Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul harassed the church. He went into one house after another, and dragging out men and women, put them in prison.
The fugitives from the persecution that had broken out over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they told the message to none but Jews. There were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them, however, who when they reached Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, and told them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and there were a great many who believed and turned to the Lord.
Now I want to assure you, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in furthering the preaching of the good news.
for the sake of which I even suffer imprisonment as a criminal. But God's message is not imprisoned!
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them! But the Lord stood by me, and gave me strength, so that I might make a full presentation of the message and let all the heathen hear it. So I was saved from the jaws of the lion.
Being Forsaken by friends » Instances of » Paul
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
Forgiveness of injuries » Paul
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
Meekness » Instances of » Paul
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
We were children when we were with you; we were like a mother nursing her children.
They praised God when they heard it, and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousand believers there are among the Jews, all of them zealous upholders of the Law. They have been told that you teach all Jews who live among the heathen to turn away from Moses, and that you tell them not to circumcise their children nor to observe the old customs. What then? They will be sure to hear that you have come. read more.
So do what we tell you. We have four men here who are under a vow. Join them, undergo the rites of purification with them, and pay their expenses so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will understand that there is no truth in the stories about you, but that you yourself observe the Law. As for the heathen who have become believers, we have written them our decision that they must avoid anything that has been contaminated by idols, the tasting of blood, the meat of strangled animals, and immorality." Then Paul joined the men and went through the rites of purification with them and the next day went to the Temple to give notice of the time when, upon the offering of the sacrifice for each one of them, their days of purification would be over.
So do what we tell you. We have four men here who are under a vow. Join them, undergo the rites of purification with them, and pay their expenses so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will understand that there is no truth in the stories about you, but that you yourself observe the Law. As for the heathen who have become believers, we have written them our decision that they must avoid anything that has been contaminated by idols, the tasting of blood, the meat of strangled animals, and immorality." Then Paul joined the men and went through the rites of purification with them and the next day went to the Temple to give notice of the time when, upon the offering of the sacrifice for each one of them, their days of purification would be over.
Meekness » Examples of » Paul
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
Intercessory prayer » Should be offered up for » Those who forsake us
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
Prisoners » Permitted to make defense
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are at liberty to speak in your own defense." So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.
At my first appearance in court no one came to help me; everybody deserted me. May no one lay it up against them!
I told them that it was not the Roman custom to give anybody up until the accused met his accusers face to face and had a chance to defend himself against their accusations.
The governor made a sign to Paul to speak, and he answered, "As I know that for many years you have acted as judge for this nation, I cheerfully undertake my defense,
Paul said in his own defense, "I have committed no offense against the Jewish Law or the Temple or the emperor."