58:001:001 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time
past unto the fathers by the prophets,
58:001:002 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he
hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
58:001:003 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image
of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when
he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the
Majesty on high:
58:001:004 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by
inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
58:001:005 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art
my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a
Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
58:001:006 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the
world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
58:001:007 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits,
and his ministers a flame of fire.
58:001:008 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever
and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
58:001:009 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore
God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above
thy fellows.
58:001:010 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation
of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
58:001:011 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall
wax old as doth a garment;
58:001:012 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be
changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
58:001:013 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my
right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
58:001:014 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister
for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
58:002:001 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the
things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
58:002:002 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every
transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
58:002:003 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which
at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us
by them that heard him;
58:002:004 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders,
and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his
own will?
58:002:005 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world
to come, whereof we speak.
58:002:006 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man,
that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?
58:002:007 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou
crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works
of thy hands:
58:002:008 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For
in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not
put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
58:002:009 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the
angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that
he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
58:002:010 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are
all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of
their salvation perfect through sufferings.
58:002:011 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are
all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
58:002:012 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the
midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
58:002:013 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I
and the children which God hath given me.
58:002:014 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through
death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the
devil;
58:002:015 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage.
58:002:016 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he
took on him the seed of Abraham.
58:002:017 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto
his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
people.
58:002:018 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is
able to succour them that are tempted.
58:003:001 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
58:003:002 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses
was faithful in all his house.
58:003:003 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses,
inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the
house.
58:003:004 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built
all things is God.
58:003:005 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a
servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
58:003:006 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we,
if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto
the end.
58:003:007 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear
his voice,
58:003:008 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of
temptation in the wilderness:
58:003:009 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works
forty years.
58:003:010 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They
do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
58:003:011 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
58:003:012 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
58:003:013 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
58:003:014 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the
beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
58:003:015 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden
not your hearts, as in the provocation.
58:003:016 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all
that came out of Egypt by Moses.
58:003:017 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with
them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
58:003:018 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his
rest, but to them that believed not?
58:003:019 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
58:004:001 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of
entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
58:004:002 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:
but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith
in them that heard it.
58:004:003 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said,
As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although
the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
58:004:004 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this
wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
58:004:005 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
58:004:006 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein,
and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of
unbelief:
58:004:007 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day,
after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
58:004:008 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not
afterward have spoken of another day.
58:004:009 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
58:004:010 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased
from his own works, as God did from his.
58:004:011 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any
man fall after the same example of unbelief.
58:004:012 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than
any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.
58:004:013 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his
sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with
whom we have to do.
58:004:014 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession.
58:004:015 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as
we are, yet without sin.
58:004:016 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
58:005:001 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for
men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and
sacrifices for sins:
58:005:002 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that
are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with
infirmity.
58:005:003 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also
for himself, to offer for sins.
58:005:004 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is
called of God, as was Aaron.
58:005:005 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high
priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I
begotten thee.
58:005:006 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedec.
58:005:007 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers
and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able
to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
58:005:008 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered;
58:005:009 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
salvation unto all them that obey him;
58:005:010 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
58:005:011 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered,
seeing ye are dull of hearing.
58:005:012 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need
that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles
of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong
meat.
58:005:013 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
58:005:014 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even
those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both
good and evil.
58:006:001 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,
let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of
repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
58:006:002 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and
of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
58:006:003 And this will we do, if God permit.
58:006:004 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,
and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
Holy Ghost,
58:006:005 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come,
58:006:006 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,
and put him to an open shame.
58:006:007 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft
upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed,
receiveth blessing from God:
58:006:008 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is
nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
58:006:009 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and
things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
58:006:010 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of
love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered
to the saints, and do minister.
58:006:011 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same
diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
58:006:012 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through
faith and patience inherit the promises.
58:006:013 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear
by no greater, he sware by himself,
58:006:014 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I
will multiply thee.
58:006:015 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the
promise.
58:006:016 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for
confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
58:006:017 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs
of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
58:006:018 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for
God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for
refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
58:006:019 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and
stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
58:006:020 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made
an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
58:007:001 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high
God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and
blessed him;
58:007:002 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being
by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of
Salem, which is, King of peace;
58:007:003 Without father, without mother, without descent, having
neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son
of God; abideth a priest continually.
58:007:004 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the
patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
58:007:005 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive
the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the
people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they
come out of the loins of Abraham:
58:007:006 But he whose descent is not counted from them received
tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
58:007:007 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the
better.
58:007:008 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth
them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
58:007:009 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed
tithes in Abraham.
58:007:010 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec
met him.
58:007:011 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood,
(for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there
that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not
be called after the order of Aaron?
58:007:012 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity
a change also of the law.
58:007:013 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another
tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
58:007:014 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which
tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
58:007:015 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the
similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
58:007:016 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but
after the power of an endless life.
58:007:017 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec.
58:007:018 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going
before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
58:007:019 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a
better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
58:007:020 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
58:007:021 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with
an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent,
Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
58:007:022 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
58:007:023 And they truly were many priests, because they were not
suffered to continue by reason of death:
58:007:024 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an
unchangeable priesthood.
58:007:025 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that
come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for
them.
58:007:026 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless,
undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
58:007:027 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up
sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this
he did once, when he offered up himself.
58:007:028 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity;
but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who
is consecrated for evermore.
58:008:001 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We
have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of
the Majesty in the heavens;
58:008:002 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not man.
58:008:003 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and
sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat
also to offer.
58:008:004 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing
that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
58:008:005 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as
Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle:
for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern
shewed to thee in the mount.
58:008:006 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how
much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was
established upon better promises.
58:008:007 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should
no place have been sought for the second.
58:008:008 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days
come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of
Israel and with the house of Judah:
58:008:009 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers
in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of
Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them
not, saith the Lord.
58:008:010 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their
mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and
they shall be to me a people:
58:008:011 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every
man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the
least to the greatest.
58:008:012 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their
sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
58:008:013 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first
old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
58:009:001 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine
service, and a worldly sanctuary.
58:009:002 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the
sanctuary.
58:009:003 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called
the Holiest of all;
58:009:004 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant
overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had
manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
58:009:005 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat;
of which we cannot now speak particularly.
58:009:006 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went
always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
58:009:007 But into the second went the high priest alone once every
year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the
errors of the people:
58:009:008 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the
holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle
was yet standing:
58:009:009 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were
offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the
service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
58:009:010 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings,
and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
58:009:011 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,
by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is
to say, not of this building;
58:009:012 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own
blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us.
58:009:013 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an
heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the
flesh:
58:009:014 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
58:009:015 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament,
that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that
were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the
promise of eternal inheritance.
58:009:016 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be
the death of the testator.
58:009:017 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it
is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
58:009:018 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without
blood.
58:009:019 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people
according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with
water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and
all the people,
58:009:020 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath
enjoined unto you.
58:009:021 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and
all the vessels of the ministry.
58:009:022 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and
without shedding of blood is no remission.
58:009:023 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in
the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things
themselves with better sacrifices than these.
58:009:024 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with
hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now
to appear in the presence of God for us:
58:009:025 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high
priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
58:009:026 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of
the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put
away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
58:009:027 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this
the judgment:
58:009:028 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin
unto salvation.
58:010:001 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not
the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which
they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto
perfect.
58:010:002 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because
that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of
sins.
58:010:003 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of
sins every year.
58:010:004 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats
should take away sins.
58:010:005 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice
and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
58:010:006 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no
pleasure.
58:010:007 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
58:010:008 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt
offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst
pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
58:010:009 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh
away the first, that he may establish the second.
58:010:010 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of
the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
58:010:011 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
58:010:012 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
58:010:013 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
footstool.
58:010:014 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified.
58:010:015 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after
that he had said before,
58:010:016 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those
days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in
their minds will I write them;
58:010:017 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
58:010:018 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering
for sin.
58:010:019 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the
holiest by the blood of Jesus,
58:010:020 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
58:010:021 And having an high priest over the house of God;
58:010:022 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our
bodies washed with pure water.
58:010:023 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
58:010:024 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
good works:
58:010:025 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as
ye see the day approaching.
58:010:026 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
58:010:027 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
58:010:028 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or
three witnesses:
58:010:029 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be
thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an
unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
58:010:030 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me,
I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his
people.
58:010:031 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God.
58:010:032 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye
were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
58:010:033 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches
and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that
were so used.
58:010:034 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully
the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in
heaven a better and an enduring substance.
58:010:035 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great
recompence of reward.
58:010:036 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the
will of God, ye might receive the promise.
58:010:037 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
and will not tarry.
58:010:038 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back,
my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
58:010:039 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of
them that believe to the saving of the soul.
58:011:001 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen.
58:011:002 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
58:011:003 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things
which do appear.
58:011:004 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice
than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God
testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
58:011:005 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death;
and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his
translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
58:011:006 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder
of them that diligently seek him.
58:011:007 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by
the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness
which is by faith.
58:011:008 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went
out, not knowing whither he went.
58:011:009 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a
strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the
heirs with him of the same promise:
58:011:010 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God.
58:011:011 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to
conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age,
because she judged him faithful who had promised.
58:011:012 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead,
so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is
by the sea shore innumerable.
58:011:013 These all died in faith, not having received the promises,
but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced
them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
58:011:014 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek
a country.
58:011:015 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from
whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
58:011:016 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath
prepared for them a city.
58:011:017 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and
he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
58:011:018 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
58:011:019 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the
dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
58:011:020 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to
come.
58:011:021 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons
of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
58:011:022 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing
of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
58:011:023 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of
his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not
afraid of the king's commandment.
58:011:024 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be
called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
58:011:025 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
58:011:026 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the
treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the
reward.
58:011:027 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the
king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
58:011:028 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of
blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
58:011:029 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:
which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
58:011:030 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were
compassed about seven days.
58:011:031 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that
believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
58:011:032 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to
tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David
also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
58:011:033 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
58:011:034 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned
to flight the armies of the aliens.
58:011:035 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others
were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a
better resurrection:
58:011:036 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,
moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
58:011:037 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were
slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins;
being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
58:011:038 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in
deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
58:011:039 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,
received not the promise:
58:011:040 God having provided some better thing for us, that they
without us should not be made perfect.
58:012:001 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is
set before us,
58:012:002 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who
for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
58:012:003 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners
against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
58:012:004 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
58:012:005 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto
you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
58:012:006 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every
son whom he receiveth.
58:012:007 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
58:012:008 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
58:012:009 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected
us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in
subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
58:012:010 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own
pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his
holiness.
58:012:011 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but
grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
58:012:012 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble
knees;
58:012:013 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is
lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
58:012:014 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no
man shall see the Lord:
58:012:015 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many
be defiled;
58:012:016 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,
who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
58:012:017 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited
the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance,
though he sought it carefully with tears.
58:012:018 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched,
and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and
tempest,
58:012:019 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which
voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to
them any more:
58:012:020 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if
so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust
through with a dart:
58:012:021 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I
exceedingly fear and quake:)
58:012:022 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the
living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of
angels,
58:012:023 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which
are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits
of just men made perfect,
58:012:024 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the
blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
58:012:025 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they
escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we
escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
58:012:026 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised,
saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
58:012:027 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of
those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those
things which cannot be shaken may remain.
58:012:028 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let
us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and
godly fear:
58:012:029 For our God is a consuming fire.
58:013:001 Let brotherly love continue.
58:013:002 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained angels unawares.
58:013:003 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and
them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
58:013:004 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
58:013:005 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never
leave thee, nor forsake thee.
58:013:006 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will
not fear what man shall do unto me.
58:013:007 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken
unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of
their conversation.
58:013:008 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
58:013:009 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For
it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with
meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
58:013:010 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which
serve the tabernacle.
58:013:011 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into
the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
58:013:012 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with
his own blood, suffered without the gate.
58:013:013 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing
his reproach.
58:013:014 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to
come.
58:013:015 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
58:013:016 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased.
58:013:017 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit
yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give
account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is
unprofitable for you.
58:013:018 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all
things willing to live honestly.
58:013:019 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be
restored to you the sooner.
58:013:020 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the
everlasting covenant,
58:013:021 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working
in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ;
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
58:013:022 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation:
for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
58:013:023 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with
whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
58:013:024 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the
saints. They of Italy salute you.
58:013:025 Grace be with you all. Amen.