Chapter I: AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2)Every branch in (4)

WHEN Festus then was come into the province, after three days he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. (2)And the high-priest and the principal persons among the Jews informed him against Paul, and entreated him, (3)begging it as a favour from him, that he would send him back to Jerusalem, lying in wait for him to kill him on the road. (4)Then Festus answered, that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was going thither shortly. (5)Let therefore, said he, those among you who are able, go down with me, and accuse him, if there be anything criminal in this man.

(6)And after staying with them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the morrow seated on the bench, commanded Paul to be brought. (7)And on his appearing, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem surrounded him, and laid many and heavy accusations against Paul, which they were not able to prove. (8)But he pleaded in his defence, That neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed the least offence.

(9)Then Festus, desirous of ingratiating himself with the Jews, replying to Paul, said, Wilt thou go up unto Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

(10)Then said Paul, I am standing before the tribunal of Caesar, where I have a right to be judged: against the Jews I have committed no offence, as thou also clearly perceivest. (11)For indeed if I have committed any crime, or done aught worthy of death, I object not to be put to death: but if there is nothing in those things whereof they accuse me, no man dare gratify them by abandoning me to them. (12)I appeal unto Caesar.

Then Festus, after conferring with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed to Caesar? to Caesar shalt thou go.

(13)Now when some days were passed, Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to salute Festus. (14)And as their stay there was extended to a considerable time, Festus communicated to the king Paul's affairs, saying, There is a certain man left by Felix, a prisoner: (15)against whom when I was at Jerusalem, the high-priest and the elders of the Jews appeared, desiring judgment against him. (16)To whom I replied, That it was not customary for Romans to give up any man gratuitously to destruction, before that the person accused should have his accusers produced face to face, and be allowed opportunity to defend himself against the charge. (17)When therefore they were come here together, making no demur, the very next day I sat on the tribunal, and commanded the man to be brought. (18)Against whom his accusers standing forth, brought no charge of such things as I expected: (19)but only pleaded against him certain disputes about their own mode of religious worship, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. (20)But being in doubt respecting a question of this sort, I demanded if he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things. (21)But Paul appealing that he should be reserved for the cognizance of Augustus, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I should send him to Caesar.

(22)Then Agrippa said to Festus, I wish also myself to hear the man. He said, To-morrow thou shalt hear him.

(23)On the morrow therefore, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with a very splendid retinue, and were entered into the place of audience, with the military tribunes, and the men of superior eminence in the city, then at the order of Festus Paul was produced.

(24)And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all you, sirs, who are present with us, behold the man, concerning whom the whole multitude of the Jews have set upon me, both at Jerusalem and in this place, clamouring that he ought not to live a moment longer. (25)But finding on inquiry that he had done nothing worthy of death, and he himself indeed having appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. (26)Respecting whom I have nothing determinate to write to my sovereign. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before thee, king Agrippa, that on a fresh examination taken, I might have something to write. (27)For it appears to me highly unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also signify the charges against him.

CHAP. XXVI.

THEN Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching out his hand, began his defence: (2)I count myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am about to address my defence to thee this day concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews: (3)especially as thou art skilled both in all the customs, and questions which respect the Jews: wherefore I beg the favour of thee to hear me patiently.

(4)The manner of my life even from my youth, which from its beginning was spent amidst my own nation at Jerusalem, know indeed all the Jews; (5)who previously knew me a long while ago, (if they chose to bear testimony,) that according to the most precise sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. (6)And this moment for the hope of the promise made of God to our fathers am I standing here to be judged: (7)which promise our twelve tribes, with fervour night and day worshipping God, hope to attain. For which hope, king Agrippa, I am criminated by the Jews.

(8)What! is it judged a thing incredible by you, that God should raise the dead?

(9)I indeed then thought in myself, that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarean. (10)Which also I did at Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were killed, I gave my vote against them. (11)And in every synagogue oftentimes punishing them, I compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly maddened with rage against them, I persecuted them even to the cities that are without. (12)In which pursuits, even as I was going to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, (13)at midday, O king, I saw on the road a light from heaven, beyond the splendour of the sun, shining around myself and those who were travelling with me. (14)And as we were all fallen prostrate on the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is difficult for thee to kick against the goads. (15)Then I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he replied, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting. (16)Notwithstanding, arise, and stand on thy feet: for to this end have I appeared to thee, to ordain thee both a minister and a witness of the things which thou hast seen, and of those which I will shew thee; (17)delivering thee both from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom now I send thee, (18)to open their eyes, to convert them from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance with those who are sanctified by faith which is in me. (19)Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision: (20)but preached first to those at Damascus, and Jerusalem, and to all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing works worthy of repentance.

(21)Because of these things, the Jews seizing me in the temple, attempted to kill me on the spot. (22)Having however obtained help from God, unto this day, I stand witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing but what both the prophets and Moses said should come to pass: (23)that the Messiah should suffer, _and_ that he being the first who should rise from the dead, should display light to the people, and to the Gentiles.

(24)As thus he was proceeding in his defence, Festus with a loud voice said, Paul, thou art raving; much reading hath driven thee to madness.

(25)But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but utter words of truth and sobriety. (26)For the king is well acquainted with these things, before whom also I speak with the greatest freedom. For I am persuaded that none of these events have escaped his notice; for this thing was not done in a corner. (27)King Agrippa! believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

(28)Then Agrippa said to Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (29)And Paul replied, would to God, that not only thou, but also that all who are hearing me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these chains.

(30)So when he had thus spoken, the king arose, and the governor, and Bernice, and they who sat with him, (31)and retiring, conversed together, saying, This man hath done nothing worthy of death, or of chains.

(32)And Agrippa said to Festus, This man might have been discharged, if he had not appealed to Caesar.

CHAP. XXVII.

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. (2)And 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. (3)And 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. (4)And taking our departure from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. (5)And traversing the sea opposite to Cilicia and Pamphylia, we arrived at Myra, a city of Lycia. (6)And the centurion finding there a ship of Alexandria bound for Italy, he put us on board of it.

(7)Then for many days making very slow way, and scarce reaching over against Knidos, the wind not favouring us, we coasted Crete, opposite Cape Salmone: (8)and weathering it with difficulty, we came to a certain place called, The fair havens; near to which is the city Lasea. (9)And much time being consumed, and sailing now becoming dangerous, because the fast was already past, Paul admonished them, (10)saying 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, but _danger_ of our lives also. (11)But the centurion paid more attention to the master and to the pilot than to the things which were spoken by Paul. (12)And 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. (13)So when the south wind blew softly, supposing they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor, and kept near the coast of Crete. (14)But not long after a hurricane wind, called Euroclydon, drove us towards the island, (15)and the ship becoming ungovernable, and unable to bear up in the eye of the wind, we gave up the attempt, and let her drive. (16)And running under a little island called Clauda, it was with difficulty we were able to come at the boat: (17)which 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. (18)And being exceedingly tossed with the storm, we the next day threw out the cargo. (19)And the third day with our own hands we threw overboard the tackling of the vessel. (20)So 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.

(21)Now 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. (22)Yet 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. (23)For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, (24)saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and behold! God hath graciously given thee all who are sailing with thee. (25)Wherefore, sirs, cheer up: for I believe God that it will be so, exactly as he hath spoken to me. (26)But we must be cast on a certain island.

(27)Now 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: (28)and sounding, had twenty fathoms; then passing on a little farther, and sounding again, they had fifteen fathoms. (29)And fearing lest they might run on some rocky coast, they cast out four anchors astern, and wished eagerly for the day to break.

(30)Now 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, (31)Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these men abide in the ship, ye cannot be preserved. (32)Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

(33)And 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. (34)Wherefore 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. (35)And so saying, and taking a loaf, he gave thanks to God before them all, and breaking it, began to eat. (36)Then were they all cheered up, and they too took refreshment.

(37)Now all the souls which were in the ship amounted to two hundred seventy-six: (38)and having made a hearty meal, they lightened the vessel, throwing the wheat into the sea. (39)And 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. (40)And 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. (41)But 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. (42)Then the soldiers' design was to have murdered the prisoners, lest any of them should swim ashore and escape. (43)But 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: (44)and 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.

CHAP. XXVIII.

AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called Melita. (2)And 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. (3)But 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.

(4)Now 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. (5)But he then shaking off the venomous animal into the fire, suffered no manner of inconvenience. (6)Now 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.

(7)Now 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. (8)And 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. (9)This then being the case, all the rest also who had diseases in the island came to him, and were healed. (10)Then they honoured us with many tokens of respect; and when we were about to sail, laid in for us every necessary store. (11)And after three months stay we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, from Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux: (12)and proceeding on our voyage to Syracuse, we tarried there three days: (13)from whence we came round, and arrived opposite to Rhegium; and after one day the south wind arising, we came in two more to Puteoli: (14)where finding brethren, we were solicited by them to tarry seven days; and so we went for Rome. (15)And 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.

(16)And 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.

(17)Now 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. (18)Who, after a full examination, would have discharged me, because there was not the least cause found in me for death. (19)But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I have any accusation to bring against my countrymen. (20)For 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.

(21)Then 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. (22)But 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.

(23)Then 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: (24)and some were convinced by the things which were spoken, but others continued in their unbelief. (25)So 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, (26)saying, Go to this people, and say, "In hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, yet in nowise perceive. (27)For 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 them[48]." (28)Be it known therefore unto you, that to the Gentiles is the salvation of God sent, and they will hear. (29)And when he had thus spoken, the Jews went away, and had much disputing among themselves.

(30)But Paul abode two whole years in his own hired apartment, and received all who came to him, (31)preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all freedom of discourse, and without the least interruption.

THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE, TO THE ROMANS.

CHAP. I.

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,) (3)concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; made from the seed of David after the flesh, (4)definitively marked out as the Son of God by miracle, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead: (5)through whom we have received grace and apostolic mission among all nations for his name, to bring them to the obedience of faith: (6)among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ.

(7)To all that are at Rome, beloved of God, called saints, grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(8)First then I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all, because your faith is proclaimed through the whole world. (9)For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, how incessantly I make mention of you, (10)always in my prayers entreating that haply now at last I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come to you. (11)For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, in order that you may be established; (12)and that so I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and of me.

(13)But 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. (14)Both to the Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the ignorant am I a debtor. (15)So, as far as is in my power, I am desirous to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16)For 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. (17)For the righteousness of God by faith is therein revealed for belief; as it is written, "Now the just by faith shall live[49]." (18)For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all impiety and unrighteousness of men, holding back the truth in unrighteousness. (19)Because that which is capable of being known relative to God, is evident among them; for God hath manifested it to them. (20)For 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: (21)because though they knew _there was_ a God, they glorified him not as God, nor gave him thanks, but became triflers in their disputations, and their stupid heart was darkened. (22)Affecting to be sophists, they turned idiots, (23)and 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. (24)Wherefore God abandoned them, through the lusts of their own hearts, unto impurity, to dishonour their own bodies by themselves: (25)who 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.

(26)For 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; (27)and 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. (28)And since they thought not fit to hold the Deity in acknowledgment, God abandoned them to a reprobate mind, to practise deeds unbecoming; (29)replete with all injustice, whoredom, wickedness, covetousness, villany; full of envy, murder, contention, deceit, evil habits; whisperers, (30)backbiters, God-haters, contumelious, insolent, boasters, inventors of wicked practices, disobedient to parents, (31)unintelligent, unfaithful to engagements, unnatural, implacable, unmerciful: (32)who, 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.

CHAP. II.

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. (2)But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth, against those who practise such things. (3)For thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest those who do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? (4)Or despisest thou the riches of his kindness and patience and long-suffering, ignorant that this goodness of God is leading thee to repentance? (5)But after thy obdurate and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath at the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (6)who will recompense to every man according to his works; (7)to those who, in the patient practice of good works, seek glory and honour and immortality--eternal life. (8)But to those who are of a contentious spirit, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation, and wrath; (9)tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth wickedness, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek. (10)But glory and honour and peace be to every man who doeth that which is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek: (11)for there is no acceptance of persons with God. (12)For 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; (13)for 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: (15)which 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;) (16)in the day when God shall judge the hidden things of men, according to my gospel by Jesus Christ.

(17)Lo! thou art named a Jew, and restest on the law, and boastest in God, (18)and knowest the will of God, and bringest to the test the things that are different, being instructed out of the law; (19)and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of the blind, a light of those who are in darkness, (20)an instructor of the uninformed, a teacher of babes, holding the form of knowledge and of truth in the law. (21)Thou therefore who teachest another, dost thou not teach thyself? thou that proclaimest aloud that a man should not steal, dost thou steal? (22)thou that sayest, Do not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that holdest idols in abomination, dost thou commit sacrilege? (23)thou who gloriest in the law, dishonourest thou God by the transgression of the law? (24)for the name of God is blasphemed through you among the heathen, as it is written[50]. (25)For circumcision indeed is advantageous, if thou practise the law: but if thou art a transgressor of the law, thy circumcision becomes uncircumcision, (26)If then the uncircumcision observe the righteous judgments of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be accounted for circumcision? (27)And the uncircumcision by nature which fulfilleth the law shall condemn thee, who through the letter and circumcision art a transgressor of the law. (28)For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision. (29)But 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.

CHAP. III.

WHAT then is the superiority of the Jew? or what is the advantage of circumcision? (2)Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them. (3)For what if some were unbelievers? shall their unbelief render the faithfulness of God ineffectual? (4)God 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 judged[51]."

(5)But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is not God unrighteous in inflicting wrath? (I speak humanly).

(6)God forbid: for how then shall God judge the world? (7)For if the truth of God by my lying hath more abundantly contributed to his glory; why am I notwithstanding judged as a sinner? (8)And 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. (9)What then? have we pre-eminence? Not at all: for we have before proved that both the Jews and Greeks are all under sin; (10)as it is written, "There is not a just person, no not one: (11)there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. (12)All are turned aside together, they are become worthless; there is none that doeth good, there is not even one. (13)Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have spoken craftily; the poison of asps is under their lips: (14)whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: (15)their feet are swift to shed blood: (16)destruction and misery are in their ways. (17)And they have not known the way of peace: (18)there is not the fear of God before their eyes[52]."

(19)Now 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. (20)Wherefore by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before God: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21)But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets; (22)the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference: (23)for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24)justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus: (25)whom 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; (26)for a demonstration of his justice at this present time: that he might be just, though justifying him who is of the faith of Jesus.

(27)Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith. (28)We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law. (29)Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: (30)since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

(31)Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.

CHAP. IV.

WHAT then shall we say that Abraham our father hath obtained by the flesh? (2)For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God. (3)For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness[53]. (4)Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt. (5)But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. (6)As 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. (8)Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in nowise impute sin[54]." (9)This blessedness then, _is it_ for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. (10)How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. (11)And 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: (12)and 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. (13)For not by the law _came_ the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith. (14)For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless: (15)for the law causeth wrath: for where there is no law, neither is there transgression.

(16)Therefore 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 nations[55],") before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing. (18)Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, "So shall thy seed be[56]." (19)And 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: (20)for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God; (21)and enjoyed the fullest assurance, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22)And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (23)Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was imputed to him; (24)but also for our sakes, to whom it will be imputed, if we believe in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25)who was delivered up for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

CHAP. V.

BEING justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2)by 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.

(3)And not only so, but we glory also in tribulations: knowing that tribulation produceth patience; (4)and patience, proof; and proof, hope; (5)and 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. (6)For even then when we were without strength, Christ died in due time for the ungodly. (7)For scarcely for a righteous person will any one die: though for a good man perhaps some one might even dare to die. (8)But God commendeth his own love towards us, that, though we were yet sinners, Christ died in our stead. (9)Therefore much more, being justified already by his blood, shall we be saved by him from wrath. (10)For 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.

(11)And not so only, but we exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom already we have received reconciliation. (12)Therefore, 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. (13)For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed if there be no law. (14)But 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.

(15)But not as the transgression, so also _is_ the 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. (16)And the gift _is_ not as for one who sinned: for the judgment indeed _came_ by one to condemnation, but the free gift _leads_ to justification from many offences. (17)For 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. (18)Well then, as by the offence of one, _judgment issued_ against all men unto condemnation; so also by the righteousness of one, _the gift came_ to all men for justification unto life. (19)For 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. (20)But the law was introduced, that the offence might be more abundant. But where sin had abounded, there hath grace abounded more exceedingly: (21)that as sin had reigned by death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto life eternal by Jesus Christ our Lord.

CHAP. VI.

WHAT then shall we say? Shall we abide in sin, that grace may abound? (2)God forbid. We who are dead to sin, how shall we still live therein? (3)Do ye not know, that as many as have been baptised into Christ Jesus have been baptised into his death? (4)We 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. (5)For if we have been planted with him in the likeness of his death, so shall we be also of his resurrection: (6)knowing 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. (7)For he that is dead is discharged from sin. (8)But if we have been dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (9)knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death over him hath no more dominion. (10)For in that he died, for sin he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth to God. (11)So also do ye account yourselves dead indeed to sin, but living unto God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (12)Let not therefore sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the passions thereof. (13)Neither 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. (14)For sin shall not hold dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (15)What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

(16)Do 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? (17)But 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. (18)Emancipated then from sin, ye became servants to righteousness. (19)I 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. (20)For when ye were the slaves of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21)What fruit therefore had ye then in those things at which ye are now confounded? for the end of those things is death. (22)But now being set at liberty from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and at the end life eternal. (23)For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is life eternal in Jesus Christ our Lord.

CHAP. VII.

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? (2)For 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. (3)She 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. (4)Wherefore, 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. (5)For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions excited by the law, wrought powerfully in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. (6)But 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. (7)What 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. (8)But sin, seizing the opportunity by the law, wrought in me all concupiscence. For without the law sin is dead. (9)For though I lived without the law formerly; yet when the commandment came, sin revived, but I died. (10)And the commandment, which _was_ for life, the same was found by me for death. (11)For sin, seizing the occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and thereby slew me. (12)So then the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

(13)Did then that which is good become fatal to me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin by that which was good _in itself_, was the cause of death to me; that sin through the commandment might become transcendantly sinful. (14)For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, sold under sin. (15)For 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. (16)But if what I would not, that I do, I concur with the law that it is excellent. (17)Now then no more I do this, but sin dwelling in me. (18)For 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. (19)For I do not the good which I wish: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20)If then I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21)I find then a law, that, when I wish to do good, evil is presented to me. (22)For I am delighted with the law of God, as respecting the inward man: (23)but 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. (24)O wretched man, I! who shall pluck me from the body of this death? (25)I 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.

CHAP. VIII.

THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2)For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath liberated me from the law of sin and of death. (3)For 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: (4)that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (5)For they who are after the flesh, mind the things of the flesh; but they who are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. (6)For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7)Because 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. (8)They then who are in the flesh, cannot please God. (9)But 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. (10)But if Christ be in you, the body indeed is dead on account of sin; but the Spirit is alive through righteousness. (11)But 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. (12)Truly then we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13)For 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. (14)For as many as are guided by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15)For 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. (16)The same spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (17)But 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. (18)For 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. (19)For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God. (20)For the creation was made subject to vanity, not voluntarily, but by him who made it subject, (21)in hope that the same creation shall be emancipated from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22)For we know that the whole creation groaneth together and travaileth in birth to this moment. (23)And 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. (24)For by hope we have been saved: now hope seen is not hope; for that which any man seeth how doth he yet hope for? (25)But if we hope for what we see not, we with patience expect it. (26)In 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. (27)Now 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. (28)But we know that to those who love God all things work together for good, even to those who are called according to his purpose. (29)For 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. (30)But whom he predestinated, those also he called: and whom he called, those also he justified: but whom he justified, those also he glorified.

(31)What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who _shall be_ against us? (32)He 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? (33)Who shall put in an accusation against the elect of God? God? He is their justifier. (34)Who 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. (35)Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall distress of circumstances, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? (36)As 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 slaughter[57]." (37)But in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38)For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come, (39)nor 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.

CHAP. IX.