35 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud
These are short Bible verses kids can learn by heart. John 3:16 and 1 John 4:19 teach that God loves them. Psalm 56:3 helps when they feel afraid, and Ephesians 4:32 teaches them to be kind. Learn one verse a week, say it aloud together, and press play to hear it read.
Very short verses for little ones to learn first.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 118:24
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Genesis 1:1
How it is used today: Used to teach that one personal God created everything out of nothing, and so to answer atheism and evolution.
First spoken: This is the first sentence of Moses' account of creation (Genesis 1-2). Verse 2 then describes the earth as formless and empty, and the six days follow.
The early Christians: Tertullian (Against Hermogenes) says Genesis 1:1 shows God made heaven and earth, against those who said God worked from eternal matter, and that He made them in His Wisdom. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Theophilus also teach one Creator. Justin words it as God making things 'from unformed matter', so the early writers do not all say it the same way.
“However, since Wisdom was meant, it was exactly right to say, “in the beginning.” For it was in Wisdom that He first made all things, because by thinking about them and arranging His plans in it, He had in fact already done the work of creation.” Tertullian, Against Hermogenes
Where they agree: Protestants and the early church agree on the main point: one God made heaven and earth, and nothing else was God's equal. Tertullian adds that "in the beginning" means God made everything in His Wisdom, which Christians connect to Christ.
Rejoice evermore.
Rejoice at all times.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Thessalonians 5:16
How it is used today: Used to teach that Christians can rejoice at all times, even in suffering, because their joy rests on the Lord, not on their circumstances.
First spoken: Paul wrote to a young church that was suffering much affliction. The next verses read: "pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God" (5:17-18).
The early Christians: John Chrysostom, preaching on this verse, says it is said about sufferings: joy is born even in poverty and trouble, in the person who takes revenge on no one and does good to everyone. On the parallel in Philippians 4:4 he says the one who is in God rejoices always, even when afflicted. Hermas also says to put on cheerfulness and not grieve the Holy Spirit.
“This is said about the temptations that bring suffering. Listen, all of you who have fallen into poverty or into painful troubles. From these things, joy is born. For when we have a soul like this, so that we take revenge on no one but do good to everyone, then tell me, from where can the sting of grief enter us?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Thessalonians
“For example, the person who is in God rejoices always. Yes, though he is afflicted, yes, whatever he may suffer, such a person always rejoices.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians
Where they agree: Both say this joy rests on the Lord, not on circumstances, and lasts even in suffering. Chrysostom adds that it grows in a person who takes revenge on no one and does good to everyone.
Pray without ceasing.
Pray without ceasing.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How it is used today: Taught as a call to keep a constant attitude of prayer and dependence on God all day, not to say words nonstop, with short prayers and quiet conversation with God through ordinary life.
First spoken: One of three short commands (5:16-18) near the end of Paul's first letter: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything. Verse 19 goes on: do not quench the Spirit.
The early Christians: Chrysostom says prayer is never out of season, like breathing, and not praying is what is out of season. Cyprian tells Christians to keep praying even through the night. Tertullian says no times are fixed except to pray at every time and in every place, and Clement says prayer can be silent, a turning of the mind to God.
“For when it is always fitting to ask from One who desires to give, then it is always the right time to ask. Yes, just as breathing is never out of season, so prayer is never untimely. Rather, not praying is untimely.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew
“Since in the kingdom we shall have only day, with no coming of night, let us keep watch in the night as if it were daylight. Since we are to pray and give thanks to God forever, let us also not stop praying and giving thanks in this life.” Cyprian, Treatises
Where they agree: Both readings take it as constant prayer, not only at set times. Chrysostom says prayer should be as constant as breathing, and the early Christians also kept actual times of prayer, Cyprian even through the night.
Let all your things be done with charity.
Do everything in love.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 16:14
How it is used today: Used to teach that love should be the reason behind everything a Christian does, including correcting others, and that gifts and works are worth nothing without it.
First spoken: Paul ends the letter to the divided Corinthians with short orders: be alert, stand firm, act like men, be strong (16:13), and do all things in love (16:14).
The early Christians: Chrysostom says Paul aims this line at their quarrels and factions, calls love the bond of perfection, and says even rebuking, ruling and teaching must be done in love.
“"Let everything you do be done in love," as if they were divided by quarrels. And the first warning refers to the deceivers: "Watch, stand." The next refers to those who plot against us: "Act like men." The third refers to those who form factions and try to divide people: "Let everything you do be done in love." This love is the bond of perfection, and the root and fountain of all blessings.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians
“"Whether anyone rebukes," he says, "or rules or is ruled, or learns or teaches, let all be in love." For in fact, all the things that have been mentioned came from neglect of it. For if this had not been neglected, they would not have been puffed up. They would not have said, "I am of Paul," and, "I of Apollos." If this had existed, they would not have gone to law before heathens, or rather they would not have gone to law at all.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Corinthians
Where they agree: Both agree that love must be behind everything we do. Chrysostom adds the setting: Paul is correcting a church that was split by factions and lawsuits, so the verse is about unity as much as personal motive.
Jesus wept.
Jesus wept.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 11:35
How it is used today: Taught as proof that Jesus is fully human and shares our sorrow: He cares about our grief, weeping with those who mourn even though He knew He would raise Lazarus.
First spoken: Jesus has come to Bethany four days after Lazarus died. He sees Mary and the mourners weeping, is deeply moved (11:33), and weeps (11:35). Soon after He calls Lazarus out of the tomb (11:43-44).
The early Christians: Hippolytus says Jesus wept to give us an example of sympathy and kindness toward others. Irenaeus uses the tears against those who denied Christ's real body: weeping over Lazarus is a sign of the flesh He took from the earth.
“nor would He have wept over Lazarus, or sweated great drops of blood; nor have said, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful;” nor, when His side was pierced, would blood and water have come out. For all these are signs of the flesh that was taken from the earth, which He had summed up in Himself” Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3
Where they agree: Both readings take the tears as showing Jesus was truly human and truly compassionate. Irenaeus adds that this answered teachers who said He only seemed to have a body; Hippolytus says He wept as an example of sympathy.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 23:1
We love him, because he first loved us.
We love because He first loved us.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 John 4:19
How it is used today: Used to teach that God's love always comes first and our love for Him is only a thankful answer to it, so a believer's love for God and for other Christians shows that he really belongs to Him.
First spoken: John writes to Christians that God is love (1 John 4:7-21). The very next verse says whoever claims to love God but hates his brother is a liar (4:20), and 4:21 says he who loves God must love his brother also.
The early Christians: Mathetes (Epistle to Diognetus) asks how you will love Him who first loved you, and says the answer is to imitate His kindness by carrying your neighbor's burdens. Chrysostom says Christ's love for ungrateful people should move us, yet we fail to feed and visit Him in the poor.
“Or, how will you love Him who has first so loved you? And if you love Him, you will be an imitator of His kindness.” Mathetes, Epistle to Diognetus
“Yet after such a display of love toward us, we hold back, and are not earnest in our love for Christ. He has sacrificed Himself for us. For Him we make no sacrifice. We neglect Him when He wants necessary food. Sick and naked, we do not visit Him.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Timothy
Where they agree: Both readings say God loved first and our love is the answer. The early Christians add that this answering love must show itself in deeds, such as sharing with the needy, and Chrysostom warns that failing to do so deserves wrath.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 3:16
How it is used today: Used as the whole gospel in one verse: anyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life as a free gift, by faith and not by works, and many teach that this life, once received, can never be lost.
First spoken: Jesus said this to Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher who came to Him at night (John 3:1-21). A few lines earlier Jesus told him, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5), and in verse 21 He speaks of the one who "does the truth."
The early Christians: Chrysostom reads the verse as God's great love in giving His only Son for ungrateful sinners, which Protestants also teach. But he says believing is not enough without a right life, and Justin Martyr shows that those who believed also promised to live by Christ's teaching and were then baptized, the new birth of John 3:5, as Tertullian and Chrysostom also taught.
“Even if a person believes rightly about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, if he does not live rightly, his faith will be of no help toward his salvation. Therefore, when He says, "This is life eternal, that they may know You the only true God" in John 17:3, let us not think that the knowledge spoken of is enough for our salvation. Besides this, we also need a very careful life and conduct.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John
“All who are convinced and believe that what we teach and say is true, and commit to living accordingly, are instructed to pray and ask God for the remission of their past sins with fasting, while we pray and fast with them. Then, they are brought by us to water and are regenerated in the same way we were.” Justin Martyr, First Apology
The difference: Both readings see God's huge love in giving His Son. But today "believes" is often taken to mean trusting Christ apart from works or baptism; the early Christians read it as a faith that is baptized ("born of water and the Spirit," John 3:5) and goes on living rightly, and Chrysostom says faith alone is not enough.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 136:1
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 19:14
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 5:8
How it is used today: Used to show that God loved us before we did anything good: while we were still sinners, Christ died in our place to pay for our sins.
First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Verse 5 says God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, and verses 9-10 go on: having been reconciled by His death, "we shall be saved by His life."
The early Christians: Chrysostom and the Epistle to Diognetus read this verse just as evangelicals do: Christ died for us while we were sinners and enemies, the holy One for the wicked, which shows God's great love. Diognetus goes on to say that whoever knows this love should love Him back and imitate His kindness, and Chrysostom says that forgiveness is given freely in baptism.
“If no one would quickly choose to die even for a righteous person, then think about your Master's love. He was crucified not for righteous people, but for sinners and enemies.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans
“He Himself took on the burden of our iniquities, giving His own Son as a ransom for us—the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for those who are mortal.” Mathetes, Epistle to Diognetus
Where they agree: Both readings agree: God showed His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners and enemies, before we had done anything good. The Epistle to Diognetus even calls it a "sweet exchange," the holy One given as a ransom for the wicked.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 56:3
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 1:9
How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me wherever I go, so I can face any challenge with courage, and many read it as a promise that He will give me success.
First spoken: God spoke this to Joshua after Moses died, as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 1:1-2). The verses just before tie the courage to obedience: "be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" (1:7-8).
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Joshua, for the job of leading Israel into the land, and it was tied to keeping all of God's law (verses 7-8). It shows God stands by those He sends, but it is not a promise that every reader will succeed at whatever they take on.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:10
How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me, so I need not be afraid: He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up through whatever I face.
First spoken: God spoke this to Israel: "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). The nations around were afraid and making idols (41:5-7), and God promised that Israel's enemies "shall be as nothing" (41:11-12) as He brought His people back from exile.
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Israel, God's chosen servant, as He brought them home from exile. It shows that God keeps His word and stands by His people, but it was not spoken as a promise that every reader will be kept from fear, harm or hardship.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 4:8
How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that God gives me peaceful sleep and safety, even when life is chaotic.
First spoken: David's evening prayer while enemies pressed him; he ends trusting that the LORD alone keeps him safe.
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first David's own prayer of trust in a time of danger.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 46:1
How it is used today: Used as a promise that God is a safe place and a close helper whenever trouble comes, giving strength to endure.
First spoken: A song of the sons of Korah, probably after a deliverance of Jerusalem. It speaks of earthquakes and nations in uproar, and says "God is in the midst of her" (46:5).
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: It was first a song of trust for God's people, Jerusalem, in times of war. The early writers we have say nothing direct on it, so we give context only.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 5:7
How it is used today: Used to teach that we should hand every worry to God, because He cares for us, though He does not promise to remove the trouble.
First spoken: Peter wrote to Christians facing suffering and attack (1 Peter 5:5-9). Verse 6 says to humble yourselves under God's hand, and verse 8 says to be sober and watchful because the devil prowls.
The early Christians: Hermas (c. AD 140) tells believers to cast their cares on the Lord, but in the same breath tells them to repent and serve Him blamelessly. Chrysostom says we should cast everything on God and also do our part in the labor.
“For it is right for us indeed to cast everything on Him, yet also to work ourselves, taking part in the labors and the struggles.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Thessalonians
“If, then, you prepare yourselves and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart is pure and spotless, and you spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and He will direct them.” Hermas, The Shepherd
Where they agree: Both say God cares and we can give Him our worries. The early Christians add that casting cares on God does not mean sitting still: we also repent, obey and work.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 4:32
How it is used today: Used to teach that we forgive others because God has already forgiven us in Christ, as a thankful response, not as a condition.
First spoken: Paul tells the church to put away bitterness, anger and slander (4:31). Chapter 5:1-2 goes on: be imitators of God and walk in love as Christ loved us.
The early Christians: Chrysostom, Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian quote it. Chrysostom says we are made children because we were forgiven, so we forgive on the same ground, and he urges 'Forgive, so that you may be forgiven.' Elsewhere he says that by forgiving others our own accounts may be found merciful.
“So be a lover of love. For by this you are saved; by this you have been made a son.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians
“Therefore, rising above all these things, let us forgive those who owe us an account, both their debts and their offenses. Then our own accounts may be found merciful” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew
The difference: Today the verse is usually taken as thankfulness for forgiveness already received. Chrysostom also taught that our forgiving others is part of how we are forgiven, so refusing to forgive puts our own account at risk.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 6:31
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 22:39
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 17:17
How it is used today: Used as a promise that a true friend loves at every time, even in hard days, and many point to Jesus as the best friend who does this.
First spoken: A saying of Solomon about loyalty: a real friend stays loyal in bad times, and a brother (a relative) shows his worth when trouble comes. It is wisdom for everyday life, not a doctrine.
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: No early writer in our library comments on this verse. It was first wisdom from Solomon to anyone, about friends staying loyal in trouble.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 15:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 6:1
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Exodus 20:12
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 3:20
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 20:11
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Timothy 4:12
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 14:15
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 119:105
How it is used today: Used to teach that the Bible is the light that guides a believer's everyday choices and keeps him from stumbling.
First spoken: A psalm in praise of the Lord's law, written to Israel. The writer says he keeps the commands because God's word shows him the way.
The early Christians: Origen quotes it with 'The Lord is my light' as proof that the Word of God lights up the soul with the knowledge of God, and says the prophets knew more than they wrote. Tertullian likens God's word to the lamp that finds the lost coin.
“And so that very ancient prophet, who prophesied many generations before the reign of Cyrus—for he was older than Cyrus by more than fourteen generations—spoke these words: "The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?" and, "Your law is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path;" and again, "The light of Your countenance, O Lord, was manifested toward us;" and, "In Your light we shall see light."” Origen, Against Celsus
“But the simple language of the holy Scriptures has led honest readers to be filled with a divine spirit, and this light is nourished within them by the oil which, in a certain parable, is said to have preserved the light of the torches of the five wise virgins.” Origen, Against Celsus
The difference: Today it is mostly used to say the Bible gives guidance for daily decisions. Origen quoted it for something deeper: the light of knowing God that the Word kindles in the soul through the Scriptures, a light that must be kept fed, like the oil in the lamps of the five wise virgins.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 119:11
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 3:5-6
How it is used today: Used as a promise of personal guidance: if I trust God instead of my own judgment and bring Him into every decision, He will guide my choices and make the path of my life straight and clear.
First spoken: Solomon is teaching his son (Proverbs 3:1, "My son, do not forget my law"). The next verse says "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (3:7), and verses 11-12 say "do not despise the chastening of the LORD... for whom the LORD loves He corrects." In the Greek Old Testament the early church read, verse 6 says to acknowledge "her," that is, wisdom.
The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria quotes verse 5 as relying on God with all your heart and mind, and reads verse 6 together with verses 7 and 11-12: not being wise in your own eyes means fearing God, departing from evil, and accepting His painful discipline. He is the only Father in our library who comments on these verses.
“But fear God, who alone is powerful. From where it follows, as a consequence, that we are not to oppose God. The words that follow teach especially clearly that the fear of God is departure from evil. For it is said, "and depart from all evil." Such is the discipline of wisdom, for "whom the Lord loves He chastens," causing pain in order to produce understanding, and restoring to peace and immortality.” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)
The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that God will guide my personal decisions and smooth my road. The early Christians read it with the verses after it: trusting God means fearing Him, turning away from evil, and accepting His correction, even when it hurts, rather than following our own reason.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 1:5
How it is used today: Used as a promise that God will give wisdom and guidance for decisions to anyone who asks Him in faith.
First spoken: James writes to Jewish Christians scattered abroad who are enduring trials (James 1:1-4). Verses 6-8 add that the one who asks must ask in faith, without doubting, or he is double-minded.
The early Christians: Hermas (about AD 140) tells a sinner to ask the Lord without doubting, with a cleansed heart, and not to give up if the answer is slow; a delay may be caused by an unknown sin or temptation. Chrysostom says to bring faith and draw near boldly while there is still time.
“Therefore cleanse your heart from all the empty things of this world, and from the words already mentioned, and ask the Lord, and you will receive everything. None of your requests will be refused, if you ask the Lord without doubting.” Hermas, The Shepherd
“For it is always because of some temptation or some sin, unknown to you, that you are slower to receive your request. Therefore do not stop asking for what your soul desires, and you will receive it. But if you grow tired and begin to waver in your request, blame yourself and not Him who does not give to you.” Hermas, The Shepherd
Where they agree: Both say God gives freely to those who ask in faith. Hermas adds that doubt and unconfessed sin can slow the answer, and that we must keep asking and keep our hearts clean.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:13
How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that with Christ's help I can achieve any goal I set: win the game, pass the test, reach my dream.
First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison (1:13) to thank the church at Philippi for a gift. The "all things" are verses 11-12: being content whether hungry or full, poor or rich.
The early Christians: Chrysostom reads "all things" as learning to live with little or with plenty, to be hungry and to be full, and says the strength is Christ's, not Paul's. Origen and Ignatius use the verse for enduring persecution and martyrdom with Christ's strength.
“That is, I know how to live with little, and how to endure hunger and need. I know both how to abound and how to suffer need.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians
“Even if He should wish us again to contend and struggle for our religion, let the enemy come against us, and we will say to them, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord, who strengthens me."” Origen, Against Celsus
The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that Christ will help me reach any goal. The early Christians read it as Paul meant it in prison: strength to be content in hunger or plenty and to endure suffering, and Origen used it for standing firm when persecutors come.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 5:16
Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1 KJV · 10 words
Listen“Rejoice evermore.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 KJV · 2 words
Listen“Pray without ceasing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV · 3 words
Listen“Let all your things be done with charity.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV · 8 words
Listen“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35 KJV · 2 words
Listen“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalms 23:1 KJV · 9 words
Listen“We love him, because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19 KJV · 8 words
Listen“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15 KJV · 7 words
ListenExact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.
“Let your children be partakers of true Christian training”
The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.
paidion Greek · Strong’s G3813
little child
Hear it & see its versesteknon Greek · Strong’s G5043
child
Hear it & see its versesStart short. Psalm 56:3 (what to do when afraid), 1 John 4:19 (we love Him because He first loved us) and Psalm 118:24 are easy first verses. John 3:16 is the best-known verse to learn next.
Listen: Psalms 56:3 · 1 John 4:19
In the King James Bible the shortest verse is John 11:35, just two words, when Jesus wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus. It is a favorite first memory verse.
Listen: John 11:35
Pick one short verse a week. Say it aloud together at meals or bedtime, listen to it read, and talk about what the words mean. God told parents to speak His words at home, on the road, at bedtime and in the morning.
Listen: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 · Psalms 119:11
Proverbs 3:5-6 (trust the Lord with all your heart), James 1:5 (ask God for wisdom) and Joshua 1:9 (be strong and of good courage) are good verses for the first day of school.
Listen: Proverbs 3:5-6 · James 1:5 · Joshua 1:9
When the disciples tried to send children away, Jesus said to let the little children come to Him, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. He took them in His arms and blessed them.
Listen: Matthew 19:14
Every verse, read aloud
How the early church read itNo early comment
How it is used today: Used as a morning verse: every new day is a gift from God, so choose to be happy and thankful today whatever it brings.
First spoken: A thanksgiving psalm sung by Israel after God delivered them. Verse 22 ("the stone the builders rejected") is applied to Christ in the New Testament, and verse 24 follows it: the "day" is the day of the Lord's saving act.
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: The verse was first said about a day God saved His people, not about each ordinary day. No early writer in our library comments on it.