Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.
Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,
I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound.
At my first defense, no one came to my assistance, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me, and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
Being Forsaken by friends » Instances of » Paul
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Forgiveness of injuries » Paul
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Meekness » Instances of » Paul
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children.
When they heard it, they glorified God and said, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. But they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them not to circumcise their children or to walk in our customs. So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you've come. read more.
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow. Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law. With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality." Then the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering for each of them would be made.
Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow. Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law. With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality." Then the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering for each of them would be made.
Meekness » Examples of » Paul
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Intercessory prayer » Should be offered up for » Those who forsake us
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
Prisoners » Permitted to make defense
Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.”
Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
I answered them that it’s not the Romans’ custom to give any man up before the accused confronts the accusers face to face and has an opportunity to give a defense concerning the charges.
When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me.
while Paul made the defense that, “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.”