Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



And in his human nature put an end to the cause of enmity between them--the Law with its injunctions and ordinances--in order to create, through union with himself, from Jew and Gentile, one New Man and thus make peace. Verse ConceptsNew ThingsLaws, AbolishedLaw, And GospelRitual LawRitualSalvation, Nature OfLaw, TemporaryAbolish, Evil ThingsAnnulmentTwo GroupsNew LifeChurch Distinct From IsraelMaking Peace With God


Those who wish to appear to advantage in regard to outward observances are the very people who are trying to compel you to be circumcised; and they do it only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Jesus, the Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

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. The Apostles and the Officers of the Church held a meeting to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter rose and said: "You, my Brothers, know well that long ago God singled me out--that through my lips the Gentiles should hear the Message of the Good News, and become believers in Christ. read more.
Now God, who reads all hearts, declared his acceptance of the Gentiles, by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us, when he purified their hearts by their faith. 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? No, it is through the loving-kindness of the Lord Jesus that we, just as they do, believe that we have been saved." Every voice in the assembly was hushed, as they listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they gave an account of all the signs and wonders which God had shown among the Gentiles through them. After they had finished speaking, James addressed the Council. "Brothers," he began, "hear what I have to say. Simon has described the manner in which God first visited the Gentiles, in order to take from among them a people to bear his Name. And that is in harmony with the words of the Prophets, where they say-- '"After this I will return; and I will rebuild the House of David which has fallen--its very ruins I will rebuild, and will set it up once more; That so the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord--even all the Gentiles on whom my Name has been bestowed." Says the Lord, as he does these things, foreknown from of old.' In my judgment, therefore, we should not add to the difficulties of those Gentiles who are turning to God, But we should write to them to abstain from food that has been polluted by being sacrificed to idols, from impurity, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from blood. For in every town, for generations past, there have been those who preach Moses, read as he is in the Synagogues every Sabbath." 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. They were bearers of the following letter--'The Apostles, and the Brothers who are the Officers of the Church, send their greetings to the Brethren of Gentile birth in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. As we had heard that some of our number had upset you by their assertions, and unsettled your minds--without instructions from us-- We met and decided to choose certain men and send them to you with our dear brothers Barnabas and Paul, Who have sacrificed themselves for the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are accordingly sending Judas and Silas, and they will tell you by word of mouth what we are now writing. We have, therefore, decided, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to lay no further burden upon you beyond these necessary conditions-- That you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from impurity. If you guard yourselves against such things, it will be well with you. Farewell.'

Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is only one God, and he will pronounce those who are circumcised righteous as the result of faith, and also those who are uncircumcised on their showing the same faith. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualMonotheismJustification Under The GospelGod Is OneNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By FaithThe Gospel To Jew And Gentile

Is this blessing, then, pronounced upon the circumcised only or upon the uncircumcised as well? We say that-'Abraham's faith was regarded by God as righteousness.' Under what circumstances, then, did this take place? After his circumcision or before it? Not after, but before. And it was as a sign of this that he received the rite of circumcision-to attest the righteousness due to the faith of an uncircumcised man-in order that he might be the father of all who have faith in God even when uncircumcised, that they also may be regarded by God as righteous;

Was a man already circumcised when he was called? Then he should not efface his circumcision. Has a man been called when uncircumcised? Then he should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing; the want of it is nothing; but to keep the commands of God is everything.

Yet even my companion, Titus, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised. But, on account of the false Brothers who had stolen in, the men who had crept in to spy upon the liberty which we have through union with Christ Jesus, in order to bring us back to slavery--

Understand that I, Paul, myself tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will avail you nothing. I again declare to every one who receives circumcision, that he binds himself to obey the whole Law. You have severed yourselves from Christ--you who are seeking to be pronounced righteous through Law; you have fallen away from love. read more.
For we, by the help of the Spirit, are eagerly waiting for the fulfillment of our hope--that we may be pronounced righteous as the result of faith. If a man is in union with Christ Jesus, neither is circumcision nor the omission of it anything, but faith, working through love, is everything. You were once making good progress! Who has hindered you from obeying the Truth? The persuasion brought to bear on you does not come from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens all the dough. I, through my union with the Lord, am persuaded that you will learn to think with me. But the man who is disturbing your minds will have to bear his punishment, whoever he may be. If I, Brothers, am still proclaiming circumcision, why am I still persecuted? It seems that the Cross has ceased to be an obstacle!

Remember, therefore, that you were once Gentiles yourselves, as your bodies showed; you were called 'The Uncircumcised' by those who were called 'The Circumcised'--circumcised only by the hand of man! Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

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By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency

For I tell you that Christ, in vindication of God's truthfulness, has become a minister of the Covenant of Circumcision, so that he may fulfil the promises made to our ancestors, Verse ConceptsCertaintyPatriarchsGod's Promise To AbrahamSalvation For Israelvindication



By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency






For a man who is only a Jew outwardly is not a real Jew; nor is outward bodily circumcision real circumcision. The real Jew is the man who is a Jew in soul; And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men.

By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency




And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men. Verse ConceptsChanged HeartHeart, Fallen And RedeemedPaul, Teaching OfTypesWorthinessRenewed HeartNew Birth, Described AsThe Holy Spirit, And RegenerationThe Holy Spirit, And ScriptureThe Inward BeingPeople Commended By GodJews

For I tell you that Christ, in vindication of God's truthfulness, has become a minister of the Covenant of Circumcision, so that he may fulfil the promises made to our ancestors, And that the Gentiles also may praise God for his mercy. As Scripture says--'Therefore will I make acknowledgment to thee among the Gentiles and sing in honor of thy Name.'

Take care there is not some one who will carry you away by his 'philosophy'--a hollow sham!--following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ. For in Christ the Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate; And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven. read more.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead. And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins! He canceled the bond which stood against us--the bond that consisted of ordinances--and which was directly hostile to us! He has taken it out of our way by nailing it to the cross! He rid himself of all the Powers of Evil, and held them up to open contempt, when he celebrated his triumph over them on the cross!

By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency





By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency













Take care there is not some one who will carry you away by his 'philosophy'--a hollow sham!--following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ. For in Christ the Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate; And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven. read more.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead. And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins!

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Therefore, as God's People, consecrated and dear to him, clothe yourselves with tenderness of heart, kindliness, humility, gentleness, forbearance; Bearing with one another, and, when there is any ground for complaint, forgiving one another freely. As the Master freely forgave you, so you must forgive one another.

"In truth I tell you," answered Jesus, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have not Life within you. He who takes my flesh for his food, and drinks my blood, has Immortal Life; and I will raise him up at the Last Day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood true drink. read more.
He who takes my flesh for his food, and drinks my blood, remains united to me, and I to him.

My children, I am writing to you to keep you from sinning; but if any one should sin, we have one who can plead for us with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous-- and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for those of the whole world besides. And by this we know that we have learned to know him--by our laying his commands to heart. read more.
The man who says 'I know Jesus,' but does not lay his commands to heart, is a liar, and the Truth has no place in him; but, whenever a man lays his Message to heart, in that man the love of God has indeed reached its perfection. By this we know that we are in union with God-- He who professes to maintain union with God is himself bound to live as Christ lived.

"Master, show us the Father," said Philip, "and we shall be satisfied." "Have I been all this time among you," said Jesus, "and yet you, Philip, have not recognized me? He who has seen me has seen the Father, how can you say, then, 'Show us the Father'? Do not you believe that I am in union with the Father, and the Father with me? In giving you my teaching I am not speaking on my own authority; but the Father himself, always in union with me, does his own work. read more.
Believe me," he said to them all, "when I say that I am in union with the Father and the Father with me, or else believe me on account of the work itself. In truth I tell you, he who believes in me will himself do the work that I am doing; and he will do greater work still, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask, in my Name, I will do, that the Father may be honored in the Son. If you ask anything, in my Name, I will do it. If you love me, you will lay my commands to heart, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you always--the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive this Spirit, because it does not see him or recognize him, but you recognize him, because he is always with you, and is within you. I will not leave you bereaved; I will come to you. In a little while the world will see me no more, but you will still see me; because I am living, you will be living also. At that time you will recognize that I am in union with the Father, and you with me, and I with you.

Look at the facts of your Call, Brothers. There are not many among you who are wise, as men reckon wisdom, not many who are influential, not many who are high-born; But God chose what the world counts foolish to put its wise men to shame, and God chose what the world counts weak to put its strong things to shame, And God chose what the world counts poor and insignificant-- things that to it are unreal-to bring its 'realities' to nothing, read more.
So that in his presence no human being should boast. But you, by your union with Christ Jesus, belong to God; and Christ, by God's will, became not only our Wisdom, but also our Righteousness, Holiness, and Deliverance,

Take care there is not some one who will carry you away by his 'philosophy'--a hollow sham!--following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ. For in Christ the Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate; And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven. read more.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead.

Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, then we approach God with confidence, and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we are laying his commands to heart, and are doing what is pleasing in his sight. His Command is this--that we should put our trust in the Name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, in accordance with the Command that he gave us. read more.
And he who lays his commands to heart maintains union with Christ, and Christ with him. And by this we know that Christ maintains union with us--by our possession of the Spirit which he gave us.

We realize that we come from God, while all the world is under the influence of the Evil One. We realize, too, that the Son of God has come among us, and has given us the discernment to know the True God; and we are in union with the True God by our union with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the True God and he is Immortal Life.

Take care there is not some one who will carry you away by his 'philosophy'--a hollow sham!--following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ. For in Christ the Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate; And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven. read more.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead. And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins! He canceled the bond which stood against us--the bond that consisted of ordinances--and which was directly hostile to us! He has taken it out of our way by nailing it to the cross! He rid himself of all the Powers of Evil, and held them up to open contempt, when he celebrated his triumph over them on the cross!

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


Nor Height, nor Depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord! Verse ConceptsdepthLove, Nature OfChrist, Names ForAgape LoveSpiritual DepthsNothing MissingGod's Love For UsGod's Creation

By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency


And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men. Verse ConceptsChanged HeartHeart, Fallen And RedeemedPaul, Teaching OfTypesWorthinessRenewed HeartNew Birth, Described AsThe Holy Spirit, And RegenerationThe Holy Spirit, And ScriptureThe Inward BeingPeople Commended By GodJews




By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency







By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency


And, if your right hand is a snare to you, cut it off and throw it away. It would be best for you to lose one part of your body, and not to have the whole of it go down to the Pit. Verse ConceptsBodily LimbsSending Things AwayCausing Others To StumbleCutting Off Hands And FeetEvil For The Right HandThe Entrance Of SinUseful ThingsWorry And StressInfidelityLosing Someonecutting

I could even wish that the people who are unsettling you would go further still and mutilate themselves. Verse ConceptseunuchsMutilationRevenge, Examples OfDisturbanceTroubling Groups Of PeopleDisunityRelationship TroublesNervousness

By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency




And the real circumcision is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal thing. Such a man wins praise from God, though not from men. Verse ConceptsChanged HeartHeart, Fallen And RedeemedPaul, Teaching OfTypesWorthinessRenewed HeartNew Birth, Described AsThe Holy Spirit, And RegenerationThe Holy Spirit, And ScriptureThe Inward BeingPeople Commended By GodJews




By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency




But one of the Councillors said to me--'Do not weep. The Lion conquered--the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Scion of David--and can therefore open the book with its seven seals.' Verse ConceptsdefeatLions, Figurative Use OfLionsRootsSealsNames And Titles For ChristJesus As Son Of DavidPromised VictorySeven ThingsThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsChrist OvercomingDo Not MournPeople Of JudahLion Of The Tribe Of Judah

To the Angel of the Church in Laodicaea write:-- "These are the words of the Unchanging One, 'the Witness faithful and true, the Beginning of the Creation of God':-- I know your life; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! But now, because you are lukewarm, neither hot not cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. read more.
You say 'I am rich and have grown rich, and I want for nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked! Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold which has been refined by fire, that you may grow rich; and white robes, that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness be hidden; and ointment to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 'All whom I love I rebuke and discipline.' Therefore be in earnest and repent. I am standing at the door and knocking! If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in, and will feast with him, and he shall feast with me. To him who conquers--to him I will give the right to sit beside me on my throne, as I, when I conquered, took my seat beside my Father on his throne.

Take care there is not some one who will carry you away by his 'philosophy'--a hollow sham!--following, as it does, mere human traditions, and dealing with puerile questions of this world, and not with Christ. For in Christ the Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate; And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven. read more.
By your union with him you received a circumcision that was not performed by human hands, when you threw off the tyranny of the earthly body, and received the circumcision of the Christ. For in baptism you were buried with Christ; and in baptism you were also raised to Life with him, through your faith in the omnipotence of God, who raised him from the dead. And to you, who once were 'dead,' by reason of your sins and your uncircumcised nature--to you God gave Life in giving life to Christ! He pardoned all our sins! He canceled the bond which stood against us--the bond that consisted of ordinances--and which was directly hostile to us! He has taken it out of our way by nailing it to the cross! He rid himself of all the Powers of Evil, and held them up to open contempt, when he celebrated his triumph over them on the cross!



"Do you believe that already?" Jesus answered. "Listen! a time is coming--indeed it has already come--when you are to be scattered, each going his own way, and to leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have spoken to you in this way, so that in me you may find peace. In the world you will find trouble; yet, take courage! I have conquered the world."


The ten horns that you saw are ten kings. who have not yet received their kingdoms, but for an hour they receive the authority of kings, together with the Beast. These kings are of one mind in surrendering their power and authority to the Beast. They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; so, too, will those with him who have received the Call and are chosen and faithful.