Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible






and Jesus said, to execute justice am I come into this world: that they who see not, may see; and that they who do see, may become blind.



I am come to purify the earth with fire, and how do I wish it were already kindled?


but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.

upon this Pilate said to him, you are then a king? Jesus answered, you say right, for I am a king. to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to persuade mankind of the truth. every one that loves truth is observant of my directions.


Upon his expressing himself thus, one of the officers there present, struck Jesus on the face, saying, answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus replied, if I have said any thing injurious, show then wherein; but if I said right, why do you smite me?

Jesus having said this, lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, "father, the hour is come; glorify thy son, that thy son also may glorify thee. for thou hast given him power over all men, that he might give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. and this is life eternal, to acknowledge thee to be the only true God, and Jesus to be the Messiah whom thou hast sent. read more.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. and now, O father, glorify me in heaven, with the glory which I had before the creation of the world. I have displayed thy name among those whom you have chosen out of the world for me: thine they were, and you gave them me; and they have kept thy word. now they believe that the instructions you gave me came from thee. for I have given to them the instructions which you gave me; and they have received them; and have sincerely believ'd that I came from thee, and are persuaded that thou didst send me. "It is for them I pray: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, because they are thine. for every thing that is mine is thine, and what is thine is mine, and I am glorified by them. and now I shall be no more in the world, but they will be in the world, when I am come to thee. holy father keep them by that authority, with which thou hast invested me, that they may be one, as we are. by your authority I have kept them, during my being with them in the world: those that you gave me I have kept, and not one of them is lost, except the son of perdition: according as the scripture foretold. now that I am coming to thee, while I am here, I make these requests for them, that their joy in me may be compleat. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.


for he whom God hath sent, saith nothing but what is divine: for God hath given him the spirit without restriction. the father loveth the son, and hath given all things into his hand.

then said they to him, what art thou? and Jesus answered them, I am what I just now told you. I have many things to say against you: but I only say He that sent me is worthy of belief; and what I have heard of Him, that only I publish to the world. but they did not perceive that he meant the father. read more.
Jesus said therefore to them, when ye have lift up the son of man, then shall ye know what I am, and that I do nothing of my self, but speak as my father hath instructed me. he that sent me, is with me: the father hath not left me alone, for I always do what is agreeable to him.

Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. read more.
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day. for I have not spoken for my self; but the father who sent me, he commission'd me, what I should teach, and what I should speak. and I know that it is a commission of eternal life: whatever therefore I say, I deliver just as the father directed me.

I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. read more.
be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples. as the father has loved me, and I have loved you: so do you persevere in your love to me. your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments. These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat. this is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. there cannot be greater love than that of a man, who lays down his life for his friends. you will be my friends, if you do what I have commanded you. henceforth I do not treat you as servants; for the servant is unacquainted with his master's affairs: but I have treated you as friends; for what I have learnt of my father, I have communicated to you.

His disciples said to him, what you say now is plain, and not enigmatical. now we are convinc'd that you know all our difficulties, and have no occasion that any man should propose them to you: by this we believe that you were sent from God. Jesus answered them, you now believe. read more.
but, alas, the time is coming, yea, is already come, when ye shall be dispers'd every one to his own retreat, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the father is with me. these things I have appriz'd you of, that ye might repose your confidence in me. the world shall give you trouble: but take courage, I have overcome the world.

In my former treatise, I gave an account, O Theophilus, of all the actions and doctrine of Jesus, to the time of his assumption, after he had given the apostles he had chosen, the orders they were to execute by the holy spirit. to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, of which they had many proofs, during the forty days he appear'd to them, and inform'd them about the reign of the Messias:


it is the action of the mind that vivifies, that of the body profits nothing: the words that I have delivered to you, spiritually understood, give life. but there are some of you who do not believe. (for Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who should betray him.)

I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you.

I know you are Abraham's offspring; but ye seek to kill me, because my doctrine doth not penetrate into you. what I have learnt from my father, that I tell: and what you have learnt from your father, that you do. they answered him, Abraham is our father. if you were Abraham's children, said Jesus, you would act like Abraham. read more.
but now ye seek to kill me, the man who has told you the truth, such as I have learnt it of God: Abraham did not act thus. your actions are like your father. at this they reply'd, we are no bastards; we have but one father, even God. Jesus said to them, if God were your father, ye would love me: for I was commissioned by God to come; I did not come of my self, but he sent me. why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine? you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar. but as to me, because I tell you the truth, you do not believe me. which of you can convict me of sin? if then I say the truth, why don't you believe me? he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God.

Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. read more.
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day.

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man can come to the father, but by me. if you had known me, you would likewise have known my father: and from henceforth you shall know him, nay, you have seen him. Philip said to him, Lord shew us the father, and we are satisfied. read more.
Jesus said to him, have I been with you so long, and don't you know me yet? Philip, he that hath seen me, hath seen the father; why then do you say, shew us the father? don't you believe that I am in the father, and the father in me? the words that I speak unto you, I speak indeed, tho' not from my self; but as to the works, the father, who dwells in me, he is the agent. believe me, I am in the father, and the father in me: at least believe me upon account of the very works.


But though he had done so many miracles in their presence, yet they did not believe on him: so that the passage of Esaias the prophet was fulfilled, where he says, "Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? therefore they could not believe, according to what Esaias said in another place, "he hath blinded their eyes, read more.
and hardned their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." these things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. nevertheless there were many even among the chief rulers, who believed on him; but they did not own it publickly for fear the Pharisees should excommunicate them. for they preferr'd their own reputation to the glory of God. Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day. for I have not spoken for my self; but the father who sent me, he commission'd me, what I should teach, and what I should speak. and I know that it is a commission of eternal life: whatever therefore I say, I deliver just as the father directed me.





and Jesus said, to execute justice am I come into this world: that they who see not, may see; and that they who do see, may become blind.



I am come to purify the earth with fire, and how do I wish it were already kindled?


but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.

upon this Pilate said to him, you are then a king? Jesus answered, you say right, for I am a king. to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to persuade mankind of the truth. every one that loves truth is observant of my directions.


Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. read more.
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day. for I have not spoken for my self; but the father who sent me, he commission'd me, what I should teach, and what I should speak.


Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. read more.
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day. for I have not spoken for my self; but the father who sent me, he commission'd me, what I should teach, and what I should speak.


but while he was revolving this in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the off-spring of David, don't make any difficulty of taking Mary for thy wife: for her pregnancy is from the holy Spirit. and she shall be deliver'd of a son, to whom you shall give the name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.


his disciples James and John observing this, said, Lord, shall we command fire to descend from heaven, as Elias did, in order to consume them? but Jesus turn'd, and rebuked them, saying, you don't know by what spirit you are moved. for the son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. and they went to another village.

from whence the son of man is come, in order to save those that were lost. If a man has an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray, do you think he would not leave the ninety and nine in the mountains, and go in search for that which was gone astray? and if he happen to find it, you may be sure he is more affected with that one, than with the ninety and nine which went not astray. read more.
in like manner your heavenly father would not that any person of such humility should be lost.

but he propos'd to them this parable. who of you that has an hundred sheep, will not, upon losing one, leave the ninety nine in the desart, to go after that which is lost, till he finds it? and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders? read more.
and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance. or if a woman, that has ten pieces of money, should lose one of them, will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and carefully search, till she find it? and when 'tis found, will she not call her friends aud neighbours together, and say, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece, I had lost? even so, I assure you, the angels in heaven rejoice, when any one sinner becomes a penitent. Again he said: a certain man had two sons; the younger of which said to his father, father, give me that portion of the estate which falls to my share. accordingly he divided his estate among them. a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living. when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country; and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine. for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him. at length coming to himself, how many, said he, does my father keep in pay, who have bread in abundance, whilst I am dying here with hunger? I will depart, and go to my father, and say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against thee; I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants. so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him. then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son. but the father said to his servants, bring hither the finest robe, and put it on him: put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet. take the fatted calf, and kill it: let us eat and be merry: for this son of mine was dead, and is come to life: he was lost, and is found again. and then they began their feast. In the mean time his elder son was in the country. at his return, when he came near home, he heard the musick and dancing: and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it, who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health. upon this he was full of resentment, and refused to go in: and when his father came out to persuade him, he replied to his father, how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends: whereas this son of yours, who has eat up his fortune among a pack of loose creatures, is no sooner come but you must kill the fatted calf for him. son, said he to him, you shall continue to be with me, and all that I have shall be thine. but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.

then said Jesus, speaking of him, this day is salvation come to this family, since he is now become a true son of Abraham. for the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.

for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life. for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Then Jesus rais'd his voice, and said, he that believeth on me, does not so much believe on me, as on him that sent me. and he that contemplates me, contemplates him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me, might not abide in darkness. read more.
but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world.


but if any man hear my words, and does not believe them, it is not I that condemn him: for I came not to condemn the world, but to save the world. he that rejecteth me, and does not embrace my doctrine, hath one that condemns him: the doctrine that I have delivered, that shall condemn him in the last day.