord, 


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


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and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass that for a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 


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And one of them named Agabus stood up, and signified by the Spirit that there would be a great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 


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Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren who dwelt in Judea. 


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Herod's Violence <n>(Harassment)</n> to the Church<br/>Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex <n>(harass)</n> certain of the church.


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And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. <n>(This was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.)</n> 


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And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 


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Peter Freed from Prison<br/>Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. 


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And when Herod would have brought him forth, that same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers were guarding the door of the prison. 


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And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise up quickly." And his chains fell off from his hands. 


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And the angel said unto him, "Gird yourself and bind on your sandals." And so he did. And the angel said unto him, "Cast your garment about you and follow me." 


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And he went out and followed him, and knew not whether what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. 


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When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city, which opened to them of his own accord. And they went out and passed on through one street, and forthwith the angel departed from him. 


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And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know in truth that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectations of the people of the Jews." 


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And when he had considered this thing, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 


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And when she recognized Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the gate. 


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And they said unto her, "You are mad." But she continued to affirm that it was even so. Then they said, "It is his angel." 


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But he, beckoning unto them with his hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go and tell these things unto James and to the brethren." And he departed and went into another place. 


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Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 


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And when Herod had sought him and found him not, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and there stayed. 


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Herod's Violent Death<br/>And Herod was highly displeased with those from Tyre and Sidon. But they came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was nourished by the king's country. 


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And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne and delivered an oration unto them. 


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And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and he was eaten by worms and gave up the ghost. 


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Barnabas and Saul Appointed<br/>And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. 


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Paul and Barnabas Are Sent to the Gentiles<br/>Now there were in the church at Antioch certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene,and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 


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As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 


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Preaching in Cyprus<br/>So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 


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And when they were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had also John in their ministry. 


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And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus. 


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He was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the Word of God . 


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But Elymas the sorcerer <n>(for so is his name by interpretation)</n> withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 


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and said, "O, full of all guile and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 


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


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Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 


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At Antioch in Pisidia<br/>Now when Paul and his company cast loose from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 


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But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 


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And after the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, "You men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on." 


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Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said: "Men of Israel and you that fear God, give audience! 


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The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 


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And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He divided their land among them by lot. 


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And after that, He gave unto them judges for about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 


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And afterward they desired a king, and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the space of forty years. 


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And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, `I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, who shall fulfill all My will.' 


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And as John was fulfilling his course, he said, `Whom think you that I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes  One after me, the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.' 


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"Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 


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For those who dwell in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they knew Him not nor yet understood the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath day, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 


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And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a sepulcher. 


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and He was seen many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people. 


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God has fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second Psalm: `You are My Son; this day have I begotten You.' 


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And concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said thus: `I will give you the sure mercies of David.' 


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Therefore He says also in another Psalm: `You shall not suffer <n>(allow)</n> Your Holy One to see corruption.'


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For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. 


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Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins; 


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and by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the Law of Moses. 


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`Behold, you despisers, and wonder and perish; for I work a work your days, a work in which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.'" 


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Blessing and Conflict at Antioch<br/>And when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 


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Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God . 


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But when the Jews saw the multitudes they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 


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Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, "It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you. But seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 


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For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, `I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation unto the ends of the earth.'" 


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And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 


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But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their borders. 


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At Iconium; Paul and Barnabas Are Persecuted<br/>And it came to pass in Iconium that together they both went into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude of both the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 


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But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and planted evil in their minds against the brethren.


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A long time therefore they tarried among them, speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 


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And when there was an assault made both by the Gentiles and also the Jews, with their rulers, to use them spitefully and to stone them, 


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they were aware of it and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lies round about. 


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Idolatry at Lystra<br/>And there sat at Lystra a certain man, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. 


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This same one heard Paul speak who, steadfastly beholding him and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 


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And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the language of Lycaonia, "The Gods have come down to us in the likeness of men." 


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Then the priest of Jupiter, who was in front of the city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates and would have done sacrifice along with the people. 


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But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people, crying out and saying, 


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"Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions as you, and preach unto you that you should turn from these vanities unto the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all things that are therein, 


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Nevertheless, He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." 


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Stoning, Escape to Derbe<br/>And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium who persuaded the people; and having stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. 


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However, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and came into the city; and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 


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Strengthening the Converts<br/>And when they had preached the Gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and Antioch, 


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confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God . 


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And when they had ordained elders in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. 


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and thence sailed to Antioch, from where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. 


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And when they had come and had gathered the church together, they recounted all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 


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Conflict over Circumcision <br/>And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brethren and said, "Unless you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved." 


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When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 


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And being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 


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


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But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. 


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And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. 


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And God, who knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit even as He did unto us, 


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Now therefore why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 


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Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul as they declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 


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Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out from them a people for His name.


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`After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. And I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up, 


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that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles upon whom My name is called, says the Lord who does all these things.' 


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but that we write unto them that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 


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For Moses from olden times has in every city those who preach him, he being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day." 


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The Jerusalem Decree<br/>Then it pleased the apostles and elders, together with the whole church, to send men chosen from their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely Judas surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. 


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And they wrote letters to accompany them in this manner: "The apostles and elders and brethren send greetings unto the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 


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Inasmuch as we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, `You must be circumcised and keep the law' -- to whom we gave no such commandment -- 


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it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 


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For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 


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that you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these things, you shall do well. Fare you well!" 


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Continuing Ministry in Syria<br/>So when they were sent off, they went to Antioch. And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle; 


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And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them. 


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And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace by the brethren to return unto the apostles. 


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Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord, with many others also. 


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Division over John Mark<br/>And some days later, Paul said unto Barnabas, "Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the Word of the Lord, and see how they do." 


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But Paul thought it not good to take him with them, as he had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them in the work. 


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And the contention was so sharp between them that they parted asunder, one from the other; and so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. 


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Timothy Joins Paul and Silas<br/>Then Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess who believed, but whose father was a Greek. 


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Him Paul wanted to have go forth with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those quarters, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 


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And as they went through the cities, they delivered unto them the decrees to keep, that had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 


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The <n>(Mission to)</n> Macedonian Call<br/>Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. 


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After they had come to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered permit not. 


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And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: there stood a man of Macedonia beseeching him, saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." 


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And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Gospel unto them. 


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Lydia Baptized at Philippi<br/>Therefore casting loose from Troas we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day Neapolis, 


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and from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. And we stayed in that city a number of days. 


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And on the Sabbath, we went out of the city by a riverside where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down and spoke unto the women who resorted thither. 


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And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, heard us; and the Lord opened her heart to give heed unto the things which were spoken by Paul. 


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And when she was baptized with her household, she besought us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide there." And she constrained us. 


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Paul and Silas Imprisoned<br/>And it came to pass as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed by a spirit of divination met us. She had brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. 


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The same followed Paul and us, crying out and saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who show unto us the way of salvation." 


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And this she did many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that same hour. 


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And when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they caught Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 


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And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates rent off their clothes and commanded that they be beaten. 


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And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. 


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He, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks. 


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The Philippian Jailer Saved<br/>And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them. 


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


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And the keeper of the prison, awakening out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. 


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And he took them that same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 


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And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 


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Paul Refuses to Depart Secretly<br/>And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, "Let those men go." 


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And the keeper of the prison told these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore depart and go in peace." 


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But Paul said unto them, "They have beaten us openly, uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison. And now do they thrust us out privily? Nay verily! Let them come themselves and fetch us out." 


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And the sergeants told these words unto the magistrates, and they feared when they heard that they were Romans. 


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And they came and besought them and brought them out, and entreated them to depart out of the city. 


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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. 


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Paul Preaching Christ at Thessalonica<br/>Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 


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And Paul, as was his custom, went in unto them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 


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expounding and alleging that it was necessary for Christ to have suffered and risen again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach unto you is Christ." 


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And some of them believed, and joined themselves with Paul and Silas, as did a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and of the chief women not a few. 


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Assault on Jason's House<br/>But the Jews who believed not, moved with envy, engaged certain wicked fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a crowd and set all the city in an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason and sought to bring them out to the people. 


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And when they found them not, they dragged Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, "These that have turned the world upside down have come hither also, 


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and Jason has received them; and they all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus." 


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Ministering at Berea<br/>And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea, who arriving there, went into the synagogue of the Jews. 


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These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with allreadiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether those things were so. 


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But when the Jews of Thessalonica became aware that the Word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the people. 


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And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go down to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there still. 


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And those who conducted Paul brought him unto Athens and, having received direction for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed. 


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The Philosophers at Athens<br/>Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred within him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 


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Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the marketplace daily with those who met with him. 


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Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoics encountered him. And some said, "What will this babbler say?" And some others said, "He seems  to be a proclaimer of strange God s," because he preached unto them Jesus and the resurrection. 


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And they took him and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is whereof you speakest? 


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For you bringest certain strange things to our ears, and we would know therefore what these things mean." 


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<n>(For all the Athenians and strangers who were there spent their time in nothing else than either telling or hearing some new thing.)</n>


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Addressing the Areopagus<br/>Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' Hill and said, "You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. 


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For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: `To the Unknown God '. Whom therefore you worship in ignorance, Him I declare unto you. 


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God who made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of Heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands. 


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Neither is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives to all life, and breath, and all things. 


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And He has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation, 


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that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though He be not far from everyone of us. 


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


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"For inasmuch, then, as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the God head is like unto gold or silver or stone, graven by are and of man's devising. 


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because He has appointed a Day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained. Of this He has given assurance unto all men, in that He has raised Him from the dead." 


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But when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked and others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." 


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However, certain men cleaved unto him and believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 


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Paul Ministering at Corinth <n>(and Ephesus)</n><br/>After these things, Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth. 


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There he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus and lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome. Paul went unto them, 


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and because he was of the same craft, he lodged with them and worked; for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 


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And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 


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But when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook his raiment and said unto them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." 


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And he departed thence and entered into a certain man's house named Justus, one who worshiped God and whose house was adjoining the synagogue. 


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And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, with all his house. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. 


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Then the Lord spoke to Paul in the night through a vision, saying, "Be not afraid, but speak and hold not your peace. 


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For I am with you, and no man shall set upon you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city." 


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And when Gallio was deputy of Achaia, the Jews with one accord began an insurrection against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 


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And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, reason would have it that I should bear with you. 


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But if it be a question of words and names and your own law, look you to it; for I will not be judge of such matters." 


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Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was concerned about none of those things. 


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Paul Returns to Antioch<br/>And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having shorn his head at Cenchrea, for he had made a vow. 


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And he came to Ephesus and left them there, but he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 


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but bade them farewell, saying, "I must by all means keep this feast that comes  in Jerusalem, but I will return again unto you, if God wills." And he sailed from Ephesus. 


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And when he had landed at Caesarea and had gone up and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 


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And after he had spent some time there, he departed and went through all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. 


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Ministry of Apollos<br/>And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 


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This man was instructed in the Way of the Lord; and being fervent in the Spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 


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And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla had heard him, they took him unto them and expounded unto him the Way of God more perfectly. 


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And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him. And when he had come, he helped them much who had believed through grace; 


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for he mightily refuted the Jews <n>(and that publicly)</n>, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ. 


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Paul at Ephesus<br/>And it came to pass that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, 


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he said unto them, "Have you received the Holy Spirit, having believed?" And they said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit ." 


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Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe in Him who should come after him, that is, in Christ Jesus." 


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And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 


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And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading about the things concerning the Kingdom of God . 


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But when divers ones were hardened and believed not, but spoke evil of that Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. 


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And this continued for the space of two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the Word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 


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so that handkerchiefs or aprons from his body were brought unto the sick, and the diseases departed from them and the evil spirits went out of them. 


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Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took it upon themselves to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." 


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And the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 


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And this became known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling in Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 


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Many of those also who used occult arts brought their books together and burned them before all men; and they counted up the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 


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After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying,"After I have been there, I must also see Rome." 


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So he sent into Macedonia two of those who had ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. 


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For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen. 


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These he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth. 


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Moreover, you see and hear that, not alone at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not Gods which are made with hands, 


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so that not only this our craft is in danger of being set at nought, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshipeth." 


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And when they heard these things, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" 


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And the whole city was filled with confusion and, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia who were Paul's companions in his travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater. 


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And certain of the Asian chiefs, who were his friends, sent unto him, urging that he would not venture into the theater. 


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Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and the greater part knew not why they had come together. 


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And they drew Alexander out from the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made his defense unto the people; 


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but when they perceived that he was a Jew, all with one voice for about the space of two hours cried out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" 


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And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who knows not that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? 


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Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly; 


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for you have brought hither these men who are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 


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Therefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against any man, the law is open and there are deputies. Let them implead one another. 


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But if you inquire of anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 


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For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we can give an account of this concourse." 


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Journeys of Paul in Greece <n>(Ministering)</n><br/>And after the uproar had ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia. 


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And there he abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail for Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 


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And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and from Asia, Tychichus and Trophimus. 


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And we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread and came unto them in five days at Troas, where we stayed seven days. 


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Ministering at Troas<br/>And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his speech until midnight. 


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And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, having fallen into a deep sleep; and as Paul was long in preaching, he sank down with sleep and fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead. 


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And Paul went down and fell on him and, embracing him, said, "Trouble not yourselves, for his life is in him." 


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When he therefore had come up again, and had broken bread and eaten and talked for a long while, even until break of day, he departed. 


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From Troas to Miletus<br/>And we went ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, there intending to take aboard Paul; for so had he arranged, intending himself to go on foot. 


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And we sailed thence and arrived the next day off Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.


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For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia; for he was in haste, that it might be possible for him to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 


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The Ephesian Elders Exhorted<br/>And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called for the elders of the church. 


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And when they had come to him, he said unto them, "You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you in all seasons, 


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serving the Lord in all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations which befell me through the lying in wait of the Jews; 


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and how I kept back nothing that was profitable for you, but have shown you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, 


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testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.


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And now behold, bound by the Spirit, I go unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there, 


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But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God . 


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"And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. 


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"Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood. 


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For I know this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 


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Also from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. 


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Therefore watch, and remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears. 


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"And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 


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Yea, you yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my own necessities, and also to those who were with me. 


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I have shown you all things, how that by so laboring you ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 


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sorrowing most of all because of the words which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. 


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Warnings on the Journey to Jerusalem<br/>And it came to pass that after we had parted from them and had launched, we came on a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. 


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Now when we had sighted Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her burden. 


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And having found disciples, we tarried there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 


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And when those days there had been accomplished, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city. And we kneeled down on the shore and prayed. 


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And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais and saluted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 


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The next day, we who were in Paul's company departed and came unto Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and lodged with him. 


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And when he had come unto us, he took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, `So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" 


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And when we heard these things, both we and those at that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 


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Then Paul answered, "What mean you to weep and to break mine heart? For I am not only ready to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 


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There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, who brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we were to lodge. 


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And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. 


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And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord and said unto him, "You seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law. 


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And they are informed about you, that you teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor walk according to the customs. 


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What is therefore to be done? The multitude must surely come together, for they will hear that you are come. 


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Take them and purify yourself with them, and bear their charges with them, that they may shave their heads; and all may know that those things of which they have been informed concerning you are nothing, butthat you yourself also walkest orderly and keepest the law. 


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And as to the Gentiles who believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication." 


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Paul Is Arrested at The Jerusalem Temple<br/>Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself with them, he entered into the temple to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an offering should be offered for everyone of them. 


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And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews who were from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people and laid hands on him, 


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crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place, and furthermore brought Greeks also into the temple, and has polluted this holy place." 


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<n>(For they had seen previously with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)</n> 


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And all the city was moved and the people ran together, and they took Paul and dragged him out of the temple; and forthwith the doors were shut. 


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And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar, 


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who immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down unto them; and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left off beating Paul. 


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Then the chief captain came near, and took him and commanded that he be bound with two chains, and demanded who he was and what he had done. 


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And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude. And when he could learn nothing with certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 


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And when Paul came upon the stairs, so it was that he had to be borne by the soldiers because of the violence of the people. 


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Addressing the Jerusalem Mob<br/>And as Paul was about to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, "May I speak unto you?" And he said, "Canst you speak Greek? 


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Are not you that Egyptian who prior to these days made an uproar and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men who were murderers?" 


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But Paul said, "I am a man who am a Jew of Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I beseech you, suffer me to speak unto the people." 


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And when he had given him leave, Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with his hand unto the people. And when there fell a great silence, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying: 


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Paul's Defense at Jerusalem<br/>"Men, brethren, and fathers, hear you my defense which I make now unto you." 


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<n>(And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they were the more silent.)</n> And he said, 


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"I am verily a man who am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taughtaccording to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day. 


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as also the high priest does bear me witness and all the council of the elders. From them I also received letters unto the brethren, and I went to Damascus to bring those who were there bound unto Jerusalem to be punished. 


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"And it came to pass that, as I made my journey and had come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 


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And I answered, `Who are You, Lord?' And He said unto me, `I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.' 


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And those who were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me. 


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And I said, `What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said unto me, `Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you of all the things which are appointed for you to do.' 


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And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. 


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"And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, of good report among all the Jews who dwelt there, 


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came unto me and stood and said unto me, `Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And that same hour I looked up upon him. 


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And he said, `The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know His will and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of His mouth. 


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And now why tarriest you? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' 


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"And it came to pass that when I had come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance 


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and saw Him saying unto me, `Make haste and get you quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' 


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And I said, `Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in You. 


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And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by and consenting unto his death and kept the raiment of those who slew him.' 


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Paul's Roman Citizenship<br/>And the crowd gave him an audience up to this word; and then they lifted up their voices and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live!" 


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the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging, so that he might find out why they cried so against him. 


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And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?" 


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When the centurion heard this, he went and told the chief captain, saying, "Take heed what you doest, for this man is a Roman." 


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And the chief captain answered, "With a great sum I obtained this freedom." And Paul said, "But I was free born." 


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Then straightway those who should have examined him departed from him, and the chief captain also was afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 


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The Sanhedrin Divided<br/>On the morrow, because he would know with certainty why he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. 


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The Jerusalem Jews Plot to Kill Paul<br/>And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God to this day." 


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Then said Paul unto him, "godshall smite you, you whited wall! For sit you to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" 


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Then said Paul, "I knew not, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written: `You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'" 


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But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out to the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: for the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called into question!" 


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And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided. 


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For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. 


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And there arose a great cry, and the scribes who were on the Pharisees' side arose and strove, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God ." 


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And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. 


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The Plot Against Paul<br/>And that night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome." 


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And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 


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And they came to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 


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Now, therefore, you, of the council, ask the chief captain that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though you would inquire somewhat more thoroughly concerning him; and we, even before he comes near, are ready to kill him." 


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But when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul. 


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Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him and said, "Bring this young man unto the chief captain, for he has a certain thing to tell him." 


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So he took him and brought him to the chief captain and said, "Paul, the prisoner, called me unto him and prayed me to bring this young man unto you, as he has something to say unto you." 


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Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside with him privately, asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me?" 


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And he said, "The Jews have agreed to request you that you would bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they wished to inquire of him somewhat more thoroughly. 


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But do not you yield unto them, for there lie in wait for him more than forty of their men, who have bound themselves with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. And now they are ready, looking for consent from you." 


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So the chief captain then let the young man depart and charged him, "See you tell no man that you have revealed these things to me." 


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Paul Sent to Felix<br/>And he called unto him two centurions, saying, "Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and threescore and ten horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night; 


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and provide them with beasts that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor." 


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This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them. Then came I with an army and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 


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I perceived him to be accused about questions of their law, but there was nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. 


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And when it was told me how the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him straightway to you, and gave a command to his accusers also to speak before you what they have against him. Farewell." 


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who, when they had come to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. 


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And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province Paul was. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, 


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he said, "I will hear you when your accusers have also come." And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. 


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Accused of Sedition<br/>And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and with him a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. 


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And when Paul was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much quietness, most noble Felix, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by your providence, 


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Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto you, I pray you that you would hear from us in your clemency a few words. 


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For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 


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who also has gone about profaning the temple. Him we took and would have judged according to our law.


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commanding his accusers to come unto you, so that by examining him yourself, you may have knowledge of all of these things whereof we accuse him." 


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The Defense Before Felix<br/>Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered: "Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself. 


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For you may understand that there have been yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.


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And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither stirring up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city. 


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But this I confess unto you, that according to the Way, which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 


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And I have hope in God, which they themselves also hold, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 


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And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.


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or else let these same say here if they have found any evildoing in me when I stood before the council, 


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unless it be for this one utterance that I cried out standing among them: `Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called into question by you this day.'" 


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Felix Procrastinates<br/>And when Felix heard these things, having a more complete knowledge of that Way, he deferred the hearing and said, "When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter." 


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And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, but to let him have some liberties, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintances to minister or come unto him. 


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And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jew, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 


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And as Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and the Judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, "Go your way for this time. When I have a convenient occasion I will call for you." 


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He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him the oftener and communed with him. 


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But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix's position; and Felix, wanting to show the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. 


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Paul Appeals to Caesar<br/>Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 


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desiring a favor against him: that he would have Paul brought to Jerusalem, so that they might lie in wait on the way to kill him. 


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But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. 


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"Let those therefore," he said, "who among you are able, go down with me and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him." 


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And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea. And the next day, sitting in the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. 


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And when he had come, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood round about and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 


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while Paul answered for himself: "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended any thing at all." 


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But Festus, desiring to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Will you go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me?" 


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Then said Paul, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews have I done no wrong, as you very well know. 


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For if I am an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I should not refuse to die; but if there is nothing to these things whereof they accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar." 


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Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "Have you appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shall you go!" 


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Paul Before Agrippa<br/>Some days later, King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus. 


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And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, "There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix, 


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about whom, when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. 


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To them I answered, 'It is not in the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die before he that is accused has the accusers face to face, and has license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.' 


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Therefore when they had come hither, without any delay on the morrow, I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought forth, 


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but had certain questions against him concerning their own superstition and of one Jesus, who was dead and whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 


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And because I was in doubt as to this manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged on these matters. 


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But when Paul appealed to be reserved for a hearing by Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar." 


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Then Agrippa said unto Festus, "I would also hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," said he, "you shall hear him." 


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And on the morrow, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought forth. 


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And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all men who are here present with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of the Jews have applied to me, both at Jerusalem and also here, crying out that he ought not to live any longer. 


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But when I found that he has committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. 


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Of him I have nothing certain to write unto my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, O King Agrippa, that after we have examined him I might have something to write. 


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For it seems  to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also to specify the crimes laid against him." 


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Paul's Early Life;    Paul's Defense Before Agrippa<br/>Then Agrippa said unto Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched forth his hand and answered for himself: 


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"I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before you concerning all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews, 


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especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beseech you to hear me patiently.


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"My manner of life from my youth, which was from the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, is known to all the Jews. 


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They knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 


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unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God day and night, hope to come. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 


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which things I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 


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And I punished them often in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly maddened against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities. 


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Paul Recounts His Conversion<br/>"Thereupon, as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 


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at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, brighter than the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me. 


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And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, `Saul, Saul, why persecutest you Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 


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But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared unto you for this purpose: to make you a minister and a witness, both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in which I will appear unto you, 


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to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Me.' 


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Paul's Post-Conversion Life<br/>"Thereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision, 


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but showed first unto those at Damascus and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 


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Having therefore obtained the help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said should come: 


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that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first who should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people and to the Gentiles." 


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Agrippa Parries Paul's Challenge<br/>And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning does make you mad!" 


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For the king himself knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner. 


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And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these bonds." 


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And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and also the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them. 


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And when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds." 


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Then said Agrippa unto Festus, "This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar." 


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Paul's Voyage to Rome <n>(Begins)</n><br/>And when it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. 


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And entering into a ship from Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia, one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 


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And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously treated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. 


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And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 


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And when we had sailed slowly many days and scarcely had come as far as Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone; 


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and, with difficulty passing by it, we came unto a place which is called The Fair Havens, nigh unto the city of Lasea. 


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Paul's Warning Ignored<br/>Now after much time had been lost, and when sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was now already past, Paul admonished them 


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and said unto them, "Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be attended by hurt and much damage, not only to the lading and ship, but also to our lives." 


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Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, rather than those things which were spoken by Paul. 


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And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the greater number advised to depart thence also, hoping that by some means they might attain Phoenix, which is a haven of Crete and lies toward the southwest and northwest, and there to winter. 


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In the Tempest<br/>And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, casting loose from thence, they sailed close by Crete. 


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And running under the lee of a certain island, which is called Clauda, we had much work in securing the boat, 


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which when they had taken up, they used helps to undergird the ship. And fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, they struck sail, and so were driven. 


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And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 


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But after long fasting, Paul stood forth in the midst of them and said, "Sirs, you should have hearkened unto me, and should not have cast loose from Crete and suffered this harm and loss. 


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And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship only. 


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saying, `Fear not, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar. And lo, God has given you all them that sail with you.' 


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Therefore sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God, and that it shall be even as it was told to me. 


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But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven up and down in the Adriatic, about midnight the shipmen deemed that we were drawing near to some land. 


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And they took a sounding and found it to be twenty fathoms deep; and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms. 


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Then, fearing lest we should be driven upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 


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And as the shipmen were about to flee from the ship, and had let down the boat into the sea under the pretext that they would cast anchors out of the prow, 


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Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these remain in the ship, you cannot be saved." 


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And as the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 


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Therefore I pray you to take some meat, for this is for your health; for there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you." 


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And when he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 


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Shipwrecked on Malta<br/>And when it was day, they knew not the land, but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. 


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And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder ropes, and hoisted up the mainsail into the wind, and made toward shore. 


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And falling into a place where two currents met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepare stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up with the violence of the waves. 


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But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should cast themselves first into the sea and get to land, 


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and the rest, some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass that they all escaped safely to land. 


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Paul's Ministry on Malta<br/>And when they had escaped, they then learned that the island was called Malta. 


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And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire and received us every one, because of the present rain and because of the cold. 


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And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 


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And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hanging from his hand, they said among themselves, "No doubt this man is a murderer whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance sufferes not to live." 


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Now they were expecting that he should have swollen or suddenly fallen down dead; but after watching a great while and seeing no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a God . 


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In the same quarters were the possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and lodged us three days courteously. 


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And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick with a fever and a bloody flux. Paul entered in and prayed and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 


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These also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. 


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Arrival at Rome<br/>And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered on the isle and whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 


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And from thence we followed a circiutous course and came to Rhegium. And a day later the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli. 


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And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as the Appii Forum and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 


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And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier who kept him. 


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Paul's Ministry at Rome<br/>And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief Jews together; and when they had come together, he said unto them,"Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 


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who, when they had examined me, would have let me go because there was no cause deserving of death in me. 


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But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of. 


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For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you and to speak with you, because it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain." 


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And they said unto him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brethren who came show or speak any harm of you. 


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But we desire to hear from you what you thinkest; for concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against. 


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And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses and out of the Prophets, from morning until evening. 


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And when they were unable to agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word: "Well spoke the Holy Spirit through Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, 


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saying, `Go unto this people and say, "Hearing, you shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing, you shall see and not perceive. 


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For the heart of this people has waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."' 


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"Be it known therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it." 


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preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him. 


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Greeting; Paul's Ministry of the Gospel of Christ<br/>Paul , a servant of Jesus Christ, called  to be an apostle and separated  unto the Gospel  of God , 


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concerning His Son  Jesus Christ our Lord, who  was made of the seed of David according  to the flesh <n>(and blood)</n>, 


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and was declared <n>(determined)</n> to be the Son  of God with power, according  to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, 


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by whom we have  received grace and apostleship  for obedience  to the faith among  all nations for His name , 


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To all  who are in Rome, beloved  of God and called  to be saints: Grace  to you and peace  from God  our Father and the Lord  Jesus Christ. 


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Desire to Visit Rome<br/>First, I thank  my God through  Jesus Christ for you all, that your  faith is spoken of throughout the whole  world. 


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For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 


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making request that now at length and by any means I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.


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For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift to the end that you may be established: 


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Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I have purposed to come unto you <n>(but was prevented hitherto)</n>, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 


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The Just Live by Faith<br/>For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 


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For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: "The just shall live by faith." 


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God's Wrath on Unrighteousness<br/>For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all unGod liness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, 


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For from the creation of the world the invisible things of Him are clearly seen, being understood through the things that are made, even His eternal power and God head, so that they are without excuse. 


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For when they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 


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and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. 


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Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies among themselves. 


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They changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 


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For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature.


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And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men, working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense for their error which was meet. 


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And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not fitting, 


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being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity. They are whisperers, 


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backbiters, haters of God, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 


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And knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but have pleasure in those who do them. 


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The Righteous <n>(Fairness)</n> of God's Judgment<br/>Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whosoever you are who judges; for wherein you judges another, you condemns yourself, for you that judges do the same things. 


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But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things.


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And thinks you this, O man, who judges those who do such things and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God ? 


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Or despises you the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 


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But because of your hardness and impenitence of heart, you treasures up unto yourself wrath against the Day of Wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God , 


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to those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 


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but unto those who are contentious, and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 


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tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man who does evil, upon the Jew first and also upon the Gentile; 


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For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law. 


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<n>(For it is not the hearers of the law who are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 


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For when the Gentiles, who have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, they, not having the law, are a law unto themselves, 


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which shows the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts between accusing and excusing one another.)</n> 


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Thus will it be on the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel. 


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The Jews Guilty as the Gentiles<br/>Behold, you are called a Jew and rest in the law and make your boast of God , 


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and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 


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an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth. 


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You therefore who teaches another, teaches you not yourself? You that preach a man should not steal, dost you steal? 


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You that says a man should not commit adultery, dost you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, dost you commit sacrilege? 


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Circumcision of No Avail<br/>For circumcision verily profits if you keep the law; but if you be a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. 


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Therefore if the Uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 


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And shall not uncircumcision, which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge you, who having the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 


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For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. 


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But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and whose circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter, and whose praise is not from men, but from God . 


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God's Judgment Defended;   Justification by Faith, Not by the Law<br/>What advantage then has the Jew? Or what profit is there in circumcision? 


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God forbid! Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You might be justified in Your sayings, and might overcome when You are judged." 


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But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who take vengeance? <n>(I speak as a man.)</n> 


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For if the truth of God through my life has abounded more unto His glory, why am I also yet judged as a sinner? 


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And why not say rather <n>(as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say)</n>, "Let us do evil, that good may come"? Their damnation is just! 


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All Have Sinned<br/>What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise! For we have before proved that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin. 


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They have all gone from the way; they have together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one." 


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"Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit." "The poison of asps is under their lips," 


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Now we know that whatsoever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God . 


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Therefore by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 


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God's Righteousness Through Faith<br/>But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 


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even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all those who believe. For there is no difference, 


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Him God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; 


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to declare, I say, at this time, His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him that believes in Jesus. 


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Boasting Excluded<br/>Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay, but by the law of faith. 


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seeing it is one God who shall justify the Circumcision by faith, and Uncircumcision through faith. 


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Abraham <n>(Was)</n> Justified by FaithWhat shall we say then that Abraham our father has found pertaining to the flesh?


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For what says the Scripture? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." 


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David Celebrates the Same Truth<br/>But to him that works not, but believes in Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, 


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even as David also describes the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, saying, 


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Abraham Justified Before Circumcision<br/>Comes this blessedness then upon the Circumcision only, or upon the Uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 


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How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision! 


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And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed unto them also, 


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and the father of circumcision to those who are not of the Circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had, being yet uncircumcised. 


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The Promise Granted Through Faith<br/>For the promise that he should be the heir of the world came not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 


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Therefore it is of faith, that it might be given by grace to the end that the promise might be made sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 


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<n>(as it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations")</n>, in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who quickens <n>(gives life)</n> the dead and calls those things which are not, as though they were. 


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Abraham, against all hope, believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So shall your seed be." 


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And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, nor yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. 


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He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God , 


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but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe in Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 


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Faith Triumphs in Trouble<br/>Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 


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by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God . 


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and hope makes not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us. 


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Christ in Our Place<br/>For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 


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For scarcely will one die for a righteous man, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. 


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For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 


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And not only that, but we shall also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 


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Death in Adam, Life in Christ<br/>Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed onto all men, for all have sinned. 


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Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the similitude of Adam's transgression, he being the figure of Him that was to come. 


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But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ, has abounded unto many. 


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And not as it was by one who sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is for many offenses unto justification. 


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For if by one man's offense death reined by one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ. 


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Therefore as by the offense of one, judgment to condemnation came upon all men, even so by the righteousness of One, the free gift unto justification of life came upon all men. 


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For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. 


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Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, 


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that, as sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto <n>(which issues in)</n> eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 


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Dead to Sin, Alive to God<br/>What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 


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Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 


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For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, so we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 


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knowing this: that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 


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knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death no more has dominion over Him. 


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Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 


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Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God . 


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From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of God<br/>Know you not that to whomever you yield yourselves as servants to obey, his servants you become whom you obey, whether of sin which leads unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 


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But God be thanked that though you were the servants of sin, now you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 


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I speak in the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh. For as you have yielded your members as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity, even so now yield your members as servants to righteousness unto holiness. 


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What fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.


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But now, being made free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit unto holiness and the end, everlasting life. 


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Freed from the Law<br/>Know you not, brethren <n>(for I speak to those who know the law)</n>, how the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 


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For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of the husband. 


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So then, if while her husband lives she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulterous; but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 


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Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that you should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God . 


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For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were by the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 


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But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 


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Sin's Advantage in the Law<br/>What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! Nay, I would not have known sin, but through the law; for I would not have known lust, except that the law had said, "You shall not covet." 


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But sin, taking occasion through the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence; for without the law sin was dead. 


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For I was alive apart from the law once   <n>(while I was a child)</n>, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died   <n>(age of accountabilty)</n>; 


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Law Cannot Save from Sin<br/>Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid! But sin, that it might appear as sin, was working death in me by that which is good, that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 


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For I know that in me <n>(that is, in my flesh)</n> dwells no good thing; for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not. 


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But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 


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I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. 


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Salvation <n>(Freedom)</n> from <n>(Indwelling)</n> Sin, Death, and Suffering<br/>There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit . 


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For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, 


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that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit . 


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For those who are according to the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit . 


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because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 


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But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so it be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. 


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And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 


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But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you. 


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Sonship Through the Spirit<br/>Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh; 


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for if you live according to the flesh you shall die, but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body you shall live. 


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For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, "Abba! Father!" 


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and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so it be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. 


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From Suffering to Glory<br/>For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.


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For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who has subjected the same in hope, 


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because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God .


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And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 


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For we are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope, for what a man seeth, why does he yet hope for it? 


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Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 


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And He that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God . 


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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 


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For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 


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Moreover, whom He predestined, those He also called; and whom He called, those He also justified; and whom He justified, those He also glorified. 


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God's Everlasting Love<br/>What then shall we say of these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 


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He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 


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Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ who died, yea rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 


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Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 


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As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 


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For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 


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nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 


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God's Mercy Is on Whom He Chooses<br/>I speak the truth in Christ -- I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit -- 


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Israel's Rejection of Christ <br/>For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 


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who are Israelites and to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 


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of whom are the fathers, and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 


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Israel's Rejection and God's Purpose<br/>It is not as though the Word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel; 


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neither, because they are the seed <n>(descendants)</n> of Abraham, are they all children; but, "In Isaac shall your seed <n>(descendants)</n> be called." 


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That is, they who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; rather, the children of the promise are counted as the seed. 


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<n>(for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, in order that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not by works, but by Him that calleth)</n>, 


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Israel's Rejection and God's Justice<br/>What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid!


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For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 


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For the Scripture says unto Pharaoh, "Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth." 


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But nay, O man, who are you that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, "Why have you made me thus?" 


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Hath not the potter power over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor?


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What if God, choosing to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction; 


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and this, that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, whom He had prepared before unto glory, 


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As He says also in Hosea: "I will call them `My people,' who were not My people, and `her beloved' who was not beloved." 


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And, "It shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, `You are not My people,' there shall they be called the children of the living God ." 


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Isaiah also cries concerning Israel: "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved. 


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For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth." 


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And as Isaiah said before: "Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we would have been as Sodom and been made like unto Gomorrah." 


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Present Condition of Israel<br/>What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 


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but Israel, who followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 


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Why so? Because they sought it not by faith but, as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 


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As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whosoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed." 


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Israel Needs the Gospel<br/>Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 


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For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God . 


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Salvation Is Open to All<br/>For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.


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For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law: "that the man who does those things shall live by them." 


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But the righteousness which is of faith speaks in this manner: "Say not in your heart, `Who shall ascend into Heaven?'" <n>(that is, to bring Christ down from above)</n> 


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But what says it? "The Word is nigh you, even in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith which we preach: 


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that if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. 


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For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 


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For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same <n>(sovereign)</n> Lord over all is rich unto all who call upon Him. 


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Israel Rejects the Gospel<br/>How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?


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And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" 


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But I ask, have they not heard? Yes, verily: "Their sound went out into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." 


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But I ask, did not Israel know? First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you." 


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But Isaiah is very bold and says, "I was found by them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me." 


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But to Israel he says, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." 


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Jews and Gentiles Grafted into One Tree<br/>I ask then: Hath God cast away His people? God forbid! For I also am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 


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God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Know you not what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, 


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"Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I am left alone and they seek my life"? 


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But what says the answer of God unto him? "I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal." 


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And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it be by works, then it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. 


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What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded, 


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according as it is written: "God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day." 


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And David says, "Let their table be made a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense unto them. 


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Israel's Rejection Not Final <n>(Totally Ended)</n><br/>I say then: Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid! But rather, through their fall salvation has come unto the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy. 


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Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world and the diminishing <n>(failure)</n> of them the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness? 


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For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 


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For if the firstfruit be holy, the whole lump is also holy; and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 


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And if some of the branches be broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 


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You says well! Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear; 


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Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God : on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also shall be cut off. 


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And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 


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For if you wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 


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For I, brethren, would not have you be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits: that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. 


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And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: "There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away unGod liness from Jacob. 


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Concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sake; but concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 


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For as in times past you have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief, 


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O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! 


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Living Sacrifices to God<br/>I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 


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Christians Should Lead Transformed Lives<br/>And be not conformed to this world, but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind <n>(by santified thoughts)</n>, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God . 


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Serve God with Spiritual Gifts<br/>For I say to every man that is among you, through the grace given unto me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. 


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Motivational <n>(Foundational, Creational)</n> Gifts<br/>Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us: if prophecy, let us prophesy according to our portion of faith; 


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or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 


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Behave Like a Christ<br/>Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.


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Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 


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Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay," says the Lord. 


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Therefore: "If your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head." 


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Obey <n>(Submit to)</n> Authorities <n>(Government)</n> <br/>Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but from God; the powers that be are ordained by God .


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Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive for themselves damnation. 


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For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same, 


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for he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he bears not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. 


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For, for this cause pay you tribute also, for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 


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Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 


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Love Your Neighbor<br/>Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. 


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For this, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not kill," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there be any other commandment, all are briefly comprehended in this saying, namely: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 


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Put on Christ<br/>nd that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. 


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The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 


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Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 


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But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. 


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The Law of Liberty<br/>Receive you him that is weak in the faith, but not to judge his doubtful disputations. 


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Let not him that eats despise him that eats not; and let not him that eats not, judge him that eats; for God has received him. 


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Who are you who judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls; yea, he shall be held up, for God is able to make him stand. 


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One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.


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He that regards one day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not that day, to the Lord does he not regard it. He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he that eats not, to the Lord he eats not and gives God thanks. 


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For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's. 


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For to this end Christ both died, and arose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 


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But why dost you judge your brother? Or why dost you set at nought your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.


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For it is written: "`As I live,' says the Lord, `every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God .'" 


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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 brother's way. 


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The Law of Love<br/>I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him that regards anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 


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But if your brother be grieved because of your meat, you walkest no longer charitably. Destroy not with your meat him for whom Christ died. 


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for the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit . 


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Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another. 


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Destroy not the work of God for the sake of meat. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for that man to eat what causes offense. 


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It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby your brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 


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Have you faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.


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And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eats not from faith; for whatsoever is not from faith is sin. 


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Bearing Others' Burdens; Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles<br/>We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 


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For even Christ pleased not Himself, but as it is written: "The reproaches of them that reproached You fell on Me." 


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For whatsoever things were written in times past, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 


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Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus, 


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Glorify God Together<br/>Therefore receive you one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God . 


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Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the Circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, 


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and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written: "For this cause I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing unto Your name." 


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And again Isaiah says, "There shall be a Root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him shall the Gentiles trust." 


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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit . 


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From Jerusalem to Illyricum<br/>And I myself also am persuaded about you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 


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Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some measure to remind you, because of the grace that is given to me from God , 


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that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit . 


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For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed, 


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through mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem and round about into Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ. 


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Yea, so have I striven to preach the Gospel not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation; 


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but as it is written: "To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand." 


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But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you, 


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whensoever I make my journey into Spain I will come to you. For I trust to see you on my journey, and to be brought on my way thither by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 


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For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are at Jerusalem.


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It has pleased them verily, and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers in their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 


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When therefore I have performed this, and have secured to them this fruit, I will come to you on my way to Spain. 


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And I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. 


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Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 


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that I may be delivered from those who do not believe in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints, 


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Sister Phoebe Commended<br/>I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, 


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Final Commendations and Greetingsthat you receive her in the Lord as becomes  saints, and that you assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you. For she has been a succorer of many, and of myself also. 


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who have for my life laid down their own necks, unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 


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Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 


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Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles and who also were in Christ before me. 


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Salute Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 


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Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 


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Salute Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 


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Avoid Divisive Persons <br/>Now I beseech you, brethren, mark those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. 


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For such as they serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 


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For your obedience has become known abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf; but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 


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And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.


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Greetings from Paul's Friends<br/><n>(I, Tertius, who wrote down this epistle, salute you in the Lord.)</n> 


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Gaius, my host and host of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, salutes you, and Quartus, a brother. 


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Benediction<br/>Now to Him who has the power to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began 


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but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith, 


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Greeting<br/>Paul, called  to be an  apostle of Jesus Christ through  the will of God, and Sosthenes  our brother, 


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Sanctified in Christ<br/>Unto the church  of God which is at Corinth, to those  who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called  to be saints, with  all who in every place call  upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord , both theirs and ours: 


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Spiritual Gifts at Corinth<br/>I thank  my God always on your behalf for the grace  of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;


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so that you  fall behind in no gift, waiting  for the coming  <n>(revelation)</n> of our Lord Jesus Christ. 


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He shall also confirm  you unto the end, that you may be blameless  in the Day  of our Lord Jesus Christ. 


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Divisions <n>(Schisms)</n> in the Church Condemned <n>(is Sin)</n><br/>Now I beseech  <n>(entreat, plead with, urge)</n> you, brethren, by the  name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you  all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions  <n>(schisms)</n> among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 


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For it has  been reported unto me about you, my brethren, by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there  are contentions among you. 


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Now this  I say, when everyone of you says, "I am  of Paul," and "I of Apollos ," and "I of Cephas ," and "I of Christ": 


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For Christ sent me not to  baptize, but to preach the Gospel, and not with  the wisdom of words  <n>(spech)</n>, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 


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Christ the Power and Wisdom of God<br/>For the preaching  of the cross is foolishness  to those  who perish; but unto  us who are saved, it is the power of God . 


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For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 


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Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Has not  God made foolish the wisdom of this world?


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For since, in the  wisdom of  God, the world  by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness  of preaching to save those who believe. 


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but we  preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews  a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness, 


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but unto those who are called,  both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power  of God and the wisdom  of God . 


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Glory Only in the Lord<br/>For you see in your calling, brethren, how not  many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty , not many noble, are called. 


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But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 


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and base things of the world and things which are despised has God chosen, yea, and things which  are not, to bring  to nought things which are, 


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But because of Him you are in  Christ Jesus, who from God  is made unto us wisdom  and righteousness,  and sanctification  and redemption, 


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Christ Crucified<br/>And I, brethren, when  I came to you declaring unto you the testimony  of God, came not with  excellency of speech or of wisdom. 


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And my speech  and my preaching were not with  enticing  <n>(persuasible)</n> words of man's wisdom, but in  demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 


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Spiritual Wisdom<br/>However, we speak wisdom among those  who are perfect, yet not the  wisdom of this world, nor of the  princes of this world, who are coming  to nought. 


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But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even  the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world for our glory -- 


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wisdom which none  of the princes of this world knew; for had  they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord  of Glory. 


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But as it is written: "eye  has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things  which God has prepared for them  that love Him." 


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But God  has revealed them unto us by His  Spirit. For the Spirit  searches all things, yea, the deep  things of God . 


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For what  man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even  so no man knows the things of God, but the Spirit of God . 


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Now we have received, not  the spirit of the world, but  the Spirit which is of God, that  we might know the things that are freely given to us by God . 


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These things also we speak, not in  the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but  which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual <n>(heavenly)</n> things  with spiritual <n>(men)</n>. 


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But the natural man  receives  not the things  of the Spirit of God, for they  are foolishness unto him; neither  can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned <n>(dead)</n>. 


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But he that  is spiritual judges  <n>(discerns)</n> all things, yet  he himself is judged <n>(discerned)</n> by no man. 


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"For who  has known the mind of the Lord, that he may <n>(shall)</n> instruct Him?" But  we have the mind of Christ. 


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Sectarianism Is Carnal<br/>And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual , but as unto carnal , even as unto babes  in Christ. 


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I have fed  you with milk and not with meat; for  you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able, 


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for you are yet carnal. For if  there is among you envying and strife and divisions <n>(factions)</n>, are you not carnal and walk  as <n>(according to)</n> men? 


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Watering, Working, Warning<br/>Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers  by whom you came to believe, even  as the Lord gave to every man? 


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Jesus Christ Is the Only Foundation<br/>Now he that plants  and he that waters are one, and every  man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 


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For we  are laborers together with God; you are God's  husbandry <n>(tilage)</n>; you are God's building .


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According to the  grace of God which is given unto me, as a  wise master builder I have  laid the foundation, and another  builds thereon. But let every  man take heed how he builds thereupon. 


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Now if any man build upon this foundation with gold , silver, precious  stones, wood , hay, stubble, 


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every man's  work shall be made manifest; for the Day  shall declare it, because it shall be <n>(is)</n> revealed  by fire, and the fire  shall test every man's work of what sort it is. 


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If any man's work  shall be burned, he shall  suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet  so as fire. 


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If any  man defile  the temple of God, him shall God destroy . For the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple. 


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Avoid Worldly Wisdom<br/>Let no man deceive  himself. If any  man among you seems  to be wise in this world, let  him become a fool, that he may be wise. 


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For the wisdom  of this world is foolishness with God. For  it is written: "He  take the wise in their own craftiness"; 


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whether Paul  or Apollos or Cephas, or the  world or life or death, or things present or things to come -- all are yours, 


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Stewards <n>(Caretakers)</n> of the Mysteries of God<br/>Let a man so account  us as the ministers  of Christ, and stewards  of the mysteries  of God . 


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But with me it is  a very small thing that I should be judged  by you, or by man's judgment. Yea, I judge not mine own self. 


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Therefore judge  nothing before the time, until  the Lord come, who  will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise  of God . 


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Fools for Christ's Sake<br/>And these  things, brethren, I have in a sense transferred to myself and to Apollos for  your sakes, that you  may learn through us not to regard men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed  up for one against another. 


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For who  makes you to differ <n>(distinguishes)</n> from another? And what  have you that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do  you glory <n>(boast)</n> as if you had not been given it? 


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Now you are full , now you are rich! You have reigned as kings without  us! And I  would to God you did  reign, that we also might reign with you! 


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For I think  that God has set forth us, the apostles, last, as it  were approved to death; for we are  made a spectacle  unto the world, and to angels, and to men . 


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We are fools  for Christ's  sake, but you are wise  in Christ; we are weak , but you  are strong; you are honorable, but we  are despised. 


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Even unto  this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked  and are buffeted , and have  no certain dwelling place, 


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and we labor , working with our own hands. Being reviled , we bless; being persecuted , we suffer it; 


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being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 


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Paul's Paternal Care<br/>I write  these things not to shame you, but to warn  you as my  beloved sons. 


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For though you have  ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you have not many fathers; for in  Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel. 


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For this cause I have sent  unto you Timothy, who is  my beloved son and faithful  in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways  which are in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every  church. 


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But I will  come to you shortly, if the  Lord wills, and will know, not the  speech of those who are puffed up, but the  power. 


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Immorality Defiles the Church and Must Be Judged<br/>It is reportedl  commonly that there is fornicationl  among you, of suchl  a kind as is not so much as even named among the Gentiles: that onel  should have his father's wife. 


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And you arel  puffed up, and have not rather mournedl , that he that has done this deed mightl  be taken away from among you. 


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For I verily, though absentl  in body but present in spirit, have judged <n>(determined)</n> already as though I were present concerning him who has so done this deed: 


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In the name  of our Lord Jesus Christ, when  you are gathered together, I being there in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 


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deliver  such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the  spirit may be saved in the Day  of the Lord Jesus. 


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Purge  out therefore the old leaven, that you may  be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ , our Passover, is sacrificed <n>(slain)</n> for us. 


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Therefore let  us keep the feast  <n>(holy day)</n>, not  with old leaven, neither  with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with  the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 


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yet not meaning altogether  with the fornicators of this  world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters, for  to do so you would need to go out of the world. 


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But I now have written unto you not to keep company with any man who is called  a brother if he is a fornicator , or covetous , or an idolater , or a railer , or a drunkard , or an extortioner . With such  a one you are not even to eat. 


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For what  have I to do with judging those  also who are outside? Do not  you judge those who are within?


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But those who are outside, God  judges. Therefore  put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 


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Do Not Behave <n>(Sue the Brethren)</n> Like Worldly People<br/>Dare any of you, having  a complaint against another, go to  law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 


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Do you not know that the saints  shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest  matters? 


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If then you  have judgments to make on things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who  are least esteemed in the church! 


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I speak to shame you!  Is it  so, that there is not a wise man among you, no, not one, who shall be able to judge between his brethren? 


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Now therefore, there  is utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one against another. Why  do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 


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Know  you not that the unrighteous  shall not inherit  the Kingdom of God? Be not deceived: Neither fornicators , nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor abusers  of themselves with mankind, 


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nor thieves , nor the covetous , nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God . 


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And such  were some of you. But you are washed , you are sanctified , you are justified  in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God . 


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Glorify God in Body and Spirit<br/>"All things are lawful  unto me," but all things are not  expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I  will not be brought under the power of any. 


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"Meats for  the belly, and the belly for meats," but God  shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for  the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 


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Know you not that your  bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a harlot? God  forbid!


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What? Know you not that he who is joined to a harlot  is one body with her? "For  two," says He, "shall be one flesh." 


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Flee  fornication. Every other sin which a man does is outside the body, but he that commits fornication sins  against his own body. 


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What?  Know you not that your body  is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you and which you have from God, and that you  are not your own? 


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For you  are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God  in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 


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Principles of Marriage<br/>Now concerning the things whereof you wrote unto me: It is good  for a man not to touch  a woman.


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Nevertheless to avoid  fornication, let  every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 


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The wife has not power over her own body, but the husband; and likewise also the husband has not power over his own body, but the wife. 


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Defraud you not one the other, except  <n>(unless)</n> it be with consent for a time only, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan  tempt you not through your lack of selfrestraint. 


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For I would  that all men were even as I myself am. But  every man has his proper gift of God, one in this manner and another in that. 


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Keep Your Marriage Vows<br/>And unto the married I command <n>(yet  not I, but the Lord)</n>: let not the wife depart from her husband. 


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But if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be  reconciled to her husband. And let  not the husband put away his wife. 


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But to the rest I speak  <n>(not the Lord)</n>: if any  brother has a wife who believes not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 


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And the woman who has a husband who believes not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 


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For the unbelieving husband  is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. Else  your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 


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But if the unbelieving spouse depart, let him depart. A brother  or a sister is not under bondage in such cases, but  <n>(for)</n> God has called us to <n>(in)</n> peace. 


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For how knows you, O wife , whether you shall save your husband? Or how  do you know, O man, whether you shall save your wife? 


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Live as You Are Called<br/>But as God  has distributed to every man, as the  Lord has called every one, so let him walk. And so I ordain  in all churches. 


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Is any man called, being  circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called, being uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 


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Circumcision  is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but  what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God . 


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Are you  a servant <n>(slave)</n> when called? Be not concerned ; but if you may be made free, then make use of it. 


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For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the  Lord's freeman; likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's  servant. 


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To the Unmarried and Widows<br/>Now concerning  virgins: I have  no commandment from the Lord, yet I give my judgment as one who has obtained  mercy from the Lord to be faithful. 


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I suppose therefore that  in this present distress <n>(necessity)</n>, I say, it is good for a man so to be. 


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But if you marry, you have  not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she has not sinned. Nevertheless , such shall have trouble in the flesh, but I  would spare you. 


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But this I say, brethren: the time  is short. It remains that those  who have wives should be as though they had none; 


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and those who weep , as though they wept not; and those who rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and those who buy, as though they possessed not; 


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But I would  have you be without cares. He that  is unmarried cares for the things which belong to the Lord , how he may please the Lord; 


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There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares  for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both  in body and in spirit; but she that  is married cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 


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And this I speak for your own profit, not  that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely , and so that  you may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 


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But if any man think that he is behaving <n>(acting)</n> improperly <n>(uncomely)</n> toward his virgin, if she pass the flower  of her age and need  so require, let him do what he will--he sins  not: let them marry. 


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Nevertheless, he that stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 


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So then  he that gives her in marriage does well , but he that gives her not in marriage does better. 


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The wife  is bound by the law as long as her husband lives. But if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, but only in the Lord. 


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But she  is happier if she so remain, in my judgment; and I think  <n>(judge or concider)</n> also that I have the Spirit of God . 


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Be Sensitive to Conscience<br/>Now concerning  things offered unto idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge  puffs up, but  love edifies. 


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Concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know  that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is  no other God but One. 


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For though there be what  are called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth <n>(as there are many "gods" and many "lords")</n>, 


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yet to us there is but one God , the Father, from whom  are all things, and we  in <n>(for)</n> Him, and one  Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things, and we by  Him. 


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However, there  is not in every man that knowledge; for some, with  conscience of the idol until this hour, eat it as a thing offered unto an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 


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But meat  commends us not to God, for neither are we the better <n>(more)</n> if we eat, nor are we the worse <n>(less)</n> if we eat not. 


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But take  heed lest by any means this liberty <n>(power)</n> of yours become a stumbling block  to those who are weak.


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For if any man see you, who have  knowledge, sitting  at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened  <n>(edifed)</n> to eat those things which are offered to idols, 


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Therefore, if meat  make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend. 


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A Pattern of Self-Denial<br/>Am I not an  apostle? Am I not free?  Have  I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are  not you my work in the Lord?


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If I am not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you. For  you are the seal of mine apostleship in the Lord. 


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Have we not power to lead  about a sister , a wife <n>(women)</n>, as do other apostles and as the brethren  of the Lord, and Cephas? 


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Who goes  to war at any time at his own expense? Who plants  a vineyard and eats not of the fruit thereof? Or  who feeds a flock and eats not of the milk of the flock?


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For it is written in the Law of Moses: "You   shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads  out the corn." Does  God take care for oxen, 


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or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For   our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plows  should plow in hope, and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 


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If we have sown  unto you spiritual things, is it so great  a thing if we should reap your worldly things? 


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If others  are partakers of this power over you, are we not  even more? Nevertheless  we have not used this power, but  suffer all things, lest we should hinder  the Gospel of Christ. 


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Do you not know that those  who minister concerning holy things live <n>(feed)</n> of the things of the temple, and those who wait upon the altar are partakers with the altar? 


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But I have  used none of these things; neither  have I written, that these things should be so done unto me. For it would be better for me  to die than that any man should make my glorying void. 


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For though I preach the Gospel, I have  nothing to glory about, for  necessity is laid upon me. Yea, woe  is unto me if I preach not the Gospel! 


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For if I  do this thing willingly, I have  a reward; but if against  my will, a dispensation  of the Gospel is committed unto me. 


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What is my reward then? Verily that, when  I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I  abuse not my power in the Gospel. 


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Serving All Men<br/>For though I am  free from all men, yet have I made  myself servant unto all, that  I might gain the more. 


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And unto  the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to those who are under  the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; 


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to those  who are outside the law, as outside the law <n>(though not  outside the law of God, but under the law of Christ)</n>, that I might gain those who are outside the law. 


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To the weak  I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I am  made all things to all men, that I might by  all means save some. 


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Striving for a Crown<br/>Know you not that those  who run in  a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run , that you may obtain it. 


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And every man that strives  for mastery is temperate  in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but  we an incorruptible. 


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But I keep  control of my body, and  bring it into subjection, lest  that by any means, when I have preached <n>(proclaimed)</n> to others <n>(the Gospel and things pertaining to it)</n>, I myself should be a castaway <n>(rejected as a counterfeit)</n>. 


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Old Testament Examples<br/>Moreover, brethren, I would  not have you ignorant of how all of our  fathers were  under the cloud, and all  passed through the sea, 


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and all  drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed <n>(went with)</n> them , and that Rock  was Christ. 


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Now these  things were our examples  <n>(figures)</n>, to the intent that we should not lust  after evil things, as they also lusted. 


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Neither be  you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written: "The people  sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." 


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Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed -- and three and twenty thousand fell in one day. 


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Now all these things happened unto them by way of examples <n>(types)</n>, and are  written for our admonition, upon  whom the ends of the world are come. 


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There has  no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common <n>(moderate)</n> to man. But  God is faithful; He  will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which you are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make  a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. 


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The cup  of blessing which we bless: is it not the communion of the blood  of Christ? The bread  which we break: is it not the communion of the body of Christ?


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Behold Israel  according to the flesh: are  not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?


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What say I then? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? 


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But I say that the  things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice  to devils and not to God; and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils. 


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You cannot drink  the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils; you cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of devils.


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Do All to the Glory of God<br/>All things are lawful  for me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify. 


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If any of those who do not believe bid  you to a feast, and you are disposed to go, whatsoever  is set before you eat, asking no question for  conscience' sake. 


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But if any man say unto you, "This is offered in sacrifice unto idols," then eat  it not for his sake who showed it, and for conscience' sake; for,  "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." 


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I do not  mean your own conscience, but the other's. For why  is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 


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For if I by grace <n>(thanksgiving)</n> be a partaker, why is evil spoken of me for that for which  I give thanks? 


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Give no  offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles <n>(Greeks)</n>, nor to the church  of God , 


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even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 


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Now I praise  you, brethren, that  you remember me in all things and keep  the ordinances <n>(traditions)</n> as I have delivered them to you. 


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Head Coverings<br/>But I would have you know that the head of every  man is Christ, and the head of the  woman is the man, and the head of Christ  is God . 


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But every woman who prays or  prophesies with her head uncovered dishonores her head, for that is one and the same as if she were shaven . 


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For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn. But  if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 


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For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, inasmuch as he is  the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of the man. 


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For this cause ought the woman to have power  <n>(authority)</n> on her head, because  of the angels. 


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But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given her for a covering  <n>(veil)</n>. 


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Conduct at the Lord's Supper<br/>Now in this I declare unto you that I praise  you not: that you  come together not for the better, but for the worse. 


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For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear  that there are divisions  <n>(schisms)</n> among you, and I partly believe it. 


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For there  must be also heresies  <n>(sects)</n> among you, that those who are  approved may be made manifest among you. 


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For in  eating, everyone take his own supper ahead of another, and one  is hungry and another is drunken. 


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What? Have  you not houses to eat and to drink in? Or  despise you the church of God, and shame those who have not?  <n>(the poor)</n> What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not! 


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Institution of the Lord's Supper<br/>For I have  received from the Lord that which also I delivered unto you: that the Lord Jesus, the same  night in which He was betrayed, took  bread; 


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and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat ; this  is My body which is broken for you: this do in <n>(for a)</n> remembrance  of Me." 


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In the same manner also He took the cup, after he had eaten, saying, "This  cup is the new  testament in My blood: this do you, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 


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For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death until  He come. 


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Examine Yourself<br/>Therefore whosoever  shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be  guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 


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For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation  <n>(judgment)</n> to himself, not  discerning the Lord's body. 


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But when we are  judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we should not be condemned  with the world. 


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And if any  man hunger, let him eat at home, that you come not together unto condemnation <n>(judgment)</n>. And the rest will I  set in order when  I come. 


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Spiritual Unity of Believers<br/>Now concerning spiritual  gifts, brethren, I would not  have you ignorant. 


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Therefore I give you to understand, that no man  speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed , and that no man  can say that Jesus is the Lord, except by the Holy Spirit . 


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Manifestational Gifts <n>(of or by The Spirit)</n><br/>Now there  are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit . 


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For to one is given  by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit ;


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to another the working  of miracles; to another prophecy ; to another discerning  of spirits; to another divers  kinds of tongues; to another the  interpretation of tongues.


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But all  of these that one and the selfsame Spirit works, apportioning to every man individually as  He will. 


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Unity and Diversity in One Body<br/>For as  the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so  also is Christ. 


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For by  one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews  or Gentiles <n>(Greeks)</n>, whether we are bond  or free, and have been all made to drink  into one Spirit . 


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If the foot shall say, "Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 


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And if the ear shall say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body," is it  therefore not of the body? 


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If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 


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And the eye cannot say unto the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 


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And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow <n>(put on)</n> more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 


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For our comely parts have no need, but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked, 


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that there  should be no schism <n>(division)</n> in the body, but that the members should have the same  care one for another. 


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And whenever one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 


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And God  has set some in the church: first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracle workers, then those with gifts of healing, helpers , administrators <n>(government)</n>, and those with diversity  <n>(kinds)</n> of tongues. 


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The Greatest Spiritual Gift <n>(Charity is Love)</n><br/>Though I speak  with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not  love <n>(charity)</n>, I am become as  sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 


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And though I have the  gift of prophecy, and understand  all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all  faith so that I could remove mountains, but have  not love, I am  nothing. 


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And though I bestow  all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give  my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits  me nothing. 


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Love never  fails. But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues , they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish  away. 


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When I was a child, I spoke  as a child, I understood as a child, I thought <n>(reasoned)</n> as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 


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For now we see  through a glass, darkly , but then face  to face. Now  I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known. 


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Principles Concerning Spiritual Gifts<br/>Follow  <n>(pursue)</n> after love  <n>(charity)</n>, and desire  spiritual gifts, but rather so that you may prophesy. 


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Prophecy and Tongues<br/>For he that  speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God, for no man understands  <n>(hears)</n> him, however  it may be that in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 


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I would  that you all spoke with tongues, but rather that you prophesied; for  greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except  <n>(unless)</n> he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 


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Tongues Must Be Interpreted<br/>Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I  profit you, unless I shall speak to you either by revelation  or by knowledge , or by prophesying , or by doctrine? 


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And even things  without life, making sounds, whether pipe or harp, except  <n>(unless)</n> they give a distinction in the sounds <n>(tunes)</n>, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 


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So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy  to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken, for  you shall be speaking into the air? 


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There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 


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Therefore, if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall  be unto him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian unto me. 


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Even so you, inasmuch  as you are zealous to possess spiritual gifts , seek  that you may excel to the edifying of the church. 


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What  is it then? I will pray with the spirit , and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing  with the understanding also. 


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Else, when you shall bless  with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned  say "Amen"  at  your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you says? 


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Yet in the  church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 


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Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers<br/>Brethren, be not  children in understanding. Nonetheless, in malice  be you children, but  in understanding be men. 


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In the law  it is written: "With  men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that they will not hear Me," says the Lord. 


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Therefore tongues are for a  sign, not to  those who believe, but to those who believe not; but prophesying serves not those who believe not, but for  those who believe. 


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If therefore the whole  church come together into one place and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are unlearned or unbelievers, will  they not say that you are mad? 


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But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not or is unlearned, he is convinced  by all and is judged by all, 


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and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling  down on his face he will worship God and report that God is  in you in truth.


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Order in Church Meetings<br/>How is it then, brethren? When you come together everyone  of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let  all things be done for edification. 


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If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or at the most by three, and then in turn, and let one interpret. 


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But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God . 


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Let your women  keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are  commanded to be under obedience, as  also says the law. 


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And if they will learn any thing, let  them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame  for women to speak in the church. 


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If any  man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let  him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 


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Christ's Resurrection and Our Resurrection<br/>Moreover, brethren, I declare  unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which you also  have received, and wherein you stand, 


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by which you also are  saved if you keep in memory  <n>(hold fast)</n> what <n>(speech)</n> I preached unto you-- unless  you have believed in vain.


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For I delivered  unto you first of all that which I also received: how that Christ  died for our sins according  to the Scriptures, 


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and that He was  seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some have  fallen asleep. 


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For I am the least  of the apostles, not meet to be called an apostle, because  I persecuted the church of God . 


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But by  the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace  which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I  labored more abundantly than they all -- yet  not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 


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The Risen Christ, Our Hope <n>(Faith's Reality)</n><br/>Now if  Christ is preached, that He rose from the dead, how  say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 


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Yea, and we are found to be false witnesses of God, because we have  testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom  He did not raise up, if so it be that the dead rise not. 


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The Last Enemy Destroyed<br/>But now  Christ is risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits  of those who slept. 


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For since by man <n>(Adam)</n> came death , by Man <n>(Christ)</n> came also  the resurrection of the dead. 


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but every  man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward those  who are Christ's at His coming.


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Then comes   the end when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom  to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. 


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for "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things" are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, who did put all things under Him. 


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And when all things  shall be subdued unto Him, then  shall the Son Himself also be subject unto Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. 


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Effects of Denying the Resurrection<br/>Else, what  shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead? 


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I declare  <n>(affirm)</n> by my  rejoicing in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord: I diet  daily.


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If <n>(to speak)</n> aftert  the manner of men I have fought with beasts  at Ephesus, what  advantage is there to me, if the dead rise not? "Let  us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" 


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Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 


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A Glorious Body<br/>But some man will say, "How  are the dead raised up? And with  what body do they come?" 


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And that which you sow is not that body which shall be, but bare grain, by chance of wheat or of some other grain. 


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All flesh is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 


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There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the›terrestrial is another. 


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There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. 


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It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual  body. 


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And so it is written: "The first  man Adam was made <n>(became)</n> a living soul <n>(being with a personality)</n>." The last Adam <n>(Christ)</n> was made <n>(became)</n> a quickening  <n>(living; life giving)</n> Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. 


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However that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is natural  <n>(physical)</n>,and afterward that which is spiritual. 


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The first  man is <n>(out)</n> of the earth, <n>(made of dust)</n> earthy <n>(minded)</n>; the second Man is the Lord  from <n>(out of)</n> Heaven. 


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As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy ; and as  is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 


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And as  we have borne the image of the <n>(man of dust)</n> earthy, we shall  also bear the image of the <n>(the Man Christ)</n> heavenly. 


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Our Final Victory <n>(Over Death)</n><br/>Now this  I say, brethren, that  flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. 


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in a moment , in the twinkling of an eye, at the last  trumpet. For  the trumpet shall sound, and the dead  shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 


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So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal  shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death  is swallowed up in victory." 


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Be Steadfast<br/>Therefore , my beloved brethren, be  steadfast, unmovable, always abounding  in the work  of the Lord, for you know  that your labor is not  in vain in the  Lord. 


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Final Instructions <n>(Collection)</n> for the Saints<br/>Now concerning  the collection for the saints : As I have given orders to the churches  of Galatia, even so do ye. 


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Upon the first  day of the week, let everyone of you lay aside in store as God  has prospered him, so that  there need be no gatherings when I come. 


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And when  I come, whomever  you shall approve by your letters I will send to bring your liberality  <n>(gift)</n> unto Jerusalem. 


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Personal Plans<br/>Now I will come unto you when  I shall pass through Macedonia <n>(for I am passing through Macedonia)</n>.


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And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter  with you, that you  may send me on my journey wherever I go. 


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Now if  Timothy <n>(Thimotheus)</n> come, see that he may be with you without  fear, for  he works the work of the Lord, as I also do. 


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Let no  man therefore despise him, but  conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me; for I look for him with the brethren. 


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Now concerning our  brother Apollos: I greatly desired that he should come unto you with the brethren, but it was not at all his will to come at this time; but he will come when  it shall be convenient. 


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I beseech you, brethren <n>(you know the household  of Stephanas and that it is the firstfruits  of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the  ministry of the saints)</n>, 


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I am glad about the coming of Stephanas  and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for  that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 


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Greetings and a Solemn Farewell<br/>The churches  of Asia salute you. Aquila  and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church  that is in their house. 


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Greeting<br/>Paul , an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy  our brother, Unto the church  of God which is at Corinth, with all  the saints who are in all Achaia: 


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Paul Comforts the Believers in Suffering<br/>Blessed  be God, even the Father of our  Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies  and the God  of all comfort, 


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who comforts  us in all our tribulation, that  we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God . 


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And whether  we be afflicted, it is  for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual  in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 


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And our  hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you  are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. 


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Delivered from Suffering<br/>For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of our  trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were pressed beyond measure, beyond strength, insomuch  that we despaired even of life. 


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But we had the sentence <n>(answer)</n> of death in ourselves, that  we should not trust in ourselves but in God  who raises the dead, 


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who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us, in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us. 


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You also helped  by praying together for us, so that  for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 


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Paul's Sincerity<br/>For our rejoicing  is this, the testimony of our conscience: that we have had our discourse in the world, and more abundantly toward you, not  with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God in simplicity  and godly  sincerity. 


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For we write no other things unto you than  what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end, 


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as you also have acknowledged us in part , that we are your rejoicing, even  as you also are ours in the  Day of the Lord Jesus. 


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Sparing the Church<br/>And in  this confidence, I was minded to come unto you before this, that  you might have a second benefit <n>(grace)</n>: 


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to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come  again to you on my way out of Macedonia, and be sent by you on my way toward Judea. 


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When therefore I was thus minded, did I decide lightly ? Or the things which I purpose, do I purpose according  to the flesh, that with me there should be "yes , yes" and "no, no"? 


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For the Son  of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not  "yes" and "no," but in Him was "Yes." 


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who has also put His seal  upon us, and given us the pledge  of the Spirit in our hearts <n>(as a guarantee)</n>. 


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Moreover I call  God for a record upon my soul, that it  was to spare you that I came not as yet unto Corinth, 


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not that  we have dominion over your faith, but are  helpers for  your joy. For by faith you stand. 


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Paul Urges Forgiveness<br/>But I determined  this within myself, that  I would not come again to you in heaviness. 


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For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then who makes me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me? 


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Forgive the Offender<br/>And I wrote  as I did unto you lest , when I came, I should have sorrow from those of whom I ought  to rejoice, having  confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 


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For out  of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears, not  that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you. 


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But if any  have caused grief, he has not grieved  me, but in part" that I may not overburden you all. 


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so that, on the contrary, you  ought rather to forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed  up with too much  sorrow. 


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For to this end also did I write, that  I might have proof from you, whether  you be obedient in all things. 


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To whom you  forgive anything, I forgive also; for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, I forgave it for your sakes in the person <n>(sight)</n> of Christ, 


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Triumph in Christ<br/>Furthermore, when  I came to Troas to preach Christ's Gospel, and a  door was opened unto me by the Lord, 


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I had no rest  in my spirit because I found not Titus  my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went  from thence into Macedonia. 


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Now thanks  be unto God, who  always causes us to triumph in Christ and who makes manifest through us the savour  of His knowledge in every place. 


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to the one we are the savour of death  unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who  is sufficient for these things? 


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For we are not as many who  corrupt  <n>(deal deceitfully with)</n> the Word of God; but as out of sincerity , but as from God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 


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Christ's Epistle<br/>Do we begin again  to commend ourselves? Or need we, as some others, epistles  of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 


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The New Covenant Written on Hearts<br/>You are  our epistle written in  our hearts, known  and read by all men; 


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for you are manifestly declared to be the epistle  of Christ ministered  by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living  God, not  on tablets of stone but  in fleshy tablets of the heart. 


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Not that  we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as coming from ourselves, but  our sufficiency is from God , 


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who also has  made us able ministers of the new  testament -- not  of the letter, but of the Spirit; for  the letter kills, but the  Spirit gives life  <n>(quckens)</n>. 


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Glory of the New Covenant<br/>But if the ministration  of death, written  and engraved in stones was  glorious, so that  the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which  glory was to be done away with, 


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For if the ministration of condemnation  is glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness  exceed  in glory! 


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For even that which was made glorious had  no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excell. 


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and not as Moses, who  put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel could not  steadfastly look to the  end of that which was being abolished. 


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But their  minds were blinded; for until this day the same veil remains untaken away in the reading of the old testament, which veil  is done away with in Christ. 


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But we all, with  uncovered face beholding as in  a glass the glory  of the Lord, are  changed into the same image, from  glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord . 


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The Light of Christ's Gospel<br/>Therefore, seeing  we have this ministry, as  we have received mercy we faint not , 


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but have renounced  the hidden things of dishonesty  <n>(shame)</n>, not  walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully; but by  manifesting the truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God . 


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Paul's Zeal in Preaching the Gospel<br/>But if our  Gospel be hid, it is  hid to those who are lost, 


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whose unbelieving minds the God  of this world has blinded , lest  the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image  of God, should shine  unto them. 


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For we  preach not ourselves, but Christ  Jesus the Lord, and  ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 


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For God, who  commanded the light to shine out of darkness, <n>(is he who)</n> has shined  in our hearts to give the light  of the knowledge of the glory of God in the  face of Jesus Christ. 


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Treasure of God<br/>But we have this  treasure in  earthen vessels, that  the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 


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Cast Down but Not Destroyed<br/>We are troubled  on every side, yet  not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair ; 


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always bearing  about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that  the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 


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For we who live are always  being delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our  mortal flesh. 


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We, having the same  spirit of faith, according as it is written: "I believed and therefore have I spoken" -- we also  believe and therefore speak, 


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knowing that  He who raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present  us with you. 


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For all  things are for your sakes, that, through the thanksgiving of many, the abundant  grace might redound to the glory of God . 


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Seeing the Invisible<br/>For this cause we  faint not, but though  our outward man perish, yet the  inward man is  renewed day by  day. 


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For our  light affliction, which is but for a moment, works  for us a far  more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 


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while we  look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For  the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 


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Assurance of the Resurrection<br/>For we know  that if our  earthly house, this tabernacle <n>(tent)</n>, were dissolved , we have a building  of God, a house  not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 


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Paul's Hope of Eternal Glory<br/>For in this we  groan, earnestly  desiring to be clothed  about with our house which is from Heaven, 


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For we that  are in this tabernacle <n>(tent)</n> do  groan, being burdened, not because we would be unclothed, but  clothed about, that mortality  might be swallowed up by life. 


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Now He that has wrought  us for this selfsame thing is God, who also has given unto us the Spirit as a guarantee. 


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Therefore we are always  confident, knowing that, while  we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; 


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We are confident, I say, and willing  rather to be absent from the body and to be present  with the Lord. 


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The Judgment Seat of Christ<br/>Therefore we labor  <n>(endeavor)</n>, that, whether  present or absent, we may be accepted  by Him. 


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For we  must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive  the things done in  his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad. 


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Knowing therefore the terror  of the Lord, we persuade  men; but  we are made manifest unto God, and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 


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Be Reconciled to God<br/>For we  commend not ourselves again unto you, but give  you occasion to glory on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who glory in appearance  <n>(the face)</n> and not in heart. 


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For if we be beside  ourselves, it is for  God; if we be sober  <n>(sound)</n> mind, it is for  your cause. 


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For the love  of Christ constrains  us, because  we thus judge that if One  died for all, then  all were dead; 


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and that He died for all, that those  who live should not henceforth  live unto  themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again. 


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Therefore, henceforth we know <n>(regard)</n> no  man according to the flesh; yea, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet  now henceforth we know Him so no more. 


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New Creation <n>(Born again, Saved [your Spirit])</n><br/>Therefore if any man be  in Christ, he is a new  creature: old  things <n>(nature)</n> are passed away; behold, all things have become new <n>(nature)</n>. 


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And all  things are of God, who  has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and has given  to us the ministry of reconciliation, 


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that is, that God  was in Christ, reconciling  the world unto Himself, not  imputing their trespAsses unto them, and has committed <n>(put in us)</n> unto us the Word  of reconciliation. 


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Now then we are ambassadors  for Christ, as  though God were beseeching you by us: we pray you on  Christ's stead, be  you reconciled to God . 


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Made the Righteousness of God<br/>For He  has made Him who  knew no sin to be sin for us, that we  might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 


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Paul's <n>(Marks of)</n> Sufferings in His Ministry<br/>We then, as workers  together with Him, beseech  you also that you  receive not the  grace of God in vain. 


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<n>(For He says, "I have heard you at an accepted time , and in the day of salvation have I succored you." Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!)</n> 


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but in all  things commending  ourselves as  the ministers of God in much  patience: in afflictions , in necessities , in distresses , 


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by pureness , by knowledge , by longsuffering, by kindness, by the  Holy Spirit, by love  unfeigned, 


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by the word  of truth, by the power  of God, by the armor  of righteousness on the right  hand and on the left; 


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through honor  and dishonor, through evil  report and good report; though counted as  deceivers and yet true , 


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as sorrowful  yet always rejoicing; as poor  yet making  many rich, as having nothing and  yet possessing all things. 


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Be Holy <n>(as God is)</n><br/>O you  Corinthians, our mouth  is opened unto you, and our heart  is enlarged. 


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Unequally Yoked<br/>Be you not unequally  yoked together with unbelievers, for  what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what  communion has light with darkness? 


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And what  agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are  the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell  in them and walk in them; and I will be  their God, and they shall be My people." 


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Therefore, "Come  out from among them, and be you separate," says the Lord. "And touch not the unclean thing, and I  will receive you, 


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The Corinthians' Repentance<br/>Having therefore  these promises, dearly beloved, let  us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness  of the flesh and spirit, perfecting  holiness in  the fear of God . 


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I speak this not to condemn  you, for  I have said before that you are  in our hearts, to die  and live with you. 


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Great is my boldness  of speech toward you; great  is my glorying of you. I am filled  with comfort; I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.


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For when  we had come into Macedonia, our  flesh had no rest, but we were troubled  on every side: without  were fightings, within were fears . 


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and not by his coming only, but  also by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you when  he told us of your earnest  desire, your mourning , your fervent  mind toward me, so that I rejoiced the more. 


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For though I caused  you sorrow with a letter, I do not now repent, though I did  repent; for I perceive that the same epistle has caused you sorrow, though it were but for a season. 


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Now I rejoice , not that you were made sorrowful, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorrowful in a godly manner , that you  might receive injury from us in nothing. 


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For godly sorrow is not to be repented of, but works repentance  unto salvation; but the sorrow  of the world works death. 


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For behold this selfsame thing, when you  sorrowed in a godly manner: what earnest concern  <n>(carefulness)</n> it wrought in you, yea, what clearing  of yourselves, yea, what indignation , yea, what fear , yea, what vehement  desire, yea, what zeal , yea, what revenge  <n>(requital)</n>! In all these things you have proved  yourselves to be clear in this matter. 


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Therefore, though I wrote unto you, I did  not do so for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for his sake who suffered wrong, but that our  concern for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. 


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The Joy of Titus<br/>Therefore we were  comforted in your comfort. Yea, we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because  his spirit was refreshed by you all. 


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For if  I have boasted anything to him of you, I am not ashamed, but as we  spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found to be true. 


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And his inward affection is  more abundant toward you while he  remembers the obedience  of you all, how with  fear and trembling you received him. 


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Excel <n>(Grow)</n> in Giving<br/>Moreover, brethren, we  want you to know of the grace  of God bestowed on the churches  of Macedonia: 


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how in  a great trial of affliction the abundance  of their joy and their deep  poverty abounded unto the riches  of their liberality  <n>(simplicity)</n>.


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For to  their power, I bear  record, yea, and beyond  their power they were willing to give of themselves, 


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praying us with earnest entreaty that  we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of ministering  to the saints. 


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And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first  they gave themselves to the Lord and unto  us by the will of God , 


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insomuch that we  urged Titus that, as he had begun, so he would finish in you the same grace  <n>(gift)</n> also. 


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Therefore as  you abound in everything -- in faith , and utterance, and knowledge , in all diligence, and in your  love for us -- see  that you abound in this  grace also. 


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Christ Our Pattern<br/>I speak  not by commandment, but by occasion  of the forthcoming of others, and to prove  the sincerity of your love. 


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For you know the grace  of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though  He was rich, yet for  your sakes He became  poor, that you  through His poverty might be rich. 


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And herein I give  my advice, for this is expedient  for you, who began earlier not only to do, but also to be  in the forward <n>(forefront; willing)</n> a year ago. 


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Now therefore perform the doing of it, that as there was a readiness  to will, so there may be a performance also out of  that which you have. 


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For if  there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he has not. 


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but that there be an equality: that now at this time your abundance may supply their want, that their abundance may also supply your want, that there may be equality. 


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As it is written: "He that had gathered much had nothing left over, and he that had gathered little had no lack." 


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Collection for the Judean Saints<br/>But thanks  be to God who put the same earnest  care into the heart of Titus for you.


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For indeed he accepted  the exhortation, but  being even more zealous, of his own accord he went unto you. 


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And we have sent with him the brother , whose praise is in the Gospel throughout  all the churches. 


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And not that only, but  he was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace , which is administered by us to the  glory of the same Lord, and to declare your ready mind. 


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And we have sent with them our brother, whom  we have oftentimes proved to be diligent in many things, but now much more diligent because of the great confidence which I have in you. 


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If any should inquire about Titus , he is my  partner and fellow helper  concerning you. Or if our brethren be inquired about, they are the messengers  of the churches and the glory of Christ. 


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Therefore show you  to them, and before the churches, the proof  of your love and of our boasting  on your behalf. 


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Administering the Gift<br/>Now concerning  the ministering  to the saints, it is  superfluous for me to write to you. 


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For I know the forwardness  of your thinking, for which I boast  of you to those of Macedonia that  Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked  <n>(called forth)</n> very many. 


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Yet I have  sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you on this account should be in vain, that, as I said, you may  be ready; 


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lest it might happen, if those  of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, that we <n>(that we say not "you")</n> should be ashamed  in this same confident boasting. 


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Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go ahead unto you and make  up your bounty  <n>(blessing)</n> beforehand <n>(whereof you had notice beforehand)</n>, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 


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The <n>(Importance of a)</n> Cheerful Giver<br/>But this I say : He who sows sparingly  shall reap also sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 


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As every man purposes in his heart, so let him give, not  grudgingly or out of compulsion; for God  loves the cheerful giver. 


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And God  is able to make all grace  abound toward you, that you, always  having all sufficiency in all things, may  abound in every good work. 


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As it is written: "He has dispersed  abroad, he has given to the poor; his  righteousness remains for ever." 


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Now may He  that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply  your seed sown, and increase  the fruits of your righteousness, 


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you being enriched  in everything to all bountifulness  <n>(liberality or generosity)</n>, which  causes through us thanksgiving to God . 


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For the administration  of this service not only  supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also in much thanksgiving unto God , 


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while by the experience of this ministration they  glorify God for professed  <n>(your freely declared)</n> subjection unto the Gospel of Christ, and for  your liberal distribution unto them and unto all men, 


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<n>(Paul's)</n> Spiritual War <n>(fare)</n><br/>Now I, Paul , myself beseech  you by  the meekness and gentleness of Christ -- I, who in your presence  <n>(outward apperance)</n> am lowly <n>(humble)</n> among you, but being absent am bold  toward you -- 


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I beseech you that when I  am present I need not be bold with that confidence with which I think <n>(have in mind; reckon)</n> to be bold against some, who think of us as though we walked  according to the flesh. 


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For the weapons  of our  warfare are not carnal, but mighty  through <n>(to)</n> God for the  pulling down of strongholds, 


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casting down  imaginations  <n>(reasonings)</n> and every  high thing <n>(thought)</n> that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing  into captivity every thought  to the obedience  of Christ, 


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Reality of Paul's Authority<br/>Do you look  on things according to the outward appearance? If  any man trust himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even  so are we Christ's. 


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For though  I should boast somewhat more of our authority <n>(which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction)</n>, I should not  be ashamed, 


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"For his letters," they say , "are weighty and powerful, but  his bodily presence is weak, and his  speech contemptible." 


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Let such  a one think this: that as we are in word by letters when we are absent, so will we be also in deed when we are present. 


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Limits of Paul's Authority<br/>For we dare not  number ourselves, or compare ourselves, with some who commend themselves. For in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, they are not wise  <n>(understand it not)</n>. 


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But we will not  boast of things beyond our measure, but according  to the measure of the rule  <n>(line)</n> which God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 


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For we stretch not  ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you. For we have come as far as to you also in preaching the Gospel  of Christ, 


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not boasting  of things beyond our own measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope that, when your faith has increased, we shall be magnified in you according to our rule abundantly, 


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to preach  the Gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's rule , which he made ready for our hand. 


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Concern for Their Faithfulness<br/>Would  to God you could bear with me a  little in  my folly -- and indeed you do bear with me.


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For I am jealous  over you with godly jealousy; for I have  espoused you to one Husband, that I may  present you as a chaste  virgin to Christ. 


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The Danger of Being Deceived<br/>But I fear  lest by any means, as  the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so  your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity  that is in Christ. 


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For if he that comes  preaches  another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive  another spirit which you have not received, or another gospel  which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. 


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Paul and False Apostles<br/>For I consider myself not  a whit lower than the very chiefest apostles.


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Though I am rude  in speech, yet I am not  in knowledge; for we  have been made thoroughly manifest among you in all things. 


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Have I committed an offense in  abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the Gospel of God without charge? 


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And when I was present with you and was in want , I was  burdensome to no man, for that which I lacked the brethren  who came from Macedonia supplied; and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome  to you, and so will I keep myself. 


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As the truth  of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me from this boasting  in the regions  of Achaia. 


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But what  I do, that I will  continue to do, that I may cut off occasion from those  who desire occasion, that wherein they glory  they may be found even as we. 


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For such are false  apostles, deceitful  workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 


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Therefore it is no  great thing if his  ministers also be transformed as the ministers  of righteousness, whose  end shall be according to their works. 


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Reluctant Boasting<br/>I say  again, let  no man think me a fool. But if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me , that I may boast of myself a little. 


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<n>(That which I now speak, I speak it  not from the Lord, but as it were foolishly , in this confidence as boasting. 


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For you suffer if a man bring  you into bondage, or if a man devour you, if a man take  from you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite  you on the face. 


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I speak as reproached, as though  we had been weak. However it be, whereinsoever  anyone is bold <n>(I speak  foolishly)</n>, I am bold also. 


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Suffering for Christ<br/>Are they Hebrews ? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed  of Abraham? So am I.


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Are they ministers  of Christ? <n>(I speak as a fool)</n> I am  more -- in labors  more abundant, in stripes  beyond measure, in prisons  more frequent, in deaths  often. 


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Thrice was I beaten  with rods, once  was I stoned; thrice  I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day adrift in the deep; 


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in journeyings  often, in perils from waters, in perils from robbers, in perils from mine  own countrymen, in perils from the  heathen, in perils in the city , in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 


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in weariness  and painfulness, in sleeplessness  often, in hunger  and thirst, in fastings  often, in cold and nakedness . 


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Besides those  things which are external, there is that which comes  upon me daily: the care  for all the churches! 


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In Damascus , the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me; 


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The Vision of Paradise <n>(3rd Heaven)</n><br/>It is doubtless not expedient  for me to glory . <n>(For)</n> I will come to visions  and revelations of the Lord:


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I knew a man in Christ  more than fourteen years ago <n>(whether in the  body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell -- God  knows)</n>. Such a one was caught  up to the third  Heaven. 


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and how he was caught up into Paradise , and heard unspeakable words which it is not lawful <n>(possible)</n> for a man to utter. 


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For though I would  desire to glory, I shall not be a fool, for I will  say the truth. But now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that  which he see me to be, or than he hears of me. 


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The Thorn in the Flesh<br/>And lest  I should be exalted above measure through the abundance  of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn  in the flesh, the messenger  of Satan to buffet  me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 


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And He said unto me, "My grace  is sufficent for you, for  My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most  gladly therefore will I glory  rather in my infirmities, that the power  of Christ may rest upon me. 


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Therefore I take  pleasure in infirmities , in reproaches, in privations, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's  sake; for when  I am weak, then am I strong. 


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Signs of an Apostle<br/>I have become  a fool in glorying. You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For in  nothing am I inferior to the very chiefest apostles, though  I am nothing. 


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Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 


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For in what are you inferior to other churches, unless it be that I myself  was not burdensome to you? Forgive  me this wrong! 


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Paul's Love for the Church<br/>Behold, for the third  time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you, for I  seek not yours, but you. For the  children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 


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And I will  very gladly spend and be spent for your souls , though  the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 


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I desired Titus  to go, and with  him I sent a brother. Did Titus make any gain from you? Walked we not in the same spirit ? Walked we not in the same steps ? 


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Again, think  you that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak  before God in Christ; but  we do all things, dearly  beloved, for your edifying. 


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For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not  find you such as I would, and that  I shall be found by you as you would not, lest there be debates , envyings, wrath, strifes, backbitings, whisperings , boastings , tumults; 


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and lest, when I come again, my God  will humble me among you, and that I  shall bewail many who have sinned  already, and have not  repented of the uncleanness  and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 


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Paul is Coming with Authority and Warning<br/>This is the third  time I am coming to you. "In  the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 


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I told  you before, and fortell you as if I were present the second time and, being  absent, now I write to those who heretofore  have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare -- 


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since you seek  a proof of Christ  speaking in me, which  toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you. 


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For though He was  crucified through weakness, ye t He lives by the power of God. For we also  are weak  in <n>(with)</n> Him, but  we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 


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Examine  yourselves whether you be in the faith . Test your own selves. Know  you not yourselves how Jesus Christ  is in you, unless you be reprobates ? 


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Paul Prefers Gentleness<br/>Now I pray  to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear to be approved , but that you should do that which is honest , though we be as reprobates . 


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Therefore I write  these things being absent, lest , were I present, I should use sharpness, according  to the power which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction. 


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Greetings and Benediction<br/>Finally, brethren, farewell . Be perfect , be of good  comfort, be of one  mind, live  in peace; and the God  of love and peace shall be with  you. 


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The grace  of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love  of God, and the communion  of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen . 


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Greeting; Paul's Gospel Is from God<br/>Paul, an  apostle <n>(not  of men, neither  by man, but  by Jesus Christ and  God the Father, who raised  Him from the dead)</n>, 


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who gave  Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from  this present evil world, according  to the will of God and our  Father, 


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Only One Gospel<br/>I marvel  that you are so  soon removed from Him, that called  you into the grace  of Christ, unto  <n>(for)</n> another gospel. 


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For this is not another; but  there are some who trouble you and would pervert  the Gospel of Christ.


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But should  <n>(even if)</n> we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached to you, let  him be accursed. 


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As we said before, so  say I now again: If any man preach any other gospel unto you than  that which you have received, let him be accursed! 


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For do I now  persuade  men, or God? Or do I seek  to please men? For if  I yet sought to please men, I should not be the servant  of Christ. 


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Call to Apostleship<br/>But I certify to you, brethren, that  the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man; 


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for I neither received it from man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 


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For you  have heard of my participation in times past in the Jews' religion, how  I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and wasted it. 


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I profited  in the Jews' religion beyond many of my equals in mine own nation, being  more exceedingly zealous of the traditions  of my fathers. 


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to reveal  His Son in me, that  I might preach Him among the heathen, I conferred not immediately  with flesh  and blood, 


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nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went  into Arabia and returned  again unto Damascus. 


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Contacts at Jerusalem<br/>Then after three years I went up  <n>(I returned)</n> to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 


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but they had heard only that, "He who  persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed." 


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Defending the Gospel<br/>Then fourteen  years later I went  up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas , and took Titus  with me also. 


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And I went up by  revelation, and communicated  unto them that Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately <n>(severally)</n> to those who  were of reputation, lest by any means I should  run, or had run, in vain. 


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and that because  false brethren were  brought in <n>(secretly)</n> by stealth, who came in privily to spy out our liberty  which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring  us into bondage. 


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To them we  gave place by submission not even for an hour, that  the truth of the Gospel might continue with you. 


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But of those who  seemed to be something <n>(whosoever they were, it makes  no difference to me: God  shows personal favoritism to no man)</n> <n>(nor does He have favorites)</n> -- for those who seemed to be somewhat in  consultation added nothing to me; 


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but contrariwise, when  they saw that the Gospel to the Uncircumcision  was committed unto me, as the Gospel to the Circumcision was unto Peter 


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<n>(for He  that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the Circumcision, that Same  was mighty in me toward the Gentiles)</n>, 


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and when James , Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars , perceived the grace  that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship , that we should  go unto the heathen and they unto the Circumcision. 


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Do Not Return to the Law<br/>But when Peter came to Antioch , I withstood  him to his face, because  he was to be blamed. 


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For before certain  ones came from James, he ate  with the Gentiles; but when they had come, he withdrew  and separated himself from them, fearing  those who were of the Circumcision. 


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And the other  Jews dissembled likewise with him, so much that Barnabas also was carried  away by their dissimulation. 


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But when I saw that they walked  not uprightly according to the truth  of the Gospel, I said  unto Peter before them all, "If you , being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles and not as do the Jews, why  compellest you the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 


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knowing that  a man is not justified by the works of the law, but  by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have  believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for  by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 


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But if, while  we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found  sinners, is  Christ therefore the minister of sin? God  forbid! 


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I am crucified  with Christ, nevertheless  I live; yet not I, but  Christ lives in me. And the life  which I now  live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son  of God, who  loved me and gave Himself for me. 


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I do not  frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness  come by the law, then Christ  is dead in vain." 


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Justification by Faith<br/>O foolish  Galatians! Who  has bewitched you , that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ  has been clearly set forth, crucified among you? 


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This only would I learn of you: Did you receive  the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing  of faith? 


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He therefore that  ministers to you the Spirit and works  miracles among you, does He it by the works  of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 


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And the Scripture , foreseeing  that God  would justify the heathen through faith, preached  beforehand the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In  you shall all nations be blessed." 


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The Law Brings a Curse<br/>For as many  as are of the works of the law are under  the curse; for it is written: "Cursed  is everyone who continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." 


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But that  no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "The just  shall live by faith." 


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Christ has redeemed  us from the curse of the law, being  made a curse for us <n>(for  it is written, "Cursed  is everyone who hangeth on a tree")</n>, 


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that the blessing  of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through  Jesus Christ, that we might  receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 


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The Changeless Promise<br/>Brethren, I speak  after the manner of men: A covenant, though it be  but a man's covenant <n>(testament)</n>, yet if it is confirmed, no man annulleth or addeth thereto. 


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Now to  Abraham and his seed <n>(descendant)</n> were the promises made. He says not, "And to seeds <n>(descendants)</n>," as though many; but as though one: "And to your Seed," who  is Christ. 


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And this  I say, that the Covenant  which was confirmed earlier by God in Christ cannot  be annulled by the law, which came  four hundred and thirty years after, so as to  make the promise of no  effect. 


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For if  the inheritance be of the law, it is no more by promise; but  God gave it to Abraham by promise. 


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Purpose of the Law<br/>For what then  serves the law? It was added  because of transgressions until  the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by  angels through  the hand of a mediator.


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Is the law  then against the promises of God? God forbid ! For  if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness  should then have come by the law. 


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But the Scripture has concluded  all under sin, that  the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to  those who believe. 


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But before faith came , we were kept under  the law, being shut apart from the faith  which should afterwards be revealed. 


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Therefore the law  was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified  by faith. 


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There is neither  Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male  nor female; for  you are all one in Christ Jesus. 


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Sons and Heirs Through Christ<br/>Now I say that  the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth in nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all. 


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But he is under tutors <n>(managers, guardians)</n> and governors <n>(administrators, supervisors)</n> until the time appointed by the father. 


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But when the fullness  of the time had come, God  sent forth His Son, made  of a  woman, made under  the law, 


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And because you are sons, God  has sent forth the Spirit  of His Son into your hearts, crying , "Abba, Father." 


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Therefore you  are no more a servant but  a son, and if  a son, then an heir  of God through Christ. 


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Fears for the Church<br/>However that be, then when  you knew not God, you did  service unto those which by nature are not gods. 


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But now after you have  known God, or rather are known  by God, how  turn you <n>(back)</n> again  to the weak and beggarly elements unto which you desire again to be in bondage? 


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And my temptation which was in my flesh you  despised not, nor rejected, but received me as an angel  of God, even as Christ  Jesus. 


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Where is then the blessedness  you spoke of? For I bear  you record that, if  it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me. 


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They zealously  seek after you, but for no good; yea, they would exclude you , that you might seek after them. 


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But it is  good to be zealously sought after, always in a good thing, and not only when I am  present with you. 


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My little  children, over <n>(for)</n> whom I travail in birth again until Christ  be formed in you, 


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I desire to be  present with you now and to change my tone; for I stand in doubt <n>(perlexed)</n> of you .


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But he who was of the bondwoman was born  according to the flesh, but  he of the freewoman was by promise. 


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These things are an allegory , for  these are the two  covenants <n>(testament)</n>: The one is from Mount Sinai, which  give birth to bondage; this is Hagar . 


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For this Hagar is  Mount Sinai  in Arabia  and answers to Jerusalem as it is now, and is in bondage with her  children. 


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For it is written: "Rejoice , you barren  that beare not; break forth and cry, you that travail not; for the desolate  has many more children than she who has a husband." 


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But as then, he that  was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was born according to the Spirit , even  so it is now. 


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Nevertheless what  says the Scripture? "Cast  out the bondwoman and her son, for  the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." 


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Christian Liberty <n>(Freedom)</n><br/>Stand  fast therefore in the liberty  wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled  again with the yoke of bondage. 


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Christ then  becomes of no effect unto you, whosoever of you claim justification  by the law; you are  fallen from grace. 


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For in  Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith  which works by love. 


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Love Fulfills the Law<br/>You were running  well; who hindered you  <n>(drive or hold you back)</n>, that you should not obey  the truth? 


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I have confidence  in you through the Lord that you will be not otherwise minded; but  he that troubles you shall bear  his judgment, whosoever  he be. 


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And I, brethren, if  I yet preach circumcision, why  then do I yet suffer persecution? Then would the offense  of the cross cease. 


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For, brethren, you  have been called unto liberty; only  use not liberty for an occasion of the flesh, but  by love serve one another. 


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For all  the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You  shall love your neighbor as yourself." 


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Walking in the Spirit<br/>This I say  then: Walk  in the Spirit, and  you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 


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For the flesh  lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these  are contrary the one to the other, so  that you cannot do the things that you would. 


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Works <n>(Fruit)</n> of the Flesh<br/>Now the works  of the flesh are manifest, and they are these: adultery , fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 


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envying, murders, drunkenness , revelings , and such like. About these things I tell you again, as I have also told you in times past, that those  who do such things shall not inherit  the Kingdom of God . 


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The Fruit of the Spirit<br/>But the fruit  of the Spirit is love , joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness , faith , 


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And those  who are Christ's have crucified  the flesh with its affections <n>(passions)</n> and lusts.


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Bear and Share Burdens<br/>Brethren, if <n>(although)</n> a man be overtaken  in a fault, you who are spiritual  restore  such a one in the  spirit of meekness, considering  yourself, lest you also be tempted. 


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But let every man prove  <n>( scrutinize and examine)</n> his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing  in himself alone, and not  in another. 


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Be Generous and Do Good<br/>Let him that is taught in the Word share with him that teacheth, in all good things. 


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For he that sowes to his  flesh shall of the flesh reap  corruption; but he that sows to the  Spirit shall of the Spirit  reap life everlasting.


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As we therefore have opportunity , let us do good  unto all men, especially  unto those who are of the household of faith. 


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As many as desire  to make a fair showing in the flesh, they constrain  you to be circumcised, only lest  they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 


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For not even they themselves who are circumcised keep  the law, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may  glory in your flesh. 


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But God  forbid that I  should glory, save  in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world  is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 


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For in  Christ Jesus neither  circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but  a new creature. 


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Blessing and a Plea<br/>And as many as walk  according to this rule, peace  be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel  of God . 


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Greeting<br/>Paul, an  apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints  who  are at Ephesus, and to the faithful  in Christ Jesus: 


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Redemption in Christ<br/>Blessed  be the God  and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who  has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly  places  <n>(things)</n> in Christ , even as 


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He has  chosen us in Him before  the foundation of the world, that  we should be holy and without  blame before Him in love , 


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having predestined  us to be  His own adopted children by  Jesus Christ, according  to the good pleasure of His will, 


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in Whom  we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness  of sins, according to  the riches of His grace, 


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He has made  known unto us the mystery of His will, according  to His good pleasure which He has purposed  in Himself, 


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that in the  dispensation of the fullness of times He  might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven <n>(s)</n> and which are on earth, even in Him. 


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In Christ also we  have obtained an inheritance, being  predestined according  to the purpose  of Him who works all things after the counsel  of His own will, 


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In Christ you also  trusted after you heard  the word  of truth, the Gospel  of your salvation, in Whom also after you believed, you were  sealed with that holy  Spirit of promise, 


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which is the guarantee  of our inheritance until the redemption  of the purchased possession, unto  the praise of His glory. 


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Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom<br/>Therefore I also, after  I heard of your faith  in the Lord Jesus and your love  for all the saints, 


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I pray that the God  of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father  of glory, may give unto you the spirit  of wisdom and revelation  in the knowledge  of Him, 


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the eyes  of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is  the hope of His calling , and what are the riches  of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 


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and what is the exceeding  greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, 


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which He wrought  in Christ when  He raised Him from the dead and set  Him at His own right hand in the heavenly  places, 


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far above  all principality  and power and might and dominion, and every  name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that  which is to come. 


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And God has put  all things under His feet, and has given  Him to be the head over all things to the  church, 


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Salvation by Grace Through Faith in Christ<br/>And you  has He quickened, who were dead  in trespAsses and sins, 


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wherein in times  past you walked according  to the course of this world, according to the prince  of the power of the air , the spirit  that now works in the children  of disobedience. 


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Among these also we  all had our manner of living in times  past in the  lusts of our flesh, fulfilling  the desires  of the flesh and of the mind, and were by  nature the children  of wrath, even  as others. 


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even when we were dead  in sins, has quickened  <n>(made)</n> us <n>(alive)</n> together with Christ <n>(by grace you  are saved)</n>, 


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that in the  ages to come He might show  the exceeding riches of His grace in His  kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.


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For we are  His workmanship, created  in Christ Jesus unto good  works, which  God has beforehand ordained <n>(prepared)</n>, that we should walk  in them. 


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Brought Near by His Blood<br/>Therefore, remember  that you, being in times past Gentiles  in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision  by those who are called the Circumcision in the flesh so made  by hands-- 


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remember that at that time you were without  Christ, being aliens  from the common wealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants  of promise, having  no hope and without  God in the world. 


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But now in  Christ Jesus, you who once were  far off have been  brought nigh by the blood of Christ. 


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Christ Our Peace<br/>For He is our  peace, who has made both  one, and has broken down the middle  wall of partition between us, 


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having abolished in His  flesh the enmity, even the law  of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might make in Himself one  new man out of the two, so making peace, 


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and that He might reconcile  both unto God in one body by the cross, having  slain the enmity thereby <n>(in Himself)</n>. 


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Christ Our Cornerstone<br/>Now therefore, you are strangers  and foreigners no more, but  fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household  of God . 


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You are built  upon the foundation  of the apostles and prophets, Jesus  Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 


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The Mystery Revealed <n>(That)</n> The Gentiles Are Fellow Heirs<br/>For this cause <n>(reason)</n> I , Paul, the  prisoner of Jesus Christ for you  Gentiles-- 


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which in other  ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it  is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by  the Spirit : 


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that the Gentiles  should be fellow heirs, and of the same  body, and partakers  of His promise in Christ by the Gospel, 


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for which I  was made a minister according  to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by  the effectual working of His power.


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Purpose of the Mystery<br/>Unto me, who am  less than the least of all saints, is this  grace given, that I  should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable  riches of Christ, 


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and to  make all men see what is the fellowship  of the mystery, which from the beginning  of the world has been hid  in God, who created  all things by Jesus Christ, 


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with the intent  that now unto the principalities  and powers in  heavenly places might be known through the church the manifold  wisdom of God , 


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Appreciation of the Mystery<br/>For this cause I  bow my knees unto the Father  of our Lord Jesus Christ, 


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that He would grant you, according  to the riches of His glory, to be  strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man ; 


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and to know  the love of Christ, which surpasses  knowledge, that you  might be filled with all the fullness of God . 


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Now unto Him that is able  to do exceeding  abundantly above all that we ask or think, according  to the power that works in us, 


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Walk in Unity<br/>I therefore, the prisoner  in the Lord, beseech  you that you walk  worthy of the vocation  wherewith you are called, 


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One Church, Many Parts<br/>There is one body  and one Spirit , even as  you are called in one hope of your calling; 


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Therefore He says, "When  He ascended up on high, He led  captivity <n>(a multitude)</n> captive <n>(s)</n>, and  gave gifts unto men." 


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<n>(Now the saying, "He ascended " -- what does it mean but that He also  descended first into the lower  parts of the earth? 


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He that descended is the same who also ascended  up far above all heavens, that He  might fill  <n>(fulfil)</n> all things.)</n> 


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Ministry Gifts<br/> And He  gave some to be apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists , and some pastors  and teachers, 


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for the perfecting  of the saints for the work  of the ministry, and for the edifying  of the body  of Christ, 


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until we all  come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge  of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature <n>(age)</n> of the fullness  of Christ; 


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that we henceforth be no longer  children, tossed  to and fro and carried  about with every wind of doctrine by the  sleight of men and their cunning and craftiness, whereby they lie  in wait to deceive; 


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but  speaking the truth  <n>(being sincere)</n> in love, may  grow up into Him in all things, who  is the Head, even Christ, 


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from whom  the whole body, fitly  joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual  working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying  of itself in love. 


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The New Man<br/>This I say , therefore, and testify  in the  Lord, that you  henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity  of their mind, 


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having the understanding  darkened, being alienated  from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because  of the blindness  <n>(hardness)</n> of their heart, 


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who, being past  feeling, have given  themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with  greediness. 


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that you  put off, concerning your former  manner of living, the old  man which is corrupt according to the deceitful  lusts, 


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and that you put  on that new  man, which after  God is created  in righteousness  and true holiness . 


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Therefore, putting  away lying, let every man speak  truth with his neighbor, for  we are members one of another. 


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Let him that  stole steal no more , but rather let him labor , working with his hands the thing which is good, that he  may have to give  <n>(distribute)</n> to him that needs. 


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Let no  corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which  is good to use in edifying , that it may minister  grace unto the heartrs. 


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Do Not Grieve <n>(Hurt)</n> The Spirit<br/>And grieve  <n>(hurt)</n> not the holy Spirit of God, whereby  you are sealed unto the day  of redemption. 


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Let all bitterness  and wrath  and anger and clamor  and evil speaking  be put away from you, with  all malice; 


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and be you kind  one to another, tenderhearted , forgiving  one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. 


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and walk  in love, as Christ  also has loved us, and has given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a  sweetsmelling savor. 


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But fornication  and all uncleanness or covetousness , let them not once be named  among you, as  becomes  saints; 


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neither filthiness , nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient  <n>(befitting)</n>, but  rather giving of thanks. 


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For this  you know: that no  whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man who is  an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God . 


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Let no  man deceive you with vain  words, for because of these things comes   the wrath of God upon the children  of disobedience  <n>(unbelief)</n>. 


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Walk in Light<br/>For you were  sometimes darkness, but  now you are light in the Lord. Walk  as children of light 


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But all things that are reproved  <n>(discovered)</n> are made manifest by the light, for  whatsoever does make manifest is light. 


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Therefore He saith: "Awake , you that sleep, and arise  from the dead, and Christ  shall give you light." 


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speaking to one another  in psalms  and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making  melody in your heart to the Lord, 


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giving thanks  always for all things unto God and the Father in  the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 


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Marriage; Christ and the Church<br/>Wives, submit  yourselves unto your own husbands, as  unto the Lord; 


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for the husband  is the head of the wife, even  as Christ is the head of the church, and He  is the savior of the body. 


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Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in  every thing. 


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that He  might present it to Himself a glorious  church, not  having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but  that it should be holy and without blemish. 


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For no man ever yet hated  his own flesh, but nourishes  and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church. 


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"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." 


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Nevertheless, let  everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she reverence  her husband. 


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Children and Parents; Family Responsibilities<br/>Children, obey  your parents in  the Lord, for  this is right. 


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And you  fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but  bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 


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Bondservants and Masters<br/>Servants, be  obedient to those who are your masters according  to the flesh, with  fear and trembling, in  singleness of your heart, as  unto Christ, 


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not with eye service  as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing  the will of God from  the heart, 


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knowing that whatsoever  good thing any man does, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether  he be bond or free. 


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And you  masters, do the same  things unto them, forbearing  <n>(moderating)</n> threatening, knowing  that your Master  also is in Heaven; neither  is there respect of persons with Him. 


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The <n>(Christian's)</n> Whole Armor of God<br/>Finally , my brethren, be  strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 


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For we wrestle  not against flesh and blood , but against principalities , against powers, against the  rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness <n>(wicked spirits)</n> in high  <n>(heavenly)</n> places. 


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Therefore, take  unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the  evil day and, having done <n>(overcome)</n> all, to stand . 


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Stand therefore, having  your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate  of righteousness, 


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Above all, take the shield  of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench  all the fiery darts of the wicked. 


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praying  always with all prayer and supplication  in the  Spirit, and watching  thereunto with all perseverance  and supplication  for all saints. 


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And pray for  me, that utterance  may be given unto me, that I  may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery  of the Gospel, 


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for which I am  an ambassador in bonds  <n>(chains)</n>, that therein I may speak boldly , as I ought to speak. 


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A Gracious Greeting<br/>But that  you also may know my affairs and how I do, Tychicus , a beloved  brother and faithful  minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things. 


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I have sent him unto you for the same purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 


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Greeting<br/>Paul  and Timothy , the servants  of Jesus Christ, To all the saints  in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi , with the bishops  and deacons : 


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Paul's Thankfulness and Prayer to God<br/>I thank  my God upon  every remembrance <n>(mention)</n> of you, 


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being confident  of this very thing, that He who has begun  a good work in you will  perform  <n>(finish)</n> it until the Day  of Jesus Christ. 


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It is  meet for me to think this of you all, because  I have you in my heart , inasmuch as , both in my bonds and in  the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you are all partakers of my  grace. 


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that you  may approve things that are excellent , and that you may be  sincere and without  offense until  the Day of Christ, 


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being filled  with the fruits of righteousness which are  by Jesus Christ, unto  the glory and praise of God . 


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Christ Is Preached<br/>But I would you should understand, brethren, that  the things which have happened unto me have turned out  unto the furtherance of the Gospel, 


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so that my bonds in <n>(for)</n> Christ  are manifest in all the palace <n>(Caesar's place)</n> and in all other places ;


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and many of the brethren  in the Lord, waxing  confident by my bonds, are much bolder to speak the Word without  fear. 


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The one preaches Christ out of contention and not sincerely , supposing  to add affliction to my bonds; 


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What  then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether  in pretense or in truth, Christ  is preached; and I  therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 


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For I know  that this shall turn out to my salvation through  your prayer and the support of the Spirit  of Jesus Christ, 


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according to my earnest  expectation and my hope that in nothing  shall I be ashamed, but that with  all boldness, as always so now also, Christ  shall be magnified in my body, whether  it be by life or by death. 


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For I am in  a strait between the two, having a desire  to depart and to be with  Christ, which is far  better; 


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And having this confidence , I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for  your furtherance and joy  in faith, 


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Striving and Suffering for Christ<br/>Only let your manner of living be as becomes  the Gospel  of Christ, that whether  I come and see you or else am absent, I may  hear of your affairs that you  stand fast in one  spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith  of the Gospel, 


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and terrified in  nothing by your adversaries, which is to them an  evident token of perdition, but  to you of salvation, and that  from God . 


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For unto you it is  given on behalf of Christ, not  only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 


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Love, Unity, and Humility Recommended<br/>If there be therefore any consolation  in Christ, if any comfort  of love, if any fellowship  of the Spirit, if any tenderness  and mercies, 


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fulfill  you my joy, that  you be likeminded , having the same love, being of one accord  and of one mind. 


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Let nothing  be done through strife or vainglory, but  in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself. 


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but made  Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form  of a servant, and was made in the  likeness <n>(habit)</n> of men. 


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And being found in  the fashion of a man, He  humbled Himself and became  obedient unto death--even the death  of the cross. 


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that at the name of Jesus every  knee should bow, of things in Heaven and things on earth and things under  the earth, 


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Light Bearers<br/>Therefore, my beloved , as you  have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work  out your own  salvation with  fear and trembling. 


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that you may be blameless  and  harmless , <n>(sincere, unoffending)</n>,, the sons  of God, without rebuke  in the midst of a crooked  and perverse nation, among whom you shine  as lights in the world, 


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holding  forth the Word  of Life, that I may  rejoice in the Day of Christ that I have  not run in vain, neither labored in vain. 


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Yea, and if  I be offered <n>(poured out)</n> upon the sacrifice  and service of your faith, I am joyful  and rejoice with you all. 


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Timothy Commended<br/>But  <n>(moreover)</n> I trust in the Lord Jesus to send  Timothy shortly unto you, that I  also may be comforted when I know of your state; 


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Epaphroditus Praised<br/>Yet I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus , my brother  and companion  in labor and fellow soldier , but  your messenger and he  that ministered to my wants. 


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For he longed  after you all and was full  of heaviness, because you had  heard that he had been sick. 


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For indeed he was sick nigh  unto death, but God  had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on  me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 


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I sent him therefore the more carefully, that when you see  him again you may rejoice, and I may  be the less sorrowful. 


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because for the work  of Christ he was nigh  unto  death, not having regard for his own life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. 


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All for Christ<br/>Finally , my brethren, rejoice  in the Lord. To write  the same things to you indeed is not grievous to me, but it is a safeguard for you. 


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For we  are the Circumcision who worship  God in the spirit, and rejoice  in Christ Jesus, and have  no confidence in the flesh-- 


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though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has grounds to trust in the flesh, I have more: 


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circumcised  the eighth day, of the stock  of Israel, of the tribe  of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee ; 


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Yea doubtless , and I count  all things but loss for the excellency  of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my  Lord, for whom  I have suffered the loss of all things and count them but dung , that I may win  Christ 


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and be  found in  Him, not  having mine own righteousness which is of the  law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness  which is of God by faith, 


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that I  may know Him and the power  of His resurrection and the fellowship  of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death, 


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It is not as though I had  already attained it, nor were already perfect ; but I follow  after, that I  may apprehend  that for which Christ Jesus also apprehended me. 


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Brethren, I count  not myself to have apprehended it, but this one  thing I do: forgetting  those things which are behind, and reaching  forth unto those things which are before, 


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Pressing Toward the Goal<br/>I press  toward the mark for the prize of the high  calling of God in Christ Jesus.


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Let us therefore, as  many as would be perfect <n>(mature)</n>, having this  mind; and if in anything you be otherwise minded, God  shall reveal even this unto you. 


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Nevertheless, to the  degree that we have already attained, let us walk  by the same rule, let us be of  the same mind <n>(thing)</n>. 


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Brethren, be  followers together of me, and mark  those who so walk, as you have us for an example. 


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<n>(For many  walk, of whom I have  told you often and now tell you even  with weeping, as the enemies  of the cross of Christ. 


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Their end  is destruction, their God  is their belly, and their glory  is in their shame, who  mind earthly things.)</n> 


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Our Citizenship in Heaven<br/>For our  citizenship <n>(abiding)</n> is in Heaven, from  which we also eagerly wait <n>(look)</n> for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 


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who shall  change our vile body, that  it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working  whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. 


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Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer<br/>Therefore , my dearly beloved and  longedfor brethren, my joy  and crown, so  stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 


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And I  entreat you also, true  yokefellow, help  those women who labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement also and with my other fellow laborers, whose  names are in the Book of Life. 


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Be Anxious for Nothing<br/>Be anxious  <n>(fret not)</n> about <n>(for)</n> anything, but in  everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving , let your requests be made known  unto God . 


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And the peace  of God, which passes  all understanding, shall  keep your hearts and minds through  Christ Jesus. 


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Meditate <n>(Think, Ponder, Consider)</n> on These Things<br/>Finally , brethren, whatsoever  things are true , whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just , whatsoever things are pure , whatsoever things are lovely , whatsoever things are of  good report, if there be any virtue  and if there be any praise , think  on these things. 


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Those things which  you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, do ; and the God  of peace shall be with  you. 


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Philippian Generosity<br/>But I  rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your  care for me has flourished  <n>(revived)</n> again; though you always cared, you lacked  opportunity. 


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Not that I speak in respect  to want, for I have  learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 


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I know both how to be  abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I am  instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 


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Now you Philippians know also that in the  beginning of the Gospel, when I  departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only. 


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But I have <n>(received)</n> all, and abound ; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus  the things which were sent from you, a sweet  <n>(smelling aroma)</n> fragrance, a sacrifice acceptable , well-pleasing to God . 


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God Supplies Your Needs<br/>But my God  shall supply  all your need, according  to His riches in glory  by Christ Jesus. 


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Greeting and Blessing<br/>Salute  every saint  in Christ Jesus. The  brethren who are with me greet you.


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Greeting; Above All, Devote Yourself  to Christ<br/>Paul, an  apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy  <n>(Timotheus)</n> our brother, 


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To the saints  and faithful  brethren in Christ, who are at Colossae: Grace  be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 


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Their <n>(Your)</n> Faith in Christ<br/>We give  thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying  always for you, 


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for the hope  which is laid  up for you in Heaven, of which you heard before in the word  of the truth of the Gospel, 


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which has come  unto you, as it has in all the world, and brings  forth fruit, as it does also in you since  the day you heard of it and knew  the grace of God in truth . 


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You also learned of it from Epaphras , our  dear fellow servant, who is for you a  faithful minister of Christ, 


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Preeminence of Christ<br/>For this cause we also, since  the day we heard it, do  not cease to pray for you and to desire that you  might be filled with the knowledge of His  will in all wisdom  and spiritual  understanding; 


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that you  might walk worthy of the Lord, in all  pleasing Him, being fruitful  in every good work, and increasing  in the knowledge of God ; 


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strengthened  with all might according to His  glorious power, unto  all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 


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giving  thanks unto the Father , who has made  us meet to be partakers  of the inheritance  of the saints in  light. 


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He has delivered  us from the power  of darkness, and  has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son  <n>(of His love)</n>, 


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For by Him were  all things created that are in heaven  and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones  or dominions or principalities or powers: all things were created by  Him and for Him. 


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And He is  the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning , the firstborn  from the dead, that in <n>(among)</n> all  things He might have the preeminence. 


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and having made peace  through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile  all things unto Himself -- by Him, I say, whether they be things on earth  or things in heaven. 


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And you, who were once  alienated and enemies in your mind by  wicked works, even now has He reconciled 


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in the body  of His flesh through death, to  present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His  sight, 


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if you continue  grounded  and settled in the faith, and be not moved  away from the hope  of the Gospel, which you have heard and which was preached to  every creature under  heaven, of which  I, Paul, am made a minister. 


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Sacrificial Service for Christ<br/>I now rejoice  in my sufferings for you, and fill  up that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for  His body's sake, which is the church, 


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of which I am  made a minister according  to the dispensation <n>(grace)</n> of God, which is given to me for you, to fulfill <n>(preach)</n> the Word of God -- 


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even the mystery  which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now  is made manifest to His saints. 


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To them  God would make known what are the riches  of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ  in <n>(among)</n> you, the hope  of glory. 


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Him  we preach, warning  every man and teaching  every man in all  wisdom, that we may  present every man perfect  in Christ Jesus, 


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Not Philosophy but Christ<br/>For I would that you knew how  great is my conflict for you and for those at  Laodicea, and for as many as have not  seen my face in the flesh, 


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that their  hearts might be comforted, being  knit together in love unto all  the riches of the full  assurance of understanding , that they may  acknowledge the mystery of God, and of the Father , and of Christ, 


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for though I am  absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding  your order and the  steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 


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rooted  and built  up in Him and established  in the faith as you have been taught, abounding therein with  thanksgiving. 


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Beware  lest any man spoil  you through philosophy  and vain deceit, following the tradition  of men according to the rudiments <n>(elements)</n> of the world, and not in accordance with <n>(to)</n> Christ . 


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Not Legalism but Christ<br/>and in whom  <n>(Jesus)</n> also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without  hands, in putting  off the body of the sins of the flesh by  the circumcision of Christ. 


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You are buried  with Him in baptism , wherein  you also are risen with Him through the faith  wrought by the operation of God, who  has raised Him from the dead. 


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And you, being dead  in your sins and in the uncircumcision  of your flesh, has He  quickened together with Him, having  forgiven you all trespAsses, 


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blotting  <n>(wiped)</n> out the handwriting  of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us. He took  it out of the way, nailing it to His cross; 


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and having  despoiled principalities  and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing  over them in it <n>(Himself)</n>. 


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Let no man therefore judge  you in <n>(for)</n> eating  <n>(meat)</n> food or drinking, or in respect <n>(regarding)</n> to a holy day <n>(festival)</n> or the new  moon or the Sabbath  days, 


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Let no  man beguile  <n>(cheat, deceive)</n> you of your reward by feigned humility  and worshiping  of angels, intruding  into those things which he has not seen, being vainly  puffed up by his fleshly  mind, 


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and not  holding to the Head, from whom all  the body, having nourishment  ministered and knit  together by  joints and bands, increases  with the increase from God . 


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Therefore if  you be dead with Christ from  the elemnts of the world, why, as though living  in the world, are you subject  to its ordinances 


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These things have indeed a show  of wisdom in will  worship and humility and neglecting  <n>(punishing, sparing)</n> of the body, but are not in any honor against the satisfying of the flesh. 


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Not Carnality <n>(Fleshly, Worldly)</n> but Christ<br/>If you then be risen  with Christ, seek  those things which are above, where  Christ sits at the right hand of God . 


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Mortify  therefore your members  which are upon the earth: fornication , uncleanness, inordinate  affection, evil  concupiscence, and covetousness  which is idolatry. 


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But now you also put  off all these: anger , wrath, malice, blasphemy , filthy  communication out of your mouth. 


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and have put  on the new man , which is renewed  in knowledge after  the image of Him that created him, 


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where there  is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision  nor uncircumcision, barbarian , Scythian, bond  nor free, but Christ is all and  in all. 


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Character of the New Man <n>(Christian Life)</n><br/>Therefore, holy  and beloved , as  the elect of God, put  on mercies  of a tender  heart, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering, 


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forbearing  one another and forgiving  one another if any man have a quarrel  <n>(complaint)</n> against another: even  as Christ forgave you, so also do you. 


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And let the peace  of God rule in your hearts, to which  also you are called in one body, and be  you thankful. 


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Let the word  of Christ dwell  in you richly  in all  wisdom, teaching  and admonishing one another in psalms  and hymns and spiritual  songs,singing  with grace in your hearts to the  Lord. 


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And whatsoever  you do in word  or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving  thanks to God  the Father by Him. 


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The Christian Home<br/>Wives, submit  yourselves unto your own husbands, as  it is fit in the Lord. 


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Servants, obey  in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice as menpleasers , but in singleness  of heart, fearing  God . 


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knowing that from the Lord you shall  receive the reward of the inheritance, for  you serve the Lord Christ. 


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But he that  does wrong shall receive  for the wrong which he has done, and  there is no respect of persons. 


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Final Greetings<br/>Masters, give  unto your servants that which is just and equitable, knowing that you  also have a Master in Heaven. 


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besides praying  also for us that  God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the mystery  of Christ, for  which I am also in bonds, 


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Let your  speech be always with grace, seasoned  with salt, that you may know how  you ought to answer every man. 


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Final Greetings<br/>Tychicus , who is a beloved  brother and a faithful  minister and fellow servant in the Lord, shall declare unto you all my circumstances. 


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I have  sent him unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your state and comfort  your hearts, 


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and with him Onesimus , a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 


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Aristarchus  my fellow prisoner salutes  you, and also Mark  <n>(Marcus)</n>, Barnabas' sister's son <n>(concerning whom you received  instructions that if he come unto you, receive him)</n>, 


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and Jesus who  is called Justus, who are of the Circumcision. These only are my fellow workers  for the Kingdom of God, who have been a comfort  unto me. 


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Epaphras , a servant  of Christ who is one of you, salutes you, always  laboring  <n>(striving)</n> fervently for you in prayers, that  you may stand perfect and complete  <n>(filled)</n> in all the will of God . 


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For I bear  him record that he has a great zeal for you and for those who are in Laodicea  and those in Hierapolis.


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Closing Exhortations and Blessing<br/>And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 


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And say to Archippus , "Take  heed to the ministry  which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill  it." 


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Greeting<br/>Paul, and Silvanus , and Timothy , Unto  the church of the Thessalonians  which is in God  the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace  be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 


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Their Good Example of the Thessalonians<br/>We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 


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remembering  without ceasing your work of faith, and labor  of love, and patience  of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the  sight of God and our Father, 


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For our  Gospel came unto you not in word  only, but  also in power and in the  Holy Spirit and in much  assurance, as you know what  manner of men we were among you for  your sake. 


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And you  became followers of us and of  the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with the joy  of the Holy Spirit , 


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For from  you sounded forth the Word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every  place your faith toward God  is spread abroad, so that we need not speak anything. 


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For they themselves show of us what  manner of entering in we had unto you , and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living  and true God , 


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and to wait  for His Son from Heaven, whom  He raised from the dead, even Jesus , who delivered us from the wrath  to come. 


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Paul's Conduct, The Thessalonians' Conversion<br/>For you yourselves, brethren, know that our  coming among you was not in vain . 


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But even after we had suffered before and were shamefully  treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold  in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God amidst much  contention. 


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but as we  were allowed by God to be  entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak not  as pleasing men, but God , who trieth our hearts. 


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For neither at any time used  we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak  of covetousness <n>(God  is our witness)</n>, 


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nor sought we glory from men , neither from you nor yet from others, when  we might have been burdensome , as the  apostles of Christ. 


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So being affectionately  desirous for you, we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only, but  also our own souls, because you were dear  unto us. 


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For you remember, brethren, our  labor and travail; for laboring night  and day, because we would not be a burden  unto any of you, we preached unto you the Gospel  of God . 


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You are witnesses , and God also, how  holy and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you that believe. 


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You know how  we exhorted and comforted and charged  everyone of you, as  a father does his children, 


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Their Conversion<br/>For this cause also we thank  God without ceasing: because  when you received the Word of God , which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also works effectually  in you that believe. 


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For you, brethren, became  followers of the churches  of God in Judea which are  in Christ Jesus; for you also  have suffered like things from your own countrymen, even  as they have from the Jews, 


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who both killed  the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted  <n>(chased)</n> us <n>(out)</n>. They please  not God and are contrary  to all men, 


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forbidding  us to speak to the Gentiles, that  they might be saved, thus heaping  up their sins always. But  the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost! 


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Longing to See Them<br/>But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time <n>(in presence , but not in heart)</n>, endeavored  the more abundantly and with great desire to see your face. 


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For what is our hope , or joy, or crown  of rejoicing  <n>(glorying)</n>? Are not even you in  the presence of our Lord  Jesus Christ at  His coming? 


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Paul's Concern for Their Faith and Prayer for the Church<br/>Therefore when  we could no longer forbear, we thought  it good to be left in Athens alone, 


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and sent Timothy  <n>(Timotheus)</n>, our brother  and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish  you and to comfort you concerning your faith, 


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that no man should be moved  by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that thereunto we are  appointed.


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For verily, when we were with you, we told  you beforehand that we should suffer tribulation, even  as it came to pass, as you know. 


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For this cause, when  I could no longer forbear it, I sent  to know your faith, lest  by some means the tempter might have tempted you, and our  labor be in vain. 


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Encouraged by Timothy<br/>But now when  Timothy came from you unto us, and brought  us good tidings of your faith  and love, and that  you have a good remembrance of us always and desire  greatly to see us <n>(as we also desire to see you)</n>, 


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therefore brethren, we were  comforted concerning you in all  our affliction and distress by your faith; 


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For what  thanks can we render to God again for  you for all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before  our God , 


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as we pray  earnestly night  and day that we might see your face, and might perfect  that which is lacking in your faith? 


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Prayer for the Church<br/>Now may God  Himself and our Father, and our Lord  Jesus Christ direct <n>(guide)</n> our way  unto you. 


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And may the Lord  make you to increase and abound  in love  one toward another and toward all men, even  as we do toward you, 


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to the end that He may  establish your hearts unblamable  in holiness before  God, even our Father, at the  coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with  all His saints. 


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Plea for Purity<br/>Furthermore then, we beseech <n>(request of)</n> you, brethren, and exhort you by the  Lord Jesus, that as you have  received from us how you ought  to›walk and to please  God, so you  would abound more and more. 


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For this  is the will of God, even your  sanctification, that  you should abstain from fornication: 


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that no man go  beyond and defraud  <n>(oppress)</n> his brother in any matter, because the Lord  is the avenger of all such, as we  also have forewarned you and testified. 


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He therefore that despises  <n>(rejects)</n> this, despises not  man but God, who  has also given unto us His holy Spirit . 


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A Brotherly and Orderly Life<br/>But concerning  brotherly love, you have no need  that I write unto you, for you  yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 


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and indeed you do it toward all the  brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we beseech you, brethren, that you  increase more and more, 


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and that  you study  to be quiet, and to do  your own business, and to work  with your own hands, as we commanded you, 


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that you may walk  honestly toward those  who are outsiders, and that you may have need of nothing . 


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The Resurrection and The Comfort of Christ's Second Coming<br/>But I would  not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are  asleep, that you sorrow  not, even as others who have  no hope. 


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For if we  believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so will God  bring with Him those also who sleep  in Jesus. 


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For this we say unto you by the  Word of the Lord: that we who are  alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede  those who are asleep . 


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For the Lord  Himself shall descend from Heaven with a  shout, with the voice of the archangel  and with the trumpet  of God; and the  dead in Christ shall rise first; 


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The Rapture<br/>then we who  are alive and remain shall be caught up  together with them in the  clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so  shall we ever be with the Lord.


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The Day of the Lord<br/>But as to the times  and the seasons, brethren, you  have no need that I write unto you. 


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For when they are saying, "Peace  and safety," then  sudden destruction comes upon them as  travail upon a woman with child, and they  shall not escape. 


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You are all the children of light and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 


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But let us who  are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate  of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope  of salvation. 


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For God has not  appointed us to wrath <n>(of the Lamb)</n>, but to obtain  salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ 


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Therefore  comfort  <n>(exhort)</n> yourselves together and edify  one another, even  as also you do. 


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Various Exhortations<br/>And we beseech you, brethren, that you come to know  those who labor  among you, and are  over you in the Lord and admonish  you, 


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Now we exhort  you , brethren, warn  those  who are unruly  <n>(disorderly)</n>, comfort  the feebleminded, support  the weak, be  patient toward all men. 


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See  that none  render evil for evil unto any man, but ever  follow that which is good, both among yourselves and  with all men. 


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Blessing and Admonition<br/>And the very God  of peace sanctify  you wholly; and I pray God your  whole spirit and soul and body be preserved  blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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Greeting<br/>Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, Unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 


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God's Final Judgment and Glory<br/>We are  bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because your  faith grows exceedingly, and the love of everyone of you all toward each other aboundeth, 


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so that we ourselves glory  in you in the churches of God for your patience  and faith in all persecutions  and tribulations that you endure, 


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which is a manifest  token of the righteous  judgment of God, that you may  be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for  which you also suffer. 


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and to you who  are troubled, rest with us, when  the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels , 


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in flaming  fire taking  <n>(yielding)</n> vengeance on those who know  not God, and who  obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 


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These shall be  punished with everlasting destruction from the presence  of the Lord and from the glory  of His power, 


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when He shall come on <n>(in)</n> that  Day to be glorified  in His saints and to be admired  in all those who believe, because our  testimony among you was believed. 


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Therefore also we pray  always for you, that our God  would  count you worthy of this calling , and fulfill  all the good  pleasure of His goodness and the work  of faith with power, 


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that the name  of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you  in Him, according to the grace  of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 


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Now we  beseech you, brethren, by the  coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by  our gathering together <n>(rapture)</n> unto Him, 


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that you be not soon shaken  in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit , nor by word, nor by letter  as if <n>(it was)</n> from us that the Day of Christ  <n>(Lord; tribulation)</n> is at hand <n>(present, here and now)</n>. 


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Let no man  deceive you by any means, for that Day shall not come <n>(don't be worried as if the day is present)</n>, except  <n>(unless)</n> there come a falling away  <WG646> <n>(departure or rapture)</n> first, and that man  of sin be revealed, the son  of perdition, 


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who opposes and exalts  himself above all that is called  God or that is worshiped, so that he sits  as God in the temple of God, showing himself to be God . 


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For the mystery  of iniquity <n>(lawlessness)</n> is already  at work: only He who  now holds back will hold him back, until He is taken out of the way. 


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And then shall that  wicked one be revealed, whom  the Lord shall consume with the spirit  of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness  of His coming-- 


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even him, whose coming is  according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs  and lying wonders, 


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and with all the deceit  of unrighteousness in those  who perish, because they received  not the love of the truth, that they  might be saved. 


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Stand Fast<br/>But we  are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved  of the Lord, because God has from  the beginning chosen  you for salvation, through  sanctification by the Spirit and belief  in the truth, 


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Therefore, brethren, stand  fast and hold  to the traditions  which you have been taught, whether  by word or our epistle. 


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Now may our Lord  Jesus Christ Himself, and God even our Father, who has  loved us and has given us everlasting  consolation and good  hope through  grace, 


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Paul Asks for Their Prayers<br/>Finally, brethren, pray  for us, that the Word  of the Lord may have free course <n>(to run)</n> and be  glorified, even  as it is with you, 


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And we have  confidence in the Lord concerning you, that  you both do, and will do, the things which we command you. 


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And may the Lord  direct your hearts into  the love of God, and into  the patience of waiting for Christ . 


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Warning Against Idleness<br/>Now we command you, brethren, in the  name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you  withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks  disorderly and not after  <n>(according)</n> to the tradition which he received from us. 


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neither did we eat  any man's bread for naught, but  wrought with labor and travail night  and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you, 


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For even when  we were with you, this we commanded you: that  if any would not work, neither should he eat. 


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For we hear that there are some among you who walk  disorderly, working  not at all, but are busybodies. 


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Now those who are such, we  command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they  work with quietness and eat  their own bread. 


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And if any man obey  not our word in this epistle, note that man  and have no company with him, that he  may be ashamed. 


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Benediction<br/>Now the Lord of  peace Himself give  you peace always by all means. The Lord be  with you all.


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Greeting, Keep the Faith of the Gospel<br/>Paul, an apostle  of Jesus Christ by  the commandment of God  our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is  our hope, 


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Unto Timothy , my  own son in the faith: Grace , mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 


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No Other Doctrine<br/>As I besought you when  I went into Macedonia to abide still at  Ephesus, that you might charge  some that they teach no other doctrine, 


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neither give heed to  fables and endless  genealogies, which promote questions  rather than godly  edifying in the faith, so do! 


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Now the aim  <n>(purpose)</n> of the commandment is love  out of a pure  heart, with a good  conscience and with faith  unfeigned, 


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knowing this: that the law  is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless  and disobedient , for the ungodly  and for sinners, for the unholy and profane , for murderers  of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers , 


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for whoremongers , for those who defile  themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars , for perjurers , and for whatever else is contrary  to sound doctrine; 


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Glory to God for His Grace<br/>And I thank  Christ Jesus our Lord, who  has enabled me, that He counted  me faithful, putting  me into the ministry-- 


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I, who was  once a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious. But  I obtained mercy, because  I did it ignorantly in unbelief; 


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and the grace  of our Lord was exceedingly  abundant with  faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus. 


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This is a faithful  saying and worthy  of all acceptance: that  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom  I am chief. 


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Nonetheless, for this  cause I obtained  mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all  longsuffering as a  pattern for those who should hereafter believe  in Him to life everlasting. 


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Now unto the King  eternal, immortal, invisible , the only  wise God, be  honor and glory forever and ever. Amen . 


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Fight the Good Fight<br/>This charge  I commit unto you, son  Timothy, according  to the prophecies which went before concerning you, that you by them might  wage a good warfare, 


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holding  faith and a good conscience which  some, having put aside, have suffered  <n>(made)</n> shipwreck concerning  faith. 


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Among them are Hymenaeus  and Alexander , whom I have  delivered unto Satan, that  they may learn not to blaspheme . 


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Pray for Everyone<br/>Therefore I exhort  <n>(desire)</n> first  of all that supplications , prayers, intercessions, and  giving of thanks be made for all men , 


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for kings  and for all  who are in authority, that  we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all God liness  and honesty. 


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for which I am  ordained a preacher  and an apostle <n>(I speak  the truth in Christ and lie not)</n>, a teacher  of the Gentiles in faith  and verity . 


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Men and Women in the Church<br/>It is my will  therefore that men pray  everywhere, lifting  up holy hands without  wrath and  doubting. 


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In like manner also, that  women should adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness  and sobermindedness, not  with braided  <n>(plaited)</n> hair or gold or pearls or costly array, 


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Notwithstanding, she  shall be saved in childbearing  if they continue in faith  and love and holiness with self control  <n>(sobermindedness)</n>. 


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Qualifications of Overseers and Church Officers;  Graces of the Heirs of Grace<br/>This is a  true saying: If a man desire the office  of bishop , he desires  a good work. 


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A bishop  then must be blameless , the husband  of one wife, vigilant , sober, of good behavior <n>(modest)</n>, given  to hospitality, able  at teaching; 


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not given to wine , not violent , not greedy  for filthy  lucre, but patient , not a brawler , not covetous ; 


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<n>(For if  a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church  of God ?)</n> 


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He must not be a novice  in the faith, lest  being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation  of the devil. 


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Moreover he must have a good  reputation with those  who are outsiders, lest  he fall into reproach and the snare  of the devil. 


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Qualifications of Deacons<br/>Likewise must the deacons  be  serious, not doubletongued , not given  to much wine, not greedy for filthy lucre, 


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And let these  also first be proved; then, being  found blameless, let them make use  of the office of a deacon. 


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For those  who have  ministered the office of deacon well purchase for themselves a good standing  and great  boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus. 


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but if I tarry long, that you may know  how you ought to behave yourself in the house  of God, which is the church  of the living  God, the pillar  and ground of the truth . 


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And without  <n>(beyond)</n> controversy, great is the mystery  of God liness: God  was manifest  in the flesh, justified  in the Spirit, seen  by angels, preached  unto the Gentiles, believed  on in the world, received  up into glory. 


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The Great Apostasy, Be Faithful to Your Spiritual Calling<br/>Now the Spirit  speaks expressly  that in the latter  times some shall depart  from the faith, giving heed to seducing  spirits and doctrines  of devils, 


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forbidding  to marry, and commanding to abstain  from meats, which  God has created to be received with  thanksgiving by those who believe  and know the truth. 


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For every  creature of God is good, and  nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving; 


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A Good Servant of Jesus Christ<br/>If you put  the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good  minister of Jesus Christ, nourished  in the words of faith and of good <n>(sound)</n> doctrine  unto which you have  attained. 


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But refuse  <n>(reject)</n> profane and old wives' fables, and exercise  yourself rather unto God liness. 


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For bodily  exercise profits little , but God liness  is profitable unto all things, having  promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 


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For therefore  we both labor and suffer reproach, because  we trust in the living  God, who is the Savior  of all men, especially  of those who believe. 


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Take Heed to Your Ministry<br/>Let no  man despise your youth, but you be  an example of the believers, in word , in manner of living, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 


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Neglect  not the gift that is in you, which  was given you by prophecy, with  the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 


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Meditate  upon these things; give  yourself wholly to them, that your profiting may appear to <n>(in)</n> all <n>(things)</n>. 


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Take  heed unto yourself and unto the  doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you shall  both save yourself and those  who hear you. 


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Treatment of Church Members and Officers<br/>Rebuke  not an elder , but entreat  him as a father, and the younger men as brethren , 


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But if any widow has children or grandchildren , let them learn  first to show piety  <n>(kindness)</n> at home and to requite  their parents, for that is good  and acceptable before God . 


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Now she that is indeed a widow , and desolate , trusts  in God and continues  in supplications and prayers night and day. 


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But if any provide not for his own, and especially  for those of his own house  <n>(kindred, family)</n>, he has  denied the faith and is  worse than an infidel. 


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Let not a widow  be taken <n>(chosen)</n> into the number under  three score years old, having  been the wife of one man, 


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well reported  of for good  works: if she has brought  up children, if she has lodged  strangers, if she has washed  the saints' feet, if she has relieved  the afflicted, if she has diligently  followed every good work. 


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But the younger  widows refuse, for when they have begun to wax  wanton against Christ, they will  marry, 


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And besides they learn to be  idle, wandering  about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies , speaking  things which they ought not. 


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It is my will  <n>(desire)</n> that the younger  women marry, bear children, guide  the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully . 


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If any man or woman who believes have widows, let them  relieve them and let not the church be burdened, that it may assist those who are widows indeed . 


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Honor the Elders<br/>Let the elders  that rule  well be  counted worthy of double  honor, especially those who labor  in the Word  and doctrine. 


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For the Scripture  says, "You  shall not muzzle the ox that treads  out the corn," and, "The laborer  is worthy of his reward." 


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I charge  you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect  angels, that  you observe these things without preferring  <n>(prejudice)</n> one before another, doing nothing by partiality . 


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Lay  hands suddenly  <n>(hastily)</n> on no man, neither  be partaker of other men's sins. Keep  yourself pure. 


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Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 


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Likewise also the good  works of some are manifest beforehand, but they that are otherwise cannot  be hid. 


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Christian Conduct in the World, Honor Masters<br/>Let as many servants  as are under the yoke count  their own masters worthy of all honor, that the  name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. 


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And those who have believing  masters must  <n>(let them)</n> not despise them because they are brethren , but rather do them service, because they are  faithful  <n>(believing)</n> and beloved, partakers  of the benefit. These  things teach and exhort. 


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Error and Greed<br/>If any  man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome  words, even the words  of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine  which is according to God liness, 


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he  is proud <n>(fool)</n>, knowing nothing, but doting <n>(obsessed)</n> about  <n>(with)</n> questions <n>(disputes)</n> and strifes <n>(arguments)</n>  over words , from which comes envy, strife, railings, evil suspicions, 


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perverse  disputings by men  of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is God liness. From  such withdraw yourself. 


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But those  who would be rich fall into temptation and a snare  and into many  foolish and hurtful lusts, which  drown men in destruction and perdition. 


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For the love  of money is the root of all evil; and while some have coveted  after it, they have erred from the faith and pierced  themselves through with many sorrows. 


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The Good Confession<br/>But  you, O man  of God, flee  these things and  follow after righteousness , God liness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 


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Fight  the good fight of faith. Lay  hold on eternal life, whereunto  you are also called and have  professed a good profession before many witnesses. 


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In the sight of God, who quickens  all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before  Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, I give  you this charge: 


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that you keep  this commandment without  spot, unrebukable  until  the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 


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which He in His times shall show -- He who  is the blessed and only Potentate, the King  of kings and Lord of lords, 


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who only  has immortality, dwelling  in the light which no man can approach unto, whom  no man has seen nor can see, to whom  be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 


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Instructions to the Rich<br/>Charge  those who are rich  in this world that they  be not haughty, nor trus t in uncertain riches , but  in the living  God, who  gives us richly  all things to enjoy; 


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laying  up in store for themselves a good foundation  against the time  to come, that they may lay  hold on eternal life. 


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Guard the Faith<br/>O Timothy , keep  that which is committed to your trust, avoiding  profane and vain babblings, and oppositions  of science, falsely so called, 


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Greeting, Be Loyal to the Faith<br/>Paul, an  apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise  of life which is in Christ Jesus, 


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To Timothy , my dearly beloved son: Grace , mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 


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Timothy's Faith and Heritage<br/>I thank  God, whom  I serve from my forefathers with  pure conscience, that  I have you in remembrance in my prayers night  and day without ceasing. 


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when I call  to remembrance the unfeigned  faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother  Eunice and, I am  persuaded, is in you also. 


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Therefore I put  you in remembrance that  you stir up the gift of God which is in you by  <n>(through)</n> the putting on of my hands.


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Not Ashamed of the Gospel<br/>Therefore do not be ashamed  of the testimony  of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner ; but you, be  a partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according  to the power of God , 


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who has  saved us and called  us with a holy calling, not  according to our works, but in accordance with His  own purpose and grace, which  was given to us in Christ Jesus before  the world began, 


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but is now  made manifest by the appearing of our  Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished  death and has  brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. 


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for which  cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am  not ashamed. For I  know whom I have believed  <n>(trusted)</n>, and am persuaded  that He is  able to keep  that which I  have committed unto Him against  that Day. 


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Be Loyal to the Faith<br/>Hold  fast to the form  of sound words, which  you have heard from me, in faith  and love which is in Christ Jesus. 


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This you know, that  all those who are in Asia have  turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 


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The Lord  give mercy unto the house  of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed  me and was  not ashamed of my  chains; 


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The Lord grant unto him that he  may find mercy  from the Lord in that  Day! And in how many things he ministered  unto me in Ephesus ,you know very well. 


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And the things  that you have heard from me among <n>(by)</n> many  witnesses, commit you the same  to faithful  men who  shall be able to teach others also. 


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No man who warres  entangles  himself with the affairs of this life, that he  may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. 


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Remember  that Jesus  Christ of the seed of David was raised  from the dead according  to my Gospel, 


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Therefore I endure  all things for  the elect's sake, that they also may obtain  the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with  eternal glory. 


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Approved and Disapproved Workers<br/>Of these things put  them in remembrance, charging  them before the Lord that  they strive not about words to no  profit but to the subverting  of the heartrs. 


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Study the Word<br/>Study  to show yourself approved  unto God, a workman  who  needs not to be ashamed, rightly  dividing the word of truth. 


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and their word  will eat as does a canker <n>(gangrene)</n> -- among whom are Hymenaeus  and Philetus, 


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who concerning  the truth have erred, saying that  the resurrection is past already, and overthrowing  the faith of some. 


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Depart from Iniquity<br/>Nevertheless the foundation  of God stands  sure  <n>(steady)</n>, having  this seal: "The Lord  knows those who are His," and, "Let  everyone who names the name of Christ depart  from iniquity." 


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But in a  great house there are not only vessels  of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honor  and some to dishonor. 


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If a man therefore purge  himself from these, he shall be a vessel  unto honor, sanctified and meet  for the Master's use, and prepared  for every good work. 


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Flee  also youthful  lusts; but follow  righteousness, faith, love , and peace  with those who call  on the Lord out  of a pure heart. 


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And the servant  of the Lord must  not engender strife , but  be gentle unto all men, able  to teach, patient  <n>(forbearing)</n>, 


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in  meekness instructing  those in opposition. If  God preadventure  <n>(perhaps)</n> will give them repentance , that they may acknowledge the truth, 


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and that they may recover  <n>(awake)</n> themselves out  of the snare of the devil, who are  taken captive <n>(alive)</n> by him at  his will. 


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Dangerous <n>(Perilous)</n> Times, Men Are Coming<br/>This know also: that in  the last days perilous  times shall come. 


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For men shall be lovers  of their own selves, covetous , boasters , proud , blasphemers , disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 


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without natural  affection, trucebreakers , false accusers , without selfcontrol , fierce , despisers  of those who are good, 


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For of this  sort are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden  with sins, led  away with divers  lusts, 


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Now <n>(just)</n> as  Jannes and Jambres withstood <n>(resisted)</n> Moses, so do these also resist  the truth -- men  of corrupt <n>(distorted)</n> minds <n>(no judgment)</n>, reprobate  <n>(counterfeit)</n> concerning the faith. 


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But they shall proceed no further, for their  folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 


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The Man of God and the Word of God<br/>But you have fully known  <n>(diligent following)</n> my  doctrine, manner  of life, purpose , faith , longsuffering, love, patience, 


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persecutions , afflictions which came unto me at Antioch , at Iconium, at Lystra -- what persecutions I endured. But  out of them all, the Lord delivered me. 


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But continue  you in the things which you have learned and have been assured  of, knowing  from whom you have learned them, 


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and that from  childhood you have known the Holy  Scriptures, which  are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 


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All  Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is  profitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correction, for instruction  in righteousness, 


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Preach the Word<br/>I charge  you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who  shall judge the quick and the dead at  His appearing and His Kingdom : 


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preach  the Word; be  instant in  season and out of season; reprove , rebuke, exhort  with all  longsuffering and doctrine. 


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For the time  will come when they will  not endure sound  doctrine; but  having  itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts. 


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But watch  you in all things, endure  afflictions, do the work of an  evangelist, fulfill  your ministry. 


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Paul's Vallydictory<br/>For I am  now ready to be offered, and  the time of my departure is at hand. 


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Henceforth there  is laid up for me a crown  of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous  Judge, shall give me on that  Day -- and not to me only, but unto all those also who love  His appearing. 


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for Demas  has  forsaken me, having  loved this present world, and has departed unto Thessalonica ; Crescens to Galatia , Titus  unto Dalmatia. 


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Only  Luke  is with me. Take Mark  and bring him with you, for  he is profitable to me for the ministry. 


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The cloak  that I left at Troas  with Carpus, when you comest, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments. 


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At my first answer  no  man stood with me, but all men forsook me. I pray  God that it may not be laid to their charge. 


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The Lord Is Faithful<br/>Notwithstanding, the Lord  stood with me and strengthened  me, that by  me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I  was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 


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And the Lord shall deliver  me from every evil work and will  preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom, to whom  be glory forever and ever. Amen. 


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Try <n>(do)</n> your  utmost <n>(with diligence)</n> to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth you, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all  the brethren. 


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Greeting, Qualifications and Duties of Elders<br/>Paul, a servant  of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith  of God's elect, and the acknowledging  of the truth which is according  to God liness, 


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in <n>(for)</n> hope  of eternal  life, which God , who cannot lie, promised  before  the world began, 


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but has in  due times manifested  His Word through preaching which  is committed unto me according to the commandment of God  our Savior, 


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To Titus , my  own son in the common  faith: Grace , mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our  Savior. 


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Qualified Elders<br/>For this cause I left  you in Crete , that you should set  in order the things that are wanting <n>(left undone)</n>, and  ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you: 


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if any  be blameless, the husband  of one wife, having  faithful children, not  accused of riot or  unruly. 


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For a bishop  must be blameless, as  the steward of God, not selfwilled , not quick  to anger, not given to wine , not violent , not given to filthy  lucre; 


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holding  fast  the faithful Word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound  doctrine both to exhort and to convince  the gainsayers. 


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The Elders' Task<br/>For there  are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially  those of the Circumcision, 


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whose mouths  must be stopped, who subvert  whole houses, teaching things which they ought not for the sake of filthy  lucre. 


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One among themselves, even a prophet of  their own, said, "The Cretans are always liars , evil beasts, slothful gluttons." 


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Unto the pure , all things are pure; but  unto those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but even their  mind and conscience is defiled. 


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They profess  that they know God, but in their works they deny Him, being  abominable and disobedient , and unto  every good work reprobate <n>(void of judgement)</n>. 


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that the  older men be sober  <n>(vigilant)</n>, serious  <n>(reverent)</n>, temperate , sound  in faith, in love, in patience ; 


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the older women likewise, that they be in behavior as  becomes  holiness, not false accusers , not given  to much wine, teachers  of good things, 


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that they may teach the  young women to be sober  <n>(wise)</n>, to love their husbands , to love their children, 


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to be discreet , chaste, keepers  at home, good , obedient  to their own husbands, that  the Word of God be not blasphemed. 


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in all  things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness , seriousness , sincerity , 


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sound  speech which cannot be condemned, that he  that is of a contrary mind may  be ashamed, having  no evil thing to say of you. 


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Exhort servants  to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please  them well in all things, not gainsaying, 


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not purloining , but showing  all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine  of God  our Savior in all things. 


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Trained by Saving Grace<br/>For the grace  of God that brings salvation <n>(has appeared)</n> to all men, 


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teaching  us that, denying  unGod liness and worldly lusts, we should live  soberly , righteously, and godly  in this  present world, 


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looking  for that blessed  hope and the glorious  appearing of the great God and our  Savior Jesus Christ, 


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who gave  Himself for us, that  He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify  unto  Himself a peculiar  people, zealous  for good works. 


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Graces of the Heirs of Grace<br/>Put  them in mind to be subject  to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready  for every good work, 


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For we  ourselves also were sometimes foolish , disobedient , deceived, serving  divers lusts and pleasures, living  in malice and envy, hateful  and hating one another. 


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He saved us not by works  of righteousness which we had done, but according  to His mercy, by the washing  of regeneration, and by the renewing  of the Holy Spirit , 


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that, being  justified by His grace, we should be made  heirs according to the hope  of eternal life. 


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This is a faithful  saying, and these things I enjoin that you  affirm constantly, that those who  have believed in God might be  careful to maintain good works. These things are good  and profitable unto men. 


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Avoid Dissension<br/>But avoid  foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable  and vain. 


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Final Messages<br/>When I send Artemas unto you or Tychicus , be  diligent to come unto me in Nicopolis, for  I have determined to winter there. 


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Bring Zenas the lawyer  and Apollos  on  their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. 


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And let our own also learn  to perform good works  for necessary uses, that  they be not unfruitful. 


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Farewell<br/>All that are with me  salute you. Greet  those who love  us in the faith. Grace  be with you all. Amen.


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Greeting, Paul's Concern for a Slave<br/>Paul, a prisoner  of Jesus Christ, and Timothy  our our brother, Unto Philemon  our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, 


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that the communication  of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging  of every good thing which is in you  in Christ Jesus.


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For we have great joy  and consolation in your love, because the hearts  <n>(bowels)</n> of the saints are refreshed by you, brother. 


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The Plea for Onesimus<br/>Therefore, though I might be bold  enough in Christ to enjoin  you to do that which is befitting, 


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yet for love's sake  rather I beseech you, being such a one as Paul  the aged, and now also a prisoner  of Jesus Christ. 


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I would have retained him with me, that in your stead  he might have ministered unto me in the bonds  of the Gospel; 


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but without  your consent I would <n>(will)</n> do nothing, that your benefit  <n>(goodness)</n> should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly. 


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not now as a servant <n>(slave)</n>, but more than a servant <n>(slave)</n>: as a brother  beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto you, both in  the flesh and in the Lord. 


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I, Paul , have written this with mine own hand: I will repay it; nevertheless <n>(al-be-it)</n> I do not say to you how you  owe unto me even your own self besides. 


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Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say. 


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But besides prepare  me also a lodging, for I trust  that through  your prayers I shall be given unto you. 


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Christ the Fullest, Supreme Revelation of God<br/>God, who at  sundry times and in divers manners spoke in  times past unto the fathers  by the prophets, 


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has in these  last days spoken  unto us by His Son, whom He has appointed  Heir of all things, by whom  also He made the worlds, 


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who being the brightness  of His glory and the express image  of His person, upholding  all things by the word  of His power, when He had by Himself  purged our sins, sat  down at the right hand of the Majesty  on high, 


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being made so  much better than the angels, as He has by  inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 


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The Son Exalted Above Angels<br/>For unto which of the angels said God at any time, "You are  My Son; this day have I begotten You"? And again, "I will  be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son"? 


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And again , when He brings in <n>(again)</n>, the First-Begotten into the world, He says, "And let  all the angels of God worship Him." 


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And of <n>(unto)</n> the angels He says, "Who  makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire." 


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But unto the Son He says, "Your throne , O God , is forever and ever; a scepter  of righteousness <n>(rightness or straightness)</n> is the scepter of Your Kingdom. 


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You have loved  righteousness and hated  iniquity; therefore God, even Your God , has anointed  You with the oil  of gladness above Your fellows ." 


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And, "You , Lord, in  the beginning have  laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works  of Your hands. 


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And as a vesture shall You fold them up, and they shall be changed. But  You are the same, and Your  years shall not fail <n>(end nor come to failure)</n>." 


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But to  which of the angels said He at any time, "Sit  on My right hand until  I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 


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Are they not all ministering  spirits, sent  forth to minister  for those who shall be heirs  of salvation? 


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Christ Has Dominion over the World<br/>Therefore  we ought to give <n>(even)</n> the more  earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should  let them slip . 


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For if the word spoken  by angels was steadfast, and every  transgression and disobedience received a just recompense  of reward, 


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Do Not Neglect Salvation<br/>how  shall we escape if we neglect so  great a salvation, which at the first began  to be spoken by the Lord and was  confirmed unto us by those who heard Him, 


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God  also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders and with divers miracles  and gifts  of the Holy Spirit, according  to His own will? 


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The Son Made Lower than Angels<br/>For it was not unto angels that He put in subjection the world  to come, of which we speak. 


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But one in  <n>(at)</n> a certain place testified, saying, "What  is man, that You are mindful of him? Or the son  of man, that You visit  him? 


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You made  him a little lower <n>(inferior <n>(for a while)</n>)</n> than <n>(to)</n> the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands.


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You have  put all things in subjection under his feet." For in putting all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But  now as yet we see not all things put under him. 


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But we see Jesus , who was made a little lower than the angels for <n>(by)</n> the suffering of death, crowned  with glory and honor, that He by  the grace of God should taste  death for every  man. 


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Bringing Many Sons to Glory<br/>For it  became Him, for  whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many  sons unto glory , to make the Captain  of their salvation perfect  through sufferings. 


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For both He that  sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all  of One, for which cause He is  not ashamed to call  them brethren, 


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saying, "I will  declare Your name unto My brethren; in  the midst of the church will I sing praise unto You." 


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And again, "I will  put My trust in Him." And again, "Behold  I and the children which  <n>(whom)</n> God has given Me." 


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Forasmuch then as the children  are partakers of flesh  and blood, He also  Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy  him that had the power of death -- that is, the devil  -- 


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and deliver  <n>(release)</n> those who all their lifetime were subject  to <n>(held in)</n> bondage through  fear of death.


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Therefore in all things it  behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful  and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make  reconciliation for the sins of the people. 


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For in that He Himself has suffered , being tempted, He is  able to aid <n>(help)</n> those  who are tempted. 


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Christ <n>(The Son)</n> Our <n>(Role)</n> Model of Faithfulness<br/>Therefore, holy  brethren, partakers  of the heavenly  calling, consider  the Apostle  and  High Priest of our confession <n>(profession)</n>, Christ Jesus, 


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who was faithful  to Him that appointed  <n>(made)</n> Him, as  also Moses was faithful in all  His house. 


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For this  Man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who  has built the house has more honor than the house. 


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And Moses verily was faithful  in all His house as  a servant, for  <n>(as)</n> a testimony of those things which were to be spoken thereafter; 


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but Christ was faithful as  a Son over His own house, whose  house are we if  we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing  of the hope, firm unto the end. 


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Therefore I was  grieved with that generation, and said, `They do always err  in their heart, and they have  not known My ways.' 


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Take  heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an  evil heart of unbelief, in departing  from the  living God . 


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But exhort  one another daily , while it is still called "today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness  of sin. 


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For we are  made partakers of Christ if  we hold the confidence we had in the beginning steadfast unto the end, 


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while it is said, "Today  if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts as in the provocation." 


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Failure of the Wilderness Wanderers<br/>For some , when they had heard, did provoke, however not  all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 


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But with whom  was He grieved forty years? Was it  not with those who had sinned, whose  carcasses fell in the wilderness? 


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And to whom  did He swear that they should not enter into His rest, but  to those who believed not? 


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Be Sure to Enter the <n>(Promised)</n> Rest<br/>Let us  therefore fear, lest, a promise  being left to us of entering into His  rest, any  of you should seem to come short of it. 


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For unto us  was the Gospel preached , as well as unto them; but the Word preached did not  profit them, not being  mixed <n>(united)</n> with <n>(by)</n> faith  in those who heard it. 


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For we  who have believed do enter into rest, as He said, "As I  have sworn in My wrath, `If they shall enter into My rest'": although the works  were finished from  the foundation of the world. 


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For He spoke in a  certain place of the seventh day in this way: "And God  rested on the seventh day from all His works." 


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Seeing therefore it remains  that some  must enter therein, and those  to whom it <n>(the gospel)</n> was first preached did not enter  in because of unbelief, 


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again He designates a certain day, saying  in David "Today, " after  so long a time, as it is said, "Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts." 


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For he that  has entered into His rest, he also has ceased  from his own works, as  God did from His. 


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The Word Discovers Our Condition<br/>Let  us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest  any man fall according to the same example of unbelief  <n>(disobedience)</n>. 


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Merismos<br/>For the Word  of God is quick  <n>(living or alive)</n>, <n>(full of)</n> power <n>(making it active, operative, energizing, and effective)</n> and sharper  than <n>(the sharpest)</n> twoedged sword <n>(dagger, surgeon's scalpel <n>(knife)</n>, laser)</n>, piercing <n>(penetrating everthing)</n> even to the dividing asunder <WG3311> <n>(cutting swiftly apart)</n> of soul <WG5590> and <n>(from; immortal)</n> spirit <WG4151>, and of the joints and marrow <n>(of the deepest parts of our nature)</n>, and is  a discerner of the <n>(exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very deep innermost)</n> thoughts <n>(ideas, imagination, attitude)</n> and intents <n>(purposes)</n> of the heart <n>(desires with all their parts, exposing <n>(laying)</n> us <n>(open)</n> for what we really are <n>(so we can listen and obey)</n>)</n>. 


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Neither is there  any creature that is not manifest in His sight, but all things are naked  and open <n>(exposed)</n> unto the eyes of Him with  whom we have to do <n>(Word or give account)</n>. 


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Our Compassionate High Priest<br/>Seeing then that we have a great  High Priest who has  passed into the Heavens, Jesus  the Son of God, let  us hold fast to our profession. 


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For we do  not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted  as we are, yet  without sin. 


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Let us therefore come  boldly unto the throne  of grace, that we may obtain  mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 


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Qualifications for High Priesthood<br/>For every  high priest taken from among men is ordained  for men  in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both  gifts and sacrifices for sins; 


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who  can have compassion on  <n>(bear with)</n> the ignorant  and on those who are outside of the Way, since he himself is also encompassed  by infirmity. 


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And by reason hereof, he ought, both for the  people and also for himself, to make offering for sins. 


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Christ Our High Priest Forever<br/>So also Christ  glorified not Himself to be made a high priest, but He that said unto Him, "You are  My Son; today have I begotten You." 


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Christ, in the  days of His flesh, when  He had offered up prayers and supplications with  strong crying and tears  unto  Him that was able to save Him from death, and  was heard in that He feared , 


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Spiritual <n>(Dullness)</n> Immaturity<br/> For at the  time when you ought to be teachers , you have need that one teach you again the first  principles of the oracles  of God, and have become such as have  need of milk, and not of strong meat. 


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For everyone that uses milk is unskilled <n>(no experience)</n> in the Word  of righteousness, for he  is a babe. 


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But strong meat belongs to those who are of full age , even those who by reason of use <n>(habit or perfection)</n> have their  senses exercised to discern  both good and evil. 


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The Foundation <n>(Principles)</n> of Christ<br/>Therefore, leaving  the principles of the doctrine  of Christ, let  us go on unto perfection, not laying  again the foundation of repentance  from dead  works and of faith  toward God , 


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of the doctrine  of baptisms and of laying  on of hands, and of resurrection  of the dead and of eternal  judgment. 


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The Peril of Not Progressing<br/>For it is  impossible for those who were once  enlightened and have  tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers  of the Holy Spirit , 


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Be Faithful Because God Is Faithful<br/>if they shall fall away, to renew  them again unto repentance, seeing that they crucify  to themselves the Son of God afresh and put Him to open  shame. 


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For the earth  which drinks in the rain that comes often upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for those by <n>(for)</n> whom it is dressed, receives  blessing from God . 


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But that which bears  thorns and briars is rejected and is nigh unto being cursed, whose  end is to be burned. 


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A Better Promises<br/>But, beloved , though we thus speak, we are persuaded that there are better things  for you, things that accompany salvation. 


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For  God  is not unrighteous so as to forget  your work  and labor of love, which  you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 


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And we desire  that everyone of you show the same diligence to the  full assurance of hope  unto  the end, 


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that you  be not slothful, but  followers of those who through faith  and patience inherit  the promises. 


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God's Infallible Purpose in Christ<br/>For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore  by Himself, 


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For men verily swear  by the greater, and an oath  of confirmation is to them an end to all strife. 


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Thereby God, willing more  abundantly to show unto the heirs  of promise the immutability  of His counsel, confirmed  it by an oath, 


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that by two  immutable things, in which it was impossible  for God to lie, we, who have fled for refuge, might  have strong consolation to lay  hold upon the hope  set  before us. 


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This hope we have as  an anchor of the soul, both  sure and steadfast, and which enters  into that within the veil, 


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where the Forerunner  has entered for  us, even Jesus, who is made a high priest  forever, after the order of Melchizedek. 


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The King of Righteousness <n>(Melchizedek)</n> a Picture of Christ<br/>For this  Melchizedek, king of Salem , priest of the Most  High God, met Abraham, who was returning from the slaughter  of the kings, and blessed him. 


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To him also Abraham gave a tenth  part of all, Melchizedek first being by interpretation "King of righteousness ," and after that also King of Salem, which means "King of peace." 


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Without father, without mother and without descent  <n>(pedigree)</n>, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, he abides a priest  continually. 


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Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch  Abraham  gave  a tenth of the spoils. 


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And verily, those who are of the sons of Levi, who  receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take  tithes from the people according to the law -- that is, from their brethren -- though they come  out of the loins of Abraham. 


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But Melchizedek, whose descent  <n>(pedigree)</n> is not counted from them, received  tithes from Abraham and blessed him that had  the promises. 


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And here men  who die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives . 


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Need for a New Priesthood<br/>If therefore perfection  <n>(completion, or fulfilment of the plan and purpose of God)</n>  were through the Levitical priesthood <n>(for under it the people received the law)</n>, what  further need was there that another  priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 


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For He of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, of which  no man gave attendance at the altar. 


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For it is evident that our Lord  sprang  out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 


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And this is yet far more evident when there arises another  priest according to the similitude of Melchizedek, 


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who is made not according to the law  of a carnal commandment, but according to the power  of an endless life. 


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For there is verily an annulling  of the former commandment because of the weakness  and unprofitableness thereof.


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For the law  made  nothing perfect <n>(completed nothing; it was the introduction, but not the completion)</n>, but the bringing in  of a better  hope did, by which we  draw nigh unto God . 


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The Greatness of the New Priest<br/>And inasmuch as it was not without an oath that He was made priest


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<n>(for those priests were made without an oath <n>(swearing)</n>, but He with an oath by Him who said unto Him: "The Lord  swore  and will not repent, `You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'")</n>, 


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Therefore He is  able also to save to the uttermost <n>(evermore)</n> those who come  unto God by Him , seeing He ever  lives to make  intercession for them. 


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For such  a High Priest who is befitting  <n>(became)</n> for us, holy , undisposed to harm, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made  higher than the heavens, 


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who needs not, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice daily  first  for His own sins and then  for the people's; for this  He did once when He offered up Himself. 


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For the law makes  men high priests who have infirmity; but the word  of the oath, which came since the law, makes the  Son, who  is consecrated  <n>(perfect)</n> for evermore. 


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The New Priestly Service<br/>Now of the things of which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have  such a High Priest, who  is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty  in the heavens, 


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a minister  of the sanctuary <n>(holy thing)</n> and of the true  tabernacle, which  the Lord erected <n>(pitched)</n> and not man. 


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For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices; therefore it is of necessity that this Man have  something also to offer.


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For if He were on earth, He should  not be a priest, seeing that there <n>(they)</n> are priests  who offer gifts  according to the law, 


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and who serve unto  the example  <n>(copy)</n> and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle. For,"See ," says He, "that you make all things according to the pattern  shown to you on the mount." 


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But now has He obtained  a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator  of a better covenant <n>(testament)</n>, which was established <n>(ordained)</n> upon  better promises. 


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A New Covenant<br/>For if that first covenant had  been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 


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For finding fault with them, He says , "Behold, the days  come," says the Lord, "when I will make a new  covenant  with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 


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not according to the covenant  that I made with their fathers in the day when I took  them by the hand to lead  them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued  not in My covenant, and I regarded  them not, says the Lord. 


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For this is  the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put  <n>(give)</n> My laws into their minds and write them in <n>(upon)</n> their hearts, and I will be  to them a God, and they shall  be to Me a people. 


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And they shall  not teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, `Know the  Lord,' for all  shall know Me, from  the least to the greatest. 


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For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." 


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In that He says "A new  covenant," He has  made the first old. Now that which decays and waxs old is ready  to vanish away. 


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The Earthly Sanctuary<br/>Then verily, the first  covenant also had  ordinances <n>(ceremonies)</n> of divine service and  a worldly sanctuary. 


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For there was a tabernacle  made, the first , wherein was the candlestick and the table  and the showbread , which is called the sanctuary  <n>(holy)</n>. 


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which had the golden  censer, and the ark  of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was  the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's  rod that budded, and the  tablets of the covenant; 


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and over  it were the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat , of which we cannot now speak particularly. 


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Limitations of the Earthly Service<br/>Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests  went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service to God . 


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But into  the second went the high priest alone once every year, not  without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors  of the people, 


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the Holy Spirit  by this signifying that the way  into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest so long as the first tabernacle was yet standing.


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It was a figure  for the time  then present in which were offered both gifts  and sacrifices, which could  not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining  to the conscience, 


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since it concerned only meats  and drinks and divers  washings and carnal  ordinances  <n>(rites or ceremonies)</n> imposed on them until  the time of reformation.


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The Heavenly Sanctuary<br/>But Christ , having come a High Priest  of good  things to come, by a greater  and more perfect tabernacle, not made  with hands <n>(that is to say, not of this building)</n>, 


