Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible









These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them: "Do not go among the Gentiles, or enter any town of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' read more.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the worker is worthy of his food. Now whatever village or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go out. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one city, flee to another. For truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! "So do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father's will. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Therefore whoever acknowledges me before men, him I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man 'against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me. He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." Verse ConceptsGesturesFeetHospitality, A Duty Of God's PeopleOpportunities, And SalvationWiping DustPeople Abandoning Peoplefatedustwelcome

After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. read more.
Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.' And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they give, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick there and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it will be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades! "He who hears you hears me, he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me."

I give you this command, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies once made about you, that by them you may fight the good fight, holding faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and made shipwreck of their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

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Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are real widows. read more.
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice their religion in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a real widow, and who has been left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband, and she must be well known for her good deeds, as one who has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, relieved those in distress, and devoted herself to doing good in every way. But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to marry, thus bringing condemnation, because they have set aside their first pledge. Besides, they learn to be idle, going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their homes, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach. For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are real widows. The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. I charge you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify of our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, read more.
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and the grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. Follow the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, read more.
and will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree WitnessesWitnesses, LegalTwo Or ThreeActing Three TimesWitnessing




But if he will not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every matter may be established by the word of two or three witnesses.' Verse ConceptsAgreements, LegalThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineTwoLove To Others Shown InTwo Or ThreeReconciliationConflictGoing To ChurchFamily ConflictThe ElderlyResolving Conflictmathothers

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineWitnesses, LegalAccusations, In Church AffairsTwo Or ThreeThe Elderlyeldersaccusations

Anyone who has rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsAbandonmentThree WitnessesMurderWitnesses, LegalDespisersTwo Or ThreeEffect Of The LawThey Do Not Keep Commandsthe Law of moses

And the disciples determined, each according to his ability, to send relief for the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, reporting the conversion of the Gentiles, and they gave great joy to all the brethren. read more.
When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up, and said, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the Law of Moses." The apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us; and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are." All the assembly kept silent; and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brethren, listen to me. Simeon has related how God first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for his name. With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 'After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,' says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago. Therefore it is my judgment that we should not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, and they sent the following letter with them: "The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings. Since we have heard that some persons from us have disturbed you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions, it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves free from these, you will do well. Farewell." So when they were sent off, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they read it, they rejoiced at its encouragement. And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them. And after they had spent some time there, they were sent off in peace by the brethren to those who had sent them. (...) But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.



As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions which had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in numbers daily.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. Verse ConceptsAttending Churchelders, in the churchOfficersChurch GovernmentChurch, Examples Ofeldersgoodbyes

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with the blood of his Own. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might straighten out what was left unfinished, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you, namely, if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild or rebellious. For the overseer must be blameless as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not fond of sordid gain, read more.
but hospitable, a lover of what is good, master of himself, upright, holy, and self-controlled; he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to refute those who contradict it.

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For by it the men of old received divine approval. Verse ConceptsApprovalPeople Commended By God

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God that is under your care, serving as overseersnot under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; not as lording it over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. read more.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise you that are younger men be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, Verse ConceptsElection, Description OfLove Exists Between PeopleKnowing God's TruthLove And RelationshipsLove And FamilyLoving Children

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Verse ConceptsAffection, GoodThose Who Loved

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree WitnessesWitnesses, LegalTwo Or ThreeActing Three TimesWitnessing




But if he will not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every matter may be established by the word of two or three witnesses.' Verse ConceptsAgreements, LegalThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineTwoLove To Others Shown InTwo Or ThreeReconciliationConflictGoing To ChurchFamily ConflictThe ElderlyResolving Conflictmathothers

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineWitnesses, LegalAccusations, In Church AffairsTwo Or ThreeThe Elderlyeldersaccusations

Anyone who has rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsAbandonmentThree WitnessesMurderWitnesses, LegalDespisersTwo Or ThreeEffect Of The LawThey Do Not Keep Commandsthe Law of moses

In your own law it is written that the testimony of two men is true. Verse ConceptsTwo WitnessesTwo WitnessesWritten In The Lawtestimonytestifyingcredibility

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree WitnessesWitnesses, LegalTwo Or ThreeActing Three TimesWitnessing




But if he will not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every matter may be established by the word of two or three witnesses.' Verse ConceptsAgreements, LegalThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineTwoLove To Others Shown InTwo Or ThreeReconciliationConflictGoing To ChurchFamily ConflictThe ElderlyResolving Conflictmathothers

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsThree Witnessesdiscipline, divineWitnesses, LegalAccusations, In Church AffairsTwo Or ThreeThe Elderlyeldersaccusations

Anyone who has rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Verse ConceptsAbandonmentThree WitnessesMurderWitnesses, LegalDespisersTwo Or ThreeEffect Of The LawThey Do Not Keep Commandsthe Law of moses