Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
duties of Citizens » General references to
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.
Civic duties » General references to
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.
Duties » Of citizens » General references to
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.
Evil » Speech evil speaking » Warnings against
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].
For,“The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not],
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech;
And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).
Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Evil » Speaking » Warnings against
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].
For,“The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not],
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech;
And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).
Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Evil » Not speaking evil
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Gentleness » Exhortations to
But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Verse Concepts
Bearing Bad FruitAttitudes, to other peopleJoy, Of The ChurchLove, Nature OfSelf ControlPatiencePeace, Believers Experience OfPeace, Divine In NtRest, SpiritualFaithful, Choose To RemainHoly Spirit, Activities OfLove, Of Fellow ManPeace Of MindHoly Spirit, Types OfIndwelling Of The Holy SpiritLoving OthersLove To OthersBrotherly LoveLove For GodAgape LoveGood People
You Will Rejoice In SalvationFruit Of CharacterGod's Healing LoveSufferingJoy As A Fruit Of The SpiritPatience As A Fruit Of The SpiritPeace As A Fruit Of The SpiritLove As A Fruit Of The SpiritFaithfulness As A Fruit Of The SpiritGoodness As A Fruit Of The SpiritKindness As A Fruit Of The SpiritJoy And HappinessPositive ThinkingGoodnessPatience In RelationshipsEthicsConfidence And Self EsteemempathyserenityjoyfulnessNot A God Of Confusion
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth [that they will perceive and recognize and become accurately acquainted with and acknowledge it], And that they may come to their senses [and] escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, [henceforth] to do His [God's] will.
Government » Duty of citizens to
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]. For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation. read more.
For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience. For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service. Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.
For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, [you should dread him and] be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath (punishment, vengeance) on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath and escape punishment, but also as a matter of principle and for the sake of conscience. For this same reason you pay taxes, for [the civil authorities] are official servants under God, devoting themselves to attending to this very service. Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.
Tell us then what You think about this: Is it lawful to pay tribute [levied on individuals and to be paid yearly] to Caesar or not? But Jesus, aware of their malicious plot, asked, Why do you put Me to the test and try to entrap Me, you pretenders (hypocrites)? Show me the money used for the tribute. And they brought Him a denarius. read more.
And Jesus said to them, Whose likeness and title are these? They said, Caesar's. Then He said to them, Pay therefore to Caesar the things that are due to Caesar, and pay to God the things that are due to God.
And Jesus said to them, Whose likeness and title are these? They said, Caesar's. Then He said to them, Pay therefore to Caesar the things that are due to Caesar, and pay to God the things that are due to God.
He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service. For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons. read more.
[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.
[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.
Loyalty » Encouraged
If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post [showing resistance], because composure and calmness prevent great offenses.
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
“God who says to a king, ‘You are worthless and vile,’
Or to princes and nobles, ‘You are wicked and evil’?
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
“You shall not curse God, nor curse the ruler of your people [since he administers God’s law].
so that they may offer pleasing (sweet-smelling) sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.
You shall put some of your authority and honor on him, so that all the congregation of the Israelites will obey him.
Magistrate » Obedience to, encouraged
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Meekness » Being meek
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
Meekness » Ministers should » Urge, on their people
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Nation » Duty to
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.
Obedience » Who to obey
Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.
Verse Concepts
anniversariesAttending ChurchCommitment, to God's peopleBeing A Leaderelders, in the churchBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanConfusionGuardsHeadshipHonouring RulersJoy, And Human ExperienceMinistry, In The ChurchObedience, To Human AuthoritiesMan Keeping WatchPrivilegesResistanceRespect, For Human Beings
Urge bond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back,
Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline].
Verse Concepts
Bad ParentsFathers, Responsibilities OfBeing A KidBeing In A RelationshipCareChildren, Attitude to ParentsLove, And The WorldResistanceRightsYouthChildren, attitudes towardsAuthority Within The Family, Kinds OfChildren, Duties OfObedient To ParentsRules About Young PeopleObeying PeopleObedienceDutyGood Children
Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings].
Verse Concepts
My son, keep your father's [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you]. Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
I counsel you to keep the king's command, and that in regard to the oath of God [by which you swore to him loyalty]. Be not panic-stricken and hasty to get out of his presence. Persist not in an evil thing, for he does whatever he pleases. For the word of a king is authority and power, and who can say to him, What are you doing?
Profit » What is profitable
For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.
In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.
“Your wickedness affects only a man such as you,
And your righteousness affects only
Wisdom along with an inheritance is good
And an [excellent] advantage for those who see the sun.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody. For we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient, deluded and misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating one another. read more.
But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man [as man] appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such things are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves], but [they are] good and profitable for the people.
But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man [as man] appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such things are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves], but [they are] good and profitable for the people.
Readiness » For spiritual service
for I know your eagerness [to promote this cause], and I have [proudly] boasted to the people of Macedonia about it, telling them that Achaia has been prepared since last year [for this contribution], and your enthusiasm has inspired the majority of them [to respond].
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our eagerness [as believers to help one another].
shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm;
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Service » Obedient power for » Preparation for
for I know your eagerness [to promote this cause], and I have [proudly] boasted to the people of Macedonia about it, telling them that Achaia has been prepared since last year [for this contribution], and your enthusiasm has inspired the majority of them [to respond].
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our eagerness [as believers to help one another].
shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm;
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Slander » Saints » Should be warned against
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Slander » Should be warned against
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
Speaking, evil » Warnings against
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].
For,“The one who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not],
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
Must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile (treachery, deceit).
So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech;
And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).
Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
The Nation » Ps 137; ro 13 miscellaneous topics relating to, government, kings, rulers, etc » Civic duties
Whoever does not observe and practice the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly and promptly, whether it be for death or banishment or confiscation of property or imprisonment.”
My son, fear the Lord and the king;
And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary],
I counsel you to keep the command of the king because of the oath before God [by which you swore loyalty to him].
They said, “[The Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.
Verse Concepts
ethics, socialethics, basis ofCivil authoritiesDeath penaltyHuman Authority, Nature OfAttitudes, to other peopleAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseGovernmentCivic DutiesHonouring RulersLeaders, PoliticalLoyaltyPower, HumanOrderliness In SocietySubmissionTaxationGod's Providential Control
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, Or to governors as sent by him to bring vengeance (punishment, justice) to those who do wrong and to encourage those who do good service.
Violence » Not performing violence
He said to Jesus, “Which commandments?” And Jesus answered, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony;
Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements]. The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.
For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you murder, you have become guilty of transgressing the [entire] Law.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, Come with us; let us lie in wait [to shed] blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause [and show that his piety is in vain]; Let us swallow them up alive as does Sheol (the place of the dead), and whole, as those who go down into the pit [of the dead]; read more.
We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods [when our victims are put out of the way], we shall fill our houses with plunder; Throw in your lot with us [they insist] and be a sworn brother and comrade; let us all have one purse in common -- " My son, do not walk in the way with them; restrain your foot from their path;
We shall find and take all kinds of precious goods [when our victims are put out of the way], we shall fill our houses with plunder; Throw in your lot with us [they insist] and be a sworn brother and comrade; let us all have one purse in common -- " My son, do not walk in the way with them; restrain your foot from their path;
Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us, what are we to do?” And he replied to them, “Do not extort money from anyone or harass or blackmail anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.
“You shall not commit murder (unjustified, deliberate homicide).
‘You shall not murder.
Works » Good » Servants should exhort to
This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,
As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others],
Our people must learn to do good deeds to meet necessary demands [whatever the occasion may require], so that they will not be unproductive.
Works, good » Saints » Should be ready to all
Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready and willing to do good,