Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus' voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel's voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God's trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first. Verse ConceptsDeath, Of BelieversFutureArchangelsLast ThingsMichael The ArchangelResurrection, Of BelieversResurrection, Of The DeadShoutingAngels, DescriptionAngels, Important EventsGod Going DownShout Of GodChrist And HeavenDeath Of God's PeopleOur ResurrectionTrumpets At The EndFirst ResurrectionRisingThe Second ComingThe Rapture


But, when the ruling angel Michael disputed with the devil over [the final disposal of] the body of Moses, [even] he did not dare to bring derogatory charges against him [i.e., the devil], but said, "May the Lord rebuke you." [Note: Some suggest that this account appeared in an apocryphal book, possibly "The Assumption of Moses"]. Verse ConceptsArchangelsMichael The ArchangelDisputesCorpses Of Other PeopleGod Requite Them!Ranks Of Angelsgabrielaccusations

Then there was a war in heaven. Michael [See Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9] and his angels waged war against the dragon [See verse 9]; and the dragon and his angels fought back. Verse ConceptsFightingevil, origins ofArchangelsAngels as God's servantsMichael The ArchangelSatan, Agents OfSatan, As The Enemy Of GodMilitaryCosmic CreaturesEvil AngelsRebellion of Satan and AngelsWarBattleThe RaptureWorld Opposed To God


[There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come. Verse ConceptsThe Future AgeAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusThe power of ChristPowerUnconditional Loveprincipalitiesdominion

For all things were created by Him; things in heaven and on earth; things visible and invisible, whether they are thrones [i.e., reigning beings], or lords, or rulers or authorities. [Note: "Authorities" here may refer to angelic beings]. All things were created by Him and for Him. Verse ConceptsExistenceCompletionDemons, Christ's AuthorityChrist's Role In CreationGod, The CreatorGod, Uniqueness OfGod, Unity OfPower, HumanThe Existence Of ThingsJesus Christ, CreatorPower Of Christ, ShownAngels, DescriptionVisibilityInvisible ThingsChrist And HeavenPrincipalities And PowersRanks Of AngelsJesus Role In SalvationCreationGod's Creationeverythingprincipalities


And angels, who did not remain within [the bounds of] their proper authority, but left their own realm, God has kept in perpetual bondage, under [thick] darkness, awaiting judgment on the Great Day [when they will be punished]. Verse ConceptsDemons, Punishment OfThe Judgement Is CalledEternal JudgmentEternal JudgementInhabitationEvil AngelsOuter DarknessTying UpAssignmentRebellion of Satan and AngelsHaving A Good DayJudgement Day




And He said to them, "When you pray you should say, 'Father, may your name be highly honored. May your kingdom come [to earth]. Verse ConceptsGod, Fatherhood OfAdoption, nature ofFellowship, In The Gospelethics, personalKingdom Of God, Coming OfThe Lord's PrayerHallowedOur Father In HeavenThe Father

while [those] angels, who are greater in strength and power than they, refuse to speak against such authorities, in condemnation, before the Lord. Verse ConceptsAngelsThe Power Of Other Creaturesaccusations


For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus' voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel's voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God's trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first. Verse ConceptsDeath, Of BelieversFutureArchangelsLast ThingsMichael The ArchangelResurrection, Of BelieversResurrection, Of The DeadShoutingAngels, DescriptionAngels, Important EventsGod Going DownShout Of GodChrist And HeavenDeath Of God's PeopleOur ResurrectionTrumpets At The EndFirst ResurrectionRisingThe Second ComingThe Rapture


But, when the ruling angel Michael disputed with the devil over [the final disposal of] the body of Moses, [even] he did not dare to bring derogatory charges against him [i.e., the devil], but said, "May the Lord rebuke you." [Note: Some suggest that this account appeared in an apocryphal book, possibly "The Assumption of Moses"]. Verse ConceptsArchangelsMichael The ArchangelDisputesCorpses Of Other PeopleGod Requite Them!Ranks Of Angelsgabrielaccusations

Then there was a war in heaven. Michael [See Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9] and his angels waged war against the dragon [See verse 9]; and the dragon and his angels fought back. Verse ConceptsFightingevil, origins ofArchangelsAngels as God's servantsMichael The ArchangelSatan, Agents OfSatan, As The Enemy Of GodMilitaryCosmic CreaturesEvil AngelsRebellion of Satan and AngelsWarBattleThe RaptureWorld Opposed To God


Was it not necessary for the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one] to suffer these things, and [then] to enter His glorious state [with the Father]?" Verse ConceptsForeknowledgeGospel, Historical Foundation OfForeknowledge Of Christ

which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. [There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come.

Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not ascended to the Father yet [Note: Apparently Jesus was discouraging Mary from embracing Him in worship as was done in Matt. 28:9, and thereby causing a delay of when the rest of the disciples would learn of His resurrection], but go to my brothers and tell them [I said] 'I am [about] to ascend to my Father and to your Father, and to my God and your God.'" Verse ConceptsGod, Fatherhood OfClothingJesus Christ, Ascension OfNames And Titles For The ChristianBrotherhoodAdmirationClinging To PeopleJesus Returning To The FatherRelationship Of Father And SonYou Are Our GodChrist Our BrotherChristians Being Called Brothers

For Christ did not enter the Holy of Holies made by hand, which is [only] a counterpart of the true one, but into heaven itself, where He now appears in God's presence for us. [See verse 12]. Verse ConceptsCopies Of AltarsAtonement, in NTSanctuaryJesus Christ, Love OfChrist, The High PriestAntitypesAdvocatesThe Presence Of ChristChrist And HeavenThe Temple In HeavenThe Presence Of Godreality



Then what if you were to see the Son of man going up [i.e., to heaven] where He was before? Verse ConceptsGoing Up To HeavenMinistry Of The Son Of Man


Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], "When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel's enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] people." Verse ConceptsLibertyChrist, The Head Of The ChurchCaptivity, MetaphoricallyNew Testament Claiming Old Testament Is Inspiredthe Gifts of God

And when Jesus had said these things, just as the apostles were watching [Him], He was taken up by a cloud [and disappeared] out of their sight. Verse ConceptsMetaphysicsClouds And Jesus ChristGospel, Historical Foundation OfHolidayMelchizedekJesus Christ, Ascension OfResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesGod's Shekinah GloryNot Seeing ChristGoing To Heavenclouds

So then, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to them He was taken up to heaven, where He sat down at the right side of God. Verse ConceptsGospel, Historical Foundation OfJesus Christ, Ascension OfExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGoing To Heaven

Since then we [Christians] have [such] a great Head Priest, who has passed through the skies [i.e., ascended to heaven. See Acts 1:9], Jesus, the Son of God, we should remain true to our profession [of faith in Him]. Verse ConceptsMelchizedekPriesthood, In NtFaithful, Choose To RemainJesus Christ, PriesthoodChrist, The High PriestNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForHolding FastStanding FirmChrist And Heavenempathy


You have loved what is right and hated what is wrong, therefore God, your God [i.e., the Father], has placed you above your companions when He anointed you [i.e., specially chose you] with the oil of joy [i.e., your selection as king was a joyous occasion]." Verse ConceptsGod, Joy OfAnointing, Of ChristAnointing With OilHatredSin, And God's CharacterExaltation Of ChristChrist, Character OfHoly Spirit, Types OfGladnessThe Holy Spirit Giving JoyHating EvilLoving GoodRighteousness Of ChristAnointing Oil

Therefore, let all those who make up the household of Israel [i.e., God's people] know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Verse Conceptsevil, victory overGod, Purpose OfLordship, Of Jesus ChristPreaching, Content OfVictory, As An Act Of GodExaltation Of ChristPreeminence Of ChristPreaching ChristChrist Is LordChrist Was Killed

So then, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to them He was taken up to heaven, where He sat down at the right side of God. Verse ConceptsGospel, Historical Foundation OfJesus Christ, Ascension OfExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGoing To Heaven

But from now on the Son of man will be seated at the right side of the powerful God." Verse ConceptsClaimsDivinity Of ChristRight Hand Of GodSittingSon Of ManExaltation Of ChristRight Sides

But God exalted Him at His right side to be a Prince and Savior and to give the people of Israel [an opportunity] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and [receive] forgiveness of [their] sins [through Him]. Verse ConceptsRemission Of SinGospel, Essence OfLordship, Of Jesus ChristHand Of GodPeter, Preacher And TeacherPreaching, Content OfRepentance, Importance OfRight Hand Of GodExaltation Of ChristPower Of Christ, ShownRight SidesRepentanceForgiveness Through RepentanceGod Gives RepentanceSalvation For IsraelElect

which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. Verse ConceptsSittingChurch AgeExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGod Raising ChristChrist And HeavenAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusThe power of Christ

Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., "Lord." See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. Verse ConceptsExaltation Of ChristTypes Of ChristNamesAll Authority Has Been Given To JesusNever Giving Up

They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], "The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise." Verse ConceptsPraying LoudlyPraiseLambsBlessedShoutingWorthinessExaltation Of ChristPraise, Nature OfChrist's WisdomChrist Was KilledChrist's Own GloryPraise To God Is FittingRight Use Of WealthGod Is StrongRichesWealth And Prosperityadorationhonour






Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not ascended to the Father yet [Note: Apparently Jesus was discouraging Mary from embracing Him in worship as was done in Matt. 28:9, and thereby causing a delay of when the rest of the disciples would learn of His resurrection], but go to my brothers and tell them [I said] 'I am [about] to ascend to my Father and to your Father, and to my God and your God.'" Verse ConceptsGod, Fatherhood OfClothingJesus Christ, Ascension OfNames And Titles For The ChristianBrotherhoodAdmirationClinging To PeopleJesus Returning To The FatherRelationship Of Father And SonYou Are Our GodChrist Our BrotherChristians Being Called Brothers

So then, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to them He was taken up to heaven, where He sat down at the right side of God. Verse ConceptsGospel, Historical Foundation OfJesus Christ, Ascension OfExaltation Of ChristRight SidesGoing To Heaven

Then He opened their minds [miraculously ?] so they would understand the Scriptures. And He said to them, "This is what was written: The Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one] will suffer, and [then] rise again from the dead on the third day. And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus' name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. read more.
You apostles are [to be] witnesses of these things [i.e., they were to give their testimony of these truths. See Acts 1:8]. And look, I [am going to] send upon you apostles what my Father promised [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See John 14:26]; but you should wait in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from above." [Note: This promise was fulfilled when the apostles were immersed in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 1:4 - 2:4]. Then Jesus led His apostles out [of Jerusalem] until they came near to Bethany [Note: This was a village fewer than two miles east of Jerusalem]. [There] He raised His hands and asked God's blessing on them. And it happened, as He was blessing them, that He left them and was taken up to heaven.

And no one has gone up to heaven except the One who has come down from heaven, [even] the Son of man. {{Most translations do not contain the added words "who is in heaven"}}. And [just] like Moses lifted up the snake [on the pole] in the wilderness [Num. 21:9], so the Son of man must be lifted up [on the cross]

Now it was before the Passover Festival [was to begin] and Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Those [living] in the world, whom He had loved, and who were His own [disciples], He continued to love [dearly] to the very end [i.e., of His life on earth]. The devil had already filled the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, with the desire to turn Jesus over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities]. During the [Passover] meal, Jesus, who knew that the Father had given Him complete authority, [also] knew that He had come from God and was [about] to return to God.

But [God's] unearned favor was given to each one of us, according to the gift allotted [to us] by Christ. Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], "When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel's enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] people." (But what does "He ascended" mean if not that He also [first] descended to the lower parts of the earth [i.e., to the earth below]? [Note: Of the three principal interpretations given to this verse: a) Christ descended to earth, b) Christ descended to the grave, c) Christ descended to Mary's womb. The first is to be preferred. See John 3:13; 6:38, 62]. read more.
The One who descended [i.e., from heaven to earth] is the same One [i.e., Christ] who also ascended high above the all the heavens, so that He could fill the entire universe [with His presence]).

This water prefigured immersion [into Christ], which now also saves you, not by removing dirt from the [physical] body, but [by serving] as an appeal [or, "pledge"] to God for a clear conscience through the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead. He has [now] gone to heaven, and is [seated] at the right side of God, where the angels and [other] authorities and powers have been subjected to Him.

This water prefigured immersion [into Christ], which now also saves you, not by removing dirt from the [physical] body, but [by serving] as an appeal [or, "pledge"] to God for a clear conscience through the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead. He has [now] gone to heaven, and is [seated] at the right side of God, where the angels and [other] authorities and powers have been subjected to Him.


which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. [There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come.


which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself]. [There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come.