home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
Text File | 1993-10-19 | 38.8 KB | 1,103 lines |
- HEBREWS:
-
-
- CHAPTER 1
-
-
- 1. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time
- past unto the fathers by the prophets,
-
- 2. 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;
-
- 3. 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:
-
- 4. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by
- inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
-
- 5. 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?
-
- 6. And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the
- world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
-
- 7. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits,
- and his ministers a flame of fire.
-
- 8. 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.
-
- 9. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore
- God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness
- above thy fellows.
-
- 10. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation
- of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
-
- 11. They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall
- wax old as doth a garment;
-
- 12. 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.
-
- 13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my
- right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
-
- 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister
- for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
-
-
- CHAPTER 2
-
-
- 1. 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.
-
- 2. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every
- transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of
- reward;
-
- 3. 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;
-
- 4. 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?
-
- 5. For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world
- to come, whereof we speak.
-
- 6. 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?
-
- 7. 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:
-
- 8. 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.
-
- 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 he
- by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
-
- 10. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are
- all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain
- of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
-
- 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,
-
- 12. Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the
- midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
-
- 13. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I
- and the children which God hath given me.
-
- 14. 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;
-
- 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
- lifetime subject to bondage.
-
- 16. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he
- took on him the seed of Abraham.
-
- 17. 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.
-
- 18. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is
- able to succour them that are tempted.
-
-
- CHAPTER 3
-
-
- 1. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,
- consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ
- Jesus;
-
- 2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was
- faithful in all his house.
-
- 3. 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.
-
- 4. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all
- things is God.
-
- 5. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant,
- for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
-
- 6. 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.
-
- 7. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear
- his voice,
-
- 8. Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of
- temptation in the wilderness:
-
- 9. When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works
- forty years.
-
- 10. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They
- do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
-
- 11. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
-
- 12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil
- heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
-
- 13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
- lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
-
- 14. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the
- beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
-
- 15. While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden
- not your hearts, as in the provocation.
-
- 16. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all
- that came out of Egypt by Moses.
-
- 17. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with
- them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
-
- 18. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his
- rest, but to them that believed not?
-
- 19. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
-
-
- CHAPTER 4
-
-
- 1. 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.
-
- 2. 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.
-
- 3. 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.
-
- 4. 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.
-
- 5. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
-
- 6. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein,
- and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of
- unbelief:
-
- 7. 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.
-
- 8. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward
- have spoken of another day.
-
- 9. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
-
- 10. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased
- from his own works, as God did from his.
-
- 11. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any
- man fall after the same example of unbelief.
-
- 12. 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.
-
- 13. 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.
-
- 14. 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.
-
- 15. 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.
-
- 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that
- we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
-
-
- CHAPTER 5
-
-
- 1. 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:
-
- 2. 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.
-
- 3. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for
- himself, to offer for sins.
-
- 4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is
- called of God, as was Aaron.
-
- 5. 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.
-
- 6. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever
- after the order of Melchisedec.
-
- 7. 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;
-
- 8. Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things
- which he suffered;
-
- 9. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal
- salvation unto all them that obey him;
-
- 10. Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
-
- 11. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered,
- seeing ye are dull of hearing.
-
- 12. 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.
-
- 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
- righteousness: for he is a babe.
-
- 14. 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.
-
-
- CHAPTER 6
-
-
- 1. 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,
-
- 2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and
- of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
-
- 3. And this will we do, if God permit.
-
- 4. 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,
-
- 5. And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
- world to come,
-
- 6. 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.
-
- 7. 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:
-
- 8. But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is
- nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
-
- 9. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and
- things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
-
- 10. 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.
-
- 11. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same
- diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
-
- 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through
- faith and patience inherit the promises.
-
- 13. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear
- by no greater, he sware by himself,
-
- 14. Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I
- will multiply thee.
-
- 15. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the
- promise.
-
- 16. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for
- confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
-
- 17. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs
- of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an
- oath:
-
- 18. 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:
-
- 19. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and
- stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
-
- 20. Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made
- an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
-
-
- CHAPTER 7
-
-
- 1. 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;
-
- 2. 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;
-
- 3. 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.
-
- 4. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the
- patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
-
- 5. 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:
-
- 6. But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes
- of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
-
- 7. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the
- better.
-
- 8. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth
- them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
-
- 9. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed
- tithes in Abraham.
-
- 10. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec
- met him.
-
- 11. 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?
-
- 12. For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity
- a change also of the law.
-
- 13. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another
- tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
-
- 14. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which
- tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
-
- 15. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the
- similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
-
- 16. Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but
- after the power of an endless life.
-
- 17. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the
- order of Melchisedec.
-
- 18. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going
- before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
-
- 19. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a
- better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
-
- 20. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
-
- 21. (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:)
-
- 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
-
- 23. And they truly were many priests, because they were not
- suffered to continue by reason of death:
-
- 24. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an
- unchangeable priesthood.
-
- 25. 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.
-
- 26. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless,
- undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the
- heavens;
-
- 27. 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.
-
- 28. 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.
-
-
- CHAPTER 8
-
-
- 1. 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;
-
- 2. A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
- which the Lord pitched, and not man.
-
- 3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and
- sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have
- somewhat also to offer.
-
- 4. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing
- that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
-
- 5. 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.
-
- 6. 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.
-
- 7. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no
- place have been sought for the second.
-
- 8. 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:
-
- 9. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers
- in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the
- land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I
- regarded them not, saith the Lord.
-
- 10. 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:
-
- 11. 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.
-
- 12. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their
- sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
-
- 13. 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.
-
-
- CHAPTER 9
-
-
- 1. Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine
- service, and a worldly sanctuary.
-
- 2. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the
- candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the
- sanctuary.
-
- 3. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the
- Holiest of all;
-
- 4. 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;
-
- 5. And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat;
- of which we cannot now speak particularly.
-
- 6. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went
- always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of
- God.
-
- 7. But into the second went the high priest alone once every
- year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the
- errors of the people:
-
- 8. 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:
-
- 9. Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were
- offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that
- did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
-
- 10. Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings,
- and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of
- reformation.
-
- 11. 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;
-
- 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own
- blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained
- eternal redemption for us.
-
- 13. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an
- heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the
- flesh:
-
- 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
- eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your
- conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
-
- 15. And for this 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.
-
- 16. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be
- the death of the testator.
-
- 17. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it
- is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
-
- 18. Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without
- blood.
-
- 19. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people
- according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats,
- with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the
- book, and all the people,
-
- 20. Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath
- enjoined unto you.
-
- 21. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and
- all the vessels of the ministry.
-
- 22. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and
- without shedding of blood is no remission.
-
- 23. It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in
- the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things
- themselves with better sacrifices than these.
-
- 24. For Christ 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:
-
- 25. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high
- priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of
- others;
-
- 26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of
- the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared
- to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
-
- 27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this
- the judgment:
-
- 28. 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.
-
-
- CHAPTER 10
-
-
- 1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not
- the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices
- which they offered year by year continually make the comers
- thereunto perfect.
-
- 2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because
- that the worshippers once purged should have had no more
- conscience of sins.
-
- 3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of
- sins every year.
-
- 4. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats
- should take away sins.
-
- 5. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice
- and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
-
- 6. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no
- pleasure.
-
- 7. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
- written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
-
- 8. 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;
-
- 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh
- away the first, that he may establish the second.
-
- 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of
- the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
-
- 11. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
- oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
-
- 12. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
- for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
-
- 13. From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
- footstool.
-
- 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
- sanctified.
-
- 15. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after
- that he had said before,
-
- 16. 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;
-
- 17. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
-
- 18. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering
- for sin.
-
- 19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the
- holiest by the blood of Jesus,
-
- 20. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
- through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
-
- 21. And having an high priest over the house of God;
-
- 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
- faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and
- our bodies washed with pure water.
-
- 23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
- wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
-
- 24. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to
- good works:
-
- 25. 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.
-
- 26. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the
- knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for
- sins,
-
- 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
- indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
-
- 28. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or
- three witnesses:
-
- 29. Of how much 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?
-
- 30. 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.
-
- 31. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
- God.
-
- 32. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye
- were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
-
- 33. Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches
- and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them
- that were so used.
-
- 34. 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.
-
- 35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great
- recompence of reward.
-
- 36. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the
- will of God, ye might receive the promise.
-
- 37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
- and will not tarry.
-
- 38. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back,
- my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
-
- 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of
- them that believe to the saving of the soul.
-
-
- CHAPTER 11
-
-
- 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
- of things not seen.
-
- 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
-
- 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by
- the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of
- things which do appear.
-
- 4. 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.
-
- 5. 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.
-
- 6. 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.
-
- 7. 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.
-
- 8. 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.
-
- 9. 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:
-
- 10. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
- builder and maker is God.
-
- 11. 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.
-
- 12. 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.
-
- 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises,
- but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and
- embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
- on the earth.
-
- 14. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek
- a country.
-
- 15. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from
- whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have
- returned.
-
- 16. 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.
-
- 17. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and
- he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten
- son,
-
- 18. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
-
- 19. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the
- dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
-
- 20. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to
- come.
-
- 21. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons
- of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
-
- 22. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing
- of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his
- bones.
-
- 23. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of
- his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were
- not afraid of the king's commandment.
-
- 24. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be
- called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
-
- 25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
- than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
-
- 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the
- treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the
- reward.
-
- 27. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the
- king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
-
- 28. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of
- blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
-
- 29. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:
- which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
-
- 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were
- compassed about seven days.
-
- 31. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that
- believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
-
- 32. 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:
-
- 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
- obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
-
- 34. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
- sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight,
- turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
-
- 35. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others
- were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a
- better resurrection:
-
- 36. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,
- moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
-
- 37. 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;
-
- 38. (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in
- deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
-
- 39. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,
- received not the promise:
-
- 40. God having provided some better thing for us, that they
- without us should not be made perfect.
-
-
- CHAPTER 12
-
-
- 1. 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,
-
- 2. 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.
-
- 3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners
- against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
-
- 4. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
-
- 5. 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:
-
- 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every
- son whom he receiveth.
-
- 7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
- for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
-
- 8. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,
- then are ye bastards, and not sons.
-
- 9. 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?
-
- 10. 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.
-
- 11. 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.
-
- 12. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble
- knees;
-
- 13. And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is
- lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
-
- 14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no
- man shall see the Lord:
-
- 15. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;
- lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby
- many be defiled;
-
- 16. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,
- who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
-
- 17. 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.
-
- 18. For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched,
- and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and
- tempest,
-
- 19. 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:
-
- 20. (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:
-
- 21. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I
- exceedingly fear and quake:)
-
- 22. 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,
-
- 23. 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,
-
- 24. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the
- blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things that that of
- Abel.
-
- 25. 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:
-
- 26. Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised,
- saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
-
- 27. 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.
-
- 28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let
- us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence
- and godly fear:
-
- 29. For our God is a consuming fire.
-
-
- CHAPTER 13
-
-
- 1. Let brotherly love continue.
-
- 2. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
- have entertained angels unawares.
-
- 3. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them
- which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
-
- 4. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but
- whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
-
- 5. 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.
-
- 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will
- not fear what man shall do unto me.
-
- 7. 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.
-
- 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
-
- 9. 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.
-
- 10. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which
- serve the tabernacle.
-
- 11. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into
- the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the
- camp.
-
- 12. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with
- his own blood, suffered without the gate.
-
- 13. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing
- his reproach.
-
- 14. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to
- come.
-
- 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
- continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his
- name.
-
- 16. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such
- sacrifices God is well pleased.
-
- 17. 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.
-
- 18. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all
- things willing to live honestly.
-
- 19. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be
- restored to you the sooner.
-
- 20. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our
- Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of
- the everlasting covenant,
-
- 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working
- in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus
- Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
-
- 22. And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation:
- for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
-
- 23. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with
- whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
-
- 24. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the
- saints. They of Italy salute you.
-
- 25. Grace be with you all. Amen.
-