Thematic Bible: Characteristics of


Thematic Bible











Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to give up working for our bread? Verse ConceptsBarnabasevangelists, ministry ofdisagreements

Afterwards Barnabas left for Tarsus to look for Saul; And, when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And so it came about that, for a whole year, they attended the meetings of the Church there, and taught a large number of people; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians.'

So the disciples, without exception, determined, in proportion to their means, to send something to help the Brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it to the Officers of the Church by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

A Levite of Cyprian birth, named Joseph, (who had received from the Apostles the additional name of 'Barnabas'--which means 'The Consoler,') Sold a farm that belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the Apostles' feet.

On his arrival in Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was really a disciple. Barnabas, however, taking him by the hand, brought him to the Apostles, and told them the whole story of how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord, and how the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out fearlessly in the Name of Jesus.


So they called Barnabas 'Zeus,' and Paul 'Hermes,' because he took the lead in speaking; Verse ConceptsPagan GodsFalse GodsBarnabasMythologyAcclaimingSpokesmen

On coming there he saw to his great joy these tokens of the loving-kindness of God, and encouraged them all to make up their minds to be faithful to the Lord-- Verse ConceptsHappinessHeart, And Holy SpiritGladnessSteadfastnessWhole HeartednessThe Grace Of GodPeople Encouraging OthersRejoicing In God's WorksWitnessing




Since, with Christ, you became dead to the puerile teaching of this world, why do you submit, as though your life were still that of the world, Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

Scripture says-'For thy sake we are being killed all the day long, We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.' Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

Indeed, we who still live are continually being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the Life also of Jesus may be exhibited in our mortal nature. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ




Since, therefore, you have received Jesus, the Christ, as your Lord, live your lives in union with him-- Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness

Everyone, therefore, that listens to this teaching of mine and acts upon it may be compared to a prudent man, who built his house upon the rock. Verse ConceptsWisdom, Source Of HumanSpiritual FoundationsStones For ProtectionHearing ChristDoing God's WorksThe Work Of The Wise


So Jesus went on to say to those Jews who had believed him: "If you remain constant to my Message, you are truly my disciples; And you find out the Truth, and the Truth will set you free."





"How our hearts glowed," the disciples said to each other, "while he was talking to us on the road, and when he explained the Scriptures to us!" Verse ConceptsFellowship With ChristHow Disciples LearnRoadsHeart, Affections OfInward FireChrist And The Scripturesgirlfriends















The Dragon was enraged at the woman, and went to fight with the rest of her offspring-- those who lay to heart the commands of God and bear their testimony to Jesus; and he took his stand on the sea-shore. Verse ConceptsCommands, in NTOffspringSpiritual Warfare, Causes OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSubsequent Witness To ChristSigns Of The TimesSpiritual Offspring


This, then, is the charge that I lay upon you, Timothy, my Child, in accordance with what was predicted of you--Fight the good fight in the spirit of those predictions, Verse ConceptsOrdinationSonsAffection, ExpressingChildren In The FaithReady For WarProphecies concerningWarSpiritual Warfare



But throughout my body I see a different law, one which is in conflict with the law accepted by my reason, and which endeavors to make me a prisoner to that law of Sin which exists throughout my body. Verse ConceptsBodily LimbsSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictLiving Not For The MaterialEvil PrinciplesPrinciples Of WarMind BattlesGoing Through the MotionsstruggleWarLife StrugglesThe MindConflictStrugglesBeing DifferentBeing Uniquelawworkingmindset

When the angel, who had spoken to him, had gone, Cornelius called two menservants and a religious soldier, who was one of his constant attendants, And, after telling them the whole story, sent them to Jaffa.

And the day following he entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them, and had invited his relations and intimate friends to meet them.

Accordingly I sent to you at once, and you have been so good as to come. And now we are all here in the presence of God, to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say." Verse ConceptseagernessHearing God's Word











So, too, Assistant-Officers should be serious and straightforward men, not given to taking much drink or to questionable money-making, but men who hold the deep truths of the Faith and have a clear conscience. They should be tested first, and only appointed to their Office if no objection is raised against them. read more.
It should be the same with the women. They should be serious, not gossips, sober, and trustworthy in all respects. Assistant-Officers should be faithful husbands, and men who rule their children and their households well. Those who have filled that post with honour gain for themselves an honorable position, as well as great confidence through the faith that they place in Christ Jesus.













They will not, however, make further progress; for their wicked folly will be plain to every one, just as that of Jannes and Jambres was. Verse ConceptsFolly, Effects OfManifesting (making Something Clear)Foolishness Of MenAspects Of People Made Knowncancer








But the Master said to him: "You Pharisees do, it is true, clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are filled with greed and wickedness. Fools! did not the maker of the outside make the inside too?





And every one that listens to this teaching of mine and does not act upon it may be compared to a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. Verse ConceptsFolly, Examples OfFailureComplacencyWicked Described AsThe Insecurity Of The WickedHearing ChristThe Work Of FoolsDoing God's WorksSand And Gravel














And the next day Paul went with us to see James, and all the Officers of the Church were present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

After they had finished speaking, James addressed the Council. "Brothers," he began, "hear what I have to say. Verse ConceptsPay Attention To People!

After that, he appeared to James, and then to all the Apostles. Verse ConceptsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesChrist Appearing




He shall go before him in the spirit and with the power of Elijah, 'to reconcile fathers to their children' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, and so make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him." Verse ConceptsHeraldPower, HumanSpirit, Emotional Aspects OfProphecies Concerning ChristForerunnersDivine MessengerCausing People To TurnPeople Going BeforeAcquiring WisdomFathers And SonsPowerful Individualsparentingdisobedience


This is the man of whom Scripture says--'Behold, I am myself sending my Messenger before thy face, And he shall prepare thy way before thee.' Verse ConceptsPreparing God's WayHeraldMissionaries, Call OfForerunnersDivine MessengerWho Is John The Baptist?God Sends ProphetsIn FrontFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspiration

And thou, Child, shalt be called Prophet of the Most High, For thou shalt go before the Lord to make ready his way, Verse ConceptsForerunnersDivine MessengerPeople Going BeforeIndividual Prophets

I tell you, no one born of a woman has yet appeared who is greater than John the Baptist; and yet the lowliest 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

When John's messengers had left, Jesus, speaking to the crowds, began to say with reference to John: "What did you go out into the Wilderness to look at? A reed waving in the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in rich clothing? Why, those who are accustomed to fine clothes and luxury live in royal palaces. What then did you go to see? A Prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet. read more.
This is the very man of whom Scripture says--'Behold, I am sending my Messenger before thy face, And he shall prepare thy way before thee.'

For John had said to him 'You have no right to be living with her.' Verse Conceptsevil, believers' responses toCourage, Examples OfMarriage ControlledBreaking God's Law

When, however, John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to receive his baptism, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who has prompted you to seek refuge from the coming judgment? Verse ConceptsHell, As An ExperienceJudaismSnakesAnger Of God, ConsequencesEvil GenerationsDenunciationsName CallingJewish SectsJudgement To ComeThings Like SnakesFleeing From GodBaptised By Johnpharisees

And he proclaimed--"There is coming after me one more powerful than I, and I am not fit even to stoop down and unfasten his sandals. Verse ConceptsShoesSelf AbasementUndoing FasteningsBowing Before Messiah

When the Jews sent some Priests and Levites to John from Jerusalem, to ask--"Who are you?", his statement was this: He confessed and did not deny it, he confessed--"I am not the Christ." "What then?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he said, "I am not." "Are you 'the Prophet'?" He answered, "No." read more.
"Who then are you?" they continued; "tell us, that we may have some answer to give to those who have sent us. What do you say about yourself?" "I," he answered, "am--'The voice of one crying aloud in the Wilderness--"straighten the way of the Lord"', as the Prophet Isaiah said."


"Let it be so for the present," Jesus answered, "since it is fitting for us thus to satisfy every claim of religion." Upon this, John consented. Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

John wore clothing made of camels' hair, with a belt of leather round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Verse ConceptsLeatherClothingBeltsAsceticism, People PracticingHairsInsectsJohn The BaptistLocustsWaistsHoneyHairclothHair GarmentsChristmas Tree

"John gave no sign of his mission," they said; "but everything that he said about this man was true." Verse ConceptsTruthJohn The BaptistSpeaking TruthNo SignsMiracles

He was the 'Lamp that was burning' and shining, and you were ready to rejoice, for a time, in his light. Verse ConceptsRadiancyRadiant LivesLight Of God's PeopleSeasons Changing

Because Herod stood in fear of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and protected him. He had listened to John, but still remained much perplexed, and yet he found pleasure in listening to him. Verse ConceptsPuzzlementSpecific Holy IndividualsFear Of Individuals

The whole of Judea, as well as all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, went out to him; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Verse ConceptsJohn's BaptismRevival, CorporateRivers And StreamsBaptised By JohnIn The JordanSin Confessedconfessing

When evening had fallen, there came a rich man belonging to Ramah, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Verse ConceptsAffluenceEvenings For Jesus And His DisciplesWealthy People

Now there was a man of the name of Joseph, who was a member of the Council, and who bore a good and upright character. Verse ConceptsChristmas Treeassertiveness

Her husband, Joseph, was a religious man and, being unwilling to expose her to contempt, resolved to put an end to their betrothal privately. Verse ConceptsFalse Accusations, Examples OfAdultery and DivorceLove, In RelationshipsQuietnessActing In SecretNot Put To ShamePeople UnwillingActual DivorcesResolving Conflict

Joseph awoke, and taking the child and his mother by night, went into Egypt, Verse ConceptsDuring One NightTaking Christ

When Joseph awoke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him. Verse ConceptsBetrothal

Every year the child's parents used to go to Jerusalem at the Passover Festival. Verse ConceptsFeastingVisitingWorship, Times ForEvery Yearparenthood

So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabas, whose other name was Justus, and Matthias; Verse ConceptsTwo DisciplesLeadership Qualities









Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gather; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealotstaxes

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealots

When they reached Jerusalem, they went to the upstairs room, where they were staying. There were there Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who proved a traitor. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotJudas Betraying Christzealotstraitors

"What has happened, Master," said Judas (not Judas Iscariot), "that you are going to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionMaking Christ Known

While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared in sight, led by the man called Judas, who was one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus, to kiss him; On which Jesus said to him: "Judas, is it by a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?"

After this, Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the Chief Priests, to betray Jesus to them. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotChief priestsNegotiationJudas Betraying ChristThe Chief Priests Condemning Christ

(This man had bought a piece of land with the price of his treachery; and, falling heavily, his body had burst open, and all his bowels protruded. Verse ConceptsProperty, LandReward, HumanTreacheryDeath Of The Wicked, Examples OfReal EstateBowelsPeople Torn To PiecesPeople TumblingHurt And Betrayal

Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing that Jesus was condemned, repented of what he had done, and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the Chief Priests and Councillors. "I did wrong in betraying a good man to his death," he said. "What has that to do with us?" they replied. "You must see to that yourself."

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

Is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters, too, living here among us?" This proved a hindrance to their believing in 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

It was then that one of the Twelve, named Judas Iscariot, made his way to the Chief Priests, And said "What are you willing to give me, if I betray Jesus to you?" The Priests 'weighed him out thirty pieces of silver' as payment.

"Why was not this perfume sold for thirty pounds, and the money given to poor people?" He said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and, being in charge of the purse, used to take what was put in it.

It was then decided by the Apostles and the Officers, with the assent of the whole Church, to choose some of their number, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Those chosen were Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, who were leading men among the Brethren. Verse ConceptsVisitingChoosing PeoplePeople Sending PeopleThe Apostles In Action

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared at the time of the census, and induced people to follow him; Yet he, too, perished and all his followers were dispersed. Verse ConceptsCensusHistoryPeople Following PeopleScattering Followers

"Go at once," said the Lord, "to the 'Straight Street', and ask at Judas's house for a man named Saul, from Tarsus. He is at this moment praying, Verse ConceptsRoadsStreetsStraight Paths











Mary of Magdala and Mary, the mother of Joseph, were watching to see where he was laid. Verse ConceptsWomenWatching Christ


As well as some women who had been cured of wicked spirits and of infirmities. They were Mary, known as Mary of Magdala (from whom seven demons had been expelled), Verse ConceptsSatanic InvasionSeven SpiritsThose Jesus HealedDemonsCasting Out Demons

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

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

And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, My spirit delights in God my Savior; For he has remembered his servant in her lowliness; And from this hour all ages will count me happy! read more.
Great things has the Almighty done for me; And holy is his name. From age to age his mercy rests On those who reverence him. Mighty are the deeds of his arm; He scatters the proud with their own devices, He casts down princes from their thrones, and the lowly he uplifts, The hungry he loads with gifts, and the rich he sends empty away. He has stretched out his hand to his servant Israel, Ever mindful of his mercy (As he promised to our forefathers) For Abraham and his race for ever."

And, when the wine ran short, his mother said to him: "They have no wine left." "What do you want with me?" answered Jesus. "My time has not come yet." His mother said to the servants: "Do whatever he tells you."

Meanwhile near the cross of Jesus were standing his mother and his mother's sister, as well as 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 utmost confidence in you; I am always boasting about you. I am full of encouragement and, in spite of all our troubles, my heart is overflowing with happiness. Verse Conceptsencouragement, examples ofJoy, Of The ChurchOptimismDistressTrusting Other PeopleHuman ComfortPaul's BoastingPrideholy BoldnessEncouragementJoy And HappinessBoldnessSpeechencouraging



Therefore, be on your guard, remembering how for three years, night and day, I never ceased, even with tears, to warn each one of you. 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 even with tears--who are living in enmity to the cross of the Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

My love to all of you who are in union with Christ Jesus. Verse ConceptsAmenLove, Nature OfLove Exists Between PeopleLoving Everyone

I wrote to you in sore trouble and distress of heart and with many tears, not to give you pain, but to let you see how intense a love I have for you. 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, while Paul was speaking at length about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified, and interrupted him--"Go for the present, but, when I find an opportunity, I will send for you again." 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 just as they had tied him up to be scourged, Paul said to the Captain standing near: "Is it legal for you to scourge a Roman citizen, unconvicted?" Verse ConceptsempiresRevenge, And RetaliationRoman CitizensScourgingBreaking Man's LawNo CondemnationTying UpCitizens

The Governor of the Jail told Paul of his instructions. "The Magistrates have sent an order for your discharge," he said, "so you had better leave the place at once and go quietly away." But Paul's answer to them was: "They have flogged us in public without trial, though we are Roman citizens, and they have put us in prison, and now they are for sending us out secretly! No, indeed! Let them come and take us out themselves."


You, yourselves, know that these hands of mine provided not only for my own wants, but for my companions also. Verse ConceptsPoverty, Remedies ForIndustryActing For Oneselfprovidingministering

It was then that Paul made the reply: "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart like this? For my part, I am ready not only to be bound, but even to suffer death at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus." Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfAfflicted Saints, Examples OfeagernessMartyrdom, Qualities OfReadinessSelf DenialShepherds, As Church LeaderWeepingLove Towards Christ, The Nature OfMartyrdom Of The SaintsLove For GodMartyrdom, Believers Attitude TowardsDeath Of God's PeopleEvangelismBreaking Chainsjerusalem

But all the things which I once held to be gains I have now, for the Christ's sake, come to count as loss. More than that, I count everything as loss, for the sake of the exceeding value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. And for his sake I have lost everything, and count it as refuse, if I may but gain Christ and be found in union with him; Any righteousness that I have being, not the righteousness that results from Law, but the righteousness which comes through faith in Christ--the righteousness which is derived from God and is founded on faith. read more.
Then indeed I shall know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and all that it means to share his sufferings, In the hope that, if I become like him in death, I may possibly attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already laid hold of it, or that I am already made perfect. But I press on, in the hope of actually laying hold of that for which indeed I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. For I, Brothers, do not regard myself as having yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting what lies behind, and straining every nerve for that which lies in front, I press on to the goal, to gain the prize of that heavenward Call which God gave me through Christ Jesus.

Five times I received at the hands of the Jews forty lashes, all but one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a whole day and night in the deep. My journeys have been many. I have been through dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in towns, dangers in the country, dangers on the sea, dangers among false Brothers. read more.
I have been through toil and hardship. I have passed many a sleepless night; I have endured hunger and thirst; I have often been without food; I have known cold and nakedness. And, not to speak of other things, there is my daily burden of anxiety about all the Churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led astray without my burning with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast of things which show my weakness! The God and Father of the Lord Jesus--he who is for ever blessed--knows that I am speaking the truth. When I was in Damascus, the Governor under King Aretas had the gates of that city guarded, so as to arrest me, But I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.

Although I was entirely free, yet, to win as many converts as possible, I made myself everyone's slave. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews. To those who are subject to Law I became like a man subject to Law-though I was not myself subject to Law-to win those who are subject to Law. To those who have no Law I became like a man who has no Law- -not that I am free from God's Law; no, for I am under Christ's Law-to win those who have no law. read more.
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so as at all costs to save some.


I have run the great Race; I have finished the Course; I have kept the Faith. And now the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will give me on 'That Day'--and not only to me, but to all who have loved his Appearing.

and that is why I submit to anything for the sake of God's People, that they also may obtain the Salvation which comes from union with Christ Jesus, and imperishable glory. Verse Conceptseternal life, nature ofEndurance, Results Ofelection, to salvationChristiansGlorySalvation, Described AsEternal BlessingEnduringThe Gospel Of SalvationTemporary Affliction Of SaintsSelflessness


It was faith that enabled Abraham to obey the Call that he received, and to set out for the place which he was afterwards to obtain as his own; and he set out not knowing where he was going. It was faith that made him go to live as an emigrant in the Promised Land--as in a strange country--living there in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who shared the promise with him. For he was looking for the City with the sure foundations, whose architect and builder is God. read more.
Again, it was faith that enabled Sarah to conceive (though she was past the age for child-bearing), because she felt sure that he who had given her the promise would not fail her. And so from one man--and that when his powers were dead--there sprang a people as numerous 'as the stars in the heavens or the countless grains of sand upon the shore.' All these died sustained by faith. They did not obtain the promised blessings, but they saw them from a distance and welcomed the sight, and they acknowledged themselves to be only aliens and strangers on the earth. Those who speak thus show plainly that they are seeking their fatherland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they could have found opportunities to return. But no, they were longing for a better, a heavenly, land! And therefore God was not ashamed to be called their God; indeed he had already prepared them a city.



At the Judgment the Queen of the South will rise up with the present generation, and will condemn it, because she came from the very ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and here is more than a Solomon! Verse ConceptsQueensSolomon, Character OfSouthOld Testament People As TypesGreatness Of ChristThe Final JudgementPeople From Far AwayThe Dead Are RaisedJudgmentsJudgement DayJudgementcondemnation











Why do you call me 'Master! Master!' and yet fail to do what I tell you? Verse ConceptsDeception, Forbidden By GodProfessingChrist Is LordCalling




His answer was: "It was well said by Isaiah when he prophesied about you hypocrites in the words--'This is a people that honor me with their lips, While their hearts are far removed from me; Verse ConceptsHoliness, Purpose OfLegalismLipsPretenceProfessingLack Of MeaningGod And The HeartMere TalkNamed Prophets Of The LordProphecies concerningHypocritesHypocrisy

"I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but I was brought up in this city under the teaching of Gamaliel, and educated in accordance with the strict system of our ancestral Law. I was as zealous in God's service as any of you who are here to-day. Verse ConceptsEducation, Examples OfPaul, Life OfSelf ConfidenceLegalismSitting At The FeetSchoolsTaking The Law To HeartEducationSchoolzealots

Wishing to take this man with him on his journey, Paul caused him to be circumcised on account of the Jews in that neighborhood, for they all knew that his father had been a Greek. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalMissionary Work, Examples OfGoing TogetherIsrael HardenedJews

And, when they had heard it, they began praising God, and said to Paul: "You see, Brother, that the Jews who have become believers in Christ may be numbered by tens of thousands, and they are all naturally earnest in upholding the Jewish Law. Verse ConceptsZealMany In The ChurchSalvation For IsraelSpecific Praising Of GodTaking The Law To Heartzealots

"Why are you doing what it is not allowable to do on the Sabbath?" asked some of the Pharisees. Verse ConceptsComplaintsConfrontationRitualLegalismDisputesPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

And how, in my devotion to Judaism, I surpassed many of my contemporaries among my own people in my intense earnestness in upholding the traditions of my ancestors. Verse ConceptsLegalismPharisees, Beliefs OfNew Age BeliefsResolving Conflictzealotscredibility

Some of the Pharisees' party, however, who had become believers in Christ, came forward and declared that they were bound to circumcise converts and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalBelieversHeresiesJudaismSectsNecessity Of CircumcisionThose Who Believed In ChristKeep The Commandments!pharisees

"Look!" the Pharisees said to him, "why are they doing what is not allowed on the Sabbath?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsRitualLegalismPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

But the President of the Synagogue, indignant that Jesus had worked the cure on the Sabbath, interposed and said to the people: "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come to be cured on one of those, and not on the Sabbath." Verse ConceptsDays, Natural UsePharisees, Beliefs OfLegalismSix DaysAngry With ChristDoing One's WorkJesus HealingThe Sabbath And ChristJesus Healing On Sabbath

Now it was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured: "This is the Sabbath; you must not carry your mat." Verse ConceptsThe Sabbath And Christrelaxation

I can testify that they are zealous for the honor of God; but they are not guided by true insight, Verse ConceptsZeal, Without KnowledgeUnwise ZealBeing Devoted to God

But now that you have found God--or, rather, have been found by him--how is it that you are turning back to that poor and feeble puerile teaching, to which yet once again you are wanting to become slaves? Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingElementsConfusionUseless ThingsUniquenessElements Of The UniverseGod Knowing His PeopleSubject To EvilWorry And StressIdentityWeaknessKnowing GodIdentity In Christ

When they come from market, they will not eat without first sprinkling themselves; and there are many other customs which they have inherited and hold to, such as the ceremonial washing of cups, and jugs, and copper pans). Verse ConceptsMarketsBrassPurifying OneselfClean ObjectsHow People Eatmarketing

Why, then, do you now provoke God, by putting on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our ancestors nor we were able to bear? Verse ConceptsLegalismSatan, As TempterTestingYokesTesting GodUnbearable ThingsPutting God FirstResisting TemptationTeststrying


Since, with Christ, you became dead to the puerile teaching of this world, why do you submit, as though your life were still that of the world, Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

the whole system being concerned only with food and drink and various ablutions--external ceremonials imposed until the coming of the New Order. Verse ConceptsRitualLimitations Of The Bodyorder



especially those who, following the promptings of their lower nature, indulge their polluting passions and despise all control. Audacious and self-willed, they feel no awe of the Mighty, maligning them, 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 even with tears--who are living in enmity to the cross of the Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

First be assured of this, that, as the age draws to an end, scoffers, led by their own passions, Verse ConceptsContemptdesiresPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesLast Hourend times prophecyDaysSportsEnd Of DaysFunmockers



how they used to say to you-- 'As time draws to an end, there will be scoffers, who will be led by their godless passions.' Verse ConceptsPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesDenial In End TimesLast HourPassionmockers



It was a great joy to me to find the lives of some of your children guided by the Truth, in obedience to the command that we received from the Father. Verse ConceptsThe FatherReciprocity

For it was a great joy to me, when some Brothers came and testified to your fidelity to the Truth--I know that your own life is guided by the Truth.


Since, therefore, you have received Jesus, the Christ, as your Lord, live your lives in union with him-- Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness













They are wild sea waves, foaming with their own shame; they are 'wandering stars,' for which the blackest darkness has been reserved for ever. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering









They are wild sea waves, foaming with their own shame; they are 'wandering stars,' for which the blackest darkness has been reserved for ever. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering







At the meetings of the Church married women should remain silent, for they are not allowed to speak in public; they should take a subordinate place, as the Law itself directs. Verse ConceptsChurchBeing A WomenWives, Duties OfGod ForbiddingThe churchWomen's RolesspeakingBeing A Woman Of Godorderwomanassertiveness

















He who does not love me will not lay my Message to heart; and the Message to which you are listening is not my own, but that of the Father who sent me. Verse ConceptsDoctrine, From GodSpeech, DivineFather And Son AlikeNot Loving GodThe FatherThey Do Not Keep CommandsFathers Love

Any one who teaches otherwise, and refuses his assent to sound instruction--the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ--and to the teaching of religion, Verse ConceptsTeachersTeachingSound DoctrineMisteachingDifferent TeachingsFalse TeachersDoctrines of the The GospelGodly Mandoctrine



"No man ever spoke as he speaks!" they answered. Verse ConceptsUnique ChristChrist Speaking

But Simon Peter answered: "Master, to whom shall we go? Immortal Life is in your teaching; Verse ConceptsPeter, The DiscipleLife By God's WordWho Is The One?Eternal lifeEverlastingThe Power Of Wordseternity


All who were present spoke well of him, and were astonished at the beautiful words that fell from his lips. "Is not he Joseph's son?" they asked. Verse ConceptsLipsGrace, And Jesus ChristKind WordsAmazement, Of Jesus ChristPraising Specific PeopleWho He Might Begraciousness

They were amazed at his teaching, because his words were spoken with authority. Verse ConceptsPower Of Christ, ShownAmazement, Of Jesus ChristAstonishmentChrist Teachingsurprisesdoctrine