Many of the Writings of the New Testament are written in the form of Epistles. Such are not only those of St. Paul, James, Peter, Jude, but also both the Treatises of St. Luke, and all the Writings of St. John. Nay, we have seven Epistles herein, which the Lord Jesus himself sent by the hand of John to the seven Churches: Yea, the whole Revelation is no other than an Epistle from him.

Concerning the Epistles of St. Paul, we may observe he writes in a very different manner, to those Churches which he had planted himself, and to those who had not seen his face in the flesh. In his Letters to the former, a loving or sharp Familiarity appears, as their Behaviour was more or less suitable to the Gospel. To the latter, he proposes the pure, unmixt Gospel, in a more general and abstract manner.

As to the time wherein he wrote his Epistles, it is probable he wrote, about the Year of Christ, according to the common Reckoning,

48	from Corinth	the Epistles to the Thessalonians:
49	from Phrygia	to the Galatians:
52	from Ephesus	the first to the Corinthians:
	from Troas	the first Epistle to Timothy:
	from Macedonia	the second to the Corinthians, and that to Titus:
	from Corinth	to the Romans:
57	from Rome	to the Philippians, to Philemon, to the Ephesians and Colossians:
58	from Italy	to the Hebrews:
66	from Rome	the second to Timothy.

As to the General Epistles, it seems St. James wrote a little before his Death, which was A. D. 63. St. Peter, who was martyr'd in the year 67, wrote his latter Epistle a little before his Death, and not long after his former. St. Jude wrote after him, when the mystery of iniquity was gaining ground swiftly. St. John is believed to have wrote all his Epistles, a little before his Departure. The Revelation he wrote A. D. 96.

That St. Paul wrote this Epistle from Corinth we may learn, from his commending to the Romans Phebe a Servant of the Church of Cenchrea (ch. xvi. 1.) a Port of Corinth, and from his mentioning the Salutations of Caius and Erastus (ch. xvi. 23.) who were both Corinthians. Those to whom he wrote, seem to have been chiefly Foreigners, both Jews and Gentiles, whom Business drew from other Provinces: As appears, both by his writing in Greek, and by his Salutations of several former Acquaintance.

His chief Design herein is to shew, 1. That neither the Gentiles by the Law of Nature, nor the Jews by the Law of Moses, could obtain Justification before God: And that therefore it was necessary for both to seek it from the free Mercy of God by Faith. 2. That God has an absolute Right, to shew Mercy on what Terms he pleases, and to with-hold it from those who will not accept it on his own Terms.

The Epistle consists of Five Parts,

I.		The Introduction,	C. i.	1—15.
II.		The Proposition, briefly proved,
	1.	Concerning Faith and Justification,
	2.	Concerning Salvation,
	3.	Concerning the Equality of Believers, Jews, or Gentiles,		16, 17.
		To these three Parts, whereof the
		First is treated of	C. i.	18—
			iv.
		The Second	C. v.—viii.
		The Third	C. ix—xi.
		not only the Treatise itself, but also the Exhortation answers in the same Order.
III.		The Treatise,
	1.	Concerning Justification, which is
		1. Not by Works, for		18.
		The Gentiles,	C. ii.	1—10.
		The Jews, and		11—29.
		Both together are under Sin,	C. iii.	1—20.
		2. But by Faith,		21—31.
		as appears by the Example of Abraham, and the Testimony of David,	C. iv.	1—25.
	2.	Concerning Salvation,	C. v.—viii.
	3.	Concerning the equal Privileges of Jewish and Gentile Believers,	C. ix.—xi.
IV.		The Exhortation,	C. xii.	1, 2.
	1.	Concerning Faith and its Fruits,
		Love and Practical Holiness,		3—21.
			C. xiii.	1—10.
	2.	Concerning Salvation,		11—14.
	3.	Of the Conjunction of Jews and Gentiles,	C. xiv.	1—
			xv.	13.
V.		The Conclusion,		14—
			xvi.	25.

To express the Design and Contents of this Epistle, a little more at large. The Apostle labours throughout, to fix in those to whom he writes, a deep Sense of the Excellency of the Gospel, and to engage them to act suitably to it. For this purpose after a General Salutation, (ch. i. 1—7.) and Profession of his Affection for them (ver. 8—15.) he declares he shall not be ashamed openly to maintain the Gospel at Rome, seeing it is the powerful Instrument of Salvation, both to Jews and Gentiles, by means of Faith. (ver. 16, 17.) And in order to demonstrate this, he shews,

1. That the World greatly needed such a Dispensation, the Gentiles being in a most abandoned State; (ver. 18—32.) and the Jews, though condemning others, being themselves no better: (ch. ii. 1—29.) As, notwithstanding some Cavils, which he obviates, (ch. iii. 1—8.) their own Scriptures testify. (9—19.) So that all were under a Necessity of seeking Justification by this Method. (20—31.)

2. That Abraham and David themselves sought Justification, by Faith, and not by Works. (ch. iv. 1—25.)

3. That all who believe are brought into so happy a State, as turns the greatest Afflictions into matter of Joy. (ch. v. 1—11.)

4. That the Evils brought on Mankind by Adam, are abundantly recompensed to all that believe in Christ. (12—21.)

5. That far from dissolving the Obligations to Practical Holiness, the Gospel increases them by peculiar Obligations. (ch. vi. 1—23.)

In order to convince them of these things the more deeply, and to remove their Fondness for the Mosaic Law, now they were married to Christ by Faith in him, (ch. vii. 1—6.) he shews how unable the Motives of the Law were to produce that Holiness, which Believers obtain, by a living Faith in the Gospel; (ch. vii. 7—25. viii. 1, 2.) and then gives a more particular View of those things, which rendered the Gospel effectual to this great End. (ver. 3—39.)

That even the Gentiles, if they believed, should have a share in these Blessings; and that the Jews, if they believed not, should be excluded from them, being a point of great importance, the Apostle bestows the ix, x, and xi^th Chapters in settling it. He begins the ix^th Chapter, by expressing his tender Love and high Esteem for the Jewish Nation, (ver. 1—5.) and then shews,

1. That God's rejecting great Part of the seed of Abraham, yea, and of Isaac too, was undeniable Fact. (6—13.)

2. That God had not chosen Them to such peculiar Privileges, for any kind of Goodness either in them or their Fathers. (14—24.)

3. That his accepting the Gentiles, and rejecting many of the Jews, had been foretold both by Hosea and Isaiah. (ver. 25—33.)

4. That God had offered Salvation to Jews and Gentiles on the same terms, though the Jews had rejected it. (ch. x. 1—21.)

5. That though the Rejection of Israel for their obstinacy was General, yet it was not Total: there being still a remnant among them, who did embrace the Gospel. (ch. xi. 1—10.)

6. That the Rejection of the rest was not Final, but in the End all Israel should be saved. (ver. 11—31.) And,

7. That meantime even their Obstinacy and Rejection served to display the unsearchable Wisdom and Love of God. (ver. 32—36.)

The rest of the Epistle contains Practical Instructions and Exhortations. He particularly urges, 1. An entire Consecration of themselves to God, and a Care to glorify him by a faithful Improvement of their several Talents: (ch. xii. 1—11.) 2. Devotion, Patience, Hospitality, mutual Sympathy, Humility, Peace, and Meekness; (ver. 12—21.) 3. Obedience to Magistrates, Justice in all its Branches, Love, the fulfilling of the Law, and universal Holiness: (ch. xiii. 1—14.) 4. Mutual Candor between those who differed in Judgment, touching the observance of the Ceremonial Law; (ch. xiv. 1—23. xv. 1—17.) in inforcing which he is led to mention the Extent of his own Labours, and his purpose of visiting the Romans, in the mean time recommending himself to their Prayers. (ver. 18—33.) And after many Salutations, (ch. xvi. 1—16.) and a Caution against those who caused Divisions, he concludes with a suitable Blessing and Doxology. (ver. 17—27.) ROMANS. Chap. I.

1   Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, ^note called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, 2   Which he had promised before, ^note by his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3   Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, 4   who was of the seed of David, according to the flesh, ^note But ^note declared the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, 5   By whom we have received ^note grace

and apostleship, for obedience to the faith in all nations for his name, Among whom ^note are ye also, the called of Jesus Christ: 6   To all that are in Rome, ^note 7   who are beloved of God, called and holy, Grace to you, and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8   First, I thank ^note my God through Jesus Christ, for you all, that your faith is spoken of through the whole world. 9   For God, whom I serve ^note with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, is my witness, how incessantly I make mention of you, 10   Always ^note requesting in my prayers to come unto you, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God. 11   For I long to see you, that I may impart to you ^note some

spiritual gift, 12   that ye may be established, That is, ^note to be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13   Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, ^note that I have often purposed to come to you, (though I have been hindred hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentiles. 14   I am a debtor both to the Greeks and the barbarians, ^note both to the wise and to the unwise. 15   Therefore, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also who are at Rome. 16   For I am not ashamed of the gospel; ^note for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, both to the Jew and to the Gentile. 17   For the righteousness of God ^note is revealed therein from faith to faith; as it is written, ^note The just shall live by faith.

18   For ^note the wrath of God is revealed from heaven, against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who detain the truth in unrighteousness. 19   For what is to be known of God, ^note is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it to them. 20   For those things of him which are invisible, both his eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen ^note from the creation of the world, being understood by the things which are made, so that they are without excuse: 21   Because knowing God, ^note they did not glorify him as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their reasonings, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22   Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23   And changed ^note the glory of the incorruptible God into an

image in the likeness of corruptible man, and of birds, and of four-footed creatures and reptiles. 24   Wherefore ^note God also gave them up to uncleanness in the desires of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves; 25   Who changed the truth ^note of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature above the creator, who is blessed for ever! 26   Amen. Therefore God gave them up to vile affections; ^note for even their women changed the natural use to that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, 27   leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust toward each other, men with men working filthiness, and receiving in themselves the just recompence of their error. ^note 28   And as they were not careful to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them up to an undiscerning mind, ^note to do things not expedient, Filled with all injustice, ^note maliciousness, covetousness, wickedness: 29   full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, malignity: 30   Whisperers, backbiters: haters of God, ^note violent, proud: boasters, inventers of evil things: disobedient to parents, 31   Without understanding, covenant-breakers, ^note without

natural affection, implacable, unmerciful. 32   Who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that they who do such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in those that do them. ^note

1   Therefore ^note thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest the other, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost the same things. 2   For we know ^note that the judgment of God is according to truth, against them who do such things. 3   And thinkest thou this, O man, who judgest them that do such things, and dost the same, that thou shalt escape ^note the judgment of God? 4   Or despisest thou ^note the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5   But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up to thyself wrath ^note in the day of wrath, and revelation, and righteous judgment of God? 6   Who will ^note render to every one according to his works: To them that by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory, ^note 7   and honour, and immortality, eternal life. 8   But to them that are contentious, ^note and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be indignation

17Q0300 and wrath, 9   tribulation and anguish, Even upon every soul of man who worketh evil, of the Jew first, ^note and also the Gentile: 10   But glory, ^note honour, and peace shall be to every one who worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. 11   For there is no respect of persons with God. ^note 12   For as many as have sinned ^note without the law, shall also perish without the law; and as many as have sinned under the law, shall be judged by the law. 13   For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. ^note 14   For when the Gentiles, ^note who have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these not having the law, are a law to themselves; 15   Who shew ^note the work of the law written upon their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and

their thoughts among themselves accusing or even defending them, 16   In the day ^note when God will judge the secrets of men by Christ Jesus, according to my gospel. 17   Behold, thou art called a Jew, ^note and restest in the law, 18   and gloriest in God, And knowest his will, and discernest the things that differ, being instructed out of the law: 19   And art confident, that thyself art a guide of the blind, ^note a light of them that are in darkness, An instructer of the ignorant, 20   a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth ^note in the law. 21   Thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? ^note Thou that proclaimest, a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22   Thou that sayst, a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23   Thou that gloriest in the law, dost thou by transgressing the law dishonour God? 24   For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, ^note as it is written. 25   Circumcision indeed profiteth, ^note if thou keepest the law; but if thou art a transgressor

of the law, thy circumcision is become uncircumcision. 26   Therefore if the uncircumcision ^note keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27   Yea, the uncircumcision that is by nature, ^note fulfilling the law, shall judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision transgressest the law. 28   For he is not a Jew, ^note who is one in outward shew, neither is that circumcision which is apparent in the flesh. 29   But he is a Jew, ^note who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

1   What then ^note is the advantage of the Jew, or what the profit of the circumcision? 2   Much every way; chiefly in that they were intrusted with the oracles of God. ^note 3   For what if some believed not? Shall their unbelief disannul the faithfulness of God? ^note 4   God forbid: let God be true, and every man a liar; as it is written, ^note That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5   But ^note if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is not God unjust, who taketh vengeance? 6   I speak as a man. God forbid; ^note for then how should God judge the world? 7   But ^note if the truth of God hath abounded to his glory

through my lie, why am I still judged as a sinner? 8   And why may we not (as we are slandered, and as some affirm us to say) do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just. ^note

9   What then? ^note Are we better than they? In no wise: for we have before proved all, both Jews and Gentiles, to be under sin. 10   As it is written, ^{note note} There is none righteous, no not one. 11   There is none that understandeth; ^note there is none that seeketh after God. 12   They have all turned aside; ^note they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doth good, no not one. ^note 13   Their throat ^note is an open sepulchre; with their tongues have they used deceit; the ^note poison of asps is under their lips. ^note 14    15   Whose mouth is full of cursing ^note and bitterness; ^note Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16    17   Destruction and misery are in their ways, And they have not known the way of peace: ^{note note} 18   The fear of God is not before their eyes. ^note 19   Now we know that whatsoever the law ^note saith, it saith to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all

the world be found guilty before God. 20   Therefore no flesh shall be justified ^note in his sight by the works of the law; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21   But the righteousness of God ^note without the law is now manifested, being attested by the law and the prophets, 22   Even the righteousness of God, by the faith of Jesus Christ, to all ^note and upon all that believe; for there is no difference: 23   For all have sinned, ^note and are fallen short of the glory of God, 24   And are justified ^note freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus: 25   Whom God hath set forth ^note as a propitiation, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness by the remission of past sins, through the forbearance of God: For a demonstration, 26   I say, of his righteousness ^note in this present time, that he might be just, and yet the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.

27   Where is ^note boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? 28   Nay, but by the law of faith. We conclude then, that a man is justified by faith, ^note without the works of the law. 29   Is God the God of the Jews only, and not also of the Gentiles? Surely of the Gentiles also: ^note Seeing ^note it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, 30   and the uncircumcision through the same faith. 31   Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. ^{note note}

1   What shall we say then? That our father Abraham hath found ^note according to the flesh? 2   If Abraham was justified by works, he hath whereof to glory: but he hath not in the sight of God. ^note 3   For what saith the scripture? ^noteAbraham believed God, ^note and it was imputed to him for righteousness. 4   Now to him that worketh, ^note the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5   But to him that worketh not, ^note but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is imputed to him for righteousness.

6   So David also ^note describeth the happiness of the man, to whom God imputeth righteousness without works: ^note 7   Happy are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; ^note 8   Happy is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9   Cometh this happiness ^note then on the circumcision only, or on the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. 10   How was it then imputed? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, ^note but in uncircumcision. 11   And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all who believe in uncircumcision, ^note that righteousness may be imputed to them also, 12   And the father of the circumcision, ^note to them who not only are of the circumcision, but also walk in the footsteps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision. 13   For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, ^note was not to Abraham or to his seed by the law, but by

the righteousness of faith. 14   For if they ^note who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise of no effect. 15   Because the law ^note worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16   Therefore it ^note is of faith, that it might be of grace, that the promise might be firm to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (As it is written, ^note 17   I have made thee a father of many nations) before God ^note in whom he believed, as quickning the dead, and calling the things that are not, as though they were: 18   Who against hope believed in hope, that he should be the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, ^note So shall thy seed be. 19   And not being weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, being about an hundred years old, nor the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20   He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, ^note 21   And being fully assured, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ^note 22   And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23   Now it was not written on his account only, ^note that it was imputed to him, 24   But on ours also, ^note to whom it will be imputed, if

we believe on him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25   Who was delivered ^note for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

1   Therefore being justified by faith, ^note we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2   By whom also we have been introduced through faith into this grace ^note wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3   And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, ^note 4   knowing that tribulation worketh patience, And patience ^note experience, and experience hope; 5   And hope shameth us not, ^note because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6   For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. ^note 7   Now one will scarce die for a just man: ^note yet perhaps for the good man one would even dare to die. 8   But God recommendeth ^note his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us. 9   Much more then being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ^note 10   For if, ^note when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved through his life. 11   And not only so, but we also glory ^note in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the reconciliation.

12   Therefore ^note as by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin, even so death passed upon all men, in that all had sinned. 13   For until the law, sin was in the world; ^note but sin is not imputed, where there is no law. 14   Nevertheless death reigned ^note from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is the

figure of him that was to come. 15   Yet not ^note as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if by the offence of one many died, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, that of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16   And not as the loss by one that sinned, so is the gift; for the sentence was by one offence to condemnation; but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17   For if through one man's offence death reigned by one, they who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, shall much more reign in life, by one, even Jesus Christ. ^note 18   As therefore by one offence the sentence of death came upon all men to condemnation, so also by one righteousness the free gift came upon all men to justification of life. ^note 19   For as by the disobedience of one man, many ^note were constituted sinners, so by the obedience of one, many shall be constituted righteous. 20   But the law came in between, ^note that the offence might abound: yet where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21   That as sin had reigned ^note through death, so grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.

1   What shall we say then? We will continue in sin that grace may abound? ^note 2   God forbid. How shall we who are dead to sin, ^note live any longer therein? 3   Know ye not, that as many of us have been baptized into Jesus Christ, have been baptized into his death? ^note 4   Therefore we are buried with him ^note by baptism into death, that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. 5   For ^note if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6   Knowing this, that our old man ^note is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we might no longer serve sin. 7   For he that is dead ^note is freed from sin. 8   And we believe, that if we are dead with Christ, we shall also live with him: 9   Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death no more hath dominion over him. 10   For in that he died, he died to sin ^note once for all; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11   So reckon ye also yourselves to be dead to sin, and alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12   Therefore let not sin reign ^note in your mortal body, to obey it in the desires thereof. 13   Neither present your members to sin, ^note as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members to God,

as instruments of righteousness. 14   For sin shall not have dominion over you; ^note for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15   What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16   Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are whom ye obey? Whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17   But thanks be17Q0304 to God, that, whereas ye were the servants of sin, ye have now obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine into which ye have been delivered. ^note 18   Being then set free from sin, ^note ye are become the servants of righteousness. 19   I speak as a man, ^note because of the weakness of your flesh. As ye have presented your members servants to uncleanness and iniquity, unto iniquity, so now present your members servants of righteousness, unto holiness. 20   For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. ^note 21   What fruit had ye then from those things ^note whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22   But now being made free from sin, and become

servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23   For death ^note is the wages of sin; but eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1   Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law) that the law hath dominion over a man, as long as it liveth? ^note 2   For the married woman is bound to her husband while he is alive; but if her husband be dead, she is freed from the law of her husband. ^note 3   Therefore if she marry another man while her husband liveth, she will be called an adultress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law, so as to be no adultress, though she marry another man. 4   Thus ye also, ^note my brethren, are dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye might be married to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we may bring forth fruit to God. 5   For when we were in the flesh, ^note sinful passions, which were by the law, wrought in our members, so as to bring forth fruit unto death. 6   But now we are freed from the law, that whereby we were held being dead, ^note so that we serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

7   What shall we say then? ^note That the law is sin? God forbid. Yea, I should not have known sin, but for the law. I had not known lust,

unless the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8   But sin ^note taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of desire: for without the law sin was dead. 9   And I was once alive without the law; ^note but when the commandment came, 10   sin revived, and I died, And the commandment, which was intended for life, ^note this I found unto death. 11   For sin taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, ^note and by it slew me. 12   So that the law is holy, and the commandment ^note holy, and just, and good. 13   Was then that which is good made ^note death to me? God forbid: But sin: so that it appeared sin, working death in me by that which is good: so that sin might by the commandment become exceeding sinful. 14   We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, ^note sold under sin. 15   For that which I do I approve not; for what I would, I do not, but what I hate, that I do. 16   If then I do what I would not, I consent to the law, that it is good. ^note 17   Now then it is no more I ^note that do it, but sin that

dwelleth in me. 18   For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, ^note dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good, I find not. 19   For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20   Now, if I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21   I find then a law, ^note that when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22   For I delight in the law of God, ^note after the inward man. 23   But I see another law in my members, ^note warring against the law of my mind, and captivating me to the law of sin, which is in my members. 24   Wretched man that I am! ^note 25   Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God, ^note through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but with my flesh the law of sin.

1   Therefore there is now no condemnation ^note to those in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2   For the law ^note of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath freed me from the law of sin and death. 3   For what the law ^note could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God hath done: sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, to be a sacrifice17Q0306 for sin,

he hath condemned sin in the flesh: 4   That the righteousness of the law ^note might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5   They that are after the flesh, ^note mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6   Now to be carnally ^note minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace: 7   Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8   So then they who are in the flesh ^note cannot please God. 9   But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, ^note if the Spirit of God dwell in you. And if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10   Now if Christ be in you, ^note the body indeed is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 11   And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, will also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

12   Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13   For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the flesh, ^note ye shall live. 14   For as many as

are led by the Spirit of God, ^note they are the Sons of God. 15   For ye ^note have not received the Spirit of bondage again unto fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16   The same Spirit beareth witness with our spirits, ^note that we are the children of God. 17   And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs ^note with Christ: if we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him. 18   For I reckon ^note that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19   For the earnest expectation ^note of the creation waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God. 20   For the creation was made subject to vanity, ^note not willingly, but by him who subjected it, 21   In hope that the creation itself shall be delivered ^note from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22   For we know that the whole creation groaneth together ^note and travaileth

together until now. 23   And not only they, but even we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, ^note even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24   For we are saved by hope: ^note but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, how doth he yet hope for? 25   But if we hope for what we see not, we patiently wait for it. 26   Likewise the Spirit ^note also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27   But he who searcheth the hearts, ^note knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints, according to God. 28   And we know, ^note that all things work together for good, to them that love

God, to them that are called according to his purpose. 29   For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated, conformable to the image of his Son, ^note that he might be the first-born among many brethren. 30   And whom he predestinated, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; ^note and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31   What shall we say then to these things? ^note If God be for us, who can be against us? 32   He that ^note spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33   Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? ^note It is God that justifieth.

34   Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen ^note again, who is also at the right-hand of God, who likewise maketh intercession for us. 35   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ^note Shall affliction, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36   (As it is written, ^note For thy sake we are killed all the day ^note long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.) 37   Nay, in all these things we more than conquer, ^note through him who hath loved us. 38   For I am persuaded ^note

that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 39   nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

^note

1   I say the truth in Christ, I lie not; my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost? ^note 2   That I have great sorrow ^note and continual anguish in my heart. 3   For I could wish ^note that I myself were accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen after the flesh: 4   Who are Israelites, whose is the adoption, ^note and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the worship of God, and the promises: 5   Whose are the

fathers, and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is, over all, God, blessed for ever. ^note 6   Not as if ^note the word of God had fallen to the ground; for all are not Israel, who are of17Q0310 Israel. 7   Neither because they are ^note the seed of Abraham, are they all children, but ^note in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 8   That is, not the children ^note of the flesh are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9   For this is the word of the promise, ^{note note} At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10   And ^note not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, 11   our father Isaac, The children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil (that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works, but of him that called,) It was said to her, ^note The elder ^note shall serve the younger. 12   As it is written, ^{note note} I have loved Jacob, 13   and hated Esau.

14   What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? ^note God forbid. 15   For he saith to Moses, ^note I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16   It ^note is not therefore of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17   Moreover ^note the scripture saith to Pharoah, For ^note this very thing have I raised thee up, that I may shew my power in thee, and that my name may be declared through all the earth.

18   So then ^note he hath mercy on whom he willeth, and whom he willeth, he hardneth. 19   But thou wilt say to me, Why doth he still find fault? ^note 20   For who hath resisted his will? Nay, but who art thou, O man, ^note that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? ^note 21    Hath not the potter power over the clay, ^note out of the same mass to make one vessel to honour, and another to dishonour? 22   What if God, being willing ^note to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, yet endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction? 23   And that he might make known ^note the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, whom he had before prepared

for glory? 24   Even us ^note whom he hath called, not only of the Jews, but also of the Gentiles: 25   As he saith also in Hosea, ^note I will call them my people, who were not my people, and her beloved, ^note who was not beloved. ^note 26   And it shall come to pass, in the place where it was said to them, Ye are not my people, there shall they be called the sons of the living God. ^note 27   Isaiah likewise ^note crieth concerning Israel, ^note Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant only shall be saved. 28   For the Lord is17Q0311 finishing ^note and cutting short his account in righteousness; for the Lord will make a short account upon the earth. 29   And as Isaiah had said before, ^note Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and had been made like Gomorrah. 30   What shall we say then? ^note That the Gentiles who followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith: 31   But Israel following after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32   Wherefore? Because they sought it, not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling stone; ^note 33   As it is written, ^{note note} Behold I lay in Sion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence: and ^note every one that believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1   Brethren, the desire of my heart, and my prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved. ^note 2   For I bear them record, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. ^note 3   For they being ignorant of the righteousness of God, ^note and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4   For Christ is the end of the law ^note for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5   For Moses describeth the ^note righteousness which is by the law, ^note The man who doth these things shall live by them. 6   But the righteousness which is by faith speaketh ^note thus: ^note Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven, (that is, to bring Christ down:) 7   Or who shall descend into the deep? 8   (that is, to bring Christ again from the dead) But what saith he? ^note The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith which we preach: 9   That if thou confess with thy mouth ^note the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart, that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10   For with the heart man believeth to righteousness, ^note and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

11   For the scripture saith, ^note Every one that believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12   For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord of all, is rich ^note to all that call upon him. 13   For ^note whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved. 14   But how shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15   But how shall they preach, unless they be sent? ^note As it is written, ^note How beautiful are the feet of them who bring the good tidings of peace, who bring the glad tidings of good things! 16   But all have not obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, ^note Lord, who hath believed our report? 17   Faith ^note cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18   But ^note I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily; ^note their voice is gone into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. 19   But I say, Hath not Israel known? ^note First Moses saith, I ^note will provoke you to jealousy by them that are not a nation; by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20   But Isaiah is very bold ^note and saith, I ^note was found by them that sought me not: I was made manifest to them that asked not after me. 21   Whereas with regard to Israel he saith, All the day have I stretched forth my hands to an unbelieving and gainsaying people. ^note

1   I say then, Hath God rejected his ^note people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2   God hath not rejected ^note his people whom he foreknew. Know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel, ^note 3   Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thy altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4   But what saith the answer of God to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal. ^note 5   And so likewise at the present time, there is a remnant, according to the election of grace. ^note 6   But if by grace, then it is no more of works: ^note else grace is no longer grace. And if it be of works, then it is no more grace; else work is no longer work. 7   What then? ^note Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh, but the election hath obtained, and the rest were blinded. 8   According as it is written, ^note God hath ^note given them a spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day. 9   And David saith, ^{note note} Let their table become a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence to them. 10   Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11   I say then, Have they stumbled so as to fall? ^note God forbid. But by their fall salvation is come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12   But if their fall be the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles, how much

more their fulness? ^note 13   For I speak to you Gentiles, as I am the apostle of the Gentiles: 14   I magnify my office: If by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, ^note and save some of them. 15   For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what will the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? ^note 16   For if the first-fruits be holy, so is the lump: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. ^note 17   And if some of the branches were broken off, and thou ^note being a wild olive wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the good olive, 18   Boast not against the branches, ^note but if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19   Wilt thou say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in? 20   Well; they were broken off for unbelief, and thou standest by faith. ^note 21   Be not high-minded, but fear. For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed left he also spare not thee. 22   Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God! Toward them that fell severity; but toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: else shalt thou also be cut off. 23   And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. 24   For if thou wert cut off from the naturally wild olive-tree, and grafted contrary to nature ^note into a good olive-tree; how much more shall these, who are natural

branches, be grafted into their own olive-tree? 25   Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, (lest ye should be wise in your own conceits) that hardness is in part happened to Israel, till the fulness of the Gentiles be come in: ^note 26   And so all Israel shall be saved, ^note as it is written, ^note The deliverer shall come out of Sion, and shall turn away iniquity from Jacob. 27   And this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins. 28   With regard to the gospel, they are ^note enemies for your sake; but as for the election, they are beloved, for the sake of their fathers. 29   For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance. ^note 30   As then ye were once disobedient to God, but have now obtained mercy through their disobedience: 31   So these also have now been disobedient, that through your mercy they may likewise find mercy. 32   For God hath shut up all together in disobedience, ^note that he might have mercy upon all. 33   O the depth of the riches, and wisdom, and knowledge of God! ^note How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34   For ^note who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? 35   Who hath first given to him, and it shall be

repaid him again? 36   For of him, ^note and through him, and to him are all things: to him be glory for ever! Amen.

1   I exhort you ^note therefore, brethren, by the tender mercies of God, to present your bodies unto God, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, which is your reasonable service. 2   And be not conformed ^note to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. 3   And I say, ^note through the grace which is given to me, to every one that is among you, not to think of himself above what he ought to think, but to think soberly, according to the measure of faith which God hath distributed to every one. 4   For as in one body we are many members, and all members have not the same office, 5   So we being many are one body in Christ, and every one members of each other. 6   Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, ^note whether it be prophesy,

let us prophesy according to the analogy of faith: 7   Or ministry, let us wait on our ministring; ^note or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation. 8   He that imparteth, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, ^note with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with chearfulness.

9   Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. ^note 10   In brotherly love be full of tender affection toward each other, in honour preferring one another: ^note 11   Not slothful in business, servent in spirit, serving the Lord: ^note 12   Rejoice in hope, ^note be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer. 13   Communicate to the necessities of the saints, ^note pursue hospitality, Bless them who persecute you; 14    bless and curse not. ^note 15   Rejoice ^note with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16   Agree in the same affection toward each other. 17   Mind not high, but condescend to low things. Be not wise in your own conceit. Render to no man evil for evil. Provide ^note things honest in the sight of all men. 18   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably

with all men. 19   Dearly beloved, ^note revenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, ^note Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20   Therefore if ^note thy enemy hunger, feed him; ^note





if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. 21   Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. ^note

1   Let every soul be subject to the supreme powers, for there is no power but from God; the powers that be, are appointed by God. ^note 2   Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, ^note resisteth the appointment of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves condemnation. 3   For rulers are ^note not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wouldest thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from it; for he is the servant of God to thee for good. 4   But if thou dost that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword ^note in vain; for he is the servant of God, an avenger for wrath against him that doth evil. 5   Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for ^note wrath, but also

for conscience sake. 6   For this cause ^note ye pay tribute also: for they are the ministers of God, attending continually on this very thing. 7   Render therefore to all their due: tribute ^note to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. 8   Owe no man any thing, but to love another;17Q0315 for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the law. ^note 9   For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other ^note commandment, it is summed up in this saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10   Love worketh no evil to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. ^note

11   And do this, ^note knowing the season, that it is high time now to awake out of sleep; for salvation is nearer to us now, then when we first believed. 12   The night is far spent; the day is at hand, let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. 13   Let us walk decently, as in the day; not in banqueting ^note and drunken entertainments, not in uncleannesses and wantonness, not in strife and envy. 14   But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, ^note and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the desires thereof.

1   Him that is weak ^note in the faith, receive; but not to doubtful disputations. 2   For one believeth, that he may eat all things; ^note another who is weak, eateth herbs. 3   Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not: and let not him that eateth not, judge him that eateth; for God hath received him. ^note 4   Who art thou that judgest another's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be upheld; for God is able to establish him. 5   One man esteemeth one day above another; ^note another esteemeth every day alike; let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6   He that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord; ^note and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord; for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7   For none of us ^note liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. But if we live, we live unto the Lord; and if we die, we die unto the Lord. 8   Whether therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9   For to this end Christ both died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10   But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou despise thy brother? ^note For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. 11   For it is written, ^note As I live, ^note saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12   So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. 13   Let us therefore no longer judge one another; but judge this rather, ^note not to lay a stumbling block, or a scandal before a brother. 14   I know and am assured by

the Lord Jesus, ^note that nothing is unclean of itself: but to him that accounteth any thing to be unclean, it is unclean. 15   But if thy brother is grieved ^note by thy meat, thou no longer walkest charitably.17Q0317 Destroy not him by thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16   Therefore let not your good ^note be evil spoken of. 17   For the kingdom of God ^note is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18   And he that in these ^note serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved by men. 19   Let us therefore pursue the things that tend to peace, ^note and to mutual edification. 20   For meat destroy not the work of God. ^note All things indeed are pure: but it is evil to that man who eateth with offence. 21   It is good, not to eat flesh, neither to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, ^note or is offended, or made weak. 22   Hast thou faith? ^note have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23   But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because it is not of faith; ^note for whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.

1   Therefore we who are strong ^note ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2   Let every one of us please his neighbour, for his good, ^note to edification. 3   For Christ pleased not himself; but, ^note as it is written, ^note The reproaches of them that reproached

thee, fell upon me. 4   For whatsoever things were written aforetime, ^note were written for our instruction, that we, through patience and consolation of the scriptures, may have hope. 5   Now the God of patience and consolation give you to think the same thing, according to ^note Christ Jesus, 6   That ye ^note may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7   Wherefore receive ye one another, ^note as Christ also hath received you, to the glory of God. 8   Now I say, ^note Christ Jesus was a servant of the circumcision, for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers: 9   And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, ^{note note} For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10   And again he saith, ^note Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11   And again, ^note Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all ye people. 12   And again Isaiah faith, ^note There shall be a root of Jesse, ^note and one arising to rule over the Gentiles: in him shall the Gentiles hope. 13   Now the God of hope ^note fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

14   And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye likewise are full of goodness, being filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another. ^note 15   Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly to you, in part, as putting you in mind, because of the grace ^note which

is given to me of God, 16   That I should be the servant of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministring the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17   I have therefore whereof to glory, through Jesus Christ, ^note in the things pertaining to God. 18   For I will not dare to speak of any thing which Christ hath not done by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word ^note and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, 19   by the power of the Spirit, so that I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ, from Jerusalem round about, as far as Illyricum. 20   But I have striven, so to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, ^note lest I should build upon another man's foundation. 21   But as it is written, ^note They to whom he was not spoken of shall see; and they that have not heard, shall understand. 22   Therefore I have been long hindered from coming to you. ^note 23   But now having no longer place in these parts, ^note and having had a great desire for many years to come to you, Whenever I go into Spain, ^note I will come to you; 24    for I hope to see you as I pass by, and to be brought forward by you in my way thither, if first I may be somewhat satisfied with your company. 25   But I am now going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. For it hath 26   pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a collection for the poor of the saints that are in Jerusalem. ^note 27   It hath pleased them, and they are their debtors. ^note For if the Gentiles have partook of their spiritual things,

they ought to minister to them in carnal things. 28   When therefore I have performed this, and sealed to them this fruit, ^note I will go by you into Spain. 29   And I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30   Now I beseech you, ^note brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me, 31   in your prayers to God for me, That I may be delivered ^note from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service at Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints: 32   That I may come to you ^note with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33   Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen!

1   I commend unto you Phebe ^note our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2   That ye may receive her in the Lord, ^note as becometh saints, and assist her in whatsoever business she needeth you: for she hath been an helper of many, and of myself also. 3   Salute Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-labourers in Christ Jesus: 4   Who for my life, ^note have laid down their own necks; to whom not I alone owe my thanks, but likewise all the churches of the Gentiles. 5   Salute17Q0318 also the church that is in their house. ^note Salute my well-beloved Epenetus, who is the first-fruits of Asia

unto Christ. 6   Salute Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junias, 7   my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are in repute among the apostles, ^note who also were in Christ before me. 8    9   Salute Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbanus, our fellow-labourer ^note in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10   Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. 11   Salute those of the family of Aristobulus. ^note Salute my kinsman Herodion. Salute those of the family of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12   Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, ^note who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, who hath laboured much in the Lord. 13   Salute Rufus, ^note chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14   Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon,17Q0319 ^note Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren who are with them. 15   Salute Philologus and Julias, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints ^note that are with them. 16   Salute one another with an holy kiss. ^note The churches of Christ salute you.

17   Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions ^note and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid

them. 18   For such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words ^note and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple. 19   For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore on your behalf; but I would have you ^note wise with regard to that which is good, and simple with regard to that which is evil. 20   And the God ^note of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21   Timothy my fellow-labourer, ^note and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater my kinsmen salute you. 22   I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you ^note in the Lord. 23   Caius, ^note my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus17Q0320 the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus, a brother. 24   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him who is able ^note to stablish you, 25   according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, (according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began, 26   But now made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment ^note of the eternal God, 27   made known to all nations for the obedience of faith) To the only wise God, ^note to him be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen!

Previous section

Next section