Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Bigotry » Instances of » Of saul, in persecuting the Christians
and he says, "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been trained according to the exactness of the ancestral law, being zealous for God, even as ye all are to-day; and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women;
And Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, going to the high priest, asked from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; read more.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene;
For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste; and was making progress in Judaism above many companions of the same age in my own nation, being more exceedingly a zealot for my ancestral instructions.
as to zeal, persecuting the assembly: as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Conscience » Without spiritual illumination, a false guide
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene;
And Paul, looking intently on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
Defense » Of paul
And Paul, looking intently on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." And the high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by, to smite him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, "God is about to smite you??ou whited wall! And do you sit judging me according to the law, and, in violation of law, command me to be smitten?" read more.
And those standing by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?" And Paul said, "I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest; for it has been written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" And Paul, perceiving that the one part was of the Sadducees, and the other of the Pharisees, was crying out in the Sanhedrin, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection from the dead, I am being judged."
And those standing by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?" And Paul said, "I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest; for it has been written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" And Paul, perceiving that the one part was of the Sadducees, and the other of the Pharisees, was crying out in the Sanhedrin, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection from the dead, I am being judged."
And Paul answered, the governor having beckoned to him to speak: "Knowing that you, for many years, have been a judge to this nation, cheerfully do I make defense as to the things concerning myself; since you are able clearly to know that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship; and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a stirring up of a multitude, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city; read more.
nor are they able to prove to you the things of which they are now accusing me. But I confess this to you, that, according to the Way which they call 'heresy,' so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all those things, which are according to the law, and which have been written in the prophets; having hope toward God??hich these themselves also are looking for??hat there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and unrighteous. In this I myself also am striving always to have a conscience void of offense toward God and men. Now, after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings; amidst which they found me purified in the temple, neither with a multitude, nor with a tumult; but there were certain Jews from Asia, who ought to be present before you and accuse me, if they have anything against me. Or let these themselves say what wrong they found in me when standing before the Sanhedrin, except concerning this one voice with which I cried aloud, standing among them, 'Concerning a resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you this day.'
nor are they able to prove to you the things of which they are now accusing me. But I confess this to you, that, according to the Way which they call 'heresy,' so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all those things, which are according to the law, and which have been written in the prophets; having hope toward God??hich these themselves also are looking for??hat there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and unrighteous. In this I myself also am striving always to have a conscience void of offense toward God and men. Now, after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings; amidst which they found me purified in the temple, neither with a multitude, nor with a tumult; but there were certain Jews from Asia, who ought to be present before you and accuse me, if they have anything against me. Or let these themselves say what wrong they found in me when standing before the Sanhedrin, except concerning this one voice with which I cried aloud, standing among them, 'Concerning a resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you this day.'
And Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak in your own behalf." Then Paul, stretching forth his hand, was making his defense: "I deem myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am about this day to make my defense before you, concerning all things of which I am being accused by Jews; especially since you are an expert in all matters relating to Jews, both in customs and questions. Wherefore, I beseech you to hear me patiently. read more.
My manner of life, therefore, from my youth, which from the first was among my own nation and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; having known me from the beginning, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now, for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, I have taken my stand to be judged; unto which promise our twelve-tribed nation, earnestly serving day and night, is hoping to attain; concerning which hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead? I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities. Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the people and the gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; but I declared both to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and through all the region of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. On account of these things, Jews, seizing me in the temple, were attempting to kill me. Having, therefore, obtained help from God, I have stood to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing, except those things which both the prophets and Moses said would come to pass; that the Christ was destined to suffer; that He, first out of a resurrection of the dead, is destined to declare light both to the people and to the gentiles."
My manner of life, therefore, from my youth, which from the first was among my own nation and at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; having known me from the beginning, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now, for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, I have taken my stand to be judged; unto which promise our twelve-tribed nation, earnestly serving day and night, is hoping to attain; concerning which hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. Why is it judged incredible with you, if God doth raise the dead? I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities. Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the people and the gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' Wherefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; but I declared both to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and through all the region of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. On account of these things, Jews, seizing me in the temple, were attempting to kill me. Having, therefore, obtained help from God, I have stood to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing, except those things which both the prophets and Moses said would come to pass; that the Christ was destined to suffer; that He, first out of a resurrection of the dead, is destined to declare light both to the people and to the gentiles."
Paul » His vision and conversion
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are ye not my work in the Lord?
and, last of all, as to one born out of time, He appeared to me also.
I have thanks for Him Who empowered me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He accounted me faithful, putting me into His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I, being ignorant, did it in unbelief;
For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste;
And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. read more.
But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." And the men who were journeying with him were standing speechless; hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. And he was three days without seeing; and he neither ate, nor drank. And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, Ananias by name; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias?" And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord!" And the Lord said to him, "Arise, go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying; and in a vision he saw a man, Ananias by name, coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive sight." And Ananias answered, "Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the high priests to bind all those calling on Thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go your way; because this man is to Me a chosen vessel to bear My name before nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. And Ananias went away, and entered into the house; and, laying his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me??ven Jesus, Who appeared to you in the way in which you were coming, sent me, that you may receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight; and, arising, he was immersed; and, having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples in Damascus some days; and straightway in the synagogues he was preaching Jesus, that He is the Son of God. And all who heard were astonished, and said, "Is not this he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, those calling upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the high priests?" But Saul was being more empowered, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus; proving that this is the Christ.
But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." And the men who were journeying with him were standing speechless; hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. And he was three days without seeing; and he neither ate, nor drank. And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, Ananias by name; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias?" And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord!" And the Lord said to him, "Arise, go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying; and in a vision he saw a man, Ananias by name, coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive sight." And Ananias answered, "Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the high priests to bind all those calling on Thy name." But the Lord said to him, "Go your way; because this man is to Me a chosen vessel to bear My name before nations, and kings, and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. And Ananias went away, and entered into the house; and, laying his hands on him, said, "Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me??ven Jesus, Who appeared to you in the way in which you were coming, sent me, that you may receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight; and, arising, he was immersed; and, having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples in Damascus some days; and straightway in the synagogues he was preaching Jesus, that He is the Son of God. And all who heard were astonished, and said, "Is not this he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, those calling upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the high priests?" But Saul was being more empowered, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus; proving that this is the Christ.
and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women; as also the high priest testifies for me, and all the eldership; from whom, having received letters, I was journeying to Damascus, intending to bring those also who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; read more.
and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee;
and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.' And those who were with me beheld, indeed, the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him Who spake to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And the Lord said to me, 'Arising, go into Damascus, and there it shall be told you concerning all things which have been arranged for you to do.' And, as I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those accompanying me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews, coming to me, and standing by, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And I, in that very hour, looked up on him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth; because you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you have seen, and heard. And now why do you delay? Arising, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' And it came to pass when I returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, that I came to be in a trance; and saw Him, saying to me, 'Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; because they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.' And I said, 'Lord, they themselves understand that I was imprisoning and beating, throughout the synagogues, those believing on Thee;
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities. read more.
Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.
Meanwhile as I was journeying to Damascus, with authority and a commission from the high priests, at midday, O King, I saw, in the way, a light from Heaven above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those journeying with me. And, we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul! Saul! why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.
Persecution » Originates in » Mistaken zeal
But the Jews urged on the devout and reputable women, and the principal men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders;
I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities.