| strength, that I may not only speak, but [truly] will; and that I may not merely be called a Christian, but really be found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal.[1] "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."[2] For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with[3] the Father, is all the more revealed [in His glory]. Christianity is not a thing[4] of silence only, but also of [manifest] greatness.
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really found to be one. For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called one, and be then deemed faithful, when I shall no longer appear to the world. Nothing visible is eternal. "For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."[2] The Christian is not the result[4] of persuasion, but of power.[5] When he is hated by the world, he is beloved of God. For says [the Scripture], "If ye were of this world, the world would love its own; but now ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it: continue in fellowship with me."[6] |
Chap. iv.—Allow me to fall a prey to the wild beasts.
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I write to the churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless ye hinder me. I beseech of |
I write to all the churches, and impress on them all, that I shall willingly die for God, unless ye hinder me. I beseech of you not to show an unseasonable good-will |
