Thematic Bible: Nation


Thematic Bible

























But, so that we do not become a hindrance to these [tax collectors], go to the lake and cast in your hook [and line]. Then take the first fish [you catch], open its mouth and you will find a coin [i.e., worth twice the amount of an individual's Temple tax assessment]. Take it and give it [to the tax collectors] for you and me." Verse ConceptsForeknowledgeethics, socialCivic DutiesLoyaltyMiracles Of ChristCitizens, Christian DutiesCoinsDivine Power Over NatureCitizenshipDo Not HinderFishtaxes




Submit yourselves to every authority set up by people for the Lord's sake. [Submit to] a king as the [highest] authority, or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right.























But the [true] wisdom, which is from [God] above, is first of all pure, then peace-loving, patient and easily persuaded. [It is] full of mercy and produces a crop of good deeds; [it is] impartial [or, unwavering] and sincere. Verse ConceptsGentlenessFruitfulness, SpiritualFruit, SpiritualPeacemakersTemperWisdom, Source Of HumanGod, Impartiality OfPeace, Effects OfPeaceablenessThe Source Of FruitGod's GentlenessBenefits Of WisdomGod Is PureSeek PeaceShowing HypocrisyThe Need For MercyPurityHypocrisyuncertaintyNot A God Of Confusion

[An elder must] not be guilty of just blame, [he must be] the husband of one wife, whose children are believers [Note: The word for "believers" may also be translated "faithful ones" or "trustworthy ones"], who have a reputation for not being wild or disobedient. Verse ConceptsFaultsevangelists, identity ofHeads Of The FamilyLove, In RelationshipsMonogamyOrder In The HomePeacemakersBishops, QualificationsDissipationPeaceablenessBishops, DutiesMarriage ControlledThose Who Had FaithHusband And WifeThe ElderlyA Good HusbandLeadership Qualitieseldersbehavioraccusations




In the same way, these people have dreams of committing physically corruptive practices; they reject authority over them [i.e., by both God and men], and speak against glorious [i.e., heavenly] beings. Verse ConceptsDefilement, Objects OfCivic DutiesHonouring RulersAnarchyMisleading DreamsRespecting Authority



Therefore, the person who resists [these] authorities is opposing what God has ordained. And those who oppose [these authorities] will bring judgment on themselves. Verse ConceptsdefianceRebellion, Against Human AuthorityCivil GovernmentAnarchyRebellion against GodRespecting Authority










"Salt is good, but if it loses its salty flavor, what will you use to restore it? [i.e., it is difficult to restore the "salt" of sacrificial commitment to God once it is lost]. You should have salt in yourselves [i.e., develop the qualities of preserving, purifying commitment to God], and live peacefully with one another [i.e., instead of in rivalry. See 9:33-34]. Verse ConceptsGoalsSaltPeace, In Christian LivingPersonal ContactTastelessnessSeek PeaceTastelessSournessChemicalsLosing FriendsGood Qualities





















First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: "Intercessions" probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people. [Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].