Chapters
The First Apology
Chapters
More
Chapter 10: How to Serve God.
BUT WE HAVE TRADITIONALLY UNDERSTOOD THAT GOD DOES NOT NEED THE MATERIAL OFFERINGS PEOPLE CAN GIVE: since He Himself provides everything. We have been taught, are convinced, and truly believe that He accepts only those who imitate the virtues inherent in Him, such as temperance, justice, philanthropy, and all the virtues that are unique to a God who is not known by any specific name. We have been taught that in the beginning, He, out of His goodness and for the sake of humanity, created everything from unformed matter.
If people prove themselves worthy of this purpose through their actions, they are considered worthy to reign alongside Him, freed from corruption and suffering. Just as He created us when we did not yet exist, we believe that those who choose what pleases Him are, because of their choice, considered worthy of incorruption and fellowship with Him. Our initial existence was not in our control; however, we are encouraged to pursue what pleases Him by using the rational faculties He has given us.
He persuades us and leads us to faith. We believe it is beneficial for all people not to be hindered from learning these things, but rather encouraged to do so. While human laws could not impose such restraint, the Word, being divine, would have accomplished it, were it not for the wicked demons. These demons, aligning themselves with the lust for wickedness inherent in every person, draw individuals toward all sorts of vices and spread many false and profane accusations, none of which apply to us.
Hear the Scriptures cited in The First Apology
The First Apology quotes or alludes to these Bible chapters more than any others. Each link opens the free audio Bible, where the chapter is read aloud alongside the text, cross-references, and what other early Christian writers said about it.
- Hear Isaiah 52 (audio Bible) — cited 3 times in this work
- Hear Matthew 5 (audio Bible) — cited 3 times in this work
- Hear Genesis 6 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Genesis 49 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Numbers 21 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Psalms 22 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Isaiah 65 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Matthew 19 (audio Bible) — cited 2 times in this work
- Hear Genesis 14 (audio Bible)
- Hear Genesis 18 (audio Bible)
- Hear Genesis 32 (audio Bible)
- Hear Exodus 3 (audio Bible)