Chapter XX: Front Matter (20)

1:8. In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not God and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:9. Who shall suffer eternal punishment in destruction, from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his power:

1:10. When he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be made wonderful in all them who have believed; because our testimony was believed upon you in that day.

1:11. Wherefore also we pray always for you: That our God would make you worthy of his vocation and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith in power:

1:12. That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 2

The day of the Lord is not to come till the man of sin be revealed. The apostle's traditions are to be observed.

2:1. And we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and of our gathering together unto him:

2:2. That you be not easily moved from your sense nor be terrified, neither by spirit nor by word nor by epistle. as sent from us, as if the day of the Lord were at hand.

2:3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for unless there come a revolt first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition

A revolt. . .This revolt, or falling off, is generally understood, by the ancient fathers, of a revolt from the Roman empire, which was first to be destroyed, before the coming of Antichrist. It may, perhaps, be understood also of a revolt of many nations from the Catholic Church; which has, in part, happened already, by means of Mahomet, Luther, &c., and it may be supposed, will be more general in the days of the Antichrist. The man of sin. . .Here must be meant some particular man, as is evident from the frequent repetition of the Greek article: o`, 'the' man of sin, 'the' son of perdition, 'the' adversary or opposer. It agrees to the wicked and great Antichrist, who will come before the end of the world.

2:4. Who opposeth and is lifted up above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself as if he were God.

In the temple. . .Either that of Jerusalem which some think he will rebuild; or in some Christian church, which he will pervert to his own worship: as Mahomet has done by the churches of the east.

2:5. Remember you not that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

2:6. And now you know what withholdeth, that he may be revealed in his time.

2:7. For the mystery of iniquity already worketh: only that he who now holdeth do hold, until he be taken out of the way.

2:8. And then that wicked one shall be revealed: whom the Lord Jesus shall kill with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: him

2:9. Whose coming is according to the working of Satan, in all power and signs and lying wonders:

2:10. And in all seduction of iniquity to them that perish: because they receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Therefore God shall send them the operation of error, to believe lying:

God shall send. . .That is God shall suffer them to be deceived by lying wonders, and false miracles, in punishment of their not entertaining the love of truth.

2:11. That all may be judged who have not believed the truth but have consented to iniquity.

2:12. But we ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved of God, for that God hath chosen you firstfruits unto salvation, in sanctification of the spirit and faith of the truth:

2:13. Whereunto also he hath called you by our gospel, unto the purchasing of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2:14. Therefore, brethren, stand fast: and hold the traditions, which you have learned, whether by word or by our epistle.

Traditions. . .See here that the unwritten traditions are no less to be received than their epistles.

2:15. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God and our Father, who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope in grace,

2:16. Exhort your hearts and confirm you in every good work and word.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

He begs their prayers and warns them against idleness.

3:1. For the rest, brethren, pray for us that the word of God may run and may be glorified, even as among you:

May run. . .That is, may spread itself, and have free course.

3:2. And that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men: for all men have not faith.

3:3. But God is faithful, who will strengthen and keep you from evil.

3:4. And we have confidence concerning you in the Lord that the things which we command, you both do and will do.

3:5. And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God and the patience of Christ.

3:6. And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.

3:7. For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.

3:8. Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing: but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you.

3:9. Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.

3:10. For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.

3:11. For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly: working not at all, but curiously meddling.

3:12. Now we charge them that are such and beseech them by the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with silence, they would eat their own bread.

3:13. But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

3:14. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

3:15. Yet do not esteem him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.

3:16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all.

3:17. The salutation of Paul with my own hand: which is the sign in every epistle. So I write.

3:18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TIMOTHY

St. Paul write this Epistle to his BELOVED TIMOTHY, being then bishop of Ephesus, to instruct him in the duties of a bishop, both in respect to himself and to his charge; and that he ought to be well informed of the good morals of those on whom he was to impose hands: Impose not hands lightly upon any man. He tells him also how he should behave towards his clergy. The Epistle was written about 33 years after our Lord's Ascension; but where it was written is uncertain: the more general opinion is, that it was in Macedonia.

1 Timothy Chapter 1

He puts Timothy in mind of his charge and blesses God for the mercy he himself had received.

1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the commandment of God our Saviour and Christ Jesus our hope:

1:2. To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3. As I desired thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some not to teach otherwise:

1:4. Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith.

1:5. Now the end of the commandment is charity from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned faith.

1:6. From which things some, going astray, are turned aside unto vain babbling:

1:7. Desiring to be teachers of the law: understanding neither the things they say, nor whereof they affirm.

1:8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.

1:9. Knowing this: That the law is not made for the just man but for the unjust and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the wicked and defiled, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

The law is not. . .He means, that the just man doth good, and avoideth evil, not as compelled by the law, and merely for fear of the punishment appointed for transgressors; but voluntarily, and out of the love of God and virtue; and would do so, though there were no law.

1:10. For fornicators, for them who defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and whatever other thing is contrary to sound doctrine:

1:11. Which is according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God which hath been committed to my trust.

1:12. I give him thanks who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he hath counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry:

1:13. Who before was a blasphemer and a persecutor and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1:14. Now the grace of our Lord hath abounded exceedingly with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

1:15. A faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.

1:16. But for this cause have I obtained mercy: that in me first Christ Jesus might shew forth all patience, for the information of them that shall believe in him unto life everlasting.

1:17. Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1:18. This precept, I commend to thee, O son Timothy: according to the prophecies going before on thee, that thou war in them a good warfare,

1:19. Having faith and a good conscience, which some rejecting have made shipwreck concerning the faith.

1:20. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered up to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy Chapter 2

Prayers are to be said for all men, because God wills the salvation of all. Women are not to teach.

2:1. I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men:

2:2. For kings and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity.

2:3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour,

2:4. Who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2:5. For there is one God: and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus:

One mediator. . .Christ is the one and only mediator of redemption, who gave himself, as the apostle writes in the following verse.

2:6. Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times.

a redemption for all. . . He is also the only mediator, who stands in need of no other to recommend his petitions to the Father. But this is not against our seeking the prayers and intercession, as well of the faithful upon earth, as of the saints and angels in heaven, for obtaining mercy, grace, and salvation, through Jesus Christ. As St. Paul himself often desired the help of the prayers of the faithful, without any injury to the mediatorship of Jesus Christ.

2:7. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle (I say the truth, I lie not), a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

2:8. I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.

2:9. In like manner, women also in decent apparel: adorning themselves with modesty and sobriety, not with plaited hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly attire:

2:10. But, as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.

2:11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

2:12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to use authority over the man: but to be in silence.

2:13.For Adam was first formed; then Eve.

2:14. And Adam was not seduced; but the woman, being seduced, was in the transgression.

2:15. Yet she shall be saved through child bearing; if she continue in faith and love and sanctification with sobriety.

1 Timothy Chapter 3

What sort of men are to be admitted into the clergy. The church is the pillar of truth.

3:1. A faithful saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth good work.

3:2. It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher,

Of one wife. . . The meaning is not that every bishop should have a wife (for St. Paul himself had none), but that no one should be admitted to the holy orders of bishop, priest, or deacon, who had been married more than once.

3:3. Not given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but

3:4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity.

3:5. But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?

3:6. Not a neophyte: lest, being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil.

A neophyte. . . That is, one lately baptized, a young convert.

3:7. Moreover, he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

3:8. Deacons in like manner: chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre:

3:9. Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience.

3:10. And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime.

3:11. The women in like manner: chaste, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things.

3:12. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife: who rule well their children and their own houses.

3:13. For they that have ministered well shall purchase to themselves a good degree and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:14. These things I write to thee, hoping that I shall come to thee shortly.

3:15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The pillar and ground of the truth. . . Therefore the church of the living God can never uphold error, nor bring in corruptions, superstition, or idolatry.

3:16. And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory.

1 Timothy Chapter 4

He warns him against heretics, and exhorts him to the exercise of piety.

4:1. Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils,

4:2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy and having their conscience seared,

4:3. Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful and by them that have known the truth.

Forbidding to marry, to abstain from meats. . . He speaks of the Gnostics, the Marcionites, the Eneratites, the Manicheans, and other ancient heretics, who absolutely condemned marriage, and the use of all kind of meat; because they pretended that all flesh was from an evil principle. Whereas the church of God, so far from condemning marriage, holds it a holy sacrament; and forbids it to none but such as by vow have chosen the better part: and prohibits not the use of any meats whatsoever in proper times and seasons; though she does not judge all kind of diet proper for days of fasting and penance.

4:4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving:

4:5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

4:6. These things proposing to the brethren, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished up in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which thou hast attained unto.

4:7. But avoid foolish and old wives fables: and exercise thyself unto godliness.

4:8. For bodily exercise is profitable to little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

4:9. A faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

4:10. For therefore we labour and are reviled, because we hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful.

4:11. These things command and teach:

4:12. Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.

4:13. Till I come, attend unto reading, to exhortation and to doctrine.

4:14. Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.

4:15. Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all.

4:16. Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy Chapter 5

He gives him lessons concerning widows, and how he is to behave to his clergy.

5:1. An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren:

5:2. Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.

5:3. Honour widows that are widows indeed.

5:4. But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house and to make a return of duty to her parents; for this is acceptable before God.

5:5. But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God and continue in supplications and prayers night and day.

5:6. For she that liveth in pleasures is dead while she is living.

5:7. And this give in charge, that they may be blameless.

5:8. But if any man have not care of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

5:9. Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband.

5:10. Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work.

5:11. But the younger widows avoid. For when they have grown wanton in Christ, they will marry:

5:12. Having damnation, because they have made void their first faith.

Their first faith. . . Their vow, by which they had engaged themselves to Christ.

5:13. And withal being idle they learn to go about from house to house: and are not only idle, but tattlers also and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought not.

5:14. I will, therefore, that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil.

5:15. For some are already turned aside after Satan.

5:16. If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed.

5:17. Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

5:18. For the scripture saith: Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

5:19. Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses.

5:20. Them that sin reprove before all that the rest also may have fear.

5:21. I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side.

5:22. Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste.

5:23. Do not still drink water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities.

5:24. Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after.

5:25. In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

1 Timothy Chapter 6

Duties of servants. The danger of covetousness. Lessons for the rich.

6:1. Whosoever are servants under the yoke, let them count their masters worthy of all honour; lest the name of the Lord and his doctrine be blasphemed.

6:2. But they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but serve them the rather, because they are faithful and beloved, who are partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

6:3. If any man teach otherwise and consent not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to that doctrine which is according to godliness,

6:4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but sick about questions and strifes of words; from which arise envies, contentions, blasphemies, evil suspicions,

6:5. Conflicts of men corrupted in mind and who are destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness.

6:6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

6:7. For we brought nothing into this world: and certainly we can carry nothing out.

6:8. But having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content.

6:9. For they that will become rich fall into temptation and into the snare of the devil and into many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men into destruction and perdition.

6:10. For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.

6:11. But thou, O man of God, fly these things: and pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness.

6:12. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called and be it confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

6:13. I charge thee before God who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession:

6:14. That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,

6:15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings and Lord of lords:

6:16. Who only hath immortality and inhabiteth light inaccessible: whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

6:17. Charge the rich of this world not to be highminded nor to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God (who giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy)

6:18. To do good, to be rich in good work, to give easily, to communicate to others,

6:19. To lay up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

6:20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane novelties of words and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called.

6:21. Which some promising, have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TIMOTHY

In this Epistle, the Apostle again instructs and admonishes Timothy in what belonged to his office, as in the former; and also warns him to shun the conversation of those who had erred from the truth, describing at the same time their character, He tells him of his approaching death and desires him to come speedily to him. It appears from this circumstance that he wrote this second Epistle in the time of his last imprisonment at Rome and not long before his martyrdom.

2 Timothy Chapter 1

He admonishes him to stir up the grace he received by his ordination and not to be discouraged at his sufferings, but to hold firm the sound doctrine of the gospel.

1:1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus:

1:2. To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

1:3. I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day.

1:4. Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy:

1:5. Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.

1:6. For which cause I admonish thee that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee by the imposition of my hands.

1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power and of love and of sobriety.

1:8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God.

1:9. Who hath delivered us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world:

1:10. But is now made manifest by the illumination of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath destroyed death and hath brought to light life and incorruption by the gospel.

By the illumination. . .That is, by the bright coming and appearing of our Saviour.

1:11. Wherein I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles.

1:12. For which cause, I also suffer these things: but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day.

1:13. Hold the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me: in faith and in the love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:14. Keep the good thing committed to thy trust by the Holy Ghost who dwelleth in us.

1:15. Thou knowest this, that all they who are in Asia are turned away from me: of whom are Phigellus and Hermogenes.

1:16. The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: because he hath often refreshed me and hath not been ashamed of my chain:

1:17. But when he was come to Rome, he carefully sought me and found me.

1:18. The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou very well knowest.

2 Timothy Chapter 2

He exhorts him to diligence in his office and patience in suffering. The danger of the delusions of heretics.

2:1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus:

2:2. And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men who shall be fit to teach others also.

2:3. Labour as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2:4. No man, being a soldier to God, entangleth himself with secular businesses: that he may please him to whom he hath engaged himself.

2:5. For he also that striveth for the mastery is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

2:6. The husbandman that laboureth must first partake of the fruits.

2:7. Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.

2:8. Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:

2:9. Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound.

2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

2:11. A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.

2:12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.

2:13. If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he cannot deny himself.

2:14. Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2:15. Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2:16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.

2:17. And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:

2:18. Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.

2:19. But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.

2:20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.

2:21. If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.

2:22. But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2:23. And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.

2:24. But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild toward all men, apt to teach, patient,

2:25. With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth;

2:26. And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil by whom they are held captive at his will.

2 Timothy Chapter 3

The character of heretics of latter days. He exhorts Timothy to constancy. Of the great profit of the knowledge of the scriptures.

3:1. Know also this, that in the last days shall come dangerous times.

3:2. Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, haughty, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, wicked,

3:3. Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness,

3:4. Traitors, stubborn, puffed up, and lovers of pleasure more than of God:

3:5. Having an appearance indeed of godliness but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid.

3:6. For of these sort are they who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, who are led away with divers desires:

3:7. Ever learning, and never attaining to the knowledge of the truth.

3:8. Now as Jannes and Mambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.

Jannes and Mambres. . .The magicians of king Pharao.

3:9. But they shall proceed no farther: for their folly shall be manifest to all men, as theirs also was.

3:10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,

3:11. Persecutions, afflictions: such as came upon me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra: what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me.

3:12. And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

3:13. But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse: erring, and driving into error,

3:14. But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them:

3:15. And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures which can instruct thee to salvation by the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:16. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:

All scripture,. . .Every part of divine scripture is certainly profitable for all these ends. But, if we would have the whole rule of Christian faith and practice, we must not be content with those Scriptures, which Timothy knew from his infancy, that is, with the Old Testament alone: nor yet with the New Testament, without taking along with it the traditions of the apostles, and the interpretation of the church, to which the apostles delivered both the book, and the true meaning of it.

3:17. That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.

2 Timothy Chapter 4

His charge to Timothy. He tells him of his approaching death and desires him to come to him.

4:1. I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming and his kingdom:

4:2. Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.

4:3. For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears:

4:4. And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.

4:5. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober.

An evangelist. . .a diligent preacher of the gospel.

4:6. For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand.

4:7. I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith.

4:8. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.

4:9. For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica:

4:10. Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.

4:11. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

4:12. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

4:13. The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments.

4:14. Alexander the coppersmith hath done me much evil: the Lord will reward him according to his works:

4:15. Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.

4:16. At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge!

4:17. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

4:18. The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

4:19. Salute Prisca, and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.

4:20. Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.

4:21. Make haste to come before winter. Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren, salute thee.

4:22. The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO TITUS

St. Paul, having preached the faith in the island of Crete, he ordained his beloved disciple and companion, Titus, bishop, and left him there to finish the work which he had begun. Afterwards the Apostle, on a journey to Nicopolis, a city of Macedonia, wrote this Epistle to Titus, in which he directs him to ordain bishops and priests for the different cities, shewing him the principal qualities necessary for a bishop. He also gives him particular advice for his own conduct to his flock, exhorting him to hold to strictness of discipline, but seasoned with lenity. It was written about thirty-three years after our Lord's Ascension.

Titus Chapter 1

What kind of men he is to ordain priests. Some men are to be sharply rebuked.

1:1. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:

1:2. Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:

1:3. But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:

1:4. To Titus, my beloved son according to the common faith, grace and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.

1:5. For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

1:6. If any be without crime, the husband of one wife. having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly.

1:7. For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:

1:8. But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:

1:9. Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers.

1:10. For there are also many disobedient, vain talkers and seducers: especially they who are of the circumcision.

1:11. Who must be reproved, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

1:12. One of them a prophet of their own, said: The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful bellies.

1:13. This testimony is true. Wherefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith:

1:14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn themselves away from the truth.

1:15. All things are clean to the clean: but to them that are defiled and to unbelievers, nothing is clean: but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

1:16. They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good work reprobate.

Titus Chapter 2

How he is to instruct both old and young. The duty of servants. The Christian's rule of life.

2:1. But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine:

2:2. That the aged men be sober, chaste, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

2:3. The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well:

2:4. That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children.

2:5. To be discreet, chaste, sober, having a care of the house, gentle, obedient to their husbands: that the word of God be not blasphemed.

2:6. Young men, in like manner, exhort that they be sober.

2:7. In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity,

2:8. The sound word that can not be blamed: that he who is on the contrary part may be afraid, having no evil to say of us.

2:9. Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters: in all things pleasing, not gainsaying:

2:10. Not defrauding, but in all things shewing good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

2:11. For the grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men:

2:12. Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world,

2:13. Looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

2:14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.

2:15. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus Chapter 3

Other instructions and directions for life and doctrine.

3:1. Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.

3:2. To speak evil of no man, not to be litigious but gentle: shewing all mildness towards all men.

3:3. For we ourselves also were some time unwise, incredulous, erring, slaves to divers desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

3:4. But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:

3:5. Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.

3:6. Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:

3:7. That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting.

3:8. It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have thee affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

3:9. But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.

3:10. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, avoid:

3:11. Knowing that he that is such an one is subverted and sinneth, being condemned by his own judgment.

By his own judgment. . .Other offenders are judged, and cast out of the church, by the sentence of the pastors of the same church. Heretics, more unhappy, run out of the church of their own accord, and by doing so, give judgment and sentence against their own souls.

3:12. When I shall send to thee Artemas or Tychicus, make haste to come unto me to Nicopolis. For there I have determined to winter.

3:13. Send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollo, with care that nothing be wanting to them.

3:14. And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful.

3:15. All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO PHILEMON

Philemon, a noble citizen of Colossa, had a servant named Onesimus, who robbed him and fled to Rome, where he met St. Paul, who was then a prisoner there the first time. The apostle took compassion on him and received him with tenderness and converted him to the faith; for he was a Gentile before. St. Paul sends him back to his master with this Epistle in his favour: and though he beseeches Philemon to pardon him, yet the Apostle writes with becoming dignity and authority. It contains divers profitable instructions and points out the charity and humanity that masters should have for their servants.

Philemon Chapter 1

He commends the faith and charity of Philemon; and sends back to him his fugitive servant, whom he had converted in prison.

1:1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer,

1:2. And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.

1:3. Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4. I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers.

1:5. Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus and towards all the saints:

1:6. That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work that is in you in Christ Jesus.

1:7. For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

1:8. Wherefore, though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus to command thee that which is to the purpose:

1:9. For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.

1:10. I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,

1:11. Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee but now is profitable both to me and thee:

1:12. Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels.

1:13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel.

1:14. But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.

1:15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

1:16. Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

1:17. If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.

1:18. And if he hath wronged thee in any thing or is in thy debt, put that to my account.

1:19. I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee that thou owest me thy own self also.

1:20. Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord! Refresh my bowels in the Lord.

1:21. Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

1:22. But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

1:23. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus:

1:24. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow labourers.

1:25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE HEBREWS

St. Paul wrote this Epistle to the Christians in Palestine, the most part of whom being Jews before their conversion, they were called Hebrews. He exhorts them to be thoroughly converted and confirmed in the faith of Christ, clearly shewing them the preeminence of Christ's priesthood above the Levitical, and also the excellence of the new law above the old. He commends faith by the example of the ancient fathers: and exhorts them to patience and perseverance and to remain in fraternal charity. It appears from chap. 13 that this Epistle was written in Italy, and probably at Rome, about twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension.

Hebrews Chapter 1

God spoke of old by the prophets, but now by his Son, who is incomparably greater than the angels.

1:1. God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all,

1:2. In these days, hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world.

1:3. Who being the brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance and upholding all things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high:

The figure. . .that is, the express image, and most perfect resemblance. Making purgation. . .That is, having purged away our sins by his passion.

1:4. Being made so much better than the angels as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they.

1:5. For to which of the angels hath he said at any time: Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee? And again: I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

1:6. And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith: And let all the angels of God adore him.

1:7. And to the angels indeed he saith: He that maketh his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire.

1:8. But to the Son: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

1:9. Thou hast loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

1:10. And: Thou in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the works of thy hands are the heavens.

1:11. They shall perish: but thou shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment.

1:12. And as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the selfsame: and thy years shall not fail.

1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?

1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?

Hebrews Chapter 2

The transgression of the precepts of the Son of God is far more condemnable than of those of the Old Testament given by angels.

2:1. Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard lest perhaps we should let them slip.

2:2. For if the word spoken by angels became steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:

2:3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Which, having begun to be declared by the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

2:4. God also bearing them witness by signs and wonders and divers miracles and distributions of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.

2:5. For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof we speak.

2:6. But one in a certain place hath testified, saying: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

2:7. Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels: thou hast crowned him with glory and honour and hast set him over the works of thy hands.

2:8. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet. For in that he hath subjected all things to him he left nothing not subject to him. But now we see not as yet all things subject to him.

2:9. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the grace of God he might taste death for all.

2:10. For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion.

Perfect by his passion. . .By suffering, Christ was to enter into his glory, Luke 24.26, which the apostle here calls being made perfect.

2:11. 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, saying:

2:12. I will declare thy name to my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise thee.

2:13. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: Behold I and my children, whom God hath given me.

2:14. Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil:

2:15. And might deliver them, who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to servitude.

2:16. For nowhere doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold.

No where doth he, etc. . .That is, he never took upon him the nature of angels, but that of the seed of Abraham.

2:17. Wherefore, it behoved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people.

2:18. For in that wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted he is able to succour them also that are tempted.

Hebrews Chapter 3

Christ is more excellent than Moses. Wherefore we must adhere to him by faith and obedience.