Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
Saul ravaged the congregation. He entered every house and dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
I would have you know, brothers that the things that happened to me turned out for the greater progress of the good news.
I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal. But the word of God is not imprisoned.
At first no one defended me. They all abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the people of the nations might hear. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (Satan the Devil) (great danger) (1 Peter 5:8) (Psalm 22:21) (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
Antioch » A city » A city of syria » Disciples first called Christians in
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord. read more.
News of these things came to the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart. For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation for a whole year. They taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch at that time. One of them was named Agabus. He indicated through the Spirit that a great famine was about to come on the entire earth. He said it would come to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea. They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
News of these things came to the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch. When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart. For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation for a whole year. They taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch at that time. One of them was named Agabus. He indicated through the Spirit that a great famine was about to come on the entire earth. He said it would come to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea. They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
Cyprus » Preaching the gospel at
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus.
Cyrene » Simon and lucius belonged to
Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus was passing by on the road. They compelled (forced) him to go with them, that he might carry his stake.
There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus.
Jerusalem » Disciples persecuted and dispersed from
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned him greatly. Saul ravaged the congregation. He entered every house and dragged off men and women and put them in prison. read more.
They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
Missionaries » Exemplified
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus.
They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
Persecution » Of the righteous » Diffuses the gospel
Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.
They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
I would have you know, brothers that the things that happened to me turned out for the greater progress of the good news. My imprisonment in Christ became known throughout the whole Praetorian Guard, and to all brothers. Most of the brothers trust in the Lord and boldly speak the word of God without fear because of my bonds.
Revivals » Instances of » At pentecost, and times after pentecost
Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue of the Jews at Iconium. There they spoke to a great crowd of Jews and Greeks who became believers.
The word of God increased. The number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. Even a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.
Many who heard the word believed. There were about five thousand men.
They continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart. As they praised God, they had favor with all the people. God added to the congregation daily those being saved.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind. It filled the house where they were sitting. Tongues of fire that sat on each of them appeared. read more.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak. Devout Jews from every nation under heaven were dwelling at Jerusalem. When they heard this sound a crowd came together in confusion, because men heard them speak in their own language. And they were all amazed and marveled. They said to each other: Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? How do we each hear them in our own language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our language the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and were in doubt. They asked each other: What does this mean? Others mockingly said: These men are full of new wine. But Peter, stood up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them: You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem let me explain this to you. Listen to my words. These men are not drunk as you suppose for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel spoke about: It will come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh. (Greek: apo, from) Your sons and your daughters will prophesy (proclaim God's Word). Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out (a portion from) (some of) my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy: (Joel 2:28) I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable (awesome) Day of Jehovah arrives. (Joel 2:31) It will come to pass, that whoever will call on the name of Jehovah will be saved. (Joel 2:32) You men of Israel hear these words. Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God came among you with miracles and wonders and signs. God did these by him in your midst, as you also know: You took this man and delivered him by the determined counsel (purpose) and foreknowledge of God. With wicked hands you impaled and murdered him. God resurrected him, loosing the pains of death. This is because it was not possible that he should be held fast by it. David spoke concerning him: 'I had Jehovah always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because you will not leave me in the grave, neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) You have made known to me the ways of life, and you will fill me with joy with your presence.' Men and brothers let me freely speak to you about the patriarch David that he is dead and buried. His grave is with us to this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne. He seeing this before spoke about the resurrection of Christ. That he would not be left in the grave and his flesh did not see corruption. God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this! He is exalted to the right hand of God. He has received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father. So he poured out what you now see and hear. For David has not ascended into heaven and yet he said: 'Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' (Psalm 110:1) Therefore let all the house of Israel know for sure that God has made that same Jesus, whom you impaled, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 10:36) Now when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: Men and brothers, what shall we do? Then Peter said: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as Jehovah our God calls. (Micah 4:5) (Deuteronomy 6:4) He gave a thorough witness with many words and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this indecent generation. Those who gladly received his word were baptized. About three thousand persons were added the same day. They continued devoting themselves to doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak. Devout Jews from every nation under heaven were dwelling at Jerusalem. When they heard this sound a crowd came together in confusion, because men heard them speak in their own language. And they were all amazed and marveled. They said to each other: Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans? How do we each hear them in our own language? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our language the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and were in doubt. They asked each other: What does this mean? Others mockingly said: These men are full of new wine. But Peter, stood up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them: You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem let me explain this to you. Listen to my words. These men are not drunk as you suppose for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel spoke about: It will come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh. (Greek: apo, from) Your sons and your daughters will prophesy (proclaim God's Word). Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out (a portion from) (some of) my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy: (Joel 2:28) I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable (awesome) Day of Jehovah arrives. (Joel 2:31) It will come to pass, that whoever will call on the name of Jehovah will be saved. (Joel 2:32) You men of Israel hear these words. Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God came among you with miracles and wonders and signs. God did these by him in your midst, as you also know: You took this man and delivered him by the determined counsel (purpose) and foreknowledge of God. With wicked hands you impaled and murdered him. God resurrected him, loosing the pains of death. This is because it was not possible that he should be held fast by it. David spoke concerning him: 'I had Jehovah always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because you will not leave me in the grave, neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) You have made known to me the ways of life, and you will fill me with joy with your presence.' Men and brothers let me freely speak to you about the patriarch David that he is dead and buried. His grave is with us to this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne. He seeing this before spoke about the resurrection of Christ. That he would not be left in the grave and his flesh did not see corruption. God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this! He is exalted to the right hand of God. He has received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father. So he poured out what you now see and hear. For David has not ascended into heaven and yet he said: 'Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' (Psalm 110:1) Therefore let all the house of Israel know for sure that God has made that same Jesus, whom you impaled, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 10:36) Now when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: Men and brothers, what shall we do? Then Peter said: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as Jehovah our God calls. (Micah 4:5) (Deuteronomy 6:4) He gave a thorough witness with many words and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this indecent generation. Those who gladly received his word were baptized. About three thousand persons were added the same day. They continued devoting themselves to doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
The word of God increased and spread.