Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Alms » Instances of giving » The early Christians
All that believed were united together, and had all things in common, so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required.
for there was no poor among them, because as many as bad lands or houses, sold them, and brought the value, which they laid down at the apostles feet: and they distributed it to every man as his occasions required. among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus, read more.
sold an estate he had, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.
sold an estate he had, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.
At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily. the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals. wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple:
but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts. for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem. they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals. read more.
when I have dispatch'd this affair, and have secur'd to them this collection, I will come to you in my way to Spain.
when I have dispatch'd this affair, and have secur'd to them this collection, I will come to you in my way to Spain.
Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia. every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come. and when I come, I shall send such as you shall approve of, who will convey letters, and your kind present to Jerusalem. read more.
and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.
and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.
I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power, (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: read more.
earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem:
earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem:
As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you.
for God is too just to his promise not to regard your piety, and the love which you have shewn to the christian religion by the assistance ye have given to the saints, and still continue to give.
Antioch » A city » A city of syria » Disciples first called Christians in
In the mean time they who were dispers'd upon the persecution that arose after Stephen's time, had travell'd as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, without preaching the gospel to any, but Jews only. some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus. and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts. read more.
Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch; who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession: for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church. at length Barnabas departed to Tarsus in quest of Saul, and having found him, he conducted him to Antioch: where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians. About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch: and one of them named Agabus foretold by the spirit, that there should be a great famine, thro' all the world: which accordingly happen'd in the reign of Claudius Cesar. then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch; who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession: for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church. at length Barnabas departed to Tarsus in quest of Saul, and having found him, he conducted him to Antioch: where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians. About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch: and one of them named Agabus foretold by the spirit, that there should be a great famine, thro' all the world: which accordingly happen'd in the reign of Claudius Cesar. then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Barnabas » Characteristics of » Trustworthy
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Barnabas » Accompanies paul to jerusalem
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Church » Membership of officers in » Elders
Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord,
Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest;
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,
upon which Paul and Barnabas having warmly contested the point with them, it was resolved, that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles upon this question.
Elder » In the Christian church
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
However some that arrived from Judea, told the Gentile converts, unless you are circumcised agreeably to the law of Moses, you cannot be saved. upon which Paul and Barnabas having warmly contested the point with them, it was resolved, that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles upon this question. so they set out, accompanied part of the way by the church, and pass'd thro' Phenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, which gave great joy to all the brethren. read more.
and being arrived at Jerusalem, they were receiv'd by the church, by the apostles, and presbyters, to whom they related all that God had done by them. but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses. The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair. and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith. God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us: making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they. The whole assembly were very silent, whilst Barnabas and Paul related what miracles and prodigies God had wrought among the Gentiles by their ministry. After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention. Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name. and this is agreeable to the oracles of the prophets: as it is written, "after this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: I will repair its ruins, and raise it up: that the rest of mankind, even all the nations, that profess my name, may seek the Lord. he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world. wherefore my opinion is not to disquiet the Gentile converts: but only to write to them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, from fornication, from animals that are strangled, and from their blood. for as to the law of Moses, that has been published in every city a considerable time, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then the apostles, the presbyters, and the whole church thought it proper to select some out of their own body to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch: such as Judas surnam'd Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting. Whereas we have been appriz'd, that some who went from us, have embarass'd you with their discourse, and unsettled your minds, maintaining, that you ought to be circumcised, and to observe the law, though we gave them no such injunction: after having been assembled, we unanimously judg'd it proper to send particular deputies to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have exposed their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. we therefore send Judas and Silas to inform you in person of this affair. for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions; that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the flesh of strangled animals, and from fornication: you will do well to preserve your selves from these practices. farewel. Being thus dispatch'd, they went to Antioch; where having assembled all the faithful, they deliver'd the letter: from the reading of which, they were affected with joy at the comfortable contents, as for Judas and Silas, they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses. and after they had stay'd there some time, with the good wishes of the brethren, they had leave to go to the apostles. however Silas thought fit to stay at Antioch, where Paul and Barnabas continued, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Lord, with many others.
and being arrived at Jerusalem, they were receiv'd by the church, by the apostles, and presbyters, to whom they related all that God had done by them. but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses. The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair. and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith. God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us: making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith. why therefore do you tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither we nor our forefathers were able to bear? but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they. The whole assembly were very silent, whilst Barnabas and Paul related what miracles and prodigies God had wrought among the Gentiles by their ministry. After they had done speaking, James assum'd the discourse, and said, my brethren, give me your attention. Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name. and this is agreeable to the oracles of the prophets: as it is written, "after this I will return and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: I will repair its ruins, and raise it up: that the rest of mankind, even all the nations, that profess my name, may seek the Lord. he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world. wherefore my opinion is not to disquiet the Gentile converts: but only to write to them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, from fornication, from animals that are strangled, and from their blood. for as to the law of Moses, that has been published in every city a considerable time, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then the apostles, the presbyters, and the whole church thought it proper to select some out of their own body to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch: such as Judas surnam'd Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting. Whereas we have been appriz'd, that some who went from us, have embarass'd you with their discourse, and unsettled your minds, maintaining, that you ought to be circumcised, and to observe the law, though we gave them no such injunction: after having been assembled, we unanimously judg'd it proper to send particular deputies to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have exposed their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. we therefore send Judas and Silas to inform you in person of this affair. for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions; that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the flesh of strangled animals, and from fornication: you will do well to preserve your selves from these practices. farewel. Being thus dispatch'd, they went to Antioch; where having assembled all the faithful, they deliver'd the letter: from the reading of which, they were affected with joy at the comfortable contents, as for Judas and Silas, they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses. and after they had stay'd there some time, with the good wishes of the brethren, they had leave to go to the apostles. however Silas thought fit to stay at Antioch, where Paul and Barnabas continued, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Lord, with many others.
and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
don't neglect the gift you have, which was given you with the ministerial charge, when you receiv'd imposition of hands from the presbytery.
as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem. thus were the churches established in the faith, and daily grew more numerous.
At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:
be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock. nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers. read more.
be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd.
be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears. and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd.
Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing. for the scripture says, "thou shalt not muzzle the ox, when he treads the corn." and, "the labourer is worthy of his reward." don't receive any accusation against a pastor, but upon the deposition of two or three witnesses.
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you, to chuse such as are without reproach, married to but one wife, whose children are obedient, not accused of debauchery, nor unruly. for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not morose, not soon angry, not given to wine, not violent, not desirous of unlawful gain. read more.
but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate; attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.
but a lover of hospitality, humane, prudent, just, holy, temperate; attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.
Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord, the prayer that proceeds from faith, shall save the sick; the Lord will raise him up, and his sins that may have been the occasion, shall be forgiven.
I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest; to exhort you to feed the flock of God, which is among you: to take care of it, voluntarily, without reluctance, not from any view to sordid gain, but out of real affection; not to domineer over the laity, but to be examples for their imitation; read more.
that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade. As for you that are young, be you submissive to those of a more advanc'd age: and do you all of you pay a becoming deference to one another: be cloak'd with humility, for " God opposes the proud, and shows favour to the humble."
that when the sovereign pastor shall appear, you may carry off a glorious crown, that will never fade. As for you that are young, be you submissive to those of a more advanc'd age: and do you all of you pay a becoming deference to one another: be cloak'd with humility, for " God opposes the proud, and shows favour to the humble."
The PRESBYTER to the lady ECLECTA and her children, whom I sincerely love, and not only I, but all true christians,
Elders » Christian
Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord,
Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest;
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,
upon which Paul and Barnabas having warmly contested the point with them, it was resolved, that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles upon this question.
Liberality » Exemplified » Church of antioch
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Paul » Conveys the contributions of the Christians in antioch to the Christians in jerusalem
About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch: and one of them named Agabus foretold by the spirit, that there should be a great famine, thro' all the world: which accordingly happen'd in the reign of Claudius Cesar. then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, read more.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
Poor » Kindness to » The congregation at antioch (in syria)
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.
The poor » Regard for--exemplified » Church at antioch
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.