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THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE

THESSALONIANS.

PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thes- 1 salonians, in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto 2 you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

in grace

Of their growth We are bound to thank God always for you, breth- 3 ren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God, 4 for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, 5 that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense 6 tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you, who are troubled, rest 7 with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, ' in flaming fire; taking vengeance on them that know 8 not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who 9 shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his powers,--when he shall come to be 10 glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, (because our testimony among you was believed,)--in that day. Where- 11 fore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may 12 be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul corrects their errors respecting the immediate

coming of the day

of judgment.

NOW we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of 2 our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be 2

troubled,--neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us,--as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive 3 you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that Man of sin be revealed, the Son of perdi. tion, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, 4 or that is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that when I was 5 yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what with. 6 holdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of ini- 7 quity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way: and then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom 8 the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the 9 working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and 10 with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And 11 for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the 12 truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

He prays for their

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for 13 salvation. you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our 14 gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. There. 15 fore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ 16 himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your 17 hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Now we command 6

FINALLY, brethren, pray for us, that the word of 3 Various admonitions. the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and 2 wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who 3 shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence 4 in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of 5 God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought 7 to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; ' neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor 8 and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we 10 commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, 11 working not at all, but are busy-bodies. Now them that are such we 12 command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary 13 in well-doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, 14 note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now 15 the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

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THE salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in 17 every epistle: so I write: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 18 you all. Amen.

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO

ΤΙΜΟΤΗY.

PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our 1 Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope, 'unto Timothy, my 2 own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Why Timothy was

AS I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when 3 required to stay at I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some Ephesus. that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to 4

fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than

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godly edifying which is in faith; so do..... Now the end of the com- 5 mandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved, have turned aside 6 unto vain jangling, 'desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding 7 neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm: but we know that the 8 law is good, if a man use it lawfully; knowing this, that the law is not 9 made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers, and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, ' for whoremongers, for them 10 that defile themselves with mankind, for men-stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, 11 which was committed to my trust; and I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and in- 13 jurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love 14 which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all 15 acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in 16 me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now 17 unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever! Amen..... This charge I commit unto 18 thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare, holding faith and 19 a good conscience; which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have 20 delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

O the method and I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, 2 subeats of payer. prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead 2 a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is 3 good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have 4 all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man 5 Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due 6 time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an apostle, (I speak 7 the truth in Christ, and lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy 8 hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, 'but (which 10 becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the wo- 11 man learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to 12 teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For 13 Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but 14 the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding, 15 she shall be saved in child-bearing, if they continue in faith, and charity, and holiness, with sobriety.

The duties and qualifications of

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THIS is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a 3 bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must 2

church officers. be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, 3 no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient; not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in 4 subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own 5 house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, 6 lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil: moreover, he must have a good report of them which are with-7 out; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise 8 must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, 'holding the mystery of the faith in a pure 9 conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the 10 office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives 11 be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons 12 be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to 13 themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Salvation through a Divine Redeemer, the essence of the

gospel.

3

THESE things write I unto thee, hoping to come 14 unto thee shortly: but if I tarry long, that thou mayest 15 know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy, great is the mystery of god- 16 liness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter 4 times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, 'speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their con- 2 science seared with a hot iron, ' forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every 4 creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God, and prayer. 5 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt 6 be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane 7 and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For 8 bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.) 'For 9 therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe. These things command and teach.

Of Timothy's

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LET no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ex- 12 personal duties, and ample of the believers, in word, in conversation, in method of governing charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give 13 attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the 14 gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give 15 thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take 16 heed unto thyself, and unto thy doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Re- 5 buke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 'the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters; with 2 all purity. Honor widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow 3,4 have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, 5 and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day: but she that 6 liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth. And these things give in 7 charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his 8 own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into 9 the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up chil- 10 dren, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have 11 begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; having damnation, 12 because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be 13 idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the 14 house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For 15 some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman 16 that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honor, es- 17 pecially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture 18 saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn;" and the laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an 19 accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke 20 before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, 21 and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of 22 other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use 23 a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often infirmities. Some 24 men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are man- 25 ifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

servants.

His instructions to LET as many servants as are under the yoke count 6 their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believ- 2 ing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

How to treat op- IF any man teach otherwise, and consent not to 3 posers. wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, ' he is proud, 4 knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ' perverse dis- 5 putings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Of piety; and Bur godliness with contentment is great gain. For6,7 covetousness. we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be there- 8 with content. But they that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a 9 snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: 10 which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Concluding charge Bur thou, O man of God, flee these things; and fol- 11 and exhortations. low after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, 12 whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession be

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