Thematic Bible: Its spiritual relationships

For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11]. Verse Concepts

Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy." Verse Concepts

So, for this reason, He had to become like His brothers in every way [i.e., except that He never sinned], so that He could become a merciful and faithful Head Priest in things related to God's [service], [and] that He could provide a means of purifying [Lev. 16:30] for people's sins [i.e., make atonement for them]. Verse Concepts

But you should not assume the title 'Rabbi,' for [only] one is your teacher [i.e., Jesus Himself] and all of you are [simply] brothers. Verse Concepts

And the King will answer them and say, 'Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.' Verse Concepts

But He replied to them, "My mother and my brothers are those people who hear God's word and obey it." Verse Concepts

So, a rumor began circulating among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him he would not die, but [He said], "If I want him to remain [alive] until I return, what [business] is that of yours?" Verse Concepts

For, both the One who makes people holy [i.e., Jesus], and those who are made holy [i.e., Christians], all come from one [Father], and for this reason Christ is not ashamed to call them His brothers, Verse Concepts

And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, have [all] now come. For the one who accuses our brothers in front of God day and night has been thrown out [of heaven]. Verse Concepts

And it happened, as they were talking and discussing together, that Jesus came near [them] and began walking along with them. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

But, if we live in the light [of righteousness] just like God [constantly] lives in the light [of righteousness], we can truly share a relationship with one another and [can know that] the blood of Jesus, God's Son, continues to cleanse [our spirits] from all of our sins. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And these [new converts] continued regularly [to listen] to the teaching of the apostles and to share with them; they broke bread [in memory of Jesus] and continued praying. Verse Concepts

What I mean is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. Verse Concepts

I thank my God [in prayer] every time I think of you. Verse Concepts

for your sharing [with me] in [carrying on] the work of the Gospel from the first day [I left there] until now. [See 4:14-16]. Verse Concepts

And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25]. Verse Concepts

[Hosea 1:10 says], "And it will happen that in the very place where people were told, 'You people do not belong to me [i.e., God],' they will be called children of the living God." Verse Concepts

Greetings to Rufus, an outstanding servant in [the service of] the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me also. Verse Concepts

This is the reason that I am sending Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful [spiritual] son in [the service of] the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways [i.e., my teaching and conduct] which are in [the service of] Christ. I teach these things in every congregation wherever [I go]. Verse Concepts

But He replied to them, "My mother and my brothers are those people who hear God's word and obey it." Verse Concepts

"For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother." Verse Concepts

from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. [Note: Here Paul resumes the prayer he began in verse 1]. Verse Concepts

So then, you [Gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens [i.e., to God's promises. See verse 12], but you are fellow-citizens with the saints [i.e., God's holy people], and are part of God's family. Verse Concepts