Hebrews 11
1 ବିଶ୍ବାସର ଅର୍ଥ ହେଉଛି ଆମ୍ଭେ ଭରସା କରୁଥିବା ବିଷୟ ପ୍ରତି ସୁନିଶ୍ଚିତତା। ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଏଭଳି ସୁନିଶ୍ଚିତ ବୋଧ ଯେ, ଆମ୍ଭେ ଯାହା ନ ଦେଖୁ, ତାହା ବାସ୍ତବ ବୋଲି ଜାଣୁ।
2 ପ୍ରାଚୀନ କାଳ ରେ, ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କର ଏହି ଭଳି ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିଲା ବୋଲି, ପରମେଶ୍ବର ସମାନଙ୍କେ ଉପରେ ପ୍ରସନ୍ନ ଥିଲେ।
3 ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା ଆମ୍ଭେ ବୁଝିଛୁ ଯେ ସମଗ୍ର ସୃଷ୍ଟିର ରଚନା ପରମେଶ୍ବର ନିଜ ଆଜ୍ଞା ବଳ ରେ କରିଥିଲେ। ଏହାର ଅର୍ଥ ଯେ, ଆମ୍ଭକୁ ଦିଶୁଥିବା ବିଷୟଗୁଡ଼ିକର ସୃଷ୍ଟି ଅଦୃଶ୍ଯ ବିଷୟ ଦ୍ବାରା ହାଇେଛି।
4 କଯିନ ଓ ହବେଲ ଦୁ ହେଁ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କୁ ବଳି ଉତ୍ସର୍ଗ କଲେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିବା ହତେୁ ହବେଲ ଭଲ ବଳି ଉତ୍ସର୍ଗ କଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବର କହିଲେ, ଯେ, ସେ ହବେଲ ଉତ୍ସର୍ଗ କରିଥିବା ବଳି ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରସନ୍ନ ଥିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କଠା ରେ ହବେଲର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ହତେୁ ତାହାକୁ ଭଲ ଲୋକ ବୋଲି କହିଲେ। ହବେଲ ମରି ଯାଇଛି କିନ୍ତୁ ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ହତେୁ ଏବେ ସୁଦ୍ଧା ସେ କଥା କହୁଛି।
5 ବିଶ୍ବାସ ହତେୁ ହନୋକଙ୍କୁ ଏହି ପୃଥିବୀରୁ ଉଠାଇ ନିଆ ହେଲା। ସେ କବେବେି ମୃତ୍ଯୁ ଅନୁଭବ କଲେ ନାହିଁ। ଶାସ୍ତ୍ର କୁ ହେ ଯେ, ହନୋକଙ୍କୁ ଉଠାଇ ନଇେ ୟିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ସେ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କୁ ସନ୍ତୁଷ୍ଟ କରିଥିଲେ। ପରେ ଲୋକେ ତାହାଙ୍କୁ ଖାଜେି ପାରିଲେ ନାହିଁ, କାରଣ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ହନୋକଙ୍କୁ ନିଜ ସହିତ ରହିବା ଲାଗି ନଇଗେଲେ।
6 ବିଶ୍ବାସ ବିନା ଜଣେ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରସନ୍ନ କରି ପାରିବ ନାହିଁ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଆସୁଥିବା ପ୍ରେତ୍ୟକକ ଲୋକ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଅଛନ୍ତି ବୋଲି ବିଶ୍ବାସ କରିବା ଉଚିତ୍। ୟିଏ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଆସିବ ସେ ବିଶ୍ବାସ କରିବା ଦରକାର ଯେ ୟିଏ ପ୍ରକୃତ ରେ ତାହାଙ୍କୁ ଖୋଜେ, ପରମେଶ୍ବର ତାହାକୁ ପୁରସ୍କାର ପ୍ରଦାନ କରନ୍ତି।
7 କେତକେ ଦେଖି ନ ପାରୁ ଥିବା ବିଷୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପ୍ରତି ପରମେଶ୍ବର ନୋହଙ୍କୁ ସତର୍କ କରି ଦଇେଥିଲେ। ନୋହଙ୍କର ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଓ ଭକ୍ତିଭାବ ଥିଲା। ଅତଏବ ନୋହ ନିଜ ପରିବାରକୁ ରକ୍ଷା କରିବାକୁ ଯାଇ ବଡ଼ ଜାହାଜଟିଏ ତିଆରି କଲେ। ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ବଳ ରେ ନୋହ ଦଖାଇେଲେ ଯେ, ଜଗତ ଦୋଷୀ ଥିଲା। ଯେଉଁମାନଙ୍କୁ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ବଳ ରେ ଧାର୍ମିକ କରନ୍ତି, ସମାନଙ୍କେ ଭିତରୁ ନୋହ ଜଣେ ଥିଲେ।
8 ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କୁ ତାହାଙ୍କ ସ୍ଥାନ ଛାଡ଼ିବାକୁ, ଓ ଅନ୍ୟ ଗୋଟିଏ ସ୍ଥାନକୁ ୟିବା ପାଇଁ ଡାକିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବର ତାହାଙ୍କୁ ସହେି ଦେଶ ଦବୋ ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା କରିଥିଲେ। ସେ କେଉଁଠାକୁ ଯାଉଅଛନ୍ତି, ତାହା ଅବ୍ରହାମ ଜାଣି ନ ଥିଲେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା ମାନିଲେ, ଓ ସହେି ସ୍ଥାନ ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରସ୍ଥାନ କଲେ।
9 ପରମେଶ୍ବର ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା ଅନୁସାରେ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ସହେି ସ୍ଥାନ ରେ ରହିଲେ। ସେ ଜଣେ ଯାତ୍ରୀ ଭଳି ରହିଲେ, ଜଣେ ବାସିନ୍ଦା ଭଳି ନୁହେଁ। ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିବା ହତେୁ ସେ ଏପରି କଲେ। ଇସ୍ହାକ ଓ ଯାକୁବଙ୍କ ସହିତ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ତମ୍ବୁ ରେ ରହିଲେ। ଇସ୍ହାକ ଓ ଯାକୁବ ମଧ୍ଯ
10 ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କଠାରୁ ସହେି ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା ପାଇଥିଲେ।। ଅବ୍ରହାମ ସୁଦୃଢ଼ ମୂଳଦୁଆ ଥିବା ନଗରୀ320 ର ଅପେକ୍ଷା ରେ ଥିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବର ସ୍ବଯଂ ସହେି ନଗରୀଟିର ଯୋଜନା ଓ ନିର୍ମାଣ କରିଥିଲେ।
11 ପିଲାପିଲି ହବୋ ପାଇଁ ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କର ବୟସ ଅଧିକ ହାଇେ ଯାଇଥିଲା। ଆହୁରି ମଧ୍ଯ ସାରାର ପିଲାପିଲି ହାଇେ ପାରି ନ ଥିଲା। କିନ୍ତୁ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କଠା ରେ ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିଲା, ଅତଏବ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ସମାନଙ୍କେୁ ସନ୍ତାନ ହବୋ ପାଇଁ ସକ୍ଷମ କଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା ପୂରଣ କରିବା ବିଷୟ ରେ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ତାହାଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ରଖିଥିଲେ।
12 ଏହି ଲୋକ ଜଣକ ଏତେ ବୃଦ୍ଧ ଥିଲେ ଯେ ସେ ମୃତବତ ଥିଲେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ସହେି ଜଣେ ଲୋକଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଆକାଶର ତାରାଗଣ ଓ ସମୁଦ୍ର କୂଳର ବାଲି ଭଳି ଅସଂଖ୍ଯ ସନ୍ତାନ ଜନ୍ମଗ୍ରହଣ କଲେ।
13 ସହେି ସମସ୍ତ ମହାନ ଲୋକ ମୃତ୍ଯୁ ପର୍ୟ୍ଯନ୍ତ ନିଜର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ସହିତ ଜୀବିତ ରହିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବର ନିଜ ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା କରିଥିବା ବସ୍ତୁମାନ ସହେି ଲୋକମାନେ ପାଇଲେ ନାହିଁ। ସମାନେେ ଖାଲି ଦେଖିଲେ ଯେ, ସହେି ବିଷୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସୁଦୂର ଭବିଷ୍ଯତ ରେ ଆସିବ, ଓ ସମାନେେ ( ସତେିକି ରେ) ଖୁସି ହେଲେ। ସମାନେେ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରି ନେଲେ ଯେ ସମାନେେ ଏହି ପୃଥିବୀ ରେ ଯାତ୍ରୀ ଓ ଅପରିଚିତ ବ୍ଯକ୍ତି ଅଟନ୍ତି।
14 ଯେଉଁ ଲୋକମାନେ ସହେିଭଳି କଥା ମାନି ନିଅନ୍ତି, ସମାନେେ ସମାନଙ୍କେର ନିଜର ଗୋଟିଏ ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଅପେକ୍ଷାରତ ଅଛନ୍ତି ବୋଲି ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶିତ କରନ୍ତି।
15 ଯଦି ସମାନେେ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଛାଡ଼ି ଥିବା ଦେଶ ବିଷୟ ରେ ଭାବୁ ଥିଲେ, ସମାନେେ ସହେି ସ୍ଥାନକୁ ଫରେିବାକୁ ଗୋଟିଏ ସୁଯୋଗ ଖାଜେି ପାଇ ପାରିଥାଆନ୍ତେ।
16 କିନ୍ତୁ ବାସ୍ତବିକ ସମାନେେ ଗୋଟିଏ ଅପେକ୍ଷାକୃତ ଭଲ ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଅପେକ୍ଷା କରୁେଥିଳେ, ଯାହାକି ଗୋଟିଏ ସ୍ବର୍ଗୀୟ ଦେଶ। ତେଣୁ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ସଙ୍କତେ କଲେ ନାହିଁ, ସମାନଙ୍କେର ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଭାବରେ ପରିଚିତ ହବୋ ପାଇଁ। ସହେି ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କ ଲାଗି ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଗୋଟିଏ ନଗର ତିଆରି କରି ରଖିଅଛନ୍ତି।
17 ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କୁ ପରୀକ୍ଷା କରିଥିଲେ। ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କୁ ପରମେଶ୍ବର କହିଥିଲେ ଯେ, ଇସ୍ହାକଙ୍କୁ ବଳିରୂପେ ସମର୍ପିତ କରିବ। ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିବାରୁ ସେ ତାହା ମାନିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା ପାଇଥିଲେ।
18 ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କୁ କହି ସାରିଥିଲେ ଯେ, ଇସହାକଙ୍କ ଦ୍ବାରା ତୁମ୍ଭର ବଂଶଧରମାନେ ଆସିବେ। କିନ୍ତୁ ନିଜର ଏକମାତ୍ର ପୁତ୍ର ଇସ୍ହାକଙ୍କୁ ସେ ସମର୍ପିତ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ ଥିଲେ। ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିବାରୁ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ଏପରି କଲେ।
19 ଅବ୍ରହାମ ବିଶ୍ବାସ କରିଥିଲେ ଯେ, ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କୁ ମୃତ୍ଯୁରୁ ଉଠାଇ ଆଣି ପାରିବେ। ପ୍ରକୃତ ରେ ଯେତବେେଳେ ସେ ଇସ୍ହାକଙ୍କୁ ମାରିବା ପାଇଁ ଗଲା ବେଳେ ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଅବ୍ରହାମଙ୍କୁ ଅଟକାଇ ଦେଲେ। ସେତବେେଳେ ଅବ୍ରହାମ ଯେପରି ଇସ୍ହାକଙ୍କୁ ମୃତ୍ଯୁରୁ ଫରେି ପାଇଲେ।
20 ବିଶ୍ବାସ କାରଣରୁ ଇସ୍ହାକ, ଯାକୁବ ଓ ଏସୌଙ୍କୁ ସମାନଙ୍କେ ଭବିଷ୍ଯତ ବିଷୟ ରେ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ ଦେଲେ।
21 ବିଶ୍ବାସ କାରଣରୁ ହିଁ, ମଲାବେଳେ ଯାକୁବ, ଯୋଷଫଙ୍କେ ପ୍ରେତ୍ୟକକ ପୁତ୍ରକୁ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ କଲେ। ସେ ନିଜର ବାଡ଼ି ଉପରେ ନଇଁ ପଡ଼ି ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କୁ ଉପାସନା କଲେ।
22 ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା ହଁ, ନିଜର ଶଷେ ସମୟ ନିକଟ ହବୋ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଯୋଷଫେ ଇଶ୍ରାୟେଲ ନିବାସୀମାନଙ୍କର ମିଶର ଦେଶରୁ ନିର୍ଗମନ ବିଷୟ ରେ, ତାହାଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ଯୁ ପରେ ତାହାଙ୍କୁ କିପରି କବର ଦବେେ, ସେ ବିଷୟ ରେ କହିଥିଲେ।
23 ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା ମୁଁ, ମାଶାଙ୍କେର ମା ଓ ବାପା ମାଶାଙ୍କେୁ ଜନ୍ମ ଦଲୋ ପରେ ତନିମାସ ଧରି ଲୁଚାଇ ରଖିଲେ। କାରଣ ସମାନେେ ଦେଖିଲେ ଯେ ମାଶାେ ସୁନ୍ଦର ଶିଶୁଟିଏ। ସମାନେେ ରାଜାଜ୍ଞାକୁ ଅବଜ୍ଞା କରିବାକୁ ଭୟ କରି ନ ଥିଲେ।
24 ମାଶାେ ବଡ଼ ହାଇେ ମଣିଷ ହେଲେ। ସେ ଫାରୋଙ୍କ ଝିଅର ପୁତ୍ର ହବୋ ପାଇଁ ମନା କଲେ।
25 ସେ ପାପର କ୍ଷଣକ ସୁଖଭୋଗ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ଚାହିଁଲେ ନାହିଁ। ତା' ପରିବର୍ତେ ସେ ଈଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କ ସହ୍ଯ ହେଉଥିବା ଦୁର୍ବ୍ଯବହାର ସହିବା ପସନ୍ଦ କଲେ। ନିଜର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ହତେୁ ସେ ଏପରି କଲେ।
26 ମିଶର ଦେଶର ସମସ୍ତ ଧନଭଣ୍ଡାର ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ କରିବା ବଦଳ ରେ ଖ୍ରୀଷ୍ଟଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ କଷ୍ଟ ସହନ କରିବା, ମାଶାେ ଅପେକ୍ଷାକୃତ ଭଲ ମନେ କଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ଦ୍ବାରା ଭବିଷ୍ଯତ ରେ ମିଳିବାକୁ ଥିବା ପ୍ରତିଦାନ ପାଇଁ ସେ ପ୍ରତୀକ୍ଷା କଲେ।
27 ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ କାରଣରୁ ମାଶାେ ମିଶର ଦେଶ ଛାଡ଼ିଲେ। ସେ ରାଜାଙ୍କର କୋରଧ ପ୍ରତି ଭୟଭୀତ ନ ଥିଲେ। ସେ ଅନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ଅଦୃଶ୍ଯ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କୁ ଦେଖି ପାରିଲା ଭଳି ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ରେ ଦୃଢ଼ ଥିଲେ।
28 ମାଶାେ ନିସ୍ତାର ଭୋଜି321 (ପର୍ବ) କରି ଦ୍ବାର ମାନଙ୍କ ରେ ରକ୍ତ ସିଞ୍ଚନ କଲେ। ଯିହୂଦୀମାନଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଥମଜାତ ସନ୍ତାନମାନଙ୍କୁ ମୃତ୍ଯୁର ଦୂତ ଯେପରି ମରି ପାରିବେ ନାହିଁ, ସେଥିପାଇଁ ମାଶାେ ଏପରି କଲେ। ମାଶାଙ୍କେର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିବାରୁ ସେ ଏପରି କଲେ।
29 ବିଶ୍ବାସଥିବା ହତେୁ ହିଁ ମାଶାଙ୍କେ ନତେୃତ୍ବ ରେ ସମସ୍ତେ ସୁଫସାଗର ମଧ୍ଯ ଦଇେ ଶୁଖିଲା ଭୂଇଁ ଥିଲା ଭଳି ଚାଲିଚାଲି ପାର ହାଇଗେଲେ। ଯେତବେେଳେ ମିଶରଦେଶର ଲୋକେ ସୁଫସାଗର ଦଇେ ୟିବାପାଇଁ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କଲେ ସମାନେେ ବୁଡ଼ି ଗଲେ।
30 ଈଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ହତେୁ ଯିରୀହାେ ନଗରର ପାଚରେୀଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସମାନେେ ସାତଦିନ ପରିକ୍ରମା କଲାପରେ, ଭାଙ୍ଗି ପଡ଼ିଗଲା।
31 ନିଜର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା, ରାହବ ନାମ୍ନୀ ବେଶ୍ଯା, ଇଶ୍ରାୟେଲର ଗୁପ୍ତଚରମାନଙ୍କୁ ମିତ୍ର ଭଳି ସ୍ବାଗତ କଲା, ଓ ସମାନଙ୍କେୁ ସାହାୟ୍ଯ କଲା, ଓ ଅନ୍ୟ ଯେଉଁ ଲୋକମାନେ ମାନିବାକୁ ମନା କରିଥିଲେ, ସମାନଙ୍କେ ସହିତ ମୃତ ହେଲା ନାହିଁ।
32 ମୁଁ ଅଧିକ ଆଉ କ'ଣ କହିବି, ଓ କି ଉଦାହରଣମାନ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ କରିବି ? ଗିଦିଯୋନ, ବାରାକ, ଶାମ୍ଶୋନ, ୟିପ୍ତାହ ଦାଉଦ, ଶାମୁଯଲେ, ଓ ଭବିଷ୍ଯଦ୍ ବକ୍ତାମାନଙ୍କ ବିଷୟ ରେ କହିବା ପାଇଁ ମାେ ପାଖ ରେ ଅଧିକ ସମୟ ନାହିଁ,
33 ସେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କର ବହୁତ ଅଧିକ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଥିଲା। ସହେି ବିଶ୍ବାସ ବଳ ରେ ସମାନେେ ସାମ୍ରାଜ୍ଯଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପରାସ୍ତ କରିଥିଲେ। ସମାନେ ସମସ୍ତେ ଧାର୍ମିକ କାର୍ୟ୍ଯ କଲେ, ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞାର ବିଷୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପାଇଲେ। ସମାନେେ ନିଜ ବିଶ୍ବାସ ଦ୍ବାରା ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କର ମୁହଁ ବନ୍ଦ କଲେ।
34 ସହେି ବିଶ୍ବାସ ବଳ ରେ କେତେ ଜଣ ଅଗ୍ନିର ଶକ୍ତି ବନ୍ଦ କଲେ, ଓ କେତେ ଲୋକ ଖଡ୍ଗ ଦ୍ବାରା ମରିବାରୁ ରକ୍ଷା ପାଇଲେ। ବିଶ୍ବାସ କାରଣରୁ ଦୁର୍ବଳ ଲୋକ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ହେଲେ। ସମାନେେ ୟୁଦ୍ଧ ରେ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ହାଇେ ଶତୃ ସନୋଙ୍କୁ ପରାସ୍ତ କଲେ।
35 ମୃତ୍ଯୁରୁ ଲୋକମାନେ ପୁନଃଜୀବିତ ହାଇେ ପରିବାର ରେ ନିଜ ନାରୀମାନଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଗଲେ। ଅନ୍ୟ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କୁ ଯାତନା ଦିଆ ହେଲା, ସମାନେେ ସ୍ବାଧୀନ ହବୋକୁ ଚାହିଁଲେ ନାହିଁ କାରଣ ସମାନେେ ମୃତ୍ଯୁରୁ ପୁନଃଜୀବନ ଲାଭ କରି ଗୋଟିଏ ଅଧିକ ଭଲ ଜୀବନ ପାଇ ପାରିବେ ବୋଲି ଭାବି ଏହି ସବୁ କାର୍ୟ୍ଯ କରିଥିଲେ।
36 କେତେ ଲୋକ ହାସ୍ଯର ପାତ୍ର ହେଲେ ଓ କୋରଡ଼ା ଆଘାତ ପାଇଲେ। ଅନ୍ୟମାନେ ବନ୍ଧା ହେଲେ, ଓ ବନ୍ଦୀଘ ରେ ରଖା ଗଲେ।
37 ସମାନଙ୍କେୁ ପଥର ମାରି ଦିଆ ହେଲା, ଓ କରତ ରେ ଦୁଇଫାଳ କରି ଚିରି ଦିଆ ହେଲା। କେତକଙ୍କେୁ ଖଡ୍ଗଦ୍ବାରା ମାରି ଦିଆ ହେଲା। ସମାନଙ୍କେ ଭିତରୁ କେତେ ଜଣ ମଷେ ଓ ଛଳେିର ଚମଡ଼ା ପିନ୍ଧିଲେ। ସମାନେେ ଗରିବ ଥିଲେ, ନିର୍ୟ୍ଯାତିତ ହେଲେ, ଓ ଅନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ଦ୍ବାରା ମନ୍ଦ ବ୍ଯବହାର ପାଇଲେ।
38 ଏହି ମହାନ୍ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କ ଲାଗି ପୃଥିବୀ ଉପୟୁକ୍ତ ନ ଥିଲା। ସମାନେେ ମରୁଭୂମିରେ ଓ ପାହାଡ଼ ରେ ବୁଲିଲେ ଓ ଗୁମ୍ଫା ଏବଂ ଭୂମିରେ ଥିବା ଗାତମାନଙ୍କ ରେ ନିଜକୁ ଲୁଚାଇ ରଖିଲେ।
39 ଏହି ସମସ୍ତ ଲୋକମାନେ ନିଜର ବିଶ୍ବାସ ପାଇଁ ଜଣା ଶୁଣା। କିନ୍ତୁ ଏମାନଙ୍କ ଭିତରୁ କହେି ହେଲ ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ମହାନ୍ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା ପାଇପାରି ନ ଥିଲେ।
40 ପରମେଶ୍ବର ଆମ୍ଭକୁ କିଛି ଅପେକ୍ଷାକୃତ ଭଲ ଦବୋ ପାଇଁ ଯୋଜନା କରିଥିଲେ। ପରମେଶ୍ବରଙ୍କ ଯୋଜନା ଥିଲା ଯେ, ସମାନେେ କବଳେ ଆମ୍ଭ ସହିତ ପରିପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ହବେେ।
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.
2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.