Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Body » The body of Christ
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:
for as there are many members in one and the same body, but all the members have not the same office: so we who are many, make all but one body in Christ, and every member subservient to one another. having then different gifts, according to the respective favour bestowed upon us; if it be prophecy, let him prophesy according to the proportion of his gift. read more.
if it be the ministry, let him attend on that ministry; and he that teacheth, on teaching; he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him be disinterested; he that presideth, let him be diligent; he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.
if it be the ministry, let him attend on that ministry; and he that teacheth, on teaching; he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him be disinterested; he that presideth, let him be diligent; he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.
Don't you know, that your bodies are parts of Christ's mystical body? now, how can that which is Christ's, be made the property of a very creature? it cannot be. why, don't you perceive, that where there is such an attachment, they are but as one person? for the scripture says, "they two shall be as one." but he that is attach'd to the Lord, is united to him by one and the same spirit.
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? for the bread being one, as many as we are, we are one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
For as the body is one, tho' it has many members, and all the members of that one body, tho' many, are one body: so also is the body of Christ. for by one spirit we have all been baptized, to be form'd into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and have been all made to drink of one spirit. the body is not one member, but many. read more.
if the foot should say, "because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;" is it therefore not of the body? and if the ear should say, "because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;" is it therefore not of the body? if the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? if the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? now God disposed every one of the members in the body as he thought fit. but if they were all one member, where would be the body? thus, tho' there are many members, yet there is but one body. and the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of thee:" nor again, the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." nay, those parts of the body, which seem to be of the least account, are much more necessary. what we think to be less honourable, is loaded with additional ornaments, and the less graceful have adventitious finery, of which the graceful have no need: but God has contrived the symmetry of the body, by bestowing an additional advantage where it seem'd to want it. that there might be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same mutual concern for one another. so that if one member suffer, they all suffer with it: or if one be honoured, they partake of it. Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
if the foot should say, "because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;" is it therefore not of the body? and if the ear should say, "because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;" is it therefore not of the body? if the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? if the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? now God disposed every one of the members in the body as he thought fit. but if they were all one member, where would be the body? thus, tho' there are many members, yet there is but one body. and the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of thee:" nor again, the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." nay, those parts of the body, which seem to be of the least account, are much more necessary. what we think to be less honourable, is loaded with additional ornaments, and the less graceful have adventitious finery, of which the graceful have no need: but God has contrived the symmetry of the body, by bestowing an additional advantage where it seem'd to want it. that there might be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same mutual concern for one another. so that if one member suffer, they all suffer with it: or if one be honoured, they partake of it. Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
and how exceedingly great that power is, which he has employ'd upon us who believe, a power corresponding to that energy of his mighty strength; which he exerted in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at the head of his heavenly kingdom, far above all the principalities, all the powers, all the potentates, all the dominations, and whatever order can be named, not only in this age, but also in the age to come: read more.
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church, which is his body, a work compleatly finished in all its parts.
for he has subjected all things to him, and constituted him supreme head of the church, which is his body, a work compleatly finished in all its parts.
I therefore the prisoner for the Lord, beseech you to live suitably to the offers that have been made to you: with all humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another in love; endeavouring to preserve the spiritual union by your affectionate attachment to one another. read more.
Being one body, acted by one spirit, since you all have but one expectation in view; there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. but to every one of us a different charge is given, according to the distribution which Christ has made; wherefore 'tis said, " when he ascended up on high, he made a number of captives, and gave gifts to men." now his having ascended, what does it mean, but that he had descended into the lower parts of the earth? he that descended, is the same too that ascended far above all heavens, to perfect all things. It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ: that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit: but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head: from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
Being one body, acted by one spirit, since you all have but one expectation in view; there is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all. but to every one of us a different charge is given, according to the distribution which Christ has made; wherefore 'tis said, " when he ascended up on high, he made a number of captives, and gave gifts to men." now his having ascended, what does it mean, but that he had descended into the lower parts of the earth? he that descended, is the same too that ascended far above all heavens, to perfect all things. It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ: that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit: but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head: from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.
let married women be submissive to their husbands, out of regard to the Lord. for the husband presides over his wife, as Christ presides over the church: and he it is that preserves the whole body. as the church then is subordinate to Christ, so let women be to their husbands upon all occasions. read more.
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her: to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word, that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible. in like manner ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: "he that loves his wife, loveth himself." no man was ever yet averse to his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as the Lord doth the church: of which we are the several parts constituting his body. the scripture says, "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and they two shall be as one." these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church. wherefore let every one of you without exception, love his wife even as himself; and let the wife respect her husband.
You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her: to sanctify and purify her by the ablution of his word, that he himself might make her appear illustrious to his own eye, a church without spot, or any thing like a defect; so as to be holy and irreprehensible. in like manner ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies: "he that loves his wife, loveth himself." no man was ever yet averse to his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as the Lord doth the church: of which we are the several parts constituting his body. the scripture says, "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife, and they two shall be as one." these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church. wherefore let every one of you without exception, love his wife even as himself; and let the wife respect her husband.
may the peace of Christ, to which you are called to be but one body, influence your hearts, to be benevolent.
Covetousness » What to covet
Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings.
Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? read more.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
Desires » What to desire
Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings.
Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? read more.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is, adhere to him as to a living stone,
Giving and gifts » Desiring spiritual gifts
Cultivate social virtue; then desire spiritual gifts, but chiefly that of explaining the prophetical writings.
Thus you are the body of Christ, being the particular members of it. which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? read more.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret? you are contesting about the superiority of your gifts: but I point out to you a more excellent way.
Interpreter » In congregations
wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it.
what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification. and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret. but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and tacitly address himself to God.
Miracles » Performed » Of the holy spirit
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
but if I exorcize devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is set up among you.
by virtue of the miracles and prodigies wrought by the power of the divine spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and the neighbouring country, quite to Illyricum,
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
to another faith; to another the gifts of healing; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
Sickness » The power of healing » One of the miraculous gifts bestowed on the early church
to another faith; to another the gifts of healing;
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
Tongue » Gift of
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the father the promise of the holy spirit, he has diffused that spirit, the effects of which ye now see and hear.
and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.
When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:
Tongues (the gift) » The miraculous gift granted to some early Christians
which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.
Verse Concepts
ChurchAttending ChurchApostles, Function In Early ChurchAttitudes, to other peopleHealingHuman IgnoranceBeing OrganizedShepherds, As Church LeaderOrder In Pastoral CareSpiritual Gifts, Given To ChurchTeachersChristian TeachersAdministrationAnonymityPeople HelpingFirst OnesHealing Through DisciplesOther Miracles
Social affection will never fail: but as for prophecies, they shall be out of use; as for languages, they shall cease; as for knowledge, it shall vanish away.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits; to another diversity of languages; to another the interpretation of languages.
have all the gifts of healing? do all speak divers languages? do all interpret?
for he that speaks in an unknown tongue, speaks not to men, but to God: for no man can understand the mysteries he delivers by the spirit. but he that expounds, speaks to the edification, exhortation, and comfort of men. he that speaks in an unknown tongue, edifies himself alone: but he that expounds, edifies the church. read more.
I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. for instance, brethren, if I deliver myself to you in an unknown tongue, what good shall I do you, except I deliver to you the meaning of what is said, whether it relate to revelation, to mystical knowledge, to prophecy, or to doctrine. And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune? for if the trumpet give an undistinguish'd sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? in like manner, if you express yourselves in words of obscure signification, you may as well talk to the wind, for how shall any comprehend you? there are, it may be, as many different languages in the world as there are people, and none of them without signification. therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me. But since there is emulation among you concerning spiritual gifts, seek to abound in the exercise of such gifts as tend most to the edification of the church. wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation. for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prays, but my meaning is of no benefit to others. what then is to be done? why, I will pray by the spirit, but my prayer shall be intelligible: I will sing by the spirit, but my hymn shall be intelligible. otherwise if you should give thanks by the spirit in an unknown tongue, the hearer cannot but appear unlearned upon this occasion; how then can he say Amen to thy thanksgiving? since he does not conceive what you say. thy thanksgiving indeed is right, but the other is not all edified by it. I thank God, I speak more languages than you all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
I wish you all had the gift of languages, but rather that you expounded: for greater is he that expounds, than he that speaks unknown languages, except he interpret what he says, that the church may be edified by it. for instance, brethren, if I deliver myself to you in an unknown tongue, what good shall I do you, except I deliver to you the meaning of what is said, whether it relate to revelation, to mystical knowledge, to prophecy, or to doctrine. And even inanimate instruments of sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have a distinct variety of notes, how can they express any significant tune? for if the trumpet give an undistinguish'd sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? in like manner, if you express yourselves in words of obscure signification, you may as well talk to the wind, for how shall any comprehend you? there are, it may be, as many different languages in the world as there are people, and none of them without signification. therefore if I don't know the meaning of the language, with respect to him that speaks, I shall be a barbarian; and he that speaks shall be a barbarian to me. But since there is emulation among you concerning spiritual gifts, seek to abound in the exercise of such gifts as tend most to the edification of the church. wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue, pray for the gift of interpretation. for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit indeed prays, but my meaning is of no benefit to others. what then is to be done? why, I will pray by the spirit, but my prayer shall be intelligible: I will sing by the spirit, but my hymn shall be intelligible. otherwise if you should give thanks by the spirit in an unknown tongue, the hearer cannot but appear unlearned upon this occasion; how then can he say Amen to thy thanksgiving? since he does not conceive what you say. thy thanksgiving indeed is right, but the other is not all edified by it. I thank God, I speak more languages than you all: yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
in the law it is written, " with men of other tongues and other lips, will I speak unto this people: and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord." wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers: but expounding the prophets, not for unbelievers so much as for those who believe. when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad? read more.
but if you all expound, and an unbeliever, or one unlearned come in, he is examin'd by all, he is tryed by all: the secrets of his heart become manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and declare that God is certainly amongst you. what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification. and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret. but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and tacitly address himself to God.
but if you all expound, and an unbeliever, or one unlearned come in, he is examin'd by all, he is tryed by all: the secrets of his heart become manifest; and so falling down on his face, he will worship God, and declare that God is certainly amongst you. what is then to be done, my brethren? when you come together, one of you with a psalm, another with a doctrine, another with a strange tongue, another with a revelation, another with an interpretation: let the whole be done to edification. and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret. but if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and tacitly address himself to God.
wherefore, brethren, zealously exercise the gift of prophecy, and don't prohibit those that speak in an unknown language.