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.
Defense » Of paul
Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows." at which the high priest Ananias order'd those that were near him to strike him on the face: which made Paul say, "may God strike thee, thou plaister'd wall: you sit to judge me according to law, and in defiance of the law you order me to be struck!" read more.
what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."
what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."
Then the governour sign'd to Paul to reply; who said, I enter upon my defence with the greater confidence, by considering you have govern'd this nation several years: possibly you are appriz'd, that it is not above twelve days since, that I went to Jerusalem to worship. they neither found me in conference with any one in the temple, nor working up the people either in the assemblies or in the streets: read more.
so far are they from proving what they lay to my charge. I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets. I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust. and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men. after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple: there religiously employ'd some Asiatic Jews found me, without crowd or tumult: and here they ought to have appear'd, if they had any thing to object against me. or let these now declare, if they could convict me of any misdemeanor, when I was brought before the Sanhedrim: unless it be, that I did indeed break out into this expression, it "is for the resurrection of the dead, that I am now call'd into question."
so far are they from proving what they lay to my charge. I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets. I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust. and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men. after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple: there religiously employ'd some Asiatic Jews found me, without crowd or tumult: and here they ought to have appear'd, if they had any thing to object against me. or let these now declare, if they could convict me of any misdemeanor, when I was brought before the Sanhedrim: unless it be, that I did indeed break out into this expression, it "is for the resurrection of the dead, that I am now call'd into question."
Then Agrippa said to Paul, you are at liberty to make your defence. upon which Paul disengaging his hand from his cloak, thus made his plea. I think myself happy, king Agrippa, in having this opportunity of vindicating myself in your presence, from every thing the Jews have laid to my charge: for I know you are fully acquainted with the Jewish customs and controversies: and therefore I beg the indulgence of your attention. read more.
what course of life I led at Jerusalem, where I was brought up from my youth among those of my own nation, is known to all the Jews. they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion: and now I stand arraign'd for expecting the accomplishment of the divine promise made to our fathers, which our twelve tribes by their continual services, night and day, hope themselves to obtain: yet for that hope, king Agrippa, do the Jews now accuse me. you may think it something incredible that God should raise the dead: I myself too once thought myself oblig'd strenuously to oppose the professors of Jesus the Nazarene, as I actually did at Jerusalem, where numbers of converts I threw into jail, by warrant from the high priests: and when they were put to death, I myself was an accomplice. it was I that persecuted them from synagogue to synagogue, and tortured them even to blaspheme: and in the transport of my rage I pursued them to foreign cities. with such views, authorized by commission from the high priests, I was on the road to Damascus: when at mid-day, O king, a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, broke all around me, and those that accompanied me. we were all struck down: when I heard a voice directed to me pronounce these words in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is dangerous for thee to kick against the goad." I answer'd, who art thou, Lord? he said, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. but rise upright upon thy feet: for I have appear'd to thee in order to establish you my minister in testifying both what you have seen, and what I shall hereafter show to you, by delivering you from this people, and from the Gentiles to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me." this heavenly vision, king Agrippa, I presently obey'd: first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance. for such a conduct the Jews seiz'd upon me in the temple, designing to assassinate me; but by the divine favour I am still preserv'd alive, testifying to the small and to the great nothing but what Moses and the prophets have predicted should happen: "that Christ should suffer: that he should be the first that was to rise from the dead: and that he should enlighten both the Jews and the Gentiles."
what course of life I led at Jerusalem, where I was brought up from my youth among those of my own nation, is known to all the Jews. they can testify, if they will, that I early profess'd myself a Pharisee, a member of the most rigorous sect of our religion: and now I stand arraign'd for expecting the accomplishment of the divine promise made to our fathers, which our twelve tribes by their continual services, night and day, hope themselves to obtain: yet for that hope, king Agrippa, do the Jews now accuse me. you may think it something incredible that God should raise the dead: I myself too once thought myself oblig'd strenuously to oppose the professors of Jesus the Nazarene, as I actually did at Jerusalem, where numbers of converts I threw into jail, by warrant from the high priests: and when they were put to death, I myself was an accomplice. it was I that persecuted them from synagogue to synagogue, and tortured them even to blaspheme: and in the transport of my rage I pursued them to foreign cities. with such views, authorized by commission from the high priests, I was on the road to Damascus: when at mid-day, O king, a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, broke all around me, and those that accompanied me. we were all struck down: when I heard a voice directed to me pronounce these words in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is dangerous for thee to kick against the goad." I answer'd, who art thou, Lord? he said, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. but rise upright upon thy feet: for I have appear'd to thee in order to establish you my minister in testifying both what you have seen, and what I shall hereafter show to you, by delivering you from this people, and from the Gentiles to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me." this heavenly vision, king Agrippa, I presently obey'd: first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance. for such a conduct the Jews seiz'd upon me in the temple, designing to assassinate me; but by the divine favour I am still preserv'd alive, testifying to the small and to the great nothing but what Moses and the prophets have predicted should happen: "that Christ should suffer: that he should be the first that was to rise from the dead: and that he should enlighten both the Jews and the Gentiles."
Feasts » Instituted by moses » Observed » By paul
after this, Paul had a design to pass thro' Macedonia and Achaia in his way to Jerusalem: purposing when he had been there to make a visit to Rome.
after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple:
for Paul had determined not to go ashore at Ephesus, to avoid losing time in Asia: because he was eager to get to Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of pentecost.
after the feast of unleaven'd bread we sail'd from Philippi, and in five days we join'd them at Troas, where we stay'd seven.
said he, in taking his leave, I must necessarily keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: after which I will return to you if God permit.
possibly you are appriz'd, that it is not above twelve days since, that I went to Jerusalem to worship.
Self-defense » Accused persons heard in
said to them, said to them, doth our law condemn any man before he is heard, without knowing the fact?
Then the governour sign'd to Paul to reply; who said, I enter upon my defence with the greater confidence, by considering you have govern'd this nation several years: possibly you are appriz'd, that it is not above twelve days since, that I went to Jerusalem to worship. they neither found me in conference with any one in the temple, nor working up the people either in the assemblies or in the streets: read more.
so far are they from proving what they lay to my charge. I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets. I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust. and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men. after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple: there religiously employ'd some Asiatic Jews found me, without crowd or tumult: and here they ought to have appear'd, if they had any thing to object against me. or let these now declare, if they could convict me of any misdemeanor, when I was brought before the Sanhedrim: unless it be, that I did indeed break out into this expression, it "is for the resurrection of the dead, that I am now call'd into question."
so far are they from proving what they lay to my charge. I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets. I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust. and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men. after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple: there religiously employ'd some Asiatic Jews found me, without crowd or tumult: and here they ought to have appear'd, if they had any thing to object against me. or let these now declare, if they could convict me of any misdemeanor, when I was brought before the Sanhedrim: unless it be, that I did indeed break out into this expression, it "is for the resurrection of the dead, that I am now call'd into question."
When Jesus appear'd before the governor, the governor asked him, art thou the king of the Jews? and Jesus answer'd yes. but when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he return'd no answer. whereupon Pilate said to him, don't you hear how many things they lay to your charge? read more.
but he made no answer to any thing he said, so that the governor was very much surpriz'd.
but he made no answer to any thing he said, so that the governor was very much surpriz'd.
then Pilate ask'd him, art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus answer'd him, 'tis as you say.
Pilate therefore ask'd him, art thou the king of the Jews? and he made answer, yes. the chief priests continuing to accuse him with much clamour, Pilate spake to him again, and said, will you make no defence for your self? don't you hear what they urge against you? read more.
but Jesus still made no answer; so that Pilate was much amaz'd.
but Jesus still made no answer; so that Pilate was much amaz'd.
Now when they heard this, their hearts were struck with remorse, and they said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. read more.
and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation.
and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation.