Thematic Bible: Constancy


Thematic Bible








And have you forgotten the exhortation that was addressed to you as sons? [Prov. 3:11f says], "My son, do not take the discipline of the Lord lightly, and do not get discouraged when He rebukes you. Verse ConceptsAfflicted Saintsdiscipline, divineAssurance in the life of faithChastisementRebukeDespisersBelievers As Sons Of GodUnderestimationForgetting ThingsGod UrgingLosing CourageGod Requite Them!Discipline Child


Loved ones, do not be surprised that you people are undergoing extremely difficult trials, as though something strange were happening to you, for it is [only] a test [of your faith]. You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor. If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God's blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16]. read more.
[However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others. But if a person should have to suffer because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed [of it], but instead, he should bring honor to God by [wearing] the name [of Christ].

And many women, who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had ministered to His needs, were watching [all this] from a distance. Among them were Mary from Magdala; Mary, the mother of James and Joseph [i.e., probably the wife of Clopas. See John 19:25]; and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee [i.e., Salome. Mark 15:40].

Now as the Sabbath day ended and the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] approached [Note: See Mark 16:1-2 for the exact timing], Mary from Magdala and the other Mary [i.e., Jesus' mother. See Matt. 27:56] went to look at the grave site. Verse ConceptsDawnGood FriendsThe First Day Of The WeekSundaySabbath, In NtFriendship, Examples OfDaybreakJesus TombAt DaybreakSabbath ObservedEarly RisingA New DayThe Empty Tomb Testifying His Resurrection






[But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus' family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains. Verse ConceptsChainsIntimacyFriendship, Examples OfIron ChainsBe Merciful!People Refreshedempathy



They risked their own lives for me, so not only I, but also all the Gentile churches [i.e., people converted from among the Gentiles] are grateful to them [for this]. Verse ConceptsLove, For One AnotherSuffering, Encouragements InChurch, Description OfChurch, Titles OfFriendship, Examples OfThanks To PeopleRiskingrisk


Then Thomas, which means, "The Twin," said to his fellow disciples, "Let us go too, so we can die with Him." [i.e., by being stoned to death with Jesus. See 11:8]. Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfResigned To DeathChrist With People On EarthChrist Going With PeopleTwin Brothers

I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-workers in [the service of] Christ Jesus. They risked their own lives for me, so not only I, but also all the Gentile churches [i.e., people converted from among the Gentiles] are grateful to them [for this].