Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul continued to harass the church, and by going from house to house and dragging off men and women he continued to put them into prison.
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Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Now I want you to rest assured, brothers, that those things which have befallen me have actually resulted in the progress of the good news;
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for the sake of which I am suffering hardships even to the extent of wearing chains as though I were a criminal. But God's message is not in chains.
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When I first defended myself at court, nobody came to help me, but everybody deserted me. May it never be charged to their account. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that the message preached by me might have its full effect and all the heathen might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's jaws.
Antioch » A city » A city of syria » Disciples first called Christians in
Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. read more.
Now the news about them came to the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and so they sent Barnabas all the way to Antioch. When he reached there and saw the spiritual blessing God had given them, he was delighted, and continuously encouraged them all with hearty purpose to continue to be devoted to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. So a large number of people were united to the Lord. Then Barnabas went over to Tarsus to search out Saul, and after he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now for a whole year their meeting with the church lasted, and they taught large numbers of people. It was at Antioch too that the disciples first came to be known as "Christians." At that time some prophets from Jerusalem came down to Antioch, and one of them named Agabus got up and, through the Holy Spirit, foretold that there was going to be a great famine all over the world, which occurred in the reign of Claudius. So the disciples decided to send a contribution, each in proportion to his prosperity, to help the brothers who lived in Judea. And this they did and sent it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Now the news about them came to the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and so they sent Barnabas all the way to Antioch. When he reached there and saw the spiritual blessing God had given them, he was delighted, and continuously encouraged them all with hearty purpose to continue to be devoted to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith. So a large number of people were united to the Lord. Then Barnabas went over to Tarsus to search out Saul, and after he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now for a whole year their meeting with the church lasted, and they taught large numbers of people. It was at Antioch too that the disciples first came to be known as "Christians." At that time some prophets from Jerusalem came down to Antioch, and one of them named Agabus got up and, through the Holy Spirit, foretold that there was going to be a great famine all over the world, which occurred in the reign of Claudius. So the disciples decided to send a contribution, each in proportion to his prosperity, to help the brothers who lived in Judea. And this they did and sent it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Cyprus » Preaching the gospel at
Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
Cyrene » Simon and lucius belonged to
They forced a certain passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry His cross -- Simon, a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
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Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who is called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen who was an intimate friend of the governor, and Saul.
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But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
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Jerusalem » Disciples persecuted and dispersed from
Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Saul heartily approved of his being put to death. So on that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all of them, except the apostles, were scattered over Judea and Samaria. Some devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation for him. But Saul continued to harass the church, and by going from house to house and dragging off men and women he continued to put them into prison. read more.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place preaching the good news of the message.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place preaching the good news of the message.
Missionaries » Exemplified
Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place preaching the good news of the message.
Verse Concepts
Persecution » Of the righteous » Diffuses the gospel
Now the fugitives from the persecution that started over Stephen went all the way to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to none but Jews. But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
Saul heartily approved of his being put to death. So on that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all of them, except the apostles, were scattered over Judea and Samaria.
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Now those who were scattered went from place to place preaching the good news of the message.
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Now I want you to rest assured, brothers, that those things which have befallen me have actually resulted in the progress of the good news; in this way it has become well known throughout the Imperial Guard and to all the rest here that I am a prisoner in the service of Christ, and that most of the Christian brothers have grown confident enough, because of my imprisonment, to dare to tell God's message without being afraid.
Revivals » Instances of » At pentecost, and times after pentecost
At Iconium too they went to the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks came to believe.
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So God's message continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly; a large number, even of priests, continued to surrender to the faith.
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but still a vast number of people, both men and women, who believed in the Lord, continued to join them,
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But many of those who heard their message believed, and the number of the men grew to about five thousand.
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Then all the people who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and so they turned to the Lord.
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Day after day they regularly attended the temple; they practiced breaking their bread together in their homes, and eating their food with glad and simple hearts, constantly praising God and always having the favor of all the people. And every day the Lord continued to add to them the people who were being saved.
When the day of Pentecost had now come, they were all meeting in one mind, when suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a terrific blast of wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting, And they saw tongues like flames of fire separating and resting on their heads, one to each of them, read more.
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in foreign languages as the Spirit granted them to utter divine things. Now there were devout Jews from every part of the world living in Jerusalem. And when this sound was heard, the crowd rushed together in great excitement, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were perfectly astounded, and in bewilderment they continued to say, "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? So how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, of Judea and Cappadocia, of Pontus and Asia, of Phrygia and Pamphylia, of Egypt and the district of Libya around Cyrene, transient dwellers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them all alike telling in our own tongues the great wonders of God." And thus they all continued to be astounded and bewildered, and continued to say to each other, "What can this mean?" But others in derision were saying, "They are running over with new wine." Then Peter stood with the Eleven around him, and raising his voice he addressed them, "Men of Judea and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you, and give close attention to my words. These men are not drunk as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'It will occur in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will have visions. Your old men will have dreams. Even on my slaves, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will become prophets. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs upon the earth below, yes, blood and fire and smoky mist. The sun will turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Then everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.' "Fellow Israelites, listen to what I say. Jesus of Nazareth, as you yourselves well know, a man accredited to you by God through mighty deeds and wonders and wonder-works which God performed through Him right here among you, this very Jesus, I say, after He was betrayed, in accordance with the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you had wicked men kill by nailing Him to a cross; but God raised Him up by loosing Him from the pangs of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held by the power of death. For David says of Him: 'I always kept my eyes upon the Lord, for He is at my right hand, so that I may not be removed. So my heart is glad and my tongue exults, and my body still lives in hope. For you will not forsake my soul to Hades. Nor will you let your Holy One experience decay. You have made known to me the ways of life, and you will fill me with delight in your presence.' "Brothers, I may confidently say to you about the patriarch David, that he died and was buried, and that his grave is here among us to this very day. So, as he was a prophet and knew that God with an oath had promised to put one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw the resurrection of the Christ and told of it, for He was not forsaken to Hades, and His body did not undergo decay. I mean Jesus whom God raised from the dead, to which fact we are all witnesses, So He has been exalted to God's right hand and has received from His Father, as promised, and poured out upon us the Holy Spirit, as you see and hear. For David did not go up to heaven, but he himself says: 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, Until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."' "Therefore, let all the descendants of Israel understand beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ." When they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "You must repent -- and, as an expression of it, let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ -- that you may have your sins forgiven; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the promise belongs to you and your children, as well as to all those who are far away whom the Lord our God may call to Him." With many more words he continued to testify and to plead with them to save themselves from that crooked age. So they accepted his message and were baptized, and about three thousand persons united with them on that day. And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship with one another, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in foreign languages as the Spirit granted them to utter divine things. Now there were devout Jews from every part of the world living in Jerusalem. And when this sound was heard, the crowd rushed together in great excitement, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were perfectly astounded, and in bewilderment they continued to say, "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? So how is it that each of us hears them speaking in his own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, of Judea and Cappadocia, of Pontus and Asia, of Phrygia and Pamphylia, of Egypt and the district of Libya around Cyrene, transient dwellers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs -- we hear them all alike telling in our own tongues the great wonders of God." And thus they all continued to be astounded and bewildered, and continued to say to each other, "What can this mean?" But others in derision were saying, "They are running over with new wine." Then Peter stood with the Eleven around him, and raising his voice he addressed them, "Men of Judea and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you, and give close attention to my words. These men are not drunk as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'It will occur in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will have visions. Your old men will have dreams. Even on my slaves, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will become prophets. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs upon the earth below, yes, blood and fire and smoky mist. The sun will turn to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. Then everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.' "Fellow Israelites, listen to what I say. Jesus of Nazareth, as you yourselves well know, a man accredited to you by God through mighty deeds and wonders and wonder-works which God performed through Him right here among you, this very Jesus, I say, after He was betrayed, in accordance with the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you had wicked men kill by nailing Him to a cross; but God raised Him up by loosing Him from the pangs of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held by the power of death. For David says of Him: 'I always kept my eyes upon the Lord, for He is at my right hand, so that I may not be removed. So my heart is glad and my tongue exults, and my body still lives in hope. For you will not forsake my soul to Hades. Nor will you let your Holy One experience decay. You have made known to me the ways of life, and you will fill me with delight in your presence.' "Brothers, I may confidently say to you about the patriarch David, that he died and was buried, and that his grave is here among us to this very day. So, as he was a prophet and knew that God with an oath had promised to put one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw the resurrection of the Christ and told of it, for He was not forsaken to Hades, and His body did not undergo decay. I mean Jesus whom God raised from the dead, to which fact we are all witnesses, So He has been exalted to God's right hand and has received from His Father, as promised, and poured out upon us the Holy Spirit, as you see and hear. For David did not go up to heaven, but he himself says: 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, Until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."' "Therefore, let all the descendants of Israel understand beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ." When they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "You must repent -- and, as an expression of it, let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ -- that you may have your sins forgiven; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the promise belongs to you and your children, as well as to all those who are far away whom the Lord our God may call to Him." With many more words he continued to testify and to plead with them to save themselves from that crooked age. So they accepted his message and were baptized, and about three thousand persons united with them on that day. And they devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship with one another, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who on reaching Antioch began to speak to the Greeks too, and proceeded to tell them the good news about the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
But the message of the Lord continued to grow and spread.
Verse Concepts