The Letters of Paul

by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2013, all rights reserved.  

These are the Letters of Paul the Apostle, formerly called Saul of Tarsus.  They are from the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version, Editor:  Frederick Hoehn.  Paul is the most prolific of the New Testament authors.

His letters are:  Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, 1st & 2nd Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews.  Quite an achievement, actually.

These letters are very important historically, but also, they provide us with important instructions for living successfully. 

Before becoming a Christian, Paul persecuted the Christians.  The story of his conversion is in the book of Acts.  The Lord struck him with temporary blindness on the road to Damascus. 

Paul called himself the Apostle to the Gentiles, however he had a great burden for his people, the Jews, that they would come to the knowledge of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Paul endured considerable persecution for being a Christian and an Apostle.  


___Romans chapter 1
 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,
 2 (That he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the descendants of David according to the flesh,
 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the rising from the dead,
 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name,
 6 Among whom you are also the called by Jesus Christ,
 7 To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints, grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without stopping, I make mention of you always in my prayers,
 10 Making request, if somehow now, after a long time, I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you.
 11 For I long to see you, so that I can give you some spiritual gift, so that you'll be established,
 12 That is, that I'll be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me.
 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that I often intended to come to you, (but was hindered until now,) so that I would have some fruit among you also, just as among other Gentiles.
 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise.
 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.
 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
 18 For the anger of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness,
 19 Because that which can be known about God is made clear in them, for God has shown it to them.
 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
 21 Because, when they knew God, they didn't glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed animals, and creeping things.
 24 So God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves,
 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen.
 26 For this reason God gave them up to filthy affections, for even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature,
 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward each other, men with men doing that which is wrong, and receiving in themselves the repayment for their error that was appropriate.
 28 And since they didn't want to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a rejected mind, to do the things that are not convenient,
 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers,
 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, disagreeable, unmerciful,
 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in those who do them.

___Romans chapter 2
 1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judges, for when you judge someone else, you condemn yourself, for you who judges, do the same things.
 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things.
 3 And do you think this, O man, that judges those who do such things, and who does the same, that you'll escape the judgment of God?
 4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and patience and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
 5 But after your hardness and unrepenting heart store up for yourself anger for the day of anger and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
 6 Who'll repay every man according to his deeds,
 7 To those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life,
 8 But to those who are rebellious, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and anger,
 9 Tribulation and pain, on every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.
 10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that does well, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile,
 11 For there is no favoritism with God.
 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also be destroyed without law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law,
 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
 14 For when the Gentiles, who don't have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,
 15 Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing each other,)
 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
 17 See, you are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make your boast of God,
 18 And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law,
 19 And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of those who are in darkness,
 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babies, who has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
 21 You therefore who teaches someone else, don't you teach yourself?  You that preaches a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?
 22 You that says a man shouldn't commit adultery, do you commit adultery?  You that hates idols, do you commit idolatry?
 23 You that makes your boast of the law, through breaking the law, do you dishonor God?
 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
 25 For circumcision truly profits, if you keep the law, but if you're a breaker of the law, your circumcision is turned into uncircumcision.
 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keeps the righteousness of the law, won't his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?
 27 And won't uncircumcision which is natural, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision breaks the law?
 28 For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision that is outward in the flesh,
 29 But he is a Jew, that is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God.

___Romans chapter 3
 1 What advantage then does the Jew have?  Or what profit is there of circumcision?
 2 Much every way, mainly, because to them were committed the oracles of God.
 3 For what if some did not believe?  Shall their unbelief make the faith of God useless?
 4 God forbid, yes, let God be true, but every man a liar, as it is written, "So that you'll be justified in your sayings, and will overcome when you are judged."
 5 But if our unrighteousness recommends the righteousness of God, what shall we say?  Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance?  (I speak as a man.)
 6 God forbid, for then how could God judge the world?
 7 For if the truth of God is more abundant through my lie for his glory, why then am I also judged as a sinner?
 8 And not rather, (as we are slanderously reported about, and as some affirm that we say,)  "Let us do evil, so good will come?"  Whose damnation is just.
 9 What then?  Are we better than they are?  No, in no way, for we have before proven both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin,
 10 As it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one.
 11 There is no one that understands, there is no one that seeks for God.
 12 They've all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there's none that does good, no, not one.
 13 Their throat is an open tomb.  With their tongues they've used deceit.  The poison of snakes is under their lips,
 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood.
 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways,
 17 And the way of peace they haven't known.
 18 There's no fear of God before their eyes."
 19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so every mouth will be stopped, and all the world will become guilty before God.
 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is made clear, being witnessed by the law and the prophets,
 22 Even the righteousness of God that is by faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all of those who believe, for there is no difference,
 23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redeeming that is in Christ Jesus,
 25 Whom God has made to be a ransom through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins in the past, through the patience of God,
 26 To declare, I say, at this time, his righteousness, so he would be just, and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus.
 27 Where is boasting then?  It is excluded.  By what law?  Of works?  No, but by the law of faith.
 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
 29 Is he the God of the Jews only?  Is he not also of the Gentiles?  Yes, of the Gentiles also,
 30 Seeing it is one God, who'll justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
 31 Do we then cancel the law through faith?  God forbid, yes, we establish the law.

___Romans chapter 4
 1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father according to the flesh has found?
 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something to glory about, but not before God.
 3 For what does the scripture say?  "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness."
 4 Now to him that works, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
 5 But to him that doesn't work, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
 6 Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God assigns righteousness without works,
 7 Saying, "Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven and covered.
 8 Blessed is the man for whom the Lord will not count sin."
 9 So does this blessedness come on the circumcision only, or on the uncircumcision also?  For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
 10 How was it then reckoned?  When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision?  Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had while still uncircumcised, so that he'd be the father of all those who believe, though they're not circumcised, so that they would be counted as righteous also,
 12 And the father of circumcision to those who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, that he had while still uncircumcised.
 13 For the promise that he'd be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his descendants through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of no effect,
 15 'Cause the law brings anger, for where no law is, there is no violating of the law.
 16 Therefore it is of faith, so that it would be by grace, so that the promise would be sure to all the descendants, not to those only who are of the law, but to those also who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
 17 (As it is written, "I've made you a father of many nations,") before him whom he believed, who is God, who makes the dead alive, and calls the things that are not as though they were.
 18 Who against hope believed in hope, so that he would become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
 19 And not being weak in faith, he didn't consider his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, nor yet the deadness of Sara's womb.
 20 He didn't stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.
 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
 22 And therefore it was counted as righteousness for him.
 23 Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was counted that way for him,
 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be counted, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,
 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

___Romans chapter 5
 1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation brings patience,
 4 And patience, experience, and experience, hope,
 5 And hope doesn't make ashamed, because the love of God has been shined into our hearts by the Holy Ghost who has been given to us.
 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
 7 For scarcely for a righteous man would someone die, yet possibly for a good man some might even dare to die.
 8 But God commends his love toward us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from God's anger through him.
 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
 12 So, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death came on all men, since all have sinned,
 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not charged against someone when there is no law.
 14 But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned like Adam's sin, who is the likeness of him that was going to come.
 15 But not like the offence, so also is the free gift.  For if through the offence of one, many are dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, has become abundant to many.
 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift, for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences to justification.
 17 For if by one man's offence, death ruled by one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
 18 Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came on all men to condemnation, so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came on all men to justification of life.
 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, many shall be made righteous.
 20 Also the law entered, so that the offence would become abundant.  But where sin was abundant, grace was much more abundant,
 21 So that as sin has reigned resulting in death, so grace would reign through righteousness, resulting in  eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

___Romans chapter 6
 1 What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, so that grace will be abundant?
 2 God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it?
 3 Don't you know, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, so that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection,
 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, so that the body of sin would be destroyed, so that from now on we wouldn't serve sin.
 7 For he that is dead has been set free from sin.
 8 Now if we are dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him,
 9 Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, won't die anymore.  Death has no more authority over him.
 10 For in that he died, he died to sin once, but in that he lives, he lives to God.
 11 Likewise, consider yourselves also to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 12 Therefore, don't let sin rule in your mortal body.  Don't obey its lusts.
 13 And don't yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but yield yourselves to God, like those who are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you're not under the law, but under grace.
 15 What then, shall we sin, 'cause we're not under the law, but under grace?  God forbid.
 16 Don't you know, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
 17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you've obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine that was delivered to you.
 18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness.
 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you've yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to sin resulting in sin, even so now yield your members as servants to righteousness resulting in holiness.
 20 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness.
 21 What fruit did you have then in the things that you are now ashamed of?  For the end of those things is death.
 22 But now being made free from sin, and having become servants to God, you have your fruit to holiness, with the end of everlasting life.
 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

___Romans chapter 7
 1 Don't you know, brothers, (for I speak to those who know the law,) that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?
 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives, but if the husband is dead, she is loosed by the law from her husband.
 3 So then if, while her husband is living, she gets married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress, but if her husband is dead, she is free from that law, so that she's not an adulteress, though she's married to another man.
 4 So, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ, so that you'd be married to someone else:  to him who has been raised from the dead, so that we would produce fruit for God.
 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, that were by the law, operated in our members to produce fruit that results in death.
 6 But now we are delivered from the law, so that being dead in what had been holding us, we would serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
 7 What shall we say then?  Is the law sin?  God forbid.  No, I would not have known sin, except by the law, for I would not have known lust, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."
 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, caused in me all kinds of wrong desires.  For without the law sin was dead.
 9 For I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
 10 And the commandment, that was ordained to life, I found to be to death.
 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.
 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
 13 So then, was that which is good made death to me?  God forbid.  But sin, so that it would appear to be sin, working death in me by that which is good, so that sin by the commandment would become very sinful.
 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.
 15 For what I do, I don't want to do, for what I want to do, I don't do, but what I hate, is what I do.
 16 If then I do what I don't want to do, I consent to the law that it is good.
 17 Now then, it is no more I who does it, but sin that lives in me.
 18 For I know that no good thing lives in me (that is, in my flesh), for I want to do what's right, but I don't find how to perform what is good.
 19 For the good that I want to do, I don't do, but the evil that I don't want to do, I do.
 20 Now if I do what I don't want to do, it is no more I who does it, but sin that lives in me.
 21 I find then a law, that, when I want to do good, evil is present with me.
 22 For my inward man delights in the law of God,
 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that's in my members.
 24 O wretched man that I am!  Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind, I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh, the law of sin.

___Romans chapter 8
 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
 3 For what the law couldn't do, because it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,
 4 So that the righteousness of the law would be fulfilled in us, who don't walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
 5 For those who are after the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
 7 Because the carnal mind is an enemy of God, for it's not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
 8 So then those who in the flesh can't please God.
 9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  Now if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, he is not one of his.
 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead lives in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by his Spirit that lives in you.
 12 Therefore brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
 13 For if you live after the flesh, you'll die, but if through the Spirit you kill the deeds of the body, you'll live.
 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 15 For you haven't received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you've received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, "Abba, Father."
 16 The Spirit itself testifies with our spirit, that we are the children of God,
 17 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if we suffer with him, we'll also be glorified together.
 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time aren't worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected us in hope,
 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body.
 24 For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope, for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?
 25 But if we hope for what we don't see, then we wait for it with patience.
 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know what we should pray for as we ought to, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings that can't be uttered in articulate speech.
 27 And he that searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.
 29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers.
 30 Also, whom he predestinated, those he also called, and whom he called, those he also justified, and whom he justified, those he also glorified.
 31 What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?
 32 He that didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
 33 Who shall accuse God's elect of anything?  It is God that justifies.
 34 Who is he that condemns?  It is Christ that died, yes rather, that has risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long, we are viewed as sheep for butchering."
 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor princedoms, nor powers, nor things present, nor things in the future,
 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

___Romans chapter 9
 1 I say the truth in Christ, I'm not lying, my conscience also testifying about me in the Holy Ghost,
 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
 3 For I could wish that I were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,
 4 Who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises,
 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, blessed by God forever.  Amen.
 6 Not as though the word of God has been unproductive.  For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel,
 7 Nor, because they are the descendants of Abraham, are they all children, but, "In Isaac shall your seed be called."
 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as the descendants.
 9 For this is the word of promise, "At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son."
 10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, by our father Isaac,
 11 (For the children being not yet born, nor having done any good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election would stand, not of works, but of him that does the calling,)
 12 It was said to her, "The elder shall serve the younger."
 13 As it is written, "Jacob I've loved, but Esau I've hated."
 14 What shall we say then?  Is there unrighteousness with God?  God forbid.
 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."
 16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.
 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this same purpose I've raised you up, so I could show my power in you, and so that my name would be declared throughout all the earth."
 18 Therefore he has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.
 19 You will then say to me, "Why does he yet find fault?  For who has resisted his will?"
 20 No but, O man, who are you that replies against God?  Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, "Why have you made me this way?"
 21 Doesn't the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one pot to honor, and another to dishonor?
 22 What if God, willing to show his anger, and to make his power known, endured with much patience the pots of anger meant for destruction,
 23 And that he would make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory,
 24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
 25 As he says also in Hosea, "I will call them my people who were not my people, and her beloved that was not beloved.
 26 And it shall be, that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they shall there be called the children of the living God."
 27 Isaiah also shouts concerning Israel, "Though the number of the children of Israel is as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved,
 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work on the earth."
 29 And as Isaiah said before, "Unless the Lord of Sabbath had left us a seed, we would have been like Sodom, and have been made like Gomorrah."
 30 What shall we say then?  That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, have attained righteousness, the righteousness which is of faith.
 31 But Israel, that followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
 32 Why?  Because they didn't seek it by faith, but by the works of the law.  For they stumbled at that stumbling stone,
 33 As it is written, "See, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence, and whoever believes on him won't be ashamed."

___Romans chapter 10
 1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is for them to be saved.
 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going around trying to establish their own righteousness, haven't submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.
 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.
 5 For Moses describes the righteousness that's of the law, that the man that does those things shall live by them.
 6 But the righteousness that is of faith talks like this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who shall ascend into heaven?'  (that is, to bring Christ down from above,)
 7 Or, 'Who shall descend into the deep?'  (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)"
 8 But what does it say?  "The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart, that is, the word of faith, that we preach,
 9 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you're saved.
 10 For with the heart man believes for righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made for salvation."
 11 For the scripture says, "Whoever believes on him shall not be ashamed."
 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on him.
 13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they haven't believed?  And how shall they believe in him about whom they haven't heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?
 15 And how shall they preach, unless they're sent?  As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad news of good things!"
 16 But they haven't all obeyed the gospel.  For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"
 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
 18 But I say, haven't they heard?  Yes truly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
 19 But I say, didn't Israel know?  First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you."
 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says, "I was found by those who didn't seek me.  I was revealed to those who didn't ask about me."
 21 But to Israel he says, "All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contradicting people."

___Romans chapter 11
 1 I say then, has God thrown away his people?  God forbid.  For I also am an Israelite, of the descendants of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
 2 God has not thrown away his people that he foreknew.  Don't you know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he prays to God against Israel, saying,
 3 "Lord, they've killed your prophets, and torn down your altars, and I'm left alone, and they're trying to kill me."
 4 But what does God answer him?  "I've reserved to myself seven thousand men who haven't bowed the knee to the image of Baal."
 5 Even so then, at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
 6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it is of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work.
 7 What then?  Israel hasn't obtained what he's looking for, but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded,
 8 (As it is written, "God has given them the spirit of sleep, eyes that won't see, and ears that won't hear,)" until this day.
 9 And David says, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a repayment to them.
 10 Let their eyes be darkened so they won't see, and bow down their backs always."
 11 I say then, have they stumbled so that they'd fall?  God forbid, but rather through their fall, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.
 12 Now if the fall of them is the riches of the world, and their being made smaller is the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?
 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, since I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office,
 14 If by any means I can provoke those who are my flesh to be like me, and might save some of them.
 15 For if the throwing away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
 16 For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
 17 And if some of the branches are broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree,
 18 Don't boast against the branches.  But if you boast, you don't bear the root, but the root bears you.
 19 You will say then, "The branches were broken off, so that I would be grafted in."
 20 Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith.  Don't be high minded, but fear,
 21 For if God didn't spare the natural branches, be careful so that he doesn't break you off.
 22 Obsrve therefore the goodness and severity of God, on those who fell, severity, but toward you goodness, if you continue in his goodness, otherwise you also shall be cut off.
 23 And they also, if they don't remain in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
 25 For I don't want you, brothers, to be ignorant of this mystery, so you're not wise in your own conceit, that partial blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
 26 And so, all Israel shall be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer shall come out of Zion, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob,
 27 For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins."
 28 Concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
 29 For God doesn't change his mind about his gifts and callings.
 30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief,
 31 Even so these have also now not believed, so that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
 32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, so that he could have mercy on all.
 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?
 35 Or who has first given to Him, and it shall be repaid back to him?
 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.

___Romans chapter 12
 1 Therefore, I ask you please, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
 2 And don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you'll prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members don't have the same office,
 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members of each other.
 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that has been given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith,
 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering, or he that teaches, on teaching,
 8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation, he that gives, let him do it with simplicity, he that rules, with diligence, he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
 9 Let love be unpretended.  Hate that which is evil.  Stick to that which is good.
 10 Have kind affection toward each other with brotherly love, in honor preferring each other,
 11 Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
 12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer,
 13 Distributing to the needs of saints, given to hospitality.
 14 Bless those who persecute you, bless, and don't curse.
 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and cry with those who cry.
 16 Be of the same mind toward each other.  Don't mind high things, but spend some time with common people.  Don't be wise in your own conceit.
 17 Don't repay evil for evil to anyone.  Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
 18 If possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
 19 Dearly beloved, don't avenge yourselves, but rather give place to anger, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
 20 Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he's thirsty, give him drink, for in so doing you'll heap coals of fire on his head.
 21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

___Romans chapter 13
 1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God, the powers that exist are ordained by God.
 2 Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinances of God, and those who resist shall receive damnation for themselves.
 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Do you want to be free from fearing the government?  Do that which is good, and you'll have praise from them,
 4 For he is the minister of God to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid, for he doesn't carry the sword for nothing, for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute anger on those who do evil.
 5 So you must be subject, not only for anger, but also for conscience sake.
 6 So, for this reason pay taxes also, for they are God's ministers, always at work on this very thing.
 7 Therefore give to everyone what is due, taxes to whom taxes are due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
 8 Don't owe anyone anything except to love each other, for he that loves someone else has fulfilled the law.
 9 For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not tell lies, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly included in this saying, specifically, "You shall love you neighbor like yourself."
 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we became believers.
 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in sex sins and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don't make provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

___Romans chapter 14
 1 Receive him that is weak in the faith, but not for doubtful arguments.
 2 For one person believes he can eat all things, another, who is weak, eats vegetables.
 3 Let him that eats, not despise him that doesn't eat, and let him who doesn't eat, not judge him that eats, for God has received him.
 4 Who are you that judges another man's servant?  To his own master he stands or falls.  Yes, he shall be held upright, for God is able to make him stand.
 5 One man esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike.  Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
 6 He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord, and he that doesn't regard the day, to the Lord he doesn't regard it.  He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks, and he that doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.
 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.
 8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord, and whether we die, we die to the Lord, whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
 9 For this purpose Christ died, and rose, and revived, so that he would be Lord both of the dead and living.
 10 But why do you judge your brother?  Or why do you speak ill of your brother?  For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
 11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
 12 So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God.
 13 Therefore, let us not judge each other anymore, but judge this rather, that no man puts a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself, but to him that thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
 15 But if your brother is grieved with your food, you're not walking in love.  Don't destroy him with your food, for whom Christ died.
 16 So, don't let your good be spoken evil about,
 17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
 18 For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved by men.
 19 Let us therefore pursue the things that make for peace, and things with which we edify each other.
 20 Don't destroy the work of God for food.  All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for that man who eats with offence.
 21 It is good to neither eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
 22 Do you have faith?  Have it to yourself before God.  Happy is he that doesn't condemn himself in the thing that he allows.
 23 And he that doubts is damned if he eats, because he doesn't eat in faith, for whatever is not of faith is sin.

___Romans chapter 15
 1 We then that are strong ought to carry the weaknesses of those who are weak, and not to please ourselves.
 2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for his good for building up.
 3 For even Christ didn't please himself, but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."
 4 For whatever things were written before, were written for our learning, so that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we would have hope.
 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward each other according to Christ Jesus,
 6 So that with one mind and one mouth you'll glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 7 So, receive each other, like Christ also received us to the glory of God.
 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
 9 And so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, "For this reason I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."
 10 And again he says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."
 11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and applaud him, all you people."
 12 And again, Isaiah says, "There shall be a descendant of Jesse, and he that shall rise to rule over the Gentiles, the Gentiles will trust in him."
 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you'll have abundance of hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
 14 And I myself also am persuaded about you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to correct each other.
 15 However brothers, I have written the more boldly to you in a way, as reminding you, because of the grace that is given to me by God,
 16 So that I would be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles would be acceptable, being made holy by the Holy Ghost.
 17 Therefore, I have something about which I can glory through Jesus Christ in the things that pertain to God.
 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of the things that Christ has not done by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem, and around to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
 20 Yes, I have strived to preach the gospel, where Christ wasn't named, so that I wouldn't build on another man's foundation,
 21 But as it is written, "To whom he was not spoken about, they shall see, and those who haven't heard shall understand."
 22 For which reason also I've been hindered a lot from coming to you.
 23 But now, having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
 24 Whenever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you, for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way there by you, if first I'm somewhat filled by your company.
 25 But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
 26 For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are at Jerusalem.
 27 It has pleased them truly, and their debtors they are.  For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in natural things.
 28 Therefore when I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
 29 And I am sure that when I come to you, I'll come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
 30 Now I ask you please, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
 31 So that I'll have deliverance from those who don't believe in Judea, and so my service that I have for Jerusalem will be accepted by the saints,
 32 So that I'll come to you with joy by the will of God, and will be refreshed with you.
 33 Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.

___Romans chapter 16
 1 I recommend to you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchrea,
 2 So, receive her in the Lord, as saints should do, and assist her in whatever business she needs from you, for she has strengthened many, including me.
 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus,
 4 Who have laid down their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
 5 Also greet the church that is in their house.  Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.
 6 Greet Mary, who did a lot of work for us.
 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
 9 Greet Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ.  Greet those who are of Aristobulus' household.
 11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.  Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.  Greet the beloved Persis, who labored a lot in the Lord.
 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers who are with them.
 15 Greet Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
 16 Greet each other with a holy kiss.  The churches of Christ greet you.
 17 Now I ask you please, brothers, identify those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that you've learned, and avoid them.
 18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
 19 For your obedience has come before all men.  I am glad therefore on your behalf, but I want you to be wise about that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Amen.
 21 Timothy my fellow worker, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.
 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
 23 Gaius, my host, and of the whole church, greets you.  Erastus, an officer of the city greets you, and Quartus, a brother.
 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.
 25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began,
 26 But now is revealed, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith,
 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.  Amen.

___1 Corinthians chapter 1
 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
 2 To the church of God that is at Corinth, to those who are made holy in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours,
 3 Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God that is given to you by Jesus Christ,
 5 So that in everything you are enriched by him, in all speaking, and in all knowledge,
 6 Just as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,
 7 So that you come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 8 Who'll also confirm you to the end, so that you'll be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
 10 Now I ask you please, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
 11 For I've been told about you, my brothers, by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are arguments among you.
 12 Now this I say, that each of you says, "I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ."
 13 Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius,
 15 So no one would say I had baptized in my own name.
 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas, besides, I don't know whether I baptized anyone else.
 17 For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't made of no effect.
 18 For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who'll be destroyed, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.
 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."
 20 Where is the wise?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the disputer of this world?  Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
 21 For after, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom didn't know God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.
 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Gentiles seek for wisdom,
 23 But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Gentiles foolishness,
 24 But to those who are called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
 26 For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called,
 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confuse the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confuse the things that are mighty,
 28 And inferior things of the world, and things that are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
 29 So that no flesh would glory in his presence.
 30 But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who by God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption,
 31 So that, as it is written, "He that boasts, let him boast in the Lord."

___1 Corinthians chapter 2
 1 And I, brothers, when I came to you, didn't come with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God.
 2 For I determined that I wouldn't know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and with a lot of trembling.
 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
 5 So that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
 6 But we speak wisdom among those who are perfect, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, who come to nothing,
 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, that God ordained before the world to our glory,
 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Lord of glory.
 9 But as it is written, "Eye hasn't seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him."
 10 But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
 11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man that is in him?  Even so no man knows the things of God, except the Spirit of God.
 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is of God, so that we'd know the things that are freely given to us by God.
 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words that man's wisdom teaches, but that the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
 14 But the natural man doesn't receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually understood.
 15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no man.
 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, so that he can teach him?  But we have the mind of Christ.

___1 Corinthians chapter 3
 1 And I, brothers, couldn't speak to you as to the spiritual, but as to the carnal, like Christian babies.
 2 I have fed you with milk, not with meat, for until now you weren't able to cope with it, and you're still not able.
 3 For you're still carnal, for while there is envying among you, and strife, and divisions, aren't you carnal, and walk like men?
 4 For while someone says, "I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos," aren't you carnal?
 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, as the Lord gave to every man?
 6 I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
 7 So then neither is he that plants anything, nor he that waters, but God who gives the increase.
 8 Now he that plants and he that waters are one, and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.
 9 For we are laborers together with God, you are God's product, you are what God has built.
 10 According to the grace of God that's been given to me, as a wise master builder, I've laid the foundation, and another builds on it.  But let every man be careful how he builds on it.
 11 For no man can lay any other foundation than what has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
 12 Now if any man builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble,
 13 Every man's work shall be revealed, for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test every man's work to see what kind it is.
 14 If any man's work remains that he has built on it, he'll receive a reward.
 15 If any man's work is burned up, he'll suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, if he passes the fire test.
 16 Don't you know that you're the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
 17 If any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
 18 Let no man deceive himself.  If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, so that he'll be wise.
 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written, "He takes the wise in their own craftiness."
 20 And again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain."
 21 Therefore let no man glory in men.  For all things are yours,
 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things in the future, all are yours,
 23 And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

___1 Corinthians chapter 4
 1 People should see us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
 2 Also, it is required in stewards, that a man be found to be honest.
 3 But with me it is a very small thing for me to be judged by you, or of man's judgment, yes, I don't judge my own self.
 4 For I know nothing by myself, yet I'm not justified by this, but he that judges me is the Lord.
 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will reveal the thoughts of the hearts, and then every man will have praise from God.
 6 And these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, so you'd learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, so that none of you would be puffed up for one, against another.
 7 For who makes you to differ from another?  And what do you have that wasn't given to you?  Now if it was given to you, why do you boast, as if you hadn't received it?
 8 Now you are full, now you are rich, you have ruled like kings without us, and I do want God to make you rule, so that we also can rule with you.
 9 For I think that God has set us the apostles last, as if appointed for death, for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.
 10 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.
 11 Even until this present hour we hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain place to live,
 12 And labor, working with our own hands, being made fun of, we bless, being persecuted, we endure it,
 13 Being defamed, we present our case, we are made like the filth of the world, and are the off-scouring of all things until this day.
 14 I don't write these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
 15 For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you don't have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have fathered you through the gospel.
 16 So I ask you please, be followers of me.
 17 For this reason I've sent you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who'll remind you of my ways that are in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I wouldn't come to you.
 19 But I will come to you shortly, Lord willing, and will know, not the speech of those who are puffed up, but the power.
 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
 21 Which do you prefer?  Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

___1 Corinthians chapter 5
 1 It is reported commonly that there is sexual sin among you, and such sexual sin as is not even talked about among the Gentiles, that someone would have his father's wife.
 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, so that he that has done this deed would be taken away from among you.
 3 For I truly, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that has done this,
 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 5 To deliver that person to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit will be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
 6 Your glorying is not good.  Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?
 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, so that you'll be a new lump, as you are unleavened.  For Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed for us,
 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of hatred and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
 9 I wrote to you in a letter not to keep company with people who commit sexual sins,
 10 Yet not completely with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortionists, or with idolaters, for then you'd have to go out of the world.
 11 But now I've written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist, with him don't eat.
 12 For what business do I have to judge those who are outside?  Don't you judge those who are inside?
 13 But those who are outside God judges.  Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

___1 Corinthians chapter 6
 1 Does any of you dare, having a matter against another, to go to law before the unjust, and not before the Christians?
 2 Don't you know that the Christians shall judge the world?  And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
 3 Don't you know that we shall judge angels?  How much more things that pertain to this life?
 4 So if you have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set those to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
 5 I speak to your shame.  Is it so that there is not a wise man among you?  No, not one who's able to judge between his brothers?
 6 But brother goes to court with brother, and before the unbelievers.
 7 Now therefore there is totally a fault among you, because you go to court with each other.  Why don't you rather take wrong?  Why don't you rather allow yourselves to be cheated?
 8 No, you do wrong, and cheat your brothers.
 9 Don't you know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Don't be deceived, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
 11 And such were some of you, but you are washed, but you are made holy, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
 12 All things are lawful to me, but not all things are helpful, all things are lawful for me, but I'll not be brought under the power of any.
 13 Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods, but God shall destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for sexual sin, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
 14 And God has raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
 15 Don't you know that your bodies are the members of Christ?  Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a prostitute?  God forbid.
 16 What?  Don't you know that he that is joined to a prostitute is one body?  For he says, "Two shall be one flesh."
 17 But he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
 18 Run away from sexual sins.  Every other sin that a man does is outside the body, but he that commits fornication sins against his own body.
 19 What?  Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost that is in you, that you have from God, and you are not your own?
 20 For you've been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

___1 Corinthians chapter 7
 1 Now concerning the things that you wrote me about, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
 2 However to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
 3 Let the husband show the wife due kindness, and likewise also the wife to the husband.
 4 The wife doesn't have power of her own body, but the husband, and likewise the husband doesn't have power of his own body, but the wife.
 5 Don't deprive each other unless it's with consent for a time, so you can give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again, so that Satan doesn't tempt you because of your not having normal sexual relations.
 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
 7 For I'd prefer that all men were like me.  But every man has his proper gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.
 8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they live like I do.
 9 But if they can't contain, let them marry, for it's better to marry than to burn.
 10 And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let the wife not depart from her husband,
 11 But if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or be reunited with her husband, and let the husband not divorce his wife.
 12 But to the rest I speak, not the Lord, if any brother has a wife that doesn't believe, and she is pleased to live with him, let him not divorce her.
 13 And the woman who has a husband that doesn't believe, and if he's pleased to live with her, let her not leave him.
 14 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 they're holy.
 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart.  A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace.
 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you'll get your husband saved?  Or how do you know, O man, whether you'll get your wife saved?
 17 But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called everyone, so let him walk.  And so I ordain in all churches.
 18 Is any man called being circumcised?  Let him not desire to be uncircumcised.  Is any called in uncircumcision?  Let him not become circumcised.
 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
 20 Let every man remain in the same calling in which he was called.
 21 Have you been called being a servant?  Don't worry about it, but if you can gain your freedom, do so.
 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman, likewise also he that is called being free, is Christ's servant.
 23 You are bought with a price, don't be the servants of men.
 24 Brothers, let every man live with God in the calling that God has called him to.
 25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment from the Lord, yet I give my judgment, as one that has obtained mercy from the Lord, to be faithful.
 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say that it's good for a man to be like he is.
 27 Are you married to a wife?  Don't seek to be unmarried.  Are you unmarried?  Don't seek a wife.
 28 But if you marry, you haven't sinned, and if a virgin marries, she hasn't sinned.  But such shall have trouble in the flesh, but I spare you.
 29 But this I say brothers, the time is short, it remains that those who have wives are as though they didn't,
 30 And those who that cry, as though they didn't, and those who rejoice, as though they didn't rejoice, and those who buy, as though they didn't possess,
 31 And those who use this world, as not abusing it, for the fashion of this world passes away.
 32 But I'd like you to be without carefulness.  He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he can please the Lord,
 33 But he that is married cares for the things that are of the world, how he can please his wife.
 34 There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin.  The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, so she will be holy both in body and in spirit, but she that is married cares for the things of the world, how she can please her husband.
 35 And this I speak for your own profit, not to throw a snare on you, but for that which is proper, and so that you'll serve the Lord without distraction.
 36 But if any man thinks that he's behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she's passing the flower of her age, and there's a need, let him do what he wants to and marry her, it's not sin.
 37 But he that stands steady in his heart, having no need, but has power over his own will, and has so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well.
 38 So then he that gives her in marriage does well, but he that doesn't give her in marriage does better.
 39 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 the man of her choice, if he's a Christian.
 40 But she is happier if she stays single after my judgment, and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

___1 Corinthians chapter 8
 1 Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
 2 And if any man thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
 3 But if any man loves God, he is known by Him.
 4 Therefore, concerning the eating of the 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.
 5 For though there are what are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there are many gods, and many lords,)
 6 But to us there is only 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.
 7 But not every man knows that, for some with conscience of the idol until this hour eat it as a thing offered to an idol, and their conscience being weak is dirtied.
 8 But food doesn't recommend us to God, for neither if we eat are we better, nor if we don't eat, are we worse.
 9 But be careful so that this liberty of yours doesn't somehow become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
 10 For if any man sees you, who has knowledge, sit to eat in the idol's temple, won't the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat the things that are offered to idols,
 11 And through your knowledge shall the weak brother be destroyed, for whom Christ died?
 12 But when you sin so against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
 13 So, if meat causes my brother to be offended, I won't eat flesh while the world stands, so that I don't cause my brother to be offended.

___1 Corinthians chapter 9
 1 Am I not an apostle?  Am I not free?  Haven't I seen Jesus Christ our Lord?  Aren't you my work in the Lord?
 2 If I'm not an apostle to others, yet surely I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
 3 My answer to those who question me is this,
 4 Don't we have the right to eat and to drink?
 5 Don't we have the right to be accompanied by a sister, a wife, like other apostles, and like the brothers of the Lord, and Peter?
 6 Or I only and Barnabas, don't we have the right not to perform manual labor?
 7 Who fights a battle any time at his own expense?  Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit?  Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink of the milk of the flock?
 8 Do I say these things as a man?  Or doesn't the law say the same also?
 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn."  Is God taking care of oxen?
 10 Or does he say it completely for our sakes?  For our sakes, no doubt, this was written, so that he that plows would plow in hope, and so he that threshes in hope would be partaker of his hope.
 11 If we have planted spiritual things with you, is it such a big deal if we reap your carnal things?
 12 If others are partakers of this power over you, shouldn't we be rather?  But we have not used this power, but endure all things, so we won't hinder the gospel of Christ.
 13 Don't you know that those who minister with holy things live of the things of the temple?  And that those who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
 14 Even so, the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
 15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things, that it should be so done to me, for it would be better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is laid on me, yes, woe to me if I don't preach the gospel!
 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward, but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me.
 18 What is my reward then?  Truly, that when I preach the gospel, I can make the gospel of Christ without expense, so that I don't abuse my power in the gospel.
 19 For though I am free from all men, yet I've made myself servant to all, so that I'll win more of them.
 20 And to the Jews I became like a Jew, so that I would gain the Jews, to those who are under the law, as under the law, so that I would gain those who are under the law,
 21 To those who are without law, as without law, (not being without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) so that I would gain those who are without law.
 22 To the weak I became as weak, so that I would gain the weak.  I am made all things to all men, so that I would by all means save some.
 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, so that I will be partaker of it with you.
 24 Don't you know that those who run in a race, they all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you'll obtain.
 25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
 26 I therefore run in such a way, not uncertainly, I don't fight like someone beating the air,
 27 But I keep my body under, and bring it into subjection, so that after I've preached to others I won't somehow be a throw away.

___1 Corinthians chapter 10
 1 Also, brothers, I don't want you to be ignorant, that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
 2 And were all baptized to Moses in the cloud and in the sea,
 3 And all ate the same spiritual food,
 4 And all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
 5 But with many of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
 6 Now these things were our examples, so that we wouldn't lust for evil things like they also lusted.
 7 And don't be idolaters, as were some of them, as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
 8 And let us not commit fornication, as some of them committed, and died in one day, twenty three thousand of them.
 9 Nor let us tempt Christ, like some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents.
 10 And don't murmur, like some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
 11 Now all these things happened to them for examples, and they've been written for our instruction, on whom the end of the world has come.
 12 So let him that thinks he stands be careful that he doesn't fall.
 13 No temptation has come to you, but such as is normal with mankind, but God is faithful, who won't allow you to be tempted beyond your ability, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, so you'll be able to cope with it.
 14 So, my dearly beloved, run away from idolatry.
 15 I speak like to wise men, you judge what I say.
 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The bread that we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body, for we are all partakers of that one bread.
 18 Look at Israel after the flesh, aren't those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
 19 What do I say then?  That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything?
 20 But I say that the things that the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don't want you to have fellowship with demons.
 21 You can't drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons, you can't be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons.
 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?  Are we stronger than he is?
 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful, all things are lawful for me, but not all things build up.
 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
 25 Whatever is sold in the marketplace eat, asking no question for conscience sake,
 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it.
 27 If any of those who don't believe invite you to a dinner, and you decide to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience sake.
 28 But if any man says to you, "This is offered in sacrifice to idols," don't eat for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake, for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it.
 29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other person's conscience, for why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience?
 30 For if I by grace am a partaker, why am I evil spoken about for that for which I give thanks?
 31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
 32 Offend no one, neither the Jews, nor the Gentiles, nor the church of God,
 33 Just as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so they'll be saved.

___1 Corinthians chapter 11
 1 Be followers of me, as I also am of Christ.
 2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
 3 But I want you to 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.
 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head.
 5 But every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is the same as if her head were shaved.
 6 For if the woman is not covered, let her also be shaved, but if it is a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
 7 For a man indeed ought not cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man.
 8 For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man.
 9 Nor was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man.
 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
 11 But neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman, but all things are of God.
 13 Judge in yourselves, does it look right for a woman pray to God uncovered?
 14 Doesn't even nature itself teach you that, if a man has long hair, it is a shame to him?
 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair has been given to her for a covering.
 16 But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor the churches of God.
 17 Now in this that I declare to you, I don't praise you, that you come together not for the better, but for the worse.
 18 For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it.
 19 For there must also be false teachings among you, so that those who are approved will be revealed among you.
 20 When you come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
 21 For in eating, everyone takes in front of someone else his own supper, and someone is hungry, and another is drunk.
 22 What?  Don't you have houses to eat and drink in?  Or do you despise the church of God, and shame those who are poor?  What shall I say to you?  Shall I praise you in this?  I don't praise you.
 23 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,
 24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "Take, eat, this is my body, that is broken for you, this do in remembrance of me."
 25 Similarly also he took the cup, when he had eaten, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
 26 For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you show the Lord's death until he comes.
 27 So whoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
 29 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many have died.
 31 For if we judge ourselves, we won't be judged. 
 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, so that we won't be condemned with the world.
 33 So my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other.
 34 And if any man is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you don't come together to condemnation.  And I will set the rest in order when I come.

___1 Corinthians chapter 12
 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I don't want you to be ignorant.
 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these idols that can't speak, like you were led.
 3 So I explain to you, no man speaking by the Spirit of God is calling Jesus accursed, and no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, except by the Holy Ghost.
 4 Now there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit.
 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
 6 And there are differences of operations, but it is the same God that works all in all.
 7 But the operation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with it.
 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit,
 9 To another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit,
 10 To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another perceiving of spirits, to another various kinds of languages, to another the interpretation of languages,
 11 But all of these work the one and the same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he chooses.
 12 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.
 13 For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are bondmen or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
 14 For the body is not one member, but many.
 15 If the foot shall say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
 16 And if the ear shall say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing?  If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
 18 But now God has set each one of the members in the body, as it has pleased him.
 19 And if they were all one member, where would be the body?
 20 But now they are many members, yet but one body.
 21 And the eye can't say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
 22 No, much more, those members of the body, that seem to be more feeble, are necessary,
 23 And those members of the body that we think to be less honorable, to these we give more abundant honor, and our unattractive parts have more abundant attractiveness.
 24 For our good looking parts have no need, but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to the part that lacked,
 25 So that there would be no division in the body, but so that the members would have the same care for each other.
 26 And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
 28 And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that doers of miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, various different languages.
 29 Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Are all workers of miracles?
 30 Do all have the gifts of healing?  Do all speak with tongues?  Do all interpret?
 31 But desire earnestly the best gifts, and yet I show you a more excellent way.

___1 Corinthians chapter 13
 1 Though I speak with the languages of men and of angels, and don't have love, I've become like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so I can remove mountains, and don't have love, I am nothing.
 3 And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and don't have love, it profits me nothing.
 4 Love endures long, and is kind, love doesn't envy, love doesn't boast, is not puffed up,
 5 Doesn't behave the wrong way, isn't selfish, isn't easily provoked, thinks no evil,
 6 Doesn't rejoice in sin, but rejoices in the truth,
 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
 8 Love never fails, but whether there are prophecies, they'll fail, whether there are tongues, they'll stop, whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be done away with.
 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I understood like a child, I thought like a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
 12 For now we see through a dark window, but then face to face, now I know in part, but then I'll I know, just like also I'm known.
 13 And now faith, hope, and love live, these three, but the greatest of these is love.

___1 Corinthians chapter 14
 1 Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but prefer to prophesy.
 2 For he that speaks in an unknown language doesn't speak to men, but to God, for no man understands him, but in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
 3 But he that prophesies speaks to men to building up, and exhortation, and comfort.
 4 He that speaks in an unknown tongue builds up himself, but he that prophesies builds up the church.
 5 I want you all to speak with unknown tongues, but prefer that you prophesy, for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so the church will be built up.
 6 Now brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
 7 And even objects without life that make sounds, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
 8 For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
 9 So likewise you, unless you speak by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken?  For you'll speak into the air.
 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
 11 Therefore if I don't know the meaning of the voice, I shall be to him that speaks a barbarian, and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me.
 12 Even so you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.
 13 So let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he'll interpret.
 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
 15 What is it then?  I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also, I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
 16 Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he doesn't understand what you're saying?
 17 For you truly give thanks well, but the other is not built up.
 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all,
 19 Yet in the church I'd rather speak five words with my understanding, so that by my voice I can teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
 20 Brothers, don't be children in understanding, but in hatred be children, but in understanding be men.
 21 In the law it is written, "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to these people, and yet for all that they won't hear me," says the Lord.
 22 So tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to those who don't believe, but prophesying doesn't serve the unbelievers, but those who believe.
 23 If therefore the whole church has come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned come in, or unbelievers, won't they say that you're crazy?
 24 But if all prophesy, and someone comes in who doesn't believe, or someone unlearned, he is convinced by all, he is judged by all.
 25 And thus, the secrets of his heart are revealed, and so, falling down on his face he'll worship God, and report that God is truly in you.
 26 How is it then, brothers?  When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation.  Let everything be done for building up.
 27 If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course, and let one interpret.
 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church, and let him speak to himself, and to God.
 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others judge.
 30 If anything is revealed to someone else sitting near, let the first be quiet.
 31 For all of you may prophesy one by one, so that all will learn, and all will be comforted.
 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches, for it is not permitted to them to speak, but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also says the law.
 35 And if they want to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
 36 What?  Did the word of God originate with you?  Or were you the only ones to receive it?
 37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
 38 But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
 39 So brothers, desire to prophesy, and don't forbid to speak with tongues.
 40 Let everything be done decently and in order.

___1 Corinthians chapter 15
 1 Also, brothers, I declare to you the gospel that I preached to you, that you've also received, and in which you stand,
 2 By which also you're saved, if you keep in mind what I preached to you, unless you've believed for nothing.
 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,
 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures,
 5 And that he was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve,
 6 After that, he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have died.
 7 After that, he was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
 8 And last of all he was seen by me also, as if by someone born at the wrong time.
 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and don't deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
 10 But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace that was bestowed on me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
 11 Therefore whether it was I or them, so we preach, and so you believed.
 12 Now if Christ is preached that he rose from the dead, why are some among you saying that there is no resurrection of the dead?
 13 But if there's no resurrection of the dead, then Christ hasn't risen,
 14 And if Christ hasn't risen, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is also for nothing.
 15 Yes, and we are found to be lying about God, because we've testified that God raised up Christ, whom he didn't raise, if the dead don't rise.
 16 For if the dead don't rise, then Christ hasn't been raised.
 17 And if Christ hasn't been raised, your faith is for nothing, you're still in your sins.
 18 Then those also who've died in Christ have been destroyed.
 19 If we have hope in Christ only in this life, of all men, we are most miserable.
 20 But now Christ has risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who've died.
 21 For since death came by man, by man also came the raising of the dead.
 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
 23 But every man in his own order, Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ's when he comes.
 24 Then comes the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God the Father, when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
 25 For he must rule, until he has put all enemies under his feet.
 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
 27 For he has put all things under his feet.  But when he says all things are put under him, it is clear that He’s an exception who is putting all things under him.
 28 And when all things shall be subdued to him, then the Son himself shall also be subject to Him that put all things under him, so that God will be all in all.
 29 Otherwise what shall they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead don't rise at all?  Why then are they baptized for the dead?
 30 And why do we stand in danger every hour?
 31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
 32 If after the manner of men I've fought with animals at Ephesus, what good is it for me, if the dead don't rise?  Let us eat and drink, since we'll die tomorrow.
 33 Don't be deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners.
 34 Awake to righteousness, and don't sin, for some don't have the knowledge of God, I say this to your shame.
 35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?  And with what body do they come?"
 36 You fool, that which you plant doesn't come alive, unless it dies.
 37 And that which you plant, you don't plant the body that shall be, but carry grain, it might be of wheat, or of some other grain.
 38 But God gives it a body as it has pleased him, and to every seed its own body.
 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there's one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
 40 There are also heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another.
 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars, for one star is different from another star in glory.
 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.  It is planted in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.
 43 It is planted in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is planted in weakness, it is raised in power.
 44 It is planted a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.  There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
 45 And so it is written, "The first man, Adam, was made a living soul," the last Adam was made a living spirit.
 46 But what is spiritual was not first, but what is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.
 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy.  The second man is the Lord from heaven.
 48 As is the earthy, such are those also that are earthy, and as is the heavenly, such are those also that are heavenly.
 49 And as we have carried the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
 50 Now this I say brothers, that flesh and blood can't inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
 51 See, I show you a mystery.  We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed,
 52 In a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, the saying that is written shall happen, "Death is swallowed up in victory."
 55 O death, where is your sting?  O grave, where is your victory?
 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steady, be unmovable, always doing well in the work of the Lord, since you know that your labor is not for nothing in the Lord.

___1 Corinthians chapter 16
 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I’ve told the churches of Galatia, you do the same.
 2 On the first day of the week let everyone store up, as God has prospered him, so there are no gatherings when I come.
 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters, I will send those to bring your liberality to Jerusalem.
 4 And if it's appropriate that I go also, they'll go with me.
 5 Now I will come to you, when I go through Macedonia, for I'm going through Macedonia.
 6 And maybe I'll stay and spend the winter with you, so you'll bring me on my journey wherever I go.
 7 For I won't see you now on the way, but I trust to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
 8 But I'll wait at Ephesus until Pentecost.
 9 For a large and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
 10 Now if Timothy comes, make sure he's with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
 11 Let no man therefore despise him, but conduct him forth in peace, so that he'll come to me, for I look for him with the brothers.
 12 Concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brothers, but his will was not at all to come at this time, but he'll come when he has a convenient time.
 13 Stay awake, stand fast in the faith, finish like men, be strong.
 14 Let everything be done with love.
 15 I ask you please, brothers, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
 16 To submit yourselves to such, and to everyone that helps with us, and labors.
 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for what was lacking from you they've supplied.
 18 For they've refreshed my spirit and yours, therefore acknowledge those who are such.
 19 The churches of Asia greet you.  Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
 20 All the brothers greet you.  Greet each other with a holy kiss.
 21 The greeting of me, Paul, by my own hand.
 22 If any man doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema.  Maranatha.
 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
 24 My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.  Amen.

___2 Corinthians chapter 1
 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in all Achaia,
 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort,
 4 Who comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we'll be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
 5 For as the sufferings of Christ are abundant in us, so our consolation is also abundant by Christ.
 6 And whether we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective in the enduring of the same sufferings that we also suffer, or whether we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
 7 And our hope of you is steady, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so you'll also be of the consolation.
 8 For we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, of our trouble that came to us in Asia, such that we were pressed beyond limit, above strength, such that we despaired even of life.
 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, so we wouldn't trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead,
 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us,
 11 You also helping together by prayer for us, so that for the gift given to us by the means of many people, thanks will be given by many on our behalf.
 12 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've had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
 13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge, and I trust you shall acknowledge even until the end,
 14 As also you've acknowledged us partly, that we are your rejoicing, just as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
 15 And in this confidence I was thinking I'd come to you before, so you'd have a second benefit,
 16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and by you to be brought on my way toward Judea.
 17 When I therefore was thinking like that, did I kid around?  Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there would be yes, yes, and no, no?
 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and no.
 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached to you, that is, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.
 20 For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.
 21 Now he that establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God,
 22 Who has also sealed us, and given the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.
 23 Also, I call God to let the record show on my soul, that to spare you I didn't come yet to Corinth.
 24 Not because we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy, for by faith you stand.

___2 Corinthians chapter 2
 1 But I determined this with myself, that I wouldn't come again to you in heaviness.
 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad?  The one that I make sorry.
 3 And I wrote this same to you, so that when I come, I won't have sorrow regarding those about whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but so you would know the love that I have more abundantly for you.
 5 But if any has caused grief, he has not grieved me, except a little, so that I will not overcharge you all.
 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, that was inflicted by many.
 7 So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive him, and comfort him, so he won't be swallowed up by too much sorrow.
 8 So I ask you please to confirm your love toward him.
 9 'Cause for this purpose also I wrote, that I would know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
 10 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,
 11 So that Satan won't get an advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
 12 Also, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I didn't find Titus my brother, but leaving them, I went from there into Macedonia.
 14 Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes clear the fragrance of his knowledge by us everywhere.
 15 For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ, in those who are saved, and in those who are destroyed.
 16 To one we are the odor of death to death, and to the other the fragrance of life to life.  And who is sufficient for these things?
 17 For we are not like many, who corrupt the word of God, but we are sincere, and of God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

___2 Corinthians chapter 3
 1 Do we begin again to recommend ourselves?  Or like some others, do we need letters of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
 2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men,
 3 Since you are clearly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in fleshy tablets of the heart.
 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God,
 5 Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
 6 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.
 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadily look at the face of Moses for the glory of his face, which glory was to be done away with,
 8 How shall the ministration of the spirit not be more glorious?
 9 For if the ministration of condemnation is glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
 11 For if that which was done away with was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.
 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech,
 13 And not like Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel couldn't steadily look to the end of that which is abolished.
 14 But their minds were blinded, for until this day the same veil remains not taken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which veil is done away with in Christ.
 15 But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is on their hearts.
 16 But when they turn to the Lord, the veil will be taken away.
 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
 18 But we all, with open face seeing like in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.

___2 Corinthians chapter 4
 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we don't faint,
 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by making the truth clear, recommending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
 3 But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost,
 4 In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, won't shine for them.
 5 For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 7 But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the excellency of the power will be of God, and not of us.
 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair,
 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken, thrown down, but not destroyed,
 10 Always carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life also of Jesus will be made clear in our body.
 11 For we that live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life also of Jesus would be made clear in our mortal flesh.
 12 So then death works in us, but life in you.
 13 We having the same spirit of faith, as it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken," we also believe, and therefore speak,
 14 Knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
 15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many increase to the glory of God.
 16 That's why we don't faint, but though our outward man dies, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
 18 While we don't look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen, for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that aren't seen are eternal.

___2 Corinthians chapter 5
 1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were to be destroyed, we have a building of God, a house made without hands, eternal in the heavens.
 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our house that is from heaven,
 3 So that being clothed we won't be found naked.
 4 For we that are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened, not that we want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that mortality will be swallowed up by life.
 5 Now he that has made us for that purpose is God, who also has given us the down payment of the Spirit.
 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord,
 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight.)
 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
 9 So we labor, so that whether present or absent, we'll be accepted by him.
 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that everyone will receive for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.
 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made clear to God, and I trust also are made clear to your consciences.
 12 For we don't recommend ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, so that you'll have something to answer those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.
 13 For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God, or whether we are sober, it is for you.
 14 For the love of Christ restrains us, because we judge this way, that if someone died for all, then all were dead.
 15 And that he died for all, so that those who live should not anymore live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again.
 16 So from now on we don't know any man according to the flesh, yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet from now on we don't know him anymore according to the flesh.
 17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, see, all things have become new.
 18 And all things are of God, who has reunited us with himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reuniting,
 19 So we know, that God was in Christ, reuniting the world to himself, not counting their sins against them, and has given to us the word of reuniting.
 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is asking you by us, we ask you instead of Christ, be reunited to God.
 21 For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so we would be made the righteousness of God in him.

___2 Corinthians chapter 6
 1 We then, as workers together with him, ask you also not to receive the grace of God in vain.
 2 (For he says, "I've heard you in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I've strengthened you, see, now is the accepted time, see, now is the day of salvation.")
 3 Giving no offence in anything, so the ministry won't be blamed,
 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
 5 In strokes of the whip, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in staying awake, in fastings,
 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unpretended,
 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
 8 By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true,
 9 As unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and see, we live, as punished, and not killed,
 10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
 11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.
 12 You're not restricted in us, but you're restricted in your own bowels.
 13 Now for a repayment in the same, (I speak as to my children,) be also enlarged.
 14 Don't be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness?  And what communion does light have with darkness?
 15 And what agreement does Christ have with Belial?  Or what part does the believer have with an unbeliever?
 16 And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, "I will live in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
 17 So, come out from among them, and be separate," says the Lord, "and don't touch the unclean thing, and I'll receive you,
 18 And will be a Father to you, and you'll be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

___2 Corinthians chapter 7
 1 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.
 2 Receive us.  We've wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
 3 I don't say this to condemn you, for I've said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.
 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying about you.  I'm filled with comfort, I'm very joyful in all our tribulation.
 5 For, when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side, outside were fightings, inside were fears.
 6 But God, who comforts those who are thrown down, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
 7 And not by his coming only, but by the comfort 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 the more.
 8 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 just for a short while.
 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance, for you were made sorry in a godly way, so you wouldn't be damaged by us in any way.
 10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation that is not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world works death.
 11 For look at this same thing, that you sorrowed in a godly way.  What carefulness it worked in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what strong desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what revenge!  In all things you've approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
 12 So, though I wrote to you, I didn't do it because of him that had done wrong, nor because of the one who was wronged, but so our care for you in the sight of God would be clear to you.
 13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort, yes, and very much more, we rejoiced for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.
 14 For if I've boasted anything to him about you, I am not ashamed, but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, that I made before Titus, is found to be true.
 15 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.
 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

___2 Corinthians chapter 8
 1 Also, brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,
 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty became the riches of their liberality.
 3 For I testify to their power, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves,
 4 Asking us sincerely that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
 6 So much that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
 7 Therefore, as you have abundance in everything, in faith, and speaking, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, make sure you're abundant in this grace also.
 8 I don't speak by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty, you would be rich.
 10 And in this I give my advice, for this is best for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it, so that as there was a willingness, so there'll be a performance also out of what you have.
 12 For if there's first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he doesn't have.
 13 For I don't mean that other men have it easy, while you're burdened,
 14 But by equality, so that now your abundance will supply their needs, so that their abundance also will supply your needs, so there will be equality,
 15 As it is written, "He that had gathered much had no surplus, and he that had gathered little had no lack."
 16 But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
 17 For indeed, he accepted the exhortation, but being more forward, by his own choice he went to you.
 18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,
 19 And not that only, 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 declaration of your ready mind,
 20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance that is administered by us,
 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proven diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.
 23 Whether anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you, or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
 24 So show them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you.

___2 Corinthians chapter 9
 1 For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you,
 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast about you to those of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal has provoked very many.
 3 Yet I've sent the brothers, so that our boasting about you won't be in vain in this behalf, so that, as I said, you'll be ready,
 4 So that perhaps if those of Macedonia come with me, if they find you unprepared, we (so that we don't say you) won't be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up ahead of time your abundance, about which you had notice before, so that the same would be ready, as a matter of abundance, and not as of covetousness.
 6 But this I say, he that plants sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he that plants abundantly shall also reap abundantly.
 7 Let every man give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, nor because he must, for God loves a cheerful giver.
 8 And God is able to make all grace to be abundant for you, so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, will be abundant in every good work,
 9 (As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains forever."
 10 Now he that ministers seed to the planter both minister bread for your food, and multiply your planted seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,)
 11 Being enriched in everything to all abundance, which causes thanksgiving to God through us.
 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God,
 13 While by the putting into practice of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men,
 14 And by their prayer for you, who long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
 15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

___2 Corinthians chapter 10
 1 Now I Paul myself ask you please, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent, am bold toward you,
 2 But I ask you please, so I won't 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.
 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,)
 5 Throwing 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,
 6 And having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
 7 Do you look at things after the outward appearance?  If any man trusts to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.
 8 For though I would boast somewhat more of our authority, that the Lord has given us for building up, and not for your destruction, I wouldn't be ashamed,
 9 So I won't seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
 10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
 11 Let such a person think this, that such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, we will be such also in performance when we are present.
 12 For we don't dare 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.
 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule that God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.
 14 For we don't stretch ourselves beyond our measure, as though we didn't reach to you, for we have come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ,
 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors, but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we'll be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
 17 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord.
 18 For he that commends himself is not approved, but whom the Lord commends.

___2 Corinthians chapter 11
 1 I wish to God you could bear with me a little in my foolishness, and indeed bear with me.
 2 For I'm jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have married you to one husband, so that I can present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
 3 But I fear, so that by no means, like the serpent seduced Eve through his subtlety, would your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
 4 For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, that you haven't received, or another gospel, that you haven't accepted, you might well bear with him.
 5 For I suppose I was not a bit behind the very top apostles.
 6 But though I'm rude in speech, yet not in knowledge, but we have been thoroughly made clear to you in all things.
 7 Have I committed an offence in bringing myself low so you would be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them, to do work for you.
 9 And when I was present with you, and lacked, I was chargeable to no man, for what was lacking to me the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied, and in all things I've kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I'll keep doing that.
 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
 11 Why?  Because I don't love you?  God knows.
 12 But what I do, I'll do so that I can cut off occasion from those who desire occasion, so that in what they glory about, they'll be found like us.
 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
 14 And that's no surprise, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
 15 Therefore it is no big deal if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.
 16 I say again, let no man think me a fool, if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, so I can boast myself a little.
 17 That which I speak, I don't speak after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
 18 Seeing that many glory according to the flesh, I will glory also.
 19 For you endure fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
 20 For you suffer 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 smites you on the face.
 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.  But in whatever way anyone is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
 22 Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they the descendants of Abraham?  So am I.
 23 Are they ministers of Christ?  (I speak as a fool)  I am more, in labors more abundant, in strokes of the whip beyond measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.
 24 From the Jews I received thirty nine stripes five different times.
 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I've been in the sea,
 26 In journeys often, in dangers of waters, in dangers of robbers, in dangers by my own countrymen, in dangers by the heathen, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers in the sea, in dangers among false brothers,
 27 In weariness and pain, in staying awake often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
 28 Beside the things that are outside, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches.
 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak?  Who is offended, and I don't burn?
 30 If I must glory, I will glory about the things that concern my infirmities.
 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows I'm not lying.
 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a band of soldiers, wanting to arrest me,
 33 And through a window in a basket I was let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

___2 Corinthians chapter 12
 1 Without a doubt, it is not expedient for me to glory.  I will talk about visions and revelations of the Lord.
 2 I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I can't tell, or whether out of the body I can't tell, God knows,) who was caught up to the third heaven.
 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body I can't tell, God knows,)
 4 How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it's not lawful for a man to speak.
 5 Of such a person I will glory, yet of myself I won't glory, but in my infirmities.
 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool, for I will say the truth, but now I refrain, so that no man will esteem me to be more than what he sees me to be, or that he hears about me.
 7 And so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure through the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure.
 8 For this thing I asked the Lord three times that it would go away from me.
 9 And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  Most gladly therefore I'll rather glory in my infirmities, so that the power of Christ will rest on me.
 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I'm strong.
 11 I've become a fool in glorying.  You've compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am behind the very top apostles in nothing, though I'm nothing.
 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you?  Forgive me this wrong.
 14 See, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I won't be burdensome to you, for I seek not what is yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
 16 But if it's so, I didn't burden you, anyway, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
 18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother.  Did Titus make a gain of you?  Didn't we walk in the same spirit?  Didn't we walk in the same steps?
 19 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 building up.
 20 For I'm afraid that when I come, I won't find you such as I would prefer, and so that you don't find me as you would like, and that there might be debates, envying, wraths, strife, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults,
 21 And so that when I come again, my God won't humble me among you, and so I won't lament many who've sinned already, and haven't repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lust that they've committed.

___2 Corinthians chapter 13
 1 This is the third time I am coming to you.  In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present the second time, and being absent now, I write to those who've previously sinned, and to all others, that if I come again, I won't spare.
 3 Since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God.  For we also are weak in him, but we'll live with him by the power of God toward you.
 5 Examine yourselves, whether you're in the faith, test your own selves.  Don't you know, your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you're reprobates?
 6 But I trust that you know that we aren't reprobates.
 7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not so we would appear approved, but so that you will do that which is honest, though we are as reprobates.
 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong, and this also we wish, your perfection.
 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I won't use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord has given me for building up, and not for destruction.
 11 Finally brothers, 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.
 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss.
 13 All the saints greet you.
 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.  Amen.

___Galatians chapter 1
 1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, nor by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead,)
 2 And all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia,
 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
 4 Who gave himself for our sins, so that he would give us deliverance from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father,
 5 To whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.
 6 I'm surprised that you're so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel,
 7 Which is not another, but there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preaches any other gospel to you than that which we've preached to you, let him be under a curse.
 9 As we said before, so I say now again, if any man preaches any other gospel to you than what you've received, let him be under a curse.
 10 For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I yet pleased men, I wouldn't be the servant of Christ.
 11 But I certify to you brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not according to man.
 12 For I didn't received it from man, nor was I taught it by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
 13 For you've heard of my lifestyle in the past in the Jews' religion, how I greatly persecuted the church of God, and wasted it,
 14 And profited in the Jews' religion more than many of my equals in my own nation, being much more zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
 16 To reveal his Son in me, so that I would preach him among the heathen, I didn't confer with flesh and blood,
 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I immediately went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
 19 But I didn't see any other apostles, except James the Lord's brother.
 20 Now the things that I write to you, see, before God, I'm not lying.
 21 Afterward I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia,
 22 And was unknown by face to the churches of Judea that were in Christ,
 23 But they had only heard that he that persecuted us in the past now preaches the faith that he once destroyed.
 24 And they glorified God in me.

___Galatians chapter 2
 1 Then fourteen years afterward, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, so that I won't somehow run, and wouldn't have run for nothing.
 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised,
 4 And that because of false brothers unknowingly brought in, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they could bring us into bondage,
 5 To whom we didn't give place by subjection even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would continue with you.
 6 But of those who seemed to be somewhat, (whatever they were, it doesn't matter to me, God doesn't accept any man's person,) for those who seemed to be somewhat, in conference added nothing to me,
 7 But to the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to me, like the gospel of the Jews was to Peter,
 8 (For he that worked effectively in Peter to the apostleship of the Jews, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles,)
 9 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 hands of fellowship, so that we should go to the heathen, and they to the Jews.
 10 Only they wanted us to remember the poor, which I also wanted to do.
 11 But when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed.
 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles, but after they arrived, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing the Jews.
 13 And the other Jews pretended with him also, so much that Barnabas was also carried away with their pretending.
 14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live the lifestyle of the Gentiles, and not like the Jews, why do you make the Gentiles live like the Jews?"
 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,
 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, we have believed in Jesus Christ, so that we would be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
 17 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.
 18 For if I build again the things that I destroyed, I make myself a sinner.
 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, so that I would live to God.
 20 I am crucified with Christ, however I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died for nothing.

___Galatians chapter 3
 1 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, so that you won't obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
 2 Just tell me this, did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
 3 Are you so foolish?  Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?
 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain?  If it is now in vain?
 5 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?
 6 Just like Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness.
 7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached the gospel before to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all nations be blessed."
 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, "Cursed is every one that doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them."
 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for, "The just shall live by faith."
 12 And the law is not of faith, but, "The man that does them shall live in them."
 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree,"
 14 So that the blessing of Abraham would come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
 15 Brothers, I speak in the style of men, though it is but a man's covenant, yet if it's confirmed, no man cancels it, or adds to it.
 16 Now to Abraham and his descendants were the promises made.  He doesn't say, "And to seeds," as about many, but as of one, "And to your seed," who is Christ.
 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before by God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred thirty years later, can't cancel, so that the promise would be of no effect.
 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
 19 What purpose then does the law serve?  It was added because of transgressions, until the seed would come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
 21 So then, is the law against the promises of God?  God forbid, for if there had been a law given that could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
 22 But the scripture has concluded all under sin, so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ would be given to those who believe.
 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith that would afterward be revealed.
 24 So the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, so that we'd be justified by faith.
 25 But after faith has come, we're no longer under a schoolmaster.
 26 For you're all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
 28 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.
 29 And if you are Christ's, then you're Abraham's descendants, and heirs according to the promise.
 

___Galatians chapter 4
 1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a servant, though he is lord of all,
 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.
 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world,
 4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
 5 To redeem those who were under the law, so that we'd receive the adoption of sons.
 6 And because you're sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, shouting, "Abba, Father."
 7 So you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
 8 But then, when you didn't know God, you did service to those who by nature are not gods.
 9 But now, after you've known God, or rather are known by God, how can you return to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
 10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
 11 I am afraid concerning you that I may have labored in vain.
 12 Brothers, I beg you, be like I am, for I'm like you are, you haven't injured me at all.
 13 You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the beginning.
 14 And my temptation that was in my flesh you didn't despise, nor reject, but received me like an angel of God, even like Christ Jesus.
 15 Where is then the blessedness you spoke about?  For I testify that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
 16 Have I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
 17 They zealously affect you, but not well, yes, they would exclude you, so that you would affect them.
 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
 19 My little children, for whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you.
 21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don't you hear the law?
 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh, but he of the freewoman was by promise.
 24 Which things are an example, for these are the two covenants, the one from mount Sinai produces bondage, which is Agar.
 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which is now, and is in bondage with her children.
 26 But Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
 27 For it is written, "Rejoice, you barren that doesn't bear, break forth and shout, you that doesn't travail, for the desolate has many more children than she that has a husband."
 28 Now we, brothers, like Isaac was, are the children of promise.
 29 But like then, he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
 30 Anyway what does the scripture say?  "Throw out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."
 31 So then, brothers, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free woman.

___Galatians chapter 5
 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
 2 See, I Paul say to you that if you're circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
 4 Christ has become of no effect to you, whoever of you are justified by the law, you've fallen from grace.
 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love.
 7 You ran well, who hindered you so that you wouldn't obey the truth?
 8 This persuasion doesn't come from him that called you.
 9 A little yeast leavens the whole lump.
 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you won't be otherwise minded, but he that troubles you shall have his punishment, whoever he is.
 11 And I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution?  Then the offence of the cross has stopped.
 12 I would prefer they were completely stopped who trouble you.
 13 For, brothers, you've been called to liberty, only don't use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve each other.
 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor like yourself."
 15 But if you bite and devour each other, be careful that you're not consumed by each other.
 16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.
 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to each other, so that you can't do the things that you want to do.
 18 But if you're led by the Spirit, you're not under the law.
 19 Now the works of the flesh are clear, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, false doctrine,
 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and like that, of which I tell you before, as I've also told you in the past, that those who do such things won't inherit the kingdom of God.
 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
 23 Meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.
 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking each other, envying each other.

___Galatians chapter 6
 1 Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore him in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, so you won't also be tempted.
 2 Carry each other's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
 3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then he'll have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in someone else.
 5 For every man shall carry his own burden.
 6 Let him that is taught in the word give to him that teaches in all good things.
 7 Don't be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man plants, that's what he'll harvest.
 8 For he that plants for his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but he that plants to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting.
 9 And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we'll reap, if we don't faint.
 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
 11 You see how long a letter I've written to you with my own hand.
 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they try to get you circumcised, only so they won't suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law, but desire to have you circumcised, so they can glory in your flesh.
 14 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.
 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.
 17 From now on, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
 18 Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen.
 

___Ephesians chapter 1
 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,
 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,
 4 Since he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and without blame before him in love,
 5 Having chosen us beforehand to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he has made us accepted in the beloved.
 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
 8 In which he has given us an abundance of all wisdom and prudence,
 9 Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he has purposed in himself,
 10 So that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he would gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him,
 11 In whom we have also obtained an inheritance, being chosen beforehand according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will,
 12 So that we would be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
 13 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 the Holy Spirit of promise,
 14 Which is the down payment of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.
 15 So I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints,
 16 Don't stop giving thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,
 17 So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,
 18 The eyes of your understanding being illuminated, so that you'll know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
 20 Which he accomplished in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come,
 22 And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
 23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

___Ephesians chapter 2
 1 And he has made you alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
 2 That you walked in, in the past, 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,
 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in the past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of anger, like others.
 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
 5 Even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you are saved,)
 6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
 7 So that in the ages to come he would show the great riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
 8 For by grace you're saved through faith, and not faith of yourselves, it is the gift of God,
 9 Not of works, so that no man will boast.
 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has appointed beforehand for us to walk in them.
 11 So, remember that you, being in the past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands,
 12 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,
 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.
 14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us,
 15 Having abolished in his flesh the hostility, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, to make in himself from two, one new man, so making peace,
 16 And so that he would reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having killed the hostility by that means,
 17 And came and preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near.
 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
 19 Now therefore you're no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,
 20 And have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the main cornerstone,
 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows up to a holy temple in the Lord,
 22 In whom you also are built together for a house of God through the Spirit.

___Ephesians chapter 3
 1 For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
 2 If you've heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that has been given to me for you,
 3 How by revelation he made known to me the mystery, (as I wrote before in few words,
 4 So that when you read, you'll understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
 5 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,
 6 So that the Gentiles would be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel,
 7 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.
 8 To me, who am less than the least of all saints, had this grace been given, so that I would preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
 9 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,
 10 So that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places would be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
 11 According to the eternal purpose that he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,
 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
 13 So I desire that you don't faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
 14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
 16 So that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,
 17 So that Christ will live in your hearts by faith, so that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
 18 Will be able to understand with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,
 19 And to know the love of Christ, that passes knowledge, so you'll be filled with all the fullness of God.
 20 Now to him that is able to do far above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
 21 To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.

___Ephesians chapter 4
 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, ask you please to walk worthy of the vocation with which you're called,
 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, patient with each other in love,
 3 Trying to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, just as you are called in one hope of your calling,
 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
 7 But to every one of us grace has been given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
 8 So he says, "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."
 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, so that he would fill all things.)
 11 And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers,
 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ,
 13 Until we all come to be united in 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,
 14 So that from now on, we won't anymore be children, tossed back and forth, and carried around by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they wait in ambush to deceive,
 15 But speaking the truth in love, will grow up into him in all things, who is the head, who is Christ,
 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effective working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body to the building up of itself in love.
 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that from now on, don't walk like other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their hearts,
 19 Who being past feeling, have given themselves over to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
 20 But that's not the Christ you've learned,
 21 If you've heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,
 22 That you put off concerning the former lifestyle the old man, that is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
 24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
 25 So, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor, for we are members of each other.
 26 Don't be angry, and don't sin, don't let the sun go down on your anger,
 27 And don't give place to the devil.
 28 Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, so that he'll have something to give to the needy.
 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, so that it will minister grace to the hearers.
 30 And don't grieve the holy Spirit of God, by which you're sealed until the day of redemption.
 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all hatred,
 32 And be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, like God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

___Ephesians chapter 5
 1 Therefore be followers of God, like dear children,
 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling odor.
 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is right for saints,
 4 Nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor kidding around, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks.
 5 For this you know, that no customer of prostitutes, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because of these things the anger of God comes on the children of disobedience.
 7 Therefore, don't be partakers with them.
 8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now you're light in the Lord, walk like children of light,
 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,)
 10 Proving what is acceptable to the Lord.
 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather correct them.
 12 For it is a shame even to speak about the things that are done by them in secret.
 13 But all things that are reproved are made clear by the light, for whatever makes clear is light.
 14 So he says, "Awake you who sleeps, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."
 15 Make sure then that you walk looking in all directions, not like fools, but as wise,
 16 Redeeming the time, 'cause the days are evil.
 17 So don't be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
 18 And don't be drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit,
 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 21 Submitting yourselves to each other in the fear of God.
 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, like to the Lord.
 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the savior of the body.
 24 Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
 25 Husbands, love your wives, like Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it,
 26 So that he would sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
 27 So that he would 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.
 28 Men ought to love their wives like their own bodies.  He that loves his wife loves himself.
 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, like the Lord does with the church,
 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
 31 For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh.
 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
 33 Anyway, let every one of you in particular love his wife like himself, and the wife see that she respects her husband.

___Ephesians chapter 6
 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
 2 Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with promise,)
 3 So that it will be well with you, and so you'll live long on the earth.
 4 And you fathers, don't provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
 5 Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, like to Christ,
 6 Not with eye service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
 7 With good will doing service, like to the Lord, and not to men,
 8 Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, he'll receive the same from the Lord, whether he's a bondman or free.
 9 And you masters, do the same things to them, without threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, nor is there respect of persons with him.
 10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so you'll be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
 12 For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but against princedoms, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places.
 13 So, take to yourselves the whole armor of God, so you'll be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 14 Stand therefore, having your loins clothed with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness,
 15 And for shoes, the preparation of the gospel of peace,
 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you'll be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and staying awake regarding that with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,
 19 And for me, that a way to speak will be given to me, so that I can open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds, so that in it I can speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
 21 But so that you'll also know my affairs, and how I'm doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things,
 22 Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, so that you'll know our affairs, and so he'll comfort your hearts.
 23 Peace be to the bothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 24 Grace be with all of those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.  Amen.

___Philippians chapter 1
 1 Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons,
 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 I thank my God at every remembrance of you,
 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he that has begun a good work in you will perform it, until the day of Jesus Christ,
 7 Since it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of my grace.
 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
 9 And this I pray, that your love will become abundant yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment,
 10 So that you'll approve things that are excellent, so that you'll be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ,
 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
 12 But I want you to understand, brothers, that the things that happened to me have happened rather for the furtherance of the gospel,
 13 So that my bonds in Christ are clear in all the palace, and in all other places,
 14 And many of the brothers in the Lord, becoming confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife, and some also of good will,
 16 The one preach Christ argumentatively, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds,
 17 But the others of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
 18 What then?  Anyway, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached, and I rejoice about that, yes, and will rejoice.
 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, so that I won't be ashamed in anything, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it is by life, or by death.
 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor, yet what I shall choose I don't know.
 23 For I face a difficult decision, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better,
 24 But, to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith,
 26 So your rejoicing will be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
 27 Only let your lifestyle be as is right for the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I'll hear of your affairs, so that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of hell, but to you of salvation, salvation from God.
 29 For to you it is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
 30 Having the same conflict that you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

___Philippians chapter 2
 1 If there is therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
 2 Fulfill my joy, so that you're like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.
 4 Don't look every man at his own things, but every man also at the things of others.
 5 Let this mind be in you, that was also in Christ Jesus,
 6 Who, being in the form of God, didn't see it as robbery to be equal with God,
 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took on himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men,
 8 And being found to apparently be a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient until death, even the death of the cross.
 9 So God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name,
 10 So that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth,
 11 And so every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
 12 So, my beloved, as you've always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes,
 15 So that you'll be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, among a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,
 16 Holding out the word of life, so that I'll rejoice in the day of Christ, so that I haven't run in vain, nor labored in vain.
 17 Yes, and if I'm offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
 18 For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.
 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, so I will also be of good comfort, when I know your condition.
 20 For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your condition.
 21 For all seek their own, not the things that are Jesus Christ's.
 22 But you know the proof of him, that like a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel.
 23 Therefore I hope to send him soon, after I see how it will go with me.
 24 But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, shall also come shortly.
 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my needs.
 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick.
 27 For indeed he was sick and near death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, so I wouldn't have sorrow added to sorrow.
 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, so that, when you see him again, you'll rejoice, and so that I'll be less sorrowful.
 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation,
 30 Because for the work of Christ he was near death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

___Philippians chapter 3
 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.  To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.  If any other man thinks that he has something about which he can trust in the flesh, I have more,
 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, concerning the law, a Pharisee,
 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church, concerning the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.
 7 But the things that were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
 8 Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I've suffered the loss of all things, and do count them as just manure, so I can win Christ,
 9 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,
 10 So that I'll know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death,
 11 If by any means I can obtain the resurrection of the dead.
 12 Not as though I've already obtained, or were already perfect, but I pursue, if I can take hold of that for which also I'm taken hold of, by Christ Jesus.
 13 Brothers, I don't count myself to have taken hold, but this one thing I do, forgetting the things that are in the past, and reaching out to the things that are ahead,
 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
 15 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.
 16 Anyway, to what we've already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
 17 Brothers, be followers together of me, and identify those who walk, compared with our example.
 18 (For many walk, about whom I've told you often, and now tell you with tears, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ,
 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
 20 For our conversation is in heaven, from where we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
 21 Who shall change our dirty body, so it will be fashioned like his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.

___Philippians chapter 4
 1 Therefore, my brothers, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
 2 I ask Euodias please, and ask Syntyche please, to be of the same mind in the Lord.
 3 And I ask you also, true partners, help those women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.
 4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice.
 5 Let your moderation be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.
 6 Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
 7 And the peace of God, that passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
 8 Finally brothers, 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's any virtue, and if there's any praise, think about these things.
 9 Do the things that you've learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, and the God of peace shall be with you.
 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again, in which you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.
 11 Not that I speak in respect of want, for I've learned, in whatever condition I'm in, to be content with it.
 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to enjoy plenty.  Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to have plenty and to be in need.
 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
 14 Anyway, you've done well that you gave for my affliction.
 15 Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church gave to me except you.
 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again for my needs.
 17 Not because I desire a gift, but I desire that there be abundant fruit in your account.
 18 But I have all, and have plenty, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that you sent, a sweet smelling odor, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
 19 But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
 20 Now to God our Father be glory forever and always.  Amen.
 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.  The brothers who are with me greet you.
 22 All the saints greet you, mainly those who of Caesar's household.
 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

___Colossians chapter 1
 1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are at Colosse, Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that you have to all the saints,
 5 For the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, about which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
 6 Which has come to you, as it has in all the world, and produces fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth,
 7 As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ,
 8 Who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, don't stop praying for you, and to desire that you'll be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
 10 So that you'll walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,
 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness,
 12 Giving thanks to the Father, who has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,
 13 Who has given us deliverance from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son,
 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, which is forgiveness of sins,
 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature,
 16 For by him all things were created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones, or dominions, or princedoms, or powers, all things were created by him, and for him,
 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things stick together.
 18 And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things he would have the priority.
 19 For it pleased the Father that all fullness would live in him,
 20 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 in earth, or things in heaven.
 21 And you, that were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now he has reconciled,
 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight,
 23 If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and aren't moved away from the hope of the gospel, that you've heard, and that has been preached to every creature under heaven, about which I, Paul, have been made a minister,
 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church,
 25 Of which I've been made a minister, according to the dispensation of God that has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
 26 The mystery that's been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made clear to his saints,
 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,
 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, so we can present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,
 29 For which I also labor, striving according to his working, who works in me mightily.

___Colossians chapter 2
 1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as haven't seen my face in the flesh,
 2 So that their hearts would be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God the Father, and of Christ,
 3 In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
 4 And this I say, so that no one will seduce you with enticing words.
 5 For though I'm absent in the flesh, yet I'm with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadiness of your faith in Christ.
 6 As you've therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
 7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as you've been taught, becoming abundant in it with thanksgiving.
 8 Beware so that no man spoils you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.
 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
 10 And you are complete in him, who is the head of all princedoms and power,
 11 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,
 12 Buried with him in baptism, in which you’ve also risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, that was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross,
 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days,
 17 Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ.
 18 Let no man cheat you out of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into the things that he hasn't seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God.
 20 So, if you're dead with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances,
 21 (Don't touch, don't taste, don't handle,
 22 Which all are to be destroyed with the using,) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
 23 Which things indeed have the appearance of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.

___Colossians chapter 3
 1 So if you've risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
 3 For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then you'll also appear with him in glory.
 5 Therefore kill your members that are on the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, lust, and covetousness, which is idolatry,
 6 For which things' sake the anger of God comes on the children of disobedience,
 7 In which you also once walked, when you lived in them.
 8 But now, put off also all of these: anger, hatred, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
 9 Don't lie to each other, seeing that you've put off the old man with his deeds,
 10 And have put on the new man, who is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him,
 11 Where there's neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all, and in all.
 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering,
 13 Being patient with each other, and forgiving each other, if any man has a quarrel against any, as Christ forgave you, you forgive too.
 14 And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you're called in one body, and be thankful.
 16 Let the word of Christ live in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him.
 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as is right in the Lord.
 19 Husbands, love your wives, and don't be harsh with them.
 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
 21 Fathers, don't provoke your children to anger, so they won't be discouraged.
 22 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,
 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men,
 24 Knowing that from the Lord you'll receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.
 25 But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong that he's done, and there is no respect of persons.

___Colossians chapter 4
 1 Masters, give to your servants what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
 2 Continue in prayer, and stay awake in prayer with thanksgiving,
 3 Praying also for us, so God would open to us a way to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,
 4 So that I will make it clear, as I ought to speak.
 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, so you'll know how you ought to answer every man.
 7 All my condition shall Tychicus tell you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord,
 8 Whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, so he'll know your situation, and comfort your hearts,
 9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.  They'll make known to you everything that's happening here.
 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (concerning whom you received commandments, if he comes to you, receive him,)
 11 And Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision.  Only these are my fellow workers in the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.
 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, so that you'll stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
 13 For I testify about him, that he has a great zeal for you, and for those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
 14 Luke, the beloved doctor, and Demas, greet you.
 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house.
 16 And when this letter is read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea.
 17 And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry that you've received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."
 18 The greeting by the hand of me, Paul.  Remember my shackles.  Grace be with you.  Amen.

___1 Thessalonians chapter 1
 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians that is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ, Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,
 3 Remembering without stopping your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God our Father,
 4 Knowing, beloved brothers, your election of God.
 5 For our gospel didn't come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
 6 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost,
 7 So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
 8 For the word of the Lord sounded out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is spread around, so that we don't need to say anything.
 9 For they themselves show about us what kind of arrival we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, who is Jesus, who gave us deliverance from the anger that's coming.

___1 Thessalonians chapter 2
 1 For yourselves, brothers, know our entrance in to you, that it was not in vain,
 2 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 a lot of opposition.
 3 For our preaching was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile,
 4 But as we were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.
 5 For we didn't at any time use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness,
 6 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.
 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nurse cherishes her children,
 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have given to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.
 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail, for laboring night and day, because we didn't want to be indebted to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe,
 11 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged each one of you, like a father does his children,
 12 So that you'd walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.
 13 For this reason also we thank God without stopping, because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you received it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, that effectively works also in you that believe.
 14 For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God that in Judea are in Christ Jesus, for you also have suffered similar things from your own countrymen, just as they have from the Jews,
 15 Who killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and they don't please God, and are contrary to all men,
 16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they'd be saved, to fill up their sins always, for the anger has come on them to the maximum.
 17 But we, brothers, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, tried the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
 18 So we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again, but Satan hindered us.
 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?  Aren't even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
 20 For you are our glory and joy.

___1 Thessalonians chapter 3
 1 So when we couldn't wait any longer, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone,
 2 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,
 3 So that no man would be moved by these afflictions, for you know that we are appointed to them.
 4 For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we would suffer tribulation, just as it has happened, and you know.
 5 For this reason, when I could no longer wait, I sent to know your faith, to make sure the tempter didn't successfully tempt you, and that our labor hasn't been in vain.
 6 But now when Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories about us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you,
 7 Therefore brothers, we were comforted about you in all our affliction and distress by your faith,
 8 For now we live, if you stand strong in the Lord.
 9 For what thanks can we give to God again for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we would see your face, and would perfect what is lacking in your faith?
 11 Now God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
 12 And the Lord make you increase and flourish in love toward each other, and toward all men, just as we do toward you,
 13 To the end that he will establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

___1 Thessalonians chapter 4
 1 Furthermore then, we ask you please brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you've received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would flourish more and more.
 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
 3 For this is the will of God, your being made holy, so that you'll abstain from fornication,
 4 So that each one of you knows how to possess his body in holiness and honor,
 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, like the Gentiles who don't know God,
 6 So that no man goes beyond and defrauds his brother in any matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we have also warned you and testified.
 7 For God hasn't called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
 8 He therefore that despises, doesn't despise man but God, who has also given us his Holy Spirit.
 9 But concerning brotherly love you don't need me to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love each other.
 10 And indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia, but we ask you please, brothers, to increase more and more,
 11 And to study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
 12 So that you'll walk honestly toward those who are outside, and so that you'll have lack of nothing.
 13 But I don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who've died, so you don't sorrow, like others who have no hope.
 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those also who sleep in Jesus, God will bring with him.
 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain at the coming of the Lord won't go ahead of those who are asleep.
 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first,
 17 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 always be with the Lord.
 18 So, comfort each other with these words.

___1 Thessalonians chapter 5
 1 But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you don't need me to write to you.
 2 For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
 3 For when they shall say, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction comes on them, like birth pangs on a woman with child, and they won't escape.
 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that that day would overtake you like a thief.
 5 You are all the children of light, and the children of the day, we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
 6 Therefore let's not sleep, like others, but let's stay awake and be sober.
 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.
 8 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.
 9 For God has not appointed us to anger, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
 10 Who died for us so that, whether we're awake or asleep, we'll live together with him.
 11 So, comfort yourselves together, and build up each other, as you've been doing.
 12 And we ask you please brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,
 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.  And be at peace among yourselves.
 14 Now we exhort you brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
 15 Make sure that no one returns evil for evil to any man, but always follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
 16 Rejoice more all the time.
 17 Pray without ceasing.
 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
 19 Don't quench the Spirit.
 20 Don't despise prophesying.
 21 Prove all things, hold tightly what is good.
 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you completely, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body will be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 24 Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it.
 25 Brothers, pray for us.
 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Amen.

___2 Thessalonians chapter 1
 1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
 2 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith grows very much, and the love is plenteous of each of you all toward each other,
 4 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,
 5 Which is a clear token of the righteous judgment of God, so that you'll be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer,
 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to repay troubles to those who trouble you,
 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who don't know God, and that don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power,
 10 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.
 11 So, we also pray always for you, so 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,
 12 So that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

___2 Thessalonians chapter 2
 1 Now we ask you please, brothers, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together to him,
 2 Don't be soon shaken in mind, nor be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter like from us, as that the day of Christ has arrived.
 3 Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day won't come, unless there's a falling away first, and that man of sin is revealed, the son of hell,
 4 Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, representing himself to be God.
 5 Don't you remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?
 6 And now you know what's holding back, so that he'll be revealed in his time.
 7 For the mystery of sin is already at work, only he who now restrains will restrain, until he's taken out of the way.
 8 And then that wicked one shall be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming,
 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
 10 And with all deceiving of unrighteousness in those who get destroyed, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, so that they'd be saved.
 11 And for this reason God shall send them strong delusion, so that they'll believe a lie,
 12 So they'll all be damned who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers, beloved by the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through making holy by the Spirit, and belief of the truth,
 14 To which he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 15 Therefore brothers, stand strong, and hold the traditions that you've been taught, whether by word, or our letter.
 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
 17 Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.

___2 Thessalonians chapter 3
 1 Finally brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord will have free course, and be glorified, just as it is with you,
 2 And that we'll have deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all men have faith.
 3 But the Lord is faithful, who'll establish you, and keep you from evil.
 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will do the things we command you.
 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
 6 Now we command you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition that he received from us.
 7 For yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we didn't behave ourselves disorderly among you,
 8 Nor did we eat any man's bread for nothing, but worked with labor and travail night and day, so we wouldn't be indebted to any of you,
 9 Not because we don't have authority, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us.
 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if anyone wouldn't work, he shouldn't eat.
 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly, not working at all, but are busybodies.
 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
 13 But you brothers, don't be weary in well doing.
 14 And if any man doesn't obey our word by this letter, note that man, and have no fellowship with him, so he'll be ashamed.
 15 Yet don't count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
 16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all.
 17 The greeting of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every letter, so I write.
 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

___1 Timothy chapter 1
 1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope,
 2 To Timothy, my own son in the faith, Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
 3 As I asked you to stay at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, so that you would instruct some that they teach no other doctrine,
 4 And not pay attention to fables and endless genealogies that raise questions rather than godly edifying which is in faith, do that.
 5 Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unpretended,
 6 From which some having swerved, have turned aside to vain babbling,
 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor about what they affirm.
 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully,
 9 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,
 10 For customers of prostitutes, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for kidnappers, for liars, for false witnesses, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, that was committed to my trust.
 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, 'cause he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
 13 Who was previously a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
 14 And the grace of our Lord was quite abundant with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
 15 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.
 16 But for this reason I obtained mercy, so that in me first, Jesus Christ would demonstrate all patience, for a pattern to those who would afterward believe on him for life everlasting.
 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and always.  Amen.
 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies that went before on you, so that by them you'll fight a good warfare,
 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck,
 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so they'll learn not to blaspheme.

___1 Timothy chapter 2
 1 I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men,
 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority, so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
 4 Who wants all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified about in due time.
 7 To whom, I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and don't lie,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
 8 Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without anger and doubting.
 9 Likewise also, that women adorn themselves in modest clothes, with modesty and staying sober, not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array,
 10 But (which is right for women professing godliness) with good works.
 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
 12 But I don't allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
 15 But anyway, she shall be saved when she bears children, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with soberness.

___1 Timothy chapter 3
 1 This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work.
 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach,
 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy bribes, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous,
 4 Someone who rules his own house well, having his children in subjection with all gravity,
 5 (For if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
 6 Not a novice, so he won't be lifted up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
 7 Also he must have a good report from those who are outside, so he won't fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
 8 Likewise, the deacons must be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy bribes,
 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
 10 And let these also first be proven, then let them use the office of a deacon, if they're found blameless.
 11 Even so, their wives must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
 13 For those who've used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
 14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
 15 But if I don't come soon, so that you'll know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness, God was presented in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

___1 Timothy chapter 4
 1 Now the Spirit speaks specifically, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils,
 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron,
 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to not eat meats, that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it's received with thanksgiving,
 5 For it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
 6 If you remind the brothers of these things, you'll be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, to which you've attained.
 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness.
 8 For bodily exercise is of little profit, but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
 10 For therefore we labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
 11 Command these things and teach them.
 12 Let no man despise your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
 13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
 14 Don't neglect the gift that is in you, that was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
 15 Meditate on these things, give yourself completely to them, so that your profiting will appear to all.
 16 Take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine, continue in it, for in doing this you'll save yourself and those who hear you.

___1 Timothy chapter 5
 1 Don't rebuke an elder, but reason with him like a father, and the younger men like brothers,
 2 The elder women like mothers, the younger like sisters, with all purity.
 3 Honor widows that are widows indeed.
 4 But if any widow has children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents, for that is good and acceptable before God.
 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
 6 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
 7 And these things give in charge, so that they'll be blameless.
 8 But if any man doesn't provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
 9 Don't let a widow be added to the membership list who's less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
 10 Well reported about for good works, if she has raised children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
 11 But the younger widows refuse, for when they've begun to grow wanton against Christ, they'll marry,
 12 Having damnation, because they have thrown off their first faith.
 13 And with that, they learn to be idle, wandering around from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things that they ought not.
 14 Therefore, I want the younger women to marry, have children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
 15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
 16 If any man or woman that believes has widows, let them relieve them, so the church won't have to do it, so that it can relieve those who are widows indeed.
 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
 18 For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn."  And, "The laborer is worthy of his reward."
 19 Against an elder don't receive an accusation, except before two or three witnesses.
 20 Those who sin rebuke before all, so others also will fear.
 21 I charge 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 favoritism.
 22 Don't lay hands suddenly on any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins, keep yourself pure.
 23 Drink no longer just water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
 24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment, and some men they follow afterward.
 25 Likewise also the good works of some are clear beforehand, and those who are otherwise can't be hidden.

___1 Timothy chapter 6
 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and his doctrine isn't blasphemed.
 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit.  These things teach and exhort.
 3 If any man teaches otherwise, and doesn't agree with wholesome words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness,
 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife of words, from which come envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
 5 Perverse disputes by men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness, from such withdraw yourself.
 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
 8 And having food and clothing let's be content with that.
 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a trap, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and hell.
 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted for, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
 11 But you, O man of God, flee those things, and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
 12 Fight the good fight of faith, take hold on eternal life, to which you're also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
 13 I give you commandment in the sight of God, who makes all things alive, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession,
 14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
 15 Who in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,
 16 Who only has immortality, living in the light that no man can approach, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom be honor and power everlasting.  Amen.
 17 Charge those who are rich in this world, not to be high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy,
 18 So that they do good, so that they are rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate,
 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they'll take hold on eternal life.
 20 O Timothy, keep that which has been committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science, falsely so called,
 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.  Grace be with you.  Amen.

___2 Timothy chapter 1
 1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son, grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that without stopping, I remember you in my prayers night and day,
 4 Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I'll be filled with joy,
 5 When I remember the unpretended faith that is in you, that lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in you also.
 6 So, I remind you to stir up the gift of God, that is in you by the putting on of my hands.
 7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 8 Therefore, don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God,
 9 Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
 10 But is now made clear by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
 11 To which I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
 12 For which reason I also suffer these things, but anyway I'm not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed to him against that day.
 13 Hold tightly the form of sound words, that you've heard from me, in faith and love that is in Christ Jesus.
 14 The good thing that was committed to you, keep by the Holy Ghost that lives in us.
 15 This you know, that all of those who are in Asia have turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
 16 The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
 17 But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
 18 The Lord grant to him that he'll find mercy from the Lord in that day, and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well.

___2 Timothy chapter 2
 1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
 2 And the things that you've heard from me among many witnesses, commit to faithful men, who'll be able to teach others also.
 3 Therefore endure hardship, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
 4 No soldier entangles himself with the affairs of this life, so that he'll please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
 5 And if a man also strives for masteries, yet he's not crowned, unless he strives legally.
 6 The farmer that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.
 7 Consider what I say, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.
 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,
 9 In which I suffer trouble, like a criminal, even as far as shackles, but the word of God is not shackled.
 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, so that they'll also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
 11 It is a faithful saying, for if we're dead with him, we'll also live with him,
 12 If we suffer, we'll also reign with him, if we deny him, he will also deny us,
 13 If we don't believe, yet he remains faithful, he can't deny himself.
 14 Remind them about these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
 15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
 16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
 17 And their word will eat like a canker, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus,
 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and overthrow the faith of some.
 19 Anyway, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his."  And, let everyone that names the name of Christ depart from sin.
 20 But in a great house there are not only containers of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
 21 If a man therefore purges himself from these, he'll be a container to honor, made holy, and ready for the master's use, and prepared for every good work.
 22 Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they cause strife.
 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,
 25 In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God will perhaps give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,
 26 And so they'll recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him whenever he wants.

___2 Timothy chapter 3
 1 Know this also, that in the last days dangerous times shall come.
 2 For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
 3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,
 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it, from such turn away.
 6 For of this sort are those who sneak into houses, and lead captive silly women loaded with sins, led away by various lusts,
 7 Always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 8 Now like Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
 9 But they shall proceed no further, for their foolishness shall be made clear to all men, as theirs also was.
 10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
 11 Persecutions, afflictions, that came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but the Lord gave me deliverance out of them all.
 12 Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
 13 But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
 14 But continue in the things that you've learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you've learned them,
 15 And that from a child you've known the holy scriptures, that are able to make you wise to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.
 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
 17 So the man of God will be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.

___2 Timothy chapter 4
 1 I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the alive and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom,
 2 Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all patience and doctrine.
 3 For the time will come when they won't endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts they'll heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears,
 4 And they'll turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn to fairy tales.
 5 But stay awake in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.
 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,
 8 From now on, a crown of righteousness has been laid up for me, that the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but to all of those also who love his appearing.
 9 Make a good effort to come shortly to me,
 10 For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
 11 Only Luke is with me.  Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
 12 And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
 13 The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments.
 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord reward him according to his works,
 15 Of whom you beware also, for he has greatly withstood our words.
 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me, I pray God that it won't be held against them.
 17 Anyway, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, so that by me the preaching would be fully known, and so all the Gentiles would hear, and I was given deliverance out of the mouth of the lion.
 18 And the Lord shall give me deliverance from every evil work, and will preserve me until his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and always.  Amen.
 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, but I've left Trophimus sick at Miletum.
 21 Make a good effort to come before winter.  Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.
 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Grace be with you.  Amen.

___Titus chapter 1
 1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth that is according to godliness,
 2 In hope of eternal life, that God, who can't lie, promised before the world began,
 3 But has in due times made clear his word through preaching, that has been committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior,
 4 To Titus, my own son after the common faith, Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
 5 For this reason, I left you in Crete, so you'd set in order the things that are lacking, and ordain elders in every city, like I appointed you,
 6 If someone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy bribes,
 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate,
 9 Holding tightly the faithful word as he has been taught, so that he'll be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince those who contradict.
 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things that they ought not for the sake of filthy bribes.
 12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."
 13 This witness is true.  So, rebuke them sharply, so that they'll be sound in the faith,
 14 Not paying attention to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
 15 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.
 16 They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate.

___Titus chapter 2
 1 But speak the things that are part of sound doctrine,
 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
 3 The aged women likewise, so that they are in behavior in agreement with holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things,
 4 So that they teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
 5 To be discreet, pure, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, so that the word of God isn't blasphemed.
 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
 7 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
 8 Sound speech, that can't be condemned, so that he that is of the contrary part will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about you.
 9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering back,
 10 Not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, so they'll adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,
 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,
 14 Who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all sin, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.  Let no man despise you.

___Titus chapter 3
 1 Remind them to be subject to princedoms and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,
 2 To speak evil about no man, to not be brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness to all men.
 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in hatred and envy, hateful, and hating each other.
 4 But after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
 5 Not by works of righteousness that we've done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,
 6 That he gave to us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
 7 So that being justified by his grace, we'd be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, so that those who've believed in God would be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable to men.
 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings regarding the law, for they are unprofitable and vain.
 10 A man that is a heretic reject after the first and second admonition,
 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sins, being condemned from himself.
 12 When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I've decided to spend the winter there.
 13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, so that nothing is lacking to them.
 14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, so that they aren't unfruitful.
 15 All that are with me greet you.  Greet those who love us in the faith.  Grace be with you all.  Amen.

___Philemon
 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,
 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house,
 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
 5 Hearing of your love and faith, that you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints,
 6 So that the communication of your faith will become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus.
 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
 8 So, though I might be quite bold in Christ to command you that which is convenient,
 9 Yet for love's sake I rather ask you please, being Paul the senior citizen, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
 10 I ask you please for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my shackles,
 11 Who in the past was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me,
 12 Whom I have sent back to you, therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels,
 13 Whom I would have retained with me, so that instead of you he could have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel,
 14 But without your mind I wouldn't do anything, so that your benefit wouldn't be because you had to, but willingly.
 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, so that you'd receive him forever,
 16 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?
 17 If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
 18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account,
 19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it, although I don't say to you how you owe me even your own self besides.
 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord, refresh my bowels in the Lord.
 21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you'll also do more than I say.
 22 But also, prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
 23 Epaphras greets you, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus,
 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.
 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen.

___Hebrews chapter 1
 1 God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in the past to the fathers by the prophets,
 2 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,
 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the specific image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
 5 For to which of the angels did he at any time say, "You're my Son, this day I've begotten you?"  And again, "I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
 6 And again, when he brings in the first Son into the world, he says, "And let all the angels of God worship him."
 7 And about the angels he says, "Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire."
 8 But to the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and always, a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.
 9 You've loved righteousness, and hated sin, therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your fellows."
 10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands,
 11 They shall be destroyed, but you remain, and they'll all grow old like a piece of clothing does,
 12 And like a vesture you'll fold them up, and they'll be changed, but you're the same, and your years won't fail."
 13 But to which of the angels did he say at any time, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?"
 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation?

___Hebrews chapter 2
 1 Therefore we ought to pay more earnest attention to the things that we've heard, so we won't at any time let them slip.
 2 For if the word spoken by angels was solid, and every transgression and disobedience received a proper punishment,
 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect such great salvation, which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him,
 4 God also bearing them witness, with signs and wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
 5 For he hasn't put the world to come in subjection to the angels, about which we speak.
 6 But someone in a certain place testified, saying, "What is man, that you are mindful of him?  Or the son of man, that you visit him?
 7 You made him a little lower than the angels, you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands,
 8 You've put all things in subjection under his feet."  For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that hasn't been put under him.  But now, we don't yet see all things put under him.
 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, so that he by the grace of God would taste death for every man.
 10 For it became 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.
 11 For he that sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one, which is why he's not ashamed to call them brothers,
 12 Saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers, in the church I'll sing praise to you."
 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him."  And again, "See, I and the children that God has given me."
 14 So, since the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, so that through death he would destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil,
 15 And give deliverance to those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
 16 For truly he didn't take on himself the nature of angels, but he took on himself the seed of Abraham.
 17 So in all things it behooved him to be made like his brothers, so that he would be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to strengthen those who are tempted.

___Hebrews chapter 3
 1 So, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus,
 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, like Moses was also faithful in all his house.
 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, since he who has built the house has more honor than the house.
 4 For every house has been built by some man, but the builder of all things is God.
 5 And Moses truly was faithful in all his house, like a servant, for a testimony of the things that were to be spoken afterward,
 6 But Christ as a son over his own house, whose house are we, if we hold tightly the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
 7 So (as the Holy Ghost says, "Today if you'll hear his voice,
 8 Don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness,
 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
 10 So I was grieved with that generation, and said, 'They always err in their heart, and they haven't known my ways.'
 11 So I swore in my anger, 'They won't enter into my rest.)'"
 12 Take heed, brothers, so there won't be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
 13 But exhort each other daily, while it is called today, so that none of you will be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steady until the end,
 15 While it is said, "Today if you'll hear his voice, don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation."
 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke, but not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years?  Was it not with those who had sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness?
 18 And to whom did he promise that they would not enter into his rest, but to those who didn't believe?
 19 So we see that they couldn't enter in because of unbelief.

___Hebrews chapter 4
 1 Let us therefore fear, so that, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, none of you will seem to come short of it.
 2 For the gospel was preached to us, as well as to them, but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
 3 For we that have believed 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.
 4 For he spoke in a certain place about the seventh day like this, "And God rested the seventh day from all his works."
 5 And in this place again, "If they shall enter into my rest."
 6 Therefore seeing it remains that some must enter into it, and those to whom it was first preached didn't enter in because of unbelief,
 7 Again, he limits a certain day, saying in David, today, after such a long a time, as it is said, "Today if you'll hear his voice, don't harden your hearts."
 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then he wouldn't afterward have spoken of another day.
 9 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.
 10 For he that has entered into his rest, has also stopped from his own works, like God did from his.
 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, so that no man will fall after the same example of unbelief.
 12 For the word of God is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the separating of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
 13 Nor is there any creature that is not clearly visible in his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold tightly our profession.
 15 For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched by the feeling of our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, so we can obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

___Hebrews chapter 5
 1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, so that he can offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins,
 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on those who are on the wrong road, because he himself also is surrounded by weakness.
 3 And because of that he ought, like for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that has been called by God, as was Aaron.
 5 So also Christ didn't glorify himself to be made a high priest, but he that said to him, "You're my Son, today I've begotten you."
 6 As he says also in another place, "You're a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
 7 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 because he feared,
 8 Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things he suffered,
 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey him,
 10 Called by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
 11 About whom we have many things to say, and hard to be said, seeing you are dull of hearing.
 12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again what are the first principles of the oracles of God, and have become those who need milk, not strong meat.
 13 For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.
 14 But strong meat belongs to those who are of full age, those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

___Hebrews chapter 6
 1 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,
 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
 3 And we'll do this, if God permits.
 4 For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
 6 If they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify to themselves the Son of God again, and put him to an open shame.
 7 For the earth that drinks in the rain that comes on it often, and produces vegetables appropriate for the farmers, receives blessing from God,
 8 But that which produces thorns and briers is rejected, and is near cursing, whose end is to be burned.
 9 But beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we talk like this.
 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, that you've shown toward his name, in that you've ministered to the saints, and do minister.
 11 And we desire that each one of you shows the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end,
 12 So that you're not slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,
 14 Saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."
 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
 16 For men truly swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
 17 In which God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the indestructability of his advice, confirmed it by an oath,
 18 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we would have a strong consolation, who've fled for refuge to take hold on the hope set before us,
 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that inside the veil,
 20 Where the one running ahead has entered for us, Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

___Hebrews chapter 7
 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him,
 2 To whom also Abraham gave one tenth of all, first being by interpretation "King of righteousness," and after that also "King of Salem," which is, "King of peace,"
 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, lives a priest continually.
 4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
 5 And truly those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take ten percent from the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though they come out of the loins of Abraham,
 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received ten percent from Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
 7 And without all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the greater.
 8 And here men that die receive ten percent, but there he receives it, about whom it is witnessed that he lives.
 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receives tenths, paid tenths in Abraham.
 10 For he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there for another priest to rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is necessarily a change made also of the law.
 13 For he about whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
 14 For it is evident that our Lord came out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
 15 And it is yet far more evident, that after the likeness of Melchizedek another priest arises,
 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
 17 For he testifies, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
 18 For there is truly a cancellation of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitability of it.
 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw near to God.
 20 And since with an oath he was made priest,
 21 (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 go back on it, 'You're a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,')"
 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety bond of a better testament.
 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue because of death,
 24 But this man, because he continues always, has an unchangeable priesthood.
 25 So he is able also to save to the uttermost those who come to God by him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
 26 For such a high priest was appropriate for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens,
 27 Who doesn't need daily, like 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.
 28 For the law makes men high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which was more recent than the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated forever.

___Hebrews chapter 8
 1 Now here is the summation of the things that we have spoken.  We have such a high priest, who sits at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, that the Lord pitched, and not man.
 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices, so it is necessary that this man have somewhat also to offer.
 4 For if he were on earth, he wouldn't be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law,
 5 Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for "See," he said, "that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain."
 6 But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for the second.
 8 For finding fault with them, he said, "See, the days come, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
 9 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 didn't continue in my covenant, and I didn't pay attention them, says the Lord.
 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, I'll put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I'll be to them a God, and they'll be to me a people,
 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord, for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.'
 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities I'll remember no more."
 13 In that he says, "A new covenant," he has made the first old.  Now that which decays and grows old is ready to vanish away.

___Hebrews chapter 9
 1 Then truly, the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
 2 For there was a tabernacle made, the first, in which was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary.
 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle that is called the Holiest of all,
 4 Which had the golden censer, and the gold plated ark of the covenant, in which was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant,
 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat, of which we can't now speak particularly.
 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
 7 But into the second, the high priest went alone once every year, not without blood, that he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people,
 8 The Holy Ghost thus signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made clear, while the first tabernacle was yet standing,
 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience,
 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and various washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
 11 But Christ having become 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,
 12 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.
 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean make holy, purifying the flesh,
 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
 15 And for this purpose he is the mediator of the new testament, so that by means of death, for the redemption of the sins that were under the first testament, those who are called would receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
 16 For where a testament is, there must necessarily also be the death of the testator.
 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.
 18 And so the first testament wasn't dedicated without blood, either.
 19 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 red wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
 20 Saying, "This is the blood of the testament that God has commanded to you."
 21 Also he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the containers of the ministry.
 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission of sin.
 23 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.
 24 For Christ hasn't entered into the holy places made by hands, which are the likenesses of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us,
 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others,
 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world, but now once in the end of the world he has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
 27 And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment,
 28 So Christ was once offered to carry the sins of many, and to those who look for him he'll appear the second time without sin for salvation.

___Hebrews chapter 10
 1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices that they offered year by year continually make the comers to it perfect.
 2 For then would they not have stopped being offered? Because the worshippers once purged would have had no more conscience of sins.
 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats can take away sins.
 5 So when he comes into the world, he says, "Sacrifice and offering you didn't want, but you've prepared for me a body,
 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you've had no pleasure.
 7 Then I said, 'See, I come (in the volume of the book it is written about me,) to do your will, Oh God.'"
 8 Above when he said, "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you didn't want, nor had pleasure in that, which are offered by the law,"
 9 Then he said, "See, I come to do your will, O God."  He takes away the first, so he can establish the second.
 10 By which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
 11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering often the same sacrifices, that can never take away sins,
 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
 13 From then on expecting, until his enemies would be made his footstool.
 14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified.
 15 About which the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us, for after he had said before,
 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I'll write them,
 17 And their sins and iniquities I won't remember anymore."
 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
 19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
 20 By a new and living way, that he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh,
 21 And having a high priest over the house of God,
 22 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.
 23 Let us hold tightly the profession of our faith without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised,)
 24 And let us consider each other to provoke to love and to good works,
 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting each other, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.
 26 For if we sin willfully after we've received the knowledge of the truth, no more sacrifice for sins remains,
 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses,
 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, shall he be thought worthy, who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite to the Spirit of grace?

 30 For we know him that has said, "Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord."  And again, "The Lord shall judge his people."
 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions,
 33 Partly, while you were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly, while you became companions of those who were treated that way.
 34 For you had compassion on me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
 35 Therefore don't throw away your confidence, which has great payment of reward.
 36 For you need patience, so that after you've done the will of God, you'll receive the promise.
 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not wait.
 38 Now "The just shall live by faith," but if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
 39 But we are not of those who draw back to hell, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

___Hebrews chapter 11
 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made from things that appear.
 4 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 spoke anyway.
 5 By faith Enoch was translated so that he didn't see death, and was not found, because God had translated him, for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved by fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his family, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness that is by faith.
 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place that he would afterward receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
 9 By faith he was a visitor in the land of promise, like in a strange country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise,
 10 For he looked for a city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
 11 Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and received deliverance from a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
 12 Therefore there sprang from one, and him as good as dead, as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and like the sand that is by the sea shore uncountable.
 13 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.
 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country that they had come out of, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly, so God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
 18 About whom it had been said, "In Isaac shall your seed be called,"
 19 Counting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, from where he'd also received him, sort-of.
 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.
 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel, and gave commandment concerning his bones.
 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,
 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he had respect to the payment of the reward.
 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king, for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
 28 Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, so that he that destroyed the firstborn wouldn't touch them.
 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea on dry land, which the Egyptians trying to do were drowned.
 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were surrounded seven days.
 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab didn't die with those who didn't believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
 32 And what shall I say more?  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,
 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
 34 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.
 35 Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, so that they'd obtain a better resurrection,
 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, also of bonds and imprisonment,
 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in pieces, were tempted, were killed by the sword, they wandered around in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented,
 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy,) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, didn't receive the promise,
 40 God having provided some better thing for us, so that they without us wouldn't be made perfect.

___Hebrews chapter 12
 1 So, seeing we are also surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
 2 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.
 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, so you won't be wearied and faint in your minds.
 4 You haven't yet resisted as far as bleeding, striving against sin.
 5 And you've forgotten the exhortation that speaks to you as to children, "My son, don't despise the spanking of the Lord, and don't faint when you're rebuked by him,
 6 For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and spanks every son whom he receives."
 7 If you endure spanking, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father doesn't spank?
 8 But if you're without spanking, of which all are partakers, then you're bastards, and not sons.
 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence.  Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live?
 10 For they, truly for a few days, spanked us as they saw fit, but he for our profit, so we'd be partakers of his holiness.
 11 Now no spanking for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous, but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it.
 12 So lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees,
 13 And make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame isn't turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed.
 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,
 15 Looking diligently so no man loses any of the grace of God, so no root of bitterness springing up troubles you, and by that many are defiled,
 16 So that there's no fornicator, or profane person, like Esau, who for one bit of food sold his birthright.
 17 For you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
 18 For you haven't come to the mount that can be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words, which voice those who heard asked that the word wouldn't be spoken to them anymore,
 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, "And if so much as an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart,"
 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I very much fear and shake.")
 22 But you've come to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an uncountable multitude of angels,
 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, that are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.
 25 See that you don't refuse him that speaks.  For if they didn't escape who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven,
 26 Whose voice then shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven."
 27 And this word, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of the things that are shaken, like about things that are made, so that the things that can't be shaken will remain.
 28 So, we receiving a kingdom that can't be moved, let us have grace, by which we can serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

___Hebrews chapter 13
 1 Let brotherly love continue.
 2 Don't be forgetful to entertain strangers, for by doing that, some have unknowingly entertained angels.
 3 Remember those who are in shackles, as bound with them, and those who suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
 4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but customers of prostitutes, and adulterers God will judge.
 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I'll never leave you, nor forsake you."
 6 So that we can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I won't fear what man can do to me."
 7 Remember those who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
 9 Don't be carried around by various and strange doctrines.  For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.  Not with foods, that haven't profited those who've been occupied with that.
 10 We have an altar, of which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.
 11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.
 12 So Jesus also, so that he'd make the people holy with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.
 13 Therefore let's go out to him outside the camp, carrying his reproach.
 14 For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
 15 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.
 16 But don't forget to do good and to give, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
 17 Obey those who have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, like those who must give account, so that they can do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.
 18 Pray for us, for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
 19 But I ask you please rather to do this, so I'll be returned to you sooner.
 20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
 21 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 forever and always.  Amen.
 22 And I ask you please, brothers, allow the word of exhortation, for I have written a letter to you in few words.
 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom, if he comes shortly, I'll see you.
 24 Greet all those who have the rule over you, and all the saints.  Those of Italy greet you.
 25 Grace be with you all.  Amen.