Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Afflictions made beneficial » In furthering the gospel
But Saul made havock of the church, entring into the houses, and dragging out men and women, committed them to prison.
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel:
for whose sake I suffer trouble even unto bonds, as if I were a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all men forsook me: God grant it may not be laid to their charge! But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that by me the gospel might be fully spread, and that all the nations might hear: and so I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Antioch » A city » A city of syria » Disciples first called Christians in
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. read more.
And the report of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem; and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Who, when he was come, and saw the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all with steadiness of heart to adhere to the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy Spirit, and of faith: and many were added unto the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to seek Saul: and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And they assembled in the church a whole year, and taught much people: and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. And in these days came down prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and signified by the Spirit, that there would be a great famine over all the earth: which accordingly came to pass in the reign of Claudius Cesar. And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea. Which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And the report of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem; and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Who, when he was come, and saw the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all with steadiness of heart to adhere to the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy Spirit, and of faith: and many were added unto the Lord. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to seek Saul: and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And they assembled in the church a whole year, and taught much people: and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. And in these days came down prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and signified by the Spirit, that there would be a great famine over all the earth: which accordingly came to pass in the reign of Claudius Cesar. And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea. Which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
Cyprus » Preaching the gospel at
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Cyrene » Simon and lucius belonged to
And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was passing by, coming out of the country, to carry his cross:
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers, as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen who had been educated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul;
But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Jerusalem » Disciples persecuted and dispersed from
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And some pious men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation for him. But Saul made havock of the church, entring into the houses, and dragging out men and women, committed them to prison. read more.
Now they that were dispersed went about preaching the word.
Now they that were dispersed went about preaching the word.
Missionaries » Exemplified
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Now they that were dispersed went about preaching the word.
Persecution » Of the righteous » Diffuses the gospel
Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Now they that were dispersed went about preaching the word.
But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel: so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ; and many of the brethren in the Lord, encouraged by my bonds, are much more bold to publish the word without fear.
Revivals » Instances of » At pentecost, and times after pentecost
And at Iconium they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great number both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith.
And true believers were the more willingly added to the Lord, even multitudes both of men and women.
But many of them who heard the word, believed: and the number of the men was about five thousand.
And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all met together with one accord. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven as of a strong rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them divided tongues, as it were of fire, and it sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, "And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy. And I will give prodigies in the heaven, and signs upon the earth; blood, and fire, and smoky vapour. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you, (as ye yourselves also know,) Him being given up by the determinate counsel and fore-knowlege of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up again, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David saith concerning Him, "I set the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; and my flesh shall rest in hope, that Thou wilt not leave my soul in the invisible state, nor suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; and Thou wilt fill me with joy by the light of thy countenance." Men and brethren, allow me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet; and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah, to sit on his throne; foreseeing this he spake of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, that his soul was not left in the invisible state, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up from the dead, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this gift, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this very Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked to the heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit: for the promise is to you and to your children, yea and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he press and exhort them, saying, Save yourselves from this perverse generation. They therefore that received his word with readiness were baptized: and in that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfast in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
and they were all filled with the holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this rumor was spread, the multitude came together and were astonished; for every one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and wondered, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these, that are speaking, Galileans? and how do we every one hear them in our own native tongue? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those that dwell in Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Capadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers from Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed and in doubt, saying one to another, What can this mean? but others scoffing said, they are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: for these men are not drunk, as ye suppose; for it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel, "And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: yea and on my servants and on my handmaids, in those days, I will pour out of my Spirit, and they also shall prophesy. And I will give prodigies in the heaven, and signs upon the earth; blood, and fire, and smoky vapour. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you, by miracles, and prodigies, and signs, which God wrought by Him in the midst of you, (as ye yourselves also know,) Him being given up by the determinate counsel and fore-knowlege of God ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised up again, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David saith concerning Him, "I set the Lord always before me, for He is at my right hand, that I should not be moved: therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; and my flesh shall rest in hope, that Thou wilt not leave my soul in the invisible state, nor suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; and Thou wilt fill me with joy by the light of thy countenance." Men and brethren, allow me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us to this day. Therefore being a prophet; and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah, to sit on his throne; foreseeing this he spake of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, that his soul was not left in the invisible state, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up from the dead, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Spirit, He hath poured forth this gift, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he himself says, "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool." Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made this very Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked to the heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit: for the promise is to you and to your children, yea and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he press and exhort them, saying, Save yourselves from this perverse generation. They therefore that received his word with readiness were baptized: and in that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfast in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
But the word of God grew and was multiplied.