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The First Apology
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Chapter 14: The Demons Distort Christian Teachings.
WE WARN YOU TO BE CAUTIOUS: so that the demons we have been accusing won't deceive you and stop you from reading and understanding our message. They try to keep you as their slaves and servants, using dreams and magical tricks to control those who do not actively work for their salvation. Since we were persuaded by the Word, we have distanced ourselves from them (the demons) and follow the only unbegotten God through His Son. We who once delighted in fornication now embrace only chastity; we who practiced magical arts now dedicate ourselves to the good and unbegotten God; we once prioritized wealth and possessions, but now we share what we have with those in need. We who hated and destroyed one another and refused to live with those of different tribes now, since the coming of Christ, live closely with them and pray for our enemies, trying to convince those who unjustly hate us to follow the good teachings of Christ. This way, they too can share in the joyful hope of a reward from God, the ruler of all. We want to avoid seeming like we're using clever arguments, so before explaining further, we'll share some teachings given by Christ Himself. As powerful rulers, it's your duty to investigate whether we have truly learned and taught these things. Christ spoke briefly and concisely, for He was no sophist; His words were the power of God.
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)