The Skeptics Annotated Bible
Page 311
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
EPHESIANS 4
4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
(4.8) Misquote of Ps 68.18, which says: “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men.” The words and meaning of the psalm were changed from “received gifts” to “gave gifts.”
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(4.14) “Be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”
365 Is it good to be childish?
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
(4.25-32)
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
(4.25) “Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.”
86 Is it wrong to lie?
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
(4.26) “Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
(4.28) “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
91 Is it wrong to steal?
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(4.29) “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.”
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
(4.31) “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
(4.32) “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”
EPHESIANS 5
5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(5.2) “Christ … hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” The bloody death of Jesus smelled good to God.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(5.3) “But … covetousness, let it not be once named among you.”
111 Is it OK to covet?
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(5.4) “Nor foolish talking, nor jesting”
(5.5-7) No “unclean person” or “idolater” will inherit the kingdom of God. The wrath of God is on them. Don’t associate with them.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(5.5) “No whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(5.6) “Because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(5.7) “Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
(5.11 Jehovah’s Witnesses)
“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.” To Jehovah’s Witnesses, everything outside of the Watchtower Organization is controlled by Satan. This is one of the verses that the the Governing Body uses to condemn all holidays, civic activities, and association with non-JWs.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
(5.15-17) “Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise … be ye not unwise, but understanding.”
295 Is it good to be foolish?
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
(5.18) “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.”
71 Is it OK to drink alcohol?
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
(5.21) “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
132 Should we fear God?
(5.22-24) Wives must submit to their husbands “in every thing” as though they were Christ. “For the husband is the head of the wife.”
464 Should women have the same rights as men?
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
(5.22) “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
(5.23) “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.”
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
(5.24) “As the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.”
(5.25-28) Husbands should try to love their wives.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(5.25) “Husbands, love your wives.”
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 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.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
(5.28) “So ought men to love their wives.”
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
(5.33) “Let every one of you … love his wife even as himself.”
16 Is Polygamy OK?
EPHESIANS 6
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
(6.2) “Honour thy father and mother.”
107 How should parents be treated?
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
(6.5) “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.” Slaves must obey their masters “as unto Christ.”
336 Should we serve God alone?
42 Does God approve of slavery?
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
(6.9) “Neither is there respect of persons with him.”
21 Does God respect anyone?
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
PHILIPPIANS
The Lord is at hand. — Philippians 4.5
Philippians was probably created by patching together several of Paul’s letters to the church at Philippi.
Here are the highlights:
Paul tells the Philippians to be good “till the day of Christ.” For “the Lord is at hand.” 1.10, 4.5
Someday everyone will have to worship Jesus—whether they want to or not. 2.10-11
“Beware of dogs … beware of the concision.” I’m not sure who Paul is calling “dogs” here, but it’s probably the Jews—those of “the circumcision,” as opposed to Christians, who are of the “true circumcision.” 3.2
Forget Jesus. Paul says you should follow him and people that follow him. Believe whatever he tells you to believe, think whatever he tells you to think, and do whatever he tells you to do. 3.17, 4.9
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 4.8
Christians are superhuman and omnipotent. They can do whatever they want. 4.13
Paul’s God will give you everything you need. 4.19
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon every remembran
ce of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
(1.10) “That ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Paul tells the Philippians to be good “till the day of Christ.” So he must have expected Jesus to return within their lifetimes.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.