Book of Common Prayer
Do Not Even Associate With So-Called Brothers Who Continue To Disobey God
9 I wrote you in the letter[a] not to associate-with[b] sexually-immoral ones— 10 not at-all meaning with the sexually-immoral ones of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers[c], or with idolaters, because then you would have to go out of the world! 11 But now[d], I wrote[e] to you not to associate-with them if anyone being named a brother should be a sexually-immoral one, or a greedy one, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler— not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what do I have to do with judging the ones outside? Are you not judging the ones inside? 13 But God judges[f] the ones outside. Remove[g] the evil one from-among you yourselves.
Take Your Disputes With Brothers To Wise Judges In The Church, Not To The World’s Courts
6 Does any one of you, having a matter against the other, dare to go-to-court[h] before the unrighteous ones, and not before the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy of the smallest cases[i]? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? Shall I not-indeed mention things-pertaining-to-this-life? 4 So indeed, if you have cases pertaining-to-this-life, are you seating[j] these [as judges]— the ones having been of-no-account[k] in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. So is there not among you anyone wise who will be able to discern[l] between his brother and this brother?— 6 but brother is going-to-court against brother, and this before unbelievers?
Better To Be Wronged Than To Wrong Your Brother With a Lawsuit
7 So indeed, it is already actually a defeat[m] for you that you have lawsuits with each other. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded[n]? 8 But you are wronging and defrauding— and this [your own] brothers!
Some Say Avenge an Eye For an Eye. I Say Do Not Retaliate, But Do The Opposite
38 “You heard that it was said, ‘An eye for[a] an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’. 39 But I say to you not to resist[b] the evil person. But whoever slaps[c] you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 And to the one wanting to sue you and take your tunic[d], permit him also the cloak. 41 And whoever will press you into service[e] for one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one asking you, and do not turn away from the one wanting to borrow from you.
Some Say Hate Your Enemies. I Say Love Them And Pray For Them
43 “You heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. 44 But I say to you, be loving your enemies, and be praying for the ones persecuting you, 45 so that you may prove-to-be[f] sons of your Father[g] in the heavens— because He causes His sun to rise upon evil and good ones, and He sends rain upon righteous and unrighteous ones. 46 For if you love the ones loving you, what reward do you have? Are not even the tax-collectors doing the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not even the Gentiles[h] doing the same?
Be Perfect Reflections of Your Heavenly Father
48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing