Thematic Bible: Characteristics of


Thematic Bible











Or is it Barnabas and I alone who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Verse ConceptsBarnabasevangelists, ministry ofdisagreements

Then Barnabas went over to Tarsus to search out Saul, and after he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. Now for a whole year their meeting with the church lasted, and they taught large numbers of people. It was at Antioch too that the disciples first came to be known as "Christians."

So the disciples decided to send a contribution, each in proportion to his prosperity, to help the brothers who lived in Judea. And this they did and sent it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Now Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus, who by the apostles was named Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement, sold the farm he had and brought the money and put it at the disposal of the apostles.

Now when Saul arrived at Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples there, but they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was really a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him up and presented him to the apostles, and he told them how on the road he had seen the Lord, and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how courageously he had spoken in the name of Jesus at Damascus.


They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul, because he was the principal speaker, Hermes. Verse ConceptsPagan GodsFalse GodsBarnabasMythologyAcclaimingSpokesmen

When he reached there and saw the spiritual blessing God had given them, he was delighted, and continuously encouraged them all with hearty purpose to continue to be devoted to the Lord; Verse ConceptsHappinessHeart, And Holy SpiritGladnessSteadfastnessWhole HeartednessThe Grace Of GodPeople Encouraging OthersRejoicing In God's WorksWitnessing




If once through fellowship with Christ you died and were separated from the world's crude notions, why do you live as though you belonged to the world? Why submit to rules such as, Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

As the Scripture says: "For your sake we are being put to death the livelong day; we are treated like sheep to be slaughtered." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For all the time I continue to live I am being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that in my mortal lower nature the life of Jesus may be clearly shown. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ




So, just as you once accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue living in vital union with Him, Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness

"So everyone who listens to my words and practices their teaching, will be like a prudent man who built his house on a rocky foundation. Verse ConceptsWisdom, Source Of HumanSpiritual FoundationsStones For ProtectionHearing ChristDoing God's WorksThe Work Of The Wise


So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, "If you live in accordance with what I teach, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."





Then they said to each other, "Did not our hearts keep burning in our bosoms as He was talking to us on the road, as He went on explaining the Scriptures to us?" Verse ConceptsFellowship With ChristHow Disciples LearnRoadsHeart, Affections OfInward FireChrist And The Scripturesgirlfriends















So the dragon was enraged against the woman, and he went off to make war with the rest of her descendants, who continue to keep God's commands and to bear testimony to Jesus. Verse ConceptsCommands, in NTOffspringSpiritual Warfare, Causes OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSubsequent Witness To ChristSigns Of The TimesSpiritual Offspring


This is the instruction which I entrust to you, my son Timothy, which is in accordance with the prophetic utterances formerly made about you, that you may, aided by them, continue to fight the good fight, Verse ConceptsOrdinationSonsAffection, ExpressingChildren In The FaithReady For WarProphecies concerningWarSpiritual Warfare



but I see another power operating in my lower nature in conflict with the power operated by my reason, which makes me a prisoner to the power of sin which is operating in my lower nature. Verse ConceptsBodily LimbsSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictLiving Not For The MaterialEvil PrinciplesPrinciples Of WarMind BattlesGoing Through the MotionsstruggleWarLife StrugglesThe MindConflictStrugglesBeing DifferentBeing Uniquelawworkingmindset

After the angel who had spoken to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants, and a religious soldier who was one of his devoted attendants, and after telling them the whole story, sent them to Joppa.

The next day he started off with them, and some of the brothers in Joppa went along with him. The day after that they reached Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for him, as he had invited in his kinsmen and close friends.

So at once I sent for you, and you have been kind enough to come. So now we are all here in God's presence to listen to anything that the Lord has commanded you to say." Verse ConceptseagernessHearing God's Word











Deacons, too, must be serious, sincere in their talk, not addicted to strong drink or dishonest gain, but they must continue to hold the open secret of faith with a clear conscience. They, too, should first be tested till approved, and then, if they are found above reproach, they should serve as deacons. read more.
The deaconesses too must be serious, not gossips; they must be temperate and perfectly trustworthy. A deacon too must have only one wife, and manage his children and household well. For those who render good service win a good standing for themselves in their faith in Christ Jesus.













But they will not make any more progress, for their folly will be evident to everybody, as theirs was. Verse ConceptsFolly, Effects OfManifesting (making Something Clear)Foolishness Of MenAspects Of People Made Knowncancer








But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees have the habit of cleaning the outside of your cups and dishes, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside too?





And anyone who listens to my words and does not practice their teaching, will be like an imprudent man who built his house on sand. Verse ConceptsFolly, Examples OfFailureComplacencyWicked Described AsThe Insecurity Of The WickedHearing ChristThe Work Of FoolsDoing God's WorksSand And Gravel














On the next day we went with Paul to see James, and all the elders of the church came too. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

When they finished, James responded as follows: "Brothers, listen to me. Verse ConceptsPay Attention To People!

Then He was seen by James, then by all the apostles, and finally Verse ConceptsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesChrist Appearing




He will go before Him in the spirit and the power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the upright, to make ready for the Lord a people perfectly prepared." Verse ConceptsHeraldPower, HumanSpirit, Emotional Aspects OfProphecies Concerning ChristForerunnersDivine MessengerCausing People To TurnPeople Going BeforeAcquiring WisdomFathers And SonsPowerful Individualsparentingdisobedience


This is the man of whom the Scripture says, "'Attention! I am sending my messenger on before you; He will prepare the road ahead of you.' Verse ConceptsPreparing God's WayHeraldMissionaries, Call OfForerunnersDivine MessengerWho Is John The Baptist?God Sends ProphetsIn FrontFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspiration

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to make ready His ways, Verse ConceptsForerunnersDivine MessengerPeople Going BeforeIndividual Prophets

"I solemnly say to you, of all men born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has ever appeared; and yet the one who is least important in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Verse ConceptsJohn The BaptistKingdom Of God, Characteristics OfInferiorityChrist Telling The TruthGreatness Of DisciplesGreatness Of JohnWhat Value Is Man?Woman's Place

But when John's messengers had gone, He began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the desert to gaze at? A reed that is tossed to and fro by the wind? If not, what did you go out there to see? A man dressed in silks and satins? No. People who dress gorgeously and live luxuriously are found in royal palaces. If not, then what did you go out there to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is far more than a prophet. read more.
This is the man of whom the Scripture says: "'Attention! I send my messenger on before you. He will prepare the road ahead of you.'

for John had said to him, "It is not right for you to have her as wife." Verse Conceptsevil, believers' responses toCourage, Examples OfMarriage ControlledBreaking God's Law

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to escape from the wrath that is coming? Verse ConceptsHell, As An ExperienceJudaismSnakesAnger Of God, ConsequencesEvil GenerationsDenunciationsName CallingJewish SectsJudgement To ComeThings Like SnakesFleeing From GodBaptised By Johnpharisees

He kept preaching the following message, "After me there is coming One who is stronger than I am, whose shoes I am not fit to stoop down and untie. Verse ConceptsShoesSelf AbasementUndoing FasteningsBowing Before Messiah

Now this is the testimony which John gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem, to ask him, "Who are you?" He frankly admitted, and did not try at all to deny it; yes, he frankly admitted, "I am not the Christ." So they asked him again, "What are you then? Elijah?" And he answered, "Of course, I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." read more.
Then they said to him, "Who are you? Tell us, so that we can have an answer to give to those who sent us. What have you to say for yourself?" He said, "I am a voice of one shouting in the desert, 'Make the road straight for the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said."


But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for this is the fitting way for both of us to do our full duty to God." Then he yielded to Him. Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

This very John had his clothing made of camel's hair, and wore a leather belt around his waist; his food was dried locusts and wild honey. Verse ConceptsLeatherClothingBeltsAsceticism, People PracticingHairsInsectsJohn The BaptistLocustsWaistsHoneyHairclothHair GarmentsChristmas Tree

And many people came to Him and kept on saying, "John did not perform any wonder-works, but everything he ever said about this man was true." Verse ConceptsTruthJohn The BaptistSpeaking TruthNo SignsMiracles

John was the lamp that kept on burning and shining, and you decided for a time to delight yourselves in his light. Verse ConceptsRadiancyRadiant LivesLight Of God's PeopleSeasons Changing

for Herod stood in awe of John, because he knew that he was an upright and holy man, and so he protected him. When he heard him speak, he was very much disturbed, and yet he liked to hear him. Verse ConceptsPuzzlementSpecific Holy IndividualsFear Of Individuals

And people from all over Judea and everybody in Jerusalem kept on going out to him and being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Verse ConceptsJohn's BaptismRevival, CorporateRivers And StreamsBaptised By JohnIn The JordanSin Confessedconfessing

Although it was now evening, a rich man named Joseph, from Arimathea, who was himself a disciple of Jesus, Verse ConceptsAffluenceEvenings For Jesus And His DisciplesWealthy People

Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the council, a good and upright man, Verse ConceptsChristmas Treeassertiveness

But her husband, Joseph, because he was an upright man and did not want to disgrace her, decided to break the engagement by secretly divorcing her. Verse ConceptsFalse Accusations, Examples OfAdultery and DivorceLove, In RelationshipsQuietnessActing In SecretNot Put To ShamePeople UnwillingActual DivorcesResolving Conflict

Then he awoke and tenderly took the child and His mother by night and made their escape to Egypt; Verse ConceptsDuring One NightTaking Christ

So when Joseph awoke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord directed him, and took her as his wife; Verse ConceptsBetrothal

His parents were in the habit of going to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. Verse ConceptsFeastingVisitingWorship, Times ForEvery Yearparenthood

Then they nominated two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. Verse ConceptsTwo DisciplesLeadership Qualities









Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector, James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealotstaxes

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealots

When they reached the city, they went to the room upstairs where they had been staying; they were: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who afterward turned traitor. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotJudas Betraying Christzealotstraitors

Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said to Him, "Why is it, Lord, that you are going to make yourself real to us and not to the world?" Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionMaking Christ Known

While He was still speaking, look! a crowd had come up, and Judas, one of the Twelve, was their guide; and he stepped up to Jesus to kiss Him. Then Jesus said to him, "Judas, will you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the high priests to betray Him to them. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotChief priestsNegotiationJudas Betraying ChristThe Chief Priests Condemning Christ

(This man bought a piece of land with the money which he took for his treachery, and he fell there face downward and his body broke in two, and all his intestines poured out. Verse ConceptsProperty, LandReward, HumanTreacheryDeath Of The Wicked, Examples OfReal EstateBowelsPeople Torn To PiecesPeople TumblingHurt And Betrayal

Then Judas, who had betrayed Him, as he felt condemned, in remorse brought back the thirty pieces to the high priests and elders, and said, "I did wrong in turning an innocent man over to death." But they said, "What is that to us? You must see to that yourself."

Is He not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother's name Mary, are not His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Verse ConceptsCraftsmenCarpentersOccupationsWork, As Ordained By GodHumility Of ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's Earthly FamilyWho He Might BeMothers And Sonsnegativity

Is He not the carpenter, Mary's son, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And do not His sisters live here among us?" And so they found a cause for stumbling over him. Verse ConceptsCraftsmenCarpentersArts And Crafts, Types ofSonsRejection Of ChristWork, As Ordained By GodProphecies Concerning ChristChrist, Names ForChrist, Humanity OfChrist's Earthly FamilyStumbling Over ChristWho He Might BeHalf brothersSiblingswoodworking

Then one of the Twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the high priests, and said, "What will you give me to turn Him over to you?" Then they paid him thirty pieces of silver.

"Why was this perfume not sold for sixty dollars and the money given to the poor?" He said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and as the carrier of the purse for the Twelve he was in the habit of taking what was put into it.

Then the apostles and elders in cooperation with the whole church passed a resolution to select and send some men of their number with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. These were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. Verse ConceptsVisitingChoosing PeoplePeople Sending PeopleThe Apostles In Action

After him, at the time of the enrollment for the Roman tax, Judas the Galilean appeared and influenced people to desert and follow him, but he too perished and all his followers were scattered. Verse ConceptsCensusHistoryPeople Following PeopleScattering Followers

And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called 'The Straight Street,' and ask at the house of Judas for one named Saul, from Tarsus, for he is now praying there. Verse ConceptsRoadsStreetsStraight Paths

He said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and as the carrier of the purse for the Twelve he was in the habit of taking what was put into it. Verse ConceptsCriminalsCrimesJudas IscariotPursesLove, Abuse OfStealingCovetousness, Example OfPoor, The Wicked Response ToActual ThievesNot Helping The PoorWhy People Did ThingsMoney BoxGiving Money To The ChurchThe poorHelping The Poor










And Mary of Magdala and Mary, Joses' mother, were looking on to see where He was put. Verse ConceptsWomenWatching Christ


and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, who was called Mary of Magdala, out of whom seven demons had gone, Verse ConceptsSatanic InvasionSeven SpiritsThose Jesus HealedDemonsCasting Out Demons

among them Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfMothers And Sons

Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had told her this. Verse ConceptsExperience, of GodResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesSeeing The Risen ChristOther References To The DisciplesTelling What People SaidDiscipleship

Then Mary said: "My soul extols the Lord; my spirit exults in God my Saviour; for He has smiled upon His slave in her lowly station, for from this day all ages will count me happy! read more.
For the Almighty has done wonders for me, and holy is His name! He shows His mercy from age to age to those who fear him. He has done mighty deeds with His arm. He has scattered those that are proud in the purpose of their hearts. He has dethroned monarchs and exalted the poor. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped His servant Israel, so as to remember mercy, as He promised our forefathers, Abraham and his descendants forever."

When the wine was all gone, Jesus' mother said to Him, "They have no wine!" Jesus said to her, "Woman, what have you to do with me? My time to act has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever He tells you."

Near Jesus' cross were standing His mother and her sister Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Verse ConceptsMaternal LoveLove, And The WorldExamples Of Mothers' LoveThe CrossDeath Of A MotherJesus Deathcrucifixion









I have the greatest confidence in you; I speak most highly of you. I am fully comforted; in the face of all my sorrow my cup is running over with joy. Verse Conceptsencouragement, examples ofJoy, Of The ChurchOptimismDistressTrusting Other PeopleHuman ComfortPaul's BoastingPrideholy BoldnessEncouragementJoy And HappinessBoldnessSpeechencouraging



So ever be on your guard and always remember that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you one by one, and that with tears. Verse ConceptsBeing Earnest For The ChurchCareCare, HumanLeaders, SpiritualWatchfulness, Of LeadersAdmonition, WarningVigilanceTearsThree YearsUnceasingAlways Being ActiveLabour Day And Nightspace

For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you in tears, who practice living as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

My love be with you all in union with Christ Jesus. Verse ConceptsAmenLove, Nature OfLove Exists Between PeopleLoving Everyone

For out of great sorrow and distress of heart, yes, while shedding many tears, I wrote you, not to make you sad but to make you realize that my love for you continues running over. Verse ConceptsAgony, In HeartAffection, ExpressingBeing Earnest For The ChurchdepthLove, For One AnotherPaul, Life OfWeepingAnguish, CauseI Am SadLove Exists Between PeopleFathers Loving CareGrieving With HopeNervousnesspressure

But as he continued to talk about uprightness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed, and said, "For the present you may go, but when I find a good opportunity, I will send for you." Verse ConceptsConviction, Not Leading To RepentanceGiving, Of TimeBribery, Examples OfIndecisionSelf ControlEternal JudgmentConviction Of SinJudgement To ComeThe Final JudgementGod Doing RightDoing RightNowRight Time For PeopleThose Frightened Of GodOpportunityJudgement DayEthics

But when they had tied him for the flogging, Paul asked the captain who was standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman, and one who is uncondemned at that?" Verse ConceptsempiresRevenge, And RetaliationRoman CitizensScourgingBreaking Man's LawNo CondemnationTying UpCitizens

The jailer reported this message to Paul, saying, "The chiefs of the police court have sent orders to let you go. So now you may come out and go in peace." But Paul said to them, "They beat us in public and that without a trial, and put us in jail although we are Roman citizens! Let them come here themselves and take us out!"


You know yourselves that these hands of mine provided for my own needs and for my companions. Verse ConceptsPoverty, Remedies ForIndustryActing For Oneselfprovidingministering


But for Christ's sake I have counted all that was gain to me as loss. Yes, indeed, I certainly do count everything as loss compared with the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have lost everything, and value it all as mere refuse, in order to gain Christ and be actually in union with Him, not having a supposed right standing with God which depends on my doing what the law commands, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the real right standing with God which originates from Him and rests on faith. read more.
Yes, I long to come to know Him; that is, the power of His resurrection and so to share with Him his sufferings as to be continuously transformed by His death, in the hope of attaining, in some measure, the resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead. It is not a fact that I have already secured it or already reached perfection, but I am pressing on to see if I can capture it, the ideal for which I was captured by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not think that I have captured it yet, but here is my one aspiration, so forgetting what is behind me and reaching out for what is ahead of me, I am pressing onward toward the goal, to win the prize to which God through Jesus Christ is calling us upward.

Five times I have taken thirty-nine lashes from the Jews, three times I have been beaten by the Romans, once I was pelted with stones; three times I have been shipwrecked, and once I have spent a day and a night adrift at sea. I have served Him on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the heathen, dangers in the city, dangers in the desert, dangers at sea, dangers from false brothers, read more.
through toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, through hunger and thirst, through many a fasting season, poorly clad and exposed to cold. Besides all other things, there is my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak too? Who is caused to fall without my being fired with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness! The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows that I am telling the truth. At Damascus the governor under King Aretas kept guards watching the city gates to capture me, but through a hole in the wall I was lowered in a basket, and so escaped from his clutches.

Yes, indeed, though I am free from any human power, I have made myself a slave to everybody, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I have become like a Jew for the winning of Jews; to men under the law, like one under the law, though I am not under the law myself, to win the men under the law; to men who have no written law, like one without any law, though I am not without God's law but specially under Christ's law, to win the men who have no written law. read more.
To the overscrupulous I have become overscrupulous, to win the overscrupulous; yes, I have become everything to everybody, in order by all means to save some of them.


I have fought the fight for the good, I have run my race, I have kept faith. Now the crown for doing right awaits me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day, and not only me but also all who have loved His appearing.

For this reason I am bearing anything for the sake of His chosen people, so that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. Verse Conceptseternal life, nature ofEndurance, Results Ofelection, to salvationChristiansGlorySalvation, Described AsEternal BlessingEnduringThe Gospel Of SalvationTemporary Affliction Of SaintsSelflessness


By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. read more.
By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.



The queen of the south will rise with the leaders of this age at the judgment and condemn them, for she came from the farthest limits of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and there is more than Solomon here! Verse ConceptsQueensSolomon, Character OfSouthOld Testament People As TypesGreatness Of ChristThe Final JudgementPeople From Far AwayThe Dead Are RaisedJudgmentsJudgement DayJudgementcondemnation











"So why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' but do not practice what I tell you? Verse ConceptsDeception, Forbidden By GodProfessingChrist Is LordCalling




But He answered them, "Isaiah beautifully prophesied about you hypocrites; as the Scripture says: "'This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far, far away from me; Verse ConceptsHoliness, Purpose OfLegalismLipsPretenceProfessingLack Of MeaningGod And The HeartMere TalkNamed Prophets Of The LordProphecies concerningHypocritesHypocrisy

"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in this city, and carefully educated under the teaching of Gamaliel in the law of our forefathers. I was zealous for God, as all of you are today. Verse ConceptsEducation, Examples OfPaul, Life OfSelf ConfidenceLegalismSitting At The FeetSchoolsTaking The Law To HeartEducationSchoolzealots

Paul wanted this man to join him in his journey; so on account of the Jews in that district he took him and had him circumcised, for everybody knew that his father was a Greek. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalMissionary Work, Examples OfGoing TogetherIsrael HardenedJews

They gave the glory to God, when they heard it, and said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousand believers there are among the Jews, all of them zealous champions of the law. Verse ConceptsZealMany In The ChurchSalvation For IsraelSpecific Praising Of GodTaking The Law To Heartzealots

And some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is against the law to do on the Sabbath?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsConfrontationRitualLegalismDisputesPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

and how I outstripped many of my own age among my people in my devotion to the Jewish religion, because I surpassed all others in my zeal for the traditions handed down by my forefathers. Verse ConceptsLegalismPharisees, Beliefs OfNew Age BeliefsResolving Conflictzealotscredibility

But some members of the Pharisaic party, who had become believers, arose and said that such converts must be circumcised and told to keep the law of Moses. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalBelieversHeresiesJudaismSectsNecessity Of CircumcisionThose Who Believed In ChristKeep The Commandments!pharisees

So the Pharisees were saying to Him, "Just look! Why are they doing on the Sabbath what it is against the law to do?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsRitualLegalismPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured her on the Sabbath, answered the crowd, "There are six days on which people must work; so come on these and be cured, but not on the Sabbath." Verse ConceptsDays, Natural UsePharisees, Beliefs OfLegalismSix DaysAngry With ChristDoing One's WorkJesus HealingThe Sabbath And ChristJesus Healing On Sabbath

So the Jews began to say to the man who had been cured, "It is the Sabbath, and it is against the law for you to carry your pallet." Verse ConceptsThe Sabbath And Christrelaxation

For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but they are not intelligently so. Verse ConceptsZeal, Without KnowledgeUnwise ZealBeing Devoted to God

but now, since you have come to know God, or rather have come to be known by Him, how can you turn back to your own crude notions, so weak and worthless, and wish to become slaves to them again? Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingElementsConfusionUseless ThingsUniquenessElements Of The UniverseGod Knowing His PeopleSubject To EvilWorry And StressIdentityWeaknessKnowing GodIdentity In Christ

and will never eat until they have carefully washed their hands, and they never eat anything brought from the market until they wash it; and they have many other religious practices which they got from their forefathers, as the washing of cups, pitchers, and pans. Verse ConceptsMarketsBrassPurifying OneselfClean ObjectsHow People Eatmarketing

Then why do you now try to test God by putting on these disciples' necks a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we could bear? Verse ConceptsLegalismSatan, As TempterTestingYokesTesting GodUnbearable ThingsPutting God FirstResisting TemptationTeststrying


If once through fellowship with Christ you died and were separated from the world's crude notions, why do you live as though you belonged to the world? Why submit to rules such as, Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

since they deal only with food and drink and various washings, that is, with mere material regulations which are in force only until the time of setting things straight. Verse ConceptsRitualLimitations Of The Bodyorder



especially those who satisfy their lower nature by indulging in its evil passions which defile them, and who despise authority. Daring, headstrong men! They do not tremble when they abuse persons of majesty, Verse ConceptsContemptdesiresPresumptionSin, Causes OfStubbornnessSuperiorityHeart, Affections OfAbuse, Of Spiritual ThingsAccusations, Source OfArrogance, Characterizes The WickedImpurityDespisersPathways Of SinSelf WillLiving For The MaterialObstinate IndividualsPassionAbuseRespecting Authority

For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you in tears, who practice living as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

First of all, you must understand this, that in the last days mockers will come with their mockeries, living in accordance with their evil passions, Verse ConceptsContemptdesiresPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesLast Hourend times prophecyDaysSportsEnd Of DaysFunmockers



because they said to you, "In the last times there will be mockers who will live to satisfy their own godless passions." Verse ConceptsPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesDenial In End TimesLast HourPassionmockers



I am happy to find that some of your children are living by the truth, just as we had been commanded from the Father to do. Verse ConceptsThe FatherReciprocity

For I am happy to have some brothers come and testify to the truth that is in you, since you are living by the truth.


So, just as you once accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue living in vital union with Him, Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness













wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shame; wandering stars that are forever doomed to utter darkness. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering









wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shame; wandering stars that are forever doomed to utter darkness. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering







Women must keep quiet in the churches, for no permission is given them to speak. On the contrary, they must take a subordinate place, just as the law says. Verse ConceptsChurchBeing A WomenWives, Duties OfGod ForbiddingThe churchWomen's RolesspeakingBeing A Woman Of Godorderwomanassertiveness

















Whoever does not really love me does not observe my teaching; and yet the teaching which you are listening to is not mine but comes from the Father who has sent me. Verse ConceptsDoctrine, From GodSpeech, DivineFather And Son AlikeNot Loving GodThe FatherThey Do Not Keep CommandsFathers Love

If anyone teaches different doctrines and refuses to agree with the wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ, the teaching that is in accordance with true religion, Verse ConceptsTeachersTeachingSound DoctrineMisteachingDifferent TeachingsFalse TeachersDoctrines of the The GospelGodly Mandoctrine



The officers answered, "No man ever talked as He does!" Verse ConceptsUnique ChristChrist Speaking

Simon Peter answered Him, "To whom can we go, Lord? You have the message that gives eternal life, Verse ConceptsPeter, The DiscipleLife By God's WordWho Is The One?Eternal lifeEverlastingThe Power Of Wordseternity


So they all began to speak well of Him and to wonder at the gracious words that fell from His lips, and yet they continued to say, "Is He not Joseph's son?" Verse ConceptsLipsGrace, And Jesus ChristKind WordsAmazement, Of Jesus ChristPraising Specific PeopleWho He Might Begraciousness

and they were completely astounded, because His message was spoken with authority. Verse ConceptsPower Of Christ, ShownAmazement, Of Jesus ChristAstonishmentChrist Teachingsurprisesdoctrine