Apologetics

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Idios Para phraseïn
A Personal Interpretation of Scripture
C. W. Fincher

Introduction

Recently while reading during my morning Bible study time, the idea of taking my writing to the next level of scholarship came to the forefront of my mind and has stayed there. I have been to Bible College and received a certificate in Biblical Studies, I have also gone to medical college and received a certificate in medical administration and have been actively writing a blend of theological and medical research papers as well as pure theological research papers, but could I write a paraphrase of the Bible as based upon the way that I read and translate the King James English?

Purpose of paper

The premise of this paper is that the government has outlawed all open meetings of true Christians. All of the churches that faithfully proclaim Christ have been closed and the congregations dispersed. You do not have a bookshelf full of Bible study books to draw upon, how then would you go about studying the Bible? You the believer, have only one or two copies of the Bible and these two principals to guide you in your study of scripture.

The sine qua non consist of three principles that need to be followed consistently when dealing with scriptural interpretation, they are as follows:

1. A dispensationalist keeps Israel and the church distinct.
2. A dispensationalist uses Literal interpretation of scriptures.
3. The purpose of the Bible is to bring glory to God.

The next principle that I use concerns itself with the matter of whether or not I interpret scripture literally or allegorically.

In order to consistently interpret scripture correctly, one needs to look at the words on the page in light of their historical-grammatical context. Only then can they be seen and understood as the original author intended.

I make no claims to being a Hebrew or Greek scholar, but I do have a grasp of the English language, I write in such a way that my readers will clearly understand my message. If I were to write in such a way as to hide my message, that for me defeats the purpose of writing!

The message that God reveals to us within the pages of scripture is to be taken literally, the destiny of our eternal soul rests upon that fact. A simple verse like John 3:16 takes on a new flair if not taken literally! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

You will go to hell and be eternally separated from God and Christ is you fail to act upon its message and accept Christ into your life, any small child knows this!

With these two tools to aide you the believer, you should be able to read and understand any passage in the Bible without the help of a trained leader.

It is my desire that you the reader will find this helpful in your study of Gods Holy Word. As I write this, I am using only the notes at the top of my Bible that accompanies the introduction of each book and the principles mentioned above. You will not find any Greek or Hebrew references, I do not know these languages.

In the simplicity of this paper, I hope that it teaches you to dig in for yourself, just like it has for me, the author. I do not want to be guilty of leading anyone astray by my writing and thereby being guilty of the punishment of Revelation 22:19 “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book”.

I am using for this paper A Hebrew- Greek Key Study Bible, King James Version, published by World Bible Publishers, Inc., Iowa Falls, Iowa. Portions of the introduction to the books covered are taken from my Scofield Reference Bible, King James Version, 1917 edition, published by Oxford Press, Inc introductory notes. All other scriptural interpretations are mine and are based upon my interpretation of the underlined words as found in the Hebrew-Greek study Bible and I have done my best to keep the true intentions of the original author and I used my best understanding of the Greek language as found within the pages of the Lexicon in making my choice of wording.

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First John

Writer. Apostle John, as unbroken tradition affirms, and as internal evidence and comparison with the gospel of John prove.

Date. Probably A. D. 90.

Theme. First John is a family letter from the Father to Hiss “little children” who are in the world. . . The sin of a believer is treated as child’s offence against his Father, and is dealt with as a family matter. (1.9; 2.1). . . A tender word is used for “children,” teknia, “born ones,” or “bairns.” Paul is occupied with our public position as sons; John with our nearness as born- ones of the Father.

Version Key
KJV, King James Version,
IPP, Idios para phraseïn, “my own private (idios) + paraphrase (para phraseïn)”

Chapter 1

1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

IPP When Jesus was with us, we heard with our ears, we have seen Him with our eyes, He who we have gazed upon and we have touched, He is the Word of life made flesh;

2. (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

IPP (Jesus was made known to us, and we have seen Him and now tell you as true witnesses of Him, and declare to you that Jesus was with the Father and He is now made known to us;)

3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

IPP He which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

IPP And these things we write to you that your heart in gladness may be crammed full to overflowing.

5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

IPP This is then the announcement that we have heard from Him and tell to you now, that God is luminescence, and in Him can be found no dimness at all.

6. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

IPP If we say that we have fellowship with Him and we live in error, we lie and do not live out the truth:

7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

IPP But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son purifies us from all offences.

8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

IPP If we say that we have no offences, we are only deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

IPP If we acknowledge our sins, He is trustworthy and equitable to put aside our sins, and to purify us from all iniquity.

10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

IPP If we were to say that we have not missed the mark, we make God a liar, and His thoughts are not in us.

Chapter 2

1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

IPP My darlings, these things I am describing to you, so that you do not miss the mark. And if any man or woman were to miss the mark, we have an intercessor with the Father, Jesus Christ the holy one:

2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

IPP And He is the atonement for our offence: and not for ours only, but also for the offences of mankind.

3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

IPP And by this it is made know that we know Him, if we keep our eye upon His precepts.

4. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

IPP He that says, I have known Him, and does not continually to do His precepts, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

IPP But whoever continues to keep His thoughts, in Him truly is the affection of God being manifested: by this we know that we are in Him.

6. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

IPP He that says he abides in Him ought himself also to be walking as He walked.

7. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

IPP Brothers, I write no fresh commandment for you, but an old commandment for you to remember which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment are the precepts which you have heard from the beginning.

8. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

IPP Once more, I tell you, a new commandment, which thing is true in Him and in you: because the obscurity is past, and the true rays now appear.

9. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

IPP He that says he is in the light, and continues to hate his brother, has darkness in his heart, even now.

10. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

IPP He that continues to love his brother lives, and there is no occasion given to find offence in him.

11. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

IPP But he that continues to hate his brother is already in darkness, and lives in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness had blinded the eyes of his heart.

12. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

IPP I write to you, new born ones, because your offences have been put away by His authority sake.

13. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

IPP I write to you, those who are mature in the faith, because you can speak of Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome and even now continue to resist the evil one. I write to you, new born ones, because you have known and are even now known of the Father.

14. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

IPP I write to you, who are mature in the faith, because you can speak of Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the thoughts of God reside in you, and, because you have overcome and even now continue to resist the evil one.

15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

IPP Have no affection for the world system, neither the things that are of that system. If any man have affection towards that system, the benevolent affection of the Father is not in him.

16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

IPP For all that is in the world system, the lust of our human nature, and the lust of the eyes, and the boasting of live, is not of the Father, but is of the world system.

17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

IPP And the world system passes away, and the desires for it: but he that continues to do the desires of God remain with you to the end.

18. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

IPP Little ones, it is the final season: and as you have heard that the opponents of the Messiah shall appear, even now there are many antichrists; this is how we know it is the final season.

19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

IPP They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they no doubt would have continued with us: but they went out, that it might be made apparent that they were not a part of us.

20. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

IPP But you have an anointing of the Holy Spirit, and you understand all things.

21. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

IPP I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

22. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

IPP Who is a liar, he that rejects that Jesus is the Messiah? He is then become as an antichrist, who rejects the Father and the Son.

23. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

IPP Whoever rejects the Son; the same person does not have the Father: but he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

24. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

IPP Let this abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning will remain in you, you also will continue in the Son and in the Father.

25. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

IPP And this is the pledge that He has pledged to us, even everlasting life.

26. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

IPP These things I have written to you concerning them that have and continue to seduce you.

27. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

IPP But the consecration that you have received of Him that resides in you, and you need not that any man instruct you: but as the same anointing instructs you of all things, and is truth, and is not a lie, and even as it has taught you, you will reside in Him.

28. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

IPP And now, little darlings, continue to reside in Him; that when He does show Himself, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him in His presence.

29. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

IPP If you know that He is righteous, you then know that everyone that continues in righteousness is begotten of Him.

Chapter 3

1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not

IPP Behold, what manner of affection the Father continues to have toward us, that we should continue to be called the children of God: for this reason, mankind understands us not because it understood Him not.

2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

IPP Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet apparent what we will be: but we know that when He does appear, we will be like Him; for we will see His as He is.

3. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

IPP And every man that continues in this anticipation, makes himself clean, even as He is clean.

4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

IPP Whoever continues to commit an offence does so against the law: for the offence is a deviation against the established standard.

5. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

IPP And we understand that He was made apparent to us to bear up our offences, and in Him who no offence was found.

6. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

IPP Whoever continues to reside in Him does not continually practice offences: who ever continues to practice offences has not seen Him, neither has known Him.

7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

IPP Little darlings, let no man continue to deceive you: he that continues to do justly is just, even as He is just.

8. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

IPP He that repeatedly commits an offence is of Satan; for Satan committed offences from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God was made apparent to us, that He might break up the deeds of Satan.

9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

IPP Who ever is begotten of God does not repeatedly sin; for His nature remains in him: and he cannot repeatedly sin because he is begotten of God.

10. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

IPP In this the begotten of God are made apparent, and the begotten of Satan likewise: who ever repeatedly does not right is not of God, neither is he that does not love his brother.

11. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

IPP For this is the announcement that you have heard from the beginning, that we should continue to love one another.

12. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

IPP Not as Cain, who was of that malicious one, killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because his own works were malicious, and his brother’s just.

13. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

IPP Do not be amazed, my brothers, if the world system hates you.

14. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

IPP We now know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He that does not love his brother resides in death.

15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

IPP Whoever continues to hate his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has everlasting life residing him.

16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

IPP By this we understand the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

17. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

IPP But whoever has this world’s manner of livelihood, and sees his brother in need and continues to close up his heart of compassion for him, how does the love of God live in him?

18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

IPP My little darlings, let us not love with our reasoning, neither with our speech, but with our actions and in truth.

19. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

IPP And by this we understand that we are of the truth, and will have confidence in our hearts before Him.

20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

IPP For if our mind finds fault in us, God is greater than our mind, and knows all things.

21. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

IPP Loved ones, if our mind does not find fault in us, then we have boldness toward God.

22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

IPP And whatever we ask for repeatedly, we receive of Him, because we hold fast to His precepts, and do these things that are agreeable in His sight.

23. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

IPP And this is His commandment, That we should put our trust in the authority of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He has given us commandment.

24. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

IPP And he that continues in His precepts resides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He resides in us, by the Holy Spirit which He has given to us.

Chapter 4

1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

IPP Beloved, have not faith in every doctrine, but try that doctrine to see whether they are of God: because many false teachers have gone into the earth.

2. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

IPP By this you know the Holy Spirit of God: Every doctrine that acknowledges that Jesus the Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

IPP And every doctrine that does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God: and this is the doctrine of those who are opposed to Christ, this you have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world system.

4. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

IPP You are of God, little darlings, and have overcome them: because greater is He that resides in you, than he that resides in this worlds system.

5. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

IPP They are of the world system: for that reason, they speak of that system, and mankind listens to them.

6. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

IPP We are God: he that understands God listens to us; he that is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the doctrine of the truth, and the doctrine of deceit.

7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

IPP Beloved, let us continue to love one another: because love is of God; and everyone that continues in love has been begotten of God.

8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

IPP He that has not loved knows not God, because God is love.

9. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

IPP By this which was made apparent that the love of God is shown to us, because that God has sent His only born Son into humanity, that we might continue to live through Him.

10. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

IPP Here is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent to us His Son to be the atonement for our offences.

11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

IPP Beloved, if God loved us, we should also continue to love one another.

12. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

IPP No man has look upon God at any time. If we continue to love one another, God abides in us, and His love is accomplished in us.

13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

IPP By this we know that we reside in Him, and He in us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit.

14. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

IPP And we have seen and do report to you that the Father has sent the Son to be the Deliverer of mankind.

15. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

IPP Whoever will acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, God resides in him and he in God.

16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

IPP And we have known and have believed the love that God has toward us. God is love; and he that resides in love resides in God, and God in him.

17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

IPP By this is our love fulfilled, that we may continue to have boldness in the time of accusation: because as He is, so we are in this world.

18. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

IPP There is no terror in love, but complete love casts out fear: because terror has torment. He that repeatedly is afraid is not fulfilled in love.

19. We love him, because he first loved us.

IPP We love him, because he first loved us. (No change needed.)

20. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

IPP If any man says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: because he that has not loved his brother who he has seen, how then can he love God who he has not seen?

21. And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

IPP And this precept we have from Him, That he who loves God should love also his brother.

Chapter 5

1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

IPP Whoever continues to have faith that Jesus is begotten of God: and everyone that continues to love Him that begat Him, also loves that which is born of Him.

2. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

IPP By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and hold fast to His precepts.

3. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

IPP In this is the love of God, that we should hold fast to His precepts: and His precepts are not grievous.

4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

IPP For whatever has been begotten of God overcomes the world system: and this is the victory that continues to overcome the world system, even our belief.

5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

IPP Who is he that overcomes the world system, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6. This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

IPP It is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ, not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Holy Spirit that continues to bear witness, because the Holy Spirit is truth.

7. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

IPP For there are three persons that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Logos, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one.

8. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

IPP And these three that bear witness in the inhabited earth, the Holy Spirit, and the water and the blood: and these three all agree.

9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

IPP If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God which He has declared to us of His Son.

10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

IPP He that continues to believe on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that does not believe in God has made himself a liar; because he that does not believe the evidence given that God gave of His Son.

11. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

IPP And this is the record, that God has given to us everlasting life, and this life is in His Son.

12. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

IPP He that has the Son has life; and he that does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

IPP These things I have written to you that have believed on the authority of the Son of God; that you may know that you have everlasting life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

IPP And this is the assurance that we have in Him, that if we repeatedly ask anything according to His will, He listens to us:

15. And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

IPP And if we know that He listens to us, whatever we desire, we know that we have the request granted that we have asked of Him.

16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

IPP If any man see his brother commit a sin that is not a sin worthy of death, he shall ask, and he will give him life for them that did not sin unto death. There is a sin which leads to death: I do say that he should not pray for it.

17. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

IPP All iniquity is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

18. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

IPP We know that whoever has been begotten of God does not continually sin; but he that is born of God keeps himself, and that evil one is not allowed to attach himself to him.

19. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

IPP And we know that we are of God, and the entire world system lies in maliciousness.

20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

IPP And we know the Son of God has come, and has given us a mind, that we may continue to perceive Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and everlasting life.

21. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

IPP Little darlings, guard yourselves against heathen gods. So be it.

* * *
Second John

Writer. Apostle John.

Date. Probably A. D. 90.

Theme. Second John gives the essentials of the personal walk of the believer in a day when “many deceivers are entered into the world”.

1. The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

IPP The presbyter to the chosen lady and her offspring, who I love in the truth; and not only I, but also all they that have known the truth.

2. For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever.

IPP For the truths sake, which resides in us, and will be with us without end.

3. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

IPP Grace be with you, compassion and quietness, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

4. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

IPP I greatly rejoiced when I found that your children are walking in the truth, as we have received a precept from the Father.

5. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

IPP And now I beg of you, dear lady, not as though I had written a new precept to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we continue to love one another.

6. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

IPP And this is love, that we continue to walk in His commandments. This is the precept, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should continue to do it.

7. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

IPP For many deceivers have entered into mankind, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an opponent of Christ.

8. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

IPP Look carefully at yourselves, that we do not lose those things that we labor for, but that we may take a full wage.

9. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

IPP Whoever continues to violate a commandment, and does not practice the instructions of Christ, does not have God. He that remains in the instructions of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.

10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

IPP If there join to you any, and does not have this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, neither say to him, farewell, safe journey:

11. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

IPP For he that says to him, farewell, safe journey is a companion of his vile works.

12. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

IPP Having many things to write to you, I cannot write them all with paper and ink: I hope to come to you, and speak face to face, that your hearts may be full.

13. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

IPP The offspring of your elect sister send their greetings. So be it.


* * *

Third John
Writer. Apostle John.

Date. Probably A. D. 90.

Theme. The aged Apostle had written to a church which allowed one Diotrephes to exercise an authority common enough in later ages, but wholly new in the primitive churches. Diotrephes had rejected the apostolic letters and authority. Historically, this letter marks the beginning of that clerical and priestly assumption over the churches in which the primitive church order disappeared.

1. The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

IPP The presbyter to dear Gaius, who I love in the truth.

2. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

IPP Beloved, I wish above all things that you may continue to prosper and be in continued good health, even as your soul prospers.

3. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

IPP For I was exceedingly glad, when the brothers came and reported to me of the truth that is in you, even as you live in the truth.

4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

IPP I have no greater delight, than to hear that my born ones continue to live in truth.

5. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

IPP Beloved, you have continued in a trustworthy manner whatever you have engaged in for the brothers and strangers;

6. Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

IPP Which have shown as a witness of your love before the saints: who if you send them out on their journey after a rest, you will do well:

7. Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

IPP Because that in His authority’s sake they went out, taking nothing of the heathens.

8. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

IPP We now ought to continue to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

9. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

IPP I wrote to the church: but Diotrophes, who loves to be the overseer among them, he would not receive us.

10. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

IPP Now, if I come, I will remember his actions which he does, babbling against us with hurtful words: and not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would do so, and casts them out of the church.

11. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

IPP Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: he that does evil has not seen God.

12. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

IPP Demetrius has a good testimony of all men, and of the truth itself: you, and we also bear record; and you understand that our testimony is true.

13. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

IPP I had many things to write, but I will not do so with pen and ink write to you:

14. But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

IPP But I hope I will shortly see you, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends send their greetings to you. Great our friends by name.

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