Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



What I am telling you in the darkness [i.e., in obscurity], you tell it in the light [i.e., openly]. And what you hear [whispered] in your ear [you should] declare it from the housetops. Verse ConceptsRooftopBeelzebubHousetopsGo And PreachFaintnessFrom Darkness To LightOvertaken By DarknessSpreading StoriesDisclosuresUnder One's BreathDarknessAnxiety And Stress

Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. [And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven."


up until the day He returned to heaven. [Just before that time] He had given [certain] instructions to His [specially] selected apostles through [the direction of] the Holy Spirit. Verse ConceptsApostles, During Jesus Earthly Ministryelection, responsibilities ofChosen DisciplesChrist's Orders


praising God and enjoying favor with all the people [of the area]. And every day the Lord added to their number [i.e., to the church] those who were being saved [i.e., upon their obedience to the Gospel]. Verse ConceptsChurchProgressPredestination, Spiritual EventsChurch, IncreasingHuman FavourAdditionsMany In The ChurchAdding PeopleSymbols of the Holy SpiritBeing SavedFavorHaving A Good DayGoing To Churchgroups

Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and everyone speaks in languages [i.e., supernaturally], and outsiders [i.e., people who do not understand the language being spoken] or unbelievers come [into the assembly], will they not say that you people are crazy? Verse ConceptsLanguages ConfusedAssemblyChurch OrderChurch GatheringsNot Believing The GospelEach Local ChurchReckoned Insane

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And if he refuses to listen to them [i.e., the witnesses], explain the [whole] matter to the church [i.e., probably a specially called meeting of mature Christians to resolve the matter]. And if he refuses to listen to the church also, [i.e., to acknowledge his sin and repent of it], consider him like an [unconverted] Gentile or tax collector [i.e., do not have fellowship with him]. Verse ConceptsChurchProblem SolvingPagansSin, God's Judgment OnTax CollectorsDisfellowshipAvoiding ForeignersEach Local ChurchTreating OthersConflictGoing To ChurchFamily Conflict

For first of all, I have been informed [Note: This was probably by Chloe's family. See 1:11] that divisions exist among you people when you assemble as a congregation. And I am inclined to believe it [is true]. Verse ConceptsAttending ChurchAssemblyDivision Among ChristiansSchismsWeakness In DivisionDivisions Of OpinionTrusting Other PeopleEach Local ChurchMental Abusedivision

However, in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, so that I can instruct other people also, than to speak ten thousand words in a language [that people do not understand]. Verse ConceptsFive ThingsThinking ArightTeaching In The ChurchEach Local ChurchLanguageThe TonguespeakingMaturityorder

But if there is no interpreter present [at the meeting], the person [i.e., with the ability to speak a language supernaturally] should remain quiet in the assembly. [Note: This implies that the speaker would know before he begins speaking whether or not an interpreter is present]. [In that case], he should speak [only] to himself and to God. [See verse 2]. Verse ConceptsPraying QuietlyCurbing SpeechSoliloquyThe Tonguespeaking

because God is not a God of disorder but of peace [i.e., harmony]. As is the practice in all of the churches of the saints [i.e., God's holy people], the women should remain quiet in the assemblies. For they are not permitted to speak [i.e., in a language supernaturally, or to prophesy], but they are to be in subjection [i.e., to male leaders. See I Tim. 2:11-12], as the law also says. [See Gen. 3:16?].

For I am the least [significant] of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Verse ConceptsGuilt, Human Aspects OfPainful MemoriesSelf AbasementUnworthinessInferiorityThe Church UniversalChurch Of GodPersecutionGoing To Churchimportance

For you have heard about the way I lived in the past, when I was in the Jewish religion, [that is], how I mercilessly persecuted the church of God, making havoc of it. Verse ConceptsPaul, Life OfZeal, Without KnowledgeDestruction Of The ChurchThe Church UniversalChurch Of GodPersecutionchristianitypasttrying


And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

[This letter is from] Paul, and Silvanus and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians [Note: This was a town in present-day northeastern Greece] in [fellowship with] God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be upon you. Verse ConceptsExamples Of FaithPeace, From GodApostles, DescriptionGreetingsLettersChurch, Examples OfGrace Be To YouLetters To Local ChurchesThe FatherPeace To You

so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to behave themselves in God's family, which is the church of the living God, the [supporting] column and foundation of the truth. Verse ConceptsGod, Living And Self sustainingFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsChristiansTruthNames And Titles For The ChurchChurch, Titles OfMetaphorical PillarsPerforming The TruthThe Church UniversalFamily FirstSupportGoing To ChurchLiving For Godbehaviorvocation

Using the unearned favor shown to me by God [Note: Paul here probably refers to his apostleship and its attending spiritual gifts], as an expert building contractor, I laid the foundation [i.e., in starting the Corinthian church], and someone else is building on it [i.e., Apollos. See verse 6]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsCraftsmenGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesGod, Grace OfNames And Titles For The ChurchThe Foundation Of The ChurchBuilding Up The ChurchTaking HeedThe Grace Given To MenWise Men In The Churchconstruction

In [harmony with] Him the entire building [i.e., the church] is properly assembled, rising into a dedicated temple for the Lord. [See I Cor. 3:16-17]. Verse ConceptsSanctuaryChurch, Unity OfGrowth Of The ChurchJoined To The ChurchGrowingconstructionstructure

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath


[This letter is from] Paul, and Silvanus and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians [Note: This was a town in present-day northeastern Greece] in [fellowship with] God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be upon you. Verse ConceptsExamples Of FaithPeace, From GodApostles, DescriptionGreetingsLettersChurch, Examples OfGrace Be To YouLetters To Local ChurchesThe FatherPeace To You

so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to behave themselves in God's family, which is the church of the living God, the [supporting] column and foundation of the truth. Verse ConceptsGod, Living And Self sustainingFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsChristiansTruthNames And Titles For The ChurchChurch, Titles OfMetaphorical PillarsPerforming The TruthThe Church UniversalFamily FirstSupportGoing To ChurchLiving For Godbehaviorvocation

He [then] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one], the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. read more.
And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail].

[You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned. In [harmony with] Him the entire building [i.e., the church] is properly assembled, rising into a dedicated temple for the Lord. [See I Cor. 3:16-17]. In [harmony with] Him you people are also being constructed together into a place where God lives by His Spirit.

[This letter is from] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians in [fellowship with] God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse ConceptsLettersLetters To Local Churches

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath




And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath





And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath



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. [You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned.

And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [were inscribed on them]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem

Seeing the large crowds, Jesus went up in a mountain [i.e., probably a hill near Capernaum] and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and taught them, saying, "Those persons who feel a deep sense of their personal need are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. read more.
"Those persons who feel grief [over their sins] are blessed because they will receive comfort [from God when they repent]. "Those persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth. "Those persons who have an appetite for whatever is right will be blessed because they will be satisfied. "Those persons who show mercy [toward others] will be blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves]. "Those persons whose hearts are pure [before God] will be blessed because they will see God. "Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] will be blessed because they will be called God's children. "Those persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me. Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way. "You people are [like] salt on the earth. But if salt loses its flavoring ability, how will it ever get it back again? From then on it would be good for nothing except to be thrown out onto the roadway and walked on by people. [Note: This was mined salt which, when losing its "saltiness" due to exposure to the sun or rain, was simply disposed of by being dumped onto the roadway where people walked]. You people are [like] light in the world. A city built on a hill will not go unnoticed. Neither does a person light an [olive oil] lamp and place it under a bushel-sized container, but on a stand where it can illuminate everything in the house. In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

While Jesus was still speaking to the large crowds, His mother and [half-] brothers were standing outside [of the large house. See 13:1] wanting to speak to Him. Someone [from the crowd] said to Him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He answered the person who told Him, "[Just] who is my mother? And who are my brothers?" read more.
Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers!" "For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother."

Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail].

Then Jesus' mother and [half-] brothers came and stood outside [i.e., of a large house. See Matt. 12:46-13:1]. They sent a message to Him, asking Him to come out to them. Someone in the large crowd that was sitting around Him said to Him, "Look, your mother and your brothers are outside looking for you." He answered them, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" read more.
Then He looked out over those gathered around Him and said, "Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers For whoever will do what God wants, that person is my brother, and sister and mother."

For I think that God has displayed us apostles last in line, as men doomed to die. [Note: The picture here is that of gladiators in the arena]. We are being stared at [i.e., as performers on a theater stage] for the whole world to see, both angels and people. We are "fools" for Christ's sake, but you people [think you] are "wise" in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are "strong." You are honored, but we are despised. Even to this moment, we [apostles] are hungry and thirsty; we have inadequate clothing; we have been beaten; we do not have a permanent place to live; read more.
we work hard with our hands. [Though] we are cursed, we [ask God's] blessing [on people]; [though] we are persecuted, we persevere; [though] we are slandered, we reply kindly. We have become [like] the scum of the earth, the dregs of all society, to this day.

He [then] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one], the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. read more.
And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. [And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven." Then He ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.

Then Jesus said to them, "But who do you men say that I am?" And Peter answered, " [You are] the Christ of God [i.e., God's specially chosen one]." Then He sternly ordered them not to tell this to anyone,

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. [You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned.

And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [were inscribed on them]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem

Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail].

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath



So, I looked and before me [stood] a pale green horse, and the name of the man riding on it was "Death," and the unseen place of departed spirits followed along behind him. And they were [both] given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill people with swords, with famine, with terrible judgments and by wild animals of the earth. Verse ConceptsPersecution, Nature OfPlaguesGreenFamine KillingApproval To KillA Fourth PartRulers Of A FourthThe Fact Of DeathFamineFour Horsemen Of The Apocalypse

And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. Verse ConceptsThe DeadHadesSkyCitiesProphecies Said By JesusHumbling The ProudPermanenceAbasing PeoplePutting Things DownSky, Figurative Usegays

And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up [as high] as heaven? [Certainly not], you will be brought down to the unseen place of departed spirits [i.e., you will become obscure or obliterated as a city]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadHadesProphecies Said By JesusPutting Things Down

because you [i.e., God] will not allow my soul [i.e., this is a reference to Jesus] to remain in Hades [i.e., the unseen place of the departed spirits], neither will you allow [the body of] your Holy One to decay. Verse ConceptsThe DeadAbandonmentGrave, TheHadesNames And Titles For ChristDeath, DefeatedOvercoming DeathNo Decaycorruptionliberation

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

David, foreseeing this, spoke of Christ being raised from the dead. [He said Jesus' spirit] would not be left in the unseen place of departed spirits, nor would His body decay. Verse ConceptsThe DeadCorruption, SolutionOvercoming DeathKnowing BeforehandNo DecayChrist Would Rise

And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him. Verse ConceptsAfterlifeHadesHell, Description OfTortureGod Far AwayGod Has ComfortedHellLake Of FirePurgatorydistancelazarus

The ocean gave up the dead [bodies] that were in it; and death and the unseen place of departed spirits [also] gave up the dead [bodies and spirits] that were in them. And every person was judged according to his deeds. Then death and the unseen place of departed spirits were thrown into the lake of fire [i.e., after their spirits were reunited with some kind of a body]. This lake of fire is the second death.


So, I looked and before me [stood] a pale green horse, and the name of the man riding on it was "Death," and the unseen place of departed spirits followed along behind him. And they were [both] given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill people with swords, with famine, with terrible judgments and by wild animals of the earth. Verse ConceptsPersecution, Nature OfPlaguesGreenFamine KillingApproval To KillA Fourth PartRulers Of A FourthThe Fact Of DeathFamineFour Horsemen Of The Apocalypse

And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. Verse ConceptsThe DeadHadesSkyCitiesProphecies Said By JesusHumbling The ProudPermanenceAbasing PeoplePutting Things DownSky, Figurative Usegays

because you [i.e., God] will not allow my soul [i.e., this is a reference to Jesus] to remain in Hades [i.e., the unseen place of the departed spirits], neither will you allow [the body of] your Holy One to decay. Verse ConceptsThe DeadAbandonmentGrave, TheHadesNames And Titles For ChristDeath, DefeatedOvercoming DeathNo Decaycorruptionliberation

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him. Verse ConceptsAfterlifeHadesHell, Description OfTortureGod Far AwayGod Has ComfortedHellLake Of FirePurgatorydistancelazarus

The ocean gave up the dead [bodies] that were in it; and death and the unseen place of departed spirits [also] gave up the dead [bodies and spirits] that were in them. And every person was judged according to his deeds. Verse ConceptsDeath, Of UnbelieversFutureRetributionOvercoming DeathThe Final JudgementRepaid For DeedsThe Dead Are RaisedThe OceanJudgement DayNever Giving UpThe Rapturelakes

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

Upon arriving at the house where they were staying, they went upstairs. [Those present were]: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zealous [one] and Judas, the son of James. [Note: Judas Iscariot, the twelfth apostle, had already committed suicide]. Verse ConceptsStairwaysZealAndrewPrayer MeetingsUpper RoomsGuest Roomszealots

Now the names of the twelve apostles were: First, Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee, Verse ConceptsPeter, The ApostleTwelve DisciplesDiscipleshipChristmas TreeStruggles In Relationshipzealots

[They were] Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew, James and John [also brothers], Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Verse Conceptszealots

These apostles were: Simon, to whom He gave the added name Peter, Verse ConceptsPeople Renaming People

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. [And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven."

Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, who [else] could we go to? You have the message about never ending life. And we apostles have believed [in you] and know that you are God's Holy One."

Then Jesus said to them, "But who do you men say that I am?" And Peter answered, " [You are] the Christ of God [i.e., God's specially chosen one]." Verse ConceptsCertaintyPeter, The DiscipleWitnessing, Importance OfMessiahNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForJesus Recognised As The ChristChrist EnquiringWho Is Jesus?Said To Be The Christ

And Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one], the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. read more.
[And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven."

Then He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered Him, "You are the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one]." Verse ConceptsCertaintyPeter, The DiscipleSelf ConfidenceWitnessing, Importance OfJesus Recognised As The ChristChrist EnquiringSaid To Be The ChristQuestioning Godartists

So, Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. [And when] Jesus saw him, He said [to him], "You are Simon, the son of John [Note: Peter's father is called Jonah in Matt. 16:17]; you will be called Cephas (which means Peter [i.e., "a stone." See Matt. 16:18])." Verse ConceptsPeople As RocksChrist SeeingPeople Renaming People


And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

So, Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. [And when] Jesus saw him, He said [to him], "You are Simon, the son of John [Note: Peter's father is called Jonah in Matt. 16:17]; you will be called Cephas (which means Peter [i.e., "a stone." See Matt. 16:18])." Verse ConceptsPeople As RocksChrist SeeingPeople Renaming People

These apostles were: Simon, to whom He gave the added name Peter, Verse ConceptsPeople Renaming People

And Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one], the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven. And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. read more.
[And] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [i.e., for opening up the way into it]. And whatever [truth] you [and the other apostles. See 18:18] require [people to believe and practice] here on earth will have already been required of them [by God] in heaven. And whatever [truth] you do not require [of people] on earth, will not be required [by God] in heaven."




and drank the same spiritual drink [i.e., water coming from a rock supernaturally. See Ex. 17:6]. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. [Note: Besides actual water, they were refreshed from the spiritual presence of Christ]. Verse ConceptsSpiritual FoodTypes Of ChristOld Testament Events As TypesProvision From RocksChrist The RockChrist's Originfollowing

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath






For it says in the Scripture [Isa. 28:16], "Look, I am placing a stone in [the city of] Zion [i.e., Jerusalem]. It is a specially selected, very valuable cornerstone. And the person who trusts in the Him [i.e., the One represented by this stone] will never have to suffer shame [i.e., because of unforgiven sin being brought up against him]." Verse ConceptsCornerstonesConfidence, In ChristdefeatZion, As A SymbolNames And Titles For ChristSpiritual FoundationsCapstoneChrist The RockThe Effects Of FaithNot Put To ShamePreciousScripture SaysDisappointmentpeterzion

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath




And I also tell you, [although] you are Peter [i.e., a stone], it is on this rock [i.e., the truth you have just confessed] that I will build my church and [not even] the gates of the unseen place of departed spirits will win out over it [i.e., all efforts to stamp out the church by killing Christians will fail]. Verse ConceptsThe DeadGoalsFoundationsAssemblyGatesdefence, divineBuildingHadesMission, Of Jesus ChristProgressChurch AgeJesus Christ, Present Activities OfGates Of DeathProphecies Said By JesusThe Foundation Of The ChurchPeople As RocksOvercoming DeathOvercoming Through ChristThe Church UniversalNamesChurch Distinct From IsraelOvercomingTragedymath

And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [were inscribed on them]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem