Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham's children out of these stones. Verse ConceptsDelusionsPeople Of God, In NtHeredityAbility, God's PowerHypocrites, Description OfSelf DelusionWorry And StressRaising ChildrenBuilding Relationships

So, should not this woman, being a daughter [i.e., descendant] of Abraham, whom Satan has bound [with this disease] for eighteen years, have been released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?" Verse ConceptsdaughtersCripplesevil, origins ofPainRescueSatan, Defeat OfSatan, Kingdom OfBindingSatan, Work Of15 To 20 YearsChildren Of AbrahamOn The SabbathJesus Healing On Sabbath

[Then] there will be crying and excruciating pain, when you will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and [you will see] yourselves thrown outside. Verse ConceptsBitingPainSuffering, Emotional Aspects OfTeethGnashing Of TeethExclusionChrist Driving Out PeopleMourning Due To CatastropheMourning In Regretnagging

Then Jesus said to him, "Salvation has come to this house today, since he too [i.e., Zacchaeus] is a descendant of Abraham. Verse ConceptsTodayChildren Of AbrahamThe Gospel Of SalvationAdoption By Faith

They replied to Him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does. read more.
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing].




For I can see that your life is as bitter gall [i.e., very evil] and you are enslaved by [your] sins." Verse ConceptsBeing BitterBondage, SpiritualSpiritual DiscernmentCaptivity, MetaphoricallySin Clings To The SinnerSubject To EvilBitterness

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying

and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted. Verse ConceptsBondage, SpiritualSatan, As DeceiverSatan, As TempterNames And Titles For SatanCaptivesCaptivity, MetaphoricallyEvil TrappingEscaping The TrapEscaping EvilSatanThe DevilRecovery




For I can see that your life is as bitter gall [i.e., very evil] and you are enslaved by [your] sins." Verse ConceptsBeing BitterBondage, SpiritualSpiritual DiscernmentCaptivity, MetaphoricallySin Clings To The SinnerSubject To EvilBitterness

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying


So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the law of Moses]. Verse ConceptsFalse ReligionElementsChristian Liberty Is Freedom FromSpiritual ImmaturityElements Of The UniverseSubject To Evilslavery


For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness. Verse ConceptsSubject To EvilslaveryGod Being In Controlfree

"No one lights an [olive oil] lamp and [then] places it in a hidden place or under a bushel-sized container, but on its stand, so that those who enter [the room] can see [by] the light. Your eye is [like] a lamp to your body [i.e., your life]. When your eye sees things correctly, [then] your whole body [i.e., your entire life] is illuminated [i.e., directed into proper conduct]. But when it sees things wrongly, [then] your body [i.e., your life] is also full of darkness [i.e., is not being lived properly]. Look therefore [to see] whether or not the light that is in you [i.e., your perspective on things] might [actually] be darkness [i.e., a distorted perspective]. read more.
If therefore your whole body [i.e., your entire life] is full of light [i.e., sees and responds to things correctly], with no blind spots [i.e., areas where you do not see and act correctly], your body [i.e., your life] will be fully illuminated [i.e., directed into proper conduct] just like a bright, shining lamp illuminating you [i.e., enabling you to see and respond to things properly]." Now while Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] invited Him to have a meal with him. So, Jesus went in [to his house] and reclined [at the dinner table]. [Note: See Matt. 23:6]. years later in the war with the Romans, when Jerusalem was destroyed]. And when the Pharisee observed this, he was surprised that Jesus had not first washed himself ceremonially before the meal. And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees [meticulously] clean the outside of the cup and the dish [i.e., this was an allusion to their lives], but you are filled with greed for wealth and [other] evils on the inside. You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]? But you should give to poor people what you have inside. [Note: This means either what is inside the dish, or what is inside your heart]. And [then] you will see that everything is [ceremonially] clean to you [as well]. "But it is too bad for you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue and every [other] herb [Note: These were small garden plants used for seasoning or medicine] and [yet] neglect [demonstrating] justice and the love of God [toward others]. But you should have done these things and not neglected to do the other things [as well]. "It is too bad for you Pharisees! For you love [to occupy] the principal seats in the synagogues and [to receive special] greetings in the open shopping markets. "It is too bad for you! For you people are like obscure grave sites that people walk over without knowing it." Then one of the teachers of the law of Moses answered Jesus, saying, "Teacher, you insulted us too by saying this." And He replied them, "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses also! For you heap heavy responsibilities on people, which are difficult to bear, while you do not even lift a finger to bear them yourselves. "It is too bad for you! For your forefathers killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them [i.e., the prophets]. So, [by doing this] you are witnesses [against yourselves] that you approve of the deeds of your forefathers, for they killed the prophets and you build grave monuments to them. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, [Note: Is this a reference to Jesus? See I Cor. 1:30 and Matt. 23:34-36], 'I will send prophets and apostles to them [i.e., the Jewish people] and they will kill and persecute some of them, so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the beginning of the world, may be required of this generation of people.' Yes, I tell you, this generation will be punished [for the death of the prophets], from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who died between the Altar and the sanctuary [i.e., in the Temple area]. [Note: This punishment began about "It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses! For you took away the key of knowledge [i.e., preventing people from understanding God's plan]. You did not enter [the kingdom of heaven. See Matt. 23:13] yourselves and [you even] prevented those who [wanted] to enter [to get in]." And when Jesus left there [i.e., probably the Pharisee's house. See verse 37], the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees began opposing Him with hostility and bombarding Him with many questions, [and] plotting to trap Him by something He might say.

They replied to Him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does. read more.
Therefore, if the Son sets you free [from sin], you will be truly free. I know that you people are [all] descendants of Abraham; yet you are trying to kill me because you will not allow my message to affect you. I am telling [you] about what I have seen in my Father's presence; but you [should] do what you have heard from your father." They answered Him, "Our forefather was Abraham." Jesus replied to them, "If you were Abraham's descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did. But instead, you are trying to kill me, a man who has [only] told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this [kind of thing]. You people are doing what your father does." They said to Him, "We were not born illegitimately; the only Father we have is God." Jesus replied, "If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God." The Jews answered and said to Jesus, "Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?" Jesus answered, "I am not dominated by an evil spirit. But I give honor to my Father and you people dishonor me. I am not looking for personal honor; but there is One who is looking for it [i.e., God], and He judges people [fairly]. Truly, truly, I tell you, if a person obeys my message, he will never die [i.e., spiritually]." The Jews [i.e., the authorities] replied, "Now we know that you are dominated by an evil spirit. Abraham and the prophets [all] died and [yet] you are saying, 'If a person obeys my message, he will never experience death.' Are you greater [i.e., more important] than our forefather Abraham and the prophets, who [all] died? Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered them, "If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worthless. [But] it is my Father who honors me [and] you say He is your God. Now you people have not known Him [i.e., to be your Lord], but I know Him. And if I should say, 'I do not know Him,' I would be a liar like you. But I [do] know Him, and I obey His message. Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad." So, the Jews said to Him, "You are not even fifty years old [yet] and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am." [Note: The words "I am" were probably construed as a reference to being Deity. See Ex. 3:14]. So, they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself [or "was hidden," suggesting a miraculous departure] and left the Temple [area].

Then they began ridiculing him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we do not [even] know where he came from." The man replied, "Is not that strange! You do not know where he came from and yet he restored my sight! [Note: The next sentence may be the beggar stating the Pharisees' argument. See verse 24]. read more.
We know that God does not listen to sinners [i.e., when they pray]; but God does listen to the person who reveres Him and does what He wants. It has never been heard of, since the world was created, that anyone has restored sight to a man born blind. Unless this man came from God, he would not be able to do anything [like this]." They replied to the beggar, "You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?" Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].

saying, "Do not harm the land, or the ocean, or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God [with a mark] on their foreheads." Verse ConceptsForeheadsRestraintDivine Protection, Examples OfHarming TreesSlaves Of GodhurtingChristians Are Called Servants Of God



So, a person should look at us as servants of Christ and property managers entrusted with the secret truths of God. Verse ConceptsApostles, Function In Early ChurchBeing A ServantSecrecyMinisters, Description OfResponsibilityVolunteeringMoney Managementsecrets


"Who then, is the trustworthy and sensible slave, to whom his master has assigned the management of his household to provide timely meals for its members? That slave will be happy when his master returns to find him doing his job [well]. Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate. read more.
But if that slave, with evil intent, should think to himself, 'My master will not be back very soon,' and then becomes physically abusive to his fellow-slaves, and eats and drinks [at parties] with drunkards, that slave's master will return on a day that he least expects, and at an unknown hour. And [that master] will whip him to shreds and will turn him over to suffer the same fate as hypocrites do. That fate will involve crying and excruciating pain."




"Fasten your belts [i.e., get things ready], keep your lamps lit, and be like men expecting their master to return from the wedding reception, so that when he does come and knock [at the groom's house, See note on Matt. 25:1-12], they will immediately open [the door] to him. Those slaves whom their master finds being watchful when he returns are [certainly] blessed. Truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt [i.e., get things ready] and have them recline [at his dinner table] and will come and serve them. read more.
And if he comes between nine o'clock and midnight or between midnight and three o'clock in the morning and finds them being watchful, those slaves will be blessed [for doing so]. But you should realize this, if the owner of the house had known exactly when the burglar was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. So, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will return at a time when you least expect Him." Then Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for our benefit [only] or for all people?" And the Lord answered, "Who then is the trustworthy and sensible property manager, to whom his master will assign the management of his household, to provide adequate and timely meals for its members? That servant will be happy when his master returns to find him doing [his job] well. Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate. But if that slave should think to himself, 'My master will not be back soon,' and then becomes physically abusive to his men and women servants, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, that slave's master will return on a day that he least expects, and at an hour unknown [to him]. And [that master] will whip him to shreds and will turn him over to suffer the same fate as unfaithful servants receive. And that slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not make preparations [i.e., for his master's return], or do what his master wanted, will be whipped with many lashes. But the one who did not know [i.e., what his master wanted], yet did things deserving of punishment, will be whipped with few lashes. And to the person who has been given much [responsibility], there will be much required [of him]. And to whom people entrust much [responsibility], they will ask [much] more from him.

Show 4 more verses
"But which of you, whose slave is plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, 'Come and sit right down to eat'? Would you not say to him instead, 'Prepare the food for my meal [first] and get ready to serve me until I have had enough to eat and drink and [then] afterward you can eat and drink [yourself]'? Would he thank his slave for doing the things that he was ordered to do?

And you will know what the truth is and the truth will set you free [i.e. from bondage to sin]." They replied to Him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. read more.
Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does.

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to. And when you were freed from [the practice of] sin, you became slaves to doing what is right. read more.
I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living. For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness. What benefit did you receive at that time from doing the things you are now ashamed of? For the end of such behavior is [spiritual] death. But now, since you have been freed from [the practice of] sin and have become slaves to God, the benefits you receive are a holy life [here] and never ending life in the future.

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]. For the person who was a slave when called by the Lord is [now] the Lord's freed person. In the same way, the person who was free when he was called [by the Lord] is [now] Christ's slave. [Since] you people were bought for a price [i.e., the blood of Christ], do not become slaves to [other] people.

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does.

[So], what then? Should we sin because we are not governed by law but by God's unearned favor? Certainly not! Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to. read more.
And when you were freed from [the practice of] sin, you became slaves to doing what is right. I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living. For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness.




For I can see that your life is as bitter gall [i.e., very evil] and you are enslaved by [your] sins." Verse ConceptsBeing BitterBondage, SpiritualSpiritual DiscernmentCaptivity, MetaphoricallySin Clings To The SinnerSubject To EvilBitterness

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying

and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted. Verse ConceptsBondage, SpiritualSatan, As DeceiverSatan, As TempterNames And Titles For SatanCaptivesCaptivity, MetaphoricallyEvil TrappingEscaping The TrapEscaping EvilSatanThe DevilRecovery


Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. Now the slave does not remain part of the family forever, [but] the son does.

[So], what then? Should we sin because we are not governed by law but by God's unearned favor? Certainly not! Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to. read more.
And when you were freed from [the practice of] sin, you became slaves to doing what is right. I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living. For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness.


Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying




For I can see that your life is as bitter gall [i.e., very evil] and you are enslaved by [your] sins." Verse ConceptsBeing BitterBondage, SpiritualSpiritual DiscernmentCaptivity, MetaphoricallySin Clings To The SinnerSubject To EvilBitterness

Do you not know that you are the slaves of whoever you offer your obedience to? If you obey [the desire to] sin, it leads to [spiritual] death; or if you obey [God] it leads to righteousness. Verse ConceptsFreedom, Of The WillSin, Causes OfSin, Effects OfSin Producing DeathContinuing In SinSin Produces DeathSubject To EvilObedienceThe Surrendered lifeslaverySurrenderObeying Godobeying

and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted. Verse ConceptsBondage, SpiritualSatan, As DeceiverSatan, As TempterNames And Titles For SatanCaptivesCaptivity, MetaphoricallyEvil TrappingEscaping The TrapEscaping EvilSatanThe DevilRecovery



For when you were [once] slaves to [the practice of] sin, you were free from [being controlled by] righteousness. Verse ConceptsSubject To EvilslaveryGod Being In Controlfree

Every person who denies [the truth about] the Son [See 4:2-3], does not have the Father [living in his heart]; but, the person who confesses [the truth about] the Son has the Father [living in his heart] also. Verse ConceptsWitnessing, Importance OfAcknowledge, Faith In ChristConfession Of ChristConfessing ChristAcknowledging ChristThe FatherGodheadDadsLoving EveryoneFathers Loveatheismconfessing




Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God's sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart. Verse ConceptsHatredBullyingAccepting OthersNot Maintaining LifeJudged As MurderersEternal lifeHateForgiving Others Who Hurt YouSibling Lovehaters

So, whoever you are, you people do not have any excuse for judging people [Note: At this point Paul begins addressing the Jews. See verse 17]. For in a matter where you judge someone else [to be wrong] you [actually] condemn yourselves, because you are practicing the same things [you condemn them for doing]. Verse ConceptsCondemnation, Causes OfExcusesUncharitablenessLike Bad PeopleFound GuiltyJudgingBeing YourselfJudgementJudging Others Actionscondemnationothers