Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible





You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. read more.
Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them. "I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.'


Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ's behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]: Verse ConceptsGentlenessFaultsTimidityJesus Christ, Meekness OfMeekness, Examples OfChrist's GentlenessA Bold FrontContact With PeopleGone AwayHumble PeopleIn Men's PresenceAbsenceGentleness As A Fruit Of The Spirithumbleserenitygraciousness







We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne. Verse ConceptsGoalsGod, Sovereignty OfGospel, Historical Foundation OfThe Christian RaceLife, Of FaithHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMaturity, SpiritualRight Hand Of GodShameSittingThroneJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's JoyThe Soul Winners JoyHealthy MarriagesAdmirationSeeking Things AboveChrist The BeginningBeginning Of SalvationRight SidesHow Faith ComesGod EnduringperfectionismChrist As The Source Of Faith



[After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. [For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words. When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter]. read more.
Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.



But, wanting to justify himself, the teacher of the law of Moses asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered him, "A certain man was traveling down from Jerusalem to Jericho [Note: This was a town about eighteen miles northeast of Jerusalem], when he was attacked by robbers, who stripped him [of his clothing and belongings] and beat him up, then went away leaving him half dead. And it just happened that a certain priest was traveling down that [same] road, and when he saw the [injured] man, he went around him on the opposite side of the road. read more.
In the same way, a Levite [Note: Levites were assistants to the priests], when coming to that place and seeing the [injured] man, also went around him on the opposite side [of the road]. But [then] a certain Samaritan [Note: This was a person despised by the Jews and regarded by them as a 'half-breed'], as he traveled along, came to where the [injured] man was [lying], and upon seeing him [lying there], felt deep pity [for him]. So, he went over to him, poured oil and wine on him [i.e., as emergency medical treatment], then bandaged his wounds, placed him on his own animal, and took him to a lodge where he took care of him. Then the next day he gave the lodge keeper two coins [Note: These coins amounted to two days of a farm laborer's pay, or about $140 in 1994] and told him, 'Take care of this [injured] man; and whatever more you have to spend on him I will repay you when I come back [this way] again.' [Now] which of these three men do you think acted like a neighbor to the man attacked by the robbers?" And the teacher of the law of Moses said, "The person who showed pity on him." Then Jesus replied, "You go and do the same thing."

You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.



Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ's behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]: Verse ConceptsGentlenessFaultsTimidityJesus Christ, Meekness OfMeekness, Examples OfChrist's GentlenessA Bold FrontContact With PeopleGone AwayHumble PeopleIn Men's PresenceAbsenceGentleness As A Fruit Of The Spirithumbleserenitygraciousness







We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, "our"] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God's throne. Verse ConceptsGoalsGod, Sovereignty OfGospel, Historical Foundation OfThe Christian RaceLife, Of FaithHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMaturity, SpiritualRight Hand Of GodShameSittingThroneJesus Christ, Meekness OfHumility Of ChristNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForChrist's JoyThe Soul Winners JoyHealthy MarriagesAdmirationSeeking Things AboveChrist The BeginningBeginning Of SalvationRight SidesHow Faith ComesGod EnduringperfectionismChrist As The Source Of Faith


By [having] faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. [And] because of his faith he was commended by God for being righteous, when God expressed approval of his offerings. By means of his faith, Abel still speaks [to us], even though he is dead. Verse ConceptsAbelAbel and CainFaith, As Basis Of SalvationCommendationExamples Of FaithAtonement, Types OfRighteousness, As FaithWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Witness Of GodRighteous By ObedienceSacrificeExcellence




[We did this], not because we did not have a right [to support], but so we could become an example for you to imitate. Verse ConceptsImitatingMinisters, Should BeImitating Good PeopleExample Of Believers




So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.

[After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps. [For] He neither sinned nor used deceitful words. When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].

Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? read more.
You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.


By [having] faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. [And] because of his faith he was commended by God for being righteous, when God expressed approval of his offerings. By means of his faith, Abel still speaks [to us], even though he is dead. Verse ConceptsAbelAbel and CainFaith, As Basis Of SalvationCommendationExamples Of FaithAtonement, Types OfRighteousness, As FaithWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Witness Of GodRighteous By ObedienceSacrificeExcellence




[We did this], not because we did not have a right [to support], but so we could become an example for you to imitate. Verse ConceptsImitatingMinisters, Should BeImitating Good PeopleExample Of Believers




So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you.

Now it was before the Passover Festival [was to begin] and Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Those [living] in the world, whom He had loved, and who were His own [disciples], He continued to love [dearly] to the very end [i.e., of His life on earth]. The devil had already filled the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, with the desire to turn Jesus over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities]. During the [Passover] meal, Jesus, who knew that the Father had given Him complete authority, [also] knew that He had come from God and was [about] to return to God. read more.
So, He got up from the dinner table, laid aside His [outer] clothing and took a towel and wrapped it around Himself. Then He poured water into a basin and began washing His disciples feet and drying them with the towel around His waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet, [too]?" Jesus answered him, "You do not understand what I am doing, but you will later on." Peter said to Him, "[No], you will never wash my feet." Jesus replied to him, "If I do not wash you, you will not be able to participate with me [i.e., as a disciple]." Simon Peter [then] said to Him, "Lord, do not [just] wash my feet only, but my hands and head, too." Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them.





Then Judas, who had betrayed Him [to the Jewish leaders], when he saw that Jesus had been condemned to die, changed his mind [i.e., about betraying Him] and brought back the thirty silver coins [Note: See Matt. 26:15 for the amount of money involved] to the leading priests and [Jewish] elders, saying, "I have sinned by delivering up an innocent man to die." But they replied, "What is that to us? It is your affair!" And he threw down the thirty silver coins in the Sanctuary [i.e., probably the outer area of the Temple], then left and went out and hanged himself. read more.
The leading priests took the silver coins and said, "It is not permissible by the law of Moses to put this money in the Temple treasury, since it is the price [paid] for [taking] a life. So, they conferred together [and decided] to buy "The Potter's Field" with the money [Note: This was probably an abandoned field where clay had been obtained for making pottery], for use in burying people who were not from the local area. So, that field is called, "The Field of Blood" to this day. [Thus the prophecy] spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet [Note: The passage actually appears to be Zech. 11:12-13], was fulfilled which said, "And they took the thirty silver coins, the amount charged for Him on whom certain Israelites had set a price, and gave the money for 'The Potter's Field,' as the Lord directed me."

Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? read more.
You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them. "I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.'

After saying these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the time has come; honor your Son so that your Son may honor you. Just as you gave Him authority over all mankind, He will give never ending life to all those people [Note: The Greek word here is neuter gender, "all those things"] you have given Him. And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent. read more.
I am honoring you [while] on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, honor me in your presence with the honor I had with you before the world was [created]. I have revealed your name [i.e., your power and character] to the men you gave me out of the world [i.e., the apostles]. They belonged to you, but you gave them to me, and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you gave me came from you, because I have given them the message you gave me, and they accepted it. They [also] knew for certain that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I am praying for them [i.e., the apostles]; I am not praying for the world, but for those whom you gave me, who belong to you. And everything I have belongs to you, and what you have belongs to me; and I am honored through these men. And [now] I am coming to you, for I will not be in the world any longer, yet these men are [still] in the world. Holy Father, protect them by [the power of] your name which you have given me. May these men be one, as we are. I protected them while I was with them by [the power of] your name which you gave me. [See verse 11]. I guarded them so that not one of them was lost except the "son of destruction" [i.e., Judas]. [This was] so that the Scripture would be fulfilled [Psa. 41:9 ?].

[He said], "Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke through King David about Judas, who guided the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus. For he was one of our number and shared with us [in the responsibility of] this ministry." (Now this man [Judas] paid for [in a sense] a [burial] field with the reward money he had received for his sinful act [of betraying Jesus, See Matt. 27:3-10]. [Then, some time after Judas hanged himself, See Matt. 27:5] he fell down headlong, [his swollen body] bursting so that his intestines gushed out. read more.
This incident became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem so that the [burial] field purchased with the reward money became known as "Akeldama" [an Aramaic word] which means "Field of Blood.") "For it was written [about Judas] in the book of Psalms [69:25]: 'Let the place where he lives become deserted, with no one living there' and [Psa. 109:8] 'Let someone else fill his ministry.'

Then a dispute developed among Jesus' disciples as to which one of them was the greatest. When Jesus knew what they were disputing about in their minds, He took a small child and placed him at His side, and said to the disciples, "The person who welcomes this little child in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. And the person who welcomes me [i.e., into his life ?] welcomes God, who sent me. For that person who is the least [significant] among you men is the one who is the greatest [in importance]."

But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring [only] peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace [only] but [also] a sword [of division. See Luke 12:51]. For I came to set a person at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. read more.
[In fact] a person's enemies will be members of his own family [i.e., in some cases]. The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me. The person who finds [everything to satisfy him in] this life [here on earth] will lose [never ending life]. But the person who [is willing to] lose [the comforts and security of] this life [here on earth] for my sake [i.e., in loyal service to me] will find it [i.e., never ending life]. [See Mark 10:29-30] The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good will receive the [same] reward the good man gets.

At that very time His disciples came to Jesus, asking, "Who then is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?" So, He called to Him a little child and placed him in front of them, and said, "Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility]. read more.
Therefore, the person who will humble himself, as this little child, is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven. And the person who welcomes one little child like this, in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also].

So, He sat down and called the twelve apostles and said to them, "If anyone [of you] should [try to] be first [in importance] he will [end up] being last, and become the servant of all [the others]. And He took a little child and placed it in front of them, and lifting the child up into His arms, He said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such little child [as this] for my sake, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, does not welcome me [only], but [also] the One who sent me." read more.
[Then] John [the apostle] said to Him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out evil spirits by using your name, so we told him to stop doing it, because he was not following [You] with us." But Jesus said, "Do not try to stop him, for there is not anyone who performs a supernatural deed using my name who will be able to quickly say something bad about me.

Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? read more.
You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them. "I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.' I am telling you this now, [even] before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am [the Messiah]. Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who welcomes whoever I send welcomes me; and the one who welcomes me, welcomes God, who sent me."

Then a dispute developed among Jesus' disciples as to which one of them was the greatest. When Jesus knew what they were disputing about in their minds, He took a small child and placed him at His side, and said to the disciples, "The person who welcomes this little child in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. And the person who welcomes me [i.e., into his life ?] welcomes God, who sent me. For that person who is the least [significant] among you men is the one who is the greatest [in importance]."

The Word [already] existed in the beginning [of time]. [Note: This is a reference to the preexistence of Jesus. See verse 14]. And the Word was with God and the Word was [what] God [was]. This Word existed with God from the beginning [of time]. Everything came into being through this Word, and apart from Him not a single thing came into being. read more.
Life existed in Him; and that Life [was what] enlightened mankind [spiritually]. PM if Jewish time were meant]. And [His] light continued to shine, [even] in the darkness [of the world], and that darkness did not overcome Him [or, did not fully understand Him]. There was a man sent from God whose name was John [the Immerser]. He came to be a witness, so that he might testify concerning that Light, so that all people would believe [in Jesus] through him [i.e., through his testimony. See Acts 19:4]. He himself was not that Light, but came [only] to testify concerning that Light. [Now] the true Light, who enlightens all mankind, was [indeed] coming into the world [i.e., to earth]. [Actually] He was in the world [already], for the world came into being through Him, but the world did not acknowledge Him. [Then] He came to His own [world, while on earth], but His own [people, the Israelites] did not welcome Him. But He gave all those who did welcome Him the opportunity of becoming children of God by believing in His name [i.e., as the Messiah]. [Such people] were born of God, not of blood ties [i.e., from physical descendants], nor of the will of the flesh [i.e., merely from a sexual desire], nor of the will of man [i.e., from a husband's desire for offspring].

But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring [only] peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace [only] but [also] a sword [of division. See Luke 12:51]. For I came to set a person at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. read more.
[In fact] a person's enemies will be members of his own family [i.e., in some cases]. The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me. The person who finds [everything to satisfy him in] this life [here on earth] will lose [never ending life]. But the person who [is willing to] lose [the comforts and security of] this life [here on earth] for my sake [i.e., in loyal service to me] will find it [i.e., never ending life]. [See Mark 10:29-30] The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good will receive the [same] reward the good man gets.

Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? read more.
You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them. "I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.' I am telling you this now, [even] before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am [the Messiah]. Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who welcomes whoever I send welcomes me; and the one who welcomes me, welcomes God, who sent me."

"Whoever welcomes one such little child [as this] for my sake, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, does not welcome me [only], but [also] the One who sent me." [Then] John [the apostle] said to Him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out evil spirits by using your name, so we told him to stop doing it, because he was not following [You] with us." But Jesus said, "Do not try to stop him, for there is not anyone who performs a supernatural deed using my name who will be able to quickly say something bad about me.

But whoever disowns me in front of people [i.e., denies that I am the Christ, or that he is a disciple. See John 18:15-17, 25-27], I will disown him in front of my Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring [only] peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace [only] but [also] a sword [of division. See Luke 12:51]. For I came to set a person at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. read more.
[In fact] a person's enemies will be members of his own family [i.e., in some cases]. The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me. The person who finds [everything to satisfy him in] this life [here on earth] will lose [never ending life]. But the person who [is willing to] lose [the comforts and security of] this life [here on earth] for my sake [i.e., in loyal service to me] will find it [i.e., never ending life]. [See Mark 10:29-30] The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good will receive the [same] reward the good man gets.

Jesus replied to him, "The person who has already had a bath is completely clean and does not need to wash anything but his feet. And you disciples are [already] clean [i.e., spiritually], but not every one of you." For Jesus knew who would betray Him; that is why He said, "Not every one of you is [spiritually] clean." So, after Jesus had washed His disciples' feet and put His [outer] clothing back on, He reclined again [at the dinner table] and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? read more.
You call me 'Teacher,' and 'Lord,' and you are right in doing so because that is who I am. So if I, then, being your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet also. For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them. "I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.' I am telling you this now, [even] before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am [the Messiah]. Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who welcomes whoever I send welcomes me; and the one who welcomes me, welcomes God, who sent me."

By [having] faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. [And] because of his faith he was commended by God for being righteous, when God expressed approval of his offerings. By means of his faith, Abel still speaks [to us], even though he is dead. Verse ConceptsAbelAbel and CainFaith, As Basis Of SalvationCommendationExamples Of FaithAtonement, Types OfRighteousness, As FaithWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Witness Of GodRighteous By ObedienceSacrificeExcellence




[We did this], not because we did not have a right [to support], but so we could become an example for you to imitate. Verse ConceptsImitatingMinisters, Should BeImitating Good PeopleExample Of Believers