NOW as it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan cohort.2And embarking in a ship of Adrymittium, ready to sail for the coast of Asia, we proceeded on our voyage, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.3And the next day we arrived at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul with the greatest humanity, and permitted him to go to his friends, to enjoy the benefit of their care.4And taking our departure from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.5And traversing the sea opposite to Cilicia and Pamphylia, we arrived at Myra, a city of Lycia.6And the centurion finding there a ship of Alexandria bound for Italy, he put us on board of it.
7Then for many days making very slow way, and scarce reaching over against Knidos, the wind not favouring us, we coasted Crete, opposite Cape Salmone:8and weathering it with difficulty, we came to a certain place called, The fair havens; near to which is the city Lasea.9And much time being consumed, and sailing now becoming dangerous, because the fast was already past, Paul admonished them,10saying unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be attended with much damage and loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, butdangerof our lives also.11But the centurion paid more attention to the master and to the pilot than to the things which were spoken by Paul.12And the harbour not being well situated for a winter station, the greater part advised to sail from thence, if they possibly could reach as far as Phenice to pass the winter, a harbour open to the south-west and north-west.13So when the south wind blew softly, supposing they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor, and kept near the coast of Crete.14But not long after a hurricane wind, called Euroclydon, drove us towards the island,15and the ship becoming ungovernable, and unable to bear up in the eye of the wind, we gave up the attempt, and let her drive.16And running under a little island called Clauda, it was with difficulty we were able to come at the boat:17which when they had hoisted out, they used all helps, carrying ropes round the ship’s bottom; and fearing lest they should run on the quick-sands, they lowered the mast, and so were driven.18And being exceedingly tossed with the storm, we the next day threw out the cargo.19And the third day with our own hands we threw overboard the tackling of the vessel.20So when neither sun nor stars had appeared for many days, and no small tempest beating on us, all hope of our being preserved was entirely taken from us.
21Now after being a long while without food, then stood up Paul in the midst of them, and said, Ye ought, my friends, to have been persuaded by me, and not have sailed from Crete, and got this loss and damage.22Yet even now I exhort you to be of good courage: for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.23For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Cæsar: and behold! God hath graciously given thee all who are sailing with thee.25Wherefore, sirs, cheer up: for I believe God that it will be so, exactly as he hath spoken to me.26But we must be cast on a certain island.
27Now as the fourteenth night was passing, whilst we were driving about in the Adriatic sea, about midnight the sailors imagined that some land was near to them:28and sounding, had twenty fathoms; then passing on a little farther, and sounding again, they had fifteen fathoms.29And fearing lest they might run on some rocky coast, they cast out four anchors astern, and wished eagerly for the day to break.
30Now as the sailors were seeking to escape out of the ship, and had hoisted out the boat into the sea, under pretence as if they were going to carry out anchors a-head,31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these men abide in the ship, ye cannot be preserved.32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
33And while they waited until the day should break, Paul exhorted them all to take some nourishment, saying, To day, expecting the fourteenth day, ye are continuing without food, taking nothing.34Wherefore I exhort you to take some food, for this is for your preservation: for a hair shall not fall from the head of any one of you.35And so saying, and taking a loaf, he gave thanks to God before them all, and breaking it, began to eat.36Then were they all cheered up, and they too took refreshment.
37Now all the souls which were in the ship amounted to two hundred seventy-six:38and having made a hearty meal, they lightened the vessel, throwing the wheat into the sea.39And when the day broke, they knew not the land: but they observed a certain creek with a beach, into which they resolved, if they could, to run the vessel aground.40And weighing the anchors, they committed her to the sea, and loosing at the same time the chains of the rudders, and hoisting the foresail to the breeze, they made for the beach.41But falling on a shoal where two currents met, they ran the ship aground; and the forecastle stuck fast, and remained immoveable, but the stern was stove in by the violence of the waves.42Then the soldiers’ design was to have murdered the prisoners, lest any of them should swim ashore and escape.43But the centurion, desirous to preserve Paul, withheld them from their purpose, and commanded those who were able to swim to jump overboard first, and reach the land:44and that the rest should make the attempt, some on planks, and some on the floating materials of the ship: and in this manner so it was that they all safely reached the shore.
AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called Melita.2And the rude people treated us with singular humanity; for, lighting a fire, they received us all, because of the violent rain, and because of the cold.3But as Paul was gathering up a faggot of sticks, and laying them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4Now when the rude people saw the venomous animal hanging from his hand, they said one to another, Surely this man is a murderer, whom though preserved from the sea, righteous vengeance suffereth not to live.5But he then shaking off the venomous animal into the fire, suffered no manner of inconvenience.6Now they expected that a violent inflammation would ensue, or that he would have fallen suddenly dead: but when, after waiting a considerable time, they saw no inconvenience arise to him, they changed their opinion, and said that he was a divinity.
7Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house, and lodged us with great humanity three days.8And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him.9This then being the case, all the rest also who had diseases in the island came to him, and were healed.10Then they honoured us with many tokens of respect; and when we were about to sail, laid in for us every necessary store.11And after three months stay we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, from Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux:12and proceeding on our voyage to Syracuse, we tarried there three days:13from whence we came round, and arrived opposite to Rhegium; and after one day the south wind arising, we came in two more to Puteoli:14where finding brethren, we were solicited by them to tarry seven days; and so we went for Rome.15And the brethren from thence, when they heard of our motions, came out to meet us as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and felt fresh courage.
16And when we were come to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but he permitted Paul to have an apartment by himself, with a soldier only who guarded him.
17Now it came to pass that after three days Paul called together the principal persons of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the people and the customs of our ancestors, yet have I been delivered up a prisoner into the hands of the Romans.18Who, after a full examination, would have discharged me, because there was not the least cause found in me for death.19But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I have any accusation to bring against my countrymen.20For this cause therefore have I invited you hither, to see and to converse with you; for on account of the hope of Israel am I bound with this chain.
21Then they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning thee from Judea, nor hath any one of the brethren who is arrived reported or spoken any thing evil of thee.22But we think it highly proper to hear from thee what thy sentiments are; for indeed as to this sect, it is well known to us that everywhere it meets with opposition.
23Then having fixed a day with him, still more of them came to him at his lodging, to whom bearing his testimony, he set forth the kingdom of God, and persuaded them of the things relating to Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening:24and some were convinced by the things which were spoken, but others continued in their unbelief.25So being divided in sentiment among themselves, they broke up, Paul adding one word, That well had the Holy Ghost spoken by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,26saying, Go to this people, and say, “In hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, yet in nowise perceive.27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and with their ears they are thick of hearing, and their eyes have they shut; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and become converts, and I should heal them48.”28Be it known therefore unto you, that to the Gentiles is the salvation of God sent, and they will hear.29And when he had thus spoken, the Jews went away, and had much disputing among themselves.
30But Paul abode two whole years in his own hired apartment, and received all who came to him,31preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom of discourse, and without the least interruption.
EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE,
TO THE
ROMANS.
PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God,2(which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; made from the seed of David after the flesh,4definitively marked out as the Son of God by miracle, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead:5through whom we have received grace and apostolic mission among all nations for his name, to bring them to the obedience of faith:6among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.
7To all that are at Rome, beloved of God, called saints, grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8First then I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all, because your faith is proclaimed through the whole world.9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, how incessantly I make mention of you,10always in my prayers entreating that haply now at last I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come to you.11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, in order that you may be established;12and that so I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and of me.
13But I would not that ye should be unacquainted, brethren, that oftentimes I have been purposing to come to you (and have been prevented until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentile nations.14Both to the Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the ignorant am I a debtor.15So, as far as is in my power, I am desirous to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also.16For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.17For the righteousness of God by faith is therein revealed for belief; as it is written, “Now the just by faith shall live49.”18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all impiety and unrighteousness of men, holding back the truth in unrighteousness.19Because that which is capable of being known relative to God, is evident among them; for God hath manifested it to them.20For from the creation of the world his invisible perfections, discoverable in the works that are made, are clearly seen, even his eternal power and deity; so that they are inexcusable:21because though they knewthere wasa God, they glorified him not as God, nor gave him thanks, but became triflers in their disputations, and their stupid heart was darkened.22Affecting to be sophists, they turned idiots,23and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of a corruptible man, and of birds, and of quadrupeds, and of reptiles.24Wherefore God abandoned them, through the lusts of their own hearts, unto impurity, to dishonour their own bodies by themselves:25who perverted the truth of God by falsehood, and worshipped and paid divine honours to the thing created instead of the Creator, who is blessed for evermore. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up to dishonourable passions. For even their women did change the natural use into that which was contrary to nature;27and likewise the men also, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lewdness one towards another; men with men committing indecency, and receiving in themselves the recompence of their delusion, which was meet.28And since they thought not fit to hold the Deity in acknowledgment, God abandoned them to a reprobate mind, to practise deeds unbecoming;29replete with all injustice, whoredom, wickedness, covetousness, villany; full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, evil habits; whisperers,30backbiters, God-haters, contumelious, insolent, boasters, inventors of wicked practices, disobedient to parents,31unintelligent, unfaithful to engagements, unnatural, implacable, unmerciful:32who, though they know the righteous judgment of God, that they who live in such practices are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also find pleasure in the company of those who live in these practices.
THEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man, even every one that judgeth: for in the very thing wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest art living in the practices of the same things.2But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth, against those who practise such things.3For thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest those who do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?4Or despisest thou the riches of his kindness and patience and long-suffering, ignorant that this goodness of God is leading thee to repentance?5But after thy obdurate and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath at the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,6who will recompense to every man according to his works;7to those who, in the patient practice of good works, seek glory and honour and immortality—eternal life.8But to those who are of a contentious spirit, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath;9tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth wickedness, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek.10But glory and honour and peace be to every man who doeth that which is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek:11for there is no acceptance of persons with God.12For as many as have sinned without the law, shall perish also without the law: and as many as have sinned under the law shall be judged by the law;13for the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law shall be counted righteous;14(for when the Gentiles, who have not the law naturally, do the things of the law, these, though not having the law, are a law unto themselves:15which exhibit the practice of the law written on their hearts, their conscience also bearing its testimony, and their mutual reasonings at intervals bringing accusations or forming excuses;)16in the day when God shall judge the hidden things of men, according to my gospel by Jesus Christ.
17Lo! thou art named a Jew, and restest on the law, and boastest in God,18and knowest the will of God, and bringest to the test the things that are different, being instructed out of the law;19and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of the blind, a light of those who are in darkness,20an instructor of the uninformed, a teacher of babes, holding the form of knowledge and of truth in the law.21Thou therefore who teachest another, dost thou not teach thyself? thou that proclaimest aloud that a man should not steal, dost thou steal?22thou that sayest, Do not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that holdest idols in abomination, dost thou commit sacrilege?23thou who gloriest in the law, dishonourest thou God by the transgression of the law?24for the name of God is blasphemed through you among the heathen, as it is written50.25For circumcision indeed is advantageous, if thou practise the law: but if thou art a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision becomes uncircumcision,26If then the uncircumcision observe the righteous judgments of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be accounted for circumcision?27And the uncircumcision by nature which fulfilleth the law shall condemn thee, who through the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law.28For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision.29But he is a Jew who is such inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the advantage of circumcision?2Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them.3For what if some were unbelievers? shall their unbelief render the faithfulness of God ineffectual?4God forbid: but let God be true, though every man were a liar; as it is written, “That thou mayest be acknowledged just in thy sayings, and overcome when thou art judged51.”
5But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is not God unrighteous in inflicting wrath? (I speak humanly).
6God forbid: for how then shall God judge the world?7For if the truth of God by my lying hath more abundantly contributed to his glory; why am I notwithstanding judged as a sinner?8And why not admit, (as we are falsely reported of; and as some affirm we say,) That we should do evil things, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.9What then? have we pre-eminence? Not at all: for we have before proved that both the Jews and Greeks are all under sin;10as it is written, “There is not a just person, no not one:11there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.12All are turned aside together, they are become worthless; there is none that doeth good, there is not even one.13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have spoken craftily; the poison of asps is under their lips:14whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:15their feet are swift to shed blood:16destruction and misery are in their ways.17And they have not known the way of peace:18there is not the fear of God before their eyes52.”
19Now we know that whatsoever things the law saith, it speaks to those who are under the law: that every mouth might be sealed up, and all the world become criminal before God.20Wherefore by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before God: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.21But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets;22the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference:23for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus:25whom God hath proposed as the propitiatory sacrifice through faith in his blood, in demonstration of his justice for the remission of past sins, through the patience of God;26for a demonstration of his justice at this present time: that he might be just, though justifying him who is of the faith of Jesus.
27Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith.28We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law.29Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also:30since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.
31Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.
WHAT then shall we say that Abraham our father hath obtained by the flesh?2For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God.3For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness53.4Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt.5But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness.6As David also describeth the blessedness of that man, to whom God imputeth righteousness without works,7“Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered up.8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in nowise impute sin54.”9This blessedness then,is itfor the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness.10How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised.11And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:12and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised.13For not by the lawcamethe promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith.14For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless:15for the law causeth wrath: for where there is no law, neither is there transgression.
16Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,17(as it is written “that I have constituted thee father of many nations55,”) before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing.18Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, “So shall thy seed be56.”19And not being weak in faith, he regarded not his own body now deadened, being about an hundred years old, nor the deadness of Sarah’s womb:20for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God;21and enjoyed the fullest assurance, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.23Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was imputed to him;24but also for our sakes, to whom it will be imputed, if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;25who was delivered up for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
BEING justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2by whom also we have had an introduction through faith into this grace in which we have stood fast, and are rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.
3And not only so, but we glory also in tribulations: knowing that tribulation produceth patience;4and patience, proof; and proof, hope;5and hope doth not make us ashamed; because the love of God is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.6For even then when we were without strength, Christ died in due time for the ungodly.7For scarcely for a righteous person will any one die: though for a good man perhaps some one might even dare to die.8But God commendeth his own love towards us, that, though we were yet sinners, Christ died in our stead.9Therefore much more, being justified already by his blood, shall we be saved by him from wrath.10For if, being enemies, we have been reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
11And not so only, but we exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom already we have received reconciliation.12Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and by sin death; even so death passed into all men through him, in whom all have sinned.13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed if there be no law.14But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over those who have not sinned after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of him that was to come.
15But not as the transgression, so alsoisthe gift. For if by the transgression of one the many became dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is in that one man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded unto many.16And the giftisnot as for one who sinned: for the judgment indeedcameby one to condemnation, but the free giftleadsto justification from many offences.17For if by the offence of one, death reigned by that one; much more they who receive the abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Christ Jesus.18Well then, as by the offence of one,judgment issuedagainst all men unto condemnation; so also by the righteousness of one,the gift cameto all men for justification unto life.19For as by the disobedience of one man the many were constituted sinners; so also by the obedience of one shall the many be constituted righteous.20But the law was introduced, that the offence might be more abundant. But where sin had abounded, there hath grace abounded more exceedingly:21that as sin had reigned by death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto life eternal by Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHAT then shall we say? Shall we abide in sin, that grace may abound?2God forbid. We who are dead to sin, how shall we still live therein?3Do ye not know, that as many as have been baptised into Christ Jesus have been baptised into his death?4We have been buried therefore with him by baptism into death: that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.5For if we have been planted with him in the likeness of his death, so shall we be also of his resurrection:6knowing this, that our old man hath been crucified with him, that the body of sin might be abolished, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.7For he that is dead is discharged from sin.8But if we have been dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:9knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death over him hath no more dominion.10For in that he died, for sin he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth to God.11So also do ye account yourselves dead indeed to sin, but living unto God in Christ Jesus our Lord.12Let not therefore sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the passions thereof.13Neither present your members as weapons of unrighteousness for sin: but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as weapons of righteousness for God.14For sin shall not hold dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16Do ye not know, that to whomsoever ye present yourselves servants to obey, ye are his servants to whom ye obey; if of sin unto death, or of obedience, unto righteousness?17But thanks be to God, that though ye were the servants of sin, ye have obeyed from the heart the model of doctrine into which ye were delivered.18Emancipated then from sin, ye became servants to righteousness.19I speak humanly, because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have presented your members servants to impurity and iniquity for iniquity; so now present your members servants to righteousness for holiness.20For when ye were the slaves of sin, ye were free from righteousness.21What fruit therefore had ye then in those things at which ye are now confounded? for the end of those things is death.22But now being set at liberty from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and at the end life eternal.23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is life eternal in Jesus Christ our Lord.
ARE you unacquainted, brethren, (for I am speaking to those who know the law,) that the law exercises dominion over a person for as long time as he liveth?2For the woman who is subject to a husband, is bound by the law to that husband during his life; but if the husband be dead, she is discharged from that husband.3She shall therefore certainly be counted an adulteress, if, her husband being alive, she be for another man: but if her husband is dead, she is free from the law; so that she shall be no adulteress, though married to another husband.4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ; that ye might be for another, who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit for God.5For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions excited by the law, wrought powerfully in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death.6But now we have been discharged from the law, that being dead by which we were held fast; that we should serve in renovation of spirit, and not in the antiquity of the letter.7What then shall we say? Is the law sin? God forbid. Yea, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not even known concupiscence, unless the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.8But sin, seizing the opportunity by the law, wrought in me all concupiscence. For without the law sin is dead.9For though I lived without the law formerly; yet when the commandment came, sin revived, but I died.10And the commandment, whichwasfor life, the same was found by me for death.11For sin, seizing the occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and thereby slew me.12So then the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
13Did then that which is good become fatal to me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin by that which was goodin itself, was the cause of death to me; that sin through the commandment might become transcendantly sinful.14For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, sold under sin.15For that which I am doing I approve not: for not the thing which I wish, that do I practise; but the very thing I hate, that I do.16But if what I would not, that I do, I concur with the law that it is excellent.17Now then no more I do this, but sin dwelling in me.18For I know that there dwelleth not in me (that is, in my flesh) any good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19For I do not the good which I wish: but the evil which I would not, that I do.20If then I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.21I find then a law, that, when I wish to do good, evil is presented to me.22For I am delighted with the law of God, as respecting the inward man:23but I see another law in my members, militating against the law in my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin which is in my members.24O wretched man, I! who shall pluck me from the body of this death?25I give thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then, I myself with my mind am servant to the law of God; but in my flesh to the law of sin.
THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath liberated me from the law of sin and of death.3For that which was impossible by the law, inasmuch as it was impotent through the flesh, God having sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in that flesh:4that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5For they who are after the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7Because the propensity of the flesh is inimical against God: for it is not in subjection to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.8They then who are in the flesh, cannot please God.9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.10But if Christ be in you, the body indeed is dead on account of sin; but the Spirit is alive through righteousness.11But if the Spirit of him who hath raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he who raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his indwelling Spirit in you.12Truly then we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.13For if ye live after the flesh, ye are ready to die: but if by the Spirit ye mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.14For as many as are guided by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15For ye have not received a spirit of bondage again unto fear; but ye have received a Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.16The same spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.17But if children, then heirs; heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be we suffer with him, that we may also together with him be glorified.18For I reckon that the sufferings of the present moment are not worthy to be placed against the future glory that shall be revealed to us.19For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God.20For the creation was made subject to vanity, not voluntarily, but by him who made it subject,21in hope that the same creation shall be emancipated from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation groaneth together and travaileth in birth to this moment.23And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan in ourselves, expecting the adoption, the redemption of our body.24For by hope we have been saved: now hope seen is not hope; for that which any man seeth how doth he yet hope for?25But if we hope for what we see not, we with patience expect it.26In like manner also the Spirit affords assistance to our infirmities: for even this, what we should pray for as we ought, we know not: but the same Spirit more abundantly maketh intercession for us with groanings unutterable.27Now he that trieth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, for he maketh intercession for the saints according to God’s will.28But we know that to those who love God all things work together for good, even to those who are called according to his purpose.29For whom he foreknew, he predestinated also to a conformity with the image of his Son, that he might be the first-begotten among many brethren.30But whom he predestinated, those also he called: and whom he called, those also he justified: but whom he justified, those also he glorified.
31What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, whoshall beagainst us?32He who even spared not his own Son, but freely delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also, together with him, freely give us all things?33Who shall put in an accusation against the elect of God? God? He is their justifier.34Who is he that condemneth? Christ? He died, yea, rather, also is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall distress of circumstances, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?36As it is written, “That for thy sake we have been put to death the whole day long; we have been reckoned indeed as sheep for slaughter57.”37But in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come,39nor exaltation, nor deepest depression, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ISPEAK the truth in Christ, I lie not, (my conscience also bearing witness to me in the Holy Ghost,)2that great is my sorrow and unceasing the anguish in my heart.3For could I myself wish that an anathema should be from Christ upon my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh?4who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the gift of the law, and the sacred service, and the promises;5of whom are the fathers, and from whom as respecting the flesh Christ sprung, who is over all, the blessed God for evermore. Amen.
6Now it is not supposable that the word of God hath failed. For these are not all Israel, who are of Israel:7nor, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called.8That is, not the children of the flesh, these are the children of God: but the children of the promise are accounted for the seed.9For the word of promise is this, At that time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.10And not only so; but when Rebecca also had conception by one, even Isaac our father;11(though the children were not yet born, nor had done any thing good or evil, that according to the election of God the purpose might abide, not from works, but from him who called;)12it was said unto her, “That the elder shall be servant to the younger58.”13As it is written, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated59.”14What shall we say therefore? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.15For he saith to Moses60, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”16Well then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who sheweth mercy.
17For the scripture saith61to Pharaoh, “That for this very end have I raised thee up, that I might display in thee my power, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”18Well then, he hath mercy on whom he will, but whom he will he hardeneth.19Wilt thou then say to me, Why yet doth he blame us? Who hath resisted his will?20Nay but, O man, who art thou that disputest against God? Shall the thing fashioned say to him that fashioned it, Why hast thou made me thus?21Hath not the potter power over the clay, from the same mass to make one vessel for an honourable use, and another for a dishonourable?22But what if God, willing to display his wrath, and to make known what is possible with him, hath borne with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for perdition:23and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon the vessels of mercy which he had before prepared for glory:24even us, whom he hath called, not only out of the Jews, but out of the Gentiles?25As also he saith in Hosea62, “I will call her which was not my people, my people; and her which was not beloved, beloved.26And it shall be in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people; there shall they be called the sons of the living God.”27But Isaiah63crieth concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:28for he will finish the account, and cut it short in righteousness: because a concise account will the Lord make on the earth.”29Even as Isaiah had said before64, “Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left unto us a seed, we should have become as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrha.”
30What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who pursued not after righteousness, have attained unto righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith.31But Israel, pursuing after the law of righteousness, hath not come up to the law of righteousness.32And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling;33as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence: and every one that believeth in him shall not be confounded65.”
BRETHREN, the kind wish of my heart indeed, and the prayer which I offer to God for Israel, is for their salvation.2For I am a witness for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.3For being ignorant of the righteousness which is of God, and seeking to establish a righteousness of their own, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is by the law, “That the man who doeth these things shall live by them66.”6But the righteousness that is by faith speaketh thus67, “Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:)7or, Who shall descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up again from the dead.)8But what saith it? “The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart:” that is, the word of faith which we preach;9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10For with the heart faith is exercised unto righteousness; and with the mouth is confession made unto salvation.11For the scripture saith68, “Every one who believeth in him shall not be confounded.”
12For there is no difference between either Jew or Greek: for the same Lord of all is rich to all that call upon him.13“For every one shall be saved, whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord69.”14How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? but how shall they hear without a preacher?15and how shall they preach unless they are sent? as it is written70, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, of those who preach the glad tidings of good things!”16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, “Lord, who hath believed our report71?”17Faith then cometh by report, but the report by the word of God.18But I say, Have they not heard? Yea verily, “the sound of their voice is gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world72.”
19But I say, Did not Israel know? Moses first saith, “I will excite your jealousy by what is no nation, and by an ignorant people will I provoke you to wrath73.”20But Isaiah is very bold, and saith74, “I have been found by those who sought me not; I have become manifest to those who inquired not after me.”21But unto Israel he saith, “All the day long have I stretched out my hands unto a people disobedient and contradicting.”
ISAY then, Hath God rejected his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.2God hath not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Know ye not what the scripture saith of Elias75? how he maketh intercession with God against Israel, saying,3“Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I only am left, and they seek my life.”4But what saith the oracle of God to him? “I have left to myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”5So then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.6But if by grace, it is no more by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if by works, it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7What then is the result? Israel hath not obtained that which it seeketh; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded,8as it is written76, “God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this present day.”9And David saith77, “Let their table be for a snare, and for a trap, and for a stumbling-block, and for a recompence unto them:10let their eyes be blinded, that they may not see, and bow down their back continually.”
11I say then, Have they stumbled so as to fall? God forbid: but by their stumbling salvation is come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.12For if their stumbling is the riches of the world, and their diminution the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?13For I address myself to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am indeed the apostle of the Gentiles, I exalt my ministry:14if by any means I might provoke to jealousy my flesh, and save some of them.15For if the rejection of them is the reconciliation of the world, what shall their recovery be, but life from the dead?16Now if the first fruits be holy, so is the mass: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17But if some of the branches have been broken off, and thou though a wild olive hast been grafted in among them, and become a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree;18boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
19Wilt thou say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in?20Admitted; by unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:21for if God spared not the native branches, tremble lest he spare not thee.
22Behold therefore the kindness and severity of God: to those indeed who fell, severity; but unto thee, kindness, if thou continuest in that kindness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.23But they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.24For if thou hast been cut out of the naturally wild olive, and contrary to nature hast been grafted into the good olive: how much more shall these, which are native branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?25For I would not that you should be ignorant, brethren, of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is come on Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, “The Deliverer shall go forth out of Sion, and shalt turn away ungodliness from Jacob;27and this is my covenant with them, When I shall take away their sins78.”28As concerning the gospel indeed, they are now enemies for your sakes: as concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.29For unchangeable are the gifts and the calling of God.30For as ye also in times past did not believe in God, but now have obtained mercy through their unbelief:31so also these now have not believed in your mercy, that they also might obtain mercy.32For God hath shut up all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and how incomprehensible his ways!34For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been admitted his counsellor?35Or who hath first given unto him, and it shall be repaid him again?36Because by him, and through him, and for him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
IBESEECH you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.2And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renovation of your mind, that you may prove by experience what is the will of God, that is good, acceptable, and perfect.3For, I say, by the grace which is given unto me, to every one that is among you, not to think of himself above what he ought to think; but to think soberly, as God has divided to every one the measure of faith.4For as we have in one body many members, but the members, though many, have not the same function,5so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one reciprocally members of each other.6Having then different gifts according to the grace which is given unto us, if it be prophecy, speak according to the analogy of faith;7or if the deacon’s office, be active in the service; or he that teacheth, in teaching;8or he that exhorteth, in exhortation; he that distributes, let him do it with simplicity; he that presideth, with diligence; he that is employed in acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.9Let love be undissembled. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10In brotherly affection be tenderly attached to each other; in honour preferring one another:11not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord:12rejoicing in hope; patient in affliction; persevering in prayer:13communicating to the wants of the saints; prompt to hospitality.14Bless them who persecute you; bless, and curse not.15Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.16Be of the same mind among each other. Affect not high things, but be condescending to the lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.17Render to no man evil for evil. Be provident of things laudable in the sight of all men.18If possible, as far as you can, be at peace with all men.19Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance belongeth to me; I will recompence, saith the Lord79.”20If therefore thine enemy hunger, give him food; if he thirst, give him drink: for so doing, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head.21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
LET every soul be subject to the superior powers: for there is no power but from God; the existing powers are appointed by God.2Wherefore he that sets himself against authority, resists the ordinance of God: and they who resist shall receive to themselves condemnation.3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from it:4for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou doest that which is evil, tremble! for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, an avenger to inflict wrath on him that practises what is evil.5Wherefore there is a necessity for being in subjection, not only for fear of wrath, but also for conscience sake.6For on this account pay ye taxes also: for they are God’s ministers, continually employed on this very service.7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour.8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word, even in this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10Love doeth no ill to a neighbour; the fulfilment therefore of the law is love.11And thus do, knowing the time; for the hour is come that we should awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.12The night is far advanced, the day approaches: let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.13Let us walk becomingly as in the face of day, not in revels and drunkenness, not in impurities and wantonness, not in strife and envy.14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to gratify its passions.
HIM that is weak in faith take by the hand, and enter not into niceties of disputes.2One man indeed thinketh he may eat all meats; another, who is weak, eateth vegetables.3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not, and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth; for God hath accepted him.4Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth; but he shall be established: for God is able to establish him.5One man judgeth one day different from another day: another judgeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.6He that observeth a day, to the Lord he observeth it; and he that observeth not a day, to the Lord he doth not observe it. He that eateth, to the Lord he eateth, for he giveth thanks to God; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth thanks to God.7For no one of us liveth to himself, and no one dieth to himself.8For whether we live, to the Lord we live, and whether we die, to the Lord we die; whether therefore we live, or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose again, and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living.10But thou, why judgest thou thy brother? And thou, why dost thou disparage thy brother? for we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ.11For it is written, “As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall make confession to God80.”12Assuredly then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God.13Let us therefore no more judge one another; but judge this rather, that no one put a stumbling-block or offence before his brother.14I know, and am convinced by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who thinketh any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.15But if by meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no more according to love. Do not by thy meat destroy him for whom Christ died.16Let not therefore food, which is good for you, give occasion of reproach.17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.18For he who in these things is the servant of Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Well then, let us earnestly pursue the things that conduce to peace, and the things which are for mutual edification.20For the sake of meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are clean; but it is an evil thing for a man to eat, giving offence.21It is laudable not to eat flesh, or to drink wine, nor to do any thing whereby thy brother is stumbled, or scandalized, or weakened.22Hast thou faith, exercise it before God within thyself. Blessed is the man who condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.23But he that maketh a difference between meats, if he eat is condemned, because he doth it not by faith: for every thing which is not of faith, is sin.
WE then that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of those who are feeble, and not to gratify ourselves.2Let every one of us gratify his neighbour in that which is good for his edification.3For even Christ gratified not himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me81.”4For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our instruction; that by patience and the consolation of the Scriptures we might have hope.5Now the God of patience and consolation give you to be like-minded among each other, according to Christ Jesus:6that in one mind, with one mouth, ye may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7Therefore help one another, as Christ also hath helped us, for the glory of God.
8Now I say that Jesus Christ was the minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:9and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written82, “For this cause will I confess unto thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.”10And again he saith83, “Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.”11And again84, “Praise the Lord, all ye nations, and laud him, all ye people.”12And again Isaiah saith, “There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that ariseth to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust85.”13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy, and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.
14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another.15But I have written to you, my brethren, in part, with greater freedom, as refreshing your memory through the grace which is given to me of God;16that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ unto the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God; that the oblation of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
17I have therefore cause to glory in Christ Jesus with regard to the things of God.18For I will not dare to say any thing of those things which Christ hath not wrought by my ministry, to engage the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,19by the power of signs and miracles, by the might of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and in a circle quite round unto Illyricum, I have fully spread the gospel of Christ.20But I have in such manner endeavoured to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name had been heard, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:21but as it is written86, “To whom the tidings concerning him have not reached, they shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand.”22Wherefore also I have found many things to hinder me from coming to you;23but now having no longer cause to detain me in these regions, and having an earnest desire to come unto you for many years past,24whenever I proceed on my journey into Spain, I will come unto you: for I hope on my journey to see you, and by you to be forwarded thither, after I shall have first, in a measure, fully enjoyed your society.25But I am now going to Jerusalem, to carry alms to the saints.26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints that are at Jerusalem.27They have been so pleased indeed, and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been admitted to a participation in their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to them in carnal things.28When therefore I have completed this work, and sealed unto them this fruit, I will pass by you into Spain.29But I know that, when I come to you, I shall come with the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.30Now I exhort you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you wrestle earnestly with me in prayers for me unto God;31that I may be delivered from those who do not believe in Judea; and that my service which regards Jerusalem may be kindly accepted by the saints;32that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33Now the God of peace be with you all! Amen.