Part 805 (1/2)
4:18. And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the unG.o.dly and the sinner appear?
Scarcely... That is, not without much labour and difficulty; and because of the dangers which constantly surround, the temptations of the world, of the devil, and of our own corrupt nature.
4:19. Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of G.o.d commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.
1 Peter Chapter 5
He exhorts both priests and laity to their respective duties and recommends to all humility and watchfulness.
5:1. The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:
5:2. Feed the flock of G.o.d which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to G.o.d: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:
5:3. Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.
5:4. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.
5:5. In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for G.o.d resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.
5:6. Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of G.o.d, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:
5:7. Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.
5:8. Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
5:9. Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world.
5:10. But the G.o.d of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.
5:11. To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.
5:12. By Sylva.n.u.s, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of G.o.d, wherein you stand.
5:13. The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.
5:14. Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PETER THE APOSTLE
In this Epistle St. Peter says (chap, 3): Behold this second Epistle I write to you: and before (chap. 1,): Being a.s.sured that the laying away of this my tabernacle is at hand. This shews, that it was written a very short time before his martyrdom, which was about thirty-five years after our Lord's Ascension. In this Epistle he admonishes the faithful to be mindful of the great gifts they received from G.o.d and to join all other virtues with their faith. He warns them against false teachers, by describing their practices and foretelling their punishments. He describes the dissolution of this world by fire and the day of judgment.
2 Peter Chapter 1
He exhorts them to join all other virtues with their faith, in order to secure their salvation.
1:1. Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ: to them that have obtained equal faith with us in the justice of our G.o.d and Saviour Jesus Christ.