Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



Then, fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again, [along] with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me [this time]. [It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [I. e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain. But they did not even require that Titus, a Greek [i.e., a Gentile] who was with me, become circumcised. read more.
For [certain] false brothers, who were secretly brought in to observe us practicing our liberty in Christ Jesus [i.e., by not having Titus circumcised], attempted to place us [back] under the bondage [of Mosaic law keeping]. But we did not submit ourselves to their influence for even an hour, so that you people might be able to continue [following] the truth of the Gospel. These apostles, who were highly regarded (although it really does not matter to me what they are, for God does not show partiality to any particular person); these men, I say, provided me with nothing [concerning the Gospel message]. On the contrary, they saw that I had [already] been entrusted [by God] with the Gospel for the uncircumcised ones [i.e., for Gentiles], just as Peter [had been entrusted by God] with the Gospel for the circumcised ones [i.e., for Jews]. For God assigned Peter to be an apostle to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews], and me to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews].

"Who can keep these people [i.e., Cornelius' household] from being immersed in water now that they have received the Holy Spirit just like we [apostles] have?" [See 2:4]. Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritBaptism, Features OfThe Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit,Like Good PeopleChristian BaptismWater For BaptismBaptism

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had responded to the message of God, they sent Peter and John to them. Verse ConceptsMissionaries, Support ForAcceptance, Of The GospelThe Apostles In ActionAcceptance

So, when the apostles and the brothers from Judea heard these things, they stopped arguing [See verse 2] and gave honor to God, saying, "[This means] that God has permitted the Gentiles also [as well as the Jews] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] so they, too, could have [the promise of never ending] life." Verse Conceptseternal life, gift ofNationalismRepentance, Importance OfGifts From God, SpiritualRepentanceForeigners Saved By FaithGod Gives RepentanceSpecific Praising Of GodElectPromise Of HeavenUniversalism

So, my advice is not to make it difficult for those who turn to God from among the Gentiles, Verse ConceptsdiscouragementConverts To ChristianityTurning To GodTroubling Groups Of PeopleGentilesDecision Making

I have a debt to pay [i.e., an obligation to preach] to Greeks and heathens; to the educated and to the ignorant. Verse ConceptsBarbariansGreeksNecessityPreaching Gospel To ForeignersWise Man Or FoolDebtculture

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

[In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus. Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtAfrican AmericansequalityBeing FairRacial EqualityServant, BondMenParticipation, In ChristRelationshipsStatusUnity, God's Goal OfWomenLibertyBigotryRacismOne ChurchSlavesNo DistinctionsFamily SolidarityInterracial MarriageGentilesJewsslaveryIdentity In ChristRacefreemovement

Then, fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again, [along] with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me [this time]. [It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [I. e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain. But they did not even require that Titus, a Greek [i.e., a Gentile] who was with me, become circumcised. read more.
For [certain] false brothers, who were secretly brought in to observe us practicing our liberty in Christ Jesus [i.e., by not having Titus circumcised], attempted to place us [back] under the bondage [of Mosaic law keeping]. But we did not submit ourselves to their influence for even an hour, so that you people might be able to continue [following] the truth of the Gospel. These apostles, who were highly regarded (although it really does not matter to me what they are, for God does not show partiality to any particular person); these men, I say, provided me with nothing [concerning the Gospel message]. On the contrary, they saw that I had [already] been entrusted [by God] with the Gospel for the uncircumcised ones [i.e., for Gentiles], just as Peter [had been entrusted by God] with the Gospel for the circumcised ones [i.e., for Jews]. For God assigned Peter to be an apostle to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews], and me to be an apostle to the Gentiles. Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews].

But then it was the good pleasure of God, who set me apart [for this purpose] before I was born, to call me [to this ministry] through His unearned favor. [And when I was called], God revealed His Son to me so that I could preach [about] Him to the Gentiles. [When this happened] I immediately avoided discussing the matter with anyone. I did not go up to Jerusalem to [discuss it with] those who had become apostles before me either; instead I went away into Arabia. [Note: This is probably when Paul received supernatural power from the Holy Spirit]. Then afterward, I returned to Damascus. [Note: This was in Syria where Paul was converted]. read more.
Then, three years later I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas [i.e., Peter], and stayed with him for fifteen days. But [on this trip] I did not see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. [Note: This "James" was not one of the original twelve apostles. See Matt. 10:2-4]. Now [realizing I am] in God's presence, I am not lying about any of these things. [Then after that] I went to the territories of Syria and Cilicia. [Note: Cilicia was where Paul's home town of Tarsus was located. See Acts 9:30]. [At this time] I was still unknown personally to churches in [the province of] Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ. They had only heard it said about me, "This person, who had once persecuted us [Christians], is now preaching the faith he once made havoc of." So, they gave honor to God for [what He was doing through] me.

And the believers of Jewish descent, who had come with Peter, were amazed [when they saw] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had [now] been poured out on the Gentiles also. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

since there is [only] one God, who makes the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews] right with Him by faith [in Christ] and the uncircumcised ones [i.e., the Gentiles] through faith [in Christ]. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, spiritualMonotheismJustification Under The GospelGod Is OneNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By FaithThe Gospel To Jew And Gentile

And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those [believers] of Jewish descent began to argue with him, Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalDisputes

Is this blessing experienced by the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews only] or by the uncircumcised ones [i.e., the Gentiles] also? We are saying, "Abraham's faith was credited to him for righteousness." Verse ConceptsCouncil of JerusalemNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By Faith

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings. These men are the only Jews among my fellow-workers for God's kingdom; they have proved to be an encouragement to me. Verse ConceptsFellow WorkersSuffering, Encouragements InCircumcision PartyPeople Encouraging OthersKingdom Of God

And the believers of Jewish descent, who had come with Peter, were amazed [when they saw] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had [now] been poured out on the Gentiles also. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessCircumcision, physicalAttitudes Of RebellionHeresiesCharacter Of WickedVain TalkMen DeceivingCircumcision PartyMere TalkNecessity Of CircumcisionFutile Faith

So, you Gentiles by birth should remember what you once were. You are called "Uncircumcision" by those who are called "Circumcision" [i.e., the Jews], (which refers to a physical procedure performed by people). Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those [believers] of Jewish descent began to argue with him, Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalDisputes

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings. These men are the only Jews among my fellow-workers for God's kingdom; they have proved to be an encouragement to me. Verse ConceptsFellow WorkersSuffering, Encouragements InCircumcision PartyPeople Encouraging OthersKingdom Of God

And the believers of Jewish descent, who had come with Peter, were amazed [when they saw] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had [now] been poured out on the Gentiles also. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership


Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsGod, Fatherhood OfFellowship Of Holy SpiritFellowship, With GodFellowship, Among BelieversAttending ChurchCommunion With GodCompanionshipHearing ChristFellowshipThe FatherLove And RelationshipsWitnessingcommunion

[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [I. e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain. Verse ConceptsGentiles, In NtAthleticsThe Christian RaceHeraldPrivacyPrizesResponseRunningInformation In SecretUseless LabourRaceFutile Faith

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership


Using the unearned favor shown to me by God [Note: Paul here probably refers to his apostleship and its attending spiritual gifts], as an expert building contractor, I laid the foundation [i.e., in starting the Corinthian church], and someone else is building on it [i.e., Apollos. See verse 6]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsCraftsmenGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesGod, Grace OfNames And Titles For The ChurchThe Foundation Of The ChurchBuilding Up The ChurchTaking HeedThe Grace Given To MenWise Men In The Churchconstruction

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership


And because of God's unearned favor shown to me [i.e., in appointing me to be an apostle], I am telling every person among you not to think he is more important than he really is. Instead, he should have a sensible estimate [of his gifts] in harmony with the degree of faith God has given to each person. Verse ConceptsFaith, Origins OfIndividualismHumilityModestyAttention SeekersPresumptionPride, Evil OfSelf ConfidenceSelf DisciplineSelf RespectThoughtOverestimationMaintaining FaithDo Not Be ProudThe Grace Given To MenElectSelf WorthSelf EsteemBelieving In YourselfConfidence And Self EsteemSelf ImageefficiencymeasurementGod As The Source Of Faith

But I have written to you quite boldly in some places to remind you [of certain things], because of the favor shown to me by God, Verse ConceptsBoldness, To PeopleGrace, And Christian LifeRemindersReminders Of The GospelWriting LettersBeing StrongThe Grace Given To MenBoldness

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], Matthew, the tax collector [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, son of James. See Luke 6:16], Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealotstaxes

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, the son of James. See Luke 6:16], Simon the Canaanean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15], Verse ConceptsTwin Brotherszealots

Upon arriving at the house where they were staying, they went upstairs. [Those present were]: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zealous [one] and Judas, the son of James. [Note: Judas Iscariot, the twelfth apostle, had already committed suicide]. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

Then He appeared to James [Note: This was probably Jesus' half-brother. See Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:19], and then to all of the apostles. [See John 20:26]. Verse ConceptsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesChrist Appearing

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

But [on this trip] I did not see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. [Note: This "James" was not one of the original twelve apostles. See Matt. 10:2-4]. Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionChrist's Earthly FamilyThe Apostles In ActionHalf brothers

The next day Paul went with us to visit James [the Lord's half-brother and a leader in the Jerusalem church], with all of the elders [of the Jerusalem church] being present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], James, the son of Alphaeus, Simon, called the Zealot [i.e., the same as the Cananean. See Matt. 10:4], Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionJudaismTwin Brotherszealots

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

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters living here among us?" And they were led to doubt His true identity. 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

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

But [on this trip] I did not see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. [Note: This "James" was not one of the original twelve apostles. See Matt. 10:2-4]. Verse ConceptsApostles, DescriptionChrist's Earthly FamilyThe Apostles In ActionHalf brothers

For, before certain [leaders] came from James [i.e., Jesus' brother, a leader of the Jerusalem church, See Acts 12:17; 15:13-22], he had eaten [a social meal] with some Gentiles. But when these men came, he abruptly discontinued this practice out of fear of the circumcised ones [i.e., out of concern for what the Jews would think of him]. Verse ConceptsCowardiceExclusivenessRacial PrejudiceFear Of ManInstabilityRelations With ForeignersCircumcision PartyNecessity Of CircumcisionFear Of Enemies

Now the women who told these things to the apostles were Mary from Magdala; Joanna [Note: This was the wife of Chuzas, Herod's property manager. See Luke 8:3], and other women who were with them. Verse ConceptsThe Apostles In Action

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]. Verse ConceptsFriendship, Examples OfMothers And Sons

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

Then, three years later I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas [i.e., Peter], and stayed with him for fifteen days. Verse ConceptsPaul, Life OfTen Or More DaysThree Years


Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

I will make the person who has victory [in the Christian life] a pillar in the Temple of my God [i.e., probably a reference to heaven], and he will never leave it. And I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem which is coming down from heaven from my God [See 21:2, 10] and my own new name. Verse ConceptsNewnessPillarsRenewal, Of People Of GodThe Prophecy Towards JerusalemOvercomersMetaphorical PillarsGoing OutsideWriting On PeopleOthers Going DownOvercoming Through ChristTaken To HeavenA New NameCalled By God's NameCitizensOvercomingreuniting


Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership

I will make the person who has victory [in the Christian life] a pillar in the Temple of my God [i.e., probably a reference to heaven], and he will never leave it. And I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem which is coming down from heaven from my God [See 21:2, 10] and my own new name. Verse ConceptsNewnessPillarsRenewal, Of People Of GodThe Prophecy Towards JerusalemOvercomersMetaphorical PillarsGoing OutsideWriting On PeopleOthers Going DownOvercoming Through ChristTaken To HeavenA New NameCalled By God's NameCitizensOvercomingreuniting


Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership