Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul began ravaging the church [and assaulting believers]; entering house after house and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.
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Meanwhile those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far away as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without delivering the message [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] to anyone except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news (the Gospel) about the Lord Jesus. And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number [learned] to believe (to adhere to and trust in and rely on the Lord) and turned and surrendered themselves to Him.
Now I want you to know, believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation].
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for that [gospel] I am suffering even to [the point of] wearing chains like a criminal; but the word of God is not chained or imprisoned!
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At my first trial no one acted in my defense [as my advocate] or took my part or [even] stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the [Gospel] message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered out of the jaws of the lion.
Being Forsaken by friends » Instances of » Paul
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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Forgiveness of injuries » Paul
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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Meekness » Instances of » Paul
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children.
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And upon hearing it, they adored and exalted and praised and thanked God. And they said to [Paul], You see, brother, how many thousands of believers there are among the Jews, and all of them are enthusiastic upholders of the [Mosaic] Law. Now they have been informed about you that you continually teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn back from and forsake Moses, advising them not to circumcise their children or pay any attention to the observance of the [Mosaic] customs. What then [is best that] should be done? A multitude will come together, for they will surely hear that you have arrived. read more.
Therefore do just what we tell you. With us are four men who have taken a vow upon themselves. Take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses [for the temple offering], so that they may have their heads shaved. Thus everybody will know that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself walk in observance of the Law. But with regard to the Gentiles who have believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ), we have sent them a letter with our decision that they should keep themselves free from anything that has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and [eating the meat of animals] which have been strangled and from all impurity and sexual immorality. Then Paul took the [four] men with him and the following day [he went through the rites of] purifying himself along with them. And they entered the temple to give notice when the days of purification (the ending of each vow) would be fulfilled and the usual offering could be presented on behalf of each of them.
Therefore do just what we tell you. With us are four men who have taken a vow upon themselves. Take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses [for the temple offering], so that they may have their heads shaved. Thus everybody will know that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself walk in observance of the Law. But with regard to the Gentiles who have believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ), we have sent them a letter with our decision that they should keep themselves free from anything that has been sacrificed to idols and from [tasting] blood and [eating the meat of animals] which have been strangled and from all impurity and sexual immorality. Then Paul took the [four] men with him and the following day [he went through the rites of] purifying himself along with them. And they entered the temple to give notice when the days of purification (the ending of each vow) would be fulfilled and the usual offering could be presented on behalf of each of them.
Meekness » Examples of » Paul
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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Intercessory prayer » Should be offered up for » Those who forsake us
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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Prisoners » Permitted to make defense
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are [now] permitted to speak on your own behalf.” At that, Paul stretched out his hand [as an orator] and made his defense [as follows]:
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At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].
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I told them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man [for punishment] before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
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When the governor nodded for him to speak, Paul answered,
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I make my defense cheerfully and with good courage. Verse Concepts
“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I make my defense cheerfully and with good courage. Verse Concepts
while Paul declared in his own defense, “I have done no wrong and committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.”
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