Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




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.





Each person should live according to what the Lord has given him and in the state he was when God called him. And this is what I require in all the churches. Was any man already circumcised when he was called [by God to be a Christian]? Then he should not [try to] become uncircumcised. [Note: Some Jews in that day resorted to a surgical procedure in an attempt to conceal their circumcision]. Was any man uncircumcised when he was called? Then he should not become circumcised. Being circumcised does not matter [with God], nor does being uncircumcised matter [either]. But observing God's commands is what matters. read more.
Each person should remain in the [same] state he was in when he was called [by God]. Were you a slave when you were called? It should not matter to you [i.e., if you still are]. But if, indeed, you can become a free person, then use that freedom instead [i.e., for serving God].

And may God Himself, who gives peace, dedicate you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body [i.e., your entire person] be kept without just blame at [i.e., until] the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who calls you [into His fellowship] is faithful; He will also do [what He promises].

[This letter is being written by] Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith just as precious as ours, through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. [May God's] unearned favor and peace be yours in abundance, through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. God's divine power has given us everything [necessary] for [abundant] life and godly living, through the knowledge of Him [i.e., God], who called us by His own splendor and goodness.



namely, that the Christ must suffer and be the first to rise from the dead [i.e., never to die again] and then proclaim the light [of the Gospel] to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles." Verse ConceptsLight, SpiritualResurrection, Of BelieversPreaching Gospel To ForeignersChrist The BeginningThe Light Of ChristChrist Would RiseThe Gospel To Jew And GentileLight As A Symbol Of Salvation

"Listen to another parable [i.e., a brief story used to illustrate His teaching]: There was the owner of a farm who planted a vineyard and built a fence around it. He constructed a grape squeezing device, built a [lookout] tower [near it], leased it to tenant farmers and then went to another country. Verse ConceptsJourneyOccupationsTowersVineyardWallsFortsExcavationTreading GrapesLeasinglent






Jesus again spoke in parables to them [i.e., the Jewish leaders], saying, Verse ConceptsJesus Using Parables