Therefore we must pay much close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.1 Long ago, at many times, and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on hgh.2
After calling his first disciples,3 Jesus modeled for them his Father’s will: He prayed,4 preached,5 healed the sick,6 freed the captives.7 Jesus gave a new life to all who believed—he called them “holy brothers” who share in a heavenly calling.8 He called to him whom he desired, appointed them to be with him, that he might send them.9
To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.10 “And a Redeemer will come from Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD. “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: ”My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.”11
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.12
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.13 We are a letter from Christ, written with the Spirit of the living God on tablets of our heart.14 Paul took to heart the call, even rejoicing in suffering for he understood the stewardship—to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his [living] saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 15
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”16
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.17
Notes:
1. Hebrews 2:1
2. Hebrews 1:1-3
3. Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11
4. Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16, 6:12
5. Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:21, 38-39; Luke 4:43-44
6. Matthew 8:1-3Mark 1:40-42; Luke 4:38-39; John 4:46-53
7. Luke 4:16-21
8. Hebrews 3:1
9. Mark 3:13-15
10. Matthew 13:11
11. Isaiah 59:20-21
12. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
13. Proverbs 11:30
14. 2 Corinthians 3:3
15. Colossians 1:24-29
16. Matthew 28:18-20
17. John 20:30-31
