Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Christian ministers » Duties of the church to
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have received instructions about him. If he comes to you, welcome him.
Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instruct you. Hold them in the highest regard, loving them because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith.
Verse Concepts
Imitating OthersMentoringConsistencyFaith, Growth InAttending Churchelders, in the churchGospel, Transmission OfMinistry, In The ChurchRespect, For God's CharacterBishops, QualificationsLeadershipBeing a ModelBishops, DutiesImitating Good PeopleMaintaining FaithRemembering PeopleTeaching In The ChurchChristian Conduct
Then Moses called on Joshua and told him in the presence of everyone in Israel, "Be strong and courageous, because you'll bring this people to the land that the LORD your God had promised to give your ancestors. You will be the one who causes them to possess it.
However, Nun's son Joshua, your assistant, will go there. Encourage him, for he will cause Israel to take possession of it.
Therefore charge Joshua to be doubly strong, because he will lead this people and cause them to inherit the land that you'll see.'
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Imitate me, as I do the Messiah. I praise you for remembering everything I told you and for holding to the traditions that I passed on to you.
Now I urge you, brothers for you know that the members of the family of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serving the saints to submit yourselves to people like these and to anyone else who shares their labor and hard work.
Join together in imitating me, brothers, and pay close attention to those who live by the example we have set for you.
Continue to follow and be submissive to your leaders, since they are watching over your souls as those who will have to give a word of explanation. By doing this, you will be letting them carry out their duties joyfully, and not with grief, for that would be harmful for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
Christian ministers » Messengers of the lord of hosts
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Contempt » Who the lord made contemptible
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "So I also made you despised, humiliating you before all of the people, because you aren't following my ways and are showing partiality when you teach."
Corruption » Who corrupted the covenant of levi
Now this commandment is for you priests: "If you don't listen, and if you don't choose to give honor to my name," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "then I'll curse both you and your blessings. I've even cursed them already, because none of you are taking it to heart. Look! I'm rebuking your descendants because of you, and I'll spread waste on your faces, the waste of your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. read more.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Courts of justice » Superior court » Consisted subsequently of priests and levites
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Present the case to the Levitical priest or the judge at that time. When you have inquired and they have announced the verdict,
Jews, the » Had an ecclesiastical establishment
"You are to bring your brother Aaron, along with his sons, from among the Israelis so they can serve as priests for me: that is, Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Notice that I've taken your brothers, the descendants of Levi, from among the Israelis, giving them to you as a gift from the LORD to perform the service of the Tent of Meeting.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. read more.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Knowledge » The priest's lips should keep
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
the Law of moses » Priests and levites to teach
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
About Levi he said: "Let your Thummim and Urim be with the man to whom you showed gracious love, whom you tested at Massah and with whom you struggled at the waters of Meribah, the one who told his mother and father, "I don't know them,' and who would neither acknowledge his brothers nor know his own children. For they kept your word and guarded your covenant. They will teach your ordinances to Jacob, and your Law to Israel. They will offer incense as a pleasant aroma to you and a whole burnt offering upon your altar.
Leaders » Religious priests » Should be holy
"And now may the LORD God arise, to your place of rest, you, and the ark of your power! Let your priests, LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and cause your godly ones to find their joy in what is good.
They are to be holy to their God. They are not to defile the name of their God, because they're the ones who bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire the food of their God so they are to be holy.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"Depart! Depart! Go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves. Otherwise, the LORD will attack them."
Moses spoke with Aaron about what the LORD had said: "Among those who are near me, I'll show myself holy so that I'll be glorified before all people." So Aaron remained silent.
They are to keep my charge. By doing so, they won't bear the punishment of sin because of it and therefore die if they've been defiled by it. I am the LORD, who sets them apart."
Levites » Teachers of the law
He addressed the descendants of Levi who were teaching all Israel and who had consecrated themselves to the LORD, telling them:
They will teach your ordinances to Jacob, and your Law to Israel. They will offer incense as a pleasant aroma to you and a whole burnt offering upon your altar.
They were accompanied by the descendants of Levi, including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah. These descendants of Levi were accompanied by the priests Elishama and Jehoram. They taught throughout Judah from a copy of the Book of the Law of the LORD that they took with them as they passed through all the cities of Judah, teaching among all the people.
Hezekiah encouraged all the descendants of Levi who demonstrated significant insight in their service to the LORD, so they all participated in the festival meals for seven days, all the while sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD God of their ancestors.
Seven months later, the Israelis had settled in their own cities. Furthermore, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the descendants of Levi taught the Law to the people while the people remained standing. All the people gathered as a united body into the plaza in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. read more.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, distinctly communicating its meaning, so they could understand the reading. Because all the people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the descendants of Levi who taught the people told everyone, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." He also told them, "Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength." The descendants of Levi also calmed all the people by saying, "Be still, for the day is holy. Don't be sorrowful!" So all the people went to eat, to drink, to send something to those who had nothing, and to celebrate with great joy, because they understood the words that were being declared to them. The next day, the heads of the families of all the people were gathered together, along with the priests and the descendants of Levi, to meet with Ezra the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
They read from the Book of the Law of God, distinctly communicating its meaning, so they could understand the reading. Because all the people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law, Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the descendants of Levi who taught the people told everyone, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." He also told them, "Go eat the best food, drink the best wine, and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength." The descendants of Levi also calmed all the people by saying, "Be still, for the day is holy. Don't be sorrowful!" So all the people went to eat, to drink, to send something to those who had nothing, and to celebrate with great joy, because they understood the words that were being declared to them. The next day, the heads of the families of all the people were gathered together, along with the priests and the descendants of Levi, to meet with Ezra the scribe in order to understand the words of the Law.
True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Messenger » Figurative
"Watch out! I'm sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly, the LORD you are looking for will come to his Temple. He is the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Watch out! He is coming!" says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See! I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"Pay attention! I'm sending Elijah the prophet to you before the great and dreadful Day of the LORD comes, and he will turn the hearts of fathers to children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I'll come, strike the land, and utterly destroy it."
This is the man about whom it is written, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, spoke to the people with a special commission from the LORD: ""I am with you,' declares the LORD."
This is the man about whom it is written, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'
Ministers » Their people are bound, to » Attend to their instructions
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
so do whatever they tell you and follow it, but stop doing what they do, because they don't do what they say.
Priest » Duties of » Teach the law
"The priests didn't say, "Where is the LORD?' and those handling the Law didn't know me. The rulers transgressed against me, the prophets prophesied by Baal, and they followed that which does not profit.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
You are to teach the Israelis all the statutes that the LORD commanded you by the authority of Moses."
"In cases of leprosy, be very careful to observe exactly what the Levitical priests instructed you. Carefully follow what I have commanded them.
They will teach your ordinances to Jacob, and your Law to Israel. They will offer incense as a pleasant aroma to you and a whole burnt offering upon your altar.
The descendants of Levi are to declare in a loud voice to every Israeli:
Then Moses wrote down this Law and gave it to the Levitical priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD and to all of Israel's leaders. Then he gave these orders: "At the end of seven years, the year designated for release, during the Festival of Tents, when all of Israel comes to appear in the presence of the LORD your God at the place that he'll choose, read this Law aloud to them. read more.
Gather the people the men, women, children, and the foreigners that live in your cities so they may hear and fear the LORD your God, and so they may be careful to obey the words contained in this Law. Their children who don't know will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan River to possess."
Gather the people the men, women, children, and the foreigners that live in your cities so they may hear and fear the LORD your God, and so they may be careful to obey the words contained in this Law. Their children who don't know will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan River to possess."
priests » Garments of » Should be holy
"And now may the LORD God arise, to your place of rest, you, and the ark of your power! Let your priests, LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and cause your godly ones to find their joy in what is good.
They are to be holy to their God. They are not to defile the name of their God, because they're the ones who bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire the food of their God so they are to be holy.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"Depart! Depart! Go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves. Otherwise, the LORD will attack them."
Moses spoke with Aaron about what the LORD had said: "Among those who are near me, I'll show myself holy so that I'll be glorified before all people." So Aaron remained silent.
They are to keep my charge. By doing so, they won't bear the punishment of sin because of it and therefore die if they've been defiled by it. I am the LORD, who sets them apart."
priests » The duties of a priest
The LORD told Moses, "Speak to the priests, Aaron's sons, and tell them that no priest is to defile himself on account of the dead among his people, except his close relatives his mother, father, son, daughter, brother, or virgin sister (who is a near relative of him and did not have a husband he may defile himself for her). read more.
Because he is a husband among his people, he is not to defile himself, thereby polluting himself. "They are not to cut their hair in ritualistic patterns on their heads, deface the edges of their beards, or make incisions in their flesh. They are to be holy to their God. They are not to defile the name of their God, because they're the ones who bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire the food of their God so they are to be holy. "They are not to marry a prostitute or a woman who has been dishonored or who was divorced from her husband, because the priest is holy to his God. Consecrate him, because he's the one who offers the food of your God. He is to be holy for you, because I, the LORD, the one who sanctifies you, am holy. "Now if the daughter of any priest defiles herself by being a prostitute, she defiles her father. She is to be incinerated. "The high priest among his relatives whose head has been anointed with oil and who has been consecrated to put on the priestly clothing is not to let his hair hang loose or to tear his clothes. He is not to come near any dead body whether the deceased is his father or his mother so as not to defile himself. He is not to go out of the sanctuary or defile the sanctuary of his God, because his God's consecrating oil of anointing rests on him. I am the LORD. "Furthermore, he is to marry a true virgin. He is not to marry a widow or one who has been divorced, has been defiled, or has been a prostitute. Instead, he is to take a virgin from among his people as his wife. "He is not to defile his children among his people, because I am the LORD, who sets him apart."
Because he is a husband among his people, he is not to defile himself, thereby polluting himself. "They are not to cut their hair in ritualistic patterns on their heads, deface the edges of their beards, or make incisions in their flesh. They are to be holy to their God. They are not to defile the name of their God, because they're the ones who bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire the food of their God so they are to be holy. "They are not to marry a prostitute or a woman who has been dishonored or who was divorced from her husband, because the priest is holy to his God. Consecrate him, because he's the one who offers the food of your God. He is to be holy for you, because I, the LORD, the one who sanctifies you, am holy. "Now if the daughter of any priest defiles herself by being a prostitute, she defiles her father. She is to be incinerated. "The high priest among his relatives whose head has been anointed with oil and who has been consecrated to put on the priestly clothing is not to let his hair hang loose or to tear his clothes. He is not to come near any dead body whether the deceased is his father or his mother so as not to defile himself. He is not to go out of the sanctuary or defile the sanctuary of his God, because his God's consecrating oil of anointing rests on him. I am the LORD. "Furthermore, he is to marry a true virgin. He is not to marry a widow or one who has been divorced, has been defiled, or has been a prostitute. Instead, he is to take a virgin from among his people as his wife. "He is not to defile his children among his people, because I am the LORD, who sets him apart."
Now this commandment is for you priests: "If you don't listen, and if you don't choose to give honor to my name," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "then I'll curse both you and your blessings. I've even cursed them already, because none of you are taking it to heart. Look! I'm rebuking your descendants because of you, and I'll spread waste on your faces, the waste of your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. read more.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
priests » Disobedient priests
Woe to this filthy, polluted, and oppressive city! It won't obey anyone. It won't accept discipline. It does not trust in the LORD. It does not approach God. Its national officials are roaring lions; its judges are like wolves of the night that don't leave the bones for the morning. read more.
Its prophets are arrogant and treacherous. Its priests have contaminated the sanctuary. They give perverse interpretations of the Law.
Its prophets are arrogant and treacherous. Its priests have contaminated the sanctuary. They give perverse interpretations of the Law.
Now this commandment is for you priests: "If you don't listen, and if you don't choose to give honor to my name," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "then I'll curse both you and your blessings. I've even cursed them already, because none of you are taking it to heart. Look! I'm rebuking your descendants because of you, and I'll spread waste on your faces, the waste of your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. read more.
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "So I also made you despised, humiliating you before all of the people, because you aren't following my ways and are showing partiality when you teach."
"You will know that I sent this commandment to you in order to continue my covenant with Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "My covenant with him was for life and peace, and I gave the commandments to him so he would fear me. He did fear me as he stood in my presence. True teachings were in his mouth, and falsehood was not found on his lips. He walked with me peacefully and righteously, and he turned many from sin. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "So I also made you despised, humiliating you before all of the people, because you aren't following my ways and are showing partiality when you teach."
Religious » priests » Should be holy
"And now may the LORD God arise, to your place of rest, you, and the ark of your power! Let your priests, LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and cause your godly ones to find their joy in what is good.
They are to be holy to their God. They are not to defile the name of their God, because they're the ones who bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire the food of their God so they are to be holy.
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
"Depart! Depart! Go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves. Otherwise, the LORD will attack them."
Moses spoke with Aaron about what the LORD had said: "Among those who are near me, I'll show myself holy so that I'll be glorified before all people." So Aaron remained silent.
They are to keep my charge. By doing so, they won't bear the punishment of sin because of it and therefore die if they've been defiled by it. I am the LORD, who sets them apart."
Seeking God » Includes seeking » His commandments
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.
Therefore, in the presence of all of Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and while our God is listening, observe and search through all of the commandments of the LORD your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land, leaving it for an inheritance forever to benefit your descendants who come after you."
Titles and names of ministers » Messengers of the lord of hosts
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he's the messenger of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.