Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



And all the believers [in Jesus] were together and shared everything. They sold their belongings and property and divided [the money] among all [the believers] according to each one's need.

And no one lacked anything, for all who owned property or houses sold [some of] them and brought the money and gave it to the apostles, who distributed it to each person who had a need. And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus. read more.
He owned a field, but [due to the great need] sold it and brought the money and gave it to the apostles [for distribution].

Now during the days when the disciples were multiplying in number [in Jerusalem. See verse 7], some Greek-[speaking] Jews began to complain to the Hebrews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution [of food]. So, the twelve apostles called the whole group of disciples together and said to them, "It is not right that we should neglect preaching the word of God in order to serve meals [to people]. Brothers, select from among you seven men with good reputations, who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to take care of this matter.

[In response to this prediction], the disciples decided to send as much relief as they could to help the brothers living in Judea. So, they sent [what was donated] to the elders [of the Judean churches] by Barnabas and Saul.

"Now after several years I came [to Jerusalem] to bring relief for the poor people of my nation and to present my offerings. Verse ConceptsGiftsPoverty, Attitudes TowardsPoverty, Remedies ForAlmsgivingAltruismCharityGiving To The Poor

But for now, I am on my way to Jerusalem to minister to [the needs of] God's holy people there. For [the Christians in] Macedonia and Achaia [Note: These were provinces in Greece] thought it was a good idea to take up an offering for the poor saints at Jerusalem. For they thought it was a good idea, and [besides] they were indebted to those Jewish Christians. For if the Gentiles [have] shared in the spiritual blessings of the Jews, [then] they owe it to those Jews to help meet their material needs. read more.
So, when I have completed this task, and have guaranteed [the safe delivery of] this offering to them, I will visit you on my way to Spain.

Now concerning the collection for the [needy] saints [whom you wrote me about]: You people also should do what I directed the churches in Galatia to do. On every first day of the week [i.e., at the regular Sunday assembly] each one of you should set aside and store up [money] in proportion to your income, so that no collections will have to be taken when I come. Then when I arrive, I will send letters with the men you appoint to take the gift to Jerusalem. read more.
And if it seems suitable for me to go also, they can go with me.

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia. [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity. For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own, read more.
[even] pleading with us and requesting the privilege of taking part in this service to the saints [i.e., God's holy people] in Jerusalem. [See also 9:1-15; I Cor. 16:1-2; Rom. 15:25-28].

Now it is unnecessary for me to write you about this service to God's holy people [in Jerusalem, who were in need]. Verse ConceptsMinistry, Qualifications ForBenevolenceWriting LettersSurplusministering


And all the believers [in Jesus] were together and shared everything. They sold their belongings and property and divided [the money] among all [the believers] according to each one's need. And every day they continued to meet together in the Temple [i.e., for teaching and worship]. They were enjoying their meals and the close fellowship they shared in the various homes, and were

So, the large number of believers were united in heart and soul [i.e., mind and spirit] and not one of them said that anything he owned [really] belonged to him, but they shared all things in common. And the apostles testified concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and the favor [of God] was upon all of them. And no one lacked anything, for all who owned property or houses sold [some of] them and brought the money read more.
and gave it to the apostles, who distributed it to each person who had a need. And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus. He owned a field, but [due to the great need] sold it and brought the money and gave it to the apostles [for distribution].

And all the believers [in Jesus] were together and shared everything. They sold their belongings and property and divided [the money] among all [the believers] according to each one's need.

So, the large number of believers were united in heart and soul [i.e., mind and spirit] and not one of them said that anything he owned [really] belonged to him, but they shared all things in common. And the apostles testified concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and the favor [of God] was upon all of them. And no one lacked anything, for all who owned property or houses sold [some of] them and brought the money read more.
and gave it to the apostles, who distributed it to each person who had a need. And Joseph, who was called by the apostles, Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), was a descendant of the Jewish tribe of Levi, whose family originated from [the island of] Cyprus. He owned a field, but [due to the great need] sold it and brought the money and gave it to the apostles [for distribution].



But I work out and get my body in shape [i.e., spiritually], so that after preaching to other people, I myself do not become disqualified [i.e., for winning the prize from God. See verse 24]. Verse ConceptsLicentiousnessCastawaysBodyAsceticism, TypesLustMortificationSelf DisciplineConduct, ProperDietsMinisters, Should BeBeating OneselfMaking SlavesslaveryRacetrainingmyself


And no one lacked anything, for all who owned property or houses sold [some of] them and brought the money Verse ConceptsLackBuying and sellingMoney, Uses OfSacrificial GivingPlenty For The PoorAvoiding PovertyGiving Money To The ChurchSharingsales


For although I am free from [being accountable to] all people, I placed myself under obligation to them [as a slave], so as to win as many as possible [to Christ]. Verse ConceptsServant, BondSlavery, SpiritualTactChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromSoul WinnersAdaptabilityBe Subject To PeopleWinningBeing Yourselfexpectations

By [having] faith, when Abraham was called [by God] to leave [his homeland] and go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance [i.e., Palestine], he obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going. By [having] faith, he became an alien in the foreign country that had been promised to him. He lived in tents, along with Isaac [his son] and Jacob [his grandson], who [also] were to receive the same inheritance he had been promised.

And all the believers [in Jesus] were together and shared everything. They sold their belongings and property and divided [the money] among all [the believers] according to each one's need.

And no one lacked anything, for all who owned property or houses sold [some of] them and brought the money Verse ConceptsLackBuying and sellingMoney, Uses OfSacrificial GivingPlenty For The PoorAvoiding PovertyGiving Money To The ChurchSharingsales

And all the believers [in Jesus] were together and shared everything. They sold their belongings and property and divided [the money] among all [the believers] according to each one's need. And every day they continued to meet together in the Temple [i.e., for teaching and worship]. They were enjoying their meals and the close fellowship they shared in the various homes, and were read more.
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people [of the area]. And every day the Lord added to their number [i.e., to the church] those who were being saved [i.e., upon their obedience to the Gospel].