Thematic Bible: Characteristics of


Thematic Bible











Or again, is it only Barnabas and myself who are not at liberty to give up working with our hands? Verse ConceptsBarnabasevangelists, ministry ofdisagreements

Then Barnabas paid a visit to Tarsus to try to find Saul. He succeeded, and brought him to Antioch; and for a whole year they attended the meetings of the Church, and taught a large number of people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples first received the name of 'Christians.'

So the disciples decided to send relief, every one in proportion to his means, to the brethren living in Judaea. This they did, forwarding their contributions to the Elders by Barnabas and Saul.

In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas--signifying 'Son of Encouragement' --a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a farm which he had, and brought the money and gave it to the Apostles.

So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple. Barnabas, however, came to his assistance. He brought Saul to the Apostles, and related to them how, on his journey, he had seen the Lord, and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had fearlessly taught in the name of Jesus.


They called Barnabas 'Zeus,' and Paul, as being the principal speaker, 'Hermes.' Verse ConceptsPagan GodsFalse GodsBarnabasMythologyAcclaimingSpokesmen

On getting there he was delighted to see the grace which God had bestowed; and he encouraged them all to remain, with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord. Verse ConceptsHappinessHeart, And Holy SpiritGladnessSteadfastnessWhole HeartednessThe Grace Of GodPeople Encouraging OthersRejoicing In God's WorksWitnessing




If you have died with Christ and have escaped from the world's rudimentary notions, why, as though your life still belonged to the world, do you submit to such precepts as Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

As it stands written in the Scripture, "For Thy sake they are, all day long, trying to kill us. We have been looked upon as sheep destined for slaughter." Verse ConceptsSheepSuffering, Of BelieversDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeKilling The InnocentAll Dayaccounting

For we, alive though we are, are continually surrendering ourselves to death for the sake of Jesus, so that in this mortal nature of ours it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives. Verse ConceptsDying With ChristSuffering For Christ's SakeLife With Christ




As therefore you have received the Christ, even Jesus our Lord, live and act in vital union with Him; Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness

"Every one who hears these my teachings and acts upon them will be found to resemble a wise man who builds his house upon rock; Verse ConceptsWisdom, Source Of HumanSpiritual FoundationsStones For ProtectionHearing ChristDoing God's WorksThe Work Of The Wise


Jesus therefore said to those of the Jews who had now believed in Him, "As for you, if you hold fast to my teaching, then you are truly my disciples; and you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free."





"Were not our hearts," they said to one another, "burning within us while He talked to us on the way and explained the Scriptures to us?" Verse ConceptsFellowship With ChristHow Disciples LearnRoadsHeart, Affections OfInward FireChrist And The Scripturesgirlfriends















This made the Dragon furiously angry with the woman, and he went elsewhere to make war upon her other children--those who keep God's commandments and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus. Verse ConceptsCommands, in NTOffspringSpiritual Warfare, Causes OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSubsequent Witness To ChristSigns Of The TimesSpiritual Offspring


This is the charge which I entrust to you, my son Timothy, in accordance with the inspired instructions concerning you which were given me long ago, that being equipped with them as your armour you may be continually fighting the good fight, Verse ConceptsOrdinationSonsAffection, ExpressingChildren In The FaithReady For WarProphecies concerningWarSpiritual Warfare



but I discover within me a different Law at war with the Law of my understanding, and leading me captive to the Law which is everywhere at work in my body--the Law of sin. Verse ConceptsBodily LimbsSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictLiving Not For The MaterialEvil PrinciplesPrinciples Of WarMind BattlesGoing Through the MotionsstruggleWarLife StrugglesThe MindConflictStrugglesBeing DifferentBeing Uniquelawworkingmindset

So when the angel who had been speaking to him was gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier who was in constant attendance on him, and, after telling them everything, he sent them to Jaffa.

and the day after that they reached Caesarea. There Cornelius was awaiting their arrival, and had invited all his relatives and intimate friends to be present.

"Immediately, therefore, I sent to you, and I thank you heartily for having come. That is why all of us are now assembled here in God's presence, to listen to what the Lord has commanded you to say." Verse ConceptseagernessHearing God's Word











Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, but holding the secret truths of the faith with a clear conscience. And they must also be well-tried men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons. read more.
Deaconesses, in the same way, must be sober-minded women, not slanderers, but in every way temperate and trustworthy. A deacon must be true to his one wife, and rule his children and his own household wisely and well. For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and are acquiring great freedom of speech in proclaiming the faith which rests on Christ Jesus.













But they will have no further success; for their folly will be as clearly manifest to all men, as that of the opponents of Moses came to be. Verse ConceptsFolly, Effects OfManifesting (making Something Clear)Foolishness Of MenAspects Of People Made Knowncancer







Therefore be very careful how you live and act. Let it not be as unwise men, but as wise. Verse ConceptsBalance In LifeRedeeming The TimeWisdom, Human ImportanceCautionFools Becoming WiseOpportunityFoolsLiveattentionwise

The Master however said to him, "Here we see how you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup or plate, while your secret hearts are full of greed and selfishness. Foolish men! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also?





And every one who hears these my teachings and does not act upon them will be found to resemble a fool who builds his house upon sand. Verse ConceptsFolly, Examples OfFailureComplacencyWicked Described AsThe Insecurity Of The WickedHearing ChristThe Work Of FoolsDoing God's WorksSand And Gravel














On the following day we went with Paul to call on James, and all the Elders of the Church came also. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

When they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, listen to me. Verse ConceptsPay Attention To People!

Afterwards He was seen by James, and then by all the Apostles. Verse ConceptsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesChrist Appearing




and he will be His forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn fathers' hearts to the children, and cause the rebellious to walk in the wisdom of the upright, to make a people perfectly ready for the lord." Verse ConceptsHeraldPower, HumanSpirit, Emotional Aspects OfProphecies Concerning ChristForerunnersDivine MessengerCausing People To TurnPeople Going BeforeAcquiring WisdomFathers And SonsPowerful Individualsparentingdisobedience


This is he of whom it is written, "'See I am sending My messenger before Thy face, and he will make Thy road ready before Thee.' Verse ConceptsPreparing God's WayHeraldMissionaries, Call OfForerunnersDivine MessengerWho Is John The Baptist?God Sends ProphetsIn FrontFulfilled Prophecies Prove Inspiration

And you moreover, O child, shall be called Prophet of the Most High; For you shall go on in front before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, Verse ConceptsForerunnersDivine MessengerPeople Going BeforeIndividual Prophets

"I solemnly tell you that among all of woman born no greater has ever been raised up than John the Baptist; yet one who is of lower rank in the Kingdom of the Heavens 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 were gone, He proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man wearing luxurious clothes? People who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are found in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Aye, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet. read more.
John is the man about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending My messenger before thy face, and he shall make ready thy way before thee.'

because John had persistently said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." 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 exclaimed, "O vipers' brood, who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Verse ConceptsHell, As An ExperienceJudaismSnakesAnger Of God, ConsequencesEvil GenerationsDenunciationsName CallingJewish SectsJudgement To ComeThings Like SnakesFleeing From GodBaptised By Johnpharisees

His announcement was, "There is One coming after me mightier than I--One whose sandal-strap I am unworthy to stoop down and unfasten. Verse ConceptsShoesSelf AbasementUndoing FasteningsBowing Before Messiah

This also is John's testimony, when the Jews sent to him a deputation of Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him who he was. He avowed--he did not conceal the truth, but avowed, "I am not the Christ." "What then?" they inquired; "are you Elijah?" "I am not," he said. "Are you the Prophet?" "No," he answered. read more.
So they pressed the question. "Who are you?" they said--"that we may take an answer to those who sent us. What account do you give of yourself?" "I am the voice," he replied, "of one crying aloud, 'Make straight the Lord's way in the Desert,' fulfilling the words of the Prophet Isaiah."


"Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented; Verse ConceptsNowGospel, Essence OfA Righteous People

This man John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a loincloth of leather; and he lived upon locusts and wild honey. Verse ConceptsLeatherClothingBeltsAsceticism, People PracticingHairsInsectsJohn The BaptistLocustsWaistsHoneyHairclothHair GarmentsChristmas Tree

Large numbers of people also came to Him. Their report was, "John did not work any miracle, but all that John said about this Teacher was true." Verse ConceptsTruthJohn The BaptistSpeaking TruthNo SignsMiracles

He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light. Verse ConceptsRadiancyRadiant LivesLight Of God's PeopleSeasons Changing

for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing him to be an upright and holy man, and he protected him. After listening to him he was in great perplexity, and yet he found a pleasure in listening. Verse ConceptsPuzzlementSpecific Holy IndividualsFear Of Individuals

There went out to him people of all classes from Judaea, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem of all ranks, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, making open confession of their sins. Verse ConceptsJohn's BaptismRevival, CorporateRivers And StreamsBaptised By JohnIn The JordanSin Confessedconfessing

Towards sunset there came a wealthy inhabitant of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself also had become a disciple of Jesus. Verse ConceptsAffluenceEvenings For Jesus And His DisciplesWealthy People

There was a member of the Council of the name of Joseph, a kind-hearted and upright man, Verse ConceptsChristmas Treeassertiveness

But Joseph her husband, being a kind-hearted man and unwilling publicly to disgrace her, had determined to release her privately from the betrothal. Verse ConceptsFalse Accusations, Examples OfAdultery and DivorceLove, In RelationshipsQuietnessActing In SecretNot Put To ShamePeople UnwillingActual DivorcesResolving Conflict

So Joseph roused himself and took the babe and His mother by night and departed into Egypt. Verse ConceptsDuring One NightTaking Christ

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded, and brought home his wife, Verse ConceptsBetrothal

Now His parents used to go up year by year to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover. Verse ConceptsFeastingVisitingWorship, Times ForEvery Yearparenthood

So two names were proposed, Joseph called Bar-sabbas--and surnamed Justus--and Matthias. Verse ConceptsTwo DisciplesLeadership Qualities









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

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

They entered the city, and they went up to the upper room which was now their fixed place for meeting. Their names were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the brother of James. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

James's relative Judas, and Judas Iscariot who proved to be a traitor. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotJudas Betraying Christzealotstraitors


While He was still speaking there came a crowd with Judas, already mentioned as one of the Twelve, at their head. He went up to Jesus to kiss Him. "Judas," said Jesus, "are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"

But Judas Iscariot, already mentioned as one of the Twelve, went to the High Priests to betray Jesus to them. Verse ConceptsJudas IscariotChief priestsNegotiationJudas Betraying ChristThe Chief Priests Condemning Christ

(Now having bought a piece of ground with the money paid for his wickedness he fell there with his face downwards, and, his body bursting open, he became disembowelled. Verse ConceptsProperty, LandReward, HumanTreacheryDeath Of The Wicked, Examples OfReal EstateBowelsPeople Torn To PiecesPeople TumblingHurt And Betrayal

Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He was condemned, smitten with remorse he brought back the thirty shekels to the High Priests and Elders and said, "I have sinned, in betraying to death one who is innocent." "What does that matter to us?" they replied; it is your business."

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


At that time one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the High Priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I betray him to you?" So they weighed out to him thirty shekels,

"Why was not that perfume sold for 300 shillings and the money given to the poor?" The reason he said this was not that he cared for the poor, but that he was a thief, and that being in charge of the money-box, he used to steal what was put into it.

Thereupon it was decided by the Apostles and Elders, with the approval of the whole Church, to choose suitable persons from among themselves and send them to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas. Judas, called Bar-sabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, were selected, Verse ConceptsVisitingChoosing PeoplePeople Sending PeopleThe Apostles In Action

After him, at the time of the Census, came Judas, the Galilaean, and was the leader in a revolt. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered. Verse ConceptsCensusHistoryPeople Following PeopleScattering Followers

"Rise," said the Lord, "and go to Straight Street, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man called Saul, from Tarsus, for he is actually praying. Verse ConceptsRoadsStreetsStraight Paths

The reason he said this was not that he cared for the poor, but that he was a thief, and that being in charge of the money-box, he used to steal 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










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


and certain women whom He had delivered from evil spirits and various diseases--Mary of Magdala, out of whom seven demons had come, Verse ConceptsSatanic InvasionSeven SpiritsThose Jesus HealedDemonsCasting Out Demons

among them being Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zabdi. Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfMothers And Sons

Mary of Magdala came and brought word to the disciples. "I have seen the Master," she said. And she told them that He had said these things to her. 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, And my spirit triumphs in God my Saviour; Because He has not turned from His maidservant in her lowly position; For from this time forward all generations will account me happy, read more.
Because the mighty One has done great things for me--Holy is His name!-- And His compassion is, generation after generation, Upon those who fear Him. He has manifested His supreme strength. He has scattered those who were haughty in the thoughts of their hearts. He has cast monarchs down from their thrones, And exalted men of low estate. The hungry He has satisfied with choice gifts, But the rich He has sent empty-handed away. His servant Israel He has helped, Remembering His compassion-- In fulfillment of His promises to our forefathers--For Abraham and his posterity for ever."

Now the wine ran short; whereupon the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." "Leave the matter in my hands," He replied; "the time for me to act has not yet come." His mother said to the attendants, "Whatever he tells you to do, do it."

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

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was always obedient to them; but His mother carefully treasured up all these incidents in her memory. Verse ConceptsAbusive HusbandsFathers, Responsibilities OfLove, And The WorldObedience, To Human AuthoritiesRespect, For Human BeingsSonsChrist, Character OfHumility Of ChristChildren, Good KidsObeying PeopleMothers Love For Children

"I am the Lord's maidservant," Mary replied; "may it be with me in accordance with your words!" And then the angel left her. Verse ConceptsMaidsMiracles, Responses ToPrayer, As A Response To GodServants, Working Conditions OfServants Of The LordYouthAnnunciationsLeavingAccording To Thingsgabriel







I have great confidence in you: very loudly do I boast of you. I am filled with comfort: my heart overflows with joy amid all our affliction. Verse Conceptsencouragement, examples ofJoy, Of The ChurchOptimismDistressTrusting Other PeopleHuman ComfortPaul's BoastingPrideholy BoldnessEncouragementJoy And HappinessBoldnessSpeechencouraging



Therefore be on the alert; and remember that, night and day, for three years, I never ceased admonishing every one, even with tears. Verse ConceptsBeing Earnest For The ChurchCareCare, HumanLeaders, SpiritualWatchfulness, Of LeadersAdmonition, WarningVigilanceTearsThree YearsUnceasingAlways Being ActiveLabour Day And Nightspace

For there are many whom I have often described to you, and I now even with tears describe them, as being enemies to the Cross of Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist


For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love 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 when he dealt with the subjects of justice, self-control, and the judgement which was soon to come, Felix became alarmed and said, "For the present leave me, and when I can find a convenient 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 up with the straps, Paul said to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog a Roman citizen--and one too who is uncondemned?" Verse ConceptsempiresRevenge, And RetaliationRoman CitizensScourgingBreaking Man's LawNo CondemnationTying UpCitizens

So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, and proceed on your way in peace." But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out."


You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided for my own necessities and for the people with me. Verse ConceptsPoverty, Remedies ForIndustryActing For Oneselfprovidingministering

His reply was, "What can you mean by thus breaking my heart with your grief? Why, as for me, I am ready not only to go to Jerusalem and be put in chains, but even to die there for the sake 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

Yet all that was gain to me--for Christ's sake I have reckoned it loss. Nay, I even reckon all things as pure loss because of the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. And for His sake I have suffered the loss of everything, and reckon it all as mere refuse, in order that I may win Christ and be found in union with Him, not having a righteousness of my own, derived from the Law, but that which arises from faith in Christ--the righteousness which comes from God through faith. read more.
I long to know Christ and the power which is in His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings and die even as He died; in the hope that I may attain to the resurrection from among the dead. I do not say that I have already won the race or have already reached perfection. But I am pressing on, striving to lay hold of the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not imagine that I have yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting everything which is past and stretching forward to what lies in front of me, with my eyes fixed on the goal I push on to secure the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus.

From the Jews I five times have received forty lashes all but one. Three times I have been beaten with Roman rods, once I have been stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, once for full four and twenty hours I was floating on the open sea. I have served Him by frequent travelling, amid dangers in crossing rivers, dangers from robbers; dangers from my own countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles; dangers in the city, dangers in the Desert, dangers by sea, dangers from spies in our midst; read more.
with labour and toil, with many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, in frequent fastings, in cold, and with insufficient clothing. And besides other things, which I pass over, there is that which presses on me daily--my anxiety for all the Churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led astray into sin, and I am not aflame with indignation? If boast I must, it shall be of things which display my weakness. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ--He who is blessed throughout the Ages--knows that I am speaking the truth. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the gates of the city in order to apprehend me, but through an opening in the wall I was let down in a basket, and so escaped his hands.

Though free from all human control, I have made myself the slave of all in the hope of winning as many converts as possible. To the Jews I have become like a Jew in order to win Jews; to men under the Law as if I were under the Law--although I am not--in order to win those who are under the Law; to men without Law as if I were without Law--although I am not without Law in relation to God but am abiding in Christ's Law--in order to win those who are without Law. read more.
To the weak I have become weak, so as to gain the weak. To all men I have become all things, in the hope that in every one of these ways I may save some.

The signs that characterize the true Apostle have been done among you, accompanied by unwearied fortitude, and by tokens and marvels and displays of power. Verse ConceptsApostles, IdentficationMiracles, Nature OfMiraculous SignsApostles, Miraculous PowerApostles, Given Miraculous PowerOther MiraclesSigns And Wonders Of The GospelMiracles Authenticate God's Messagepatientpersevering

I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith. From this time onward there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who love the thought of His Appearing.

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of God's own people; so that they also may obtain salvation--even the salvation which is in 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


Through faith Abraham, upon being called to leave home and go into a land which he was soon to receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he was going to. Through faith he came and made his home for a time in a land which had been promised to him, as if in a foreign country, living in tents together with Isaac and Jacob, sharers with him in the same promise; for he continually looked forward to the city which has the foundations, whose architect and builder is God. read more.
Through faith even Sarah herself received strength to become a mother--although she was past the time of life for this--because she judged Him faithful who had given the promise. And thus there sprang from one man, and him practically dead, a nation like the stars of the sky in number, and like the sands on the sea shore which cannot be counted. All these died in the possession of faith. They had not received the promised blessings, but had seen them from a distance and had greeted them, and had acknowledged themselves to be foreigners and strangers here on earth; for men who acknowledge this make it manifest that they are seeking elsewhere a country of their own. And if they had cherished the remembrance of the country they had left, they would have found an opportunity to return; but, as it is, we see them eager for a better land, that is to say, a heavenly one. For this reason God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has now prepared a city for them.



The Queen of the south will awake at the Judgement together with the present generation, and will condemn it; because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and mark! there is One greater than Solomon here. Verse ConceptsQueensSolomon, Character OfSouthOld Testament People As TypesGreatness Of ChristThe Final JudgementPeople From Far AwayThe Dead Are RaisedJudgmentsJudgement DayJudgementcondemnation











"And why do you all call me 'Master, Master' and yet not do what I tell you? Verse ConceptsDeception, Forbidden By GodProfessingChrist Is LordCalling




"Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites," He replied; "as it is written, "'This People honour Me with their lips, while their hearts are far away from Me: Verse ConceptsHoliness, Purpose OfLegalismLipsPretenceProfessingLack Of MeaningGod And The HeartMere TalkNamed Prophets Of The LordProphecies concerningHypocritesHypocrisy

"I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I was carefully trained at the feet of Gamaliel in the Law of our forefathers, and, like all of you to-day, was zealous for God. Verse ConceptsEducation, Examples OfPaul, Life OfSelf ConfidenceLegalismSitting At The FeetSchoolsTaking The Law To HeartEducationSchoolzealots

and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalMissionary Work, Examples OfGoing TogetherIsrael HardenedJews

And they, when they had heard his statement, gave the glory to God. Then they said, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are among those who have accepted the faith, and they are all zealous upholders of the Law. Verse ConceptsZealMany In The ChurchSalvation For IsraelSpecific Praising Of GodTaking The Law To Heartzealots

And some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what the Law forbids on the Sabbath?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsConfrontationRitualLegalismDisputesPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

and how in devotion to Judaism I outstripped many men of my own age among my people, being far more zealous than they on behalf of the traditions of my forefathers. Verse ConceptsLegalismPharisees, Beliefs OfNew Age BeliefsResolving Conflictzealotscredibility

But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered to keep the Law of Moses." Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalBelieversHeresiesJudaismSectsNecessity Of CircumcisionThose Who Believed In ChristKeep The Commandments!pharisees

So the Pharisees said to Him, "Look! why are they doing what on the Sabbath is unlawful?" Verse ConceptsComplaintsRitualLegalismPharisees Concerned About ChristThe Sabbath And Christ

Then the Warden of the Synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured her on a Sabbath, said to the crowd, "There are six days in the week on which people ought to work. On those days therefore come and get yourselves cured, and not on the Sabbath day." Verse ConceptsDays, Natural UsePharisees, Beliefs OfLegalismSix DaysAngry With ChristDoing One's WorkJesus HealingThe Sabbath And ChristJesus Healing On Sabbath

That day was a Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been cured, "It is the Sabbath: you must not carry your mat." Verse ConceptsThe Sabbath And Christrelaxation

For I bear witness that they possess an enthusiasm for God, but it is an unenlightened enthusiasm. Verse ConceptsZeal, Without KnowledgeUnwise ZealBeing Devoted to God

Now, however, having come to know God--or rather to be known by Him--how is it you are again turning back to weak and worthless rudimentary notions to which you are once more willing to be enslaved? Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingElementsConfusionUseless ThingsUniquenessElements Of The UniverseGod Knowing His PeopleSubject To EvilWorry And StressIdentityWeaknessKnowing GodIdentity In Christ

and when they come from market they will not eat without bathing first; and they have a good many other customs which they have received traditionally and cling to, such as the rinsing of cups and pots and of bronze utensils, and the washing of beds.) Verse ConceptsMarketsBrassPurifying OneselfClean ObjectsHow People Eatmarketing

Now, therefore, why try an experiment upon God, by laying on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our forefathers nor we have been able to bear? Verse ConceptsLegalismSatan, As TempterTestingYokesTesting GodUnbearable ThingsPutting God FirstResisting TemptationTeststrying


If you have died with Christ and have escaped from the world's rudimentary notions, why, as though your life still belonged to the world, do you submit to such precepts as Verse ConceptsMortificationAbolish, Evil ThingsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromFormalityDying With ChristDead To SinElements Of The UniverseHuman Law

For their efficacy depends only on meats and drinks and various washings, ceremonies pertaining to the body and imposed until a time of reformation. Verse ConceptsRitualLimitations Of The Bodyorder



and especially those who are abandoned to sensuality--craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. Fool-hardy and self-willed, they do not tremble when speaking evil of glorious beings; 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 whom I have often described to you, and I now even with tears describe them, as being enemies to the Cross of Christ. Verse Conceptsenemies, of Jesus ChristPainPathways Of SinTearsEnemies Of GodMourning In RegretSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionThe CrossBeing Contenthaterschristianitymindsetchrist

But, above all, remember that, in the last days, men will come who make a mock at everything--men governed only by their own passions, Verse ConceptsContemptdesiresPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesLast Hourend times prophecyDaysSportsEnd Of DaysFunmockers



how they declared to you, "In the last times there shall be scoffers, obeying only their own ungodly passions." Verse ConceptsPathways Of SinScoffersEnd Of The AgesDenial In End TimesLast HourPassionmockers



It is an intense joy to me to have found some of your children living true Christian lives, in obedience to the command which we have received from the Father. Verse ConceptsThe FatherReciprocity

For it is an intense joy to me when brethren come and bear witness to your fidelity to the truth--that you live in obedience to the truth.

Therefore be very careful how you live and act. Let it not be as unwise men, but as wise. Verse ConceptsBalance In LifeRedeeming The TimeWisdom, Human ImportanceCautionFools Becoming WiseOpportunityFoolsLiveattentionwise

As therefore you have received the Christ, even Jesus our Lord, live and act in vital union with Him; Verse ConceptsAbiding In ChristReceptivenessThankfulnessAcceptance, Of Jesus ChristAccess to GodHard WorkAcceptanceThankfulness To Othersconnectedness










destitute of natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers. They will have no self-control, but will be brutal, opposed to goodness, Verse ConceptsAffection, EvilBackbitingDebaucheryCharacter Of WickedFalse AccusationsDespisersBrutalityViolence In The EarthNothing GoodHating GoodUnlovingNo PeaceAffectionparentinghatersgossiping



wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom is reserved dense darkness of age-long duration. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering






destitute of natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers. They will have no self-control, but will be brutal, opposed to goodness, Verse ConceptsAffection, EvilBackbitingDebaucheryCharacter Of WickedFalse AccusationsDespisersBrutalityViolence In The EarthNothing GoodHating GoodUnlovingNo PeaceAffectionparentinghatersgossiping



wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom is reserved dense darkness of age-long duration. Verse ConceptsBlackAstronomyRageColors, BlackHopelessnessThe Fate Of The WickedWanderersWavesEternal JudgementFoamsGod KeepsOuter DarknessShame Has Comewandering







Let married women be silent in the Churches, for they are not permitted to speak. They must be content with a subordinate place, as the Law also says; Verse ConceptsChurchBeing A WomenWives, Duties OfGod ForbiddingThe churchWomen's RolesspeakingBeing A Woman Of Godorderwomanassertiveness


Married women, in the same way, be submissive to your husbands, so that even if some of them disbelieve the Message, they may, apart from the Message, be won over by the daily life of their wives, after watching your daily life-- Verse Conceptsethics, personalResponsibility, For God's WorldSexualitySubmissionUnbelieversUnbelief, As Response To GodWives, Duties OfAbusive MarriagesCurbing SpeechWivesChristian ConductHusband And WifeGodly WomanLoving Your WifeWifeLove MarriageBeauty And Self WorthA Good HusbandspousebehaviorreverenceHope For Unbelievers















He who has no love for me does not obey my teaching; and yet the teaching to which you are listening is not mine, but is the teaching of the Father who sent me. Verse ConceptsDoctrine, From GodSpeech, DivineFather And Son AlikeNot Loving GodThe FatherThey Do Not Keep CommandsFathers Love

So teach and exhort. If any one is a teacher of any other kind of doctrine, and refuses assent to wholesome instructions--those of our Lord Jesus Christ--and the teaching that harmonizes with true godliness, Verse ConceptsTeachersTeachingSound DoctrineMisteachingDifferent TeachingsFalse TeachersDoctrines of the The GospelGodly Mandoctrine



"No mere man has ever spoken as this man speaks," said the officers. Verse ConceptsUnique ChristChrist Speaking

"Master," replied Simon Peter, "to whom shall we go? Your teachings tell us of the Life of the Ages. Verse ConceptsPeter, The DiscipleLife By God's WordWho Is The One?Eternal lifeEverlastingThe Power Of Wordseternity


And they all spoke well of Him, wondering at the sweet words of kindness which fell from His lips, while they asked one another, "Is not this Joseph's son?" Verse ConceptsLipsGrace, And Jesus ChristKind WordsAmazement, Of Jesus ChristPraising Specific PeopleWho He Might Begraciousness

And they were greatly impressed by His teaching, because He spoke with the language of authority. Verse ConceptsPower Of Christ, ShownAmazement, Of Jesus ChristAstonishmentChrist Teachingsurprisesdoctrine