13 Submit yourselves to every ordi- may without the word, be won by the nance of man for the Lord's sake; conversation of the wives;1 whether it be to the king, as su- 2 While they behold your chaste preme; conversation coupled with fear; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fro ward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him, that judgeth righteously: 3 Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart,2 in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands; 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, id are not afraid with any amazement.3 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 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 : 11 Let him eschew evil, and do 24 Who his own self bare our sins good; let him seek peace, and ensue in his own body on the tree, that we, it.5 being dead to sin, should live unto 12 For the eyes of the Lord are righteousness; by whose stripes ye over the righteous, and his ears are were healed. open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. Questions. What should we lay aside, and what should we desire ? How should we behave to rulers? How should we use our liberty? 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not What example of patience was left us by afraid of their terror, neither be trou our Lord? CHAP. III. bled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in 1 He teacheth the duty of wives and your hearts: and be ready always to husbands to each other, 8 exhorting all men to unity and love, 14 and to suffer persecution: 19 he declareth also the benefits of Christ toward the old world. LIKEWISE, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also example and behaviour of the wives. 2 The hidden man of the heart, the inward 3 And are not affrighted to actions contrary to your religion. 4 Let him eschew, or turn away from evil 5 Ensue, pursue. give an answer to every man that the Gentiles, when we walked in las asketh you a reason of the hope that civiousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you; 5 Who shall give account to him, that is ready to judge the quick1 and the dead. 6 For, for this cause2 was the Gos18 For Christ also hath once suffer- pel preached also to them that are ed for sins, the just for the unjust, dead, that they might be judged acthat he might bring us to God, being cording to men in the flesh, but live put to death in the flesh, but quicken- according to God in the spirit. ed by the Spirit.7 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits, in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by wa ter. 7 But the end of all things is at hand; be ye, therefore, sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.3. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us8 (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good con- 11 If any man speak, let him speak science toward God,) by the resurrec- as the oracles of God; if any man tion of Jesus Christ: minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Questions. What directions are given to wives! What is said of a meek and quiet spirit? Repeat the 10th, 11th, and 12th verses. CHAP. IV. 1 He exhorteth them to cease from sin by the example of Christ, and the consideration of the general end, that now approacheth, 12 and comforteth them against persecution. FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit 14 If ye be reproached for the name of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busy-body in other men's matters. 16 Yet, if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come, that judg 1 The quick, the living; 2 For this cause, that is, to encourage you to suffer for Christ's sake, the Gospel hath been preached to the Gentiles, who were dead in sins, that although they might be condemned by men in the flesh, they might still live for ever by God in the Spirit. 3 Charity or love will pardon a multitude of faults in each other. 4 Fiery trial, fire of persecution. ment must begin at the house of God; 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit your and if it first begin at us, what shall selves unto the elder; yea, all of you the end be of them that obey not the be subject one to another, and be Gospel of God? clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Questions. What is said of charity? Repeat the 14th and 15th verses. CHAP. V. He exhorteth the elders to feed their flock; 5 the younger to obey, 8 and all to be sober, watchful, and constant in the faith; 9 to resist the cruel adversary the devil. THE elders, which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren, that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you: for ever and ever. 12 By Silva'nus, a faithful brother 2 Feed the flock of God which is unto you, as I suppose, I have written among you, taking the oversight there-briefly, exhorting, and testifying, that of, not by constraint, but willingly this is the true grace of God wherein not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock: 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. 1 Elders, teachers, whether bishops or dea cons. 2 Lucre, gain, or money. ye stand. 13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mar'cus my son. 14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all, that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. Questions. What is required of elders? On whom should we cast our care? PREFATORY REMARKS TO THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. PETER probably wrote this second Epistle at Rome, A. D. 67 or 68, a short time before his death, to oppose those dangerous doctrines, by which false teachers were endeavouring tó seduce the Christians from their religion, and to obtain riches, and power, and popularity. The principal errors against which the apostle would guard the Christians, were;-that believers are justified by faith without works; that believers were under no obligation, either to abstain from sin or to do what is morally good;-that Christ had purchased for them a liberty to gratify all their passions and appetites;-and that he will not judge them for so doing, nor for any sin whatever. Wherefore the apostle warns the Christians against these false teachers, and against scoffers, who should appear, and make a mock of religion, and walk after their own lusts. THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. CHAP. I. am in this tabernacle, to stir you up, 1 Confirming them in hope of the in-by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put crease of God's grace, 5 he exhorteth off this my tabernacle, even as our them, by faith and good works, to Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. make their calling sure; 12 whereof 15 Moreover, I will endeavour that he is careful to remind them, knowing that his death is at hand; 16 and ye may be able, after my decease, to ourneth them to be constant in the have these things always in rememfaith of Christ, who is the true Son 16 For we have not followed cunof God. ningly devised fables, when we made IMON PETER, a servant and an known unto you the power and comapostle of Jesus Christ, to them ing of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were that have obtained like precious faith eye-witnesses of his majesty. with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, brance. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice, which came from heaven, we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.2 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things, that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him, that hath called us 19 We have also a more sure word to glory and virtue : of prophecy 3 whereunto ye do well 4 Whereby are given unto us ex-that ye take heed, as unto a light that ceeding great and precious promises; shineth in a dark place, until the day that by these ye might be partakers of dawn, and the day-star arise in your the divine nature, having escaped the hearts. corruption that is in the world through lust. 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private 5 And besides this, giving all dili-interpretation. gence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6 And to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Questions. What are the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 7 And to godliness, brotherly-kind-8th verses? ness; and to brotherly-kindness, charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the 1 knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh those things is blind, and cannot see far off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as 1 CHAP. II. He foretelleth them of false teachers, 7 from which the godly shall be de livered, as Lot out of Sodom; 10 and more fully describeth the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers. BUT there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their per 1 This tabernacle, this mortal body. cerning Jesus Christ and his appearing to raise nicious ways; by reason of whom the 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and way of truth shall be evil spoken of. that cannot cease from sin; beguiling 3 And through covetousness shall unstable souls; an heart they have exthey with feigned words make mer-ercised with covetous practices; curschandise of you; whose judgment ed children: now of a long time lingereth not, and 15 Which have forsaken the right their damnation slumbereth not. way, and are gone astray, following 4 For if God spared not the angels the way of Ba'laam the son of Bo'sor, that sinned, but cast them down to who loved the wages of unrighteoushell, and delivered them into chains of ness; darkness, to be reserved unto judg ment; 16 But was rebuked for his iniquity; the dumb ass, speaking with man's 5 And spared not the old world, but voice, forbade the madness of the prosaved Noah, the eighth person, a phet. preacher of righteousness, bringing in 17 These are wells without water, the flood upon the world of the un-clouds that are carried with a temgodly; pest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomor'rha into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those, that after should live ungodly; 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed clean escaped from them, who live in with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds :) error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought i bondage. 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver 20 For if after they have escaped the godly out of temptations, and to the pollutions of the world, through reserve the unjust unto the day of the knowledge of the Lord and Sajudgment to be punished; viour Jesus Christ, they are again en10 But chiefly them, that walk after tangled therein, and overcome, the the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, latter end is worse with them than the and despise government. Presump-beginning. tuous are they, self-willed, they are not 21 For it had been better for them afraid to speak evil of dignities: not to have known the way of righte 11 Whereas angels, which are great-ousness, than, after they have known er in power and might, bring not rail-it, to turn from the holy commanding accusation against them before the ment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them ac Lord.2 12 But these, as natural brute beasts, cording to the true proverb, The dog made to be taken and destroyed, speak is turned to his own vomit again; and, evil of the things that they understand The sow that was washed to her walnot, and shall utterly perish in their lowing in the mire. own corruption; 13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are, and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings, while they feast with you; 1 Make merchandise of you, This is supposed to be a prediction of the iniquitous practices of the Roman Catholic clergy, who have rated all crimes, even the most atrocious, at a fixed price, for the sake of gain; so that he, who would pay the price, might commit the eme, without hazarding his salvation. This practice, so dangerous to the souls of men, and so disgraceful to the Christian religion, is, we believe, now wholly discontinued. Questions. Who is it said would arise in the church? Who will deliver the godly from tempta tions? What is said of those who forsake their sins and afterwards roturn to them? CHAP. III. 1 The certainty of Christ's coming to judgment. 11 An exhortation to godliness. THIS second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance; 2 Bring not railing accusation, &c. that is, 2 That ye may be mindful of the when they (the holy angels) accuse them be- words which were spoken before by fore the Lord, they do it not with bitter railing. the holy prophets, and of the com |