Annotations on the Bible Volume 2
21 For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth .
23 Who when he was reviled reviled net again , when he suffered he threatened not , but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree , that we being dead unto sin should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed .
25 For ye were as sheep going astray , but are now returned to the Shepherd , and Bishop of your Souls.
CHAP. III.
1 LIkewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word , they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear .
3. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, or of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible , even the ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands .
6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters t ye are as long as ye do well , and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge , giving honor to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered .
8 Finally be ye all of one mind , having compassion one of another, love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous .
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing , but contrariwise blessing , knowing that ye are thereunto called , that ye should inherit a blessing .
10 For he that will love life , and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil , and his lips that they speak no guile .
11 Let him eschew evil and do good , let him seek peace , and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers : but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good ?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake happy are you, and be not afraid of their terror , neither be troubled .
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear .
16 Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ .
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so , that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God ; being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit .
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison .
20 Which sometime were disobedient , when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah , while the ark was a preparing, † wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water .
20 The like figure whereunto , even baptism, doth also now save us , (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh , but the answer of a good conscience towards God ) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ .
22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels, and authorities, and powers , being made subject unto him.
CHAP. IV.
1 FOrasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm yourselves likewise with the same mind ; for he that hath suffered in the flesh , hath ceased from sin .
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh , to the lusts of men , but to the will of God .
3 For the time past of our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles , when we walked in lasciviousness , lusts, excess of wine, revellings , banquetings , and abominable Idolatries :
4 Wherein they think it strange , that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead .
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead , that they might be judged according to men in the flesh , but live according to God in the spirit .
7 But the end of all things is at hand : Be ye therefore sober , and watch unto prayer .
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins .
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging .
10 As every man hath received the gift , even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak , let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ ; To whom be praise and dominion forever, and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you , as though some strange thing had happened unto you.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings , that when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceedingly joy .
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: On their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified .
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer , or as a busy body in other men's matters .
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian , let him not be ashamed , but let him glorify God on this behalf .
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God ; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God , commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing , as unto a faithful Creator .
CHAP. V.
1 THe elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder , and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed .
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you , taking the oversight thereof not by constraint , but willingly ; not for filthy lucre , but of a ready mind .
3 Neither as being lords over God 's heritage , but being ensamples to the flock▪
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear , ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away .
5 Likewise ye younger submit yourselves to the elder , Yea all of you be subject one to another , and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble s.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time .
7 Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you .
8 Be sober , be vigilant , because your adversary the devil , as a roaring lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour .
9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith , knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren which are in the world .
10 But the God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal Glory o by Christ Jesus , after that ye have suffered a while , make ye perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you .
11 To him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen.
12 By Sylvanus a faithful brother unto you (as I suppose ) I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
13 The Church that is at Babylon elected together with you c saluteth you, and so doth Marcus my son d.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of Charity . Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus , Amen.
CHAP. I.
1 PEter an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus , Galatia , Cappadocia , Asia , and Bythynia .
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father , through sanctification of the spirit , unto obedience , and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ , Grace unto you, and peace by multiplied .
3 Blessed be the God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy , hath begotten us again unto a lively hope , by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
4 To an inheritance incorruptible , and undefiled, and that fadeth not away , reserved in heaven for you .
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation , ready to be revealed in the last time .
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice , though now for a season (if need be ) ye are in heaviness , through manifold temptations .
7 That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth , though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory , at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
8 Whom having not seen , ye love , in whom though now ye see him not , yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable , and full of glory .
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls .
10 Of which salvation the Prophets have inquired, and searched diligently , who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.
11 Searching what , or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed , that not unto themselves , but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you, with the holy Ghost sent down from heaven , which things the angels desire to look into .
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind , be sober , and hope to the end for the grace , that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14 As obedient children , not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts , in your ignorance .
15 But as he that hath called you, is holy , so be ye holy in all manner of conversation .
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.
17 And if ye call on the father, who, without respect of persons , judgeth according to every man's work : pass the time of your sojourning here in fear .
18 For as much as ye know , that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver, and gold, from your vain conversation , received by tradition from your fathers .
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish , and without spot .
20 Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world , but was manifested , in these last times for you t.
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory , that your faith and hope might be in God .
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit , unto unfeigned love of the brethren , see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently .
23 Being born again not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible , by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass: The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away .
25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever : And this is the word, which by the Gospel is preached unto you.
CHAP. II.
1 WHerefore laying aside all malice , and all guile , and hypocrisies , and envies , and all evil speakings .
2 As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word , that ye may grow thereby .
3 If so be ye have tasted , that the Lord is gracious .
4 To whom coming as unto a living stone , disallowed indeed of men , but chosen of God, and precious .
5 Ye also as lively stones , are built up a spiritual house , an holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices e acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ .
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold , I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone , elect, precious : and he that believeth on him, shall not be confounded .
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious : but unto them which be disobedient , the stone which the builders disallowed , the same is made the head of the corner ,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense , even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient , whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation , a royal priesthood , an holy nation , a peculiar people ; that ye should show forth the praises of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light :
10 Which in time past were not a people , but are now the people of God , which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy .
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims , abstain from fleshly lusts , which war against the soul ;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles : that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation .
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake : whether it be to the king as supreme ;
14 Or unto governors , as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God , that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men .
16 As free , and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness , but as the servants of God .
17 Honor all men : Love the brotherhood : Fear God : Honor the King .
18 Servants be subject to your masters with all fear , not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward .
19 For this is thank-worthy , if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God .
21 For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps.
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth .
23 Who when he was reviled reviled net again , when he suffered he threatened not , but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree , that we being dead unto sin should live unto righteousness, by whose stripes ye were healed .
25 For ye were as sheep going astray , but are now returned to the Shepherd , and Bishop of your Souls.
CHAP. III.
1 LIkewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word , they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear .
3. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, or of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible , even the ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands .
6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him Lord whose daughters t ye are as long as ye do well , and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge , giving honor to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel , and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered .
8 Finally be ye all of one mind , having compassion one of another, love as brethren , be pitiful , be courteous .
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing , but contrariwise blessing , knowing that ye are thereunto called , that ye should inherit a blessing .
10 For he that will love life , and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil , and his lips that they speak no guile .
11 Let him eschew evil and do good , let him seek peace , and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers : but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good ?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake happy are you, and be not afraid of their terror , neither be troubled .
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear .
16 Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ .
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so , that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God ; being put to death in the flesh , but quickened by the Spirit .
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison .
20 Which sometime were disobedient , when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah , while the ark was a preparing, † wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water .
20 The like figure whereunto , even baptism, doth also now save us , (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh , but the answer of a good conscience towards God ) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ .
22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, angels, and authorities, and powers , being made subject unto him.
CHAP. IV.
1 FOrasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh , arm yourselves likewise with the same mind ; for he that hath suffered in the flesh , hath ceased from sin .
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh , to the lusts of men , but to the will of God .
3 For the time past of our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles , when we walked in lasciviousness , lusts, excess of wine, revellings , banquetings , and abominable Idolatries :
4 Wherein they think it strange , that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.
5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead .
6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead , that they might be judged according to men in the flesh , but live according to God in the spirit .
7 But the end of all things is at hand : Be ye therefore sober , and watch unto prayer .
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins .
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging .
10 As every man hath received the gift , even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak , let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ ; To whom be praise and dominion forever, and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you , as though some strange thing had happened unto you.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings , that when his glory shall be revealed , ye may be glad also with exceedingly joy .
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: On their part he is evil spoken of , but on your part he is glorified .
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil doer , or as a busy body in other men's matters .
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian , let him not be ashamed , but let him glorify God on this behalf .
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God ; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God , commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing , as unto a faithful Creator .
CHAP. V.
1 THe elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder , and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed .
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you , taking the oversight thereof not by constraint , but willingly ; not for filthy lucre , but of a ready mind .
3 Neither as being lords over God 's heritage , but being ensamples to the flock▪
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear , ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away .
5 Likewise ye younger submit yourselves to the elder , Yea all of you be subject one to another , and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble s.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time .
7 Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you .
8 Be sober , be vigilant , because your adversary the devil , as a roaring lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour .
9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith , knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren which are in the world .
10 But the God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal Glory o by Christ Jesus , after that ye have suffered a while , make ye perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you .
11 To him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen.
12 By Sylvanus a faithful brother unto you (as I suppose ) I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
13 The Church that is at Babylon elected together with you c saluteth you, and so doth Marcus my son d.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of Charity . Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus , Amen.
The second Epistle general OF PETER.
IT cannot be denied, but that some Question there hath been, both about the Pen-men, and the Authority of this Epistle. The former hath been questioned, because of the difference of the Style of this, from that of the former Epistle. But, to say nothing of a great likeness of Style in both, observed by some; why might not the same Person see fit or different Occasions, and according to the different things he wrote about, to change his way of Writing? Or why may not the Holy Ghost use his Instruments in what way he please, and not only dictate to them the matter they are to write, but the Expression and Phrase? Why must an Infinite and Sovereign Agent be bound up, and confined to the Parts and Qualifications of the Men he inspired? And if we set aside the Judgment of several Councils and Fathers (which yet might go far) two great Arguments may be drawn from this first Chapter, to prove Peter to be the Penman of this Epistle. One from the Inscription of it, where we have both his Names, Simon and Peter, prefixed to it. Another from v. 16. where he affirms himself to have been present with Christ at his Transfiguration; from whence▪ we may well argue, that none having ever ascribed it to John, and James being dead before, (though if he had been alive, it cannot be imagined that he should put Peter's ▪ Name to any Epistle of his own writing) and there being none but they two present with our Lord at that time, beside Peter, Matth. 17.1. none but he could be the Writer of it. And indeed, as some observe, if this Epistle be not Peter's, when his Name is set to it, it is so far from being Canonical, that it is not fit so much as to be reckoned among the Apocryphal Books, having so great a Lye in the Front of it. As for the Authority of it, there can be no doubt of that, if Peter were the Writer, when nothing concurs in it repugnant to other parts of Scripture, or unbecoming the Grace and Style of an Apostle. And though some of the Ancients have questioned it, yet many more have acknowledged it; nor was it ever numbered among Apocryphal Writings. And its not being found in the first Syriac Version, can but argue its being questioned by some, not its being rejected by all. It seems to be writ to the Jews of the Dispersion, as the former was, which appears by chap. 3. v. 1, 2. where he mentions the former written to them; and this was written not long before his Death, v. 14. The Scope of it is, partly to call to their Remembrance the Truths he had preached among them, that so when they should be destitute of the Apostles preaching to them, yet they might remember the pure Doctrine they had learned of them, chap. 1.12, 15. and might thereby be fortified against the Errors of false Teachers, chap. 2.1. and partly to persuade and stir them up to diligence in Holiness, and constancy in the Faith. As in his f • rst Epistle he had exhorted them to Patience under the Tyranny of Persecutors, lest they should yield to them; so in this he exhorts them to Perseverance in the Truth of the Gospel, against the Deceptions of Heretics, lest they should be seduced by them, chap. 2.3. and continue in Holiness, notwithstanding the Profaneness of Scoffers, chap. 3.
CHAP. I.
1 SImon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us , through the righteousness of God, and our savior Jesus Christ :
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things k that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue ;
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises , that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature , having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And besides this , giving all diligence, and to your faith , virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ;
6 And to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ;
7 And to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity .
8 For if these things be in you and abound , they make you that ye shall neither be barren , nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things , is blind , and cannot see afar off , and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins .
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling , and election sure : for if ye do these things , ye shall never fall .
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them , and be established in the present truth .
13 Yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle , to stir you up , by putting you in remembrance.
14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle , even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me .
15 Moreover, I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance .
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables , when we made known unto you the power , and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty .
17 For he received from God the Father honor, and glory , when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory , This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard r, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy , whereunto ye do well that ye take heed , as unto a light that shineth in a dark place , until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.
20 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation .
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man , but holy men of God , spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
CHAP. II.
1 BUT there were false prophets also among the people , even as there shall be false teachers among you , who shall privily bring in damnable heresies , even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways , by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of .
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you , whose judgment now of a long time lingreth not , and their damnation slumbereth not .
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell , and delivered them into chains of darkness , to be reserved unto judgment .
5 And spared not the old world , but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness , bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly .
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them wi • h an overthrow , making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked .
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing , vexed his righteous soul from day today with their unlawful deeds.)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations , and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.
10 But chiefly them c that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness , and despise government . Presumptuous are they, self-willed , they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities .
11 Whereas angels which are greater in power and might , bring not a railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these as natural brute beasts , made to be taken and destroyed , speak evil of the things that they understand not , and shall utterly perish in their own corruption .
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness , as they that count it pleasure to riout in the day time : Spots they are, and blemishes , sporting themselves with their own deceivings , while they feast with you .
14 Having eyes full of adultery , and that cannot cease from sin , beguiling unstable souls : an heart they have exercised with covetous practices : cursed children .
15 Which have forsaken the right way , and are gone astray , following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor , who loved the wages of unrighteousness :
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity, The dumb ass speaking with man's voice, forbad the madness of the propher .
17 These are wells without water , clouds that are carried with a tempest , to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity , they allure through the lusts of the flesh , through much wantonness , those that were clean escaped from them who live in error .
19 While they promise them liberty , they themselves are the servants of corruption : for of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is brought in bondage .
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world , through the knowledge of the Lord and Sa • iour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome ; the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness , then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb , The dog is turned to his own vomit again , and, The sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire .
CHAP. III.
1 THIS second epistle , beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance .
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets , and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior .
3 Knowing this first , that there shall come in the last days scoffers , walking after their own lusts ,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming ? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation .
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of , that by the word of God the heavens were of old , and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water .
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
7 But the heavens , and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store , reserved unto fire against the day of judgment , and perdition of ungodly men .
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years , and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward , not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night : in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness ?
12 Looking for , and hasting unto the coming of the day of God , wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise , look for new heavens, and a new earth , wherein dwelleth righteousness .
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye look for such things , be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace , without spot, and blameless .
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation ; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you .
16 As also in all his epistles , speaking in them of these things p : In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned , and unstable , wrest , as they do also the other scriptures to their own destruction .
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things beforehand, beware lest ye also being led away by the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness .
18 But grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
CHAP. I.
1 SImon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us , through the righteousness of God, and our savior Jesus Christ :
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord;
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things k that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue ;
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises , that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature , having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And besides this , giving all diligence, and to your faith , virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ;
6 And to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ;
7 And to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity .
8 For if these things be in you and abound , they make you that ye shall neither be barren , nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things , is blind , and cannot see afar off , and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins .
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling , and election sure : for if ye do these things , ye shall never fall .
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them , and be established in the present truth .
13 Yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this tabernacle , to stir you up , by putting you in remembrance.
14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle , even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me .
15 Moreover, I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance .
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables , when we made known unto you the power , and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty .
17 For he received from God the Father honor, and glory , when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory , This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard r, when we were with him in the holy mount.
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy , whereunto ye do well that ye take heed , as unto a light that shineth in a dark place , until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.
20 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation .
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man , but holy men of God , spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
CHAP. II.
1 BUT there were false prophets also among the people , even as there shall be false teachers among you , who shall privily bring in damnable heresies , even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways , by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of .
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you , whose judgment now of a long time lingreth not , and their damnation slumbereth not .
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell , and delivered them into chains of darkness , to be reserved unto judgment .
5 And spared not the old world , but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness , bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly .
6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them wi • h an overthrow , making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.
7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked .
8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing , vexed his righteous soul from day today with their unlawful deeds.)
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations , and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.
10 But chiefly them c that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness , and despise government . Presumptuous are they, self-willed , they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities .
11 Whereas angels which are greater in power and might , bring not a railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these as natural brute beasts , made to be taken and destroyed , speak evil of the things that they understand not , and shall utterly perish in their own corruption .
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness , as they that count it pleasure to riout in the day time : Spots they are, and blemishes , sporting themselves with their own deceivings , while they feast with you .
14 Having eyes full of adultery , and that cannot cease from sin , beguiling unstable souls : an heart they have exercised with covetous practices : cursed children .
15 Which have forsaken the right way , and are gone astray , following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor , who loved the wages of unrighteousness :
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity, The dumb ass speaking with man's voice, forbad the madness of the propher .
17 These are wells without water , clouds that are carried with a tempest , to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity , they allure through the lusts of the flesh , through much wantonness , those that were clean escaped from them who live in error .
19 While they promise them liberty , they themselves are the servants of corruption : for of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is brought in bondage .
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world , through the knowledge of the Lord and Sa • iour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome ; the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness , then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb , The dog is turned to his own vomit again , and, The sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire .
CHAP. III.
1 THIS second epistle , beloved, I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance .
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets , and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior .
3 Knowing this first , that there shall come in the last days scoffers , walking after their own lusts ,
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming ? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation .
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of , that by the word of God the heavens were of old , and the earth standing out of the water, and in the water .
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
7 But the heavens , and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store , reserved unto fire against the day of judgment , and perdition of ungodly men .
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years , and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward , not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night : in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness ?
12 Looking for , and hasting unto the coming of the day of God , wherein the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise , look for new heavens, and a new earth , wherein dwelleth righteousness .
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing ye look for such things , be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace , without spot, and blameless .
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation ; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you .
16 As also in all his epistles , speaking in them of these things p : In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned , and unstable , wrest , as they do also the other scriptures to their own destruction .
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things beforehand, beware lest ye also being led away by the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness .
18 But grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
The first Epistle OF St. JOHN.
COncerning the Penman of the first Epistle, it doth not appear there hath been any doubt; the Ancients generally ascribing it to the Apostle St. John. The time of his writing it is uncertain; some assigning to it an earlier, others a later date. It is thought to have been written directly to the Christian Jews, not living in Judea, but remote in Parthia, (where it appears great numbers of them resided,) being styled by a noted Father, The Epistle to the Parthians: The design of it is to confirm them in the great fundamental Doctrine of Christianity, That our Lord Jesus was the Messiah, against the attempts of divers apostate or degenerate Christians; who (whether this Epistle were of the former or later date) did in his time deny, or essentially deprave that most important Article. And not only to induce them all most steadfastly to believe it, but to impress it more deeply upon their Souls, to reduce the more licentious, to raise and quicken the dead and carnal to a more strict, lively, vigorous Christianity; and (which is greatly inculcated) to excite and enflame mutual Christian love among them, as that which would more strongly fortify them against the endeavors of Seducers, and render their Communion more pleasant among themselves. The other two Epistles are very much of the same Argument (though the latter hath somewhat of a different and peculiar concernment) but doubted by some, whether by the same Penman, upon very insufficient grounds, the matter and style, plainly enough, showing them to be this Apostle's.
CHAP. I.
1 THat which was from the beginning , which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life .
2 (For the life was manifested , and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)
3 That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us , and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ .
4 And these things write we unto you , that your joy may be full .
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light i, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness , we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light , as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another ; and the blo • d of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all Sin .
8 If we say that we have no sin , we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us .
9 If we confess our sins , he is faithful just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .
10 If we say we have not sinned , we make him a liar , and his word is not in us .
CHAP. II.
1 MY little children , these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous .
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world .
3 And hereby we do know that we know him , if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar , and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word , in him verily is the love of God perfected : hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him, ought also so to walk, even as he walked .
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old come • andment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning .
8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him, and in you : because the darkness is past , and the true light now shineth .
9 He that saith he is in the light , and hateth his brother, is in darkness until now .
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light , and there is no occasion of stumbling in him .
11 But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes .
12 I write unto you, little children , because your sins are forgive you, for his names sake .
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning . I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one . I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father b.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you , and ye have overcome the wicked one.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him .
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh , and the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life , is not of the father, but is of the world .
17 And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof; but he that doth the will of God, abideth forever .
18 Little children, it is the last time , and as we have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would, no doubt, have continued with us : but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us .
20 But ye have an unction from the holy one, and yet know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth: but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth .
22 Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ ? he is Antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; but he that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father .
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life .
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you .
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him, abideth in you: and ye need not that any man teach you : but, as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie: and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doth righteousness, is born of him .
CHAP. III.
1 BEhold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when he shall appear , we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is .
3 And every man that hath this hope in him, puri • ieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law .
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin .
6 Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not: whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him .
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: He that doth righteousness, is righteous, even as he is righteous .
8 He that committeth sin, is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin , because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: Whosoever doth not righteousness, is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother .
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one , and slew his brother: And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you .
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren: he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother hath need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from nim how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth .
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth , and shall assure our hearts before him .
20 For if our heart condemn us , God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not , then have we confidence towards God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ , and love one another , as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandment •• ments , dwelle • h in him, and he in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
CHAP. IV.
1 BEloved, believe not every spirit , but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God.
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world .
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them : because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: He that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error .
7 Beloved, let us love one another , for love is of God ▪ and everyone that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is love .
9 In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live by him .
10 Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another .
12 No man hath seen God at any time: If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit .
14 And we have seen and do testify , that the Father sent the Son to be the savior of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God .
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him .
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment , because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear ; because fear hath torment: he that feareth, is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him ; because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen ?
21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also .
CHAP. V.
WHosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God , and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God , that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God , overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ?
6 This is he that came by water and blood , even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one .
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one .
9 If we receive the witness of Men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son .
10 He that believeth on the Son of God , hath the witness in himself : he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is record, that God hath given to us eternal life : and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life .
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will , he heareth us
15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him .
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death , he shall ask, and he shall give him life, for them that sin not unto death : there is a sin unto death, I do not say he shall pray for it.
17 All unrighteousness is sin , and there is a sin not unto death.
18 We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not ; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 And we know that we are of God , and the whole world lieth in wickedness .
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true: and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life .
CHAP. I.
1 THat which was from the beginning , which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life .
2 (For the life was manifested , and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)
3 That which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us , and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ .
4 And these things write we unto you , that your joy may be full .
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light i, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness , we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light , as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another ; and the blo • d of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all Sin .
8 If we say that we have no sin , we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us .
9 If we confess our sins , he is faithful just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness .
10 If we say we have not sinned , we make him a liar , and his word is not in us .
CHAP. II.
1 MY little children , these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous .
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world .
3 And hereby we do know that we know him , if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar , and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word , in him verily is the love of God perfected : hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him, ought also so to walk, even as he walked .
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning: the old come • andment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning .
8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him, and in you : because the darkness is past , and the true light now shineth .
9 He that saith he is in the light , and hateth his brother, is in darkness until now .
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light , and there is no occasion of stumbling in him .
11 But he that hateth his brother, is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes .
12 I write unto you, little children , because your sins are forgive you, for his names sake .
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning . I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one . I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father b.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you , and ye have overcome the wicked one.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him .
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh , and the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life , is not of the father, but is of the world .
17 And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof; but he that doth the will of God, abideth forever .
18 Little children, it is the last time , and as we have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would, no doubt, have continued with us : but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us .
20 But ye have an unction from the holy one, and yet know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth: but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth .
22 Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ ? he is Antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father; but he that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father .
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life .
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you .
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him, abideth in you: and ye need not that any man teach you : but, as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie: and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doth righteousness, is born of him .
CHAP. III.
1 BEhold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when he shall appear , we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is .
3 And every man that hath this hope in him, puri • ieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law .
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin .
6 Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not: whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him .
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: He that doth righteousness, is righteous, even as he is righteous .
8 He that committeth sin, is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin , because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: Whosoever doth not righteousness, is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother .
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one , and slew his brother: And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you .
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren: he that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother hath need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from nim how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth .
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth , and shall assure our hearts before him .
20 For if our heart condemn us , God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not , then have we confidence towards God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ , and love one another , as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandment •• ments , dwelle • h in him, and he in him: and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
CHAP. IV.
1 BEloved, believe not every spirit , but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God.
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world .
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them : because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: He that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the spirit of error .
7 Beloved, let us love one another , for love is of God ▪ and everyone that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is love .
9 In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live by him .
10 Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another .
12 No man hath seen God at any time: If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit .
14 And we have seen and do testify , that the Father sent the Son to be the savior of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God .
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him .
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment , because as he is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear ; because fear hath torment: he that feareth, is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him ; because he first loved us.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen ?
21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also .
CHAP. V.
WHosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God , and keep his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God , that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God , overcometh the world, and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ?
6 This is he that came by water and blood , even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood: and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost: and these three are one .
8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one .
9 If we receive the witness of Men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son .
10 He that believeth on the Son of God , hath the witness in himself : he that believeth not God, hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 And this is record, that God hath given to us eternal life : and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life .
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will , he heareth us
15 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him .
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death , he shall ask, and he shall give him life, for them that sin not unto death : there is a sin unto death, I do not say he shall pray for it.
17 All unrighteousness is sin , and there is a sin not unto death.
18 We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not ; but he that is begotten of God, keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 And we know that we are of God , and the whole world lieth in wickedness .
20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true: and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life .
The second Epistle OF S. JOHN.
1 THE elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth.
2 For the truths sake which dwelleth in us , and shall be with us forever.
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, in truth and love .
4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another .
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments . This is the commandment▪ that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not Jesus Christ is come in the flesh: this is a deceiver, and an antichrist .
8 Look to yourselves that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward .
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God; he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house, neither bid him, God speed.
11 For he that biddeth him God-speed , is partaker of his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
The third Epistle OF St. JOHN
1 THE elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayst prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth .
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth r.
4 I have no greater joy then to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou dost, to the brethren, and to strangers.
6 Which have born witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort , thou shalt do well.
7 Because that for his name sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles x.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow-helpers of the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes y, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved▪ follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good , is of God : but he that doth evil hath not seen God .
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record, and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee.
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face . Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
The general Epistle OF JUDE.
SOME Question there hath been concerning the Penman of this Epistle, and some have thought that Jude the Apostle was not the Man, whoever were; 1. Because he doth not give himself the Title of Apostle; but that is objected against James too, and hath been already answered. 2ly. Because the Writer of this Epistle speaks of himself, as coming after the Apostles, v. 17. But what necessity is there for his coming behind them in Office and Authority, because he doth in time? 3ly. Because he mentions the Contention about the Body of Moses, and the Prophecy of Enoch, which are nowhere to be found in Scripture. But when there were divers Traditions among the Jews, (whereof this about Moses's Body seems to be one) why might not the Holy Ghost assert some that were true (though before doubtful) by this Apostle, and make them certain, as well as he doth by Paul, the Names of James and Jambs, 2 Tim. 3.8. which were known only by Tradition, and Moses quaking and fearing at Mount Sinai, Heb. 12.21. whereof no mention had been made in the Scripture? As for the Prophecy of Enoch, it seems to have been a Tradition too, (for he mentions no Writing) and then the same may be said as to the other. Yet if it were a Book, and an Apocryphal one too, (his citing of it doth not make it to be Canonical) for Jude might as well cite a Passage out of an Apocryphal Writer, as Paul doth several out of Heathen Authors, Acts 17.28. and 1 Cor. 15.33. and Tit. 1.12. And, 4ly, because much of this Epistle seems to be transcribed out of 2 Pet. 2.2. and therefore not to be dictated by the Spirit. Butto this it may be said, that though many Passages in this Epistle agree with what Peter speaks, yet there is so much difference in the whole, that it is plain they are not transcribed thence. And yet why might not the Spirit dictate the same Truths to several Pen-men, either to be published to several Persons, or the same Persons at different times? Most of Obadiah's Prophecy is to be found in Jeremiah's; Psalm 60. is in a great part the same with 108. and Psalm 14. the same with 53. And Paul by the same Spirit writ many of the same things to the Ephesians, and to the Colossians. And what is alleged of the Ancients questioning the Authority of this Epistle, it is not so considerable, as it might be alleged, even out of them, for the Confirmation of it. Sure we may say, the Spirit of an Apostle breaths in this, as well as in others; the same Majesty, Purity, and Efficacy appear in it, and whatever may evidence its Divine Authority. It is written to the Christian Jews. The matter of it agrees very much with Pet. 2.2. and the Scope is mostly the same, viz. to arm them against those, who by their wicked Errors, and wicked Manners, secretly and sliely brought in, might infect them, and seduce them into the same Wickedness with themselves, whereby they might be exposed to the same Judgment, which he pronounceth, were like to come upon such.