Brethren,I speakin termsof humanrelations:even thoughit is [only] a man'scovenant,yetwhen it has been ratified,no onesets it asideoradds conditionsto it.
[The covenant] whichHe madewith Abraham,And His oathto Isaac.
At thistimePeterstoodup in the midstof the brethren(a gatheringof aboutone hundredand twentypersonswas there together),and said,
I do not wantyou to be unaware,brethren,that oftenI have plannedto cometo you (and have been preventedsofar)sothat I may obtainsomefruitamongyou also,evenas amongthe restof the Gentiles.
But ifour unrighteousnessdemonstratesthe righteousnessof God,whatshall we say?The Godwho inflictswrathis not unrighteous,is He? (I am speakingin humanterms.)
I am speakingin human termsbecauseof the weaknessof your flesh.For justas you presentedyour membersas slavesto impurityand to lawlessness,resultingin [further] lawlessness,sonowpresentyour membersas slavesto righteousness,resultingin sanctification.
Iffrom humanmotivesI fought with wild beastsat Ephesus,whatdoes it profitme? Ifthe deadare not raised,LET US EATAND DRINK,FOR TOMORROWWE DIE.
The graceof our LordJesusChristbe with your spirit,brethren.Amen.
For when Godmade the promiseto Abraham,sinceHe couldswearby no onegreater,He sworeby Himself,
For menswearby one greater[than themselves], and with them an oath[given] as confirmationis an endof everydispute.
For a covenantis valid[only] when men are dead,for it is neverin forcewhilethe one who madeit lives.
