Bible in 90 Days
13 Who has chochmah and binah among you? Let him show by his hitnahagut hatovah (good conduct) that the ma’asim of him are of the shiflut (lowliness) of chochmah.
14 But if bitter kina (jealousy) you have and anochiyut (selfishness) in your levavot, do not boast and speak sheker against HaEmes.
15 This is not the Chochmah coming down and descending from above, but is of the Olam Hazeh, of this world and of shedim.
16 For where kina and anochiyut are, there is tohu vavohu (disorder, chaos) and every ra’ah.
17 But the chochmah from above is berishonah (in the first place) tehorah (pure), then ohevet shalom (peaceloving), then eidel (gentle) and considerate, then full of rachamim and p’ri tov, and without maso panim and tzevi’ut.
18 And the p’ri haTzedek is shalom sown by the ones making shalom. (Prov 11:18; Isa 32:17; Hos 10:12]
4 From where do milchamot (wars) come? What is their goirem (driving force)? And from where come fights among you? Is it not from here, from the ta’avot (lusts) of you warring in your evarim (members)?
2 You lust for something and you do not have it; you kill and you envy and you are not able to obtain. You get involved in machalokot (divisions of dissensions) and fights. You do not have because you fail to daven with your request.
3 Or you make techinot (petitions) and you do not receive, because you ask wrongly, that on your ta’avot (lusts) you may spend what you receive. [TEHILLIM 18:41; 66:18]
4 No’efot (adulterers)! Do you not have da’as that to have shaichus (closeness, friendship, intimacy) with the Olam Hazeh is eyvah im Hashem (enmity with G-d)? Therefore, whoever chooses to make the Olam Hazeh his Oihev is made an Oyev (Enemy) of Hashem. [YESHAYAH 54:4; YIRMEYAH 3:20; HOSHEA 2:2-5; 3:1; 9:1]
5 Or do you think that in vain the Kitvei Hakodesh attests that Hashem yearns jealously over the Ruach Hakodesh He causes to dwell in us?
6 But He gives all the more Chen v’Chesed! Therefore it says, "Hashem LALETZIM HU YALITZ V’LA’ANAYIM YITEN CHEN ("Hashem opposes the proud mocker but gives grace to the humble" [MISHLE 3:34]).
7 Submit yourselves in mishma’at (obedience) to Hashem. Resist Hasatan, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to Hashem and Hashem will draw near to you. Cleanse your yadayim (hands), you chote’im (sinners)! And purify your levavot, you anashim of double mind! [TEHILLIM 73:28; ZECHARYAH 1:3; MALACHI 3:7; YESHAYAH 1:16; TEHILLIM 24:4; 119:113; YIRMEYAH 4:14]
9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let the tzechok (laughter) of you be changed to avelut (mourning), and the simcha of you be turned to tugah (sadness).
10 Be humbled before Hashem and He will exalt you. [IYOV 5:11]
11 Do not speak lashon hora against an Ach b’Moshiach. The one speaking against an Ach b’Moshiach or setting himself up as a shofet (judge) of his Ach b’Moshiach speaks against the Torah and sets himself up as shofet of the Torah. Now if the Torah you judge, you are not Shomrei HaTorah but a shofet.
12 One is the Mekhokek (Law-Giver) and HaShofet (The Judge), the One who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you, the one who has set yourself up as the shofet of your re’a (neighbor)?
13 Come now, you who say, "Hayom (today) or makhar (tomorrow) we will go into this or that city and we will do business there a year and will sell and make a revach (profit)."
14 Yet you do not even have da’as of what tomorrow’s "yom" may bring. Look at your life! Are you not an ed (mist), appearing a short time, then indeed disappearing? [IYOV 7:7; TEHILLIM 39:5; 102:3; 144:4; YESHAYAH 2:22]
15 Instead of this, you ought to say "Im yirtzeh Hashem" ("if the L-rd wills") "we will live, also we will do this or that."
16 But now you boast in your pretensions. All such ravrevanut (boastfulness) is ra’ah (evil, wickedness).
17 To the one having da’as, therefore, knowing to do tov and not doing it, to him it is chet.
5 Come now, you who have osher (riches), weep, howling over your miseries coming upon you. [YESHAYAH 13:6; YECHEZKEL 30:2]
2 The osher of you has rotted and your malbush has become moth-eaten. [IYOV 13:28; TEHILLIM 39:11; YESHAYAH 50:9]
3 The gold of you and the silver has been corroded and the corrosion of them will be for a solemn eidus against you, and will eat the basar of you as Eish. You stored up otzar (treasure) in the Acharit Hayamim!
4 Hinei, the wages of the po’alim (workers) who cut your fields, the wages you fraudulently withheld, those wages cry out, and the cries of the harvesting po’alim have reached the ears of Adonoi Tz’vaot. [VAYIKRA 19:13; YIRMEYAH 22:13; MALACHI 3:5; DEVARIM 24:15]
5 You lived in indulgence upon ha’aretz and lolled in a life of luxury, you fattened your levavot as in a Yom Tivchah ("Day of Slaughter.” [YIRMEYAH 12:3; 25:34; YESHAYAH 53:7]
6 You condemned, you killed the tzaddik, who does not resist you.
7 Have zitzfleisch (patience), therefore, Achim b’Moshiach, until the Bias HaMoshiach, the Coming of Moshiach Adoneinu. Hinei, the ikar (farmer) awaits the precious p’ri haAdamah (fruit of the earth), having zitzfleisch (patience) for it until it receives the Yoreh (first autumn rain) and the Malkosh (spring rain). [Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24; Joel 2:23]
8 You must also have zitzfleisch. Strengthen your levavot, because the Bias HaMoshiach, the Coming of Moshiach Adoneinu, has drawn near.
9 Do not murmur, Achim b’Moshiach, against one another, lest you be judged. Hinei, haShofet is standing before the delet! [SHEMOT 15:24; 16:2; 17:3; BAMIDBAR 14:2,29; 16:41; TEHILLIM 94:2]
10 Achim b’Moshiach, take as an example, of yissurim (suffering) and of zitzfleisch (patience) the Nevi’im who spoke b’Shem Adonoi.
11 Hinei, we call me’ashirim the ones having endured: the enduring orech ru’ach (patience) of Iyov you heard of, and the toitzaa (outcome) from Hashem you saw, that Eloheinu is full of rachamim and channun Hashem. [Job 1:21,22; 2:10; 42:10,12-17; Ex 34:6; Num 14:18; Ps 103:8]
12 But, above all, my Achim b’Moshiach, do not swear shevuot (oaths) neither by Shomayim nor by ha’aretz nor any other shevu’ah, but let your "ken" be "ken," and your "lo" be "lo," for fear that you fall under HaDin (the Judgment).
13 If anyone is suffering among you, let him daven. If anyone has simcha, let him sing niggunim. [Ps 50:15]
14 Are there any cholim (sick ones) among you? Let the choleh (sick person) summon [for Bikkur Cholim (Visiting the Sick)] the Ziknei HaKehillah (Elders of the Congregation) and let them daven tefillos over him, having applied the shemen mishchah (anointing oil), b’Shem Adoneinu. [Ps 23:5; Isa 1:6]
15 And the tefillah of emunah will deliver the choleh (sick person), and Hashem will raise him up. And if he may have been committing peysha’im, he will be given selicha (forgiveness).
16 Therefore, make vidduy (confession of sin) to one another, and daven tefillos on behalf of one another, so that you may have refuah sheleimah (complete healing). The tefillah of a tzaddik is powerful and effective.
17 Eliyahu [HaNavi] was a man of like nature to us, and with tefillah he davened for it not to rain, and it did not rain upon ha’aretz for shalosh shanim and shishah chodashim (three years and six months). [MELACHIM ALEF 17:1]
18 And again Eliyahu [HaNavi] davened, and Shomayim gave GESHEM (rain) and ha’aretz caused its p’ri to sprout. [MELACHIM ALEF 18:45]
19 My Achim b’Moshiach, if anyone among you wanders vait (astray) from HaEmes and someone turns a choteh (sinner) to become a ba’al teshuva
20 You should have da’as that the one having helped a choteh (sinner) to become a ba’al teshuva and to turn from the toyus (error) of his derech, and from setiyah HaDerech Hashem (turning aside or deviating from the Way of Hashem) will save the neshamah of him from mavet and will cover a multitude of chatta’im. [T.N. This may be the earliest writing in the Brit Chadasha. Of royal blood, Ya’akov Bar Yosef Ben Dovid, like Rav Sha’ul, was an unbeliever until he came to faith by the appearance of the Risen Moshiach (see I Cor 15:7). He died al kiddush ha-Shem 62 C.E. according to Josephus. His brother Yehuda wrote the letter on p.1118. See p848.]
1 Shimon Kefa a Shliach of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua to HaBechirim (the Chosen ones [2:4,6 9]), to the Exiled ones of the Golus, Sojourners living as aliens in the Diaspora, scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 To HaBechirim (the Chosen ones) according to the yedi’ah mukdemet (foreknowledge [1:20]) of Elohim Avinu, the ones set apart as Kadoshim by the Ruach Hakodesh, resulting in mishma’at (obedience [1:14,22; 3:6; 4:17]) to the Moshiach and resulting in hazzayat HaDam HaMoshiach (sprinkling of the Blood of Moshiach Isa 52:15, Ex 24:7), of Moshiach Yehoshua. May Chen v’Chesed Hashem and Shalom Hashem abound to all of you!
3 Baruch Hashem, HaElohim Avi of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua! By his great rachamim (mercy) we have been born anew to a tikvah chayyah (living hope) through the Techiyas Yehoshua from HaMesim (the dead ones).
4 We have also been born anew to a nachalah (inheritance [3:9]) that is without shachat (corruption, decay Ps 16:10), undefiled and unfading, having been preserved in Shomayim for you,
5 The ones by the koach of Hashem being guarded through Emunah (Faith) for Yeshu’at Eloheinu (the Salvation of our G-d), which is ready to be revealed at the Ketz Hayamim (End of Days).
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer in various masot (trials, temptations [4:12]),
7 That the genuineness of your Emunah, much more valuable than gold which though perishable is tested by Eish (Fire), may be found to the tehillah (praise) and the kavod (glory) and the tiferet (splendor) at the Hisgalus (Revelation, Apocalypse) of Moshiach Yehoshua.
8 He is the one for whom you have ahavah, even though you have not seen him. Though you do not now see him, you have emunah in him [as Moshiach] and rejoice with simcha inexpressible and full of kavod,
9 Obtaining the maskana (outcome) of your Emunah, the Yeshu’at Eloheynu of your nefashot (souls).
10 The Nevi’im, who prophesied of the Chen v’Chesed Hashem that was to come to you, searched and inquired about this Yeshu’at Eloheynu.
11 The Nevi’im were searching for what zman (time) or what context of occasion the Ruach of Moshiach in them was pointing to, when predicting the Chevlei Moshiach and HaKavod to follow.
12 The hisgalus (revelation) came to the Nevi’im that the avodas hakodesh ministry they were rendering was not to themselves, but to you, when they spoke of the things announced to you through the Mevaserim (Messianic Darshanim, Maggidim) of the Besuras HaGeulah by the Ruach Hakodesh sent from Shomayim, the very things even malachim desire to look into.
13 Therefore, tighten the "readiness" gartel of your mind, a mind that is one of kibush hayetzer (self-control). Set your tikvah completely on the Chen v’Chesed Hashem that is being brought to you at the Hisgalus (Revelation, Apocalypse) of Moshiach Yehoshua.
14 As Bnei Mishma’at (Children of Obedience 1:2), not conforming yourselves to your former ta’avot (lusts), when you lacked da’as (personal, saving knowledge),
15 But, als (since) the One who bestows on you the kri’ah (calling) is KADOSH HU (TEHILLIM 99:5), so also yourselves become Kadoshim in hitnahagut (conduct),
16 Because it says in the Torah, KEDOSHIM TIH’YU KI KADOSH ANI ("You must be holy ones for I am holy" VAYIKRA 19:2).
17 And if you call upon as "Avinu" [Mt.6:9] the One who is the impartial Shofet (Shofet kol ha’aretz) of each man L’ISH K’MA’ASEIHU ("To each according to his deeds" TEHILLIM 62:13), then conduct yourself with yirat Shomayim during your time in the Golus of the Olam Hazeh,
18 Having da’as that the padut nafsheynu (redemption ransom of our souls) was not with perishable things such as silver or gold when your Geulah (Redemption) was purchased from the Derech HaHevel (empty way of life) handed down to you from your Avot.
19 No, it was the precious DAHM (VAYIKRA 17:11) as of a SEH TAMIM U’MUM ("lamb unblemished and unspotted” SHEMOT 12:5; VAYIKRA 22:20; YESHAYAH 53:7,9), the DAHM of Moshiach (Mt.26:28)
20 Who, on the one hand, having been foreknown lifnei hivvased tevel (before the foundation of the world), but, on the other hand, having been manifested [5:4] at the Ketz Hayamim (End of Days) because of you.
21 Through him [Moshiach] you have emunah in Hashem, the One who brought forth the Techiyas HaMoshiach from HaMesim (the dead ones) and gave him Kavod. And so your emunah and your tikvah [1:13] are in Hashem.
22 Having purified your nefashot (souls) by mishma’at (obedience 1:2) to HaEmes, resulting in ahavah shel achvah (brotherly love) without tzevi’ut (hypocrisy), have fervent ahavah (agape) for one another, from a lev tahor.
23 You have been given a new birth [Yn 3:3], not from perishable zerah (seed), but zerah that is without shachat (corruption TEHILLIM 16:10), through the Dvar Hashem who is Chai v’Nitzav l’Olam (living and remaining firm forever).
24 For, "All flesh is grass and all of [mankind’s] glory is like the flower: the grass withers, the flower falls,
25 But the Word of our G-d stands forever" YESHAYAH 40:6-8). And this is the Dvar proclaimed to you as the Besuras HaGeulah [in Moshiach]. [T.N. On the word mevaserim 1K 1:12 see Isaiah 40:9.]
2 Therefore, having put away all rishus (malice), all remiyah (guile, fraud, deceit) and tzevi’ut (hypocrisy) and kin’ah (envy) and all lashon hora,
2 As new born olalim (infants), desire the pure cholov ruchani (spiritual milk), that by it you may grow into Yeshu’at Eloheynu,
3 Now that you have tasted KI TOV Hashem ("that the L-rd is good," TEHILLIM 34:9).
4 Come to him [Moshiach], to that "Even Chayyah" ("Living Stone"), CHADAL ISHIM ("rejected by men" YESHAYAH 53:3; TEHILLIM 118:22; YESHAYAH 28:16) but BECHIR ("Chosen" YESHAYAH 42:1 [1:1]), and precious in the sight of Hashem.
5 You also, like avanim chayyot (living stones [2:24]), are being built up for a Bayit Ruchani (a Spiritual Beis, House) for a kehunnat kodesh (holy priesthood) to offer up zivchei ruach (sacrifices of the spirit) acceptable to Hashem through Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua.
6 For it stands written in the Kitvei HaKodesh, HINENI YISSAD B’TZION EVEN PINNAT YIKRAT ("Behold, I place in Zion a precious corner stone” YESHAYAH 28:16; TEHILLIM 118:22; DANIEL 2:34-35), chosen, and HAMMA’AMIN LO YACHISH ("the one believing [on him, on Moshiach] never will be dismayed, ashamed YESHAYAH 28:16).
7 Therefore, to you who are the ma’aminim [in Moshiach] this EVEN ("Stone") is YIKRAT ("precious" YESHAYAH 28:16), but to the Apikorosim (Unbelievers): EVEN MA’ASU HABONIM HAY’TAH LEROSH PINAH ("The Stone which the ones building rejected became the head of the corner" TEHILLIM 118:22 [YESHAYAH 53:3]).
8 And EVEN NEGEF U’L’TZUR MICHSHOL ("a stone for stumbling over and a rock for falling over" YESHAYAH 8:14). They stumble because they have no mishma’at (obedience 1:2,14,22; 4:17) to the Dvar Hashem which is also what they were appointed for [2K 2:9,12,17; Yd 1:4; Ro 9:14-24].
9 But you are an AM NIVCHAR ("a chosen people” YESHAYAH 43:20; SHEMOT 6:7), a MAMLECHET KOHANIM ("a kingdom of priests, royal priests" Ex 19:6), a GOY KADOSH ("a holy nation" Ex 19:6), an AM SEGULLAH ("a people of treasured possession" Ex 19:5; Mal 3:17), for this purpose: that you may declare the wondrous deeds of the One who gave you the kri’ah (calling) and summoned you out of choshech into his marvelous ohr [Isa 43:21; 42:12].
10 You, who once were LO AMI ("not My people" Hos 1:9) but now AMI ATAH ("My people you are" Hos 2:25), the AM Hashem ("the people of G-d"), the ones having not received rachamim, but now having received rachamim (Hos 2:25).
11 Chaverim, I say “Chazak (Be Strong)!” to you as aliens and exiles (1:1,17), exhorting you to abstain from fleshly ta’avot (lusts) which make milchamah (war) against the neshamah.
12 Let your hitnahagut (conduct) among the Goyim show feste (excellent) midas chasidus (trait of piety) that, wherein they speak against you as anshei resha (men of wickedness), by observing your ma’asim tovim they may glorify Hashem in the YOM PEKUDDAH ("Day of Visitation, Reckoning" [Isa 10:3]).
13 Submit [2:18; 3:1] to every created human memshalah (governing authority) because of Hashem, whether to a Melech (King) as being HaRosh,
14 Or to moshelim (governors) as being sent by Hashem for the purpose of nakam (vengeance) on anshei resha (men of wickedness) but for the purpose of shevach (praise, commendation) on anshei tzedek.
15 For it is the ratzon Hashem (the will of G-d) that you, by acting as anshei tzedek, may silence the lack of da’as (knowledge) of the kesilim (the foolish people).
16 As Avadim (Servants) of Hashem, live as Bnei Chorin (Sons of Freedom, Freedmen); yet do not use your cherut (freedom) as a cloak for concealing ra’ah (evil).
17 Have kavod (respect, honor) toward kol Bnei Adam; have ahavah (agape) toward HaAchim (The Brotherhood of the Messianic Chavurah); have yirat Shomayim toward Hashem [1:17; 2:17; 3:2,6,14, 16], have kavod to HaMelech.
18 Avadim, be submitting in kol yir’ah (all fear) to your adonim (masters), not only to the good and eidele (gentle) adonim, but also to the hard sarei misim (task-masters, Shemot 1:11).
19 For this is worthy of shevach (praise, commendation) if, because of a consciousness of Hashem, anyone bears up under tzoros (troubles) while suffering unjustly.
20 For what shevach (praise) is it if, after committing chatta’im (sins) and being beaten, you endure? But if being osei tzedek (doers of what is right) and suffering, then you endure, this is worthy of shevach before Hashem.
21 It was for this tachlis (purpose) [of your being osei tzedek and suffering] that you were given your kri’ah (calling), because also Moshiach suffered on behalf of you [Isa 53:5-6], leaving you a mofet (example), that you should follow be’ikvot Moshiach (in the steps of Moshiach),
22 Who was beli chet (without sin) V’LO MIRMAH BEFIV ("and no deceit was in his mouth" Isa 53:9);
23 Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, who, being reviled, did not retaliate; suffering, he did not utter iyumim (threats), but handed himself over, entrusting himself to the Shofet Tzedek (Righteous Judge [4:5]);
24 Moshiach, who himself NASAH (bore, carried away, Isa 53:4, 12) ES PEYSHA’EINU (our transgressions, our sins YESHAYAH 53:5,8,12) in geviyyato [BERESHIS 47:18; YESHAYAH 53:5] on HAETZ [DEVARIM 21:23] that, having become niftarim (deceased ones) to chattoteinu, we might become Kol Chai (all living) to Tzidkanut (Righteousness); UVACHAVURATO NIRPA LANU ("by whose wounds you were healed” YESHAYAH 53:5).
25 For you were KULLANU KA’TZON TA’INU ("all of us like sheep we went astray" YESHAYAH 53:6), for you were as sheep being led astray, but you made teshuva now to the Ro’eh [YECHEZKEL 34:1-16] and Mashgiach (Overseer IYOV 10:12) of your nefashot (souls).
3 Nashim (wives), submit similarly to your own ba’alim (husbands), that even if any anashim lack mishma’at (obedience) to the Dvar Hashem, they may be won without the Dvar through the hitnahagut (conduct) of their nashim,
2 When they see your yirat Shomayim and your midas chasidus (quality of piety).
3 Do not let your adornment be outward, with coiffures and with wearing gold or fine apparel,
4 But let your adornment be nistar (hidden), adornment shebalev (inwardly) by the imperishable [1:4] adorning of the quiet ruach anavah (humble spirit), which is before Hashem of great worth.
5 For so formerly also the nashim hakedoshot (holy women) whose tikvah was in Hashem were adorning themselves, submitting themselves to their own ba’alim.
6 Just so, Sarah submitted in mishma’at (obedience) to Avraham Avinu, calling him ADONI [BERESHIS 18:12]. You nashim became Sarah’s banot (daughters), if you act as nashei tzedek [2:15] and you fear no intimidation [MISHLE 3:25].
7 Likewise, Ba’alim (Husbands), dwell with them according to the da’as of the isha as a k’li rach (weaker vessel), showing them kavod as also being yoreshim together [3:9] of the mattanah (gift) of the Chen v’Chesed HaChayyim, so that your tefillos will not be hindered [3:12; 4:7].
8 Now, to say over, all of you be an agudah (bound together union) in your thinking, have achdus, be sympathetic, having ahavah (agape) for the Achim b’Moshiach [Tehillim 133:1], being tenderhearted men of mercy v’shiflei ruach (and lowly of spirit),
9 Not rendering ra’ah for ra’ah or lashon hora for lashon hora, but, fahkert (on the contrary), rendering a bracha (blessing), because to this tachlis (purpose) you were given your kri’ah (calling), that you may inherit a bracha (blessing).
10 HAISH HECHAFETZ CHAYYIM OHEV YAMIM LIROT TOV ("For the one wanting to love life and to see good days") NETZOR L’SHONECHA MERAH U’SFATECHA MIDABER MIRMAH ("Let him stop his tongue from speaking lashon hora and his lips from speaking remiyah [guile, fraud, deceit]."
11 “Let him turn away from resha and let him do that which is good, let him seek shalom and pursue it");
12 EINEI ADONOI EL TZADDIKIM V’AZNAV EL SHAV’ATAM ("Because the tzaddikim are before the eyes of Hashem and His ears are open to their tefillos." P’NEI ADONOI B’OSEI RAH L’HACHRIT ME’A’RETZ ZICHRAM ("But the face of the L-rd is against the ones doing evil to cut off their memory from the earth" TEHILLIM 34:13-17).
13 And who is the one harming you if you have kana’ut (zeal) for HaTov (The Good)?
14 But if indeed you should suffer tzoros because of Tzidkat Hashem, you are blessed and happy. But do not fear their pachad (terror), neither be troubled.
15 But reverence in your levavot Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach as Adoneinu, prepared always for a hitstaddekut (an apologetic defense) to everyone coming to you with a she’elah (question), ready with a word concerning the tikvah in you,
16 But with anavah (meekness) and yirat Shomayim, having a clear matzpun (conscience [3:21]), so that, when you are maligned by lashon hora, your abusers may be humiliated by your midas chasidus in Moshiach.
17 For im yirtzeh Hashem (if the L-rd wills), it is better to suffer tzoros for doing mitzvot than for doing ra’ah.
18 Because, indeed, Moshiach suffered once on behalf of chatta’im (sins), a Tzaddik (righteous one) on behalf of the chote’im (unrighteous ones, sinners), that he might bring you to Hashem he, having been in the basar [TEHILLIM 16:9-10] put to death, yet, in the Ruach Hakodesh, having been made alive [4:6]; [see Isa 53:8]
19 In which also to the ruchot (spirits) in mishmar (prison), having gone, Moshiach made the hachrazah (proclamation, kerygma)
20 To ones without mishma’at (obedience) back then when the zitzfleisch (patience) of Hashem was waiting, in the days of Noach, while the Teva (Ark) was being prepared, in which a few, that is shemoneh nefashot (eight souls), were delivered through that mabbul’s mikveh mayim;
21 And Moshiach’s tevilah in the mikveh mayim, which this mabbul prefigures, now delivers you, not by means of the removal of filth from the basar, but through the hitchaiy’vut (pledge) of a clean matzpun toward Hashem, through the Techiyas HaMoshiach Yehoshua,
22 Who is at the right hand of Hashem, having gone into Shomayim, with malachim and rashuyot (authorities) and gevurot under his feet.
4 Therefore, als (since) Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach underwent bodily yissurim (sufferings [4:13]), also you arm yourselves with the same way of thinking as Moshiach, because the one having suffered in the basar (flesh) has finished with chet (sin)
2 So as no longer to live the remaining time of the Olam Hazeh in the basar, in the ta’avot Bnei Adam (lusts of men), but in the ratzon Hashem (will of G-d).
3 For you have already spent sufficient time (time already gone by) in the Olam Hazeh participating in the ta’avot (lusts) of the Goyim, walking in darchei zimah (the ways of licentiousness), ta’avot (lusts), shichrut (drunkenness), orgiastic drinking mesibot (parties), and unlawful avodas elilim (idolatry).
4 The Goyim think it strange [4:12] that you are not running with them into the same mabbul (flood) of dissipation, and so they blaspheme and commit Chillul Hashem.
5 But they will give an account to the One being ready to take his moshav (seat) as the Shofet of HaChayyim v’HaMesim (the Living and the Dead).
6 For, indeed, this is the reason that the Besuras HaGeulah was preached to the mesim (dead ones, i.e., those who have died in the L-rd), that, though judged in the basar according to men [MJ 12:23; Yn 5:25; 1Th 4:13-18], they might live according to G-d in the spirit.
7 The Ketz (End) of all things now has drawn near. Let your thinking be one of zililut da’as (sobermindedness), therefore, and exercise kibush hayetzer (self-control), for the sake of your tefillos.
8 Above all else, have fervent ahavah among yourselves, for AHAVAH KOL PEYSHA’IM T’CHASSEH ("love covers all wrongs” MISHLE 10:12).
9 Practice hachnosas orchim (hospitality) with one another without kevetching,
10 Each one according as he received a mattanah (gift), as k’lei kodesh ministering to one another, mefakkechim tovim (good stewards, supervisors) of the varied Chen v’Chesed Hashem.
11 If anyone speaks, let it be as though it were the oracles of Hashem; if anyone ministers, let it be as by the chozek (strength) which Hashem supplies, that in all things Hashem may be glorified through Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua. Lo HaKavod V’HaOz L’Olemei Olamim. Omein (To whom be the glory and the power into the ages of the ages. Omein.)
12 Chaverim, do not be surprised at the masah (trial) of eish (fire) among you coming for you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
13 But in so far as you share in the yissurim (sufferings) of Moshiach, in the Chevlei HaMoshiach, be glad that also in the Hisgalus (Revelation, Apocalypse) of his Kavod, you may have simcha and sasson.
14 If you are reproached for the Shem HaMoshiach, ashrei (happy, blessed) are you, because the Ruach of Kavod and of Hashem [YESHAYAH 11:2] rests upon you.
15 Let not any of you suffer as a rotzeach (murderer) or a ganav (thief) or an oseh ra’ah (an evil doer) or as one who is mitarev (meddlesome).
16 But if any one of you suffers as a ma’amin b’Moshiach (believer in Moshiach), let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify Hashem by this Name.
17 Because the time has come to begin the Mishpat from the Beis Hashem; and if the Mishpat begins with us, what will be the toitzaa (outcome) of the ones without mishma’at (obedience) to the Besuras HaGeulah of Hashem?
18 And if indeed the Tzaddik is saved with difficulty, where will appear the man without chasidus [in Moshiach], the choteh and the rashah [see quoted MISHLE 11:31]?
19 Therefore, the ones undergoing sevalot (sufferings, yissurim) according to the ratzon Hashem, let them commit their nefashot to a trustworthy Yotzer (Creator) while they continue to do ma’asim tovim.
5 Therefore, I give this word of chozek to the Zekenim (Elders [see SHEMOT 12:21]) among you I, as a fellow Zaken (Elder) and as an Eidus (Witness) of the sevalot (sufferings) of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, and also as a partaker of the Kavod about to be unveiled:
2 Exercise the avodas hakodesh ministry of Ro’eh (Shepherd) on behalf of the Eder Hashem (Flock of G-d [YIRMEYAH 13:17]) among you, serving as Mashgichim Ruchaniyim (Spiritual Overseers), not unwillingly, for the sake of dishonest gelt, but willingly, eagerly, in conformity with Hashem,
3 Not as domineering the ones assigned by Hashem to your oversight, but being a mofet (example) for the tzon (flock).
4 After the Sar HaRo’im (Chief of Shepherds) has been manifested [1:20], you will receive the unfading Ateret HaKavod (Crown of Glory).
5 Likewise, bochrim (young men), be submissive to the Zekenim (Elders) and clothe yourselves in the kaftan of anavah (humility) toward one another, because IM LALETZIM HU YALITZ V’LA’ANAYIM YITEN CHEN ("Indeed Hashem scorns the scorners, but gives grace to the humble” MISHLE 3:34).
6 Therefore, be humbled under the mighty hand of Hashem, that you may be exalted in due time.
7 HASHLECH AL ADONOI Y’HAVECHA V’HU Y’CHALKELECHA ("Cast your care on Hashem and He will sustain you" TEHILLIM 55:23), because Hashem cares and is concerned about you.
8 Be shomer in zililut da’as (sober-mindedness). Your adversary Hasatan [Samma’el], prowls around like a roaring arye (lion), seeking whom to swallow.
9 Oppose him, firm in emunah, knowing that in the Olam Hazeh, the same Chevlei [Moshiach] are to be laid upon HaAchim b’Moshiach.
10 Now the Elohei Kol Chen v’Chesed (the G-d of all Grace), the one having bestowed upon you the kri’ah (calling) into His eternal kavod in Moshiach Yehoshua, after you have suffered tzoros for a little while, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
11 Lo HaKavod V’HaOz L’Olemei Olamim. Omein.
12 To you, through Sila HaAch HaNe’eman (the Faithful Brother in Moshiach), as such I regard him, I have written you briefly, a dvar chizzuk, encouraging you and giving edut (testimony) that this is the true Chen v’Chesed Hashem in which you stand.
13 Drishat Shalom to you from your coequal Nivcharah (Chosen One), she in Babel. Drishat Shalom also from Markos, beni.
14 Greet one another with a neshikat ahavah (kiss of agape). Drishat Shalom to all of you, the ones in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach.
1 Shimon Kefa, an eved and Shliach of Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua: to the ones having obtained, with us [Shlichim of Moshiach], equally precious [orthodox Jewish] emunah (faith) [the Emunah of the true Dat HaYehudit] in the Tzedek Hashem [Dan 9:24] of Eloheinu and Moshieinu Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua.
2 Chesed Hashem and Shalom Hashem to you abundantly in the da’as (personal, saving knowledge) of Hashem and Adoneinu Yehoshua.
3 As the gevurat Hashem (the power of G-d) has given us everything for Chayyim (life) and chasidus through the da’as (personal, saving knowledge) of the One Who bestows on us the kri’ah (calling) to His own Kavod (Glory) and Tzidkanut (Righteousness see 1:5-7; 2:5,21; 3:13)
4 So Hashem has given us precious havtachot gedolot (great promises 3:4,9,13 cf.2:19) that through these promises you might become [regenerate] deveykus participants with the life of the teva haelohi (divine nature, cf Yn 1:13], having escaped the [degenerate] Olam Hazeh’s lust engendered corruption.
5 For this very reason, you must apply all zerizut (diligence) to supply emunah with midah hatov (the attribute of virtue), and midah hatov with da’as (knowledge),
6 And da’as with shlitah atzmit (self-control), and shlitah atzmit with chozek (fortitude) and chozek with chasidus (piety),
7 And chassidus with ahavah shel achvah (brotherly love), and ahavah shel achvah with ahavah (agape).
8 For if these midos are in you increasingly, they will forestall you from being batlanim (idlers) and lo poreh (unfruitful) in the da’as (personal saving knowledge) of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Adoneinu Yehoshua.
9 For the one with whom these middos chasidus (qualities of piety) are not present is an ivver (blind man), being shortsighted, having forgotten the tohorah (cleansing) of his past averos.
10 Therefore, Achim b’Moshiach, be eagerly diligent to make your kri’ah (summons) and bechirah (election) sure, for, if you do these things, you will never fall over a michshol (stumbling block).
11 For thus will be richly provided for you the entrance into the Malchut Olam of Adoneinu and Moshieinu Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua.
12 Therefore, it is my tachlis (purpose, final end) always to remind you concerning these things, even though you have da’as of them and have been stabilized in HaEmes that you have.
13 But I consider it befitting, as long as I am in this ohel, to arouse you with a tizkoret (reminder),
14 Als (since) I know that the putting off of my mishkan is imminent, as indeed Adoneinu Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua made clear to me.
15 And also I am eager to cause you to always possess the zichron (memory) of these things after my exodus. [T.N. Written shortly before his death al kiddush ha-Shem for his Moshiach. See Bodmer papyrus p72 showing early attestation of this authentic last will and testament of Kefa whom Nero caused to be killed.]
16 For we had not followed cleverly crafted aggadot or doichek (farfetched) bubbemeises or reid (hearsay) when we made known to you the gevurah (miraculous power) of Adoneinu Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua and the Bi’as HaMoshiach of him; no, we had been edei re’iyah (eyewitnesses) of Moshiach’s majestic gedulah (greatness).
17 For having received from Elohim HaAv kavod va’oz, the bat kol was conveyed to Moshiach by the Majestic Glory, "ZEH BENI AHUVI ASHER BO CHAFATSTI" ("This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased” TEHILLIM 2:7; BERESHIS 22:2; YESHAYAH 42:1).
18 And this bat kol we heard out of Shomayim, having been brought with Moshiach upon the Har HaKodesh.
19 And we have the Dvar HaNevu’ah (Word of Prophecy) made more sure, to which you do well in giving heed as to a menorah shining in a place of choshech until HaYom [of Olam Habah 3:18] dawns and the Kochav (Star BAMIDBAR 24:17) haNogah (of Brightness, Venus) rises in your levavot (hearts).
20 Knowing this first: that every nevu’ah (prophecy) of the Kitvei Hakodesh is not of one’s own interpretation.
21 For no nevu’ah was at any time brought by the ratzon HaBnei Adam (will of Man), but men being carried along by the Ruach Hakodesh spoke from Hashem.
2 But there were also nevi’ei sheker (false prophets) among Am Yisroel just as also there will be morei sheker among you. These false teachers will secretly bring in heretical doctrines of koferim baikkarim (deniers of fundamentals), producing machshelah (ruin), as these heretics even become meshummad, denying the Ribbono Shel Olam who redeemed them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many will follow them in walking in darchei zimah (the ways of licentiousness), and because of them the Derech HaEmes will be libeled with lashon hora.
3 And in their chomed (covetous) greed, they will exploit you with deceptive words. For them the Mishpat (Judgment) of old is not drei (idle) and their churban (ruin) does not slumber.
4 For if Hashem did not spare malachim that sinned, but cast them into Gehinnom, consigning them to the sharsherot (chains) of choshech to be kept for Mishpat;
5 And if Hashem, when he brought a mabbul (flood) upon the world of resha’im (evildoers), did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noach, the eighth of the nefashot [in the Teva (Ark)] and a maggid of Tzidkanut (Righteousness);
6 And if Hashem judged the cities of S’dom and Amora, reducing them to ashes by a churban catastrophe, making them a mofet (an example) for the ones intending to be resha’im;
7 And if Hashem delivered Lot, a tzaddik distressed by the hitnahagut (conduct) of the mufkarim (lawless 2:8,10; 3:17) walking in darchei zimah (the ways of licentiousness)
8 —For that tzaddik, living among them day after day, was tortured in his nefesh hayesharah (honest soul) by the darchei mufkarim (the ways of lawless ones) that he saw and heard
9 —Then Hashem knows how to rescue the chasidim from trial and how to preserve the anshei resha (men of wickedness) for punishment for the Yom HaDin,
10 Especially the ones going after the basar (flesh) in ta’avah (lust) producing tum’a (defilement) and the ones despising kol samchut (Mt 28:18). Bold and selfwilled, these have no yirat Shomayim and therefore commit Chillul Hashem as they slander the glorious ones,
11 Whereas malachim, being greater b’oz and koach (in strength and power), al kol panim (nevertheless) do not bring against them a slanderous judgment before Hashem.
12 But these men, like irrational beasts born b’derech hatevah (naturally) to be caught and killed, commit Chillul Hashem in matters where they lack da’as. In the destruction of [the beasts], they also will be destroyed,
13 Suffering harm as onesh (penalty) for harm done. They actually think there is ta’anug (pleasure) in reveling in broad daylight. They are mumim (defects) and spots reveling in their ta’nugot (evil pleasures) even while they sit at seudot (banquet dinners) with you.
14 Having eyes full of ni’uf (adultery), ceaselessly committing averos (sins), enticing unstable nefashot (souls), having levavot trained in chomed (covetous) greed—banim mekulalim (accursed children)!
15 Forsaking the Derech HaYashar (Straight Way), they went astray, having followed the Derech HaBil’am Ben B’or, who loved the sachar haresha (reward of unrighteousness).
16 But he had tochachah (reproof) for his own peysha (transgression): a dumb chamor (donkey), having spoken in a man’s voice, hindered the madness of the meshuga navi.
17 These men are mikva’ot without mayim and mists being driven by storms, for whom has been reserved the gloom of choshech (darkness).
18 Using high sounding words of hevel, they entice, with licentious ta’avot of the basar, the ones barely escaped from those living in toyus (error) and delusion.
19 They offer them the havtachah (promise) of cherut (freedom), but they themselves are avadim (slaves) of shachat (corruption), for whatever defeats a man also enslaves him.
20 For if, having escaped the tumot (defilements) of Olam Hazeh by da’as of Adoneinu and Moshieinu Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, they are again entangled in these, then their last state is worse for them than their first.
21 For better it was for them not to have da’as of the Derech HaTzidkanut (the Way of Righteousness) than, having known it, to turn away from the mitzvah hakedosha handed down to them.
22 The word of the true mashal (proverb) has overtaken them: KECHELEV SHAV AL KE’O ("As a dog having returned to its own vomit"), and a "chazir (swine) is washed only to wallow in the mud" (MISHLE 26:11).
3 Chaverim, this now is the second iggeret I am writing to you; in these iggrot my tachlis is to arouse your sincere levavot by way of tizkoret (reminder):
2 Remember the divrei torah having been previously spoken by the Nevi’im HaKedoshim and the mitzvot of [Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach] Adoneinu and Moshieinu spoken by your Shluchim.
3 Knowing this first, that during the acharit hayamim there will come letzim (mockers, scorners) mocking, going after their own ta’avot (lusts),
4 And saying, "Where is the havtachah (promise) of the Bias HaMoshiach? From the time Avoteinu fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of HaBri’ah (Creation)."
5 For this is hidden from them (but they want it that way): that the Shomayim existed from long ago and ha’Aretz out of mayim and through mayim BIDVAR Hashem NA’ASU ("By the word of the L-rd were made" TEHILLIM 33:6).
6 Through this very mayim, the tevel (world) of that time perished in the mabbul (flood).
7 But the present Shomayim v’ha’Aretz are being reserved by the same Dvar Hashem, being kept for Eish (Fire) for Yom HaDin and for the destruction of anshei resha (men of wickedness).
8 Chaverim, let not this one thing escape your notice, that "A thousand years in the eyes of Hashem is like one day" TEHILLIM 90:4) and one day like a thousand years.
9 But Hashem is not slow concerning his havtachah (promise), as some consider slowness, but is demonstrating zitzfleisch (patience 3:15) toward you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to teshuva (repentance).
10 But the Yom Hashem will come as a ganav (thief), in which the Shomayim with great suddenness will pass away and the elements, burning up, will be destroyed, and the Olam Hazeh and its ma’asim will be found out [BAMIDBAR 32:23].
11 Als (Since) all these things will thus be destroyed, what kinds of persons ought you to be in hitnahagut (conduct) that is characterized by kedushah and chasidus,
12 Awaiting and hastening the Bias HaMoshiach of the Yom Hashem, because of which the Shomayim will be turned into Eish (Fire) and destroyed, and the elements set ablaze and melted.
13 But SHOMAYIM CHADASHIM VA’ARETZ CHADASHA [YESHAYAH 65:17 cf. 66:22] according to the havtachah (promise) of Hashem we await, in which Tzidkanut (Righteousness) dwells.
14 Chaverim, als you await these things, be eager to be found in shalom by him TAMIM U’MUM ("unblemished and unspotted" SHEMOT 12:5; VAYIKRA 22:20; YESHAYAH 53:7,9).
15 And regard the zitzfleisch (patience) of Adoneinu as Yeshu’at Eloheynu. So also our Chaver and Ach b’Moshiach Sha’ul, according to the chochmah (wisdom) having been given to him, wrote to you.
16 As also in all his iggrot speaking in them concerning these things, in which are some things lomdish (intricate and complicated to understand), which those unstable and without da’as, twist, as also the other Kitvei Hakodesh, to their own churban (destuction).
17 Chaverim, you therefore, knowing beforehand, be shomer over yourselves lest with the toyus (error) of the mufkarim (lawless ones) having been led away, you fall from your own stability.
18 But grow in the Chen v’Chesed and Da’as of Adoneinu and Moshieinu, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua. Lo HaKavod Gam HaYom V’Gam L’Yom HaOlam. Omein. (To him be glory both now and to the day of eternity. Omein.)
1 What was Bereshis (in the Beginning) which we have examined with our ears, which we have seen with our eyes, which we beheld and the hands of us [Shlichim, Ac 1:21-25] touched: the Dvar HaChayyim (Word of Life)!
2 Indeed the Chayyei [Olam] was manifested, and we have seen it and we give solemn eidus (witness of testimony) and we proclaim to you the Chayyei Olam which was alongside with HaAv [Yochanan 1:1-4,14] and made hisgalus (appearance of, exposure of in revelation) to us [Shlichim].
3 What we have seen and what we have heard, we proclaim also to you, that you also may have deveykus (attachment to G-d) with us [Shlichim of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach] and our deveykus (attachment to G-d) is with HaAv and with the Zun foon Der Oybershter, Moshiach Yehoshua/Yeshua.
4 And these things we [Shlichim] write, that the simcha of us may be made shleimah.
5 And this is the Besuras HaGeulah which we have heard from Him and which we proclaim to you, that Hashem is Ohr (Light), and in Him choshech there is not any at all.
6 If we make the claim that we have deveykus with Him and in the choshech walk, we speak sheker and have no halakhah in the Derech Emes.
7 But if our halakhah is in the Ohr as He is in the Ohr, we have hitkhabrut (joining, adhesion, fellowship) with one another and the dahm of Yehoshua, HaBen of Hashem, gives us tohorah (purification, cleansing) from kol chet. [YESHAYAH 2:5]
8 If we make the claim that we do not have avon (sin), we cause ourselves to fall under mirmah (deceit, fraud, YESHAYAH 53:9) and HaEmes is not in us. [MISHLE 20:9; YIRMEYAH 2:35]
9 If we make vidduy (confession of sin) of chattoteinu (our sins), he is ne’eman (faithful) and tzaddik to grant selicha (forgiveness) of chattoteinu (our sins) and give us tohorah (purification, cleansing) from kol avon. [DEVARIM 32:4; TEHILLIM 32:5; 51:2; MISHLE 28:13; MICHOH 7:18-20]
10 If we make the claim that we have not committed averos, a shakran (liar) we make Him, and the dvar of Him is not in us.
2 My yeladim, these things I write to you so that you do not commit averos. And if anyone does commit averos, a Melitz Yosher (Advocate) we have with HaAv, Yehoshua/Yeshua, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach the Tzaddik.
2 And he is the kapporah for chattoteinu, not for ours only, but also for the kol HaOlam Hazeh. [VAYIKRA 5:15; YESHAYAH 53:10]
3 And by this we have da’as that we have da’as of Him, if over the mitzvot of Him we are shomer.
4 The one making the claim, "I have da’as of Him" and not being shomer over His mitzvot is a shakran (liar) and in this one HaEmes is not.
5 But whoever over the dvar of Him is shomer, beemes in this one the ahavas Hashem has been made shleimah. By this we have da’as that in Him we are.
6 The one claiming to make his maon in Him ought with the halakhah of that One so he should have his derech. [Yn 14:1,23; TEHILLIM 1:6]
7 Chaverim, I do not write you a mitzvah chadasha, but a mitzvah yashanah, which you were having from the beginning: the mitzvah yashanah is the dvar which you heard.
8 Again a mitzvah chadasha I write to you, which is HaEmes in Him, and in you, because the choshech is making its histalkus (passing away) and the Ohr HaAmitti (the True Light) already is shining.
9 The one claiming in the Ohr (Light) to be and the Ach b’Moshiach of him hating, is in the choshech still. [VAYIKRA 19:17]
10 The one with ahavah for the Ach b’Moshiach of him makes his maon (dwelling, permanent residence, Yn 14:2, 23) in the Ohr (Light) and a cause for michshol (stumbling, falling) is not in him. [TEHILLIM 119:165]
11 But the one hating the Ach b’Moshiach of him is in the choshech and walks his derech in the choshech and does not have da’as where he goes, because the choshech blinded his eyes.
12 I write to you, yeladim, because your averos have been granted selicha (forgiveness) because of SHMO (His Name). [TEHILLIM 25:11]
13 I write to you, avot, because you have had da’as of the One Who is Bereshis; I write to you, yunge Leit (young people), because you have conquered the evil one.
14 I wrote to you, yeladim, because you have had da’as of HaAv; I wrote to you, avot, because you have had da’as of the One Bereshis. I wrote to you, yunge Leit (young people), because you are chazakim (strong ones) and the Dvar Hashem makes His maon in you and you have conquered the evil one.
15 Do not have ahavah for the Olam Hazeh, neither the things in the Olam Hazeh. If anyone has ahavah for the Olam Hazeh, the Ahavas [Elohim] HaAv is not in him.
16 For all that is in the Olam Hazeh, the ta’avah (lust) of the basar and the ta’avah of the eyes and the gaa’vah (pride) in the chashuve (prominence) of what one has in this life, one’s vital possessions, all this is not of HaAv but is of the Olam Hazeh. [BERESHIS 3:6; MISHLE 27:20]
17 And the Olam Hazeh is making its histalkus (passing away) and the ta’avah (lust) of it, but the one doing the ratzon Hashem has his maon lanetzakh (permanent dwelling place to remain for ever).
18 Yeladim, it is the sha’ah ha’achronah (the last hour, time), and as you heard that Anti-Moshiach is coming, even now many Anti-Moshiachs [nevi’ei sheker, 4:1] have come, from which we have da’as that it is the sha’ah ha’achronah.
19 They went out and departed from us, but they were not of us; for if they were of us, they would have abided with us; but they went out that it may be niglah (be revealed) that none of them belongs to us. [Yn 6:70; 13:30]
20 And you have a [Ruach Hakodesh] mishcha (anointing) from HaKadosh and you have da’as of all. [YIRMEYAH 31:34]
21 I did not write an iggeret kodesh to you because you do not have da’as of HaEmes, but because you do have da’as of HaEmes and that kol sheker (every falsehood) is not of HaEmes.
22 Who is the shakran (liar)? Who but the one making hakhchashah (denial) and claiming that Yehoshua is not the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach? This one is the Anti-Moshiach, the one making hakhchashah (denial) of HaAv and HaBen.
23 No one making hakhchashah of HaBen has HaAv; the one making hoda’ah (confession) of HaBen has HaAv also.
24 What you heard from the beginning, in you let it make its maon. If in you makes maon what from the beginning you heard, also you will make maon in HaBen and in HaAv.
25 And this is the havtachah (promise) which He promised us, Chayyei Olam.
26 These things I wrote to you concerning the [nevi’ei sheker] deceiving you.
27 And the [Ruach Hakodesh] mishcha (anointing) which you received from Him makes its maon in you, and you are not nitzrach (needy) that anyone should be your "moreh," but as the same [Ruach Hakodesh] mishcha (anointing) teaches you concerning everything and is Emes and is not kazav (lie, falsehood), and as He taught you, keep your maon in Him. [YIRMEYAH 31:34]
28 And now, yeladim, remain in Him, that when He makes His hisgalus (revelation, unveiling appearance) we may have bitachon and not have bushah (shame) before Him at the Bi’as HaMoshiach.
29 If you have da’as that He is tzaddik, you have da’as that also everyone who is a po’el tzedek (worker of righteousness) has been born of Him.
3 See what kind of ahavah HaAv has given to us, that yeladim of Elohim we should be called. And so we are. Therefore, the Olam Hazeh does not have da’as of us, because it did not have da’as of Him.
2 Chaverim, now yeladim of Elohim we are, and not yet it is niglah (is revealed) what we will be. We have da’as that when He is niglah, like Him we will be, because we will see Him as He is. [TEHILLIM 17:15]
3 And everyone having this tikvah (hope) in Him keeps himself in tohorah (purification, keeps himself pure), even as that One is tahor. [TEHILLIM 18:26]
4 Everyone practicing chet also does averah, and chet is averah al HaTorah.
5 And you have da’as that that One niglah (is revealed) that chata’einu (our sins) He might take away [YESHAYAH 53:4,12], and chet in Him is not. [YESHAYAH 53:9]
6 Everyone making his maon in Him does not go on sinning; everyone sinning has not seen Him nor has had da’as of Him.
7 Yeladim, let no [navi sheker, 1Y 4:1] deceive you; the one practicing tzedek is tzodek, even as that One is Tzaddik.
8 The one practicing averos is of Hasatan, because from the beginning Hasatan sins. For this tachlis was made hisgalus of the Ben HaElohim, that he might destroy the pe’ulot Hasatan.
9 Everyone having been born of Hashem is not practicing chet, because His Zera makes maon in him, and he cannot abide sinning, because he is born of Hashem. [TEHILLIM 119:3]
10 By this is made hisgalus of the yeladim of Hashem and the yeladim of Hasatan: everyone not practicing tzedek is not of Hashem; also the one not having ahavah for his Ach b’Moshiach.
11 Because this is the divrei Torah which we heard from the beginning, that we have ahavah one for another,
12 Not as Kayin, who was of the evil one, and slaughtered the ach of him; and for what cause did he slaughter him? Because the ma’asim of him were ra’im and the ma’asim of the ach of him were ma’asei tzedek. [BERESHIS 4:8; TEHILLIM 38:20; MISHLE 29:10]
13 And, Achim b’Moshiach, do not marvel if the Olam Hazeh hates you.
14 We have da’as that we have made our histalkus (passing) out of Mavet into Chayyim, because we have ahavah for the Achim b’Moshiach; the one not having ahavah makes his ma’on in death.
15 Everyone hating his Ach b’Moshiach is a rotzeach (murderer). And you have da’as that every rotzeach does not have Chayyei Olam making a ma’on in him.
16 By this we have had da’as of ahavah, because that One on behalf of us laid down his nefesh [YESHAYAH 53:10]; and we ought, on behalf of the Achim b’Moshiach, to lay down our nefashot.
17 Now whoever has vital possessions of the Olam Hazeh and sees the Ach b’Moshiach of him being nitzrach (needy) and has no rachamim (mercy) on him [DEVARIM 15:7,8] and refuses gemilut Chesed, how does the ahavas Hashem make ma’on in him?
18 Yeladim, let us not have ahavah in dvar or in lashon but in ma’aseh and in Emes. [YECHEZKEL 33:31]
19 And by this we will have da’as that we are of HaEmes, and before Him we will persuade our levavot,
20 That if our levavot condemn us, Hashem is greater than our levavot, and He has da’as of all things.
21 Chaverim, if our levavot do not bring us under the gezar din (verdict) of ashem (guilty), we have bitachon before Hashem.
22 And whatever we request, we receive from Him, because we are shomer of His mitzvot and the things pleasing before Him we practice.
23 And this is the mitzvah of Him, that we have emunah b’Shem of the Ben HaElohim, Yehoshua, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, and that we have ahavah one for another, as He gave mitzvah to us.
24 And the one being shomer of His mitzvot makes his ma’on in Him and He makes His ma’on in him; and by this we have da’as that He abides in us, by the Ruach Hakodesh whom He gave to us. [Yn 14:23,21; Ro 8:9,14,16]
4 Chaverim, do not believe every ruach. [YIRMEYAH 29:8] But test the ruchot (spirits), if they be of Hashem, because many nevi’ei sheker have gone out into the Olam Hazeh.
2 By this we have da’as of the Ruach Hakodesh of Hashem: every ruach which makes hoda’ah (confession) of Yehoshua, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach as having come in the basar is of Hashem,
3 And every ruach which does not make hoda’ah of Yehoshua is not of Hashem. And this is the ruach of the Anti-Moshiach, which you have heard that it is coming; and now it already is in the Olam Hazeh.
4 Yeladim, you are of Hashem, and you have overcome them, because greater is the One in you than the one in the Olam Hazeh. [MELACHIM BAIS 6:16]
5 They are of the Olam Hazeh; therefore, of the Olam Hazeh they speak, and the Olam Hazeh pays heed to them.
6 We are of Hashem; the one having da’as of Hashem pays heed to us; he who is not of Hashem does not pay heed to us. From this we have da’as of the Ruach [Hakodesh] of Emes and the ruach tatu’im (spirit of delusion, error).
7 Chaverim, let us have ahavah one for another, because ahavah is of Hashem, and everyone having ahavah has been born of Hashem and has da’as of Hashem.
8 The one not having ahavah did not have da’as of Hashem, because Hashem is ahavah.
9 By this was made hisgalus of the ahavah of Hashem among us, because Hashem has sent His Ben Yechid into the Olam Hazeh that we may live through Him. [Yn 3:16]
10 In this is ahavah, not that we have had ahavah for Hashem, but that Hashem had ahavah for us and gave His Ben HaElohim as a kapporah for chattoteinu.
11 Chaverim, if Hashem so had ahavah for us, also we ought to have ahavah one for another.
12 No one has ever beheld Hashem. If we have ahavah one for another, G-d makes His ma’on in us and the Ahavas Hashem in us has been made shleimah.
13 By this we have da’as that we have our ma’on in Him and He in us, because of the Ruach Hakodesh of Him He has given us.
14 And we [Shlichim] have beheld and we give solemn eidus (testimony) that HaAv has sent HaBen as Moshi’a HaOlam (Go’el el kol HaOlam, Oisleizer).
15 Whoever makes moyde (confession) that Yehoshua (Yeshua) is the Ben HaElohim, Hashem makes His ma’on in him and he in Hashem.
16 And we have had da’as and emunah in the ahavah which Hashem has for us. Hashem is ahavah. The one making his ma’on in ahavah makes his ma’on in Hashem and Hashem in him.
17 By this has the ahavah become shleimah with us, that we may have bitachon in the Yom HaDin, because as that One is, so we are also in the Olam Hazeh.
18 Pachad (fear) is not in ahavah, but the ahavah hashleimah casts out pachad, because pachad has to do with pachad of the onesh (punishment) and the one with pachad has not been perfected in ahavah.
19 We have ahavah because rishonah He had ahavah for us.
20 If anyone says I have ahavah for Hashem and the Ach b’Moshiach he hates, he is a shakran (liar). For the one not having ahavah for the Ach b’Moshiach of him whom he has seen, how can he have ahavah for the Elohim whom he has not seen?
21 And this mitzvah we have from Him that the one having ahavah for Hashem should have ahavah also for the Ach b’Moshiach of him.
5 Everyone with emunah that Yehoshua (Yeshua) is the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach has been born of Hashem, and everyone having ahavah for the One having begotten has also ahavah for the one begotten by Him.
2 By this we have da’as that we have ahavah for the yeladim of Hashem, when we have ahavas Hashem and we are shomer over His mitzvot.
3 For this is the ahavas Hashem, that we are shomer over His mitzvot, and His mitzvot are not burdensome. [DEVARIM 30:11]
4 Because whatever [T.N. refers to every believer] that has been born of Hashem obtains nitzachon (victory) over the Olam Hazeh. And this is the nitzachon (victory), the nitzachon that overcomes the Olam Hazeh, even [what makes us a believer], our emunah (faith).
5 And who is the one overcoming the Olam Hazeh except the one with emunah that Yehoshua is the Ben HaElohim?
6 This One is the One having come by mayim and dahm, Yehoshua, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach; not by the mayim only, but by the mayim and by the dahm; and the Ruach Hakodesh is the one giving solemn eidus, because the Ruach Hakodesh is HaEmes.
7 Because there are shloshah giving solemn eidus:
8 the Ruach Hakodesh and the mayim and the dahm, and the shloshah are for solemn eidus.
9 If the solemn eidus of Bnei Adam we receive, the solemn eidus of Hashem is greater, because this is the eidus of Hashem that He has testified concerning the Son of the Oybeshter.
10 The one with emunah in the Ben HaElohim has the eidus, even the eidus (witness), in himself; the one without emunah in Hashem has made Hashem a shakran (liar), because he has not had emunah in the eidus which Hashem has testified concerning His Ben HaElohim.
11 And this is the eidus, that Hashem gave Chayyei Olam to us, and this Chayyim is in His Ben HaElohim.
12 The one having HaBen has HaChayyim; the one not having HaBen HaElohim does not have Chayyim.
13 These things I wrote to you who have emunah b’Shem HaBen HaElohim, that you vada (with certainty) may have da’as that you have Chayyei Olam. [Yn 20:31]
14 And this is the bitachon which we have with Him, that if we daven and request anything according to His ratzon (will), He hears us.
15 And if we have da’as that He hears us, whatever we ask, we have da’as that we have the requests which we asked from Him. [MELACHIM ALEF 3:12]
16 If anyone sees his Ach b’Moshiach sinning an averah not leading to mavet, he will ask and Hashem will give to him Chayyim, to the ones sinning a chet not leading to mavet. There is an averah leading to mavet. I do not say we should make request concerning that averah.
17 Kol avon is chet, and there is chet not leading to mavet.
18 We have da’as that everyone having been born of Hashem does not continually sin, but the One having been born of G-d (Ben HaElohim Moshiach) is shomer over him and Hasatan does not touch him.
19 We have da’as that we are of Hashem and the whole Olam Hazeh lies under Hasatan.
20 And we have da’as that the Ben HaElohim has come and has given us binah that we may have da’as of the One who is the True One, The Omein, and we are in the One who is The Omein, even in HaBen of Him, Moshiach Yehoshua. This one is the El HaAmitti and Chayyei Olam [YIRMEYAH 24:7].
21 Yeladim, keep yourselves from elilim [YIRMEYAH 5:18]
1 From the Zaken (Elder, SHEMOT 3:16). To the Gevirah HaBechirah (the Chosen Lady) and her Banim (Sons, Children), for whom I have ahavah (agape) b’Emes, and not only I but also all those who have Da’as HaEmes (Knowledge of the Truth),
2 Because of HaEmes that dwells inside us, and will be immanu (with us) for Yamim HaOlam.
3 Chen v’Chesed Hashem (unmerited Favor and Kindness), Rachamim Hashem (Mercy), and Shalom Hashem (Peace) will be immanu (with us) from Elohim HaAv and from Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, HaBen of HaAv, in Emes and Ahavah (agape).
4 I had simcha gedola (much joy) that I have found some of your Banim with a walk which is Halakhah b’Derech Emes (Conduct in the Way of Truth), just as we received a mitzvah (commandment) to do so from HaAv [1:3].
5 And now I beseech you, Gevirah [1:1], not as a mitzvah chadasha (new commandment) I am writing you, but that which we had meyReshit (from the Beginning): that we should have ahavah (agape) one for the other [Yochanan 13:34].
6 And this is ahavah, that we should walk with a halichah according to the Mitzvot of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach; this is the mitzvah just as you have heard it meyReshit. You must walk in it [1:5].
7 Because mat’im rabbim (many misleaders, deceivers) have gone out into the world, the ones not making the Ani Ma’amin moyde (confession) that Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua habah b’basar (has come in bodily flesh); this one is HaMat’eh (the Deceiving One) and the Anti-Moshiach.
8 Watch out for yourselves, lest you lose what we worked for, but may receive a sachar maleh (full reward).
9 Everyone who runs ahead and does not remain in the torah of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach does not have Hashem; the one remaining in the torah [of Moshiach], this one has both HaAv and HaBen.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this torah, do not receive him into your house [kehillah, shtiebel], and do not give him Drishat Shalom.
11 For the one giving Drishat Shalom to him has shuttafut (partnership) with his ma’asim hara’im (evil deeds).
12 I have many things to write to you; I wanted not to do so with parchment and ink, but I have the tikvah (hope) to be with you and to speak panim el panim (directly, in person—DEVARIM 34:10), that our simcha (joy) may be shleimah (complete).
13 Drishat Shalom from the Banim of your Achot HaBechirah (Chosen Sister).
1 From the Zaken (Elder, SHEMOT 3:16). To Gaius HaAhuv (Gaius the beloved), for whom I have ahavah (agape) b’Emes.
2 Chaver, it is my tefillah that all may be hatzlocha (successful) with you, and that you may be shalem b’guf (healthy), just as your nefesh (soul) is matsli’ach (successful).
3 For I had simcha gedola (much joy) when the Achim b’Moshiach arrived [here] and gave eidus (testimony) of you being in HaEmes (the Truth), just as your walk is halakhah b’Derech Emes (conduct in the Way of Truth).
4 I have no greater simcha than this, to hear of my bnei b’Moshiach, that their walk is halakhah b’Derech Emes.
5 Chaver, you do a thing of emunah (faith) when it is done for the Achim b’Moshiach [engaged in the Shlichus (Divine Mission) of Messianic Kiruv Rechokim itineration in the kehillot], especially when they are people you don’t know.
6 They gave eidushaft (witness of testimony) to your ahavah (agape) before the kehillah (assembly) [here]; you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of Hashem.
7 For, on behalf of Hashem they went forth [in the Shlichus of Moshiach’s Kiruv Rechokim], taking nothing from the Goyim.
8 Therefore, we ought to give hachnosas orchim (hospitality) to such, in order that we may be ozrim (helpers) with HaEmes.
9 I wrote something to the kehillah [there]; but Diotrephes, who has fallen in love with being "Rosh of the Kehillah," does not receive us.
10 Oib azoi (consequently), if I come, I will remember his "ma’asim" ("works") which he does, his bringing unjustified charges against us with lashon horah (evil speech). And not being satisfied with performing these "mitzvot", he even refuses to receive the Achim b’Moshiach, and, those intending to do so, he hinders and expels out of the kehillah.
11 Chaver, do not imitate HaRah (Evil); rather, imitate HaTov (Good). The one doing HaTov is from Hashem. The one doing HaRah has not regarded Hashem.
12 To Demetrius, eidus (witness of testimony, commendation) has been given by all and, personally, by no less than HaEmes (the Truth); we also give eidus, and you have da’as that our eidus is emes.
13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink.
14 But I have the tikvah (hope) to see you imminently, and we will speak panim el panim (directly, in person). Drishat Shalom to you. Drishat Shalom from the Chaverim [here]. Drishat Shalom by name to each of the Chaverim [there].
15 Drishat Shalom to you. Drishat Shalom from the Chaverim [here]. Drishat Shalom by name to each of the Chaverim [there]. T.N. It is possible that the first book of the Brit Chadasha was written by Ya’akov [see p.848], possibly around 45 C.E. However, the iggeret hakodesh on this page is written by Moshiach’s Shliach Yochanan to Gaius with the prayer that as Gaius prospers spiritually, he will succeed in every aspect of his life. It appears that the Shliach Yochanan had led Gaius to faith in the Moshiach (see verse 3-4) and Gaius in turn had shown kindness and hachnosas orchim (hospitality) to certain of Moshiach’s traveling emissaries, who had reported Gaius’ generosity (verse 6) before the Kehillah where the Shliach Yochanan is now, probably the same kehillah in Asia Minor where Yochanan did much of his other writing: his Besurah Geulah, his other iggrot kodesh, and his Hisgalus. The purpose of the letter is to commend an itinerant emissary of Moshiach named Demetrius (verse 12). When planting a new Messianic Shul, the non-believers are not to be asked for financial support (verse 7). Therefore, the Messianic kehillot and their Zekenim are to offer hachnosas orchim and material help to travelling emissaries of Moshiach such as Demetrius. Also this epistle teaches that when one knows G-d, the Truth gives an inner eidus or testimony (verse 12). Other Scripture on this matter of assurance are found in Ro 8:15-17, 38f; Ga 4:6; Pp 1:6; 2Ti 1:12; Yn 5:24; 1Yn 5:13; 1Yn 4:13; 5:10; 3:18- 19; MJ 6:11; 10:22. As we study the Holy Bible we find that we can discover there (not in emotional experience or in our circumstances) that we are heirs of salvation and children with a heavenly calling, citizenship, and destiny. See also 2Ti 3:14; Col 2:2; 1Th 1:5; Ro 14:5; 4:21; 1Th 2:13; Ac 2:38, 5:32; Ga 3:2; Ac 15:8; 1Yn 3:24; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30. There are other Scriptures that warn against self-deception in these matters, and give moral and spiritual tests so that anyone can see if he or she is walking in the light—see 1Yn 2:3-5; 3:9f; 14, 18f, 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18; 1 Yn 3:19; 1 Yn 1:6; 2:4, 9- 11, 23: 3:6-10, 4:8,20; 2Yn 9; 3Yn 11.
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International