# verses

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But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.


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And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to carnal, even as to babes in Christ.


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I have fed you with milk, and not with solid food: for until now you were not able to bear it, neither yet now are you able.


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For you are yet carnal: for in that there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?


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Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?


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Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and everyone shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.


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According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let everyone be careful how he builds on it.


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Everyone's work shall be made apparent: for the day shall make it known, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall test everyone's work of what sort it is.


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If anyone's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet as if by fire.


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If anyone defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.


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Let no one deceive himself. If anyone 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 takes 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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But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man's judgment: yea, I do not judge my own self.


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For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.


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Therefore judge nothing before the time until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make known the intentions of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise from God.


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And these things, brethren, I have in an illustration transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think of 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 from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you received it, why do you glorify yourself, as if you had not received 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 if appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle to 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 to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are assaulted, and have no sure dwelling place;


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Being defamed, we appeal: we are made like the filth of the world, and are the refuse of all things until this day.


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For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.


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For this reason have I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, as I teach 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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It is commonly reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.


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And you are puffed up, and have not instead mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.


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For I truly, as absent in body but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that has so done this deed,


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In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,


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To deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.


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Cleanse out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our passover lamb is sacrificed for us:


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Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.


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Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world.


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But now I have written to you not to keep company, if anyone that is called a brother is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a scoffer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one not even to eat.


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Do any of you dare, having a matter against another, to go to court 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 to make decisions about things concerning this life, appoint those to judge who are least esteemed in the church.


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I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?


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Now therefore there is surely a fault among you, because you go to court with one another. Why do you not rather suffer wrong? Why do you not rather allow yourselves to be taken advantage of?


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Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,


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Nor thieves, nor 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, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.


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All things are lawful to me, but all things are not helpful: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.


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Foods are for the belly, and the belly for foods: 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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Do you not know 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? Do you not know 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 sin that a man does is outside the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.


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What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God, and 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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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 does not have power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband does not have power over his own body, but the wife.


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Do not deprive one another, except by agreement for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self control.


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For I would prefer that all men were even like I myself. But every man has his own gift from God, one of one kind, and another of a different kind.


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But if she leaves, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and the husband should not put away his wife.


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But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is pleased to dwell with him, he should not put her away.


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And the woman who has a husband that does not believe, and if he is pleased to dwell with her, she should 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: otherwise your children would be unclean; but now are they holy.


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But if the unbelieving one departs, let them depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God has called us to peace.


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For how do you know, 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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But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called every one, so let him walk. And so I decree in all churches.


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Is any man called being circumcised? He should not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? He should not be circumcised.


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Are you called being a servant? Do not be concerned about it: but if you have an opportunity to become free, make use of it.


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For he who is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he who is called, being free, is Christ's servant.


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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 this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.


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Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Art you free from a wife? Do not look for a wife.


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But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, 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: therefore, let both those who have wives be as though they had none;


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And those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess;


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And those who make use of this world, as not abusing it: for the form of this world is passing away.


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But I would have you without anxiety. He who is unmarried is anxious about the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:


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But he who is married is anxious about the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.


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There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she who is married is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.


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And this I speak for your own benefit; not to restrain you, but for that which is suitable, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.


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But if any man thinks that he is not behaving himself properly towards his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age, and need so requires, let him do what he desires, he does not sin: let them marry.


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Nevertheless he that remains 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 who gives her in marriage does well; but he that does not give her 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 is dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.


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But she is happier if she so remains, according to my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.


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Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.


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Concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.


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For though there are things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are many gods, and many lords,)


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But to us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.


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However there is not in everyone that knowledge: for some with scruples concerning the idol to this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.


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But food does not commend us to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; nor, if we do not eat, are we the worse.


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But be careful so that this liberty of yours does not by any means become a stumbling block to those who are weak.


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For if anyone sees you who have knowledge sit at dinner in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be encouraged to eat those things which are offered to idols;


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But when you sin so against fellow believers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.


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Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, so that I do not cause my brother to stumble.


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Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?


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If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.


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Do we not have the right to lead around a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and like the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?


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Who goes to warfare at any time at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and does not eat 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 grain. Is God concerned about 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 threshes in hope should be a have a share of his hope.


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If others share in this right over you, do not we even more? Nevertheless we have not used this authority; but suffer all things, so that we do not hinder the gospel of Christ.


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Do you not know that those who minister around holy things live from the things of the temple? And those who serve at the altar have a share of the altar?


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But I have made use of none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done to me: for it would be better for me to die, than that anyone should make my boasting of no effect.


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For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to find glory in: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is me, if I do not preach the gospel!


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For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a commission of the gospel is entrusted to me.


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What is my reward then? Truly that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without expense, so that I do not abuse my power in the gospel.


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For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.


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And to 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 without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain those who are without 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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Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it.


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And everyone who strives for the victory 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: so that, when I have preached to others, I myself should not by any means be lost.


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Moreover, brethren, I do not desire you to be ignorant that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;


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And all drank the same spiritual drink: for they drank from that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.


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Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.


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Neither should you be 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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Nor should we commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day twenty three thousand.


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Now all these things happened to them as examples: and they are written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the world are come.


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There has no temptation overtaken you but such as is common to mankind: but God is faithful, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you are able; but will with the temptation 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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What then am I saying? 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 do not desire you to 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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All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful: all things are lawful for me, but not all things build up.


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If any of those who do not believe invite you to a feast, and you are disposed to go; whatever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience' sake.


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But if anyone says to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, abstain from eating for the sake of him that mentioned it, and for conscience' sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:


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Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?


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Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my 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 hold to the instructions, as I delivered them to you.


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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 that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even the same as if she were shaven.


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For if the woman is not covered, let her hair also be cut off: but if it is a shame for a woman to have her hair cut off or be shaven, let her be covered.


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For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, seeing that he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.


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For as the woman is from the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things are from God.


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Now in this that I now declare to you I do not praise you, 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 among you; and I partly believe it.


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For in eating every one has his own supper before the other: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.


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What? Do you not have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who have not? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.


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For I have received from the Lord that which also I delivered to 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 remembrance of me.


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After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had eaten, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.


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Therefore whoever 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 condemnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.


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But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.


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And if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home; so that you do not come together for condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.


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Therefore I am making you understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no one can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy 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 different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:


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But that one and the same Spirit works all these, apportioning to every man individually as he chooses.


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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, whether we are slaves 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 the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?


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And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.


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And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our unattractive parts have more abundant attractiveness.


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For our attractive parts have no need: but God has adjusted the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked:


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That there should be no division in the body; but that the members should have the same care for one another.


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And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if 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 miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, various kinds of tongues.


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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become like a loud brass instrument, or a clanging 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, and have not love, I am nothing.


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And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.


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Love never fails: but if there are prophecies, they shall pass away; if there are tongues, they shall cease; if there is 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 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 dimly; 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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For he who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God: for no one understands him; but in the spirit he speaks mysteries.


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I would like you all to speak with tongues, but even more to prophesy: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the church may receive edifying.


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Now, brethren, if I come to 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 instruction?


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And even lifeless things giving sounds, whether pipe or harp, unless they give distinct sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?


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So likewise you, unless you speak with the tongue words easy to understand, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you shall speak into the air.


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Therefore if I do not know the meaning of the sound, I shall be to him that speaks a foreigner, and he that speaks shall be a foreigner to me.


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Even so you, to the extent that you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in edifying the church.


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What 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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Otherwise when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the position of the unlearned say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing that he does not understand what you say?


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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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Brethren, do not be children in understanding: however in malice you should be children, but in understanding you should be men.


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In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak to this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, says the Lord.


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Therefore tongues are a sign, not to those who believe, but to those who do not believe: but prophesying is not intended for those who do not believe, but for those who believe.


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If therefore the whole church comes 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 comes in one who does not believe, or one unlearned, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all:


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And thus are the secrets of his heart made known; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is truly in you.


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How is it then, brethren? When you come together, every one of you has a hymn, a teaching, a tongue, a revelation, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edifying.


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If anyone speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be two, or at most three, and that one after another; and let one interpret.


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But if there is 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 for them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also says the law.


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And if they desire to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.


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If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.


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Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and in which you stand;


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By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain.


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For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;


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After that, he was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.


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For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit 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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Now if Christ is preached that he rose from the dead, how can some say among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?


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Yes, 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 indeed the dead do not rise.


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But everyone in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards 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 plain that he is excepted, who put all things under him.


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And when all things shall be subjected to him, then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.


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Otherwise what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?


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If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what benefit is it to me, if the dead do not rise? 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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And that which you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but bare grain, perhaps 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 fish, and another of birds.


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There are also celestial bodies, and terrestrial bodies: 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 differs 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 a living soul; the last Adam was made a life-giving spirit.


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However that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterwards that which is spiritual.


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As is the earthy, so are those also who are earthy: and as is the heavenly, so are those also who are heavenly.


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Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.


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In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: 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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Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, 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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Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have directed the churches of Galatia, even so should you do.


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Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no collections when I come.


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And when I come, whomever you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your generous gift to Jerusalem.


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And it may be that I will stay, yea, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey wherever I go.


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Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear: for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I also am.


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Let no one therefore despise him: but bring him onwards in peace, that he may come to me: for I am waiting for him with the brethren.


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As for our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have a convenient time.


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I plead with you, brethren, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)


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I am glad for the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.


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The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.


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Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:


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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 with which we ourselves are comforted by God.


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And if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is at work in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.


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And our hope for you is steadfast, knowing, that as you are sharers in the sufferings, so shall you also be in the consolation.


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For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed beyond measure, above our strength, so that we despaired even of life:


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But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, so that we would 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: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;


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You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed on us by means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.


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For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conduct in the world, and more abundantly towards you.


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For we write no other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end;


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As also you 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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And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and to be brought on my way by you towards Judea.


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When I therefore was thus minded, did I do it carelessly? Or the things that I decide to do, do I decide 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 it was yes.


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And I wrote this same to you, so that, when I came, I would not have sorrow from those for 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 to 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 anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, except in part: so that I may not be too severe on you all.


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So that on the contrary you ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, so that he will not perhaps be swallowed up with too much sorrow.


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For to this end also did I write, that I might know your trustworthiness, whether you are 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, for your sakes I forgave it in the person of Christ;


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Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,


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I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia.


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Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes known the fragrance of his knowledge by us in every place.


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For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ in those who are saved and in those who are perishing:


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To the one we are the fragrance of death unto death; and to the other the fragrance of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?


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For we are not like many, who corrupt the word of God: but as men of sincerity, but as men from God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.


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Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, like some others, letters of recommendation to you, or letters of recommendation from you?


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In that you are plainly declared to be the letter of Christ presented by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.


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Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to think anything as 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.


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But if the ministry 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 come to an end:


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For if the ministry of condemnation is glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness exceed it in glory.


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For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that surpasses it.


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And not like Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly see the end of that which is now abolished:


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But their minds were blinded: for to this day the same veil is still not removed in the reading of the old testament; which veil comes to an end in Christ.


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But we all, with unveiled faces beholding as in a mirror 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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But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.


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In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.


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For we do not preach 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, has shone 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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But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us.


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Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our bodies.


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For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be clearly seen 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 the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many bear fruit to the glory of God.


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For which reason we do not faint; but though our outward man is perishing, yet the inner man is being 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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For we know that if our earthly house in this dwelling place is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.


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For we who are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not that we would be unclothed, but clothed, that mortality might be swallowed up in life.


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Now he that has fashioned us for this very thing is God, who also has given to us the guarantee of the Spirit.


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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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For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; so that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.


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Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made known to God; and I trust also are made known in your consciences.


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For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.


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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, so that those who live should not henceforth live for themselves, but for him who died for them, and rose again.


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Therefore from this time on we know no one according to the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet from now on we know him in this way no more.


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Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.


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And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself 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 to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.


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Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God pleaded with you by us: we appeal to you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.


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For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


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We, then, as workers together with him, plead with you also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain.


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(For he says, I have heard you in a time that is accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)


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But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,


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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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As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


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Be 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 harmony does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion has he that believes with an infidel?


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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 ye separate, says the Lord, and do not touch the unclean thing; and I will receive you,


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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 over you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.


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For, when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; outside were conflicts, inside were fears.


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And not by his coming only, but by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced all the more.


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For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same letter has made you sorry, though it was but for a season.


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Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance: for you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might receive harm from us in nothing.


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For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world works death.


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For behold this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly way, what earnestness it worked in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what correction of wrongs! In all things you have shown yourselves to be clear in this matter.


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Therefore, though I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of the one who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.


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Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yes, and 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 truth.


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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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That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity.


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For to the limit of their ability, I bear witness, yes, and beyond their ability they were willing of themselves;


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Praying us with much urgency that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministry to the saints.


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And this they did, not as we hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God,


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To the extent that we desired of Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.


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Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.


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I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the eagerness 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 in this I give my advice: for this is helpful for you, who began already, not only to do, but also to be eager 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 is 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 by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:


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As it is written, He who had gathered much had nothing left over; and he who had gathered little had no lack.


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And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in connection with the gospel throughout all the churches;


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And not only that, but who 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 as a declaration of your ready mind:


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And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which I have in you.


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If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you: or if our brethren are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.


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Therefore show them, and before the churches, the evidence of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.


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For I know the readiness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many.


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Yet have I sent the brethren, so that our boasting about you would not be in vain in this respect; that, as I said, you may be ready:


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Lest perhaps if those of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be ashamed in this same confident boasting.


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Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they should go on ahead to you, and prepare beforehand your generosity, of which you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of generosity, and not as of compulsion.


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But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows abundantly shall also reap abundantly.


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Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.


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And God is able to make every grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:


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(As it is written, He has scattered abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains for ever.


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Now may he who 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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For the administration of this service not only supplies the need of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;


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While by the trustworthiness of this ministry they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your generous distribution to them, and to everyone;


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Now I Paul myself plead with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you:


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But I plead with you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence with which I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.


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(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds;)


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Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;


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Do you look on things according to the outward appearance? If anyone trusts to himself that he is Christ's, let him think this again to himself, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.


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For even if I boasted somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I would 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, just 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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For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.


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But we will not boast of things beyond our limits, but according to the limit of the sphere which God has assigned us, a limit to reach even to you.


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For we do not stretch ourselves beyond our limit, as though we did not reach 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 limit, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our sphere abundantly,


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To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready for our hand.


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For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.


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But I fear that by some means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds will be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.


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For if he who 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 put up with it.


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But though I am unskilled in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made known 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 freely?


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And when I was present with you, and lacked, I was chargeable to no one: for that which was lacking to me 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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But what I do, that I will do, that I may remove opportunity from those who desire opportunity; that in the things they find glory in, 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 are transformed to appear as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.


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I say again, Let no one think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.


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That which I speak, I do not speak it according to the Lord, but as if foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.


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For you allow it, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, if a man strikes you on the face.


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I speak concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. However wherever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.


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Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the descendents of Abraham? So am I.


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Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes beyond measure, in prisons more frequent, in danger of death often.


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Three times was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;


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In journeys often, in peril from rivers, in peril from robbers, in peril from my own countrymen, in peril from the heathen, in peril in the city, in peril in the wilderness, in peril in the sea, in peril among false brethren;


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In weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.


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Besides those things that are external, that which comes upon me daily, the anxiety 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, desiring to arrest me:


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I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows); such a one was caught up to the third heaven.


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How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.


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For even if I desired to glory, I would not be a fool; for I would say the truth: but now I refrain, so that no one will think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.


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And so that I would not be exalted beyond measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to assault me, lest I should be exalted beyond measure.


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And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.


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Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.


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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 behind the very chief apostles, though I am nothing.


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Truly the signs of an apostle were done among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.


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For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, unless it is that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.


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Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I do not seek your possessions, 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 you; 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 get a gain from you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?


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Again, do you think 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, that, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would like, and that I shall be found by you such as you would not like: lest there be debates, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering, pride, tumults:


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And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall mourn many who have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.


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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 tell you beforehand, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to those who previously have sinned, and to all others, that, if I come again, I will not spare:


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For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God exercised towards you.


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Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; carefully consider your own selves. Do you not know your own selves, how Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are lost?


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Now I pray to God that you will do no evil; not that we should appear to be approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we may seem to be lost.


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For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we desire, even your perfection.


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Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I need not use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.


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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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Paul, an apostle, (not from men, nor by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)


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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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I marvel that you are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel:


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But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.


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As we said before, so I say now again, If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.


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For am I now persuading men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I were yet pleasing men, I would not be the servant of Christ.


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For you have heard of my conduct in times past in the Jews' religion, that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and devastated it:


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And advanced in the Jews' religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.


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To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood:


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Neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.


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But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed.


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And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of good reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.


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And that because of false brethren brought in without our knowledge, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:


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To whom we yielded in submission, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.


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But from these who seemed to be something, (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me: God accepts no man's person:) for those who seemed to be something in conference added nothing to me:


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But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to me, as the gospel of the circumcision was to Peter;


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(For he that worked effectively in Peter in the apostleship to the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)


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And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision.


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For before certain ones came from James, he ate with the Gentiles: but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.


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And the other Jews also acted falsely with him; to the extent that Barnabas also was carried away with their false behavior.


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But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, If you, being a Jew, live according to the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why do you compel 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 through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified through 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 are also found to be sinners, is therefore Christ 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 comes by the law, then Christ died in vain.


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O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been plainly presented among you as crucified?


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This only would I learn from 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 do 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 to Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed.


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For as many as are depending on the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.


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But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, it 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: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:


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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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Brethren, I speak according to the manner of men; Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no man cancels it, or adds to it.


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Now to Abraham and his offspring were the promises made. He did not say, And to offsprings, as of many; but as of one, And to your offspring, which is Christ.


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And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot cancel, that it should make the promise of no effect.


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For if the inheritance is from the law, it is no more from a promise: but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.


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What then is the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the offspring should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in 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, truly righteousness would have been by the law.


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But the scripture has included 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, shut up for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.


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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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Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ from a servant, though he is lord of all;


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But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth his Son, made from a woman, made under the law,


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And because you are sons, God has sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father.


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But now, after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how can you turn back to the weak and impoverished principles, to which you desire again to be in bondage?


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And my temptation which was in my flesh you did not despise, nor reject; 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 witness, 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 make a great show of warmth for you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that you might be zealous for them.


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But it is always good to make a show of warmth in a good thing, and not only when I am present with 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; the one from the mount Sinai, which bears children for bondage, which is Hagar.


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For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.


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For it is written, Rejoice, you barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry out, you who do not labor in birth: for the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.


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But as then he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.


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Nevertheless what does the scripture say? 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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Stand firm therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.


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Christ has become of no effect for you, whoever of you is justified by the law; you have fallen from grace.


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For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision profits anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.


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I have confidence in you through the Lord that you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.


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And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then has the offense of the cross ceased.


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For, brethren, you have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but by love serve one another.


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For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to one another: so that you cannot do the things that you would.


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Now the works of the flesh are plain, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,


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Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of which I tell you in advance, as I have also told you in time past, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.


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Brethren, if a man is 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 everyone test his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.


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For he who sows to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting.


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And let us not be weary in well doing: for when the time is right we shall reap, if we do not faint.


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As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith.


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As many as desire to make a pleasing show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; but only so that they do not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.


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For neither do 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, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.


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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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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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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:


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According as 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 adopted as children by Jesus Christ to himself, 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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Having made known to 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, and which are on earth; even in him:


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In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his own will:


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In whom 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, to the praise of his glory.


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That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:


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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 towards us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,


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Which he accomplished 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 rule, and authority, 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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In which in time 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 whom also we all had our conduct 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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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 for good works, which God has appointed beforehand that we should walk in them.


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Therefore remember that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;


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That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:


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For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation between us;


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Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; to make in himself from two one new man, so making peace;


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Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;


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And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;


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Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men as it is now revealed to 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 sharers in his promise in Christ by the gospel:


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Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of his power.


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To 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 hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:


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To the intent that now to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,


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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 passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.


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Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,


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I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, plead with you to walk worthy of the calling with which you are called,


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(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?


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He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)


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And he gave some, 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, for the edifying of the body of Christ:


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Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:


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That we from this time on be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried around with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, and cleverness, by which they lie in wait to deceive;


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From whom the whole body carefully joined together and connected by that which every joint supplies, according to the effective working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body for the edifying of itself in love.


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This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth do not walk 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 of their heart:


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Who being past feeling have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.


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That you put off concerning the former conduct the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;


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And that you put on the new man, which after the manner of God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


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Therefore putting away lying, let everyone speak truth with his neighbor: for we are members of one 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 something to give to him that is needy.


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Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.


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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 kind to one 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 sweet smelling fragrance.


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But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is fitting for saints;


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Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not suitable: 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 one deceive you with empty words: for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the children of disobedience.


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But all things that are reproved are made apparent by the light: for whatever makes something apparent is 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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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 to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.


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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 one ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord does for the church:


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For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh.


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Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverences her husband.


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And, you fathers, do not provoke your children to anger: but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.


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Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to 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 whatever good thing anyone does, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he is bond or free.


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And, you masters, do the same things to them, avoiding threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.


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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.


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Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


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Stand therefore, having your loins girded around with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;


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Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which 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 concerning these things with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;


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And for me, that speech may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,


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But that you also may know my affairs, and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:


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Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.


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Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the leaders and deacons:


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Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:


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Even as it is fitting for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; seeing that both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all sharers of my grace.


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That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ;


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Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.


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But I desire you to understand, brethren, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather for the furtherance of the gospel;


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And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.


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What then? Nevertheless, in every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.


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For I know that this shall turn out for my salvation through your prayer, and the supply 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 dilemma 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 remain and continue with you all for your advancement and joy of faith;


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Only let your conduct be suitable for 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 in nothing terrified 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 to you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake;


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If there is therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,


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Let nothing be done through strife or self glorification; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.


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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 of men:


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And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to 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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Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.


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That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;


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Holding out the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor labored in vain.


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Yes, and if I am offered in the sacrifice and service of your faith, I have joy, and rejoice with you all.


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But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.


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But you know his trustworthiness, that, as a son with his father, he has served with me in the gospel.


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Yet I supposed 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 needs.


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For indeed he was sick near to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.


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I sent him therefore the more urgently, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.


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Because for the work of Christ he was near to death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.


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


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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 person thinks that he has a reason to trust in the flesh, I more:


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Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; with respect to the law, a Pharisee;


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Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; with respect to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.


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Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them but filthy garbage, that I may win Christ,


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And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through 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 like his death;


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Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I pursue it, if I may take hold of that for which also I am taken hold of by Christ Jesus.


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Brethren, I do not count myself to have taken hold of it: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and straining forward to those things which are ahead,


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Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you.


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Nevertheless, in those things that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.


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Brethren, be followers together of me, and take note of those who walk as you have us for an example.


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(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:


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Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)


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Who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things to himself.


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Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my dearly beloved.


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And I appeal to you also, true yoke fellow, help those women which 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; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to 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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Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about 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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But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your concern for me has flourished again; in which you were also concerned, but you lacked opportunity.


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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 how to be full and how to be hungry, both how to abound and how 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 shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only.


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But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a fragrance of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.


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To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.


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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 to you, as it is 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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As you also learned from Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;


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For this reason 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 for all pleasing, 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, for all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;


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Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us fit to be sharers of the inheritance of the saints in light:


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Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has transferred us into the kingdom of his dear Son:


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For by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they are 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: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in 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 to himself; by him, I say, whether they are things on earth, or things in heaven.


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And you, who were at one time alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled


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In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:


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If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; of which I Paul am made a minister;


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Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is lacking in 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 of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;


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Even the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:


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To whom God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:


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Whom 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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For I want you to know what great anxiety I have 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, and into all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;


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For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your orderliness, 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 in it with thanksgiving.


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Beware so that no one will spoil you through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the principles of the world, and not according to Christ.


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In whom 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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Buried with him in baptism, in which also you are risen with him through the faith of the working of God, who has raised him from the dead.


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And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;


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Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;


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And having plundered principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.


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Let no one therefore judge you in food, or in drink, or with respect to a holy day, or the new moon, or the sabbath days:


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Let no one beguile you of your reward in a pretended humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,


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And not holding to the Head, from which all the body by joints and ligaments having nourishment supplied, and knit together, increases with the increase of God.


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Therefore if you are dead with Christ from the principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances,


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Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in excessive piety, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not of any value but serve to the satisfying of the flesh.


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If you then are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.


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Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, unsanctified passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,


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But now you also are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.


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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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Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, merciful compassion, kindness, humility of mind, meekness, longsuffering;


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Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.


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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 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 whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.


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Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; 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 who does wrong shall be repaid for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons.


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Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair; knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.


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While praying also for us, that God would open to 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 person.


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All my circumstances shall Tychicus declare to you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord:


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Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, that he might know your situation, and comfort your hearts;


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With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things which are done here.


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Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark, cousin of Barnabas, (concerning whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, receive him;)


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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 to me.


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Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.


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For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.


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And when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.


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And say to Archippus, Be mindful of the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.


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Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to 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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Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;


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For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; 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 joy of the Holy Spirit:


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For from you the word of the Lord has gone out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is made known; so that we need not speak anything.


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For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had to 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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But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much opposition.


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But as we were considered by God to be qualified to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who examines our hearts.


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For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a covering for covetousness; God is witness:


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Nor from men did we seek glory, neither from you, nor yet from others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.


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So having strong affection for you, we were willing to have imparted to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.


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For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be an expense to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.


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As you know how we exhorted and comforted and instructed every one of you, as a father does his children,


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For this reason 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 effectively works also in you who believe.


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For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea 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 us; and they do not please God, and are opposed to all men:


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Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath has come upon them to the greatest extent.


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But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.


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For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?


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And sent Timothy, 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 one should be moved by these afflictions: for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.


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For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we would suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know.


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For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor was in vain.


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But now when Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:


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For what thanks can we render to God again for you for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;


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Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?


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And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:


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To the end that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.


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Furthermore then we plead with you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.


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That no one go too far and take advantage of 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 these things, does not despise man, but God, who has also given to us his Holy Spirit.


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But concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write to 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 plead with you, brethren, that you increase more and more;


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And that you strive to be quiet, and to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;


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But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, so that you do not sorrow, even as others who have no hope.


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For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.


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For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall 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 trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:


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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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For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as birth labor 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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And we plead with you, brethren, 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, comfort the discouraged, support the weak, be patient toward all men.


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See that none renders evil for evil to anyone; but always follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.


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And may the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:


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We are under obligation to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds;


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So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure:


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Which is a clear sign 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 vengeance on those who do not know God, and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:


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Who 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 to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all those who believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.


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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 plead with you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to 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 from us, that the day of Christ is at hand.


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Let no one deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, unless there comes a falling away 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 as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.


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For the mystery of iniquity already works: only he who now restrains will restrain, until he is taken out of the way.


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And then shall that Wicked 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 deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who perish; because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.


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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 to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:


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Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold 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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Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly, 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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Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.


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For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we did not behave ourselves disorderly among you;


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Neither did we eat anyone's bread for nothing; but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be an expense 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 who walk among you 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 with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.


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And if anyone does not obey our word by this epistle, note that person, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.


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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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To Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.


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As I pleaded with you to remain longer at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might instruct some that they teach no other doctrine,


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Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which lead to questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.


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Now the goal of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and out of a good conscience, and out of sincere faith:


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Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor the things they make assertions about.


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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 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 oathbreakers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;


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And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;


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Who was formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.


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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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However for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might demonstrate all longsuffering, for a pattern to those who would afterwards 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 for ever and ever. Amen.


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This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which came beforehand 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 away concerning faith have made shipwreck:


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Of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.


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I urge therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;


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For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty.


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Because of which I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and do not lie;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.


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In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with humility of conduct and sobriety; not with interwoven hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly garments;


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Nevertheless women shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.


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A leader then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, watchful, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;


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Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy for unjust gain; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;


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(For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)


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Moreover he must have a good report from those who are outside, so that he does not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


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Likewise must the deacons be serious, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for unjust gain;


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And let these also first be tested; then let them occupy the office of a deacon, being found blameless.


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For those who have occupied the office of a 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 delay long, that you may know how you ought to behave 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 controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.


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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 foods, 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 is to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving:


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If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, which you have attained.


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For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise for the life that now is, and for that which is to come.


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For this is why 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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Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.


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Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.


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Be careful of yourself, and of the teaching; continue in these things: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and those who hear you.


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But if any widow has children or nephews, let them first learn to show piety at home, and to repay their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.


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Now she who is a widow indeed, and alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.


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But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.


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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 pursued every good work.


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But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to become wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;


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And besides this they learn to be idle, wandering around from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.


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I desire therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the household, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.


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If any man or woman that believes has widows, let them help them, and do not let the church be burdened; that it may help those who are widows indeed.


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Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching.


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For the scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The laborer is worthy of his pay.


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I solemnly instruct you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.


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Likewise also the good works of some are apparent beforehand; and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.


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Let as many servants as are under the yoke consider their own masters as 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, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.


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If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;


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He is proud, knowing nothing, but craving questions and controversies about words, from which come envy, strife, insults, evil surmisings,


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Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.


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But those who desire to 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 manner of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.


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But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.


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Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.


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I solemnly instruct you in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate delivered a good testimony;


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That you keep this commandment without spot, above reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:


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Which in his times he shall show, 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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Instruct those who are rich in this world, that they be not proud, nor trust 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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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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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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I thank God, whom I serve, receiving from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day;


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When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded in you also.


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Therefore I am reminding you that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands.


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Do not be therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be a sharer 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 according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,


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But is now revealed 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 reason I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him until that day.


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Hold fast 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; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.


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May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:


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The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well.


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And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.


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No one who goes to war entangles himself with the affairs of this life, so that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.


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Remember that Jesus Christ of the descendents of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:


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Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.


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Of these things put them in remembrance, instructing them before the Lord not to dispute about words to no profit, but to the ruin of the hearers.


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Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


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Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.


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Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those who are his. And, Let every one who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.


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But in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some for honor, and some for dishonor.


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If a person therefore cleanses himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and fit for the master's use, and prepared for every good work.


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Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, love, 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 dispute in anger, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,


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In meekness instructing those who place themselves in opposition; if God will perhaps give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;


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And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.


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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 self control, 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 burdened with sins, led away with various lusts,


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Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, worthless concerning the faith.


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But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be apparent to everyone, as theirs also was.


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But you have fully known my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,


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Persecutions, afflictions, which came to 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 you should continue 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 for 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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I solemnly instruct you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;


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Preach the word; be on duty in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.


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For the time will come when they will not endure sound teaching; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;


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But you should be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.


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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all those also who love his appearing.


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For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to 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 come, 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 held against them.


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Nevertheless 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 for his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


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Try to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.


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Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, in agreement with the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is in harmony with godliness;


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But has at the right time made his word known through preaching, which is committed to 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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For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and ordain elders in every city, as I had directed you:


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If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of uproar or unruly.


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For a leader must be blameless, as the steward of God; not domineering, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to unjust gain;


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Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound teaching both to exhort and to convince the opposers.


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Whose mouths must be stopped, who corrupt whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for unjust gain's sake.


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One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.


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To the pure all things are pure: but to 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 works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and worthless for every good work.


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The elderly women likewise, that they be in behavior as suits holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;


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To be discreet, chaste, attentive to household duties, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


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In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in teaching avoiding error and showing dignity and sincerity,


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Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he who is opposed may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.


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Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not disputing;


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Not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.


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Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in 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 for himself a special people, zealous for good works.


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Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey government officials, to be ready for every good work,


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For we ourselves also were at one time foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.


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Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;


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This is a faithful saying, and these things I desire that you affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.


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But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and quarrels, and controversies about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.


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When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be prompt to come to me to Nicopolis: for I have determined to winter there.


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Earnestly assist Zenas the lawyer and Apollos in their journey, that nothing may be lacking to them.


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And let our brethren also learn to maintain good works for those things that are necessary, that they may not be unfruitful.


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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow worker,


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That the sharing of your faith may become effective 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 of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.


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Yet for love's sake I instead appeal to you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.


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Whom I would have kept with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:


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But without your approval would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as if of necessity, but willingly.


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Not now as a servant, but more than a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?


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I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.


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But besides this prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.


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Has in these last days spoken to 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, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself cleansed away our sins, sat down on 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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For to which of the angels did he say at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? 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 the first begotten into the world, he says, And let all the angels of God worship him.


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But to the Son he says, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.


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Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hast anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.


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And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thy hands:


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And as a robe shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.


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But to which of the angels did he say at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy 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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Therefore we ought to give 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 firmly established, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;


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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 to us by those who heard him;


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God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?


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But one in 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 than 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 that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.


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But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every person.


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For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.


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For both he that sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one nature: for which reason he is not ashamed to call them brethren,


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Saying, I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the church will I sing praise to you.


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Since then the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil;


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For truly he did not take on himself the nature of angels; but he took on him the nature of the descendents of Abraham.


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Therefore in all things it was necessary for him to be made like 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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Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;


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For this man was esteemed worthy of more glory than Moses, just as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.


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And Moses truly was faithful in all his house, as a servant, as a testimony of those things which were to be spoken afterwards;


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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 the rejoicing of the hope firm to 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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Be careful, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.


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But encourage one another daily, while it is 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 beginning of our confidence steadfast until the end;


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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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Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.


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For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with 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 anger, 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 did rest 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 was first preached did not enter in because of unbelief:


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Again, he appoints a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.


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Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of unbelief.


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For the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


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Neither is there any creature that is not clearly visible in his sight: but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.


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Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.


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For we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our weaknesses; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.


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Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.


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For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things having to do with God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:


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Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on those who have gone astray; because he himself also is subject to weakness.


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So also Christ did not glorify himself to be made a high priest; but he who said to him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee.


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Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to him that was able to save him from death, and was heard out of his fear;


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For when by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again what are the first principles of the things spoken by God; and have become such as have need of milk, and not of strong food.


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But strong food belongs to those who are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.


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Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,


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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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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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If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.


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For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it, and brings forth herbs suitable for them by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God:


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But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is near to cursing; whose end is to be burned.


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But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.


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For God is not unrighteous 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 every one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until 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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For men truly swear by one who is greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.


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In the same way God, desiring more abundantly to show to 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 might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:


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Which 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, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek.


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For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;


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To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;


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Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like the Son of God; remains a priest continually.


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Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.


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And truly 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 he whose descent is not traced from them received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him who had the promises.


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And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.


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If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?


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For he of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, of which no one served 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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Who comes into being, 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 truly a cancellation of the commandment that came before because of its weakness and unprofitableness.


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For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by which we draw near to God.


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(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said to him, The Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek:)


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Therefore he is able also to save to the greatest extent those who come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.


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For such a high priest was suited to us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;


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Who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, 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 weaknesses; but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.


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Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;


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For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: therefore it is necessary that this man have something also to offer.


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For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:


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Who serve unto the example 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 in the mount.


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But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, and to the same extent also is he the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.


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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 are coming, 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 did not continue in my covenant, and I did not regard them, 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 my laws into their mind, and write them in 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 everyone his neighbor, and everyone 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 saying, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and grows old is ready to vanish away.


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For there was an apartment made; the first, in which was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy Place.


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Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, in which was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;


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And over it the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak in detail.


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Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first apartment, accomplishing the service of 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 signifying this, that the way into the sanctuary was not yet made known, while the first tabernacle was yet standing:


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Which was a representation of the present time, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him who did the service perfect with respect to the conscience;


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Which were only concerned with foods and drinks, and various washings, and fleshly ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.


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But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;


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Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.


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For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh:


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How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?


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And for this reason he is the mediator of the new covenant, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.


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For a testament is in force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.


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For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,


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And almost all things are by the law cleansed with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.


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It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.


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For Christ has not entered into the sanctuary made with hands, which is a representation of the true one; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:


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Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the sanctuary every year with blood of others;


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For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the completion of the age has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.


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So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to those who look for him shall he appear the second time without sin for salvation.


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For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make those who draw near perfect.


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For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because the worshipers once cleansed would have had no more consciousness of sins.


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Therefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body have you prepared for me:


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Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you did not desire, neither had pleasure in them; which are offered according to the law;


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Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second.


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And every priest stands daily ministering and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:


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But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;


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This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;


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By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;


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Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.


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Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.


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For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,


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But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.


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Of how much severer punishment, do you suppose, shall he be thought worthy who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has considered the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has despised the Spirit of grace?


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For we know him who has said, Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.


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But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle of afflictions;


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Partly, while you were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, while you became companions of those who were so treated.


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For you had compassion on me in my bonds, and accepted joyfully the plundering of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring possession.


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For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.


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But we are not of those who draw back to destruction; but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.


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Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.


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By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.


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By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.


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But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.


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By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.


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By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should later receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went.


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By faith he dwelt for a time in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:


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Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive offspring, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.


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Therefore sprang there even from one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.


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These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.


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And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from which they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.


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But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.


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By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,


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Concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from which also he received him in a figure.


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By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.


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By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.


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By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.


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Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;


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Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he looked to the recompense of the reward.


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By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.


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Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.


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By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting to do were drowned.


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By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.


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And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:


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Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,


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Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.


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Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection:


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They were stoned, they were sawn apart, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered around in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;


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(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.


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Therefore seeing that we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


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Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.


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For consider him who endured such opposition of sinners against himself, so that you do not become wearied and faint in your minds.


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And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by him:


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If you endure discipline, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father does not discipline?


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But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons.


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Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we showed them respect: shall we not much more be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?


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For they truly for a few days disciplined us according to their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.


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Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyful, but painful: nevertheless afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.


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And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.


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Looking diligently lest anyone falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up troubles you, and thereby many are defiled;


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Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.


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For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.


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For you have not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and darkness, and storm,


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And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice those who heard pleaded that the word should not be spoken to them any more:


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(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:


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But you have come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,


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To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,


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And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.


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See that you do not refuse him that speaks. For if they did not escape who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:


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Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also heaven.


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And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.


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Therefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us hold fast to grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:


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Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them; and those who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.


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Marriage is honorable for all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.


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Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you,


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Remember those who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.


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Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing for the heart to be established with grace, not with foods, which have not benefited those who have been occupied with them.


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For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.


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Therefore Jesus also, so that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.


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By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.


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Obey those who have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.


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Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,


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Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


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And I plead with you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter to you in few words.


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James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are widely scattered, greeting.


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If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously, and does not criticize; and it shall be given him.


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But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.


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For the sun has no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and its flower falls, and the beauty of the appearance of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.


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Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he has been tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.


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Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does he tempt any person:


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Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.


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Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.


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Of his own will he gave us birth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.


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Therefore put away all filthiness and abundance of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.


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For if anyone is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:


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But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.


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If anyone among you seems to be religious, and does not control his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is without benefit.


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Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.


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My brethren, do not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with unfair preference for certain persons.


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For if there comes to your assembly a man with a gold ring, in beautiful apparel, and there comes in also a poor man in shabby clothing;


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And you have respect for him who wears the beautiful clothing, and say to him, Sit here in a good place; and say to the poor man, Stand there, or sit here under my footrest:


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Listen, my beloved brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?


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But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?


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If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well:


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But if you have unfair preference for certain persons, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.


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For he who said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if you commit no adultery, yet if you kill, you have become a transgressor of the law.


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For he shall have judgment without mercy that has shown no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.


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What does it profit, my brethren, though a man says he has faith, and has not works? Can faith save him?


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And one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; however you do not give them those things which are necessary for the body; what does it profit?


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Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.


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And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.


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Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works when she had received the messengers and had sent them out another way?


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For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to control the whole body.


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Behold also the ships, which though they are so large, and are driven by fierce winds, yet are they guided with a very small rudder, wherever the pilot chooses.


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Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!


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And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.


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For every kind of wild animals, and of birds, and of snakes, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind:


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With it we bless God, even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.


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Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olives? Or a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.


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Who is a wise man and possessing knowledge among you? Let him show out of good conduct his works with the meekness of wisdom.


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But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not boast, and do not lie against the truth.


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But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easily approached, full of mercy and good fruits, without bias, and without hypocrisy.


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Where do wars and controversies among you come from? Do they not come from this, even from your lusts that war in your members?


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You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you do not have, because you do not ask.


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You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore chooses to be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.


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Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.


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Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.


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Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.


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Come on now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:


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Although you do not know what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.


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Your gold and silver is spoiled; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped treasure together for the last days.


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Behold, the wages of the laborers who have reaped your fields, which are by you kept back by fraud, cry out: and the cries of those who have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.


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You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and in luxury; you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.


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Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.


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Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door.


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Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.


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Behold, we consider them happy who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the purpose of the Lord; that the Lord is full of compassion, and of tender mercy.


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But above all things, my brethren, do not swear, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; so that you do not fall into condemnation.


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Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:


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And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.


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Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.


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Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it did not rain on the earth for a period of three years and six months.


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Let him know, that he who converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.


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Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,


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Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.


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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy has given us a new birth to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,


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To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,


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Who are kept by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.


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In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if it must be, you are in sadness through manifold temptations:


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That the testing of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it is tried with fire, may result in praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:


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Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:


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Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you:


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Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow.


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To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves but to us they ministered the things which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.


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Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;


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And if you call on the Father, who without regard for status judges according to everyone's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:


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Seeing that you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, from your unprofitable way of life received by tradition from your fathers;


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Who truly was appointed in advance before the foundation of the world, but was made known in these last times for you,


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Who by him do believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.


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Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit for genuine love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart earnestly:


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Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and continues for ever.


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For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls away:


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But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached to you.


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You also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.


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Therefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, chosen and precious: and he who believes in him shall not be disgraced.


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To you therefore who believe he is precious: but to those who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner,


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And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to those who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to which also they were appointed.


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But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:


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Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.


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Dearly beloved, I appeal to you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;


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Having your conduct honest among the Gentiles: that, although they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.


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Submit yourselves to every government authority for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;


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Or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of those who do well.


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For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:


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Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust.


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For this is pleasing, if a man for the sake of conscience before God endures grief, suffering wrongfully.


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For what glory is it, if when you are beaten for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.


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For even to this were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:


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Who, when he was insulted, did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:


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Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.


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For you were like sheep going astray; but have now returned to the Shepherd and Leader of your souls.


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Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any do not obey the word, they also may without the word be won by the conduct of the wives;


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Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of interweaving the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of garments;


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But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great value.


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For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:


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Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any alarm.


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Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; so that your prayers are not hindered.


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Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion on one another, love as brethren, be tenderhearted, be courteous:


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Not repaying evil for evil, or insults for insults: but on the contrary blessing; knowing that you are called to this, that you should inherit a blessing.


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For he that will love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:


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For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.


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But if you suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;


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But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:


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Having a good conscience; that, although they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ.


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For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit:


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Which at one time were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built, in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.


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This represents baptism which also now saves us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the response of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:


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Who has gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.


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Seeing then that Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same attitude: for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;


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That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.


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For the time of our life that is past is sufficient for us to have done the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in corrupt passions, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banqueting, and abominable idolatries:


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In which they think it strange that you do not run with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:


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For this is why the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.


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As every person has received a gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.


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If anyone speaks, let him speak like a messenger of God; if anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


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Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:


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But rejoice, to the extent that you are sharers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.


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If you are insulted for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: by them he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified.


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But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's affairs.


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Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God because of it.


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For the time has come that judgment must begin at the household of God: and if it first begins with us, what shall the end be of those who do not obey the gospel of God?


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Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.


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The elders who are among you I urge, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:


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Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by compulsion, but willingly; not for unjust gain, but eagerly;


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And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.


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Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.


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Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks around, seeking whom he may devour:


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Whom resist firmly established in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are experienced by your brethren that are in the world.


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But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.


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By Silvanus, a faithful brother to you, as I consider him, I have written briefly, encouraging, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.


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Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained an equally precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:


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According as his divine power has given to us all things that concern life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us to glory and virtue:


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By which are given to us exceedingly great and precious promises: that by these you may be sharers in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.


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For if these things are in you, and abound, they guarantee that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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But he who lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.


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Therefore even more, brethren, be diligent to make your calling and election secure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall:


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For so an entrance shall be provided for you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


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Therefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.


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Yea, I think it fitting, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;


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Moreover I will endeavor that you may be able after my death to have these things always in remembrance.


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For we have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.


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For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.


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We have also a more sure word of prophecy; to which you do well that you pay attention, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the day star arises in your hearts:


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For the prophecy did not come in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.


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But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord who purchased them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.


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And many shall follow their destructive ways; because of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.


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And through covetousness shall they with deceitful words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now for a long time has not delayed, and their damnation does not slumber.


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For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to gloom, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;


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And did not spare the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;


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And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example to those who afterwards would live ungodly;


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(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, distressed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)


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The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust for the day of judgment to be punished:


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But chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise authority. Presumptuous and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of that which is honorable


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While angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring reproachful accusations against them before the Lord.


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But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they do not understand; and shall completely perish in their own corruption;


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And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as those who count it a pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you;


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Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: having a heart they have occupied with covetous practices; cursed children:


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Who have forsaken the right way, and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;


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But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb donkey speaking with man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.


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These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.


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For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much licentiousness, those who had entirely escaped from those who live in error.


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While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for by whom a person is overcome, by the same is he brought in bondage.


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For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.


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For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.


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But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog has turned back to his own vomit; and the sow that was washed has returned to her wallowing in the mire.


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This second epistle, beloved, I now write to you; in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:


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That you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior:


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And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.


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For this they deliberately are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:


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But the heavens and the earth, which now are, by the same word are kept in store, reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.


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But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.


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The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some men count slowness; but is longsuffering towards us, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


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But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a loud noise, and the elements shall melt with intense heat, the earth also and the works that are upon it shall be burned up.


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Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conduct and godliness,


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Looking for and hastening to the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?


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Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.


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Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found by him in peace, without spot, and blameless.


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And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him has written to you;


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As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood which those who are unlearned and unstable twist, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.


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You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.


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But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.


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That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;


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(For the life was made known, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was made known to us;)


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That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.


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This then is the message which we have heard from him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.


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But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.


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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


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My little children, these things I write to you so that you do not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:


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And he satisfies justice for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.


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He who says, I know him, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.


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But he who keeps his word, in him truly is the love of God perfected: by this we know that we are in him.


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Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard from the beginning.


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Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shines.


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But he who hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he goes, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.


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I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.


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I have written to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God dwells in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.


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Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.


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For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.


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Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; by which we know that it is the last time.


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They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made known that they were not all of us.


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I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.


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Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son.


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Whoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: but he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.


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Let that therefore remain in you which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.


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But the anointing which you have received from him dwells in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.


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And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.


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Behold, what manner of love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God: therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know him.


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Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.


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Little children, let no one deceive you: he who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.


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He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.


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Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.


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In this the children of God are made known, and the children of the devil: whoever does not do righteousness is not of God, neither he that does not love his brother.


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Not like Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.


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We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother remains in death.


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Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life dwelling in him.


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By this we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.


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But he who has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his feelings of compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?


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And whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.


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And this is his commandment, That we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.


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And he who keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.


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Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world.


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By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God:


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And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, of which you have heard that it would come; and even now already is it in the world.


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You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.


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We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.


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Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.


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In this was shown the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.


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In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to satisfy justice for our sins.


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No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is perfected in us.


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And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.


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In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.


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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear brings torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.


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If a person says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?


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Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves the one who fathers loves him also that is born of him.


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For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not burdensome.


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For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.


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This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.


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For there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one.


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And there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.


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If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son.


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He that believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that does not believe God has made him a liar; because he does not believe the record that God gave of his Son.


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These things have I written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe in the name of the Son of God.


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And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us:


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And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.


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If anyone sees his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for those who do not sin unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he should pray for it.


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We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one does not touch him.


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And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.


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The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth;


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Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.


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I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.


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And now I appeal to you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.


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And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.


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For many deceivers have entered into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.


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Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things for which we have labored, but that we receive a full reward.


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Whoever transgresses, and does not continue in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He that continues in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.


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If there comes anyone to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, neither wish him well:


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Having many things to write to you, I would rather not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.


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For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.


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Who have borne witness of your love before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey in a godly way, you shall do well:


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I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.


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Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, babbling against us with malicious words: and not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids those who would, and casts them out of the church.


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Beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.


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Demetrius has a good report from all men, and from the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and you know that our record is true.


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But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.


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Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:


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Beloved, when I applied myself to write to you of the common salvation, I felt it necessary to write to you and urge you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.


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For certain men have crept in secretly who long ago were appointed to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.


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I intend therefore to put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.


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And the angels who did not keep the place assigned to them, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness until the judgment of the great day,


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Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.


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Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise authority, and speak evil of that which is honorable.


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Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring against him a derogatory accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.


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But these speak evil of those things which they do not know: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.


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Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.


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These are spots in your love feasts when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried around by winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;


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Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.


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And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,


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To execute judgment upon all, and to convict all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their harsh speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.


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These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration for the sake of gain.


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But, beloved, remember the words which were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;


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How they told you that there would be mockers in the last time, who would walk after their own ungodly lusts.


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Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.


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And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.


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Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,


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The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and symbolized it through his angel to his servant John:


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Who bore record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.


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Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.


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John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be to you, and peace, from him who is, and who was, and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;


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And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first born from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,


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And has made us kings and priests to God and his Father; to him be glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.


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Behold, he is coming with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and those also who pierced him: and all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.


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I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.


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I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.


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Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.


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And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;


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And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and wrapped around the chest with a golden band.


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His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were like a flame of fire;


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And his feet like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice like the sound of many waters.


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And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his face was like the sun shining in its strength.


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And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying to me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:


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I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.


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Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be after this time;


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The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches.


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To the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;


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I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear those who are evil: and you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them to be liars:


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Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of its place, unless you repent.


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He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; To him who overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.


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And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive;


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I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.


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Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall put some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.


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He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.


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And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things says he who has the sharp sword with two edges;


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I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's throne is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.


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But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.


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He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches; To him who overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it.


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And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things says the Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;


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I know your works, and love, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first.


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Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you permit that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.


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Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.


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And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he who searches minds and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works.


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But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say; I will place upon you no other burden.


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And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to pieces: even as I received from my Father.


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And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things says he who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and are dead.


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Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.


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Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore you shall not watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.


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You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.


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He who overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.


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And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says he who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens, and no one shuts; and shuts, and no one opens;


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I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.


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Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them come and worship before your feet, and know that I have loved you.


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Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try those who dwell upon the earth.


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He who overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.


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And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;


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Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and do not know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:


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I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.


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Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if anyone hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.


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To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am seated with my Father in his throne.


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After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be in the future.


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And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne stood in heaven, and one sat on the throne.


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And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a carnelian stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in appearance like an emerald.


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And round about the throne were twenty four seats: and upon the seats I saw twenty four elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.


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And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.


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And before the throne there was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes in front and in back.


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And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face like a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.


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And the four beasts had each of them six wings around him; and they were full of eyes within: and they do not rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.


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And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives for ever and ever,


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The twenty four elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,


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You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your purposes they are and were created.


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And I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a book written within and on the back side, sealed with seven seals.


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And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?


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And no one in heaven, nor on earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look in it.


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And one of the elders said to me, Do not weep: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.


text:
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as if it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.


text:
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and twenty four elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of saints.


text:
And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;


text:
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;


text:
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.


text:
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be to him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.


text:
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the twenty four elders fell down and worshiped him that lives for ever and ever.


text:
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, like the sound of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.


text:
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given to him: and he went out conquering, and to conquer.


text:
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given to him a great sword.


text:
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.


text:
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a silver coin, and three measures of barley for a silver coin; and see that you do not harm the oil and the wine.


text:
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed after him. And power was given to them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.


text:
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they possessed:


text:
And they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?


text:
And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them that they should rest yet for a little season until their fellow servants also and their brethren who would be killed as they were, would be complete.


text:
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the moon became as blood;


text:
And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, even as a fig tree drops its early figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.


text:
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.


text:
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains;


text:
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:


text:
And after these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.


text:
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,


text:
Saying, Do not hurt the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.


text:
And I heard the number of those who were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.


text:
Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.


text:
Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh were sealed twelve thousand.


text:
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.


text:
Of the tribe of Zebulun were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.


text:
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palm branches in their hands;


text:
And cried out with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb.


text:
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and around the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God,


text:
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.


text:
And one of the elders spoke, saying to me, Who are these which are clothed in white robes? And where did they come from?


text:
And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they who came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.


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Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he who sits on the throne shall dwell among them.


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They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike them, nor any heat.


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For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.


text:
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for a period of about half an hour.


text:
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.


text:
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.


text:
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it down to the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.


text:
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mixed with blood, and they were thrown down upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.


text:
And the second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown down into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;


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And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.


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And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;


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And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.


text:
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was stricken, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so that the third part of them was darkened, and the day did not shine for a third part of it, and the night likewise.


text:
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth because of the other notes of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!


text:
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven to the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.


text:
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose smoke out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.


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And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.


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And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads.


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And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.


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And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.


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And the shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were something like crowns with the appearance of gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.


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And they had breastplates, like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.


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And they had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.


text:
And they had a king over them, who is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue he has the name Apollyon.


text:
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,


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Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels who are bound in the great river Euphrates.


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And the four angels were loosed, who were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, to slay the third part of men.


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And the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred thousand thousands: and I heard the number of them.


text:
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire and smoke and brimstone.


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By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which came out of their mouths.


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For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.


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And the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:


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Neither did they repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.


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And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire:


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And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the land,


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And cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.


text:
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.


text:
And swore by him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that are in it, and the earth, and the things that are in it, and the sea, and the things which are in it, that there should be time no longer:


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But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as he has declared to his servants the prophets.


text:
And the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands upon the sea and upon the earth.


text:
And I went to the angel, and said to him, Give me the little book. And he said to me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey.


text:
And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.


text:
And he said to me, You must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.


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And there was given me a reed like a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it.


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But the court which is outside the temple leave out, and do not measure it; for it is given to the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty two months.


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And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.


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And if anyone would hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if anyone would hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.


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These have power to shut heaven, so that it does not rain in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.


text:
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.


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And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.


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And some of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not permit their dead bodies to be put in graves.


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And those who dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts to one another; because these two prophets tormented those who dwelt on the earth.


text:
And after three days and a half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon those who saw them.


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And they heard a great voice from heaven saying to them, Come up here. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.


text:
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the rest were frightened, and gave glory to the God of heaven.


text:
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.


text:
And the twenty four elders, who sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God,


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Saying, We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who are, and were, and are to come; because you have taken to yourself your great power, and have reigned.


text:
And the nations were angry, and your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should reward your servants the prophets, and the saints, and those who fear your name, small and great; and should destroy those who destroy the earth.


text:
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and heavy hail.


text:
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:


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And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.


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And his tail drew along the third part of the stars of heaven, and threw them down to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, to devour her child as soon as it was born.


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And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up to God, and to his throne.


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And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and sixty days.


text:
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,


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And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.


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And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now have come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is thrown down, who accused them before our God day and night.


text:
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives even to death.


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Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.


text:
And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the man child.


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And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.


text:
And the serpent poured out of his mouth water like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.


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And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon poured out of his mouth.


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And the dragon was angry with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.


text:
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.


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And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.


text:
And I saw one of his heads as if it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.


text:
And they worshiped the dragon who gave power to the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?


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And there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given to him to continue forty two months.


text:
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.


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And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all tribes, and tongues, and nations.


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And all who dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.


text:
He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity: he that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.


text:
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.


text:
And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.


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And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,


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And deceives those who dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live.


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And he had power to give life to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast would be killed.


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And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:


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And that no one might buy or sell, except he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.


text:
Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred sixty six.


text:
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.


text:
And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder: and I heard the sound of harp players playing their harps:


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And they sung what sounded like a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.


text:
These are those who were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.


text:
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and tribe, and tongue, and people,


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Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment has come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.


text:
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.


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And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,


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The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:


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And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.


text:
Here is the patience of the saints: here are those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.


text:
And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord after this time: Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.


text:
And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.


text:
And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time has come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.


text:
And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire; and cried out with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.


text:
And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.


text:
And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of sixteen hundred city block lengths.


text:
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.


text:
And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire: and those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.


text:
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, you King of saints.


text:
Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy: for all nations shall come and worship before you; for your judgments are made known.


text:
And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:


text:
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their chests wrapped with golden bands.


text:
And one of the four beasts gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.


text:
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.


text:
And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.


text:
And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a foul and painful sore upon the men who had the mark of the beast, and upon those who worshiped his image.


text:
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became like the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.


text:
And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.


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And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O Lord, who are, and were, and shall be, because you have judged thus.


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For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; for they are deserving.


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And I heard another from the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.


text:
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given to it to scorch men with fire.


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And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues: and they did not repent to give him glory.


text:
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues in pain,


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And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.


text:
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.


text:
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.


text:
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.


text:
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, so that he does not walk naked, and they see his shame.


text:
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.


text:
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.


text:
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.


text:
And there fell upon men a large hail out of heaven, every hailstone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceedingly great.


text:
And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying to me, Come here; I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits upon many waters:


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With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.


text:
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.


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And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:


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And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.


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And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great amazement.


text:
And the angel said to me, Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.


text:
The beast that you saw was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and those who dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.


text:
And here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits.


text:
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a short time.


text:
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition.


text:
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.


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These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and those who are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.


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And he said to me, The waters which you saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.


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And the ten horns which you saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.


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For God has put it in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.


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And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.


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And he cried out mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.


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For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her delicacies.


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And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not sharers in her sins, and that you do not receive of her plagues.


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Repay her even as she repaid you, and double to her double according to her works: in the cup which she has filled fill to her double.


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As much as she has glorified herself, and lived in indulgence, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.


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Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be completely burned up with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her.


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And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication and lived in indulgence with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,


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Standing afar off for fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour has your judgment come.


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And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no one buys their merchandise any more:


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The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all scented wood, and all kinds of objects of ivory, and all kinds of objects of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,


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And cinnamon, and incense, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and animals, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.


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And the fruits that your soul lusted after have departed from you, and all things which were pleasant and attractive have departed from you, and you shall find them no more at all.


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The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,


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And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!


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For in one hour such great riches has come to nothing. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,


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And they threw dust on their heads, and cried out, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, in which all were made rich who had ships in the sea because of her magnificence! For in one hour is she made desolate.


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And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and threw it down into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.


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And the sound of harps, and musicians, and of flutes, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in you; and no craftsman, of whatever craft he be, shall be found any more in you; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in you;


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And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived.


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And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.


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And after these things I heard a great voice of many people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:


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For true and righteous are his judgments: for he has judged the great whore, who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.


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And the twenty four elders and the four beasts fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.


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And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, and you who fear him, both small and great.


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And I heard a sound like the voice of a great multitude, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.


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Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.


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And to her was granted that she should be clothed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.


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And he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.


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And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See that you do not do it: I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.


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And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he who sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.


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His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written that no man knew but he himself.


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And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.


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And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.


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And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together to the supper of the great God;


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That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.


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And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army.


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And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that worked miracles before him, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshiped his image. These both were thrown alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.


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And the rest were slain with the sword of him who sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.


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And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.


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And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, who is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,


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And threw him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he would deceive the nations no more till the thousand years would be ended: and after that he must be loosed for a little season.


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And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.


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But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.


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Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.


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And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.


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And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.


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And the devil that deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.


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And I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.


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And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.


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And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every one according to their works.


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And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away; and there was no more sea.


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And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.


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And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.


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And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away.


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And he who sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.


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And he said to me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to him that is thirsty of the fountain of the water of life freely.


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But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.


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And there came to me one of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.


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And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,


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Having the glory of God: and her light was like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;


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And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:


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On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.


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And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.


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And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.


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And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand city block lengths. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.


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And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.


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And the foundations of the wall of the city were decorated with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;


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The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, carnelian; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprase; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.


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And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, with the appearance of transparent glass.


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And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God made it bright, and the Lamb is the light thereof.


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And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.


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And there shall by no means enter into it anything that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie: but those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.


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And he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.


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In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit, and yielded its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.


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And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:


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And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.


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And he said to me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show his servants the things which must shortly be done.


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And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.


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Then he said to me, See that you do not do it: for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the sayings of this book: worship God.


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And he said to me, Do not seal up the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.


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He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.


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And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every person according as his work shall be.


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Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.


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For outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whoever loves and makes a lie.


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I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.


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And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him who hears say, Come. And let him who is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.


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For I testify to every person that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If anyone shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book:


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And if anyone shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.


