Letters to the Churches

That he might present it to himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

So also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the church:

Because we are members of him, body, of his flesh and of his bones.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother: and shall cleave to his wife. And they shall be two in one flesh.

This is a great sacrament: but I speak in Christ and in the church.

Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular love for his wife as himself: And let the wife fear her husband.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is just.

Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise:

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long lived upon earth.

And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger: but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ.

Not serving to the eye, as it were pleasing men: but, as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

With a good will serving, as to the Lord, and not to men.

Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man shall do, the same shall he receive from the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

And you, masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatenings: knowing that the Lord both of them and you is in heaven. And there is no respect of persons with him.

Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord and in the might of his power.

Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil.

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day and to stand in all things perfect.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of justice:

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

In all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.

And take unto you the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God).

By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit: and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints: