The first Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesus Christ by the will of God, and brother
Timotheus.
Unto the congregation of God, which is at Corinthum, with all the
saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be with you and peace from God
our father, and from the lord Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus the Christ, father of
mercy, and the God of all comfort, which comforteth us in all our
tribulation, insomuch that we are able to comfort them which are
troubled, in whatsoever tribulation it be, with the same comfort
wherewith we our selves are comforted of God. For as the afflictions of
Christ are plenteous in us: even so is our consolation plenteous by
Christ.
Whether we be troubled for your consolation, and health, which health
sheweth her power in that ye suffer the same afflictions which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted for your consolation and health: yet
our hope is steadfast for you inasmuch as we know how that as ye have
your part in afflictions, so shall ye be part takers of consolation.
Brethren I would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which happened
unto us in Asia. For we were grieved out of measure passing strength,
so greatly that we despaired even of life. Also we received an answer
of death in ourselves, and that was done because we should not put our
trust in ourselves: but in God, which raiseth the dead to life again:
Which delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, on whom we
trust, that yet hereafter he will deliver us, by the help of your
prayer for us: That by the means of many occasions, thanks may be given
of many on our behalf, For the grace given unto us.
Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we with
out doubleness, but with godly pureness: not in fleshly wisdom, but by
the grace of God, have had our conversation in the world, and most of
all to youwards. We write no other things unto you, than that ye read
and also know. Yee and I trust ye shall find us unto the end even as ye
have found us partly, for we are your rejoicing, even as ye are ours in
the day of the lord Iesus.
And in this confidence was I minded the other time to have come unto
you (that ye might have had a double pleasure,) and to have passed by
you into Macedonia, and to have come again out of Macedonia unto you,
and to have been led forth to Iewryward of you.
When I thuswise was minded: Did I use lightness? Or think I carnally
those things which I think? that with me should be yea yea, and nay
nay. God is faithful: For our preaching unto you, was not yea and nay.
For God's son Iesus Christ which was preached among you by us (that is
to say by me and Silvanus and Thimotheus) was not yea and nay: but in
him it was Yea: For all the promises of God, in him are Yea: and are in
him Amen, unto the laud of God thorow us. It is God which stablisheth
us and you in Christ, and hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us,
and hath given the earnest of the spirit into our hearts.
I call God for a record unto my soul, that for to favor you with all, I
came not any more unto Corinthum. Not that we be lords over your faith:
but helpers of your joy. For by faith ye stand.
The .ij. Chapter.
But I determined this in myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness. For if I make you sorry: who is it that should make me glad,
but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same pistel
unto you, lest if I came, I should take heaviness of them, of whom I
ought to rejoice. Certainly this confidence have I in you all, that my
joy is the joy of you all. For in great affliction and anguish of heart
I wrote unto you with many tears: not to make you sorry, but that ye
might perceive the love which I have most specially unto you.
If any man hath caused sorrow, the same hath not made me sorry: but
partly, lest I should grieve you all. It is sufficient unto the same
man that he was rebuked of many. So that now contrarywise ye ought to
forgive him and comfort him: lest that same should be swallowed up with
overmuch heaviness. Wherefore I exhort you, that love may have strength
over him. For this cause verily did I write, that I might know the
proof of you, whether ye should be obedient in all things. To whom ye
forgive any thing, I forgive also. And verily if I forgive any thing,
to whom I forgave it for your sakes forgave I it, in the room of
Christ, lest Satan should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown
unto us.
When I was come to Troada for Christ's Gospel's sake (and a great door
was opened unto me of the lord) I had no rest in my spirit, because I
found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them and went away
into Macedonia. Thanks be unto God which always giveth us the victory
in Christ, and openeth the savor of his knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God the sweet savor of Christ, both among them that are
saved, and also among them which perish: to the one part are we the
savor of death unto death: unto the other part are we the savor of life
unto life. And who is meet unto these things? For we are not as many
are which chop and change with the word of God: but as they which speak
of pureness, and as they which speak off God in the sight of God, so
speak we in Christ.
The .iij. Chapter.
We begin to praise ourselves again. Need we as some other of pistels of
recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation from you? Ye are
our pistel written in our hearts, which is understood and read of all
men, in that ye are known, how that ye are the pistel of Christ,
ministered by us and written, not with ink: but with the spirit of the
living God, not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.
Such trust have we thorow Christ to Godward, not that we are sufficient
of ourselves to think any thing as it were of ourselves: but our
ableness cometh of God, which hath made us able to minister the new
testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit: For the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
If the ministration of death thorow the letters figured in stones was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not behold the face of
Moses for the glory of countenance (which glory nevertheless is done
away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be much more
glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious: much more
doth the administration of righteousness exceed in glory. For no doubt
that which was there glorified is not once glorified in respect of this
exceeding glory. Then if that which is destroyed was glorious, much
more shall that which remaineth be glorious.
Seeing then that we have such trust we use great boldness, and do not
as Moses, which put a veil over his face that the children of Israell
should not see for what purpose that served which is put away. But
their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same
covering untaken away in the old testament when they read it, which in
Christ is put away: But even unto this day, when Moses is read the veil
hangeth before their hearts. Nevertheless when they turn to the lord,
the veil shall be taken away. The lord no doubt is a spirit. And where
the spirit of the lord is, there is liberty. And now the lordis glory
appeareth in us all, as in a glass: and we are changed unto the same
similitude, from glory to glory, even of the lord which is a spirit.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Therefore seeing that we have such an office, even as mercy is come on
us, we faint not: but have cast from us the cloaks of unhonesty, and
walk not in craftiness, neither corrupt we the word of God: but walk in
open truth, and report ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight
of God.
If our Gospell be yet hid, it is hid among them that are lost, in whom
the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest should shine unto them the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
which is the image of God, for we preach not ourselves, but Christ
Iesus the lord, and preach ourselves your servants for Iesus' sake. For
it is God that commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which hath
shined in our hearts, for to give the light of knowledge of the
glorious God, in the face of Iesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellent power
of it might appear to be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on
every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in poverty: but not
utterly without somewhat. We are persecuted: but are not forsaken. We
are cast down: nevertheless we perish not. And we always bear in our
bodies the dying of the lord Iesus, that the life of Iesu might appear
in our bodies. For we which live, are always delivered unto death for
Iesus' sake, that the life also of Iesu might appear in our mortal
flesh. So then death worketh in us, and life in you. Seeing then that
we have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written (I
believed and therefore have I spoken) we also believe, and therefore
speak. For we know that he which raised up the lord Iesus, shall raise
up us also by the means of Iesus, and shall set us with you, for all
things I do for your sakes, that the plenteous grace by thanks given of
many, may redound to the praise of God.
Wherefore we are not wearied, but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day. For our exceeding tribulation,
which is momentary and light, prepareth an exceeding, and eternal
weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things which are
seen, but on the things which are not seen. For things which are seen,
are temporal: but things which are not seen are eternal.
The .v. Chapter.
We know surely if our earthy mansion wherein we now dwell were
destroyed, that we have a building ordained of God, an habitation not
made with hands, but eternal in heaven: And herefore sigh we, desiring
to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: if it happen that
we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in this
tabernacle, we sigh and are grieved: for we would not be unclothed: but
would be clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. He
that hath ordained us for this thing, is God: which very same hath
given unto us the earnest of the spirit.
We are always of good cheer, and know well that as long as we are at
home in the body we are absent from God. For we walk in faith and see
not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and had lever to be absent
from the body and to be present with God. Wherefore we endeavor
ourselves, whether we be at home or from home, to please God. For we
must all be brought before the judgement seat of Christ that every man
may receive the works of his body according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad? Seeing then that we know how the lord is to
be feared, we fare fair with men. For we are known well enough unto
God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences.
We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to
rejoice of us, that ye may have somewhat against them, which rejoice in
the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too fervent, to God are we
to fervent: if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the
love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be dead
for all, that then are all dead, and that he died for all, because that
they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves: but unto
him which died for them and rose again.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. Insomuch that
though we have known Christ after the flesh, now henceforth know we him
so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
Nevertheless all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto
himself by Iesus Christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach
the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the
world and him self, and imputed not their sins unto them: and hath
committed to us the preaching of the atonement.
Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ: even as though God
did beseech you thorow us: So pray we you in Christe's stead, that ye
be at one with God: for he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew
no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which before
God is allowed.
The .vj. Chapter.
We as helpers therefore exhort you, that ye receive not the grace of
God in vain. For he saith: I have heard thee in a time accepted: and in
the day of health, have I succoured thee. Behold now is that well
accepted time: behold now is the day of health. Let us give no man
occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all
things let us behave ourselves as the ministers of God.
In much patience, in afflictions, in necessity, in anguish, in stripes,
in prisonment, in strife, in labour, in watch, in fasting, in pureness,
in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the holy ghost, in love
unfeigned, in the words of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness of the right hand and on the left hand, in honour and
dishonour, in evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true,
as unknown, and yet known: as dying and behold we yet live: as
chastened and not killed: as sorrowing and yet alwaye merry: as poor
and yet make many rich: as having no thing and yet possessing all
things.
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is made large:
ye are not brought into cumbrance by us, though that ye vex yourselves
of a true meaning. I speake unto you as unto children, which have like
reward with us: Stretch yourselves therefore out. bear not the yoke
with the unbelievers. For what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? What company hath light with darkness? What concord
hath Christ with beliall? Either what part hath he that believeth with
an infidel? how agreeth the temple of God with images? And ye are the
temple of the living God, as said God: I will dwell among them, and
walk among them, and will be their God: and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and separate yourselves (saith the
lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you, and will be
a father unto you, and ye shall be unto me sons and daughters, saith
the lord almighty.
The .vij. Chapter.
Seeing that we have such promises derely beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and grow up to
full holiness in the fear of God. Understand us: we have hurt no man:
we have corrupted no man: we have defrauded no man. I speak not this to
condemn you: for I have shewed you before that ye are in our hearts to
die and live with you. I am very bold over you, and rejoice greatly in
you. I am filled with comfort, my joy exceeding in all our
tribulations. For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no
rest, but we were troubled on every side: Outward was fighting, inward
was fear. Nevertheless he that comforteth the abject, comforted us at
the coming of Titus.
And not with his coming only: but also with the consolation wherewith
he was comforted of you. For he told us your desire, your mourning,
your fervent mind to meward: So that I now rejoice the more. Wherefore
though I made you sorry with a letter I repent not: though I did
repent. For I perceive that that same Epistle made you sorry though it
were but for a season. But I now rejoice, not that ye were sorry, but
that ye so sorrowed, that ye repented. For ye sorrowed godly: so that
in nothing were ye hurt by us. For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto
health, not to be repented of: when worldly sorrow causeth death.
Behold what diligence this godly sorrow that ye took hath wrought in
you: yee it caused you to clear yourselves. It caused indignation, it
caused fear, it caused desire, it caused a fervent mind, it caused
punishment. For in all things ye have shewed yourselves that ye were
clear in that business. Wherefore though I have written unto you, I did
it not for his cause that did hurt, neither for his cause that was
hurt: but that our good mind which we have toward you in the sight of
God, might appear unto you.
Therefore we are comforted, because ye are comforted: yee and
exceedingly the more joyed we, for the joy that Titus had: because his
spirit was refreshed of you all. I am therefore not now ashamed, though
I boasted myself to him of you. For as all things which I preached unto
you are true, even so is our boasting, that I boasted myself to Titus
with all, found true. And now is his inward affection more abundant
toward you, when he remembereth the obedience of every one of you: how
with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice that I may be bold
over you in all things.
The .viij. Chapter.
I do you to wit brethren of the grace of God, which is given in the
congregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance of their rejoicing
is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And how that their
poverty, though it be deep, yet hath followed over, and is be come unto
them riches in singleness. For to their powers (I bear them record) yee
and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, and
prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and
suffer them to be part takers with other in ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves
first to the lord, and after unto us by the will of God: so that we
could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same benevolence among you
also, even as he had begun.
Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parts, in faith, in word, in
knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have to us: even
so see that ye be plenteous in this benevolence. This say I not as
commanding: but because other are so fervent, therefore prove I your
love, whether it be perfect or no. Ye know the liberality of our lord
Iesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet for your sakes became
poor: that ye thorow his poverty might be made rich.
And I give counsel hereto: For this is expedient for you, which began,
not to do only: but also to will, a year ago. Now therefore perform the
deed, that as there was in you a readiness to will, even so ye may
perform the deed, of that which ye have. For if there be first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not
according to that he hath not.
It is not my mind that other be set at ease, and ye brought into
cumbrance: but that there be egalness. Let your abundance succour their
lack at this present time of dearth: that their abundance may supply
your lack: that there may be equality, agreeing to that which is
written: He that gathered much had never the more abundance, and he
that gathered little, had nevertheless. Thanks be unto God, which put
in the heart of Titus the same good mind toward you. For he accepted
our request. yee rather he was so well willing, that of his own accord
came unto you.
We have sent with him that brother whose laud is in the gospel thorow
out all the congregations: and not so only, but is also chosen of the
congregations to be a fellow with us in our journey, as concerning this
benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the lord, and
to stir up your prompt mind. And this we eschew that any man should
rebuke us in this abundance, that is ministered by us, and make
provision for honest things, not in the sight of God only, but also in
the sight of men.
We have sent with them a brother of ours whom we have oft times proved
diligent in many things, but now much more diligent. The great
confidence which I have in you hath caused me this to do: partly for
Titus' sake which is my fellow, and helper as concerning you: partly
because of other which are our brethren, and the messengers of the
congregations, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew unto them the
proof of your love, and of the rejoicing that we have of you, that the
congregations may see it.
The .ix. Chapter.
Of the ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to write
unto you: for I know your readiness of mind, whereof I boast myself
unto them of Macedonia, and say that Achaia was prepared a year ago,
and your ferventness hath provoked many. Nevertheless yet have I sent
these brethren, lest our rejoicing over you should be in vain in this
behalf, and that ye (as I have said) prepare yourselves, lest
peradventure if they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared,
the boast that I made in this matter should be a shame to us: I say not
unto you.
Wherefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, to come before
hand unto you, for to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that
it might be ready: so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding. This
yet remember, how that he which soweth little, shall reap little: and
he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. And let every man do
according as he hath purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of
necessity. For God loveth a cheerful giver.
God is able to make you rich in all grace, that ye in all things having
sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all manner good works, as
it is written: He that sparse abroad and hath given to the poor, his
righteousness remaineth for ever. He that findeth the sower seed, shall
minister bread for food, and shall multiply your seed, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness that on all parts, ye may be made rich in
all singleness, which causeth thorow us, thanks giving unto God.
For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the
saints: but also is abundant herein, that for this laudable
ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God for
the obedience in knowledging the gospel of Christ, and for your
singleness, in distributing to them, and to all men. and in their
prayers to God for you, long after you, for the abundant grace of God
given unto you. Thanks be unto God for his ineffable gift.
The .x. Chapter.
I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and softness of Christ, which
when I am present among you, am of no reputation, but am bold toward
you being absent. I beseech you that I need not to be bold when I am
present (with that same confidence, wherewith I am supposed to be bold)
against some which repute us as though we walked carnally. Nevertheless
though we walk compassed with the flesh, yet we war not fleshly. For
the weapons of our war are not carnal things, but things mighty in God
to cast down strongholds, wherewith we overthrow imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bring into captivity all understanding to the obedience of Christ, and
are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is
fulfilled. Look ye on things after the utter appearance.
If any man trust in himself that he is Christi's, let the same also
consider of himself, that as he is Christi's, even so are we Christe's.
And though I should boast myself somewhat more of our authority which
the lord hath given us to edify and not to destroy you, it should not
be to my shame. This say I, lest I should seem as though I went about
to make you afraid with letters. For the pistels (saith he) are sore
and strong: but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech homely. Let
him that is such think on this wise, that as we are in words by letters
when we are absent, such are we in deeds when we are present.
For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of
them, or to compare ourselves to them, which laud themselves: but while
they measure themselves with themselves, and compare themselves with
themselves, they understand nought. But we will not rejoice above
measure: but according to the quantity of the measure which God hath
distributed unto us, a measure that reacheth even unto you. For we
stretch not out ourselves beyond measure as though we had not reached
unto you. For even unto you have we come with the gospel of Christ, and
we boast not ourselves out of measure in other men's labors: yee and we
hope, When your faith is increased among you, to be magnified according
to our measure more largely: And to preach the gospel in those regions
which are beyond you: and not to rejoice of that which is by another
man's measure prepared all ready. Let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in
the lord. For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed: but he whom the
lord praiseth.
The .xj. Chapter.
Would to God, ye could suffer me a little in my foolishness: yee, and I
pray you forbear me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For
I coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin to Christ: But I
fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve, thorow his subtlety, even so
your wits should be corrupt from the singleness that is in Christ. For
if he that cometh to you preach another Iesus than him whom we
preached: or if ye receive another spirit than that which ye have
received: either another gospel than that ye have received, ye might
right well have been content.
I suppose that I was not behind the chief Apostles. Though I be rude in
speaking, yet I am not so in knowledge. How be it among you we are
known to the utmost what we are in all things. Did I therein sin,
because I submitted myself, that ye might be exalted? and because I
preached the gospel to you free? I robbed other congregations, and took
wages of them, to do you service with all. And when I was present with
you and had need, I was grievous to no man. For that which was lacking
unto me, the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all
things I kept myself that I should not be grievous to you: and so will
I keep myself.
If the truth of Christ be in me, this rejoicing shall not be taken from
me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God
knoweth. Nevertheless what I do, that will I do to cut away occasion
from them which desire occasion, that they might be found like unto us
in that wherein they rejoice: For these false apostles are deceitful
workers, and fashion them selves like unto the Apostles of Christ. And
no marvel, for Satan himself is changed into the fashion of an angel of
light. Therefore it is no great thing, though his ministers fashion
themselves as though they were the ministers of righteousness: whose
end shall be according to their deeds.
I say again lest any man think that I am foolish: or else even now take
me as a fool, that I may boast myself a little. That I speak, I speak
it not after the ways of the lord: but as it were foolishly, while we
are now come to boasting. Seeing that many rejoice after the flesh I
will rejoice also. For ye suffer fools gladly because that ye
yourselves are wise. For ye suffer even if a man bring you into
bondage: if a man devour: if a man take: if a man exalt himself: if a
man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning rebuke, as though we
had been weak.
Whereinsoever any man dare be bold (I speak foolishly) I dare be bold
also. They are Hebrews, so am I: They are Israelites, even so am I:
They are the seed of Abraham, even so am I. They are the ministers of
Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more: In labors more abundant: In
stripes above measure: In prison more plenteously: In death often. Of
the Iewes five times received I every time xl. stripes, one except.
Thrice was I beaten with rods. I was once stoned. I suffered thrice
shipwreck. Night and day have I been in the deep of the sea. In
journeying often: In perils of waters In perils of robbers. In
jeopardies of mine own nation: In jeopardies among the heathen. I have
been in perils in cities, in perils in wilderness, in perils in the
sea, in perils among false brethren, in labour and travail, in watching
often, in hunger, in thirst, in fastings often, in cold and in
nakedness.
Beside the things which outwardly happen unto me, I am cumbered daily
and do care for all congregations. Who is sick: and I am not sick? Who
is hurt in the faith: and my heart burneth not? If I must needs
rejoice, I will rejoice of mine infirmities.
God the father of our lord Iesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore,
knoweth that I lie not. In the city of Damaschon, the governor of the
people under king Aretas, laid watch in the city of the Damascens, and
would have caught me, and at a window was I let down in a basket thorow
the wall, and so escaped his hands.
The .xij. Chapter.
It is not expedient for me no doubt to rejoice, Nevertheless I will
come to visions and revelations of the lord. I know a man in Christ
above xiiij years agone (whether he were in the body I cannot tell, or
whether he were out of the body I cannot tell, God knoweth) which was
taken up into the third heaven. And I know the same man (whether in the
body, or out of the body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how that he was
taken up into paradise, and heard words not to be spoken, which no man
can utter. Of this man will I rejoice, of myself will I not rejoice,
except it be of mine infirmities: and yet though I would rejoice I
should not be a fool: for I would say the truth. Nevertheless I spare,
lest any man should think of me above that he seeth me to be, or
heareth of me.
And lest I should be exalted out of measure thorow the abundance of
revelations, there was given unto me of God unquietness of the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me: because I should not be exalted
out of measure. For this thing besought I the lord thrice, that it
might depart from me: and he said unto me: my grace is sufficient for
thee. For my strength is made perfect thorow weakness. Very gladly
therefore will I rejoice of my weakness, that the strength of Christ
may dwell in me. Therefore have I delectation in infirmities, in
rebukes, in need, in persecutions, in anguish, for Christi's sake. For
when I am weak, then am I strong.
I am made a fool in boasting myself. Ye have compelled me: I ought to
have been commended of you. For in nothing was I inferior unto the
chief apostles, though I be nothing, yet the tokens of an apostle were
wrought among you with all patience: with signs, and wonders, and
mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferiors unto other
congregations? except it be therein that I was not grievous unto you.
Forgive me this wrong done unto you. Behold now the third time I am
ready to come unto you, neither will I be grievous unto you. For I seek
not yours but you. Also the children ought not to lay up for the
fathers and mothers: but the fathers and mothers for the children.
I will very gladly bestow, and will be bestowed for your souls: though
the more I love you, the less I am loved again. But be it that I
grieved you not: nevertheless I was crafty and took you with guile. Did
I pill you by any of them which I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and
with him I sent a brother: Did Titus defraud you of any thing? walked
we not in one spirit? walked we not in like steps? Again, think ye that
we excuse ourselves? we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
But we do all things dearly beloved for your edifying. For I fear lest
it come to pass, that when I come, I shall not find you such as I
would: and I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: I fear lest
there be found among you lawynge, envying, wrath, strife, backbitings,
whisperings, swellings, and debate. I fear lest when I come again, God
bring me low among you, and I be constrained to bewail many of them
which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness,
and fornication, and wantonness which they have committed.
The .xiij. Chapter.
Now come I the third time unto you: in the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word stand. I told you before, and tell you
before, as I said when I was present with you the second time, so write
I now being absent to them which in time past have sinned, and to all
other: If I come again, I will not spare seeing that ye seek experience
of Christ which speaketh in me, which among you is not weak, but is
mighty in you. And verily though it came of weakness that he was
crucified, yet liveth he thorow the power of God: and we no doubt are
weak in him: but we shall live with him, by the might that God gave us
to youward.
Prove yourselves whether ye are in the faith or not. Examine your own
selves: know ye not your own selves, how that Iesus Christ is in you?
except ye be castaways. I trust that ye shall know that we are not
castaways. I desire before God that ye do none evil, not that we should
seem commendable: but that ye should do, that which is honest: and let
us be counted as lewd persons. We can do nothing against the truth, but
for the truth. We are glad when we are weak, and ye strong. This also
we wish for, even that ye were perfect. Therefore write I these things
being absent, lest when I am present I should use sharpness according
to the power which the lord hath given me, to edify, and not to
destroy.
Furthermore brethren fare ye well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be
of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace, shall be
with you. Greet one another in an holy kiss. All the saints salute you.
The faveour of our lord Iesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the holy ghost, be with you all Amen
The second pistle to the Corinthians. Sent from Phillippos a citie in
Macedonia by Titus and Lucas.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Galathians.
The first Chapter.
Paul an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Iesus Christ, and
by God the father which raised him from death, and all the brethren
which are with me.
Unto the congregations of Galacia. Grace be with you and peace from God
the father, and from our lord Iesus Christ, which gave himself for our
sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, thorow the will of
God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever Amen.
I marvel that ye are so soon turned from him that called you in the
grace of Christ, unto another gospell, which is nothing else, but that
there be some which trouble you, and intend to pervert the gospell of
Christ. Nevertheless though we ourselves, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospell unto you than that which we have preached unto
you, hold him as accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any
man preach any other thing unto you, than that ye have received, hold
him accursed. Seek I now the faveour {or doctrine} of men, or of God?
Other go I about to please men? If I studied to please men, I were not
the servant of Christ.
I certify you brethren, that the gospell which was preached of me, was
not after the manner of men, neither received I it of man, neither was
I taught it: but received it by the revelation of Iesus Christ. Ye have
heard of my conversation in times past in the Iewes' ways, how that
beyond measure I persecuted the congregation of God, and spoiled it:
and prevailed in the jewes' law, above many of my companions, which
were of mine own nation, and was a much more fervently maintained the
traditions of the elders.
But when it pleased God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and
called me by his grace, for to declare his son by me, that I should
preach him among the heathen: Immediately I commended not of the matter
with flesh and blood, neither returned to Ierusalem to them which were
Apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto
Damascus. Then after three years, I returned to Ierusalem unto Peter
and abode with him xv days, no other of the Apostles saw I, save Iames
the lord's brother. The things which I write, behold, God knoweth I lie
not.
After that I went into the coasts of Siria and Cicill: and was unknown
as touching my person unto the congregations of Iewry, which were in
Christ. But they heard only, that he which persecuted us in time past,
now preacheth the faith, which before he destroyed. And they glorified
God in me.
The second Chapter.
Then xiiij. years there after, I went up again to Ierusalem with
Barnabas, and took with me Titus also. Yee, and I went up by
revelation, and commended with them of the gospell, which I preach
among the gentiles: but apart with them that are counted chief, lest it
should have been thought that I should run, or had run in vain. Also
Titus which was with me, though he were a greek, yet was not compelled
to be circumcised, and that because of incomers being false brethren,
which came in among others to spy out our liberty which we have in
Christ Iesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave no
room, no not for the space of an hour, as concerning to be brought into
subjection: and that because that the truth of the gospell might
continue with you.
Of them which seemed to be great (what they were in time passed it
maketh no matter to me: God looketh on no man's person) nevertheless
they which seem great, added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they
saw that the gospell over the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as
the gospell over circumcision was unto Peter (For he that was mighty in
Peter in the Apostleship over the circumcision, the same was mighty in
me among the gentiles:) and as soon as Iames, Cephas, and Ihon, which
seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they
gave to me and Barnabas their hands, and agreed with us that we should
preach among the heathen, and they among the Iewes: warning only that
we should remember the poor, which thing also I was diligent to do.
When Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him in the face, for he was
worthy to be blamed. For yer that certain came from Iames, he ate with
the gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated
himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision, and the other
Iewes dissembled likewise, In so much that Barnabas was brought into
their simulation also. But when I saw that they went not the right way
after the truth of the gospell, I said unto Peter, before all men, if
thou being a Iewe, livest after the manner of the gentiles, and not as
do the Iewes: why causest thou the gentiles to follow the Iewes? we
which are Iewes by nature and not sinners of the gentiles, know that a
man is not justified by the deeds of the law: but by the faith of Iesus
Christ: and we have believed on Iesus Christ, that we might be
justified by the faith of Christ and not by the deeds of the law:
because that no flesh shall be justified by the deeds of the law: If
then while we seek to be made righteous by Christ, we ourselves are
found sinners, is not then Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For
if I build again that which I destroyed, then make I my self a
trespasser. But I thorow the law am dead to the law, that I might live
unto God. I am crucified with Christ. I live verily, yet now not I, but
Christ liveth in me. The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by
the faith of the son of God, which loved me, and gave himself for me. I
despise not the grace of God: For if righteousness come of the law,
then is Christ dead in vain.
The .iij. Chapter.
O foolish Galatians: who hath bewitched you, that ye should not believe
the truth? to whom Iesus Christ was described before the eyes, and
among you crucified? This only would I learn of you, received ye the
spirit by the deeds of the law? or else by preaching of the faith? Are
ye so unwise, that after ye have begun in the spirit, ye would now end
in the flesh? So many things ye have suffered in vain. If it be so that
ye have suffered in vain. Which ministered to you the spirit, and
worketh miracles among you doth he it thorow the deeds of the law? or
by preaching of the faith? Even as Abraham believed God, and it was
ascribed to him for righteousness. Understand therefore, that they
which are of faith, are the children of Abraham.
The scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen thorow
faith, and shewed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: In thee shall
all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith, are blessed
with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law,
are under malediction. For it is written: cursed is every man that
continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
to fulfil them. That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God
is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith:
but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live
in them. Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was
made a cursed for us (for it is written: Cursed is everyone that
hangeth on tree) that the blessing of Abraham might come on the
gentiles thorow Iesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the
spirit thorow faith.
Brethren I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's
testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth any thing thereto when it
is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He
saith not, in thy seeds as in many: But in thy seed, as in one, which
is Christ. This I say that the law which began afterward, beyond iiij.
C. and xxx. years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed
of God unto Christward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the
inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it
unto Abraham by promise.
Wherefore then serveth the law? The law was added because of
transgression (till the seed came to which the promise was made) and it
was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. A mediator is not a
mediator of one. But God is one. Is the law then against the promise of
God? God forbid. If there had been a law given which could have given
life: then no doubt righteousness should have come by the law: but the
scripture concluded all things under sin, that the promise by the faith
of Iesus Christ, should be given unto them that believe. Before that
faith came, we were kept and shut up under the law, unto the faith
which should afterward be declared.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto the time of Christ, that we
might be made righteous by faith. But after that faith is come, now are
we no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the sons of God, by
the faith which is in Christ Iesus. For all ye that are baptised, have
put Christ on you. Now is there no Iewe, neither greek: there is
neither bond, neither free: there is neither man, neither woman: for
all are one thing in Christ Iesu. If ye be Christe's, then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs by promise.
The .iiij. Chapter.
And I say that the heir as long as he is a child differeth not from a
servant, though he be lord of all, but is under tutors and governors,
until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, as long as we were
children, were in bondage under the ordinances of the world: But when
the time was full come, God sent his son born of a woman, and made bond
unto the law, to redeem them which were under the law: that we thorow
election should receive the inheritance that belongeth unto the natural
sons. Because ye are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son into our
hearts, which crieth Abba father. Wherefore now art thou not a servant,
but a son. If thou be the son, thou art also the heir of God thorow
Christ.
Notwithstanding, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which
by nature were no goddes: But now seeing ye know God (yee rather are
known of God) how is it that ye turn again unto the weak and beggarly
ceremonies, whereunto again ye desire afresh to be in bondage? Ye
observe the days, and months, and times, and years. I fear of you, lest
I have bestowed on you labour in vain.
Brethren I beseech you, be ye as I am: for I am as ye are. Ye have not
hurt me. Ye know well how that thorow infirmity of the flesh, I
preached the gospell unto you at the first: and my temptation which I
suffered by reason of my flesh, ye despised not, neither abhorred: but
received me as an Angel of God: yee as Christ Iesus. How happy were ye
then? for I bear you record that if it had been possible, ye would have
digged out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I so greatly
become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
They are jealous over you amiss. Yee they intend to exclude you that ye
should be fervent to themward. It is good always to be fervent, so it
be in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
My little children (of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be
fashioned in you) I would I were with you now, and could change my
voice, for I stand in a doubt of you. Tell me ye that desire to be
under the law: have ye not heard of the law? For it is written that
Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman.
Yee and he which was of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh: but he
which was of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken
mystery. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount
Sina, which gendreth unto bondage, which is Agar. (For mount Sinai is
called Agar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now
Ierusalem) and is in bondage with her children.
But Ierusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all.
For it is written: rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break
forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many
more children, than she which hath an husband. Brethren we are after
the manner of Isaac children of promise: But as then he that was born
carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually, Even so is it now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture: Cast a way the bondwoman and her
son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the
free woman. So then brethren we are not children of the bondwoman: but
of the freewoman.
The .v. Chapter.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and wrap not yourselves again in the yoke of bondage. Be hold I Paul
say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you
nothing at all. I testify again to every man which is circumcised that
he is bound to keep the whole law. Ye are gone quite from Christ as
many as are justified by the law, and are fallen from grace. We look
for and hope to be justified by the spirit which commeth of faith. For
in Iesu Christ, neither is circumcision anything worth, neither yet
uncircumcision, but faith which by love is mighty in operation. Ye did
run well. Who was a lett unto you, that ye should not obey the truth?
Even that counsel that is not of him that called you. A little leaven
doth leaven the whole lump of dough.
I have trust toward you in God, that ye will be none otherwise minded.
He that troubleth you shall bear his judgement, whatsoever he be.
Brethren if I yet preach circumcision: why do I then yet suffer
persecution? For then had the offense which the cross giveth ceased. I
would to God they were sundered from you which trouble you. Brethren ye
were called into liberty, only let not your liberty be an occasion unto
the flesh but in love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled
in one word, which is this: Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself.
If ye bite and devour one another: take heed lest ye be consumed one of
another.
I say walk in the spirit, and fulfil not the lusts of the flesh. For
the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to
the flesh. These are contrary one to the other, so that ye cannot do
that which ye would. But and if ye be led of the spirit, then are ye
not under the law. The deeds of the flesh are manifest, which are
these, advoutry, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness, idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, lawyinge, zeal, wrath, strife, sedition, parte
takings, envying, murder, drunkenness, gluttony, and such like: of the
which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they
which commit such things shall not be inheritors the kingdom of God:
but the fruit of [the] spirit is, love, joy, peace, longsuffering
gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperancy: Against such
there is no law. They that are Christi's, have crucified the flesh with
the appetites and lusts. If we live in the spirit let us walk in the
spirit. Let us not be vain glorious, provoking one another, and envying
one another.
The .vj. Chapter.
Brethren, if any man be fallen by chance into any fault: ye which are
spiritual, help to amend him, in the spirit of meekness: considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burden: and
so fulfil the law of Christ. If a man seem to himself that he is
somewhat when indeed he is nothing, the same deceiveth himself in his
imagination. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have
rejoicing in his own self, and not in another. For every man shall bear
his own burden.
Let him that is taught in the word, minister unto him that teacheth him
in all good things. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatsoever
a man soweth, that shall he reap. He that soweth in his flesh, shall of
the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth in the spirit shall, of
the spirit reap life everlasting. Let us do good, and let us not faint.
For when the time is come we shall reap without weariness. While we
have therefore time let us do good unto all men, and specially, unto
them which are of the household of faith.
Behold how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
As many as desire with utward appearance to please carnally, they
constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer
persecution with the cross of Christ. For they them selves which are
circumcised keep not the law: but desire to have you circumcised that
they might rejoice in your flesh. God forbid that I should rejoice but
in the cross of our lord Iesu Christ, whereby the world is crucified as
touching me, and I as concerning the world. For in Christ Iesu nether
circumcision availeth any thing at all nor uncircumcision: but a new
creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them,
and mercy, and upon Israhel that pertaineth to God. From hence forth,
let no man put me to business. For I bear in my body the marks of the
lord Iesu. Brethren the grace of our lord Iesu Christe be with your
spirit, Amen.
Unto the Galathyans written from Rome.
The pistel of S. Paul to the Ephesians.
The first Chapter.
Paul an apostle of Iesu Christ, by the will of God.
To the saints at Ephesus, and to them which believe on Iesus Christ.
Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the lord
Iesus Christ.
Blessed be God the father of our lord Iesus Christ, which hath blessed
us with all manner of spiritual blessings in heavenly things by Christ,
according as he had chosen us in him thorow love, before the foundation
of the world was laid, that we should be saints, and without blame in
his sight. And ordained us before unto him self that we should be
chosen to heirs thorow Iesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his
will, to the praise of his glorious grace, where with he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
By whom we have redemption thorow his blood, that is to say the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, which grace
he shed on us abundantly in all wisdom, and prudency. And hath opened
unto us the mystery of his will according to his pleasure, and purposed
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come,
that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the
things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ:
that is to say in him in whom we are made heirs, and were thereto
predestinate according to the purpose of him which worketh all things
after the purpose of his own will: that we should be unto the praise of
his glory, which before hoped in Christ.
In whom also ye (after that ye heard the word of truth, I mean the
gospell of your health, wherein ye believed) were sealed with the holy
spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem
the possession purchased unto the laud of his glory.
Wherefore even I (after that I heard of the faith which ye have in the
lord Iesu, and love unto all the saints) cease not to give thanks for
you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our lord
Iesus Christ, and the father of glory, might give unto you the spirit
of wisdom, and open to you the knowledge of himself, and lighten the
eyes of your minds, that ye might know what thing that hope is,
whereunto he hath called you, and how glorious the riches of his
inheritance is upon the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of
his power to usward, which believe according to the working of that his
mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from
death, and set him on his right hand in heavenly things, above all
rule, power, and might, and domination, and above all names that are
named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come. And hath
put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things, the
head of the congregation, which is his body, and fullness of him, that
filleth all in all things.
The .ij. Chapter.
And hath quickened you also that were dead in trespass and sin, in the
which in time passed ye walked, according to the course of this world,
and after the governor, that ruleth in the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of unbelief, among which we also had our
conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the
will of the flesh, and of the mind: and were naturally the children of
wrath, even as well as other.
But God which is rich in mercy thorow his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened us with Christ (For
by grace are ye saved) and with him hath raised us up, and with him
hath made us sit in heavenly things, thorow Iesus Christ, For to shew
in times to come the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to
usward, thorow Christ Iesus. For by grace are ye made safe thorow
faith, and that not of your selves: For it is the gift of God, and
cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Iesu unto good works, unto the which God
ordained us before, that we should walk in them.
Wherefore remember that ye being in time past gentiles in the flesh,
and were called uncircumcision of them which are called circumcision in
the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember I say, that ye
were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from the
common wealth of Israhel, and were fremed from the testaments of
promise, and had no hope, and were without God in this world. But now
in Christ Iesu, ye which a while ago were far off, are made nigh by the
blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken down
the wall in the midst, that was a stop between us, and hath also put
away thorow his flesh, the cause of hatred (that is to say, the law of
commandments contained in the law written,) for to make of twain one
new man in himself, so making peace: and to reconcile both unto God in
one body thorow his cross, and slew hatred thereby: and came and
preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For thorow him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the
father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners: but citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets, Iesus Christ being the head
cornerstone, in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto an
holy temple in the lord, in whom ye also are built together, and made
an habitation for God in the spirit.
The .iij. Chapter.
For this cause I Paul the servant of Iesus am in bonds, For your sakes
which are gentiles. If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace
of God which is given me to youward: For by revelation shewed he this
mystery unto me, as I wrote above in few words, whereby, when ye read
ye may know mine understanding in the ministry of Christ, which mystery
in times passed was not opened unto the sons of men as it is now
declared unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit: that the
gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers
of his promise that is in Christ, by the means of the gospell, whereof
I am made a minister, by the gift of the grace of God given unto me,
after the working of his power.
Unto me the least of all saints is this grace given, that I should
preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to
give light to all men, that they might know what is the fellowship of
the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God
which made all things thorow Iesus Christ, to the intent, that now unto
the rulers and powers in heaven might be known by the congregation the
manyfold wisdom of God, according to that eternal purpose, which he
purposed in Christ Iesu our lord, by whom we are bold to draw nigh in
that trust, which we have by faith on him. Wherefore I desire, that ye
faint not because of mine tribulations which I suffer for you: which is
your praise.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the father of our lord Iesus Christ,
which is father over all that is called father In heaven and in earth,
that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, that ye
may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man, that
Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and
grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints, what is
that breadth and length, depth and height: and to know what is the love
of Christ, which love passeth knowledge: that ye might be fulfilled
with all manner of fullness which cometh of God.
Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us, be praise in the
congregation by Iesus Christ, thorow out all generations from time to
time. Amen.
The .iiij. Chapter.
I therefore which am in bonds for the lord's sake exhort you, that ye
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all humbleness
of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another
thorow love, and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in
the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling. Let there be but one lord, one
faith, one baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all,
thorow all, and in us all.
Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith: He is gone up on high, and hath led
captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men. That he ascended:
what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowest parts
of the earth? He that descended, is even the same also that ascended
up, even above all heavens, to fulfil all things.
And the very same, made some Apostles, some prophets, some Evangelists,
some Shepherds, some Teachers: that the saints might have all things
necessary to work and minister withall, to the edifying of the body of
Christ, till we everyeachone (in the unity of faith, and knowledge of
the son of God) grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age
which is in the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more
children wavering and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the
wiliness of men and craftiness, whereby they lay a wait for us to
deceive us.
But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things grow in him
which is the head, that is to say Christ, in whom all the body is
coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to
another (according to the operation as every part hath his measure) and
increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
This I say herefore, and testify in the lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other gentiles walk, in vanities of their mind, blinded in their
understanding, being strangers from the life which is in God, thorow
the ignorancy that is in them, because of the blindness of their
hearts: which being past repentance have given themselves unto
wantonness, to work all manner of uncleanness even with greediness. But
ye have not so learned Christ, If so be ye have heard of him, and are
taught in him, even as the truth is in Iesu: so then as concerning the
conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt
thorow the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed in the spirit of your
minds, and put on that new man, which after a godly wise, is shapen in
righteousness, and true holiness. Wherefore put away lying, and speak
every man truth unto his neighbor, for as much as we are members one of
another. Be angry, but sin not: let not the son go down upon your
wrath, give no place unto the backbiter, let him that stole steal no
more, but let him rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he
may have to give unto him that needeth.
Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouths: but that which
is good to edify withall, when need is: that it may have favour with
the hearers. And grieve not the holy spirit of God, by whom ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, fierceness and
wrath, roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all
maliciousness. Be ye courteous one to another, be merciful forgiving
one another, even as God for Christe's sake forgave you.
The .v. Chapter.
Be ye followers of God as dear children, and walk in love even as
Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice
of a sweet savour to God. So that fornication, and all uncleanness, or
covetousness, be not once, named among you, as it becometh saints:
neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jestings, which
are not comely: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no
whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person (which is the
worshipper of images) hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ,
and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For thorow such things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be not therefore
companions with them. Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the
lord.
Walk as children of light. For the fruit of the spirit is, in all
goodness, righteousness, and truth. Accept that which is pleasing to
the lord: and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness:
but rather rebuke them. For it is shame even to name those things which
are done of them in secret: but all things, when they are rebuked of
the light, are manifest. For whatsoever is manifest, that same is
light. Wherefore he saith: awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from
death, and Christ shall give thee light.
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly: not as fools: but as
wise, redeeming the time: for the days are evil: wherefore, be ye not
unwise, but understand what the will of the lord is, and be not drunk
with wine, wherein is excess: but be fulfilled with the spirit,
speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and playing to the lord in your hearts, giving thanks allways
for all things in the name of our lord Iesu Christ to God the father:
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Women submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the lord. For
the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the
congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the
congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the wives be in
subjection to their husbands in all things. Husbands love your wives,
even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to
sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water thorow the word,
to make it unto himself, a glorious congregation without spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without
blame.
So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife, loveth himself. For no man ever yet, hated his own flesh: But
nourisheth, and cherisheth it: even as the lord doth the congregation:
for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For
this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall continue with
his wife, and two shall be made one flesh. This is a great secret, but
I speak between Christ and the congregation. Nevertheless do ye so that
every one of you love his wife truly even as himself: And let the wife
see that she fear her husband.
The .vj. Chapter.
Children obey your fathers and mothers in the lord: for so is it right.
Honour father and mother, that is the first commandment that hath any
promise, that thou mayst be in good estate, and live long on the earth.
Fathers, move not your children to wrath: but bring them up with the
nurture and information of the lord. Servants be obedient unto your
carnal masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your hearts,
as unto Christ: not with service in the eye sight, as men pleasers: but
as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart with
good will, even as though ye served the lord, and not men. And remember
that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, that shall he receive again
of the lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye masters, do even the
same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that
even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of
person with him.
Finally, my brethren be strong in the lord, and in the power of his
might. Put on the armour of God, that ye may stand steadfast against
the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and
blood: but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly
things.
For this cause take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to
resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things.
Stand therefore and your loins gird about with verity, having on the
breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes prepared by the
gospell of peace. Above all take to you the shield of faith, wherewith
ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
health, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and pray
always with all manner prayer and supplication: and that in the spirit:
and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints,
and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my
mought boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospell, whereof I am a
messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me
to speak.
But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do,
Tichicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the lord, shall shew
you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye
might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Peace be with the brethren, and love with faith from God the father,
and from the lord Iesu Christ. Grace be with all them which love our
lord Iesus Christ in pureness, Amen.
Sent from Rome unto the Ephesyans by Tichicus.