Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one but Jews. But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:
for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned!
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion's mouth!
Being Forsaken by friends » Instances of » Paul
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
Forgiveness of injuries » Paul
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
Meekness » Instances of » Paul
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children,
When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers of the law. They have been informed about you -- that you teach all the Jews now living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What then should we do? They will no doubt hear that you have come. read more.
So do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself live in conformity with the law. But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided that they should avoid meat that has been sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality." Then Paul took the men the next day, and after he had purified himself along with them, he went to the temple and gave notice of the completion of the days of purification, when the sacrifice would be offered for each of them.
So do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself live in conformity with the law. But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided that they should avoid meat that has been sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality." Then Paul took the men the next day, and after he had purified himself along with them, he went to the temple and gave notice of the completion of the days of purification, when the sacrifice would be offered for each of them.
Meekness » Examples of » Paul
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
Intercessory prayer » Should be offered up for » Those who forsake us
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
Prisoners » Permitted to make defense
So Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul held out his hand and began his defense:
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face to face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.
When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, "Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense.
Paul said in his defense, "I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar."