The Parable of the Talents | 16th Sunday of Matthew

Jesus narrates the parable of the talents in this evocative old depiction full of spiritual symbolism and significance.

(Matthew 25:14-30) The parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew contains an important message about how we should view and use the abilities God grants us. As the story illustrates through the contrasting examples of the faithful and lazy servants, we have a duty to cultivate our talents rather than waste them selfishly. […]

The Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah-leads-reconstruction-Jerusalem-walls

Translation in British English (The Book of Nehemiah)   1:1 The narrative of Nehemiah, son of Hachaliah unfolds. It so happened in the month of Chisleu, in the twentieth year, whilst I resided in Shushan the citadel, 1:2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with certain men from Judah; I questioned them about the […]

Ezra

Ezra-Italian-miniaturist-created-Codex-Amiatinus-before-716

Translation in British English (Ezra) 1:1 At the outset of Cyrus’s reign over Persia, to fulfil Jeremiah’s prophecy through the LORD’s directive, the LORD inspired Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree across his realm, also recorded in writing, stating, 1:2 “Cyrus, king of Persia, declares: ‘The LORD, the God of the heavens, has bestowed […]

The Second Book of Chronicles

Israel-Map - An antique portrayal of Israel's geography

Translation in British English (The Second Book of the Chronicles) 1:1 Solomon, David’s son, found his reign fortified, the LORD his God by his side, elevating him to great heights. 1:2 Solomon addressed all Israel: the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, the judges, and every leader in all Israel, the patriarchs. 1:3 Together with […]

The First Book of Chronicles

Christian-man-praying-marriage-mourning-scenes-Rome.

Translation in British English (The First Book of the Chronicles) 1:1 Adam, Seth, Enos, 1:2 Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, 1:3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 1:4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 1:5 Japheth’s offspring: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 1:6 Gomer’s progeny: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 1:7 Javan’s lineage: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 1:8 […]

The Second Book of the Kings, 2 Kings

Colorful-robe-catches-light-Esther-approaches-throne

Translation in British English (The Second Book of the Kings) 1:1 Subsequently, Moab revolted against Israel following Ahab’s demise. 1:2 Ahaziah plummeted through a lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, becoming gravely ill. He dispatched messengers, instructing them, “Seek guidance from Baalzebub, the deity of Ekron, regarding my recovery from this illness.” 1:3 Yet, […]

The First Book of the Kings | first kings

Colorful-robe-catches-light-Esther-approaches-throne

Translation in British English   1:1 Now King David, advanced in years, found warmth eluding him, even swathed in garments. 1:2 Therefore, his attendants proposed, “Let a young maiden be sought for our lord the king; let her attend to the king, and lie in your embrace, that my lord the king may gain warmth.” […]

The Second Book of Samuel (The Second Book of the Kings)

Medieval-David's-reign-illustration-Second-Book-Samuel

Translation in British English The Second Book of Samuel (The Second Book of the Kings) 1:1 Now it so happened, following the demise of Saul, David returned from the defeat of the Amalekites and stayed in Ziklag for two days. 1:2 On the third day, a man arrived from Saul’s camp with torn clothes and […]

The First Book of Samuel (The First Book of the Kings)

Time-worn-depiction-David-chosen-Samuel-First-Book-Samuel-echo

Translation in British English 1:1 In Ramathaimzophim of Mount Ephraim, there lived a man named Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite by birth. 1:2 Elkanah had two wives; Hannah was the name of one, and Peninnah, the other. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 1:3 […]

Ruth

Ruth-in-Bethlehem-fields-gathering-grain-with-devotion

Translation in British English 1:1 In those days, when judges held sway, a famine befell the land. A man from Bethlehemjudah, along with his wife and two sons, journeyed to dwell in the lands of Moab. 1:2 This man, named Elimelech, and his wife Naomi, had two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. They […]

Paul VI’s Apostolic Constitution ‘Divinae Consortium Naturae’: A Liturgical Milestone

Paul-VI-enacts-'Divinae-consortium-naturae'-Vatican-scene

Exploring the Influence and Implications of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Modern Catholic Church His Holiness Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Constitution “Divinae consortium naturae,” published in 1971, offers a profound insight into the Catholic Church’s understanding and teaching on the sacrament of confirmation. This eight-page document, primarily in Latin, was released in the wake […]

The Revelation

Symbolic-Second-Coming–Byzantine-Icon

Translation in British English 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, bestowed by God upon him, to disclose to his bondsmen imminent events; he conveyed this through his messenger to his servant John: 1:2 John, who testified to God’s discourse and the witness of Jesus Christ, encompassing all he observed. 1:3 Fortunate is the reader, and […]

The General Epistle of Jude

Van-Dyck–Apostle-Judas–Kunsthistorisches-Museum

Translation in British English 1:1 Jude, a bondsman of Jesus Christ and brother of James, addresses those consecrated by God the Father, shielded in Jesus Christ, and summoned: 1:2 May mercy, tranquility, and love be abundantly bestowed upon you. 1:3 Dear friends, while I was wholly dedicated to writing to you about our shared salvation, […]

The Third Epistle General of John

Rich-artistry–Saint-John-Theologian–Byzantine

Translation in British English 1:1 The elder to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I cherish in the truth. 1:2 Beloved, my foremost desire is that you may thrive and enjoy good health, just as your soul flourishes. 1:3 Great was my joy when brethren arrived bearing witness to your fidelity to the truth, living as […]

The Second Epistle General of John

Rich-artistry–Saint-John-Theologian–Byzantine

Translation in British English 1:1 The elder addresses the chosen lady and her offspring, whom I cherish in sincerity; and not only I, but also all who acknowledge the truth; 1:2 For the sake of the truth, which resides within us and will be with us eternally. 1:3 May grace, mercy, and peace be with […]

The First Epistle of John

Gold-illuminated–Saint-John–Byzantine-icon

Translation in British English 1:1 From the outset, that which we have intimately heard, beheld with our own eyes, gazed upon, and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life; 1:2 For indeed, the life was revealed, and we have seen, testified, and proclaimed to you the eternal life, which was with the Father […]

The Second Epistle of Peter

Traditional-Byzantine–Saint-Peter–Iconography

Translation in British English 1:1 Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have attained a faith of equal value to ours, through the righteousness of God and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ: 1:2 May grace and peace be richly multiplied to you, through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. […]

The First Epistle General of Peter, translation Peter

Sacred-vestments–Saint-Peter–Byzantine-icon

Translation in British English 1:1 Peter, an emissary of Jesus Christ, to the dispersed faithful in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 Chosen in accord with God the Father’s prescience, through a sanctifying spirit, for obedience and the sprinkling of Jesus Christ’s blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1:3 Praised be the […]

The General Epistle of James

12th-century-icon–Saint-James–Asinou-Monastery

Translation in British English 1:1 James, a servant of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ, extends greetings to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. 1:2 My dear brethren, consider yourselves fortunate when faced with a variety of trials; 1:3 recognizing that the testing of your faith fosters endurance. 1:4 Allow endurance to fully develop, so […]

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon | Philemon Translation

Vibrant-Apostle-Paul-fresco-Cyprus-10th-century-artwork.

Translation in British English 1:1 Paul, a captive for Christ Jesus, alongside Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our cherished friend and fellow worker, 1:2 and to our dear Apphia, and to Archippus, our comrade in arms, and to the congregation meeting in your home: 1:3 Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and […]

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus | Contemporary English Translation Titus

13th-century-Byzantine-icon-Saint-Paul-Greece

Translation in British English 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an emissary of Jesus Christ, in line with the faith of God’s chosen and the recognition of the truth that fosters reverence, 1:2 In anticipation of everlasting life, promised by God, who never deceives, before time itself began; 1:3 But at the appropriate time […]

The Second Epistle to Timothy British Translation

Vibrant-hued-Saint-Paul-Byzantine-icon-15th-century

Translation in British English 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the decree of God, in line with the promise of life that exists in Christ Jesus, 1:2 To Timothy, my much-loved son: May grace, mercy, and peace be yours, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 1:3 I give thanks to […]

First Epistle to Timothy new translation

Traditional-Byzantine-style-icon-of-Saint-Apostle-Paul-with-halo-and-scroll

Translation in British English 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the divine command of God our Saviour, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our beacon of hope; 1:2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith: May grace, mercy, and peace be yours, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 1:3 I […]

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, Thessalonians Epistle

Historic-10th-century-fresco-Saint-Paul-Volos-church

Translation in British English 1:1 Paul, together with Silvanus and Timotheus, extends greetings to the Thessalonian church, united in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 1:2 Wishing you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1:3 It is right for us to constantly thank God for you, brethren, […]