Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul began to devastate the Church; he entered house after house, dragged out men and women alike, and threw them into prison.
Now those who had been scattered in different directions, in consequence of the persecution that followed upon the death of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the Message--but only to Jews. Some of them, however, who were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, on coming to Antioch, addressed themselves also to the Jews of foreign birth, telling them the Good News about that Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, so that a great number who had learned to believe came over to the Lord's side.
Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News.
in the service of which I am suffering hardships, even to being put in fetters as a criminal. But the Message of God is not fettered;
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them! But the Lord came to my help and strengthened me, in order that, through me, the proclamation should be made so widely that all the Gentiles should hear it; and I was rescued 'out of the Lion's mouth.'
Being Forsaken by friends » Instances of » Paul
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
Forgiveness of injuries » Paul
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
Meekness » Instances of » Paul
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
But we lived among you with the simplicity of a child; we were like a woman nursing her own children.
And, when they had heard it, they began praising God, and said to Paul: "You see, Brother, that the Jews who have become believers in Christ may be numbered by tens of thousands, and they are all naturally earnest in upholding the Jewish Law. Now they have heard it said about you, that you teach all Jews in foreign countries to forsake Moses, for you tell them not to circumcise their children or even to observe Jewish customs. Well now, as they are certain to hear of your arrival, do what we are going to suggest. read more.
We have four men here, who have of their own accord put themselves under a vow. Join these men, share their purification, and bear their expenses, so that they may shave their heads; and then all will see that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that, on the contrary, you yourself rule your life in obedience to the Jewish Law. As to the Gentiles who have become believers in Christ, we have sent our decision that they should avoid food offered to idols, and blood, and the flesh of strangled animals, and impurity." On this, Paul joined the men, and the next day shared their purification, and went into the Temple, and gave notice of the expiration of the period of purification when the usual offering should have been made on behalf of each of them.
We have four men here, who have of their own accord put themselves under a vow. Join these men, share their purification, and bear their expenses, so that they may shave their heads; and then all will see that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that, on the contrary, you yourself rule your life in obedience to the Jewish Law. As to the Gentiles who have become believers in Christ, we have sent our decision that they should avoid food offered to idols, and blood, and the flesh of strangled animals, and impurity." On this, Paul joined the men, and the next day shared their purification, and went into the Temple, and gave notice of the expiration of the period of purification when the usual offering should have been made on behalf of each of them.
Meekness » Examples of » Paul
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
Intercessory prayer » Should be offered up for » Those who forsake us
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
Prisoners » Permitted to make defense
Turning to Paul, Agrippa said: "You are at liberty to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense.
At my first trial no one stood by me. They all deserted me. May it never be counted against them!
My answer to them was, that it was not the practice of Romans to give up any man to his accusers till the accused had met them face to face, and had also had an opportunity of answering the charges brought against him.
On a sign from the Governor, Paul made this reply: "Knowing, as I do, for how many years you have acted as Judge to this nation, it is with confidence that I undertake my own defense.
Paul's answer to the charge was--'I have not committed any offence against the Jewish Law, or the Temple, or the Emperor.'