Personal Commission

Endnotes

Scripture is quoted from the King James Version. The words of Christ, with their quotation marks, are set in red. ANF = Ante-Nicene Fathers; NPNF2 = Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series; Easton = B. S. Easton, The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (1934).

1John 3:16 (KJV) “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.” John 1:14 (KJV) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:18 (KJV) “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” 1 John 4:9 (KJV) “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.” ↩︎

2John 16:7 (KJV) “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” John 14:26 (KJV) “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 15:26 (KJV) “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:” Mark 16:19 (KJV) “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” Acts 1:9 (KJV) “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 2:33 (KJV) “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.” Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” ↩︎

3Matthew 4:10 (KJV) “…Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” John 13:13 (KJV) “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” Matthew 6:24 (KJV) “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Romans 14:8 (KJV) “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (KJV) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Martyrdom of Polycarp 9 (ANF 1): “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?” ↩︎

41 John 3:8 (KJV) “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” James 4:7 (KJV) “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ephesians 6:11 (KJV) “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition 21 (Easton): “I renounce thee, Satan, and all thy servants and all thy works.” Tertullian, De Spectaculis 4 (ANF 3): “we bear public testimony that we have renounced the devil, his pomp, and his angels.” Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lecture 19 (Mystagogical 1), 4–8 (NPNF2 7): “…thou art bidden to say, with arm outstretched towards him as though he were present, ‘I renounce thee, Satan.’ … Then in a second sentence thou art taught to say, ‘and all thy works.’” ↩︎

5Revelation 5:13 (KJV) “…Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (KJV) “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Jude 25 (KJV) “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Romans 16:27 (KJV) “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” “Most High God”: Genesis 14:18–20 (KJV) “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.” Mark 5:7 (KJV) “And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.” Luke 8:28 (KJV) “When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.” Acts 16:17 (KJV) “The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.” ↩︎

6James 1:1 (KJV) “…to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” 1 Peter 1:1 (KJV) “…to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…” John 11:52 (KJV) “…that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” John 10:16 (KJV) “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Acts 8:4 (KJV) “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” ↩︎

7Daniel 2:41–44 (KJV) “And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 7:7 (KJV) “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.” Daniel 7:20 (KJV) “And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.” Daniel 7:24 (KJV) “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise…” Revelation 12:3 (KJV) “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” Revelation 13:1 (KJV) “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” Revelation 17:3 (KJV) “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” Revelation 17:7 (KJV) “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” Revelation 17:12 (KJV) “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” Revelation 17:13 (KJV) “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” Revelation 17:16–17 (KJV) “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies V.26.1 (ANF 1): “the ten kings who shall then arise, among whom the empire which now rules [the earth] shall be partitioned.” Hippolytus, On Christ and Antichrist 25, 27–28 (ANF 5): “the ten horns of the fourth beast are distributed over ten kingdoms.” Lactantius, Divine Institutes VII.16 (ANF 7): “until ten kings arise at the same time, who will divide the world, not to govern, but to consume it.” Epistle of Barnabas 4 (ANF 1): “Ten kingdoms shall reign upon the earth, and a little king shall rise up after them, who shall subdue under one three of the kings.” ↩︎

81 Timothy 4:14 (KJV) “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.” 2 Timothy 1:6 (KJV) “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” 1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV) “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” Acts 6:6 (KJV) “Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” Acts 13:3 (KJV) “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 14:23 (KJV) “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” Titus 1:5 (KJV) “…ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee…” Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition 2 (Easton): “the bishops shall lay their hands upon him, and the presbytery shall stand by in silence.” ↩︎

91 Clement 42 (ANF 1): “they appointed the first-fruits [of their labours], having first proved them by the Spirit, to be bishops and deacons of those who should afterwards believe.” 1 Clement 44: “they appointed those [ministers] already mentioned, and afterwards gave instructions, that when these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed them in their ministry.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.3.1 (ANF 1): “we are in a position to reckon up those who were by the apostles instituted bishops in the Churches, and [to demonstrate] the succession of these men to our own times.” III.3.3: “The blessed apostles, then, having founded and built up the Church, committed into the hands of Linus the office of the episcopate.” Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics 32 (ANF 3): “let them unfold the roll of their bishops, running down in due succession from the beginning.” Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III.4 (Linus) (NPNF2 1): “…Linus, whom he mentions in the Second Epistle to Timothy as his companion at Rome, was Peter’s successor in the episcopate of the church there, as has already been shown.” III.22 (Evodius): “At this time Ignatius was known as the second bishop of Antioch, Evodius having been the first.” III.36 (Ignatius): “…Ignatius, who was chosen bishop of Antioch, second in succession to Peter, and whose fame is still celebrated by a great many.” Cyprian, Epistle 26.1 (ANF 5; Oxford 33): “the Church is founded upon the bishops, and every act of the Church is controlled by these same rulers.” ↩︎

10Matthew 10:1–4 (KJV) “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” Luke 6:13 (KJV) “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;” (the Twelve). Galatians 1:1 (KJV) “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)” Acts 9:15 (KJV) “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:” Galatians 2:9 (KJV) “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” (Paul). Luke 10:1 (KJV) “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” Luke 10:16 (KJV) “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History I.12 (NPNF2 1), on the Seventy: “They say that Thaddeus also was one of them…” ↩︎

111 Timothy 3:1 (KJV) “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” 1 Timothy 3:2–7 (KJV) “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Titus 1:7–9 (KJV) “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Acts 20:28 (KJV) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Philippians 1:1 (KJV) “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:” 1 Peter 5:1–4 (KJV) “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.” Ignatius, Ephesians 6 (ANF 1): “we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself.” Magnesians 6: “your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles.” Trallians 3: “In like manner, let all reverence the deacons as an appointment of Jesus Christ, and the bishop as Jesus Christ, who is the Son of the Father, and the presbyters as the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the apostles. Apart from these, there is no Church.” Smyrnaeans 8: “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” ↩︎

12Matthew 13:52 (KJV) “Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.” Matthew 23:34 (KJV) “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes…” Ezra 7:6 (KJV) “This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.” Ezra 7:10 (KJV) “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Jeremiah 30:2 (KJV) “Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.” Revelation 1:11 (KJV) “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” Revelation 1:19 (KJV) “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;” ↩︎

13Ephesians 4:11 (KJV) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” Romans 12:4–8 (KJV) “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (KJV) “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1 Corinthians 12:28–29 (KJV) “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?” 1 Corinthians 7:7 (KJV) “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.” 1 Peter 4:10–11 (KJV) “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.” 1 Clement 41 (ANF 1): “Let every one of you, brethren, give thanks to God in his own order … not going beyond the rule of the ministry prescribed to him.” Didache 15.1 (ANF 7): “Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers.” ↩︎

14Matthew 16:18–19 (KJV) “…And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18 (KJV) “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” John 20:21–23 (KJV) “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” Isaiah 22:22 (KJV) “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” Revelation 1:18 (KJV) “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 3:7 (KJV) “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;” Successors: Acts 1:20–26 (KJV) “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. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV) “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Titus 1:5 (KJV) “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:” Origen, Commentary on Matthew XII.10–11, 14 (ANF 9): “Are the keys of the kingdom of heaven given by the Lord to Peter only, and will no other of the blessed receive them?” and “let us see in what sense it is said to Peter, and to every Peter, ‘I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’” Cyprian, On the Unity of the Church 4–5 (ANF 5): “to all the apostles, after His resurrection, He gives an equal power”; “The episcopate is one, each part of which is held by each one for the whole.” ↩︎

15John 7:16 (KJV) “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” John 12:49–50 (KJV) “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” John 14:24 (KJV) “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” John 17:8 (KJV) “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.” Matthew 28:20 (KJV) “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Jude 3 (KJV) “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” 2 Timothy 1:13 (KJV) “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Hebrews 2:3 (KJV) “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” ↩︎

162 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV) “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God…” 2 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV) “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Peter 3:16 (KJV) “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.” Jeremiah 8:8 (KJV) “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.” Galatians 1:7 (KJV) “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV) “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Revelation 22:18–19 (KJV) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 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.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies I.8.1 (ANF 1): heretics handle Scripture as one who would take a jeweled image of a king “all to pieces, should rearrange the gems, and so fit them together as to make them into the form of a dog or of a fox.” I.9.4: “they twist them, as we have already said, from a natural to a non-natural sense.” Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics 38: “Where diversity of doctrine is found, there, then, must the corruption both of the Scriptures and the expositions thereof be regarded as existing. … One man perverts the Scriptures with his hand, another their meaning by his exposition.” ↩︎

17Acts 8:20 (KJV) “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” Acts 8:18–23 (KJV) “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, 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.” Matthew 10:8 (KJV) “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” 1 Timothy 6:5 (KJV) “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Titus 1:11 (KJV) “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” 2 Peter 2:3 (KJV) “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.” Micah 3:11 (KJV) “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” John 2:16 (KJV) “And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” Didache 11.6 (ANF 7): “if he ask money, he is a false prophet.” Apostolic Canons 29 (NPNF2 14): “If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, shall obtain possession of that dignity by money, let both him and the person who ordained him be deposed…” Council of Chalcedon (451), canon 2 (NPNF2 14): “If any Bishop should ordain for money, and put to sale a grace which cannot be sold…” ↩︎

18John 10:10 (KJV) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 16:2 (KJV) “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” Matthew 23:34–35 (KJV) “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” Jeremiah 23:1–2 (KJV) “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.” ↩︎

192 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Titus 1:9 (KJV) “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” 1 Timothy 1:3 (KJV) “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 2 Timothy 2:25 (KJV) “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” Ephesians 4:14 (KJV) “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” Acts 20:28–31 (KJV) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” Polycarp, Philippians 7 (ANF 1): “Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from the beginning…”; Ignatius, Magnesians 8 (ANF 1): “Be not deceived with strange doctrines, nor with old fables, which are unprofitable.” ↩︎

20Revelation 19:16 (KJV) “…KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 17:14 (KJV) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” 1 Timothy 6:15 (KJV) “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” Acts 5:29 (KJV) “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Colossians 3:24 (KJV) “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Matthew 6:24 (KJV) “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” ↩︎

21Matthew 7:15–16, 20 (KJV) “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits…” Matthew 24:11 (KJV) “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:24 (KJV) “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” 1 John 4:1 (KJV) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 2 Corinthians 11:13 (KJV) “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” 2 Peter 2:1–3 (KJV) “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.” Jude 4 (KJV) “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:29–30 (KJV) “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” 1 Timothy 4:1–2 (KJV) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” Deuteronomy 13:1–5 (KJV) “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” Deuteronomy 18:20–22 (KJV) “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Jeremiah 23:16–32 (KJV) “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked. The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.” Ezekiel 13:1–9 (KJV) “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.” Revelation 2:2 (KJV) “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:” Didache 11–12 (ANF 7): “But whoever saith in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, ye shall not listen to him…” Hermas, Commandment 11 (ANF 2): “Try by his deeds and his life the man who says that he is inspired.” Ignatius, Ephesians 7: “For some are in the habit of carrying about the name [of Jesus Christ] in wicked guile, while yet they practise things unworthy of God, whom ye must flee as ye would wild beasts.” Ephesians 9: “Nevertheless, I have heard of some who have passed on from this to you, having false doctrine, whom ye did not suffer to sow among you, but stopped your ears, that ye might not receive those things which were sown by them…” Trallians 6 (ANF 1): “like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine.” Smyrnaeans 4–5: “But I guard you beforehand from those beasts in the shape of men, whom you must not only not receive, but, if it be possible, not even meet with… Some ignorantly deny Him, or rather have been denied by Him, being the advocates of death rather than of the truth.” Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho 35 (ANF 1): “there were many, my friends, who, coming forward in the name of Jesus, taught both to speak and act impious and blasphemous things.” ↩︎

22Titus 1:13 (KJV) “…Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” Titus 1:10–11 (KJV) “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Titus 3:10 (KJV) “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;” Romans 16:17–18 (KJV) “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” 1 Timothy 5:20 (KJV) “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 2 John 10–11 (KJV) “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” Ephesians 5:11 (KJV) “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Galatians 2:11 (KJV) “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.” Philippians 3:2 (KJV) “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Polycarp, Philippians 7 (ANF 1): “whosoever does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is antichrist…” ↩︎

232 Corinthians 10:4–5 (KJV) “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…” Ephesians 6:11–17 (KJV) “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Jeremiah 1:10 (KJV) “See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.” Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV) “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Genesis 3:4–5 (KJV) “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” John 8:44 (KJV) “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” Matthew 23:34–35 (KJV) “Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” Luke 11:49–51 (KJV) “Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” ↩︎

242 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV) “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:15 (KJV) “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Athanasius, Life of Antony 25, 35–36 (NPNF2 4): the demons “assume the appearance of monks and feign the speech of holy men”; and, of a true vision, “in place of it comes joy unspeakable, cheerfulness, courage, renewed strength, calmness of thought”; of the evil spirits, “fear in the heart, tumult and confusion of thought, dejection.” ↩︎

25Matthew 24:5 (KJV) “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:11 (KJV) “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:24 (KJV) “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Revelation 12:9 (KJV) “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11 (KJV) “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:” 1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” ↩︎

26Matthew 28:18–20 (KJV) “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Mark 16:15 (KJV) “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Luke 24:46–48 (KJV) “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.” Acts 1:8 (KJV) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Matthew 24:14 (KJV) “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Romans 10:14–18 (KJV) “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” Revelation 14:6 (KJV) “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III.1 (NPNF2 1): “Parthia, according to tradition, was allotted to Thomas as his field of labor, Scythia to Andrew, and Asia to John…” Tertullian, Apology 37 (ANF 3): “We are but of yesterday, and we have filled every place among you…” ↩︎

27Acts 2:42 (KJV) “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (KJV) “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 1 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV) “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV) “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” Jude 3 (KJV) “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” ↩︎

28Mark 7:7–8 (KJV) “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men…” Mark 7:13 (KJV) “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Matthew 15:9 (KJV) “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Isaiah 29:13 (KJV) “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” Colossians 2:8 (KJV) “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:20–22 (KJV) “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” Titus 1:14 (KJV) “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.” Tertullian, On the Veiling of Virgins 1 (ANF 4): “But our Lord Christ has surnamed Himself Truth, not Custom.” Cyprian, Epistle 73.9 (ANF 5; Oxford 74): “…for custom without truth is the antiquity of error.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies III.4.1–2: “Since therefore we have such proofs, it is not necessary to seek the truth among others which it is easy to obtain from the Church… Thus, by means of that ancient tradition of the apostles, they do not suffer their mind to conceive anything of the [doctrines suggested by the] portentous language of these teachers…” Vincent of Lérins, Commonitorium 2 (NPNF2 11): “we hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all.” ↩︎

291 Timothy 4:1 (KJV) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:2–3 (KJV) “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” James 3:15 (KJV) “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” 2 Corinthians 11:3–4 (KJV) “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” ↩︎

30John 17:21 (KJV) “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:20–23 (KJV) “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Ephesians 4:3–6 (KJV) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:13 (KJV) “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV) “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Romans 12:5 (KJV) “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Colossians 3:14–15 (KJV) “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Psalm 133:1 (KJV) “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” 1 Clement 46 (ANF 1): “Why are there strifes, and tumults, and divisions, and schisms, and wars among you?” Ignatius, Ephesians 4–5: “It is profitable, therefore, that you should live in an unblameable unity, that thus ye may always enjoy communion with God. … how much more do I reckon you happy who are so joined to him as the Church is to Jesus Christ, and as Jesus Christ is to the Father, that so all things may agree in unity!”; Philadelphians 3: “If any man follows him that makes a schism in the Church, he shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Cyprian, On the Unity of the Church 5–6: “And this unity we ought firmly to hold and assert, especially those of us that are bishops who preside in the Church, that we may also prove the episcopate itself to be one and undivided. … He can no longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother.” ↩︎

31Matthew 24:21 (KJV) “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:22 (KJV) “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:29 (KJV) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:” Mark 13:19–20 (KJV) “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” Daniel 12:1 (KJV) “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 7:21–25 (KJV) “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Revelation 7:14 (KJV) “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 13:7 (KJV) “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…” Didache 16 (ANF 7): “Watch for your life’s sake … be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh.” Epistle of Barnabas 4: “The final stumbling-block (or source of danger) approaches, concerning which it is written, as Enoch says…”; Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lecture 15: “Who then is the blessed man, that shall at that time devoutly witness for Christ? … For the Martyrs hitherto have wrestled with men only; but in the time of Antichrist they shall do battle with Satan in his own person.” ↩︎

32See note 7. ↩︎

331 John 2:18 (KJV) “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists…” 1 John 2:22 (KJV) “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1 John 4:3 (KJV) “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.” 2 John 7 (KJV) “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.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10 (KJV) “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” Revelation 13:1–8 (KJV) “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 17:12–14 (KJV) “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Daniel 7:8 (KJV) “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” Daniel 7:25 (KJV) “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies V.25.1 (ANF 1): Antichrist, “being an apostate and a robber, is anxious to be adored as God”; V.30.2–3: “…let them await, in the first place, the division of the kingdom into ten; then, in the next place, when these kings are reigning, and beginning to set their affairs in order, and advance their kingdom, [let them learn] to acknowledge that he who shall come claiming the kingdom for himself, and shall terrify those men of whom we have been speaking, having a name containing the aforesaid number, is truly the abomination of desolation. … It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfilment of the prophecy, than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves…” Hippolytus, On Christ and Antichrist: “Now, as our Lord Jesus Christ, who is also God, was prophesied of under the figure of a lion, on account of His royalty and glory, in the same way have the Scriptures also aforetime spoken of Antichrist as a lion.” Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lecture 15.12 (NPNF2 7): “There shall rise up together ten kings of the Romans … and after these an eleventh, the Antichrist.” ↩︎

34Galatians 1:6–9 (KJV) “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (quoted in the text). 2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV) “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 1 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (KJV) “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” Jude 3 (KJV) “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV) “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” Deuteronomy 12:32 (KJV) “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Proverbs 30:6 (KJV) “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Revelation 22:18–19 (KJV) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 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.” Irenaeus, Against Heresies I.10.1–2: “As I have already observed, the Church, having received this preaching and this faith, although scattered throughout the whole world, yet, as if occupying but one house, carefully preserves it. … For, although the languages of the world are dissimilar, yet the import of the tradition is one and the same.” III.1.1: “We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us…” Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics 21 (ANF 3): “all doctrine which agrees with the apostolic churches—those moulds and original sources of the faith must be reckoned for truth…” Polycarp, Philippians 7: “Wherefore, forsaking the vanity of many, and their false doctrines, let us return to the word which has been handed down to us from the beginning…” Vincent of Lérins, Commonitorium 8–9 (NPNF2 11), on Galatians 1:8: “…the apostle putting in exercise the authority of his office, delivered his sentence with the utmost severity, ‘Though we,’ he says, ‘or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.’ … To preach any doctrine therefore to Catholic Christians other than what they have received never was lawful, never is lawful, never will be lawful: and to anathematize those who preach anything other than what has once been received, always was a duty, always is a duty, always will be a duty.” ↩︎

35Romans 1:1 (KJV) “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,” Galatians 1:10 (KJV) “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV) “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Acts 20:28 (KJV) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” ↩︎

361 Corinthians 1:12–13 (KJV) “…I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 3:3–7 (KJV) “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” John 10:16 (KJV) “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” Ephesians 2:14–19 (KJV) “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Ephesians 4:4–6 (KJV) “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Galatians 3:28 (KJV) “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 3:11 (KJV) “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” 1 Clement 47 (ANF 1): “he wrote to you concerning himself, and Cephas, and Apollos, because even then parties had been formed among you.” Ignatius, Philadelphians 3: “For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop.” Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics 20 (ANF 3): “the churches, although they are so many and so great, comprise but the one primitive church, (founded) by the apostles, from which they all (spring).” ↩︎

371 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV) “Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV) “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV) “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Acts 6:1–6 (KJV) “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” Titus 1:5 (KJV) “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:” 1 Clement 40 (ANF 1): “not thoughtlessly or irregularly, but at the appointed times and hours.” ↩︎

38See note 26. ↩︎

391 Timothy 2:4 (KJV) “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” John 8:32 (KJV) “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:36 (KJV) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 14:6 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 17:17 (KJV) “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” 2 Timothy 2:25 (KJV) “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” Hebrews 10:26 (KJV) “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” ↩︎