1. Hebrew Bible, Jeremiah, 13.17 (8th cent. BCE - 5th cent. BCE)
13.17. וְאִם לֹא תִשְׁמָעוּהָ בְּמִסְתָּרִים תִּבְכֶּה־נַפְשִׁי מִפְּנֵי גֵוָה וְדָמֹעַ תִּדְמַע וְתֵרַד עֵינִי דִּמְעָה כִּי נִשְׁבָּה עֵדֶר יְהוָה׃ | 13.17. But if ye will not hear it, My soul shall weep in secret for your pride; And mine eyes shall weep sore, and run down with tears, Because the LORD’S flock is carried away captive." |
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2. New Testament, 1 John, 2.7 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 2.7. Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. |
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3. New Testament, 1 Peter, 2.11, 2.17, 5.9 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 2.11. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 2.17. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 5.9. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. |
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4. New Testament, 1 Corinthians, 5.11, 8.6, 15.58, 16.19 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 5.11. But as it is, I wrote to you notto associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexualsinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, oran extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person. 8.6. yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are allthings, and we for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom areall things, and we live through him. 15.58. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast,immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work, because you know thatyour labor is not in vain in the Lord. 16.19. The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greetyou much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in theirhouse. |
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5. New Testament, 1 Thessalonians, 4.10 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 4.10. for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; |
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6. New Testament, 1 Timothy, 3.15 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 3.15. but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. |
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7. New Testament, 2 John, 10 (1st cent. CE - 2nd cent. CE)
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8. New Testament, 2 Corinthians, 6.14-7.1, 7.1 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
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9. New Testament, Acts, 1.15, 2.1, 2.44-2.46, 4.32, 4.34-4.37, 5.11, 6.2, 9.2, 11.1, 11.29-11.30, 19.9, 19.23, 22.4, 24.5, 24.14, 24.22, 28.22 (1st cent. CE - 2nd cent. CE)
| 1.15. In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said 2.1. Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2.44. All who believed were together, and had all things common. 2.45. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 2.46. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart 4.32. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common. 4.34. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold 4.35. and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. 4.36. Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Exhortation), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race 4.37. having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. 5.11. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things. 6.2. The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. 9.2. and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 11.1. Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 11.29. The disciples, as anyone had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea; 11.30. which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. 19.9. But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 19.23. About that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way. 22.4. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 24.5. For we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 24.14. But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; 24.22. But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case. 28.22. But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against. |
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10. New Testament, James, 1.16, 2.5 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 1.16. Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers. 2.5. Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love him? |
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11. New Testament, Jude, 3 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
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12. New Testament, Philemon, 2 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
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13. New Testament, Colossians, 4.15 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 4.15. Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. |
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14. New Testament, Ephesians, 2.19-2.22, 4.25, 6.23 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 2.19. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God 2.20. being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; 2.21. in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 2.22. in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit. 4.25. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members one of another. 6.23. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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15. New Testament, Galatians, 3.28, 6.10 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 3.28. There is neither Jewnor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither malenor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 6.10. So then, as we have opportunity, let's do whatis good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of thehousehold of the faith. |
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16. New Testament, Hebrews, 3.1, 3.6, 6.9 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 3.1. Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 3.6. but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. 6.9. But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this. |
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17. New Testament, Philippians, 1.14, 4.1 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 1.14. and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 4.1. Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. |
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18. New Testament, Romans, 12.19, 16.5 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 12.19. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. 16.5. Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. |
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19. New Testament, John, 6.53, 10.16, 15.14, 17.21-17.23, 21.23 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 6.53. Jesus therefore said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don't have life in yourselves. 10.16. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd. 15.14. You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. 17.21. that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. 17.22. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; 17.23. I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. 21.23. This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to him that he wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? |
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20. New Testament, Luke, 8.19-8.21 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 8.19. His mother and brothers came to him, and they could not come near him for the crowd. 8.20. It was told him by some saying, "Your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to see you. 8.21. But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God, and do it. |
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21. New Testament, Mark, 3.31-3.35 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 3.31. His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him. 3.32. A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, "Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside looking for you. 3.33. He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers? 3.34. Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! 3.35. For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. |
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22. New Testament, Matthew, 12.46-12.50, 23.8-23.9 (1st cent. CE - 1st cent. CE)
| 12.46. While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. 12.47. One said to him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you. 12.48. But he answered him who spoke to him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? 12.49. He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! 12.50. For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother. 23.8. But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 23.9. Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. |
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23. Clement of Alexandria, Christ The Educator, 3.1.1 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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24. Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation To The Greeks, 1.8.3, 9.82.1, 10.103.1 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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25. Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies, (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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26. Tertullian, To The Martyrs, 1.1 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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27. Tertullian, Apology, 39.8 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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28. Tertullian, Prescription Against Heretics, 20.8 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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29. Tertullian, On Modesty, 7.4 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
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30. Theophilus, To Autolycus, 2.8-2.9, 3.9 (2nd cent. CE - 3rd cent. CE)
| 2.8. And why should I recount further the vast array of such names and genealogies? So that all the authors and poets, and those called philosophers, are wholly deceived; and so, too, are they who give heed to them. For they plentifully composed fables and foolish stories about their gods, and did not exhibit them as gods, but as men, and men, too, of whom some were drunken, and others fornicators and murderers. But also concerning the origin of the world, they uttered contradictory and absurd opinions. First, some of them, as we before explained, maintained that the world is uncreated. And those that said it was uncreated and self-producing contradicted those who propounded that it was created. For by conjecture and human conception they spoke, and not knowing the truth. And others, again, said that there was a providence, and destroyed the positions of the former writers. Aratus, indeed, says: - From Jove begin my song; nor ever be The name unuttered: all are full of you; The ways and haunts of men; the heavens and sea: On you our being hangs; in you we move; All are your offspring and the seed of Jove. Benevolent, he warns mankind to good, Urges to toil and prompts the hope of food. He tells where cattle best may graze, and where The soil, deep-furrowed, yellow grain will bear. What time the husbandman should plant or sow, 'Tis his to tell, 'tis his alone to know. Who, then, shall we believe: Aratus as here quoted, or Sophocles, when he says: - And foresight of the future there is none; 'Tis best to live at random, as one can? And Homer, again, does not agree with this, for he says that virtue Waxes or wanes in men as Jove decrees. And Simonides says:- No man nor state has virtue save from God; Counsel resides in God; and wretched man Has in himself nought but his wretchedness. So, too, Euripides: - Apart from God, there's nothing owned by men. And Meder:- Save God alone, there's none for us provides. And Euripides again:- For when God wills to save, all things He'll bend To serve as instruments to work His end. And Thestius:- If God design to save you, safe you are, Though sailing in mid-ocean on a mat. And saying numberless things of a like kind, they contradicted themselves. At least Sophocles, who in another place denied Providence, says:- No mortal can evade the stroke of God. Besides, they both introduced a multitude of gods, and yet spoke of a Unity; and against those who affirmed a Providence they maintained in opposition that there was no Providence. Wherefore Euripides says:- We labour much and spend our strength in vain, For empty hope, not foresight, is our guide. And without meaning to do so, they acknowledge that they know not the truth; but being inspired by demons and puffed up by them, they spoke at their instance whatever they said. For indeed the poets - Homer, to wit, and Hesiod, being, as they say, inspired by the Muses - spoke from a deceptive fancy, and not with a pure but an erring spirit. And this, indeed, clearly appears from the fact, that even to this day the possessed are sometimes exorcised in the name of the living and true God; and these spirits of error themselves confess that they are demons who also formerly inspired these writers. But sometimes some of them wakened up in soul, and, that they might be for a witness both to themselves and to all men, spoke things in harmony with the prophets regarding the monarchy of God, and the judgment and such like. 2.9. But men of God carrying in them a holy spirit and becoming prophets, being inspired and made wise by God, became God-taught, and holy, and righteous. Wherefore they were also deemed worthy of receiving this reward, that they should become instruments of God, and contain the wisdom that is from Him, through which wisdom they uttered both what regarded the creation of the world and all other things. For they predicted also pestilences, and famines, and wars. And there was not one or two, but many, at various times and seasons among the Hebrews; and also among the Greeks there was the Sibyl; and they all have spoken things consistent and harmonious with each other, both what happened before them and what happened in their own time, and what things are now being fulfilled in our own day: wherefore we are persuaded also concerning the future things that they will fall out, as also the first have been accomplished. 3.9. Now we also confess that God exists, but that He is one, the creator, and maker, and fashioner of this universe; and we know that all things are arranged by His providence, but by Him alone. And we have learned a holy law; but we have as lawgiver Him who is really God, who teaches us to act righteously, and to be pious, and to do good. And concerning piety He says, You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make unto you any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I am the Lord your God. Exodus 20:3 And of doing good He said: Honour your father and your mother; that it may be well with you, and that your days may be long in the land which I the Lord God give you. Again, concerning righteousness: You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife, you shall not covet your neighbour's house, nor his land, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his beast of burden, nor any of his cattle, nor anything that is your neighbour's. You shall not wrest the judgment of the poor in his cause. Exodus 23:6 From every unjust matter keep you far. The innocent and righteous you shall not slay; you shall not justify the wicked; and you shall not take a gift, for gifts blind the eyes of them that see and pervert righteous words. of this divine law, then, Moses, who also was God's servant, was made the minister both to all the world, and chiefly to the Hebrews, who were also called Jews, whom an Egyptian king had in ancient days enslaved, and who were the righteous seed of godly and holy men - Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. God, being mindful of them, and doing marvellous and strange miracles by the hand of Moses, delivered them, and led them out of Egypt, leading them through what is called the desert; whom He also settled again in the land of Canaan, which afterwards was called jud a, and gave them a law, and taught them these things. of this great and wonderful law, which tends to all righteousness, the ten heads are such as we have already rehearsed. |
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31. Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, 5.13, 5.18.5, 5.24-5.25 (3rd cent. CE - 4th cent. CE)
| 5.18.5. And again a little farther on he speaks thus concerning one of their confessors:So also Themiso, who was clothed with plausible covetousness, could not endure the sign of confession, but threw aside bonds for an abundance of possessions. Yet, though he should have been humble on this account, he dared to boast as a martyr, and in imitation of the apostle, he wrote a certain catholic epistle, to instruct those whose faith was better than his own, contending for words of empty sound, and blaspheming against the Lord and the apostles and the holy Church. |
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32. Epigraphy, Syll. , 985
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33. Pseudo-Tertullian, To His Wife, 2.3.1
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