Wednesday 29 August 2012

6Now we command you,brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that you withdraw yourselves from every brotherwho walks in rebellionand not after the tradition which they received from us.7For you know how you ought to imitate us.For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you,8neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it,but in labor and travail worked night and day,that we might not burden any of you.9This was not because we don’t have the right,but to make ourselves an example to you,that you should imitate us.10For even when we were with you, we commanded you this:“If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.”

· · · verses 11–15 are not read16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways.The Lord be with you all.

17I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand,which is the sign in every letter.This is how I write.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,who walks in his ways.2For you will eat the labor of your hands.You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

4Behold, this is how the man who fears the Lord is blessed.5May the Lord bless you out of Zion,and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

17For Herod himself had sent out and arrested Johnand bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias,his brother Philip’s wife,for he had married her.18For John had said to Herod,“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”19Herodias set herself against himand desired to kill him, but she couldn’t,20for Herod feared John,knowing that he was a righteous and holy man,and kept him safe.When he heard him,he did many things,and he heard him gladly.

21Then a convenient day camewhen Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles,the high officers,and the chief men of Galilee.22When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced,she pleased Herod and those sitting with him.The king said to the young lady,“Ask me whatever you want,and I will give it to you.”23He swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me,I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”

24She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.”

25She came in immediately with haste to the king and requested,“I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.”

26The king was exceedingly sorry,but for the sake of his oaths and of his dinner guests,he didn’t wish to refuse her.27Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guardand commanded to bring John’s head;and he went and beheaded him in the prison,28and brought his head on a platter,and gave it to the young lady;and the young lady gave it to her mother.

29When his disciples heard this,they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb.