Examining Peter's Dialogue: Gospels v Acts v 1 v 2 Peter. Same Person?

After the last blog, entitled, "Peter's LIfe Made Fiction By Acts, 1 & 2 Peter," I wanted to dive a little deeper and do a layman's version of what might be termed a "Forensic Authorship Analysis." I needed to understand how the voice of Peter as reflected in the seven different books where his words are represented could be analyzed for the purposes of proving that the Peter of the Gospels cannot in fact be the voice of the person represented in Acts or 1 or 2 Peter.

I believe the reason for a counterfeit version of Peter as reflected in Acts and the Petrine epistles is to utilize a real Apostle as a bridge between the True and Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ to the false, damnation creating, phony gospel of the false apostle Paul.  

The real Peter was with Jesus the entirety of His ministry, heard every word just feet away from Him, and when Acts presents him as (supposedly) not presenting Jesus's Gospel but the phony "grace" gospel of Paul (see Acts 15). The reader is left to assume that this gives Paul's gospel not only veracity but approval from the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter.  This is why I believe so strongly that the Peter presented in Acts is a counterfeit.  Please read the last blog and watch the related podcast to see this proved out.

The next step in the pursuit of proving this Acts Peter, as well as the epistles Peter(s) (more later), are not the same as the one in the gospels, was to actually look at the speech and writing patterns attributed to Peter. The modern world has termed this approach, Forensic Authorship Analysis. 

From crestresearch.ac.uk:

"...In general, authorship analysis is concerned with inferring information about the author of a document of questioned authorship. This could be (a) to determine whether different texts were authored by the same individual, called authorship verification, (b) to assess who is the most likely author of a text given a set of potential authors, called authorship attribution, or (c) to infer characteristics about the author by their language use, called authorship profiling." 

"Analysing authorship

Even though, theoretically, every individual can use language in any way they please so long as they follow linguistic protocols (e.g., “grey green talk dog” is not a sentence that easily conveys meaning), people have preferences of how they use language. This means there is a degree of linguistic individuality, tendencies of using certain words with certain other words. Based on this assumption authorship analysis can generally assess whether texts were authored by the same individual. "

(Link)

With this in mind, I set out to gather all of the quotations attributed to Peter in the Gospels and Acts as well as the entire epistles of 1 and 2 Peter, and to use not only my common sense, but to consider the speech and writing attributed to Peter in the light of how one might measure authorship with various variables.

In the notes I present below, I outline what that meant for me in that exercise, variables such as word count, form, style and vocabulary were considered.  Also considered was the fact that in the Gospels and Acts we have the authors presenting Peter's spoken word in written form.  Thereby, we lack seeing Peter speak and thereby do not get to see his body language or facial expressions (when those descriptions are not provided).  This does matter as far determining tone in the communication, but what we are seeking to determine is whether or not the Peters presented in these seven books are actually the same person, not necessarily nailing down the tone of delivery in each isolated moment of speech Peter gives.  Across the four Gospels, especially when Peter's dialogue is repeated, this dialogue does not stray from each other and communicates the same tone across them, even if the word usage is slightly different.

Suffice to say that the Peter presented in the Gospels most certainly appears to be the same person across the four books.  There is much overlap from Gospel to Gospel and many of the quotes, if not exactly the same, communicate the same meaning with little change in form or style.  The Gospel of John has the most quotes for which are not present in the other three, but again, delivery, word count, form and style all track well with the other Gospels, that is to say, that Peter, in all four Gospels, is direct, too the point, and a man of few, if not precise, words.  We only have 503 total words of Peter across all four Gospels from which to glean our analysis.  Because the Gospels are telling Jesus's story with the Apostles as supporting actors, we cannot expect them to be flooded with Peter's speech.  Though we have more of his than the other Apostles (as far as dialogue goes (of course, if Matthew and John are truly the authors of the Gospels attributed to them, then as the author's they are responsible for narration.  But neither are quoted to the same degree as Peter.)

We find that Peter's pattern of speech in terms of the consistency of delivery found in the Gospels departs violently from that pattern in the Book of Acts.  From his very first speech Peter takes on an authoritative role, which is understandable with Jesus' departure now forming a vacuum, but the form, style, and especially the amount of words Peter uses changes so drastically in Acts, that for me, reveal that this new Peter cannot be the same person. In fact, more words are spoken by Peter in his first quotation than in all four gospels combined.

This loquaciousness also holds true for 1 & 2 Peter.  Many have argued that even these two epistles are written by different people, but if all we are trying to do with this exercise is to prove, from a forensic standpoint, that the author of both (or either epistle if they're written by two authors instead of one) could not be the one speaking in the Gospels, pointing out that the language and communication style differences are so vast that to attempt to link the two (or three) would be akin to trying to jump the grand canyon on a bicycle.  It's impossible.

The Peter of the Gospels comes off as he is, a man of few words, but when he speaks, his words are direct, to the point, without fluff or theological jargon.  The Gospels' Peter comes off as one would think a fisherman would.   The Acts Peter as well as the Peter of 1 and 2 Peter, comes off as a PhD level schooled high brow who never once caught his finger on a hook and whose schooling and upbringing would have involved years of formal education.  And, more still, the author(s) of 1 and 2 Peter come off as people who never knew Jesus personally, as was discussed in the last blog.

We also went in depth last blog about the fact that most have thought, since the earliest stages, that 1 and 2 Peter were pseudepigrapha, or what we would call in modern vernacular, forgeries.  In the podcast for this blog, I will present information from a man named Bart D. Erhman of the University of Chapel Hill, who has researched and written multiple books on the subject.  The one we will read excerpts from is called "Forged." His conclusions about 1 & 2 Peter turn out to be the same as what I believe the Father has led me to see.  

My own approach on this matter has been mostly from the inside out, that is to say, from reading the Bible for years and seeing the disparities from within and then determining something's wrong that needs to be addressed.  Erhman's approach (from learning of his life) has been similar, but he has done much more in terms of historical scholarship on the matter, and his findings prove out the same results as what I believe the Father has led me to see.  

One thing I learned about Erhman from listening to a couple of podcasts is that his beliefs about the Gospel, overall, do not track with the narrative found in the Gospels, in particular, Erhman does not believe that the Father would require blood atonement from His Son Jesus, as Erhman considers this to be human sacrifice.  My take is that the only "human" sacrifice the Father ever received was that of the Son of God, not of any one else (consider Abraham and Isaac as a type and shadow of what the Father would do for us rather than what He would have us do), and that man's evil against His own Son in killing Him would turn out to be our redemption because the Father and the Son chose to allow this to happen, on our behalf.  "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). 

Technically, the Father was not the one to do the sacrifice of Jesus, but He allowed it in order that His blood could be in payment for our sin.  There's much more that could be said about this, but suffice to say, I believe Erhman to be in error in this matter and in particular in his understanding of what the Gospel is, and has even done damage to the truth with his teachings in that he is a famous college professor with many best sellers,  but from what I've read with regard to forgeries and pseudepigrapha in the Bible tracks, as far as 1 and 2 Peter goes, and is, in fact, irrefutable, so his research on this matter I will present in the podcast.

Now, I encourage you to peruse the notes I made below in my own attempts as a layman's version of forensic authorship analysis.  Take a gander at Peter's dialogue and writings below the notes and see what you see as well.

Notes:

1. Below are all quotes of Peter speaking throughout the four Gospels as well as Acts.  The Gospel quotes are presented in three ways: by Book, in chronological order and thirdly, with repeated quotes across the Gospels isolated.   Following that you will find the entirety of the text from both 1 and 2 Peter.

2. I want to acknowledge that a man's orally transmitted speech will often not reflect the same pattern as his written word.  The spoken language tends to be more casual and less rule bound, while the written word generally requires more attention to detail and completion of thought, especially since the person receiving the communication can't take information from body language and facial cues.  As stated above, it's interesting that we have Peter's spoken word in written form, which allows for the author's own voice, or his take on Peter's voice, to possibly be applied.  Nevertheless, a marked level of similarity in voicing of Peter's dialogue when compared to Acts especially, which also contains Peter's dialogue in written form can and should remain.  Also, there should be some relationship between Peter's spoken dialogue and his written word as well, though we must allow for the increase in vocabulary, organization, and completion of thought that writer's gain over their own spoken dialogue when writing.

From verblio.com:

"Have you noticed that the way you write doesn’t match the way you speak? If you feel like your writing is more formal than your everyday speech, then you’re probably correct. Speaking tends to be more casual than writing, in part because we don’t have as much time to prepare, craft, and revise our spoken communication."

"Learning to write is a skill which is not so quickly and easily acquired—it must be taught and requires a lot of practice. It also doesn’t tend to come as easily and naturally as speaking does. Perhaps that’s why schools devote so much time and attention to teaching writing to their students." 

"When we speak, we’re less likely to use correct grammar and often include partial sentences. Speech is generally more spontaneous than writing and more likely to stray from the subject under discussion."

3. We also should bear in mind, that in the Gospels and Acts, we are not hearing Peter's voice in person, nor seeing him speak, ourselves, rather we are reading his dialogue in a written form.  This also begs the question, are these exact quotes in every case, or paraphrasing?    With regard to the four gospels, the quotes, when used in two or more of the gospels, are nearly identical in wording or, at the least, in meaning, which because of the multiple witnesses, gives more veracity to the authenticity of Peter's speech patterns.  The author of Acts is the only witness of Peter's speech in that book, thus lessening the witness.  In addition, being that his speech is so markedly different, it seems to be that the author embellishes Peter's dialogue, as if he's writing the dialogue of a fictional character.  The structure, flow and word usage seem "too perfect" for that of common man, a fisherman. 

4. Analyzing Peter's speech in the Gospels is fruitful as a starting point in determining the type of communicator Peter is, especially since we have multiple sources giving most of the quotations with very similar, if not exactly the same, voicing and speaking styles.  Using the Gospels as a form of comparison of that communication with what we believe to be the erroneous and false Book of Acts as well as 1 and 2 Peter, in my view, proves without a shadow of doubt the Peter of the Gospels and the one of Acts, 1 and 2 Peter, are not the same people.  The Gospel Peter is more than likely the true Peter as his upbringing and occupation jibe with his speech, while the Acts Peter appears conjured, as well as the Peter of his epistles.  Even the Peter of Acts and the one of 1 & 2 Peter are different Peters and the Peter of 1 Peter and the 2 Peter could be different as well.  More than likely there are four different Peters presented by the Bible. 

4. Peter's oral dialogue is quite limited in terms of numbers of words spoken in the Gospels when compared to Acts.  The speech pattern revealed in the Gospels shows a Peter who is VERY DIRECT and TO THE POINT.  He uses no flowery prose and in no way attempts to appear academic or scholarly.  This seems to be more in line with the upbringing of a rural fisherman who probably had little in the way formal education.  For me, this Peter is a "what you see is what you get" type of guy.  Not a fake in the least.  Says what he's thinking and doesn't hold back.  Even with Jesus Peter was extremely forthright.  He (wrongly) rebukes Jesus when Jesus tells the apostles He had to go to his own death, and Jesus rebuked him back, but the point is, Peter wasn't a fake, nor was he in any way like the Pharisees and those who were theologically "educated" in the sense that they would parse things out to the Nth degree.  The Peter of Acts as well as 1 & 2 Peter, well he sounds more like an educated Pharisee or Paul himself, rather than the Peter of the Gospels.

5. For example, the Peter in the Book of Acts waxes eloquent and long, with flowery prose and detailed doctrinal explanations, as if his dialogue is being written by an author for effectiveness and doctrinal weight. The voice of Peter in Acts is completely different from that of the Gospels.  I could see how some might argue that the Acts Peter was a changed man.  He had become filled with the Holy Spirit which could create in Peter a new ability to be an expert orator and Biblical lawyer/philosopher.  I would argue that the Holy Spirit, when one is infilled, makes you more of who you are, rather than someone else completely.  I would argue that Peter would have remained direct and to the point, not relying on a form of communicative delivery that departed so much from his own personality and into the realm of someone long educated in theology as well as greek argumentative approach. 

6. Being that 1 and 2 Peter are written epistles/letters, one would expect there to be at least some level of difference in the complexity by which Peter would write as compared to his oral speech.  While dialogue attributed to Peter in the Gospels is a tremendous departure from the pattern of writing communication found in 1 & 2 Peter, one could argue that when comparing Peter's language in Acts to 1 and 2 Peter, a more believable connection could be made that could foster the idea the Acts Peter and the 1 & 2 Peter are in fact the same. (Or at least the 1 Peter author, as most believe the 2 Peter author was not the same as the first). But the bridge between the language of the Peter in the Gospels verses what you get in either Acts or the epistles is a too far gulf to cross.   In addition, there is much evidence that both 1 and 2 Peter were forgeries written well after Peter's death, as was referenced in the last blog.

7. Measures to consider when examining the authorship of communications:

a. Word count/talkativeness - This pendulum can swing from a person so verbose he drowns you in words (thus hindering communication) to the person who uses the least amount of words (even to the point of inhibiting communication).  But effective communication can happen to various degrees at all points in between, knowing there is a sweet spot somewhere in the middle where one gets across his point with just the right amount of words to properly describe what he is explaining while retaining the attention of the listener/reader.  What's most important in this regard when analyzing authorship or the origins of attributed dialogue is most certainly one of style on a consistent basis.  The Gospels track Peter in his early years, so it would stand to reason that he might be less verbose, as the point of the Gospels, as the Gospels of Jesus Christ, is to magnify Jesus's Words, and this could be, and is, at the expense of the others in the story.  We only hear briefly from the supporting cast because it is not their dialogue the Gospels seek magnify.  Their dialogue is meant to buttress Jesus's story.  Is this why Peter's language is so limited, or is it an accurate reflection of the fact that he was not a verbose man?  I can see how one would argue the latter in at attempt to support the idea that the Peter of the Gospels, Acts and the epistles attributed to him are all the same, but in my view Peter (as well as John and James) are the most central figures outside of Jesus in the Gospels.  I feel if he was more talkative or loquacious, there were many opportunities to show him as more verbose than is otherwise shown.  Especially in the Book of Luke, which overall is more top heavy with prose than the other three Gospels (Matthew: 18,346, Mark: 11,304, Luke: 19,482, John: 15,635).

b. Types of expressiveness - the way in which one uses words as descriptors to make their points, i.e. dry/clinical/accurate/to the point verses flowery, exaggerative, humorous, sarcastic, etc. Also, how one communicates emotions such as anger, joy, sadness, etc.  When taking into account Peter's communication style in the Gospels, as stated before, he's to the point, shows very little filter to the point of being blunt, and does not seem concerned with representing himself as something he is not.  The shift in communication style from the Gospels to Acts alone is so marked as to be obvious that this is not the same person.  Immediately, he comes off as a theological expert who waxes long, rather than a person who had been with Christ and wants to promote Jesus and His teachings.

C. Available Vocabulary: how many words are available to the speaker/writer.  When one is speaking, they typically have less access to vocabulary than when one writes.  But access to vocabulary is a huge indicator when trying to determine authorship.  Would the author say this in this way?  The vocabulary Peter exhibits in the Gospels would indicate that of a normal, "blue collar" (as we would term it in modern vernacular) fisherman.  The one of Acts and the Petrine epistles, however, seems to have been through years of schooling with access to complex vocabulary.  Not the same.

I believe analyzing Peter's speech patterns in the Gospels verses Acts and 1 and 2 Peter one can clearly see that the differences between these two Peters cannot be bridged by the potential growth Peter would have experienced through learning, aging and life experience as applies to language usage and abilities.   These are clearly two different people.

Word Count Overview

What can we learn from the numbers? 

As far as the Gospels go:

1. The point of the Gospels is to point to the actions and Teachings of Jesus.  Peter, in the most key of support roles, gets very little relative dialogue, but more than the other Apostles.

2. Does Peter's brevity of dialogue indicate he is in fact a brief and to the point communicator, or is it an indicator of four separate author's lack of desire to put more of his dialogue into the story?  Would all four (especially loquacious Luke) take this same tact?  In my view, with the fact that four witnesses seem to agree on Peter's communication style as well as quantity of contribution to the Gospels in terms of word count, one could be led to believe that the Gospels accurately portray Peter's propensities regarding his communication style.

With regard to Acts:

1. How can Peter's first speech in Acts, prior to receiving the Holy Ghost (which some say would contribute to his sudden change in communication style) have more words than that of all his recorded words in all four Gospels combined?  The type of loquaciousness exhibited in no way resembles the man represented in the Gospels.

With regard to the two Epistles

1. It is a quite standard phenomena for people to write more words and exhibit a larger vocabulary when writing.  Addressing Peter's word usage from strictly a word count perspective (without examining syntax, form, style and voice) one can immediately notice he is quite wordy (and of course, seemingly educated as if he had years of schooling).  Some of this could be attributed to the fact that he is indeed writing these ideas, but when one considers that the first three sentences of 1 Peter alone contain 210 words, as you can see from the communication style of the Peter represented in the Gospels, this just makes no sense whatsoever! 

Let us now examine the dialogue directly.

Peter's Dialogue from the Gospels By Book (503 Total Words)

Gospel of Matthew (142 Words)

“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Matthew 14:28).

“Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).

“Declare unto us this parable” (Matthew 15:15).

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

“Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22).

“Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Matthew 17:4).

“Yes” (Matthew 17:25).

“Of strangers” (Matthew 17:26).

“Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times” (Matthew 18:21)?

“Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore” (Matthew 19:27)?

“Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33).

“Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee” (Matthew 26:35).

“I know not what thou sayest” (Matthew 26:70).

“I know not the man” (Matthew 26:74).

The Gospel of Mark (111 words)

“Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Mark 9:5).

“Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee” (Mark 10:28).

“Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away” (Mark 11:21).

“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled” (Mark 13:4)? (Also attributed to James, John and Andrew).

“Although all shall be offended, yet will not I” (Mark 14:29).

“If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise” (Mark 14:31).

“I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest” (Mark 14:68).

“I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71).

The Gospel of Luke (132 Words)

“Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5).

“Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8).

“Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me” (Luke 8:45)? (Peter and “others” referenced as saying this).

“The Christ of God” (Luke 9: 20).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Luke 9:33). 

“Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all” (Luke 12:41)?

“Lo, we have left all, and followed thee” (Luke 18:28).

“Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33).

“Woman, I know him not” (Luke 22:57).

“Man, I am not” (Luke 22:58).

“Man, I know not what thou sayest” (Luke 22:60).

The Gospel of John (118 Words)

“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68).

“Lord, dost thou wash my feet” (John 13:6)?

“Thou shalt never wash my feet” (John 13:8).

“Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9).

“Lord, whither goest thou” (John 13:36)?

“Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37).

“I am not” (John 18:17).

“I am not” (John 18:25).

“I go a fishing” (John 21:3).

“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:15).

“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:16).

“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:17).

“Lord, and what shall this man do” (John 21:21)?

Peter's Dialogue From All Four Gospels Chronologically Ordered

“Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5).

“Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8).

“Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me” (Luke 8:45)? (Peter and “others” referenced as saying this).

“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68).

“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Matthew 14:28).

“Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).

“Declare unto us this parable” (Matthew 15:15).

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

“Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29).

“The Christ of God” (Luke 9: 20).

“Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” (Matthew 16:22).

“Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Matthew 17:4).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Mark 9:5).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Luke 9:33).

“Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all” (Luke 12:41)?

“Yes” (Matthew 17:25).

“Of strangers” (Matthew 17:26).

“Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times” (Matthew 18:21)?

“Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore” (Matthew 19:27)?

“Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee” (Mark 10:28).

“Lo, we have left all, and followed thee” (Luke 18:28).

“Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away” (Mark 11:21).

“Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled” (Mark 13:4)? (Also attributed to James, John and Andrew).

“Lord, dost thou wash my feet” (John 13:6)?

“Thou shalt never wash my feet” (John 13:8).

“Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head” (John 13:9).

“Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33).

“Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33).

“Although all shall be offended, yet will not I” (Mark 14:29).

“Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee” (Matthew 26:35).

“If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise” (Mark 14:31).

“Lord, whither goest thou” (John 13:36)?

“Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37).

“I know not what thou sayest” (Matthew 26:70).

“I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest” (Mark 14:68).

“Woman, I know him not” (Luke 22:57).

“I am not” (John 18:17).

“I know not the man” (Matthew 26:74).

“Man, I am not” (Luke 22:58).

“I am not” (John 18:25).

“I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71).

“Man, I know not what thou sayest” (Luke 22:60).

“I go a fishing” (John 21:3).

“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:15).

“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:16).

“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:17).

“Lord, and what shall this man do” (John 21:21)?

Peter's Dialogue When Repeated in More Than One Gospel Only

1. 

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

“Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29).

“The Christ of God” (Luke 9: 20).

2. 

“Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Matthew 17:4).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Mark 9:5).

“Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (Luke 9:33).

3.

“Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore” (Matthew 19:27)?

“Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee” (Mark 10:28).

“Lo, we have left all, and followed thee” (Luke 18:28).

4.

“Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33).

“Although all shall be offended, yet will not I” (Mark 14:29).

“Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33).

“Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee” (Matthew 26:35).

“If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise” (Mark 14:31).

“Lord, whither goest thou” (John 13:36)?

“Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake” (John 13:37).

5. 

“I know not what thou sayest” (Matthew 26:70).

“I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest” (Mark 14:68).

“Woman, I know him not” (Luke 22:57).

“I am not” (John 18:17).

“I know not the man” (Matthew 26:74).

“Man, I am not” (Luke 22:58).

“I am not” (John 18:25).

“I know not this man of whom ye speak” (Mark 14:71).

Acts (2,363 Words)

"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:16-22). 177 Words

"Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:14-36). 531 Words

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:38-39). 56 Words

"Look on us" (Acts 3:4). 3 Words

"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). 26 Words

"Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities" (Acts 3:12-36). 390 Words

"Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:8-12). 116 Words

"Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). (Attributed to both Peter and John). 32 Words

"Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whilst it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God" (Acts 5:3-4). 62 Words

"Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much" (Acts 5:8)? 10 Words

"How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out" (Acts 5:9). 34 Words

"We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:29-32). (Attributed to Peter and the other apostles). 73 Words

"Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:20-23). 76 Words

"AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed" (Acts 9:34). 11 Words

"Tabitha, arise" (Acts 9:40). 2 Words

"Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean" (Acts 10:14). 15 Words

"Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come" (Acts 10:21)? 15 Words

"Stand up; I myself also am a man" (Acts 10:26 ). 8 Words

"Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me" (Acts 10:28-29)? 66 Words

"Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:34-43). 217 Words

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we" (Acts 10:47)? 21 Words

"I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God" (Acts 11:5-17)? 293 Words

"Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren" (Acts 12:17). 10 Words

"Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they" (Acts 15:7-11). 109 Words

Epistles

1 Peter

Chapter 1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Chapter 2

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 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. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Chapter 3

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, 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. 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: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

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.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 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: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Chapter 4

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; 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. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man 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.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 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.

Chapter 5

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: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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. 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. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2 Peter

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 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 to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 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. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.

Chapter 2

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. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed 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;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 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; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.

These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 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 in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Chapter 3

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 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 ungodly men.

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.