13:18. Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience, being willing to behave ourselves well in all things.
13:19. And I beseech you the more to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
13:20. And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great pastor of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the blood of the everlasting testament,
13:21. Fit you in all goodness, that you may do his will; doing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory for ever and ever. Amen.
13:22. And I beseech you, brethren, that you suffer this word of consolation. For I have written to you in a few words.
13:23. Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty: with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you.
13:24. Salute all your prelates and all the saints. The brethren from Italy salute you.
13:25. Grace be with you all. Amen.
This Epistle is called Catholic or Universal, as formerly were also the two Epistles of St. Peter, the first of St. John and that of St. Jude, because they were not written to any peculiar people or particular person, but to the faithful in general. It was written by the apostle St. James, called the Less, who was also called the brother of our Lord, being his kinsman (for cousins german with the Hebrews were called brothers). He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. In this Epistle are set forth many precepts appertaining to faith and morals; particularly, that faith without good works will not save a man and that true wisdom is given only from above. In the fifth chapter he publishes the sacrament of anointing the sick. It was written a short time before his martyrdom, about twenty-eight years after our Lord's Ascension.
James Chapter 1
The benefit of tribulations. Prayer with faith. God is the author of all good, but not of evil. We must be slow to anger and not hearers only, but doers of the word. Of bridling the tongue and of pure religion.
1:1. James, the servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
1:2. My brethren, count it all joy, when you shall fall into divers temptations:
Into divers temptations. . .The word temptation, in this epistle, is sometimes taken for trials by afflictions or persecutions, as in this place: at other times, it is to be understood, tempting, enticing, or drawing others into sin.
1:3. Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience
1:4. And patience hath a perfect work: that you may be perfect and entire, failing in nothing.
1:5. But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men abundantly and upbraideth not. And it shall be given him.
1:6. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind.
1:7. Therefore let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
1:8. A double minded man is inconstant in all his ways.
1:9. But let the brother of low condition glory in his exaltation:
1:10. And the rich, in his being low: because as the flower of the grass shall he pass away.
1:11. For the sun rose with a burning heat and parched the grass: and the flower thereof fell off, and the beauty of the shape thereof perished. So also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
1:12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for, when he hath been proved, he shall receive the crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him.
1:13. Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils: and he tempteth no man.
1:14. But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured.
1:15. Then, when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death.
1:16. Do not err, therefore, my dearest brethren.
1:17. Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration.
1:18. For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.
Some beginning. . .That is, a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
1:19. You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger.
1:20. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.
1:21. Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23. For if a man be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass.
1:24. For he beheld himself and went his way and presently forgot what manner of man he was.
1:25. But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work: this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26. And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
1:27. Religion clean and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation and to keep one's self unspotted from this world.
James Chapter 2
Against respect of persons. The danger of transgressing one point of the law. Faith is dead without works.
2:1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, with respect of persons.
With respect of persons. . .The meaning is, that in matters relating to faith, the administering of the sacraments, and other spiritual functions in God's church, there should be no respect of persons; but that the souls of the poor should be as much regarded as those of the rich. See Deut. 1.17.
2:2. For if there shall come into your assembly a man having a golden ring, in fine apparel; and there shall come in also a poor man in mean attire:
2:3. And you have respect to him that is clothed with the fine apparel and shall say to him: Sit thou here well: but say to the poor man: Stand thou there, or: Sit under my footstool:
2:4. Do you not judge within yourselves, and are become judges of unjust thoughts?
2:5. Hearken, my dearest brethren: Hath not God chosen the poor in this world, rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him?
2:6. But you have dishonoured the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you by might? And do not they draw you before the judgment seats?
2:7. Do not they blaspheme the good name that is invoked upon you?
2:8. If then you fulfil the royal law, according to the scriptures: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; you do well.
2:9. But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, being reproved by the law as transgressors.
2:10. And whosoever shall keep the whole law, but offend in one point, is become guilty of all.
Guilty of all;. . .That is, he becomes a transgressor of the law in such a manner, that the observing of all other points will not avail him to salvation; for he despises the lawgiver, and breaks through the great and general commandment of charity, even by one mortal sin. For all the precepts of the law are to be considered as one total and entire law, and as it were a chain of precepts, where, by breaking one link of this chain, the whole chain is broken, or the integrity of the law consisting of a collection of precepts. A sinner, therefore, by a grievous offence against any one precept, incurs eternal punishment; yet the punishment in hell shall be greater for those who have been greater sinners, as a greater reward shall be for those in heaven who have lived with greater sanctity and perfection.
2:11. For he that said: Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also: Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou do not commit adultery, but shalt kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
2:12. So speak ye and so do, as being to be judged by the law of liberty.
2:13. For judgment without mercy to him that hath not done mercy. And mercy exalteth itself above judgment.
2:14. What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but hath not works? Shall faith be able to save him?
2:15. And if a brother or sister be naked and want daily food:
2:16. And one of you say to them: Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; yet give them not those things that are necessary for the body, what shall it profit?
2:17. So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
2:18. But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works. Shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.
2:19. Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble.
2:20. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22. Seest thou that faith did cooperate with his works and by works faith was made perfect?
2:23. And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God.
2:24. Do you see that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?
2:25. And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers and sending them out another way?
2:26. For even as the body without the spirit is dead: so also faith without works is dead.
James Chapter 3
Of the evils of the tongue. Of the difference between the earthly and heavenly wisdom.
3:1. Be ye not many masters, my brethren, knowing that you receive the greater judgment.
3:2. For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.
3:3. For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us: and we turn about their whole body.
3:4. Behold also ships, whereas they are great and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth.
3:5. Even so the tongue is indeed a little member and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.
3:6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell.
3:7. For every nature of beasts and of birds and of serpents and of the rest is tamed and hath been tamed, by the nature of man.
3:8. But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.
3:9. By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men who are made after the likeness of God.
3:10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
3:11. Doth a fountain send forth, out of the same hole, sweet and bitter water?
3:12. Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear grapes? Or the vine, figs? So neither can the salt water yield sweet.
3:13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge, among you? Let him shew, by a good contestation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.
3:14. But if you have bitter zeal, and there be contention in your hearts: glory not and be not liars against the truth.
3:15. For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish.
3:16. For where envying and contention is: there is inconstancy and every evil work.
3:17. But the wisdom that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, without dissimulation.
3:18. And the fruit of justice is sown in peace, to them that make peace.
James Chapter 4
The evils that flow from yielding to concupiscence and being friends to this world. Admonitions against pride, detraction and the like.
4:1. From whence are wars and contentions among you? Are they not hence, from your concupiscences, which war in your members?
4:2. You covet, and have not: you kill and envy and cannot obtain. You contend and war, and you have not: because you ask not.
4:3. You ask and receive not: because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your concupiscences.
4:4. Adulterers, know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God.
4:5. Or do you think that the scripture saith in vain: To envy doth the spirit covet which dwelleth in you?
4:6. But he giveth greater grace. Wherefore he saith: God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
4:7. Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil: and he will fly from you.
4:8. Draw nigh to God: and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
4:9. Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into sorrow.
4:10. Be humbled in the sight of the Lord: and he will exalt you.
4:11. Detract not one another, my brethren. He that detracteth his brother, or he that judgeth his brother, detracteth the law and judgeth the law. But if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
4:12. There is one lawgiver and judge, that is able to destroy and to deliver.
4:13. But who art thou that judgest thy neighbour? Behold, now you that say: To-day or to-morrow we will go into such a city, and there we will spend a year and will traffic and make our gain.
4:14. Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow.
4:15. For what is your life? It is a vapour which appeareth for a little while and afterwards shall vanish away. For that you should say: If the Lord will, and, If we shall live, we will do this or that.
4:16. But now you rejoice in your arrogancies. All such rejoicing is wicked.
4:17. To him therefore who knoweth to do good and doth it not, to him it is sin.
James Chapter 5
A woe to the rich that oppress the poor. Exhortations to patience and to avoid swearing. Of the anointing the sick, confession of sins and fervour in prayer.
5:1. Go to now, ye rich men: weep and howl in your miseries, which shall come upon you.
5:2. Your riches are corrupted: and your garments are motheaten.
5:3. Your gold and silver is cankered: and the rust of them shall be for a testimony against you and shall eat your flesh like fire. You have stored up to yourselves wrath against the last days.
5:4. Behold the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which by fraud has been kept back by you, crieth: and the cry of them hath entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
5:5. You have feasted upon earth: and in riotousness you have nourished your hearts, in the day of slaughter.
5:6. You have condemned and put to death the Just One: and he resisted you not.
5:7. Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth: patiently bearing till he receive the early and latter rain.
5:8. Be you therefore also patient and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
5:9. Grudge not, brethren, one against another, that you may not be judged. Behold the judge standeth before the door.
5:10. Take, my brethren, for example of suffering evil, of labour and patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
5:11. Behold, we account them blessed who have endured. You have heard of the patience of Job and you have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is merciful and compassionate.
5:12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. But let your speech be: Yea, Yea: No, No: that you fall not under judgment.
5:13. Is any of you sad? Let him pray: Is he cheerful in mind? Let him sing.
5:14. Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Let him bring in, etc. . .See here a plain warrant of scripture for the sacrament of extreme unction, that any controversy against its institution would be against the express words of the sacred text in the plainest terms.
5:15. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man. And the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.
5:16. Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
Confess your sins one to another. . .That is, to the priests of the church, whom (ver.14) he had ordered to be called for, and brought in to the sick; moreover, to confess to persons who had no power to forgive sins, would be useless. Hence the precept here means, that we must confess to men whom God hath appointed, and who, by their ordination and jurisdiction, have received the power of remitting sins in his name.
5:17. Elias was a man passible like unto us: and with prayer he prayed that it might not rain upon the earth. And it rained not for three years and six months.
5:18. And he prayed again. And the heaven gave rain: and the earth brought forth her fruit.
5:19. My brethren, if any of you err from the truth and one convert him:
5:20. He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way shall save his soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins.
The first Epistle of St. Peter, though brief, contains much doctrine concerning Faith, Hope, and Charity, with divers instructions to all persons of what state or condition soever. The Apostle commands submission to rulers and superiors and exhorts all to the practice of a virtuous life in imitation, of Christ. This Epistle is written with such apostolical dignity as to manifest the supreme authority with which its writer, the Prince of the Apostles, had been vested by his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He wrote it at Rome, which figuratively he calls Babylon, about fifteen years after our Lord's Ascension.
1 Peter Chapter 1
He gives thanks to God for the benefit of our being called to the true faith and to eternal life, into which we are to enter by many tribulations. He exhorts to holiness of life, considering the holiness of God and our redemption by the blood of Christ.
1:1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers dispersed through Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect,
1:2. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, unto the sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied.
1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead:
1:4. Unto an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled and that cannot fade, reserved in heaven for you,
1:5. Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
1:6. Wherein you shalt greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations:
1:7. That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1:8. Whom having not seen, you love: in whom also now though you see him not, you believe and, believing, shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorified;
1:9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1:10. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and diligently searched, who prophesied of the grace to come in you.
1:11. Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify, when it foretold those sufferings that are in Christ and the glories that should follow.
1:12. To whom it was revealed that, not to themselves but to you, they ministered those things which are now declared to you by them that have preached the gospel to you: the Holy Ghost being sent down from heaven, on whom the angels desire to look.
1:13. Wherefore, having the loins of your mind girt up, being sober, trust perfectly in the grace which is offered you in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1:14. As children of obedience, not fashioned according to the former desires of your ignorance,
1:15. But according to him that hath called you, who is holy, be you also in all manner of conversation holy:
1:16. Because it is written: You shall be holy, for I am holy.
1:17. And if you invoke as Father him who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to every one's work: converse in fear during the time of your sojourning here.
1:18. Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as gold or silver, from your vain conversation of the tradition of your fathers:
1:19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb unspotted and undefiled
1:20. Foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but manifested in the last times for you:
1:21. Who through him are faithful in God who raised him up from the dead and hath given him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.
1:22. Purifying your souls in the obedience of charity, with a brotherly love, from a sincere heart love one another earnestly:
1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God who liveth and remaineth for ever.
1:24. For all flesh is as grass and all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass is withered and the flower thereof is fallen away.
1:25. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel hath been preached unto you.
1 Peter Chapter 2
We are to lay aside all guile and go to Christ the living stone, and, as being now his people, walk worthily of him, with submission to superiors and patience under sufferings.
2:1. Wherefore laying away all malice and all guile and dissimulations and envies and all detractions,
2:2. As newborn babes, desire the rational milk without guile, that thereby you may grow unto salvation:
2:3. If so be you have tasted that the Lord is sweet.
2:4. Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honourable by God:
2:5. Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
2:6. Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded.
2:7. To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:
2:8. And a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set.
2:9. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
2:10. Who in times past were not a people: but are now the people of God. Who had not obtained mercy: but now have obtained mercy.
2:11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, to refrain yourselves from carnal desires which war against the soul,
2:12. Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
2:13. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God's sake: whether it be to the king as excelling,
2:14. Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of the good.
2:15. For so is the will of God, that by doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
2:16. As free and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the servants of God.
2:17. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
2:18. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the froward.
2:19. For this is thankworthy: if, for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully.
2:20. For what glory is it, if, committing sin and being buffeted for it, you endure? But if doing well you suffer patiently: this is thankworthy before God.
2:21. For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.
2:22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
2:23. Who, when he was reviled, did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not, but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly.
2:24. Who his own self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we, being dead to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were healed.
2:25. For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls.
1 Peter Chapter 3
How wives are to behave to their husbands. What ornaments they are to seek. Exhortations to divers Virtues.
3:1. In like manner also, let wives be subject to their husbands: that, if any believe not the word, they may be won without the word, by the conversation of the wives,
3:2. Considering your chaste conversation with fear.
3:3. Whose adorning, let it not be the outward plaiting of the hair, or the wearing of gold, or the putting on of apparel:
3:4. But the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptibility of a quiet and a meek spirit which is rich in the sight of God.
3:5. For after this manner heretofore, the holy women also who trusted in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands:
3:6. As Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, doing well and not fearing any disturbance.
3:7. Ye husbands, likewise dwelling with them according to knowledge, giving honour to the female as to the weaker vessel and as to the co-heirs of the grace of life: that your prayers be not hindered.
3:8. And in fine, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble:
3:9. Not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this are you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
3:10. For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
3:11. Let him decline from evil and do good: Let him seek after peace and pursue it:
3:12. Because the eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers but the countenance of the Lord upon them that do evil things.
3:13. And who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good?
3:14. But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear: and be not troubled.
3:15. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you.
3:16. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3:17. For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer than doing ill.
3:18. Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit,
3:19. In which also coming he preached to those spirits that were in prison:
Spirits that were in prison. . .See here a proof of a third place, or middle state of souls: for these spirits in prison, to whom Christ went to preach, after his death, were not in heaven; nor yet in the hell of the damned: because heaven is no prison: and Christ did not go to preach to the damned.
3:20. Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water.
3:21. Whereunto baptism, being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but, the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Whereunto baptism, etc. . .Baptism is said to be of the like form with the water by which Noe was saved, because the one was a figure of the other. Not the putting away, etc. . .As much as to say, that baptism has not its efficacy, in order to salvation, from its washing away any bodily filth or dirt; but from its purging the conscience from sin, when accompanied with suitable dispositions in the party, to answer the interrogations made at that time, with relation to faith, the renouncing of Satan with all his works; and the obedience to God's commandments.
3:22. Who is on the right hand of God, swallowing down death that we might be made heirs of life everlasting: being gone into heaven, the angels and powers and virtues being made subject to him.
1 Peter Chapter 4
Exhortations to cease from sin, to mutual charity, to do all for the glory of God, to be willing to suffer for Christ.
4:1. Christ therefore having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sins:
4:2. That now he may live the rest of his time in the flesh, not after the desires of men but according to the will of God.
4:3. For the time past is sufficient to have fulfilled the will of the Gentiles, for them who have walked in riotousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings and unlawful worshipping of idols.
4:4. Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them into the same confusion of riotousness: speaking evil of you.
4:5. Who shall render account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
4:6. For, for this cause was the gospel preached also to the dead: That they might be judged indeed according to men, in the flesh: but may live according to God, in the Spirit.
4:7. But the end of all is at hand. Be prudent therefore and watch in prayers.
4:8. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
4:9. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring,
4:10. As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4:11. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.
4:12. Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you: as if some new thing happened to you.
4:13. But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4:14. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory and power of God, and that which is his Spirit resteth upon you.
4:15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a railer or coveter of other men's things.
4:16. But, if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God in that name.
4:17. For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if at first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?
4:18. And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Scarcely. . .That is, not without much labour and difficulty; and because of the dangers which constantly surround, the temptations of the world, of the devil, and of our own corrupt nature.
4:19. Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.
1 Peter Chapter 5
He exhorts both priests and laity to their respective duties and recommends to all humility and watchfulness.
5:1. The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:
5:2. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:
5:3. Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.
5:4. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.
5:5. In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.
5:6. Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:
5:7. Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.
5:8. Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
5:9. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world.
5:10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.
5:11. To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.
5:12. By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.
5:13. The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.
5:14. Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
In this Epistle St. Peter says (chap. 3.), Behold this second Epistle I write to you: and before (chap. 1. 14,) Being assured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand. This shews, that it was written a very short time before his martyrdom, which was about thirty-five years after our Lord's Ascension. In this Epistle he admonishes the faithful to be mindful of the great gifts they received from God and to join all other virtues with their faith. He warns them against false teachers, by describing their practices and foretelling their punishments. He describes the dissolution of this world by fire and the day of judgment.
2 Peter Chapter 1
He exhorts them to join all other virtues with their faith, in order to secure their salvation.
1:1. Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ: to them that have obtained equal faith with us in the justice of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1:2. Grace to you and peace be accomplished in the knowledge of God and of Christ Jesus our Lord.
1:3. As all things of his divine power which appertain to life and godliness are given us through the knowledge of him who hath called us by his own proper glory and virtue.
1:4. By whom he hath given us most great and precious promises: that by these you may be made partakers of the divine nature: flying the corruption of that concupiscence which is in the world.
1:5. And you, employing all care, minister in your faith, virtue: And in virtue, knowledge:
1:6. And in knowledge, abstinence: and in abstinence, patience: and in patience, godliness:
1:7. And in godliness, love of brotherhood: and in love of brotherhood, charity.
1:8. For if these things be with you and abound, they will make you to be neither empty nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9. For he that hath not these things with him is blind and groping, having forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10. Wherefore, brethren, labour the more, that by good works you may make sure your calling and election. For doing these things, you shall not sin at any time.
1:11. For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the ever-lasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
1:12. For which cause, I will begin to put you always in remembrance of these things: though indeed you know them and are confirmed in the present truth.
1:13. But I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.
1:14. Being assured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand, according as our Lord Jesus Christ also hath signified to me.
1:15. And I will endeavour that you frequently have after my decease whereby you may keep a memory of these things.
1:16. For we have not by following artificial fables made known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ: but we were eyewitnesses of his greatness.
1:17. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, this voice coming down to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.
1:18. And this voice, we heard brought from heaven, when we were with him in the holy mount.
1:19. And we have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.
1:20. Understanding this first: That no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.
No prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation. . .This shows plainly that the scriptures are not to be expounded by any one's private judgment or private spirit, because every part of the holy scriptures were written by men inspired by the Holy Ghost, and declared as such by the Church; therefore they are not to be interpreted but by the Spirit of God, which he hath left, and promised to remain with his Church to guide her in all truth to the end of the world. Some may tell us, that many of our divines interpret the scriptures: they may do so, but they do it always with a submission to the judgment of the Church, and not otherwise.
1:21. For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter Chapter 2
He warns them against false teachers and foretells their punishment.
2:1. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there shall be among you lying teachers who shall bring in sects of perdition and deny the Lord who bought them: bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
Seeds of perdition. . .That is, heresies destructive of salvation.
2:2. And many shall follow their riotousness, through whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2:3. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not: and their perdition slumbereth not.
2:4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be reserved unto judgment:
2:5. And spared not the original world, but preserved Noe, the eighth person, the preacher of justice, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.
2:6. And reducing the cities of the Sodomites and of the Gomorrhites into ashes, condemned them to be overthrown, making them an example to those that should after act wickedly,
2:7. And delivered just Lot, oppressed by the injustice and lewd conversation of the wicked:
2:8. For in sight and hearing he was just, dwelling among them who from day to day vexed the just soul with unjust works.
2:9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented:
2:10. And especially them who walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government: audacious, self willed, they fear not to bring in sects, blaspheming.
2:11. Whereas angels, who are greater in strength and power, bring not against themselves a railing judgment.
Bring not a railing judgment, etc. . .That is, they use no railing, nor cursing sentence; not even in their conflicts with the evil angels. See St. Jude, ver. 9.
2:12. But these men, as irrational beasts, naturally tending to the snare and to destruction, blaspheming those things which they know not, shall perish in their corruption:
2:13. Receiving the reward of their injustice, counting for a pleasure the delights of a day: stains and spots, sporting themselves to excess, rioting in their feasts with you:
The delights of a day: that is, the short delights of this world, in which they place all their happiness.
2:14. Having eyes full of adultery and of sin that ceaseth not: alluring unstable souls: having their heart exercised with covetousness: children of malediction.
2:15. Leaving the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam of Bosor who loved the wages of iniquity,
2:16. But had a check of his madness, the dumb beast used to the yoke, which, speaking with man's voice, forbade the folly of the prophet.
2:17. These are fountains without water and clouds tossed with whirlwinds, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved.
2:18. For, speaking proud words of vanity, they allure by the desires of fleshly riotousness those who for a little while escape, such as converse in error:
2:19. Promising them liberty, whereas they themselves are the slaves of corruption. For by whom a man is overcome, of the same also he is the slave.
2:20. For if, flying from the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they be again entangled in them and overcome: their latter state is become unto them worse than the former.
2:21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice than, after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them.
2:22. For, that of the true proverb has happened to them: The dog is returned to his vomit; and: The sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
2 Peter Chapter 3
Against scoffers denying the second coming of Christ. He declares the sudden dissolution of this world and exhorts to holiness of life.
3:1. Behold this second epistle I write to you, my dearly beloved, in which, I stir up by way of admonition your sincere mind:
3:2. That you may be mindful of those words which I told you before from the holy prophet and of your apostles, of the precepts of the Lord and Saviour.
3:3. Knowing this first: That in the last days there shall come deceitful scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
3:4. Saying: Where is his promise or his coming? For since the time that the fathers slept, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
3:5. For this they are wilfully ignorant of: That the heavens were before, and the earth out of water and through water, consisting by the word of God:
3:6. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.
3:7. But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of the ungodly men.
3:8. But of this one thing be not ignorant, my beloved, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
3:9. The Lord delayeth not his promise, as some imagine, but dealeth patiently for your sake, not willing that any should perish, but that all should return to penance,
3:10. But the day of the Lord shall come as a thief, in which the heavens shall pass away with great violence and the elements shall be melted with heat and the earth and the works which are in it shall be burnt up.
3:11. Seeing then that all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness?
3:12. Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord, by which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with the burning heat?
3:13. But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to his promises, in which justice dwelleth.
3:14. Wherefore, dearly beloved, waiting for these things, be diligent that you may be found before him unspotted and blameless in peace.
3:15. And account the longsuffering of our Lord, salvation: as also our most dear brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, hath written to you:
3:16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
3:17. You therefore, brethren, knowing these things before, take heed, lest being led aside by the error of the unwise, you fall from your own steadfastness.
3:18. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and unto the day of eternity, Amen.
The same vein of divine love and charity towards our neighbour, which runs throughout the Gospel written by the beloved disciple and Evangelist, St. John, is found also in his Epistles. He confirms the two principal mysteries of faith: The mystery of the Trinity and the mystery of the incarnation of Jesus Christ the Son of God. The sublimity and excellence of the evangelical doctrine he declares: And this commandment we have from God, that he, who loveth God, love also his brother (chap. 4,21). And again: For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments, and: His commandments are not heavy (chap. 5,3). He shews how to distinguish the children of God from those of the devil: marks out those who should be called Antichrists: describes the turpitude and gravity of sin. Finally, he shews how the sinner may hope for pardon. It was written, according to Baronius' account, sixty-six years after our Lord's Ascension.
1 John Chapter 1
He declares what he has seen and heard of Christ who is the life eternal, to the end that we may have fellowship with God and all good through him. Yet so if we confess our sins.
1:1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, of the word of life.
1:2. For the life was manifested: and we have seen and do bear witness and declare unto you the life eternal, which was with the Father and hath appeared to us.
1:3. That which we have seen and have heard, we declare unto you: that you also may have fellowship with us and our fellowship may be with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1:4. And these things we write to you, that you may rejoice and your joy may be full.
1:5. And this is the declaration which we have heard from him and declare unto you: That God is light and in him there is no darkness.
1:6. If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth.
1:7. But if we walk in the light, as he also is in the light, we have fellowship one with another: And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1:8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1:9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity.
1:10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar: and his word is not in us.
1 John Chapter 2
Christ is our advocate. We must keep his commandments and love one another. We must not love the world nor give ear to new teachers, but abide by the spirit of God in the church.
2:1. My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the just.
2:2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
2:3. And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.
We have known him, if we keep his commandments. . .He speaks of that practical knowledge by love and affection, which can only be proved by our keeping his commandments; and without which we can not be said to know God as we should do.
2:4. He who saith that he knoweth him and keepeth not his commandments is a liar: and the truth is not in him.
2:5. But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected. And by this we know that we are in him.
2:6. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.
2:7. Dearly beloved, I write not a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard.
2:8. Again a new commandment I write unto you: which thing is true both in him and in you, because the darkness is passed and the true light now shineth.
A new commandment. . .Viz., the commandment of love, which was first given in the old law; but was renewed and extended by Christ. See John 13.34.
2:9. He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now.
2:10. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light: and there is no scandal in him.
2:11. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness and walketh in darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth: because the darkness hath blinded his eyes.
2:12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
2:13. I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.
2:14. I write unto you, babes, because you have known the Father. I write unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.
2:15. Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him.
2:16. For all that is in the world is the concupiscence of the flesh and the concupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life, which is not of the Father but is of the world.
2:17. And the world passeth away and the concupiscence thereof: but he that doth the will of God abideth for ever.
2:18. Little children, it is the last hour: and as you have heard that Antichrist cometh, even now there are become many Antichrists: whereby we know that it is the last hour.
It is the last hour. . .That is, it is the last age of the world. Many Antichrists;. . .that is, many heretics, enemies of Christ and his church, and forerunners of the great Antichrist.
2:19. They went out from us but they were not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no doubt have remained with us: but that they may be manifest, that they are not all of us.
They were not of us. . .That is, they were not solid, steadfast, genuineChristians: otherwise they would have remained in the church.
2:20. But you have the unction from the Holy One and know all things.
The unction from the Holy One. . .That is, grace and wisdom from the Holy Ghost. Know all things. . .The true children of God's church, remaining in unity, under the guidance of their lawful pastors, partake of the grace of the Holy Ghost, promised to the church and her pastors; and have in the church all necessary knowledge and instruction; so as to have no need to seek it elsewhere, since it can be only found in that society of which they are members.
2:21. I have not written to you as to them that know not the truth, but as to them that know it: and that no lie is of the truth.
2:22. Who is a liar, but he who denieth that Jesus is the Christ? This is Antichrist, who denieth the Father and the Son.
2:23. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. He that confesseth the Son hath the Father also.
2:24. As for you, let that which you have heard from the beginning abide in you. If that abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning, you also shall abide in the Son and in the Father.
2:25. And this is the promise which he hath promised us, life everlasting.
2:26. These things have I written to you concerning them that seduce you.
2:27. And as for you, let the unction, which you have received from him abide in you. And you have no need that any man teach you: but as his unction teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie. And as it hath taught you, abide in him.
You have no need, etc. . .You want not to be taught by any of these men, who, under pretence of imparting more knowledge to you, seek to seduce you (ver. 26), since you are sufficiently taught already, and have all knowledge and grace in the church, with the unction of the Holy Ghost; which these new teachers have no share in.
2:28. And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be confounded by him at his coming.
2:29. If you know that he is just, know ye, that every one also who doth justice is born of him.
1 John Chapter 3
Of the love of God to us. How we may distinguish the children of God and those of the devil. Of loving one another and of purity of conscience.
3:1. Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not him.
3:2. Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God: and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know that when he shall appear we shall be like to him: because we shall see him as he is.
3:3. And every one that hath this hope in him sanctifieth himself, as he also is holy.
3:4. Whosoever committeth sin committeth also iniquity. And sin is iniquity.
Iniquity. . .transgression of the law.
3:5. And you know that he appeared to take away our sins: and in him there is no sin.
3:6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: and whosoever sinneth hath not seen him nor known him.
Sinneth not. . .viz., mortally. See chap. 1.8.
3:7. Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doth justice is just, even as he is just.
3:8. He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
3:9. Whosoever is born of God committeth not sin: for his seed abideth in him. And he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Committeth not sin. . .That is, as long as he keepeth in himself this seed of grace, and this divine generation, by which he is born of God. But then he may fall from this happy state, by the abuse of his free will, as appears from Rom. 11.20-22; Cor. 9.27; and 10.12; Phil. 2.12; Apoc. 3.11.
3:10. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. Whosoever is not just is not of God, or he that loveth not his brother.
3:11. For this is the declaration which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another.
3:12. Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one and killed his brother. And wherefore did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked: and his brother's just.
3:13. Wonder not, brethren, if the world hate you.
3:14. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death.
3:15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in himself.
3:16. In this we have known the charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3:17. He that hath the substance of this world and shall see his brother in need and shall shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in him?
3:18. My little children, let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
3:19. In this we know that we are of the truth and in his sight shall persuade our hearts.
3:20. For if our heart reprehend us, God is greater than our heart and knoweth all things.
3:21. Dearly beloved, if our heart do not reprehend us, we have confidence towards God.
3:22. And whatsoever we shall ask, we shall receive of him: because we keep his commandments and do those things which are pleasing in his sight.
3:23. And this is his commandment: That we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as he hath given commandment unto us.
3:24. And he that keepeth his commandments abideth in him, and he in him. And in this we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John Chapter 4
What spirits are of God, and what are not. We must love one another, because God has loved us.
4:1. Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Try the spirits. . .Viz., by examining whether their teaching be agreeable to the rule of the Catholic faith, and the doctrine of the church. For as he says, (ver. 6,) He that knoweth God, heareth us [the pastors of the church]. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
4:2. By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: