Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



For what the law was not able to do [for mankind], since it was [too] weak [to deliver them from condemnation] because fleshly people [were unable to obey it perfectly], God condemned sin in the flesh [i.e., sin was declared evil and its power over man broken]. God did this by sending His own Son in a body like sinful man's, and to destroy sin, Verse ConceptsExpiationAtonement, in NTGod, Suffering OfGospel, Historical Foundation OfIncarnationLikenessPower, God's SavingSin, God's Remedy ForSin OfferingSinnersUnion With Christ, Nature OfWeakness, PhysicalJustification Under The GospelSalvation Not By WorksPowerlessnessPeople's Inability To Serve GodCondemnation Of The WickedChrist Like PeopleWeaknesscondemnationimpossible

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect.

And He did not enter [the heavenly Holy of Holies] by means of the blood of goats and calves but, by means of His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies [i.e., heaven] once for all time, [after] having obtained never ending redemption [i.e., salvation for us on the cross]. Verse Conceptseternal life, gift ofAtonement, Redemption ByAtonement, Types OfAssurance, nature ofGod, The EternalPriesthood, In NtRedemption, In NtUniquenessWork, And RedemptionChrist, The High PriestTypes Of ChristOnceEternal BlessingOnly OnceSacrificing Cattle Sheep And GoatsRedemption

Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], "Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God]." Verse ConceptsAbolitionFreedom from the LawFolly, Examples OfGallowsAtonementDeath penaltyHangingHumiliationLegalismPunishment, Legal Aspects OfRedemption, In NtSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromThe Curse Of The LawPeople Hung To DeathRedemptionReligious FreedomThe Crosslawcursesredeemed

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, Verse ConceptsAtonementGiving, Of OneselfAtonement, Redemption ByAudiencesAtonement, in NTLanguagesHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMarketsNationalismRansomRedemption, In NtValuesWorthinessThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsA New SongAll LanguagesBooks In ProphecyChrist Was KilledThe Gospel To The Nationsrevelationredeemed




through whom we receive redemption [i.e., are bought back from Satan], which is the forgiveness of [our] sins. Verse ConceptsBlessings, SpiritualRedemptionFreedomForgiveness KjvEthicsforgivingperformance

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

But we do see Jesus, who was made a little bit lower than the angels [i.e., by suffering death as a human being], and was crowned with splendor and honor because He suffered death. It was by God's unearned favor that He would experience death for every person. Verse ConceptsAtonementGod, Glory OfGlory, Revelation OfAtonement, in NTHonorGrace, And Jesus ChristSalvation, Necessity And Basis OfSubstitutionTasteWorthinessExaltation Of ChristChrist, Humanity OfGod's Glory In Jesus ChristGod's Glory RevealedAtonement, By Christ AloneThe Effect Of Christ's DeathAll PeopleAngelsChrist Humbled HimselfChrist's Short LifeThe Grace Of GodSufferingJesus Death

For we did not use cleverly conceived stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, because we were eyewitnesses of His Majesty [i.e., the apostles had personally seen the miraculous power of Jesus]. For Jesus had received honor and glory from God, the Father, when [God's] voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory saying, "This is my dearly loved Son, and I am very pleased with Him." And we heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with Him in the holy mountain.

Then after Judas left, Jesus said, "Now the Son of man is [being] glorified [Note: Being "glorified" involved Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The first step of this had now begun]. And God is [being] glorified through the Son's life. And if God is [so] glorified through Him [now], God will [also] glorify the Son in Himself very soon. [Note: Possibly this was a reference to Jesus returning to the Father's presence].

After saying these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come; honor your Son so that your Son may honor you. Just as you gave Him authority over all mankind, He will give never ending life to all those people [Note: The Greek word here is neuter gender, "all those things"] you have given Him. And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent. read more.
I am honoring you [while] on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, honor me in your presence with the honor I had with you before the world was [created]. I have revealed your name [i.e., your power and character] to the men you gave me out of the world [i.e., the apostles]. They belonged to you, but you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you gave me came from you, because I have given them the message you gave me, and they accepted it. They [also] knew for certain that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I am praying for them [i.e., the apostles]; I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you gave me, who belong to you. And everything I have belongs to you, and what you have belongs to me; and I am honored through these men. And [now] I am coming to you, for I will not be in the world any longer, yet these men are [still] in the world. Holy Father, protect them by [the power of] your name which you have given me. May these men be one, as we are. I protected them while I was with them by [the power of] your name which you gave me. [See verse 11]. I guarded them so that not one of them was lost except the "son of destruction" [i.e., Judas]. [This was] so that the Scripture would be fulfilled [Psa. 41:9 ?]. But now I am coming to you, and I am speaking these things [while still] in the world, so that they [i.e., the apostles] may have my joy within them in all its fullness. I have given them your word, and the world hated them because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. I am not praying that you should take them out of the world, but that you should protect them from the evil one [i.e., the devil]. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart [i.e., for your service] through the truth; your word is truth. Just as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent [i.e., will send] them into the world. And for their sakes I dedicate myself [to you] so that they themselves also may be truly dedicated [to you]. "I am not praying for these [apostles] only, but also for [all of] those who believe in me through their message. [I pray] that all of them may be one, just as you, Father, are [one] in [fellowship with] me, and I [am one] in [fellowship with] you, so that they also may be [one] in [fellowship with] us in order that the world may [see it and] believe that you sent me. And I have given them [i.e., all believers] the honor which you gave me, so that they may be one, just as we are one: I in them, and you in me, so that they may be completely one. [This is] so the world will know that you sent me and that you love them just as you love me. "Father, I want those you gave me [i.e., the apostles, see verse 6] to be with me where I am [going], so they will see my splendor [i.e., in heaven], which you have given me, for you loved me before the creation of the world.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob --- the God of our forefathers --- has highly honored His servant Jesus, whom you people turned over [to the Roman authorities] and denied [Him freedom] in the presence of [governor] Pilate, who had already decided to release Him. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristJacob, The PatriarchMoses, Significance OfPeter, Preacher And TeacherRenunciationHanding Over ChristPeople Set Free By People

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times. read more.
[It is] through Christ, whom God raised from the dead and honored, that you people have become believers in God, so that your faith and hope could rest in God.




Do not take [any] gold, silver or copper [coinage] in your money belts, Verse ConceptsCopperBeltsPursesBrassLacking MoneyMoney Boxcats

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

But instead, Peter said, "I do not have any money [i.e., silver or gold], but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus from Nazareth [i.e., by His authority], get up and walk." Verse ConceptsCuresGoldMaterialism, As An Aspect Of SinMoney, Attitudes ToThe Healed WalkingIn The Name Of ChristGiving To The PoorLacking MoneyGiving Without Expecting ReturnNever Giving Uppeter

[You know that] I had no greedy desire for anyone's silver, gold or clothing. Verse ConceptsCoveting, prohibition ofClothing, Attitude RegardingGoldGreed, Believers' Response To




Dear children, it is [now] the last hour [i.e., the final period of God's dealing with people on earth], and since you have heard that an antichrist [i.e., a person who is against Christ] is coming, even now [you should be aware that] many antichrists have [already] come. This is [one way] we know that this is the last hour. These antichrists left our group [i.e., withdrew their fellowship from us], but they were not [really a part] of us, for if they had been, they would have continued [to participate] with us. But, by their leaving us, it proved that none of them were [really] a part of our group [after all].

In times past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets in many parts and in various ways, [but] during these final days He has spoken to us through His Son [Note: This period refers to the Christian age (See Acts 2:14-36)], whom He appointed to be heir of all things [and] through whom He created the universe. [See John 1:3; Col. 1:16].

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times.

And He did not enter [the heavenly Holy of Holies] by means of the blood of goats and calves but, by means of His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies [i.e., heaven] once for all time, [after] having obtained never ending redemption [i.e., salvation for us on the cross]. Verse Conceptseternal life, gift ofAtonement, Redemption ByAtonement, Types OfAssurance, nature ofGod, The EternalPriesthood, In NtRedemption, In NtUniquenessWork, And RedemptionChrist, The High PriestTypes Of ChristOnceEternal BlessingOnly OnceSacrificing Cattle Sheep And GoatsRedemption

Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], "Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God]." Verse ConceptsAbolitionFreedom from the LawFolly, Examples OfGallowsAtonementDeath penaltyHangingHumiliationLegalismPunishment, Legal Aspects OfRedemption, In NtSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromThe Curse Of The LawPeople Hung To DeathRedemptionReligious FreedomThe Crosslawcursesredeemed

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, Verse ConceptsAtonementGiving, Of OneselfAtonement, Redemption ByAudiencesAtonement, in NTLanguagesHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMarketsNationalismRansomRedemption, In NtValuesWorthinessThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsA New SongAll LanguagesBooks In ProphecyChrist Was KilledThe Gospel To The Nationsrevelationredeemed




through whom we receive redemption [i.e., are bought back from Satan], which is the forgiveness of [our] sins. Verse ConceptsBlessings, SpiritualRedemptionFreedomForgiveness KjvEthicsforgivingperformance

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

[It is also] from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness [to the truth], the Firstborn from the dead [i.e., the first One raised never to die again], the Ruler of the kings of the world. May there be honor and power forever and ever to Christ, who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood [Note: Some manuscripts say "washed us" since the two words are spelled almost alike]. Verse ConceptsGod, Faithfulness OfFreedom, Through Jesus ChristFreedom, Abuse Of ChristianFirstbornExpiationAtonement, Remission Of Sins ByJesus As King Of KingsRulersSalvation, Nature OfWitnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, Love OfJesus Christ, ResurrectionLibertyNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist The FirstbornThe Witness Of ChristChrist AtoningChrist Is RisenChrist's LoveWitnesses


You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect.


[It is also] from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness [to the truth], the Firstborn from the dead [i.e., the first One raised never to die again], the Ruler of the kings of the world. May there be honor and power forever and ever to Christ, who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood [Note: Some manuscripts say "washed us" since the two words are spelled almost alike]. Verse ConceptsGod, Faithfulness OfFreedom, Through Jesus ChristFreedom, Abuse Of ChristianFirstbornExpiationAtonement, Remission Of Sins ByJesus As King Of KingsRulersSalvation, Nature OfWitnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, Love OfJesus Christ, ResurrectionLibertyNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist The FirstbornThe Witness Of ChristChrist AtoningChrist Is RisenChrist's LoveWitnesses


You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect.


We [apostles] proclaim to you [the truth about Jesus], who existed from the beginning [of time]. We have heard [Him] and seen [Him] with our [own] eyes. We looked at Him, and [even] touched Him with our hands. [See John 20:20]. [So, we proclaim that] He is the word of life [i.e., the life-giving Word]! Truly, this "Life" was made known to us and we have [actually] seen it [i.e., Him], and so we testify and proclaim to you [that He is] "the Eternal Life," who was with the Father and was made known to us [apostles]. We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times.







Do not take [any] gold, silver or copper [coinage] in your money belts, Verse ConceptsCopperBeltsPursesBrassLacking MoneyMoney Boxcats

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

But instead, Peter said, "I do not have any money [i.e., silver or gold], but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus from Nazareth [i.e., by His authority], get up and walk." Verse ConceptsCuresGoldMaterialism, As An Aspect Of SinMoney, Attitudes ToThe Healed WalkingIn The Name Of ChristGiving To The PoorLacking MoneyGiving Without Expecting ReturnNever Giving Uppeter

[You know that] I had no greedy desire for anyone's silver, gold or clothing. Verse ConceptsCoveting, prohibition ofClothing, Attitude RegardingGoldGreed, Believers' Response To

You yourselves know [all this, and] how this message was proclaimed throughout Judea, having begun from Galilee after the preaching of the immersion [taught and practiced] by John. This message was about Jesus from Nazareth and how God specially chose Him [and signified it] by giving Him the Holy Spirit and power. He traveled all over doing good [for people] and healing everyone who was [being] oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we [apostles] are witnesses of all that He did, both in the region where Jews lived and in Jerusalem [as well]. But they killed Him by hanging Him on a tree [i.e., the cross]. read more.
However, God raised Him up the third day and made it possible for Him to appear [following His resurrection], not to everyone, but to us [apostles] who were specially chosen by God to be witnesses [of His resurrected body], and to eat and drink with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He [i.e., Jesus] is the One whom God ordained to be the Judge of people who are [now] alive and those who have [already] died. All the prophets have testified [in their writings], that it is through the name of Jesus that every person who believes in Him will receive the forgiveness of sins."

Now God made allowance for the times when people were still uninformed [about His complete will], but now [in the Gospel age] He requires all people everywhere to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. For He has appointed a [certain] day when He will judge the people of the world according to [a standard of] true justice by the man [i.e., Jesus] whom He has appointed [as Judge, See II Tim. 4:8]. [And] He has given assurance to all people [that He will do this] by raising Jesus from the dead."

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times.

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed


Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is. Dearly loved ones, we are God's children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like! And every person who has set his hope on this [i.e., of being like Jesus], will live [as] purely [as possible], just as He [i.e., Jesus Himself] is pure.

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times. read more.
[It is] through Christ, whom God raised from the dead and honored, that you people have become believers in God, so that your faith and hope could rest in God. [Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another. You have experienced new birth, not from seed that can decay, but from seed that cannot decay, through the living and enduring word of God.

And He did not enter [the heavenly Holy of Holies] by means of the blood of goats and calves but, by means of His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies [i.e., heaven] once for all time, [after] having obtained never ending redemption [i.e., salvation for us on the cross]. Verse Conceptseternal life, gift ofAtonement, Redemption ByAtonement, Types OfAssurance, nature ofGod, The EternalPriesthood, In NtRedemption, In NtUniquenessWork, And RedemptionChrist, The High PriestTypes Of ChristOnceEternal BlessingOnly OnceSacrificing Cattle Sheep And GoatsRedemption

Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], "Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God]." Verse ConceptsAbolitionFreedom from the LawFolly, Examples OfGallowsAtonementDeath penaltyHangingHumiliationLegalismPunishment, Legal Aspects OfRedemption, In NtSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromThe Curse Of The LawPeople Hung To DeathRedemptionReligious FreedomThe Crosslawcursesredeemed

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, Verse ConceptsAtonementGiving, Of OneselfAtonement, Redemption ByAudiencesAtonement, in NTLanguagesHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMarketsNationalismRansomRedemption, In NtValuesWorthinessThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsA New SongAll LanguagesBooks In ProphecyChrist Was KilledThe Gospel To The Nationsrevelationredeemed




through whom we receive redemption [i.e., are bought back from Satan], which is the forgiveness of [our] sins. Verse ConceptsBlessings, SpiritualRedemptionFreedomForgiveness KjvEthicsforgivingperformance

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed


You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed



You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed

About that time Jesus was walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath day. His disciples were hungry so began picking off some heads of grain to eat [the kernels]. [Note: It was an accepted practice for people in that day to be permitted to do this as they walked along paths bordering a grainfield]. But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is against the law of Moses to do on a Sabbath day." Jesus replied, "Have you not read what King David did when he and his men were hungry? [I Sam. 21:6] read more.
He entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and ate the 'Bread of Presence', which was not permissible, according to the law of Moses, for him or those with him to do, since it was reserved only for the priests. Or, have you not read in the law of Moses that the priests in the Temple defiled the Sabbath day [i.e., by doing the 'work' of offering sacrifices] and were not held guilty [of wrongdoing]? [See Num. 28:9-10] But I tell you, someone greater than the Temple is here [with you]. If you had [fully] understood what this means: 'I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice,' you would not have condemned someone who was not guilty [of wrongdoing]. For the Son of man is lord [i.e., has authority] over the Sabbath day."

"Why do your disciples violate the tradition of the [Jewish] elders? For they do not [ceremonially] wash their hands before eating [their meals]." And He answered them, "Why do you also violate the commandments of God by [following] your traditions? For God said, [Ex. 20:12], 'Give honor to your father and mother.' and [Ex. 21:17], 'Whoever says bad things about his father or mother should surely be put to death.' read more.
But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, I have given to God the money I could have helped you with;' this person does not honor his father [or mother]. You have made God's message useless by [thus enforcing] your traditions.

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews would not eat anything unless they first scrubbed their hands [i.e., up to the wrists] in accordance with the [long-established] tradition of the Jewish elders). And when they returned from the open shopping markets they refused to eat [anything] until they washed themselves [or "it," that is, the food, thoroughly]. There were also many other traditions which they [strictly] observed, like washing cups, pots and copper kettles [thoroughly].) [Note: The most accurate Greek manuscripts do not add "and beds" in this verse]. The Pharisees and experts in the law of Moses asked Jesus, "Why do your disciples not live according to the traditions of the Jewish elders, but [instead] eat their food with contaminated [i.e., ceremonially unwashed] hands?" read more.
And He answered them, "Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites very well when he wrote [Isa. 29:13], 'These people honor me with their lips [i.e., by what they say], but their heart is far from [honoring] me. They are worshiping me for nothing because they are teaching principles which are [merely] the requirements of men.' You disregard the commandment of God and [yet] hang onto the traditions of men." And He said to them, "You are good at rejecting the commandment of God so you can keep your traditions.

Now it happened on a Sabbath day that Jesus was walking through some grainfields. His disciples picked off some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands and ate [the kernels]. [Note: It was an accepted practice for people in that day to be permitted to do this as they walked along paths bordering a grainfield]. But certain Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is against the law of Moses on the Sabbath day?" And Jesus answered them, "Have you never read about what King David did when he and his men were hungry [I Sam. 21:6]; read more.
how he entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and took some 'Bread of Presence' and ate it, and also gave some to his men to eat? [This practice] was not permissible according to the law of Moses, [since the bread was reserved] only for the priests." Then He said to them, "The Son of man is lord [i.e., has authority over] the Sabbath day." And it happened on another Sabbath day, when Jesus entered the synagogue to teach, that a man was there whose right hand was deformed. And the experts in the law of Moses were watching Him to see if He would heal [someone] on the Sabbath day, so they could figure out how to accuse Him. But He knew what they were thinking. Then He said to the man with the deformed hand, "Get up, step forward in front of everyone." So, he got up and stepped forward. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it permitted by the law of Moses to do something good or to do something harmful on the Sabbath day? To save a life or to destroy it?" Then He looked around at all of them [there] and said to the man, "Reach out your hand." And [when] he did this, his hand was restored [to normal use]. But the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees became furious and began discussing among themselves what they could do to Jesus.

You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, Verse ConceptsFutilityemptinessGoldMarketsRiches, Nature OfRiches, Description OfPossessions DecayingTransient WealthUseless EndeavourPeople Are CorruptibleMoney's Deficienciesfearlessliberationredeemed