Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



For [Jesus had said, Matt. 3:11], "John immersed you [men] in water but [this time] you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and [it will happen] in just a few more days." Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritBaptism, Features OfBaptism, practice ofThe Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit,Promises Of The Holy SpiritA Short TimeWater For BaptismShort Time For ActionChurch Distinct From IsraelBaptism

Then I remembered what the Lord had said [See 1:4-5]: 'John immersed you [people] in water but you [apostles] will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.' Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritJohn's BaptismBaptism, practice ofPromises Of The Holy SpiritWater For BaptismRemembering ChristBaptism

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]." read more.
Now John dressed in clothing made of camel's hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, "You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, 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. And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked]. and 12]. "I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses

In his preaching John said, "One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave]. I am immersing you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit."

John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, "I am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12]. Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritBaptism, in the GospelsSending Of The Holy SpiritThe Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit,ShoesThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationPromises Of The Holy SpiritWater For BaptismUndoing FasteningsSymbols of the Holy Spirit

So, John answered them, saying, "I am immersing people in water, but there is Someone among you whom you do not recognize. He is the One who will follow my ministry; [and] I do not deserve to untie his sandal lace." These things happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River where John was immersing people. [Note: This was a different Bethany from the one just outside of Jerusalem]. read more.
On the next day John [the Immerser] saw Jesus approaching him and said, "Look, [there is] the Lamb of God; He [will] take away the sin of the people of the world. He is the One about whom I said, 'A man will come after me who ranks above me, for He existed before me.' And I would not have recognized Him, but I came immersing people in water so that He would become known to the Israelites." So, John gave his testimony, saying, "I have seen the Holy Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it remained on Him. And I did not recognize Him, but He [i.e., God], who sent me to immerse in water, said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Holy Spirit descending and remaining is the same One who [will] immerse people in the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and given testimony that this person is the Son of God."

Paul [then] said, "John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him." Verse ConceptsFaith, Necessity OfJohn's BaptismBelieve In Christ!Signs Of RepentanceBaptism

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time

John [the Immerser] came immersing people in the desert and proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. Verse Conceptsevangelism, nature ofDesertsJohn The BaptistMissionaries, Task OfPurity, Moral And SpiritualRepentance, Importance OfSin, Accepting Forgiveness OfLiving In The WildernessPeople AppearingForgiveness Through RepentanceSigns Of RepentanceBaptism

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]."

[During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas' son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God's message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].

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.

John [the Immerser] came immersing people in the desert and proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. Verse Conceptsevangelism, nature ofDesertsJohn The BaptistMissionaries, Task OfPurity, Moral And SpiritualRepentance, Importance OfSin, Accepting Forgiveness OfLiving In The WildernessPeople AppearingForgiveness Through RepentanceSigns Of RepentanceBaptism


In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time

[During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas' son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God's message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].



In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]."

As the messengers [sent by John. See Luke 7:27] went on their way, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. [He said], "What did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear fancy clothes live in kings' palaces. Why did you go out [to the desert]? To see a prophet? Yes, I should say [he was], and much more than a prophet. read more.
He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], 'Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.' It is true when I tell you, among [all] those born of women, no one greater than John the Immerser has come along. Yet the least significant person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

This is [how] the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, began. It was even written in Isaiah, the prophet [Note: Verse is quote from Mal. 3:1; verse read more.
from Isa. 40:3], "Look, I am sending my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you. He will be the voice of a man shouting out in the desert, [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [to travel on]; to make a straight pathway for him."

[During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas' son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God's message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], "The voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]. read more.
Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out. And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them]."

So, Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard; [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them. The person who does not find an occasion for having doubts about my identity is fortunate indeed." And when the messengers sent by John left, Jesus began saying to the crowds about John, "What did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? read more.
What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear elaborate outfits and bask in luxury live in kings' palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I will say [he is], and much more than a prophet. He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], 'Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.' And I tell you, among [all] those born of women, there is no one greater than John [the Immerser], yet the least significant person in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

And this is the testimony John [the Immerser] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" [Note: Levites were men who assisted the priests in the Temple service]. Then he declared openly, without denying it, "I am not the Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one]." So, they asked him, "Who then [are you]? Are you Elijah [i.e., returned from the dead]?" But he answered, "[No], I am not." "[Then], are you the prophet [i.e., Moses. See Deut. 18:15-19]?" they asked. And he answered, "No." read more.
So, they asked him [again], "[Then], who are you? We need to take back an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He replied, "I am the voice of a man who is calling out in the desert, [urging people to] 'Make the road for the Lord straight,' as Isaiah the prophet said, [Isa. 40:3]."

For [Jesus had said, Matt. 3:11], "John immersed you [men] in water but [this time] you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and [it will happen] in just a few more days." Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritBaptism, Features OfBaptism, practice ofThe Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit,Promises Of The Holy SpiritA Short TimeWater For BaptismShort Time For ActionChurch Distinct From IsraelBaptism

Then I remembered what the Lord had said [See 1:4-5]: 'John immersed you [people] in water but you [apostles] will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.' Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritJohn's BaptismBaptism, practice ofPromises Of The Holy SpiritWater For BaptismRemembering ChristBaptism

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]." read more.
Now John dressed in clothing made of camel's hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, "You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, 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. And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked]. and 12]. "I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses

In his preaching John said, "One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave]. I am immersing you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit."

John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, "I am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12]. Verse ConceptsBaptism Of The Holy SpiritBaptism, in the GospelsSending Of The Holy SpiritThe Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit,ShoesThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationPromises Of The Holy SpiritWater For BaptismUndoing FasteningsSymbols of the Holy Spirit

So, John answered them, saying, "I am immersing people in water, but there is Someone among you whom you do not recognize. He is the One who will follow my ministry; [and] I do not deserve to untie his sandal lace." These things happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River where John was immersing people. [Note: This was a different Bethany from the one just outside of Jerusalem]. read more.
On the next day John [the Immerser] saw Jesus approaching him and said, "Look, [there is] the Lamb of God; He [will] take away the sin of the people of the world. He is the One about whom I said, 'A man will come after me who ranks above me, for He existed before me.' And I would not have recognized Him, but I came immersing people in water so that He would become known to the Israelites." So, John gave his testimony, saying, "I have seen the Holy Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it remained on Him. And I did not recognize Him, but He [i.e., God], who sent me to immerse in water, said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Holy Spirit descending and remaining is the same One who [will] immerse people in the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and given testimony that this person is the Son of God."

Paul [then] said, "John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him." Verse ConceptsFaith, Necessity OfJohn's BaptismBelieve In Christ!Signs Of RepentanceBaptism

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time

He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofJohn's BaptismRemission Of SinBaptism, in the GospelsJohn The BaptistMissionaries, Task OfRepentance, Importance OfIn Order Of RankForgiveness Through RepentanceSigns Of RepentanceThe Region Of Jordan


In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time


Jesus sent these twelve apostles out and ordered them saying, "Do not go on any road leading to Gentile territory or enter any town of the Samaritans. But [rather] go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'


For God's kingdom is not a matter of [impressive] words, but of [spiritual] power. Verse ConceptsThe Power Of The GospelMere TalkKingdom Of GodThe power of ChristPowerLiving For GodThe Power Of WordsSpeech

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here."

Now after these things [happened] the Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say "seventy." This group would have been in addition to the twelve. See Luke 9:1], and sent them two by two on ahead of Him into every town and locality that He planned to visit. And He said to them, "There is certainly plenty to harvest, but there are [too] few people to do the work. You should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send [more] workers out into the field to gather His crop. [So], go on; See, I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. read more.
Do not carry a money belt, or a traveling bag [for personal belongings] or shoes; and do not extend [elaborate] greetings to anyone along the way. And whatever house you enter, first say, 'Let peace be upon this household.' And if a son of peace is there [i.e., a peace-loving person], your [request for] peace will rest upon him. But if he is not [a peace-loving person], your [blessing of] peace will return to [rest on] you. And you should remain in that same house [i.e., the peace-loving one], eating and drinking whatever they serve you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house [i.e., wasting time]. And into whatever town you enter and are welcomed, eat whatever is placed in front of you, and heal the sick people who live there. Say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whatever town you enter that does not welcome you, go out into its streets and say [to them], We are wiping off even the dust of your city that has stuck to our feet [in protest] against you. Yet you should know this, that the kingdom of God has come near [to you].'

This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsSpirit, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Described ByLiving For The MaterialChrist PreachingValidly Like GodLiving The Life



In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time


It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades]. Verse ConceptsSpiritsSpirit, Nature OfDamnationChrist PreachingPurgatorypreaching

Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofKingdom Of God, Coming OfMissionaries, Task OfSynagogueTeachingParticular JourneysChrist PreachingChrist TeachingJesus HealingSicknessHealing SicknessIllnesspreaching

So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere. Verse ConceptsMiracles, Nature OfMission, Of The ChurchHealing Through DisciplesSpreading The Gospel

And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him]. Verse ConceptsPeace, Divine In NtPreaching, Importance OfPeace To You

This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsSpirit, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Described ByLiving For The MaterialChrist PreachingValidly Like GodLiving The Life



In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time


It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades]. Verse ConceptsSpiritsSpirit, Nature OfDamnationChrist PreachingPurgatorypreaching

Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofKingdom Of God, Coming OfMissionaries, Task OfSynagogueTeachingParticular JourneysChrist PreachingChrist TeachingJesus HealingSicknessHealing SicknessIllnesspreaching

So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere. Verse ConceptsMiracles, Nature OfMission, Of The ChurchHealing Through DisciplesSpreading The Gospel

And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him]. Verse ConceptsPeace, Divine In NtPreaching, Importance OfPeace To You

This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsSpirit, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Described ByLiving For The MaterialChrist PreachingValidly Like GodLiving The Life



In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time


It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades]. Verse ConceptsSpiritsSpirit, Nature OfDamnationChrist PreachingPurgatorypreaching

Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofKingdom Of God, Coming OfMissionaries, Task OfSynagogueTeachingParticular JourneysChrist PreachingChrist TeachingJesus HealingSicknessHealing SicknessIllnesspreaching

So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere. Verse ConceptsMiracles, Nature OfMission, Of The ChurchHealing Through DisciplesSpreading The Gospel

And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him]. Verse ConceptsPeace, Divine In NtPreaching, Importance OfPeace To You



For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]." Verse ConceptsDesertsJohn The BaptistWildernessMessiahStraight PathsIndividuals ShoutingMaking RoadsIn Order Of RankScriptures FulfilledNamed Prophets Of The LordPaths

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time

This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsSpirit, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Described ByLiving For The MaterialChrist PreachingValidly Like GodLiving The Life



In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, Verse ConceptsDeserts, SpecificJohn The BaptistProphecies Concerning ChristLiving In The WildernessWho Is John The Baptist?At The Same Time


It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades]. Verse ConceptsSpiritsSpirit, Nature OfDamnationChrist PreachingPurgatorypreaching

Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. Verse Conceptsevangelists, identity ofKingdom Of God, Coming OfMissionaries, Task OfSynagogueTeachingParticular JourneysChrist PreachingChrist TeachingJesus HealingSicknessHealing SicknessIllnesspreaching

So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere. Verse ConceptsMiracles, Nature OfMission, Of The ChurchHealing Through DisciplesSpreading The Gospel

And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him]. Verse ConceptsPeace, Divine In NtPreaching, Importance OfPeace To You




So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lampstand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent. Verse ConceptsBeginningHeightImpenitence, Results OfPoverty, SpiritualReformationRememberingRepentance, Importance OfRevival, CorporateRejection Of God's CallBeginning Of SalvationPeople Falling From A HeightRepentanceOne's DeedsTaking God's ThingsThe Fact Of His ComingLuciferrevelation



Since therefore we are God's children, we should not think that the Deity is like gold, silver or stone, to be carved [into an idol] by the design and skill of men. Now God made allowance for the times when people were still uninformed [about His complete will], but now [in the Gospel age] He requires all people everywhere to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives].

In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here."


In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, "You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here." For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], "[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]." read more.
Now John dressed in clothing made of camel's hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, "You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, 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. And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked]. and 12]. "I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses

Paul [then] said, "John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him." Verse ConceptsFaith, Necessity OfJohn's BaptismBelieve In Christ!Signs Of RepentanceBaptism

[During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas' son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God's message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].