God's manifola grace. CHAP. II. Exhortation to mutual love. of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprink- 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, ling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace as of a lamb without blemish and with unto you, and peace, be multiplied. out spot: 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 resurrec\tion 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. 20 Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up 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: grass. The 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in 23 Being born again, not of corruptible heaviness through inanifold temptations: seed, but of incorruptible, by the word 7 That the trial of your faith, being of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. much more precious than of gold that per- 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the isheth, though it be tried with fire, might glory of man as the flower of be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in 25 But the word of the Lord endureth whom, though now ye see him not, yet for ever. And this is the word which believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeak-by the gospel is preached unto you. able, and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: CHAP. II Christ the corner-stone. WHEREFORE, laying aside all ma lice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, 10 Of which salvation the prophets bave inquired and searched diligently, and envies, and all evil-speakings, 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. 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 12 Unto whom it was revealed, that chosen of God, and precious, not unto themselves, but unto us they 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up did minister the things which are now a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to reported unto you by them that have offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to preached the gospel unto you, with the God by Jesus Christ. Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the which things the angels desire to look into. scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your corner-stone, elect, precious: and he that mind, be sober, and hope to the end for believeth on him shall not be conthe grace that is to be brought unto you founded. at the revelation of Jesus Christ: 7 Unto you therefore which believe, he 14 As obedient children, not fashioning is precious: but unto them which be disyourselves according to the former lusts obedient, the stone which the builders in your ignorance: disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 15 But as he which 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 Forasmuch 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; 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, 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, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a peo ple, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Christian duties enjoned. 1. PETER. Relative duties. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as heart, in that which is not corruptible, strangers and pilgrims, abstain from even the ornament of a meek and quiet fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; spirit, which is in the sight of God of 12 Having your conversation honest great price. among the Gentiles: that, whereas they 5 For after this manner in the old time speak against you as evil-doers, they the holy women also, who trusted in may by your good works, which they shail God, adorned themselves, being in subbehold, glorify God in the day of visitation. [jection unto their own husbands: 13 Submit yourselves to every ordi- 6 Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, callnance of man for the Lord's sake: ing him lord: whose daughters ye are, as whether it be to the king, as supreme; long as ye do well, and are not afraid 14 Or unto governors, as unto them with any amazement. that are sent by him for the punishment 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with of evil-doers, and for the praise of them them according to knowledge, giving that do well. honour unto the wife, as unto the weak15 For so is the will of God, that with er vessel, and as being heirs together of well-doing ye may put to silence the ig-the grace of life; that your prayers be not norance of foolish men: hindered. 16 As free, and not using your liberty 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the compassion one of another; love as servants of God. brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 17 Honour all men. Love the brother- 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing hood. Fear God. Honour the king. for railing: but contrariwise, blessing; 18 Servants, be subject to your masters knowing that ye are thereunto called, with all fear; not only to the good and that ye should inherit a blessing. gentle, but also to the froward. 10 For he that will love life, and see 19. For this is thank-worthy, if a man good days, let him refrain his tongue from for conscience toward God endure grief, evil, and his lips that they speak no guile : suffering wrongfully. 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. 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: 13 And who is he that will harm you because Christ also suffered for us, leav-if ye be followers of that which is good? ing us an example, that ye should follow 14 But and if ye suffer for righteous his steps: ness' sake, happy are ye; and be not 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; found in his mouth : 15 But sanctify the Lord God in you 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled hearts: and be ready always to give an not again; when he suffered, he threat-answer to every man that asketh you a ened not; but committed himself to him reason of the hope that is in you, with that judgeth righteously: meekness and fear. 24 Who his own self bare our sins in 16 Having a good conscience; that, his own body on the tree, that we, being whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildead to sins, should live unto righteous-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely ness: by whose stripes ye were healed. accuse your good conversation in Christ. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; 17 For it is better, if the will of God be but are now returned unto the Shepherd so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for and Bishop of your souls. jevil-doing. CHAP. III. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for Duty of wives and husbands. sins, the just for the unjust, that he L' IKEWISE, ye wives, be in subjec-might bring us to God, being put to death tion to your own husbands; that, if in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: any obey not the word, they also may 19 By which also he went and preached without the word be won by the conver-unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometine were disobedient, sation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste con- when once the long-suffering of God versation coupled with fear. waited in the days of Noah, while the 3 Whose adorning let it not be that out-ark was a preparing, wherein few, that ward adorning of plaiting the hair, and is, eight souls, were saved by water. of wearing of gold, or of putting on of 21 The like figure whereunto, even bapapparel; tismi, doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but he 4 But let it be the hidden man of the CHAP. IV, V. Comfort in persecution. Humility commended answer of a good conscience toward 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: let him not be ashamed; but let him glo22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on rify God on thus behalf. the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers being made subject unto him. CHAP. IV. Of ceasing from sin. FORASMUCH then as Christ hath 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if i 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 suffered for us in the flesh, arın sinner appear? yourselves likewise with the same mind: 19 Wherefore, let them that suffer acfor he that hath suffered in the flesh hath cording to the will of God, commit the ceased from sin; keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, 2 That he no longer should live the rest as unto a faithful Creator. of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. CHAP. V. 3 For the time past of our life may THE elders which are among you I exsuffice us to have wrought the will of the hort, who am also an elder, and a Gentiles, when we walked in lascivious- witness of the sufferings of Christ, and ness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, also a partaker of the glory that shall be banquetings, and abominable idolatries: revealed: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye 2 Feed the flock of God which is among run not with them to the same excess of you, taking the oversight thereof, not by riot, speaking evil of you: constraint, but willingly; not for filthy luere, but of a ready mind; 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. 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shail appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit your7 But the end of all things is at hand: be selves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. subject one to another, and be clothed 8 And above all things have fervent with humility: for God resisteth the charity among yourselves: for charity proud, and giveth grace to the humble. shall cover the multitude of sins. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 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. 7 Casting ali your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, 11 If any man speak, let him speak as walketh about, seeking whom he may the oracles of God; if any man minister, devour: let him do it as of the ability which God 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, giveth: that God in all things may be knowing that the same afflictions are acglorified through Jesus Christ; to whom complished in your brethren that are in be praise and dominion for ever and ever. the world. Amen. 12 Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing 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 exceeding 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. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen. settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, 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, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 15 But let none of you suffer as a marderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. in Christ Jesus. 14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are Amen. The Second Epistle general of PETER. CHAP. I. Exhortation to several duties. SIMON Peter, a servant and an apostle This is my beloved Son, in whom I ar well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from of Jesus Christ, to them that have heaven we heard, when we were with obtained like precicus faith with us him in the holy mount. through the righteousness of God and our 19 We have also a more sure word of Saviour Jesus Christ: prophecy; whereunto ye do well that yo 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto take heed, as unto a light that shineth in you through the knowledge of God, and a dark place, until the day dawn, and the of Jesus our Lord, day-star arise in your hearts: 3 According as his divine power hath 20 Knowing this first, that no prophec given unto us all things that pertain unto of the scripture is of any private interlife and godliness, through the knowledge pretation. of him that hath called us to glory and 21 For the prophecy came not in old virtue : time by the will of man: but holy men 4 Whereby are given unto us exceed- of God spake as they were moved by the ing great and precious promises; that by Holy Ghost. these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption False teachers foretold. that is in the world through lust. B UT there were false prophets also 5 And besides this, giving all diligence, among the people, even as there shall add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, be false teachers among you, who privily knowledge; shall bring in damnable heresies, even 6 And to knowledge, temperance; and denying the Lord that bought them, and to temperance, patience; and to patience, bring upon themselves swift destruction godliness; 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 7 And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. CHAP. II. 8 For if these things be in you, and 3 And through covetousness shall they abound, they make you that ye shall with feigned words make merchandise neither be barren nor unfruitful in the of you: whose judgment now of a long knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. time lingereth not, and their damnation 9 But he that lacketh these things is slumbereth not. blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath 4 For if God spared not the angels that forgotten that he was purged from his sinned, but cast them down to hell, and old sins. delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood 11 For so an entrance shall be minister- upon the world of the ungodly; ed unto you abundantly into the everlast-6 And turning the cities of Sodom and ing kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye 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 shewed me. with 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 bearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day 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 judg. inent to be punished: 15 Moreover, I will endeavour that ye may be able, after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance. 10 But chiefly them that walk after the 16 For we have not followed cunningly flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and desdevised fables, when we inade known pise government. Presumptuous are they, unto you the power and coming of our self-willed; they are not afraid to speak Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-wit-evil of dignities. nesses of his majesty 11 Whereas angels, which are greater 17 For he received from God the Father in power and might, bring not railing ac honour and glory, when there came such cusation against them before the Lord. a voice to him from the excellent glory, 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, Of Christ's coming CHAP. III. to judgment, &c made to be taken and destroyed, speak his coming? for since the fathers fell evil of the things that they understand asleep, all things continue as they were not; and shall utterly perish in their own from the beginning of the creation. corruption: 5 For this they willingly are ignorant 13 And shall receive the reward of of, that by the word of God the heavens murighteousness, as they that count it were of old, and the earth standing out pleasure to riot in the day-time. Spots of the water and in the water: they are and blemishes, sporting them- 6 Whereby the world that then was, selves with their own deceivings while being overflowed with water, perished: they feast with you; 7 But the heavens and the earth, which 14 Hlaving eyes full of adultery, and are now, by the same word are kept in that cannot cease from sin; beguiling store, reserved unto fire against the unstable souls: a heart they have exer-day of judgment and perdition of cised with covetous practices; cursed ungodly men. children: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this 15 Which have forsaken the right way, one thing, that one day is with the Lord and are gone astray, following the way as a thousand years, and a thousand years of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved as one day. the wages of unrighteousness; 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the promise, as some men count slackness; dumb ass, speaking with man's voice, but is long-suffering to us-ward, not wilforbade the madness of the prophet. ling that any should perish, but that all 17 These are wells without water, should come to repentance. clouds that are carried with a tempest; 10 But the day of the Lord will come to whom the mist of darkness is reserved as a thief in the night; in the which the for ever. heavens shall pass away with a great 18 For when they speak great swelling noise, and the elements shall melt with words of vanity, they allure through the fervent heat, the earth also and the works lusts of the flesh, through much wanton- that are therein shall be burned up. ness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall he dissolved, what inanner of per19 While they promise them liberty, sons ought ye to be m all holy conversathey themselves are the servants of cor- tion and godliness, miption: for of whom a man is overcome, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the of the same is he brought in bondage. coming of the day of God, wherein the 20 For if after they have escaped the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, pollutions of the world through the and the elements shall melt with fervent knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus heat? Christ, they are again entangled therein, 13 Nevertheless we, according to his and overcome, the latter end is worse promise, look for new heavens and a new with them than the beginning. earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 21 For it had been better for them not 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye to have known the way of righteousness, look for such things, be diligent that ye than, after they have known it, to turn may be found of him in peace, without from the holy commandment delivered spot, and blameless. unto them. 15 And account that the long-suffering 22 But it is happened unto them accord-of our Lord is salvation ; even as our ing to the true proverb, The dog is turned beloved brother Paul also, according to to his own vomit again; and, The sow the wisdom given unto him, hath written that was washed, to her wallowing in unto you; the inire. 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking CHAP. III. in thein of these things; in which are Coming of the last day. some things hard to be understood, which THIS second epistle, beloved, I now they that are unlearned and unstable write unto you; in both which I wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, stir up your pure minds by way of re-unto their own destruction. membrance: 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know 2 That ye may be mindful of the words these things before, beware lest ye also, which were spoken before by the holy being led away with the error of the prophets, and of the commandment of us wicked, fall from your own steadthe apostles of the Lord and Saviour: fastness. 3 Knowing this first, that there shall 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowcome in the last days scoffers, walking ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus after their own lusts, Christ. To him be glory both now and 4 Aud saying, Where is the promise of for ever. Amen. |