A Brief Review of the New Testament Scriptures

Review of the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Holy Apostles, compiled according to the guidance of St. Athanasius of Alexandria Book 1. Gospel of Matthew This is the name of this book because Matthew, the disciple of the Lord, wrote this Gospel. From the beginning it tells about the Nativity of the Savior according to the flesh from the seed of David; why the genealogy from him (David) leads to Christ, positing all generations 42. Sets forth the baptism of John, and the temptations that came from the devil on the mountain, and the great signs and wonders performed by the Savior, the election of the Disciples and the giving of the sacraments to them; finally he says that Jesus Christ was handed over to Pilate, crucified in the body, and that His body was placed in a tomb; the soldiers divided His garments; and He, rising on the third day, commanded the Disciples to teach all nations and baptize them, promising to be with them always, even to the end of the age. The miracles performed by Jesus Christ, which Matthew narrates, are as follows: the leper was cleansed; the centurion's youth was healed in absentia by one word of Him; Petrov's mother-in-law was healed from fireworm; one evening they brought to Him the demoniac and the sick: and He drove out the spirits with a word, and healed the sick. – In particular, this book contains: Ch. I. Genealogy of I. Christ from Abraham to Joseph; the conception of I. Christ from the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Virgin Mary, already betrothed to Joseph. The angel calms Joseph and explains the name: Jesus. Ch. II. The wise men from the east are led by a star to Christ, worship Him and bring their gifts. Joseph flees to Egypt with Jesus and His Matter. Herod beats babies. Herod dies, and I. Christ returns to Galilee and settles in Nazareth. Ch. III. John's Sermon; his ministry, life and baptism. John denounces the Pharisees. Jesus appears and is baptized in the Jordan. Ch. IV. I. Christ retires into the desert, fasts and is tempted. Angels appear and serve Him. He comes and settles in Capernaum. He begins to preach. Calls Peter and Andrew, James and John. Heals all kinds of sick and possessed people. Ch. V. I. Christ begins his sermon on the mount: he explains who the blessed are, who are the salt of the earth: You are the salt of the earth: if the salt overcomes, with what will it be salted? It will be of no use to anyone, but let it be poured out and trampled upon by men (v. 13), the light of the world, a city on a mountain top: You are the light of the world: a hail cannot hide on top of a mountain standing (v. 14), a candle on a candlestick. Prefaces that He came to fulfill the law, and not to destroy it. Explains: what does it mean to kill, to commit adultery, to swear? Adverses to endure insults, to love enemies, to care about perfection. Ch. VI. I. Christ continues his Sermon on the Mount: he talks about almsgiving, about prayer, about forgiveness of debts to neighbors, about fasting. Testifies that where our treasure is, there our heart will certainly be. He talks about serving God and mammon. Admonishes not to worry about worldly things; commands to seek first of all the kingdom of God. Ch. VII. I. Christ ends his Sermon on the Mount. Reproaches those who condemn their neighbors. Forbids giving holy things to dogs: You shall not give holy things to dogs: neither shall you cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under your feet, and spinning you shall be torn apart (v. 6). Encourages prayer; admonishes us to enter through the narrow gate, to beware of false prophets, to be not only listeners, but also doers of the word. He compares the performers of the word to houses built on a rock, and the listeners of the word only to houses on the sand. Ch. VIII. Cleanses the leper; heals the centurion's slave, Petrov's mother-in-law and many other sick people. Shows the scribe what one who wants to follow I. Christ should expect; He forbids the disciple whom He had recently called to bury his father. Calms the storm at sea. Casts out demons from two possessed people and allows them to enter a herd of pigs. Ch. IX. In his city (Capernaum) he heals a weakened man. Calls the publican Matthew to the Apostleship; eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners, for which the Pharisees reproach Him. Heals bleeding; resurrects Jairus' daughter; gives sight to two blind men; heals a mute person possessed by a demon. He has compassion for the common people, who were like sheep without a shepherd. Ch. X. Sends his twelve disciples to preach and gives them the power to perform miracles; reveals to them their position and teaches them how they should behave, predicts persecution for them and consoles them; promises blessings to those who favorably accept the Apostles, on the contrary, threatens with severe punishment those who do not accept them. Ch. XI. John sends two of his disciples to Christ. Christ testifies to John; reproaches the Jews for their wrong opinions about Himself and John; denounces Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for ingratitude and unrepentance, and threatens them with severe punishment. Glorifies the wisdom of the Father for revealing the Gospel to the simple and humble; He calls to Himself all who are burdened. Ch. XII. He denounces the blindness of the Jews in the reasoning of the Sabbath, and defends himself against them by Scripture, by reason itself and by the miracle shown in the healing of a man with a withered hand. He heals many people, and also a demoniac who was blind and dumb. Then the Jews say: This one will not cast out demons, except for Beelzebub, the prince of demons (v. 24). Jesus refutes this opinion. He declares that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, and that he will have to give an account for his words. The Jews ask for a sign, and He points them to the sign of Jonah; predicts that the Ninevites will condemn them. Then he says: Whenever an unclean spirit leaves a person, it passes through a waterless place, seeking rest, and does not find it. Then he says: I will return to my house, from where I have expired: and when I come, I will find it empty, marked and adorned. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits that are fiercer than himself, and when they come in, they live: and the last man will be worse than the first, and so it will be for this evil generation (v. 43. 44. 45.) Shows who His brothers, sisters and mother are. Ch. XIII. Entering the ship, he offers the parable of the sower and the seed and the reason why he speaks to the people in parables. He interprets this parable and offers others: about the tares, about the mustard seed, about the leaven. He explains the parable of the tares and offers others: about the hidden treasure, about the pearl, about the net thrown into the sea. He calls the disciples blessed, likening them to the owner of the house. He comes to his homeland, and when the Jews are offended by Him, he says: A prophet is without honor but in his own homeland (v. 57). Ch. XIV. Herod's opinion of Christ. The story of the beheading of the Baptist. Christ retires to the desert, where he feeds 5,000 people. 5 loaves and 2 fish. Sends students to the ship. He goes up the mountain to pray. He walks across the sea to his disciples; receives Peter at the waters. Comes to Gennesaret; here many sick people are healed just by touching the robe of Jesus. Ch. XV. Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees for distorting the commandments of God with their traditions. He teaches that it is not what goes into a person’s mouth that defiles him, but what comes out of his mouth. Peter asks about the meaning of what was said and receives an answer. Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite wife and many sick people; 7 loaves and a few fish feed 4,000 people, excluding wives and children. Ch. XVI. The Jews ask for a sign from heaven. Christ warns his disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Different opinions of the people about Christ. Confession of Him by Peter. Christ predicts his suffering; blames Peter for wanting to deviate his Teacher from His intention; He exhorts those who want to follow Him to take up and bear the cross. Ch. XVII. Christ is transfigured on the mountain. The disciples ask Him about the coming of Elijah, and He answers them. Heals the possessed; reproaches disciples for unbelief; predicts to them about his suffering. In Capernaum those who receive didrachmas approach Him; Jesus pays the tax. Ch. XVIII. To his disciples, who asked Him, who is greater? commands us to be as humble and meek as children; also - to avoid temptations, saying: If he seduces one of these little ones who believe in me, he will not eat, and the millstone of the ass will be carried away on his neck, and he will drown in the abyss of the sea (v. 6), and again: And if your eye causes you to sin, take it away and turn away from yourself: it is kinder for you to take it into your belly with one eye than you have two eyes. to be cast into fiery hell (v. 9), and not to despise children, saying: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones: for I say to you, for their angels in heaven have always seen the face of My heavenly Father (v. 10). Parable of the Hundred Sheep. He teaches how we should deal with our neighbors when they offend us, saying: If your brother sins against you, go and convict him between you and him alone. If only he listens to you; Thou hast gained thy brother (v. 15) and further. Then He says: If two of you give counsel on earth concerning every thing that he asks, it will be done by My Father who is in heaven (v. 19). Peter asks Jesus: If my brother sins against me, will I forgive him sevenfold? (v. 21). Jesus answers him. He offers a parable about a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves, and cruelly punished one of them who, having received mercy from him, did not show mercy to his neighbor. Ch. XIX. Jesus comes to Judea and heals many sick people. Resolves the bewilderment of the Pharisees regarding divorce, counts the various genera of eunuchs; receives and blesses children; instructs the young man how to achieve eternal life and become perfect; tells his disciples how difficult it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples ask Him: Who then can be saved? He says to them: You who walked after me in the regeneration, when the Son of man sits on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on the double throne, judging the deceived ten tribes of Israel. And everyone who leaves a house, or a brother, or a sister, or a father, or a mother, or a wife, or a child, or a village, for my name, will receive it a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life (28.29). Ch. XX. Christ offers the parable of the workers in the grape. Ascending to Jerusalem, he predicts to his disciples about his suffering and death. With his answer to the mother of the sons of Zebedee, he teaches his disciples to be humble in wisdom; restores sight to two blind men from Jericho. Ch. XXI. A story about a donkey. Christ enters Jerusalem; expels buyers and sellers from the church; He heals the sick who come to Him. The youths praise Him. He goes out to Bethany; on the way back from here to the city, he curses the barren fig tree. In this case he says to the disciples: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only create a fig tree: but if you also say to this mountain: move and throw yourself into the sea: it will be. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive as a believer (vv. 21, 22). The high priests and elders of the people ask Him: By what authority did you do this? and who gave you this power? He in turn asks them about John's baptism; this confuses them and stops their mouths. He offers them the parable of the two sons; also about the winegrowers who beat everyone whom the landlord sent to them. Ch. XXII. Parable about the marriage of the king's son. The Pharisees consult on how to catch Jesus in words, and start talking about kinson. The duty is to pay taxes to Caesar. The Sadducees ask Jesus about a woman who was married to seven brothers; He answers them and proves the resurrection of the dead. Answers the lawyer's question; What is the first and greatest commandment in the law? Question: what do you think about Christ? leads the Pharisees to such confusion that they cannot answer anything. Ch. XXIII. Christ advises the people to follow the good teaching of the Pharisees and scribes, but not to follow the bad example of their lives; He commands his disciples to beware of the ambition of the Pharisee. He proclaims woe to the Pharisees and scribes, for their hypocrisy and blindness, and predicts the destruction of Jerusalem. Ch. XXIV. Predicts the destruction of the church and the great disasters that must precede it; shows signs of His coming to judgment; puts into perspective the unknown of the day and hour when He will come to judgment; offers a parable about a servant placed over his master's house. Ch. XXV. Parable of the Ten Virgins; - about talents. Image of the last judgment. Ch. XXVI. The rulers form a council against Jesus, but He retires to Simon's house, to Bethany; here a woman pours precious ointment on His head. Judas sells Jesus. The disciples are sent to prepare Easter. Jesus eats the Passover: then he denounces Judas. Establishes his Last Supper: then he says: From now on I will not drink from this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink with you new in the kingdom of My Father (v. 29). He ascends with his disciples to the Mount of Olives and predicts that they will all be tempted and Peter will deny three times; leaving the disciples in Gethsemane to pray; Having prayed for the third time, he said to them: Arise, let us go, behold, come near and betray me (v. 46). Betrayed by the treacherous kiss of Judas; leads to Caiaphas; judged and condemned and endured reproach; Peter denies the Teacher. Ch. XXVII. Jesus is handed over to Pilate, bound. Judas is strangled. Jesus is on trial. Pilate's wife advises him not to do anything to Jesus. Pilate washes his hands before the people; frees Barabbas. Christ is crowned with thorns; crucified on the cross; endures ridicule and abuse; finally dies. The wives who were with Mary stand and look from afar at the events taking place. Joseph takes the body of the Lord and buries it; The coffin, at the request of the Jews, is sealed and guarded by soldiers. Ch. XXVIII. The wives who were with Mary come to the tomb at dawn; and there was a great earthquake. They learn from the Angel that Christ has risen. The Risen One Himself appears to them and sends them to the disciples. The high priests bribe the guards and teach them to say that the body of Christ was stolen from the tomb by His disciples. Christ appears to his disciples and sends them to baptize and teach all nations. Book 2. The Gospel of Mark Ch. I. The Ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized; goes into the desert and is tempted there; according to the legend of John, he comes to Galilee, preaches, calls Peter, Andrew, James and John. In Capernaum he heals a demoniac, Petrova's mother-in-law and many other sick people in the evening. Retreats into the desert. Goes around Galilee. Cleanses the leper. Ch. II. In Capernaum he heals a weakened man; defends himself against the scribes and Pharisees; teaches the people; calls Levi, son of Alpheus; eats with publicans and sinners: for which the Pharisees reproach Him. He justifies his disciples for not fasting and for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath day. Ch. III. Heals a person who has a dry hand; retires with his disciples to the sea; A multitude of people follow Him. The demons confess Him. Provides twelve Apostles to send out to preach. The Jews say about Jesus: to have Beelzebub, and about the prince of demons he will cast out demons (v. 22); Jesus confronts them with this unjust opinion. His mother and brothers come to Him; He shows who His brothers, sisters and mother are. Ch. IV. Offers the parable of the sower and explains it; teaches that one must communicate to others the light of one’s knowledge; offers a parable about a seed that vegetates and grows imperceptibly; also about the mustard seed. Calms the storm at sea. Ch. V. In the country of the Gadarenes he frees one possessed by a legion of demons, and we allow them to enter the pigs, who thereby perish in the waters. Jairus asks Him for his daughter. Jesus heals the bleeding woman and raises the daughter of Jairus. Ch. VI. Jesus comes to his homeland; here they are offended about Him: on this occasion He says: A prophet is without honor but in his own country, and in his kindred, and in his own house (v. 4). Gives the twelve Apostles power over unclean spirits, and sends them out to preach in twos. Different opinions about Jesus. John the Baptist is killed and buried. The disciples return from the sermon. Jesus feeds the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish; appears on the sea to disciples carried by the storm. He comes to Gennesaret and heals everyone who touches Him. Ch. VII. The Pharisees reproach Jesus' disciples for eating with unwashed hands; Jesus answers them. He heals the daughter of a Syrophoenician wife, possessed by an unclean spirit, and then a deaf and tongue-tied man. Ch. VIII. Miraculously saturates the people; refuses a sign to the Pharisees; warns the disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. In Bethsaida he restores sight to the blind. Asks students about Himself; Peter confesses that He is Christ, but is reproached for contradicting the sufferings that await Christ. Jesus urges patience during persecution for preaching the Gospel; at the same time he says: Whoever wants to honor me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and come for me (v. 34). Ch. IX. Jesus is transfigured on the mountain. Gives the concept to his disciples about the coming of Elijah; heals the possessed; predicts to his disciples about his death and resurrection; reproaches them for arguing at length about primacy, and teaches them humility. They inform him that a certain person casts out demons in His name, but does not follow Him: Jesus says: What is not on you, is on you (v. 40), and warns against temptations, saying: And if anyone causes one to stumble from these little ones who believe in me, it is better for him to eat more, if a millstone falls on his neck and is cast into the sea (v. 42). Ch. X. Discusses with the Pharisees about divorce; blesses the children brought to Him; resolves the rich man's question of how he can inherit the stomach; talks about the dangers of wealth; promises a reward to those who leave everything for the Gospel. Ascending to Jerusalem, he predicts his death and resurrection; denounces the ambitious thoughts of the sons of Zebedee. Returns sight to Bartimaeus. Ch. XI. Enters Jerusalem in triumph; enters the church; in the evening he retires to Bethany. Curses the barren fig tree; clears the church of traffickers. In the evening he leaves the city. Peter expresses surprise at the fig tree. Jesus convinces his disciples to be firm in the faith and forgive their enemies. Returns to the city; The Jews ask Him: by what authority does He do all this? He in turn asks them about John's baptism. Ch. XII. Offers a parable about a vineyard and evil workers. He avoids the deceit of the Pharisees and Herodians, who asked Him about paying taxes to Caesar; refutes the error of the Sadducees, who did not recognize the resurrection of the dead; answers the scribe's question: what is the first commandment? Refutes the opinion that the scribes had about Christ; warns the people against their ambition and hypocrisy; approves of the poor widow for the two mites she contributed to the treasury. Ch. XIII. He predicts the destruction of the church, persecution for the Gospel, its preaching to all nations, the great misfortunes that will happen to the Jews, and the image of His coming to judgment. And since the hour of this coming is unknown to anyone, He convinces us to always be ready to meet Him. Ch. XIV. Conspiracy against Jesus. In Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, a wife pours precious ointment on the head of Jesus. Judas sells Him. The disciples are sent to prepare Easter. Jesus eats the Passover with his disciples and predicts that He will be betrayed by one of them. Establishes the sacrament, predicts the flight of all the disciples during His suffering and the threefold denial of Peter. He prays to his Father. Judas betrays Him with a kiss. Peter cuts off the slave's ear. A naked young man is running. Jesus is led to Caiaphas; testify against Him; Jesus confesses himself to be the Son of God. Peter denies. Ch. XV. Jesus is brought bound before Pilate and condemned. At the general demand of the people, the robber Barabbas is released, and Christ is handed over to be crucified. He is crowned with thorns, spat upon and cursed; He weakens under the weight of the cross; He is hanged between two thieves and showered with evil ridicule: but the centurion confesses Him as the Son of God. Mary of James the little was there, as well as Magdalene and Salome. Joseph buries Jesus' body with honor. Ch. XVI. An angel announces the resurrection of Christ to the women who came to the tomb with aromas. The Risen One Himself appears to Mary, from whom he had previously cast out seven demons. She told the disciples about this, but they did not believe it. Then He appears to two disciples on the way, and then to the other Apostles, whom He sends to preach the Gospel, baptize and perform miracles. Finally ascends to heaven. Book 3. Gospel of Luke Ch. I. Preface to the whole Gospel. Conception of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ; prophecy of Elizabeth and Mary about Christ; birth and circumcision of John; Zechariah's prophecy about Christ and John. Ch. II. Augustus' command on the national census; birth of I. Christ; Angels announce Him to the shepherds and sing praises to God; I. Christ is circumcised; Mary's purification; prophecy about I. Christ of Simeon and Anna; the growth of I. Christ in wisdom; conversation in church with teachers; obedience to parents. Ch. III. The sermon and baptism of John and the testimony of the Baptist about Christ; Herod imprisons John; the baptism of I. Christ, and the testimony of Him from heaven. Genealogy of I. Christ, starting with Joseph in ascending line. Ch. IV. Temptation and fasting of I. Christ in the desert; victory over the devil; the beginning of Christ's preaching; the people are amazed at His teaching; healing of a demoniac, Peter's mother-in-law, and other sick people in Capernaum. Demons recognize Jesus Christ and are forbidden to confess Him. I. Christ preaches in different cities. Ch. V. I. Christ teaches the people from the ship; promises to make Peter and his companions fishers of men; cleanses the leper; prays in the desert; heals the weakened. Summons Levi, the tax collector; eats with sinners; The Pharisees accuse Him for this act, and also because His disciples do not fast; Jesus justifies the disciples, predicts fasts and disasters for them after His ascension; for their weaknesses and cowardice, compares them to old furs and worn-out clothes. Ch. VI. Convicts the blindness of the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath with Scripture, reason and the miracle shown in the healing of the withered man. Elects twelve Apostles; heals the sick and possessed; announces to the disciples before the people about blessings and punishments; about love for enemies; offers a parable about a tree; commands to combine good deeds with hearing the Word of God; he who preserves His Word is likened to a house built on rock. Ch. VII. In Capernaum, Jesus finds more faith in the pagan centurion than in any of the Jews; without entering the centurion's house, he heals his servant; resurrects the son of the widow of Nain; He responds to those sent from John by pointing out his miracles; expresses his opinion about John to the people; reproaches the Jews who did not like the lifestyle of either John or Christ; dines at the house of the Pharisee, and here the sinful wife pours out myrrh on Him; The Pharisee does not approve of her action; Jesus offers him the parable of the two debtors. Ch. VIII. Passing through various places preaching, accompanied by disciples and some of the wives healed by Him, Jesus tells them the parable of the sower; also - about the lamp; explains who His mother and brothers are; calms the storm; casts out a legion of demons from a man into a herd of pigs; rejected by the Gadarenes; heals bleeding; resurrects Jairus' daughter. Ch. IX. Sends Apostles to preach. Herod wants to see Jesus; This one retires into the desert; miraculously feeds 5,000 people; asks about Himself: Whom do the people say I am? Peter confesses Him: Jesus commands him to remain silent about Himself; predicts his suffering and resurrection; says: If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me (v. 23). Transformed on the mountain; coming down from there he heals the demoniac; repeats to his disciples the prediction of suffering. The disciples ask Him: who would be their leader? Jesus instills humility in them. On the occasion of the news of one man who cast out demons in His name, but did not follow Him, Jesus says to the disciples: What is not in you is in you (v. 50). He wants to enter the Samaritan city, but they do not accept Him: for this the disciples want to bring fire down on the inhabitants; Jesus forbids. One man expresses a desire to follow Jesus, but is not given permission. He Himself calls for another, but this one is denied; on this occasion He says: No one has laid his hand on the head, and in vain he will be ruled in the kingdom of God (v. 62). Ch. X. Jesus chooses seventy disciples and sends them out in twos to preach; instructs them how they should behave; threatens some cities; He says to his disciples: Listen to you, he listens to me: and sweep away you, I am swept away: sweep away from me, the one who sent me is swept away (v. 16), and again: I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven (v. 18); gives them power over Satan. Thanks the Father for His mercy; glorifies the blessed state of His disciples, saying: Blessed are the eyes that see even as you see. I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see; and to hear what you heard, and did not hear (vv. 23, 24); teaches the lawyer how to achieve eternal life; offers a parable about a man who was caught by robbers on his way to Jericho; meekly reproaches Martha and praises Mary, her sister. Ch. XI. Instructs disciples how to pray; offers a parable about a man who asks his friend for bread while he has already gone to sleep; heals a dumb demoniac: on this occasion they say: about Beelzebub the prince of demons he will cast out demons (v. 15). Jesus further says: Whenever an unclean spirit departs from a man, he passes through a waterless place, seeking rest: and finding it not, he says: I will return to my house, from where I have departed (vv. 24 ff. 25. 26). One woman exclaims: blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast that you pissed (v. 27). Jesus predicts that this generation will be condemned by the Ninevites, and says: No one has burned a lamp, he puts it in a hidden place, not in a hidden place, but in a candlestick, so that those who enter may see the light (v. 33). Enters the Pharisee to dine; The Pharisee reproaches Him for not washing himself: Christ says to him: Now you Pharisee cleanse the outer glassware and dishes, but your inner self is full of robbery and wickedness (v. 39). Foretells woe to the Pharisees, scribes and lawyers. Ch. XII. The Savior warns his disciples against hypocrisy; at the same time he says: There is nothing hidden that cannot be revealed, and something hidden that cannot be understood (v. 2); out of timidity in confessing His teachings, saying: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and then those who are unable to do anything more (v. 4), and again: Are not five birds worth the price of two; and not a single one of them is forgotten before God. But the power of your head has all been deciphered. Fear not, for ye are of many birds (vv. 6, 7); further He says: And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man will be left to Him: but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be left (v. 10); then one of the people approaches Him with a request to force his brother to share the inheritance with him; Then, with the parable of the rich man who planned to build large barns, Jesus warns his disciples against greed; teaches them not to become attached to earthly goods, but to seek the kingdom of God and give alms; be ready to open the doors of the interpreting Lord whenever He comes. With the parable of the master who served his servants, he commands his disciples to strictly observe their duty; offers another parable - about a faithful servant and about one who knew the will of his master, but did not fulfill it. Then He says: Fire has come to burn on the earth, and what do I want if it is already on fire (v. 49)? Mentions those who guess the weather based on the state of the sky; then he says: When you come with your rival to the prince, let the work get away from him on the way: lest he bring you before the judge, and the judge hand you over to a prisoner, and the servant throws you into prison (v. 58). Ch. XIII. I. Christ is informed about the Galileans beaten by Pilate; He preaches repentance, and mentions those who were crushed by the tower of Siloam; offers the parable of the barren fig tree; on Saturday he heals a woman crippled by a demon: the Jews reproach Him for this, but He stops their mouths. Offers the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. They ask him: Lord, are there few who are saved? He commands to enter through the narrow gate, and adds: And they will come from the east and the west and the north and the south, and will lie down in the kingdom of God (v. 29). The Pharisees say to Him: Get out and go from here, because Herod wants to kill you (v. 31): He answers them: As you go, cry to that fox: behold, I will cast out demons, and I will do healings this day and in the morning, and on the third I will die (v. 32). Further, He denounces Jerusalem with the words: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, beating the prophets, and stoning those sent to you, when your fellow children desired, as you cobble your nest under a krill, and did not desire! (v. 34). Ch. XIV. On Saturday he heals a person possessed by water sickness; talks about the first places at feasts and about who should be invited to them; offers a parable about the Great Supper and about those who refused it; He instructs those who wish to follow Him to leave all their household and bear the cross; offers the parable of the builder of the tower; – also about a king who is preparing for war. Then He says: Good is salt: if salt is possessed, with what will it be salted? There is no need to eat in the ground or in pus: they will pour it out (vv. 34, 35). Ch. XV. The Pharisees grumble at Jesus that He accepts publicans and sinners: Jesus offers them parables: about the lost sheep, about the drachma, about the prodigal son. Ch. XVI. The parable of the unjust steward. Jesus denounces the love of money, pride and hypocrisy of the Pharisees; inspires that everything written in the law must be fulfilled; mentions the man who let his wife go; offers a parable about the rich sensualist and the beggar Lazarus. Ch. XVII. Teaches to avoid such actions that others may be tempted by; mutually forgive offenses; offers the parable of the servant. The story of the healing of ten lepers. Jesus talks about the coming of the kingdom of God and the Son of man. Ch. XVIII. He commands us to always pray with the parable of the poor widow and the unjust judge. Then he adds: Otherwise, when the Son of Man comes, will he (si) find faith on earth? (8). Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. Bringing children to Jesus. Nerd with a question: what should he do to inherit an eternal belly? The reward is for the one who fully wants to live for Christ. He predicts to his disciples about his suffering and death: but they do not understand; heals a blind man near Jericho. Ch. XIX. About Zacchaeus the publican. Ten talents. The Savior's solemn ascension to Jerusalem; cry for him; expulsion of sellers and buyers from the church; daily teaching in the church. The bishops want to kill Jesus, but they are afraid of the people. Ch. XX. The Jews ask Jesus: Tell us: in what area are you doing this? or who is it that gave you this power? Jesus asserts his dignity with the question of John's baptism. The parable of the vineyard and the evil workers. I. Christ speaks of taxes to Caesar; about a woman who was married to 7 brothers - against the Sadducees who denied the resurrection; asks about Himself: How do they say that Christ the son of David was? Warns students against scribes. Ch. XXI. Praise to the poor widow who contributed two mites to the treasury; prediction of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem; a sign before the last day; exhortation to vigilance. Ch. XXII. The Jews plot against Christ; Satan persuades Judas to commit treason. The apostles are preparing Easter. Establishment of the Holy Supper with secret notification of the traitor; the other Apostles learn not to be ambitious. Peter's confirmation of the firmness of his faith, but at the same time of his threefold renunciation. Prayer on the mountain and bloody sweat; tradition through kissing. The healing of Malchus, the threefold denial of Peter. A mockery of Christ. He confesses himself to be the Son of God. Ch. XXIII. Jesus is accused before Pilate and sent to Herod. Herod curses Him. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other. The liberation of Barabbas, and the delivery of Christ to crucifixion. Christ speaks to the weeping women about the destruction of Jerusalem. Prayer for enemies. Crucifixion of two thieves. Death and burial of Jesus. Ch. XXIV. Angels announce His resurrection to the wives, and the wives to the disciples. The appearance of the resurrected man to two disciples on their way to Emmaus; appearance to the Apostles and reproach for their unbelief; assigning responsibilities to them; the promise of the Holy Spirit; ascension. Book 4. Gospel of John Ch. I. John says that Christ is God. It tells about the Baptist, then about Christ and His incarnation. The Baptist answers those sent to him. The next day he testifies about Jesus that the Holy Spirit descended on Him; the next day he again testifies about Jesus. Andrew joins Jesus, who then brings Peter to Him - and the next day Philip. The next day, Jesus, who came to Galilee, calls Phillip; this one brings Nathanael to Him; Jesus testifies of him. Ch. II. Marriage in Cana. Jesus comes to Capernaum; from here he ascends to Jerusalem on Easter; drives out the selling pigeons from the church; predicts his death and resurrection; many believe in Jesus: but He does not commit Himself to them. Ch. III. Conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus comes to Judea; His disciples baptize; They report this to John; John testifies of Christ. Ch. IV. I. Christ, having heard about the rumor that had reached the Pharisees that He was acquiring disciples and baptizing, descended to Galilee - through Samaria. The story of the Samaritan woman. Samaritans believe in Christ. He again comes to Cana: here a courtier approaches Him with a request for a son. Ch. V. Returns to Jerusalem: here on Saturday he heals a 30-year-old paralytic; The Jews seek to kill Him; He tells them that He is sent by God. Ch. VI. Crosses to the other side of the Sea of ​​Tiberias; Easter was approaching. Jesus feeds the multitude; they want to make Him king: but He retires to the mountain. The disciples, having entered the ship, go to Capernaum; Jesus comes to them by sea; in Capernaum many people flock to Him: He talks with them about mysteries; but many, unable to bear what was said, depart from Him. Then He asks his 12 disciples: Food and do you want to go? (v. 67): Peter answers: Lord! who are we going to? Verbs of the belly of the eternal imashi. And we have faith and knowledge, for You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (vv. 68, 69). Ch. VII. On the Feast of Tabernacles, the brothers convince Jesus to enter the church: He enters, but only after. The Jews are looking for Him and are angry with Him because He healed a blind man on the Sabbath. He talks about the Comforter, and some believe in Jesus, while others do not. The Pharisees and chief priests are angry with their servants because they did not arrest Jesus; Nicodemus speaks to them, but they block his mouth. Ch. XVIII. Jesus again teaches the Jews: they are trying to find a reason to accuse Him. The story is about a woman caught in adultery. Jesus again turns his speech to the Jews and says: Although I am going, you cannot come (v. 21): they think that He wants to kill Himself. Then He predicts the image of His death, and many believe in Him. Further, he says to those who believed in Him: If you continue in my word, you will truly be my disciples. And when you understand the truth, the truth will set you free (vv. 31, 32) - and much more. The Jews say to Him: Do we not say well that you are a Samaritan and have no demon (v. 48)? Jesus again talks to them about many things, adding: Before even Abraham was not, I am (v. 58). Then they want to stone Him, but He hides from them. Ch. IX. Gives sight to a person born blind; this one is brought to the Pharisees, and they slander Jesus, and the one who has received his sight is excommunicated from the crowd; but he believes in Jesus and confesses Him; Jesus shows who those whom He enlightens are. Ch. X. Talks about sheep and the shepherd who enters the sheepfold through the door; On this occasion, a quarrel occurs between the Jews. On the Feast of Renewal, Jesus walks in Solomon's porch; The Jews ask Him if He is the Christ? When Jesus answered something like this: they grab stones to beat Him; He asks them about the reason for this atrocity; then the Jews come to take Jesus, but cannot: He retires beyond the Jordan - to where John had previously baptized. Ch. XI. From Bethany, Mary and Martha, her sister, send to Jesus to tell about the illness of Lazarus. Jesus wants to go to Judea, but the disciples hold Him back; He comes to Bethany: here he resurrects Lazarus; The Jews conspire to kill Jesus: on this occasion Caiaphas prophesies; Jesus departs from them to the city of Ephraim; The Jews are trying to guess whether He will come to the holiday. Ch. XII. Six days before Easter, Jeirus comes to Bethany. While He was dining here, Mary anointed His feet with precious ointment: Judas is indignant at this, but Jesus stops his mouth. The Jews flock to see Lazarus; The high priests decide to kill him too. A multitude of people with fronds greet Jesus as he enters Jerusalem on a young donkey. The Greeks want to see Jesus. This one offers a parable about a grain of wheat, speaks of those who fear death, then adds: Father, glorify Your name; and there was a voice from heaven: And I have glorified, and again I will glorify (v. 28); the people considered this to be thunder. Jesus predicts to them the image of his death, and convinces them to believe: but the Jews do not believe, so that the word of Isaiah may be fulfilled: Lord! who believes our hearing? and the arm of the Lord to whom was it revealed? For this reason I cannot believe, as Isaiah said: Blind their eyes, and harden their hearts: so that they may not see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, but they will be converted, and I will heal them (vv. 38-40). However, many even among the leaders believe in Jesus, but do not confess Him for the sake of the Pharisees: therefore Jesus convinces them to confess. Ch. XIII. Washing the disciples' feet; denounces Judas; This person, having accepted a piece of bread, leaves at night. Jesus talks with his disciples: he commands them to love and predicts Peter’s renunciation. Ch. XIV. Encourages disciples with hope in God; calls Himself the way, the truth, the life and one with His Father; assures them that the prayer they make in His name will be valid; demands love and obedience from them; promises them the Holy Spirit - the Comforter and leaves them peace. Ch. XV. Mutual love between I. Christ and His members, represented by the image of a vine; peace amid persecution from the world; the work of the Holy Spirit and the Apostles. Ch. XVI. I. Christ strengthens his disciples against disasters with the promise of the Holy Spirit, his resurrection and ascension into heaven; assures them that the prayers they make in His name will be heard by the Heavenly Father, that in Christ there is peace and tranquility, and in the world there is sorrow and distress. Ch. XVII. He prays to His Father to glorify Him, to preserve His Apostles in unity and truth, and to glorify both them and all who believe in Him in heaven. Ch. XVIII. He goes with his disciples into the garden: here they seize Him; Peter cuts off the slave's ear. Jesus is brought to Anna; one disciple leads Peter into the courtyard of the high priest. The servant strikes Jesus: this one says to him: If you speak evil, bear witness to evil: if it is good that you beat me? Jesus is sent to Caiaphas. Peter denies. Jesus is accused before Pilate; the people demand that Barabbas be released, not Jesus. Ch. XIX. They torture and beat Jesus. Pilate expresses a desire to release Him, but encountering resistance from the Jews, he betrays Him to be crucified; crucify Jesus; put an inscription on the cross; the soldiers divide His garments. Standing at the cross were the mother of Jesus, and His mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene; Jesus entrusts his mother to John; dies; they pierce Him in the side; Joseph and Nicodemus bury the body of Jesus. Ch. XX. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and finds it empty: she calls Peter and John: these leave and return to themselves again; Mary sees Angels, then Jesus Himself, who talks to her. Then He appears to the disciples in one house, the doors of which were locked, and communicates to them the Holy Spirit; appears to him again and talks with Thomas, who did not believe. Ch. XXI. Appears to the disciples on the Sea of ​​Tiberias; their pond is filled with many fish; Jesus eats with his disciples; instructs Peter to tend the sheep, predicts to him what kind of death he will die, and commands him to follow Him. Book 5. Acts of the Apostles This book is called this because it contains the acts of the Apostles. Luke the Evangelist, who wrote this book, tells about them. He traveled with the other Apostles, and especially with Paul, and set forth in this book the events about which he had accurate information. It contains the following: Ch. I. Jesus Christ, having gathered his Apostles to the Mount of Olives, commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the sending of the Holy Spirit promised to them, with the help of which they should testify about Him in the most remote countries of the earth. After the ascension of I. Christ, the Apostles received a command from two Angels to return to Jerusalem and await His second coming. They return and remain in constant prayer. Their names are as follows: first - Simon, otherwise Peter, then James, son of Zebedee, John, his brother, Andrew, Peter's brother, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James Alpheus, Simon the Zealot, Judas of Jacob, also Thaddeus, Judas Iscariot and the traitor of the Lord. Ch. II. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to speak in different languages, which aroused surprise in some and ridicule of themselves in others. Peter, in refutation of the latter, proves that the Apostles say in this way through the action of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, poured out the Holy Spirit, is the Messiah, a man to whom God testified through His actions, wonders and signs, and who was crucified not without His advice and foreknowledge. After this sermon, Peter baptizes a great number of converts, who then live piously and in love. The apostles perform many miracles, and God multiplies his church daily. Ch. III. Peter and John, going to the church, meet a lame man and heal him; Peter declares that this healing was accomplished not by the power of him or John, but by the power of God and His Son Jesus Christ, through faith in Him; reproaching the Jews for the crucifixion of Jesus, he convinces them to ask for forgiveness of sins and salvation through repentance and faith. Ch. IV. The Jewish leaders, irritated by Peter's speech, with which he converted about 5,000 people, imprison him together with John. Then, when Peter boldly asserted that the lame man was healed in the name of Jesus, and that through Jesus alone one can receive eternal salvation, they forever forbade him and John to preach about this name, and, threatening to release them. Therefore, on occasion, the faithful resort to prayer, and God, by shaking the place where they have gathered, shows that their prayer is heard: they are all filled with the Holy Spirit, and are bound by mutual love. Ch. V. Ananias and Sapphira, for their hypocrisy, after reproof from Peter, are given up dead; the other Apostles also perform miracles, and the number of believers increases. The apostles are again taken into custody; but the Angel frees them and commands them to preach openly everywhere. After preaching together in the church, the Apostles are in danger of being killed, but through the assistance of Gamaliel they are released alive, having accepted the reproach for which they glorify God and do not stop preaching every day. Ch. VI. The apostles appoint seven deacons, whose names are: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon, Parmen and Nicholas. Stephen, a man filled with faith and the power to work miracles, was captured by those whom he confused with his speech, and falsely accused of blasphemy against the law and the church. Ch. VII. Stefan makes a defensive speech: he lists the Patriarchs in it, exposing some events in their lives; talks about Moses, noting among other things that this Moses predicted about Christ, and that the tabernacle was made according to the model seen by Moses; reproaches the Jews for their stubbornness and murder of Christ: for which they stone him. Stefan dies in prayer for his enemies. Ch. VIII. Great persecution of the church in Jerusalem. Philip, with his miracles, plants a church in Samaria, where he converts Simon the Magus among many; Peter and John come here, and after prayer, through the laying on of hands, they bring down the Holy Spirit on the believers. Simon wants to buy this power from them: Peter strongly reproaches and exhorts him to repent; together with John, having preached the word of the Lord, he returns to Jerusalem. An angel sends Philip on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza: Philip meets the eunuch of the Ethiopian queen here, teaches and baptizes him. Ch. IX. Saul, on the way to Damascus, is thrown to the ground and blinded; Ananias restores his sight and baptizes him: Saul preaches Christ. The Jews want to kill Saul: but he avoids this danger. Peter heals Aeneas in Lydda, and resurrects Tabitha in Joppa. Ch. X. Cornelius, a God-fearing man, at the command of an Angel, sends to Joppa for Peter; This one sees a vision and, at the inspiration of the Spirit, goes to Cornelius. Even during Petrova’s sermon in the house of Cornelius, the Holy Spirit descends on those listening - and they are baptized. Ch. XI. Peter, accused of communicating with the pagans, defends himself. The gospel was spread throughout Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Barnabas is sent to Antioch to confirm the believers; These send aid to the brethren in Judea during the famine. Ch. XII. King Herod persecutes Christians, kills Jacob and imprisons Peter, but an Angel, through the prayer of the church, frees him; and Herod, in his pride accepting Divine honor from the people, is struck by an Angel and, eaten by worms, dies. The Word of God is growing. Ch. XIII. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to preach to the Gentiles. Sergius Paul and Elyma the Magus. The Apostle Paul preaches in Antioch. The pagans believe, but the Jews persist; therefore Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles: of these many believe. Ch. XIV. Paul and Barnabas are persecuted in Iconium. In Lystra, Paul heals a lame man, for which he and Barnabas are revered as gods. Pavel is stoned and carried out of the city. On their way back, Paul and Barnabas visit various churches; returning to Antioch, they bring benefits to their brethren. Ch. XV. Doubt arises about circumcision; The apostles form a council and send their ruling (δόγματα) to the churches. A disagreement arises between Paul and Barnabas - and they go to preach separately. Ch. XVI. Paul, after the circumcision of Timothy, prompted by the Spirit, visits various countries: in Philippi he converts Lydia; expels the spirit of divination from the servant, for which he and Silas, his companion, are beaten and imprisoned; during their prayer the doors of the prison are opened; the prison guard turns; The apostles are liberated. Ch. XVII. Paul and Silas preach in Thessalonica, where some are converted and others persecute them; preach in Berea; Paul comes to Athens, preaches the gospel there and converts many. Ch. XVIII. Paul preaches in Corinth; The Lord encourages him in the vision; accused before Gallio by the proconsul, Paul is released - and reaches Ephesus; visits various cities and approves students. Apollos, instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches successfully. Ch. XIX. Through the hands of Paul the Holy Spirit is brought down upon the believers in Ephesus. The Jews condemn the teaching of the Lord; Paul works miracles. Jewish exorcists beaten by an evil spirit. Burning of magic books. Demetrius the silversmith creates an indignation against Paul, which is finally tamed by one city scribe. Ch. XX. Paul comes to Macedonia; celebrates the Lord's Supper, preaches until midnight, resurrects Eitikh. He calls the elders of Ephesus to Miletus, tells them that bonds and calamities await him in Jerusalem, entrusts them with the flock of Christ, warns them against false teachers, entrusts them to God, prays with them, and then sets off on the road. Ch. XXI. Paul is urged not to go to Jerusalem, but to no avail. Philip's daughters prophesying. Paul comes to Jerusalem; here they seize him and want to kill him, but the commander of the regiment frees Paul, and he speaks to the people. Ch. XXII. He talks about his conversion and call to the apostleship. As soon as he begins to talk about the pagans, the people raise a cry; They want to torture Paul, but, as a Roman citizen, they leave him. Ch. XXIII. The high priest Ananias orders Paul to be struck on the mouth; discord arises between his accusers; The Lord encourages Paul. The Jews are determined to kill Paul; The captain finds out about this and takes him to the ruler Felix. Ch. XXIV. Paul, accused by Tertullus, is asked about his life and teachings; Paul preaches Christ to the ruler and his wife; the ruler hopes to get money from him, but in vain; dismissed from his position, he leaves Paul in bonds. Ch. XXV. The Jews accuse Paul before Festus: he defends himself and asks for the judgment of Caesar. Festus announces his case to King Agrippa. Paul before Agrippa; Festus declares him innocent. Ch. XXVI. Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, reveals his life from childhood, his conversion and calling to the apostleship; Festus calls him crazy: Paul answers him with Christian humility. Agrippa almost converts; the entire assembly declares Paul innocent. Ch. XXVII. Paul, going to Rome on a ship, predicts danger on the way: but they do not believe him. The ship rushes through a storm, then runs aground; but everyone reaches the ground and is saved. Ch. XXVIII. Pavel was warmly received by the foreigners. The echidna does not harm him. He heals many sick people on the island; arrives in Rome; announces to the Jews the reason for his arrival and preaches: some are convinced, but others do not believe; Paul preaches here for two years. Review of the Epistles of the Holy Apostles and the Revelation of John Book 6. Seven Council Epistles The first of these is the Epistle of James. These messages are called by the names of their writers. James writes his epistle to those who were scattered from the twelve tribes and believed in our Lord I. Christ. His message is educational. He teaches about the difference between temptations, showing which temptation comes from God, and which comes from the heart of man himself; also that faith must be shown not only in word, but also in deed: for it is not the hearers, but the doers of the law who are justified. Regarding the rich, he prescribes that in churches they should not prefer the rich to the poor, but, on the contrary, should still strike them with reproaches, as proud people. Comforts the offended; convinces them to generously endure insults until the coming of the Judge; teaches patience by the example of Job. He commands to call elders to the sick and try to convert those who go astray to the path of truth: for for this there will be a reward from God - remission of sins. Sim ends his message. And this message bears the responsibility of its writer. Peter himself writes a teaching letter to the Jews who were in dispersion, who later became Christians: he affirms the Jews who believed. And firstly, he sets out and explains that faith in Christ was proclaimed by the Prophets, and they also explained the redemption by His blood, and that both to them (Jews) and to the pagans everything was revealed in the Gospel, into which even the Angels themselves want to penetrate. Convinces them to act worthy of the One who called them. Commands to honor the king. Wives and husbands are commanded to be of the same mind; then, after several convictions to good morals, the Apostle declares that the Lord preached in hell about salvation and resurrection, so that the dead would rise again, and, having been judged by the flesh, would live by the grace of resurrection. He then says that the end of everything is approaching, and everyone must be ready to give an account to the Judge. Sim ends his message. And this message bears the name of the same person who wrote it. Peter himself sends this message to those who have already believed. It contains a recollection of what was stated in the first message. Having learned that his separation from his body would soon follow, Peter hastens to remind everyone of the teaching that had previously been taught to them. And firstly, he discusses faith, showing that it was foretold by the Prophets, and that the prophecies about the Savior are not from man, but from God. Then he bequeaths not to heed the seducers, and predicts that destruction will befall these people, just as it befell the angels who sinned. He foretells in his message that the days will come in which seducers will walk everywhere with the intention of deceiving someone and convincing them that we talked in vain about the coming of the Savior, because we always talked about this, but He has not yet come. The Apostle commands especially to withdraw from these people, and teaches not to indulge in carelessness, relying on the slowness of time: for all time is nothing before the Lord, because one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. Then he announces and affirms that the day of the Lord will come soon, and commands everyone to prepare for it with good deeds; - also accept with love everything written by the Apostle Paul and do not listen to those who condemn his writings, because these people condemn all the Divine scriptures. Having reminded everyone to always have the future before their eyes, the Apostle convinces them not to deviate from the goal of faith - and thus ends the letter. And this epistle is called so because John the Evangelist himself wrote it for the edification of those who have already believed in the Lord. And firstly, both in the Gospel and in this epistle, he theologizes about the Word, showing that It has always been in God, and teaching that the Father is light, and the Word is a reflection of this light. Discussing the divinity of the Word, he declares that our sacrament is not new, but has always been, from the beginning of the world, but has now been revealed in the Lord, who is eternal life and the true God. It also represents the reason for the coming of the Word and His appearance, precisely so that He would destroy the works of the devil, and free us from death, and so that we would recognize the Father and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He writes to all ages: to children, youth and elders, that God is known, and the power of the devil, after the destruction of death, is finally defeated. Then, throughout his entire message, he teaches about love, wanting us to love each other, because Christ also loved us. He talks about the difference between fear and love, between the children of God and the children of the devil, also about mortal and immortal sin, and about the difference between spirits: he shows which spirit is from God, and which is the spirit of error; also - when we must recognize ourselves as children of God, and when - as children of the devil; and also - what sin we should pray for. He then says that he who does not love his neighbor is not worthy of his title and cannot be called Christ’s. Shows the unity of the Son with the Father and the fact that he who denies the Son does not have the Father. In this message he points out a special sign of the Antichrist, namely: the Antichrist will say that Jesus is not the Christ, so that he - a liar - can call himself Christ, assuring that there was no true Christ. Throughout the message he urges those who believe in the Lord not to be faint-hearted if they are hated in the world, but, on the contrary, to still rejoice in this; for the hatred of the world shows that believers have migrated from this world and are living in heaven. At the end of the message, he again reminds us that the Son of God is eternal life and the true God, and that we serve Him and keep ourselves from idols. John, as an elder, writes this letter to a certain lady and her children. The reason for the message was the following: John knew that the mistress’s children led a life consistent with faith; Meanwhile, many deceivers went everywhere and said that the coming of Christ in the flesh did not happen; So, in order to warn people against such people, John writes this letter. And first of all, he praises the mistress's children that they behave well; then he teaches that our sacrament is not new; again convinces them to love and to ensure that they remain in the teaching taught to them by him; then he declares that the one who says that Christ did not come in the flesh is the Antichrist. He commands not to accept such people into the house, and not to say greetings to them; This ends the message. And this epistle is John’s, as the inscription shows. It was sent to Gaius. Firstly, the Apostle praises him for his hospitality, to which everyone testified, and convinces him to remain forever in this disposition - to introduce and receive the brethren. Again he praises him for his good disposition; on the contrary, he reproaches Diotrephes for the fact that he not only does not give anything to the poor, but also does not allow others to do this, and says a lot of empty things. The Apostle says about such people that they are strangers to the truth and do not know God. Approves of Demetrius and testifies to his good deeds. This letter, as the inscription shows, is written by Judas to those who have already believed. The reason for the message was the following: people appeared who taught that sin was indifferent and rejected the Lord; Therefore, the Apostle was forced to write a letter, and thereby warn the brethren. And firstly, he convinces them to strive and remain in the faith devoted to them, then he declares such people to be seducers, and commands them not to have any communication with them; inspires the faithful that it is not enough for salvation to be called only if at the same time we do not walk worthy of our calling. The Lord also destroyed the first people he brought out of Egypt, as soon as he saw that they could not stand in their faith; He also did not spare the Angels who did not observe their rank. So it is necessary to move away from such people; for even Michael the Archangel could not endure the blasphemy of the devil. Teaches that such will perish with the destruction of Sodom. Then he convinces them of good morals, and ends his message with a prayer to the Lord that He would grant them constancy in the faith. Book 7. Fourteen Epistles of the Ap. Pavel Of these, the first is Romans. These epistles are so called because Paul himself wrote them. With these messages to those whom he has already seen and taught, he remembers what was previously taught and together corrects them, and to those whom he has not yet seen, he tries to announce and teach how much can be learned by listening to those reading his messages. He sends his Epistle to the Romans from Corinth, when he had not yet seen the Romans, but only heard about them, and wanted to see them. Firstly, he praises their faith, which, as he saw, was spoken of everywhere; then he reveals that, out of strong love for the Romans, he often intended to come to them, but until now he could not fulfill his intention. Moreover, in his epistle he teaches about the calling of the pagans and that circumcision was only for a time, and now it is over; - also that Christ destroyed the crime of Adam, and the shadow of the law passed away. He says that the pagans are called justly, and proves this this way: he declares that the law is innate to all people, and all, without learning, by nature and from creation itself, can know God; Therefore, he rightly blames the Greeks first for the fact that, although God revealed to them in the creatures of the world the knowledge of Himself and His eternal power, that is, His Word, in which and through which He created everything, they did not recognize from the creatures that God is their Creator, but deified the creatures themselves, and began to worship the creature rather than the Creator. He then blames the Jews for not keeping the law and, by their crime, dishonoring God. So the Apostle denounces both sides - the Jews and the Greeks - and concludes that both are transgressors of the Law, and therefore all have become equal, since they are still guilty and have need of a Redeemer. But since grace and redemption were determined not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, it is fair that the Gentiles were also called. And when the pagans are called, it is necessary, which means that circumcision and the legal canopy have ceased. Abraham, it is said, was not circumcised, but before circumcision was justified and renamed Abraham, because he was to be the father of many nations, according to the faith which he had while uncircumcised. After his justification, he also received circumcision of the flesh, so that for those who would be born of him according to the flesh, it would be a sign that circumcision would end as soon as the nations became children of Abraham and began to live according to the faith of Abraham, by which he was justified - while he was still uncircumcised. For these peoples he was renamed from Abram to Abraham. But when the signified appeared, then, of necessity, the signifier had to cease. So if anyone forces the pagans to be circumcised, let him destroy the name of Abraham, and let Abraham be called Abram. If Abraham was renamed by God Himself, then not only the pagans should not be circumcised, but even those who are still Jews in the flesh, so that this name (Abraham) would remain, and he would be called the father of many nations. Finally, no one needs circumcision - when Abraham's faith is sufficient for everyone - and also has no need for any other canopy of the law, because not by the canopy of the law, but by faith, everyone is justified, like Abraham. Having revealed this subject, the Apostle further shows that there would have been no redemption and grace for Israel and the pagans if ancient sin, which through Adam entered into everyone, had not been destroyed; and that this sin could not be destroyed by anyone else except the Son of God, through whom the oath was in the beginning: it was impossible for anyone to destroy the sin. Then the Apostle writes that this would not have happened if the Son of God had not become incarnate and become man, in order to offer this body obsequious to us for everyone, and to free everyone from death; - and that just as by one man sin entered the world, so by one man grace entered into all people. Finally, like a good steward, the Apostle consoles the Jews with the fact that they will no longer be transgressors of the law if they believe in Christ; and he commands those who believe among the Gentiles not to be proud of Israel, but to know that just as the branches are attached to the root, so they are attached to the Jews. Having given convincing instructions regarding morals, the Apostle ends the epistle. This same letter is sent by the same Paul to the Corinthians from Ephesus in Asia, when he had already seen and taught the Corinthians, and with this letter he reminds them of what he had previously taught. The reason for the letter was as follows: The Corinthians, led by a spirit of strife, differed in their opinions, so that divisions finally opened up between them; and with these divisions, they ignored such a wicked man who took his stepmother for himself; Moreover, some wanted to leave their wives, under the pretext of abstinence; others ate in idol churches, as if eating idol sacrifices meant nothing; some humiliated others, and were amazed at those who spoke in different tongues; others, finally, erred in the mystery of the resurrection, saying that this flesh will not rise. Believers write to the Apostle about all these troubles that took place in Corinth, and he answers them with this letter to all their questions. And firstly, he testifies to their wisdom and knowledge: but he does not approve of them because they make divisions, and teaches them to establish virtue not in word, but in deed and strength; then, having punished the man who married his stepmother and instilled in the Corinthians not to have litigation among themselves, he answers the other questions put to him. About marriage he teaches that marriage is inseparable, and that spouses can only separate from each other for a while - to exercise in prayer. And as some loved abstinence, he writes about virginity that it is not necessary, but should be left to each person’s own conviction. Then he bequeaths sacrifices to idols, so that the Corinthians do not abuse their knowledge, but live among themselves in love; therefore, he prohibits feasts in churches, so that the lesser (weak) are not tempted by this. Further, he writes about spiritual gifts so that the Corinthians should not quarrel among themselves over talents and should not prefer the one who has such a gift to the one who has another: for, he says, all gifts are from one and the same Spirit. Finally, he teaches about the resurrection, that the flesh will rise, and that although it dies as something corruptible, it will rise incorruptible by the grace of Christ; The reality of the resurrection is proved by the fact that Christ has risen. He offers convictions for the correction of morals, gives instructions on collections in favor of the saints, and thus ends the message. Third, also to the Corinthians And the Apostle sends this message to the Corinthians from Macedonia. The reason for the message was as follows: The Corinthians, having received the first message, saw with contrition how grave the sin of the man who took his stepmother for himself was, and they indulged in sadness that they had ignored such a crime. Moreover, they were carried away by some who gave rise to divisions, to keep the letter of the law, and consider the grace of Christ indifferent, and they were more attentive to those who were vain about themselves: but with all this, they diligently cared about the collection for the benefit of the saints. And this is how the Apostle speaks about all these subjects. And firstly, he praises the Corinthians for driving away the lawless (incestuous) man; then he agrees to their request for this person, and commands them to accept him if he repents. In this epistle he also teaches about the law, distinguishes the letter from the thought in it, and shows that one should not accept only one letter of the law, but look for thought in this letter; for the law does not consist of words alone, but in the words there is the thought of the Spirit. Declares that, at the coming of Christ, a new creation has appeared, and that one should not live according to the ancient, but in all respects be renewed, as in the new creation, and that circumcision has finally become invalid. Praises them for serving their neighbors; and convinces us to excel even more in this virtue; reproaches those who were vain of themselves; lists all the sufferings that he suffered for the Lord, and also talks about the visions that he was awarded by the Lord, being caught up to paradise and to the third heaven. Finally, having bequeathed not to sin, and having sinned, to repent, he ends the letter with gratitude. The Apostle sends this message from Rome, when he had already seen and taught the Galatians. The reason for the letter was as follows: The Galatians, who were well taught by the Apostle and sincerely believed in Christ, after the Apostle departed from them, were caught by false teachers, so that they began to be circumcised. The Apostle, having learned about this, writes this letter to them. And firstly, it testifies to the faith that they had, and also to their sincere disposition towards Christ; but then he reproaches them for acting foolishly by changing their thoughts. Next he discusses the law and faith following the example of Abraham; and both the law and the wives of Abraham, in whom the mysterious meaning is revealed, proves that the legal canopy and circumcision were given only for a while, but after the coming of Christ all this was finally abolished. After this, he commands them to no longer listen to the seducers, but to hold on to faith in Christ and know that the grace of Christ abolishes circumcision in the flesh. After some convincing and instruction regarding morals, the Apostle ends his epistle. The Apostle sends this message from Rome, when he had not yet seen the Ephesians, but only heard about them. The reason for the letter was as follows: The Ephesians, having believed in our Lord Jesus Christ, had sincere faith in Him and love for all the saints, and desired to be confirmed by Paul. The Apostle, having learned about their desire, writes this letter to them for their instruction. And firstly, it shows that our sacrament is not new, but from the beginning, before the creation of the world, God was pleased that Christ would suffer for us, and we would be saved; then he discusses the title of the pagans, wanting to show that the pagans believed worthily; further he says that we are called not by man, but by Christ, who is the Son of God: by this he wants to inspire the Ephesians that, having believed in Christ, they became not man-worshippers, but true worshipers of God. It also shows that he himself was sent for this purpose to preach the Gospel, and that he had care for them (the Ephesians). In the message he offers convictions to husbands and wives, fathers and children, masters and slaves, and generally takes up arms against the devil and his demons, saying that our battle is with them, and, as a good mentor of ascetics, having armed everyone with his word against the devil’s actions, he ends his message. The Apostle sends this message from Rome, when he had already seen and taught the Philippians together. The reason for the letter was the following: among the Philippians, who sent gifts to Paul, deceivers wandered around and corrupted the ears of the simple and inexperienced with the teaching about the need for the legal canopy and circumcision, saying that without this it is impossible to be justified. The Apostle, having learned about this, writes a letter to the Philippians. And firstly he praises their faith, and declares that he remembers them; further tells how he defended himself in Rome, and that some people were painful for him while he was in prison: for they aroused ill will towards him. He convinces them to love each other, and points out the Savior’s love for mankind, that He - being God - became man for us. Discussing circumcision and the ancient law, he shows that circumcision has finally become unnecessary, and presents himself as an example, saying: But even though I took gain, I imputed it to Christ for vanity (3:7.); therefore he reproaches those who still taught circumcision and wanted to deceive the Philippians, and calls them enemies of Christ. He praises the Philippians for giving him fellowship; convinces them of good morals - and this ends the message. The Apostle sends this message from Rome, when he had not yet seen the Colossians, but only heard about them. The reason for the message was the following: some attempted to seduce the Colossians with Hellenic wisdom, objected to faith in Christ, and unfairly judged the various types of food assigned in the law, and also about circumcision. The Apostle, having learned about this, writes this letter to the Colossians for their instruction. And firstly, he thanks God and declares that they have passed from darkness to the light of truth, that Christ, in whom they believed, is the image of God and the Word through whom everything came into being and that it was characteristic of Him, as the Creator, to become both the firstborn of creation and the firstborn of the dead, in order to unite both and give life to everything. He commands them to continue in the faith and declares that he, Paul, is the minister of the Gospel by which they were proclaimed. He talks about the law, about the various types of food listed in it, talks about days and years, and shows that everything ancient has finally been abolished, including circumcision. Convinces them not to be carried away by wise men who try to deceive them. Finally, here too, having given instructions to parents and children, husbands and wives, slaves and masters, and instilled many other things related to good morals, he ends his message. Meanwhile, he commands them that, having read this epistle, they should let it be read in the church of Laodicea, and they themselves should read the epistle from Laodicea. Eighth, to the Thessalonians The Apostle sends this message from Athens, when he had already seen the Thessalonians and lived among them. The reason for the letter was as follows: The Apostle suffered many insults in Beria, Phillipi of Macedon, Corinth and Thessalonica itself; Therefore, fearing that the Thessalonians, having heard about his suffering in these cities, would not be tempted by the tempter and would not be tempted, and at the same time knowing that they grieved too much for the dead, he sends Timothy to them with this message. And firstly, it confirms them in faith, convincing them not to waver because of sorrows; inspires them, as they were taught at the announcement, to endure all sorts of sorrows, and that there is nothing strange for them to suffer from the Jews who killed Christ Himself: for, he says, it is common for Christians to endure sorrows in this life. After some convincing that they should behave as they had learned from him, he then writes about the dead, comforting the Thessalonians and teaching them not to indulge in sorrow: for death is not destruction, but the path to resurrection. He instructs them about the time, so that they, knowing the unknown of the day (of the Lord), are always ready, and do not listen to anyone, no matter who begins to proclaim this day; It will be, he said, that his coming will be such that those who remain alive on that day will not warn those who will rise from the dead: for, he continues, suddenly a change will follow in everyone. He commands them to improve their morals, convinces them to always rejoice in hope, to pray and always thank the Lord. Finally, he conjures them to read this message in front of all the brethren, and thus ends the message. Ninth, also to the Thessalonians The Apostle sends this message from Rome. The reason for the letter was the following: some in Thessalonica - idle and disorderly people - wandered and caught the brethren, claiming that the coming of the Lord was already approaching, and, in order to more accurately achieve their goal, they said that the Apostle himself had revealed this and they had heard about it from the Holy Spirit. The Apostle, having learned about this, writes this epistle. And firstly, he praises the Thessalonians that their faith is growing, boasts of their courage in enduring sorrows for Christ, and consoles them that God will take revenge on those who unjustly offend them; then he teaches about the coming of the Savior, so that they should not believe anyone in this and should not be embarrassed either by the Spirit or by the message, as if written by the Apostle, and would not at all think that the coming of the Savior is already present, or will come before the falling away follows, and after the falling away the Antichrist, the son of perdition, will appear, whose coming will be in signs and lying wonders according to the work of Satan. Convinces them to stand courageously and adhere to the traditions they learned from him; commands not to have any communication with disorderly people, and to reject them from oneself: for such, he says, are deceitful and flattering; he orders that anyone who will not listen to his instructions be excommunicated from the church, finally asks for peace for them, and thus ends the message by writing a greeting with his own hand, which, as he explains, is a sign of every message he sends. The Apostle sends this message from Italy; and the reason for the message was the following: The Jews stubbornly stood in the law and the vestibule; Therefore, the Apostle Paul, being a teacher of the pagans and sent to the pagans to preach, after he wrote letters to all the pagans, finally writes this teaching letter to all the circumcised Jews who believed, discussing the coming of Christ and the fact that the shadow of the law has passed away. And firstly, it shows that the Prophets were sent to foretell the Savior and that after them the Savior Himself was to come; that the Prophets are servants and messengers of His coming, and Christ Himself is the Son of God, through whom all things happened, and this Son had to become a man in order to abolish death by the sacrifice of his body: for it was not through the blood of a bull or a goat, but through the blood of Christ that salvation could be purchased for men. It proves that the law did not make anyone perfect, but had only a shadow of future blessings, that the people did not enjoy peace, and that a day of rest was generally left for all of us. Reveals that the sacred office of the high priest passed from Aaron to Christ, whose image was Melchizedek, who was not descended from Levi. Shows that the forefathers were justified by faith, and not by the works of the law. Finally, he convinces them of good morals, praises their patience for Christ, instructs them to honor the elders, and thus ends the epistle. Eleventh, to Timothy The Apostle sends this message from Macedonia. The reason for the message was the following: some in Ephesus, living like Jews, tried to introduce a different teaching and deceive the simple and inexperienced with the idea of ​​​​the need to fulfill the law. The Apostle, having learned about this, commands Timothy to stay there to correct the erring, and sends this message to him. And firstly, he reminds Timothy, as one who knows the faith in Christ, to rebuke and rebuke those who speak against the right teaching: for he himself (the Apostle) handed over Hymenaeus and Alexander, who were shipwrecked in the faith, to Satan, so that the days would learn not to blaspheme. After this instruction, the Apostle teaches him the church rules about prayer, how, where and for whom one should pray; that women should remain silent in the church and study rather than teach; about the appointment of bishops, presbyters and deacons, how to appoint them and what kind of people should be appointed; about widows in the church, how many years they should be chosen, and what kind of person they should be, and how they should be looked after; that young (widows) should live chastely, and better get married than lead a shameful life; that he should instill in the rich not to be arrogant and not to hope for wealth. Having prescribed such rules, he commands him to teach them, and also not to drink water; pay attention to yourself and to the teaching, knowing that there will be times when some will fall away from the faith. Having instilled that the food is clean, he bequeaths to avert controversial issues as reprehensible, with which many have become vain and transgressed the faith; The sim ends the message. Twelfth, also to Timothy The Apostle sends this letter to Timothy from Rome. The reason for the message was the following: Paul's companions left him; he expresses a desire for Timothy to come to him, and writes this letter to him. And first, the Apostle declares that he remembers both the piety of Timothy and the faith of his ancestors; then - that the Asians, among whom were Frigellus and Hermogenes, seeing his bonds, left him; praises Onesiphorus for coming to Rome and staying with him. He instructs Timothy to turn away from reckless research, because strife arises from them: Hymenaeus and Philetus, by doing this, transgressed the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already happened, and they are corrupting many. He commands him to pay attention to himself and the teaching, and to remember that in the last times people will love pleasures more than God, and, foreseeing this, protect believers from deception. After some persuasion towards good morals and strict adherence to doctrine, the Apostle declares that the time for his resolution has finally come, and he will soon suffer and testify (to the truth); Therefore, he commands Timothy to immediately come to him and bring a phelonion and books. He instructs him to beware of Alexander the blacksmith, as a person who has done him a lot of evil, and thus ends the message. The Apostle sends this message from Nikopol, where he spent the winter. The reason for the message was the following: he left Titus in Crete so that he would appoint clerics in the cities; Meanwhile, many here, under the pretext of the law, tried to deceive the believers. The Apostle, having learned about this, writes a letter to Titus. And firstly, to thank God for the piety of Titus and declares that faith in Christ is not new, but has been pre-established and promised by God from the ages; then he speaks about the appointment of clergy, admonishing him how to behave and what they should be, and instructs him to punish opponents of sound faith, and especially those of them who are from circumcision. He prefaces it about the Cretans, that they are idle people and have a need for punishment. Teaches that all food is pure for the pure, and what kind of elders should be, obligated to discipline the young. Instructs how slaves should obey their masters; reminds us that the Savior’s grace justified us not because of our works, but because of our own love for mankind. Commands Titus to avoid disputes about the law, as reprehensible and useless; commands him that after he (Paul) sends Artema to him, he himself comes to him; - also so that he teaches his flock to succeed in good deeds - and this ends the message. Fourteenth, to Philemon The Apostle sends this message from Rome. The reason for the letter was as follows: Onesimus, Philemon’s servant, fled, came to Paul, was instructed by him, and was useful to him in his ministry. So the Apostle writes about this to Philemon, introducing Onesimus to him, and commanding him to take sincere participation in it and no longer regard him as a slave, but as a brother. He instructs him to prepare a hotel for himself, so that if he arrives there, he will have a place to stay - and this ends the message. Book 8. The Revelation of John This book is so called because John the Evangelist and Theologian himself saw this revelation on the island called Patmos, on the Lord’s day (Sunday), and received orders to write it and then send it to the seven churches, namely: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. This vision contains many different things; Finally, John saw the death of the Antichrist along with the devil. He is commanded to first write to each Angel of the above-mentioned churches according to the deeds of each. John saw many amazing visions: he saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of them one like the Son of Man; It was explained to him that the lamps were the seven churches, and the one who was in the midst of them was the Lord. I saw a door opened in heaven, and the Lord sitting on a throne, and also 24 elders, sitting on thrones and worshiping the Lord. I saw seven seals broken, and when each one was broken there was a vision. I saw seven angels having seven trumpets, and when each one blew, there was a sign; when the seventh trumpet sounded, John heard them saying: The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever (11:15). I saw the Icon of the Covenant in heaven. I saw a wife in labor and a dragon that was chasing her: the wife escaped into the desert, and the dragon was thrown into the fire. I saw a beast having ten horns and seven heads, and his crown full of blasphemy: his name was not revealed, but the number of his name was 666. I heard the virgins singing, and those following the Lamb. I saw an Angel soaring across the sky, and an Angel following him, and another one as well. I saw a bright cloud, and one like the Son of Man sitting on it, having a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. I saw seven Angels having the seven last plagues and golden bowls filled with the wrath of God. After this, John was carried away in spirit into the desert, and saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast having seven heads, and he learned that from her there would be an Antichrist. Then I saw the sky open, and him sitting on a white horse, and His name was called: the Word of God. I saw the beast and the kings of the earth wanting to fight with him riding on a white horse; and the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet, who was the Antichrist, and he saw them thrown into the lake of fire. I saw an angel descending from heaven, who then cast Satan, together with those who bore his mark, into the abyss, and locked it, so that Satan would no longer deceive people until the thousand years were ended. I saw martyrs reigning gloriously in Christ. I saw that after a thousand years Satan would be released, and then cast into the lake of fire along with the Antichrist forever and ever. I saw the new heaven and the earth, and the new Jerusalem. I saw a river of the water of life, and the servants of God beholding His face and having His name on their foreheads. After these visions, John fell to worship the Angel, who showed him all this, but the Angel forbade him, saying: Bow not to me, but to God: for I am your fellow servant (22:9). Then he heard from our Lord Jesus Christ that he (I. Christ) is He, and He is the Word of God, who in recent times became incarnate for us; - that He became a perfect man, and was called the Son of man. There are various other books, besides those listed above, of both Testaments, both Old and New. Of these, one is called controversial (ἀντιλεγόμενα), and the other is called apocryphal (ἀπόκρυφα). We have mentioned the controversial books of the New Testament before; They are: the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Jesus, son of Sirach, Esther, Judith and Tobit. These also include the following: the four books of Maccabees, Ptolemy, Psalms and Song of Solomon, Susanna. These are the controversial books of the Holy Testament. The apocryphal books of the V. Testament are: Enoch, the Patriarchs, the Prayer of Joseph, the Testament of Moses, the Assumption of Moses (into heaven), Abraham, Eldad and Modad - falsely inscribed with the names of the Prophet Elijah, the Prophet Zephaniah, Zechariah, Father John, Baruch, Habakkuk, Ezekiel and Daniel. The controversial books of the N. Testament are: the travels (περίοδοι) of Peter, the travels of John, the travels of Thomas, the teaching of the Apostles, Clement. From these writings, what is most true and inspired by God is selected, translated and read in church (ἀναγινωσκόμενα). Although all these books were compiled for knowledge, they are all forged and worthy of rejection; and not one of them is approved or useful, especially from the apocryphal New Testament. Therefore, all these books, except those listed above and approved by the ancient wise Fathers, in all fairness should be better hidden than allowed to be read, as well as others, even those that are called the Gospels among them, except for the four taught to us. For the sacred rules of the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church have determined (ἐθέσπισαν) for us only four Gospels: the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in accordance with the prophetic vision that the Prophet Ezekiel saw of the four Cherubim. It was this Prophet who saw four Cherubim: one like a man, this is the Gospel of Matthew; the second - like a calf, this is the Gospel of Mark, the third - like a lion, this is the Gospel of Luke, and finally the fourth - like an eagle, this is the Gospel of John. There is no other Gospel besides these four. The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew himself, in Hebrew, and published in Jerusalem; and it was interpreted (translated) by James, the brother of the Lord according to the flesh, who was the first to be ordained Bishop of Jerusalem by the holy Apostles. The Gospel of Mark was written from the words of the Apostle Peter in Rome, and published by Mark the blessed Apostle, and preached by him in Alexandria, Egypt, Pentapolis and Libya. The Gospel of Luke is written from the words of the Apostle Paul, and compiled and published by Luke the blessed Apostle and physician. And the acts of the Apostles were also dictated by Ap. Peter, but Luke himself compiled them. The Gospel of John was written from the words of St. John the beloved Apostle at the time when he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos, and he also published it in Ephesus through Gaius, the beloved and host of the Apostles, about whom Paul in his letter to the Romans says: you kiss Gaius, my host and the whole Church (17, 23).