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Second Corinthians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of
God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at
Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2Grace be
to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4Who
comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted of God. 5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in
us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6And whether
we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which
is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation
and salvation.
7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing,
that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also
of the consolation. 8For we would not, brethren, have you
ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed
out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we
should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10Who
delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust
that he will yet deliver us; 11Ye also helping
together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by
the means of many persons thanks may 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 have had our conversation in the
world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13For we write none
other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye
shall acknowledge even to the end; 14As also ye have
acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are
ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto
you before, that ye might have a second benefit; 16And to
pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you,
and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17When I
therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I
purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should
be yea yea, and nay nay? 18But as God is true,
our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19For the Son of
God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me
and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20For
all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the
glory of God by us. 21Now he which stablisheth us with you in
Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also
sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23Moreover
I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as
yet unto Corinth. 24Not for that we have dominion over your
faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Chapter 2
1 But I determined this with myself, that I would
not come again to you in heaviness. 2For if I make you sorry,
who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by
me? 3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I
should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having
confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4For
out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many
tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love
which I have more abundantly unto you.
5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved
me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6Sufficient
to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many. 7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive
him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be
swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8Wherefore I beseech you
that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9For to
this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether
ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any
thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I
forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of
Christ; 11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices.
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach
Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13I
had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but
taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 14Now
thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,
and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15For
we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in
them that perish: 16To the one we are the savour of
death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who
is sufficient for these things? 17For we are not as
many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God,
in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Chapter 3
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need
we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters
of commendation from you? 2Ye are our epistle written in our
hearts, known and read of all men: 3Forasmuch as ye are
manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us,
written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in
tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4And such
trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5Not that we are
sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our
sufficiency is of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new
testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth,
but the spirit giveth life. 7But if the ministration of
death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the
children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the
glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8How
shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9For
if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the
ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10For even
that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of
the glory that excelleth. 11For if that which is done away was
glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great
plainness of speech: 13And not as Moses, which put a
vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly
look to the end of that which is abolished: 14But their minds
were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in
the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in
Christ. 15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the
vail is upon their heart. 16Nevertheless when it shall turn
to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17Now the Lord is
that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
liberty. 18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass
the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Chapter 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we
have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the
hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the
word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending
ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3But
if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe
not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image
of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’
sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7But
we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not
distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted,
but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always
bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life
also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we
which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the
life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So
then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the
same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and
therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14Knowing
that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus,
and shall present us with you. 15For all things are
for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving
of many redound to the glory of God. 16For which cause we
faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man
is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are
seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are
eternal.
Chapter 5
1 For we know that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from
heaven: 3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found
naked. 4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan,
being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon,
that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5Now he that
hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath
given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6Therefore we are
always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we
are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by
sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather
to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore
we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10For
we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that
he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11Knowing
therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made
manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your
consciences.
12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but
give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer
them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13For
whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be
sober, it is for your cause. 14For the love of Christ
constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then
were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they
which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him
which died for them, and rose again.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the
flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now
henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man
be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are
of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath
given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in
Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made
him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him.
Chapter 6
1 We then, as workers together with him,
beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For
he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of
salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted
time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3Giving no
offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4But
in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in
much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5In
stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in
fastings; 6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by
kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7By the word
of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the
right hand and on the left, 8By honour and dishonour, by evil
report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9As
unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as
chastened, and not killed; 10As sorrowful, yet alway
rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things.
11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto
you, our heart is enlarged. 12Ye are not straitened in us,
but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 13Now for a
recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also
enlarged. 14Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And
what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that
believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the
temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will
be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come
out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not
the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will
be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the
Lord Almighty.
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. 2Receive us; we have
wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3I
speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before,
that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4Great
is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying
of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our
tribulation.
5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh
had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were
fightings, within were fears. 6Nevertheless God, that
comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of
Titus; 7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation
wherewith 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.
8For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent,
though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you
sorry, though it were but for a season. 9Now I
rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to
repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might
receive damage by us in nothing. 10For godly sorrow worketh
repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the
world worketh death. 11For behold this selfsame thing, that
ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea,
what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what
fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what
revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in
this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it
not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that
suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might
appear unto you. 13Therefore we were comforted in your
comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus,
because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14For if I have
boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all
things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before
Titus, is found a truth. 15And his inward affection is more
abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how
with fear and trembling ye received him. 16I rejoice
therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Chapter 8
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace
of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a
great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep
poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3For to
their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they
were willing of themselves; 4Praying us with much
intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the
fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5And this
they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the
Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6Insomuch that we
desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the
same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in
faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in
your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8I
speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others,
and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9For ye know the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your
sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10And
herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have
begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11Now
therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a
readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that
which ye have. 12For if there be first a willing mind, it
is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according
to that he hath not. 13For I mean not that other men
be eased, and ye burdened: 14But by an equality, that
now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want,
that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that
there may be equality: 15As it is written, He that had
gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered
little had no lack.
16 But thanks be to God, which put the same
earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17For indeed he
accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he
went unto you. 18And we have sent with him the brother, whose
praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19And
not that only, but who was also chosen of 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: 20Avoiding
this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is
administered by us: 21Providing for honest things, not only
in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22And
we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved
diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great
confidence which I have in you. 23Whether any do
enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper
concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the
messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24Wherefore
shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of
our boasting on your behalf.
Chapter 9
1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it
is superfluous for me to write to you: 2For I know the
forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia,
that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you
should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4Lest
haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we
(that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren,
that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty,
whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a
matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly
shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap
also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all
grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work: 9(As it is written, He hath
dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth
for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both
minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and
increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11Being enriched
in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us
thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service
not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God; 13Whiles by the experiment of this
ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the
gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them,
and unto all men; 14And by their prayer for you, which
long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Chapter 10
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and
gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but
being absent am bold toward you: 2But I beseech you,
that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith
I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked
according to the flesh. 3For though we walk in the flesh, we
do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And
having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience
is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward
appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him
of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are
we Christ’s. 8For though I should boast somewhat more of
our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for
your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9That I may not
seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10For his
letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his
bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11Let
such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we
are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or
compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring
themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are
not wise. 13But we will not boast of things without our
measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath
distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14For we
stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching
the gospel of Christ: 15Not boasting of things without our
measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when
your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to
our rule abundantly, 16To preach the gospel in the regions
beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things
made ready to our hand. 17But he that glorieth, let him glory
in the Lord. 18For not he that commendeth himself is
approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Chapter 11
1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my
folly: and indeed bear with me. 2For I am jealous over you
with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may
present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear,
lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so
your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4For
if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or
if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or
another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very
chiefest apostles. 6But though I be rude in speech,
yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you
in all things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing
myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the
gospel of God freely? 8I robbed other churches, taking wages of
them, to do you service. 9And when I was present with
you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking
to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things
I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I
keep myself. 10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man
shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11Wherefore?
because I love you not? God knoweth. 12But what I do, that I
will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion;
that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13For
such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for
Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore
it is no great thing if his ministers also be 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, that I may boast myself a little. 17That
which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18Seeing that many
glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19For ye suffer
fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20For ye
suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if
a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on
the face. 21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had
been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any 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 seed of Abraham? so am
I. 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am
more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons
more frequent, in deaths oft. 24Of the Jews five times
received I forty stripes save one. 25Thrice was I
beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a
night and a day I have been in the deep; 26In
journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of
robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in
perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in
the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among
false brethren; 27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings
often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28Beside
those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care
of all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is
offended, and I burn not? 30If I must needs glory, I will
glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31The God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore,
knoweth that I lie not. 32In Damascus the governor under
Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison,
desirous to apprehend me: 33And through a window in a basket
was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Chapter 12
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I
will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I knew a
man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot
tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an
one caught up to the third heaven. 3And I knew such a man,
(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4How
that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which
it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5Of such an one will I
glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6For
though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say
the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me
above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of
me. 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the
abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the
flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted
above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My
grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore
I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have
compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing
am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12Truly
the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in
signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 13For what is it
wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I
myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 14Behold,
the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome
to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay
up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15And I
will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly
I love you, the less I be loved. 16But be it so, I did not
burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17Did
I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18I
desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a
gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in
the same steps? 19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves
unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things,
dearly beloved, for your edifying. 20For I fear, lest, when I
come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be
found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates,
envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me
among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned
already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and
lasciviousness which they have committed.
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. 2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I
were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them
which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I
will not spare: 3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in
me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4For
though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of
God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the
power of God toward you. 5Examine yourselves, whether ye be
in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how
that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6But I
trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we
should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest,
though we be as reprobates. 8For we can do nothing against
the truth, but for the truth. 9For we are glad, when we are
weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your
perfection. 10Therefore I write these things being absent,
lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which
the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort,
be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be
with you. 12Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13All
the saints salute you. 14The 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, neither by man, but
by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2And
all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3Grace
be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord
Jesus Christ, 4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might
deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and
our Father: 5To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that
called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7Which
is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the
gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now
again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye
have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to
please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of
Christ. 11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which
was preached of me is not after man. 12For I neither received
it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus
Christ. 13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in
the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of
God, and wasted it: 14And profited in the Jews’ religion
above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of
the traditions of my fathers. 15But when it pleased God, who
separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16To
reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;
immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17Neither
went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went
into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18Then after
three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him
fifteen days. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save
James the Lord’s brother. 20Now the things which I write unto
you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21Afterwards I came into
the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22And was unknown by face
unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23But they
had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth
the faith which once he destroyed. 24And they glorified God in
me.
Chapter 2
1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to
Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2And
I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I
preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation,
lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3But
neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be
circumcised: 4And that because of false brethren unawares
brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5To whom
we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the
gospel might continue with you. 6But of these who seemed to be
somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth
no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in
conference added nothing to me: 7But contrariwise, when they
saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the
gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8(For he
that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision,
the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9And when
James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace
that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of
fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the
circumcision. 10Only they would that we should remember
the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood
him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12For before that
certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were
come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the
circumcision. 13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with
him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their
dissimulation. 14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly
according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them
all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as
do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15We
who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16Knowing
that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by
the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17But if,
while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18For
if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a
transgressor. 19For I through the law am dead to the law, that
I might live unto God. 20I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life
which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who
loved me, and gave himself for me. 21I do not frustrate the
grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is
dead in vain.
Chapter 3
1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that
ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been
evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I
learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the
hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the
Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4Have ye suffered
so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5He
therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among
you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted
to him for righteousness. 7Know ye therefore that they which
are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8And the
scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all
nations be blessed. 9So then they which be of faith are blessed
with faithful Abraham. 10For as many as are of the works of the
law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one
that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
to do them. 11But that no man is justified by the law in the
sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12And
the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13Christ
hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for
it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14That
the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15Brethren,
I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s
covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth
thereto. 16Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed,
which is Christ. 17And this I say, that the covenant,
that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four
hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the
promise of none effect. 18For if the inheritance be of
the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to
Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was
added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the
promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a
mediator. 20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but
God is one. 21Is the law then against the promises of
God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given
life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22But
the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of
Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23But before
faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which
should afterwards be revealed. 24Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a
schoolmaster. 26For ye are all the children of God by faith in
Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye
are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ’s,
then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Chapter 4
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a
child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2But
is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3Even
so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the
world: 4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent
forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem
them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And
because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a
servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service
unto them which by nature are no gods. 9But now, after that ye
have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak
and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10Ye
observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid
of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am
as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how
through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the
first. 14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised
not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as
Christ Jesus. 15Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for
I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have
plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16Am I
therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well;
yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. 18But 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, of whom I travail in birth
again until Christ be 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, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye
not hear the law? 22For it is written, that Abraham had two
sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23But he
who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the
freewoman was by promise. 24Which things are an
allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai,
which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25For this Agar is
mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in
bondage with her children. 26But Jerusalem which is above is
free, which is the mother of us all. 27For it is written,
Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou
that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she
which hath an husband. 28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are
the children of promise. 29But as then he that was born after
the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it
is now. 30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out
the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir
with the son of the freewoman. 31So then, brethren, we are not
children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Chapter 5
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith
Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of
bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be
circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3For I testify
again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the
whole law. 4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever
of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5For
we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6For
in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 7Ye did run
well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This
persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9A little
leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10I have confidence in you
through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that
troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11And
I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer
persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12I would
they were even cut off which trouble you.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;
only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love
serve one another. 14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even
in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15But if ye
bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of
another. 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye
shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are
contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the
law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions,
heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and
such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you
in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom
of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are
Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If
we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us
not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Chapter 6
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye
which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one
another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3For if a
man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth
himself. 4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall
he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5For
every man shall bear his own burden. 6Let him that is taught in
the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be
not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As
we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own
hand. 12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh,
they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer
persecution for the cross of Christ. 13For neither they
themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you
circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14But God
forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15For
in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16And as many as walk
according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the
Israel of God. 17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I
bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18Brethren, the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
TOP
Ephesians
Chapter 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to
the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace
be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places
in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in
love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus
Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To
the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the
beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein
he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made
known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he
hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness
of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we
have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of
him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That
we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In
whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that
holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the
Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16Cease not to give thanks
for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom
and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And
what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right
hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and
power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the
church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in
all.
Chapter 2
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in
trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the
spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom
also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the
children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love
wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath
quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath
raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the
exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man
should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past
Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the
Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye 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: 13But
now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of
Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having
abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained
in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making
peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the
cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace
to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through
him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the
saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together
groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are
builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Chapter 3
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for
you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of
God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made
known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby,
when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which
in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed
unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles
should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in
Christ by the gospel: 7Whereof I was made a minister, according to
the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his
power. 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this
grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of
Christ; 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ: 10To the intent that now unto the
principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church
the manifold wisdom of God, 11According to the eternal purpose which
he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12In whom we have boldness and
access with confidence by the faith of him. 13Wherefore I desire that
ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is
named, 16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his
glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in
love, 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19And to know the love of
Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of
God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto
him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
Chapter 4
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that
ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of
the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one
Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord,
one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is
above all, and through all, and in you all. 7But unto every one of us
is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore
he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts
unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also
descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that
descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might
fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of
the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no
more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait
to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in
all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the
whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint
supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part,
maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye
henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18Having
the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the
ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19Who
being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all
uncleanness with greediness. 20But ye have not so learned Christ; 21If
so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in
Jesus: 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old
man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be
renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25Wherefore
putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members
one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down
upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let
him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his
hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to
the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And
grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Chapter 5
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And
walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an
offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4Neither
filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but
rather giving of thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor
unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in
the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain
words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of
disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For
ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as
children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all
goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10Proving what is acceptable
unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to
speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13But all
things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth
make manifest is light. 14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15See
then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming
the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not
drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking
to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto
God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For
the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:
and he is the saviour of the body. 24Therefore as the church is
subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in
every thing. 25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved
the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any
such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So
ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife
loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but
nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we
are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his
wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32This is a great mystery: but
I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33Nevertheless let every
one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see
that she reverence her husband.
Chapter 6
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is
right. 2Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment
with promise;) 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live
long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to
wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 5Servants,
be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with
fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will
of God from the heart; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord,
and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,
the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9And,
ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that
your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of
faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I
may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For
which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought
to speak. 21But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I
do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make
known to you all things: 22Whom I have sent unto you for the same
purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your
hearts. 23Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace be with all
them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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