Thematic Bible: Of saints, is


Thematic Bible



It is in [fellowship with] Christ that we [Jewish Christians] also were selected as [God's] inheritance [i.e., to receive His never ending blessings], having been predetermined according to the plan of God, who works out everything in harmony with what He wants. Verse ConceptsGod, Activity OfAdoption, nature ofAggressionBeing ChosenGod, Purpose OfGod, Sovereignty OfHistoryPlansPredestined PeoplePredestined PlansStrength, DivineAuthority, Belonging To GodForeordained PlansGod Works His WillGod's CounselPurposeInheritanceGod's PlanAdoption Is By God's GraceUnconditional LoveGods PlanLife Purpose

For He said to Moses [Ex. 33:19], "I will show pity to whomever I want, and I will show mercy to whomever I want." So then, it does not depend on what a person wants or does, but on God, who shows pity [i.e., to whomever He wants].

But God chose what the world considers foolish [i.e., people with little apparent ability], in order to shame the "wise people." And He chose what the world considers weak in order to shame what it considers strong. Verse ConceptsMidgetsChosen InstrumentsWeakness, SpiritualSmall Things God UsesFoolishness Of GodFoolishness Of MenShaming PeopleChosen DisciplesWise Man Or FoolMighty in its influenceWeakness


So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last." Verse ConceptsPredestination, Spiritual EventsFirst OnesLast OnesPutting God FirstStress And Hard TimesGoing To HeavenThe Biblegirlfriendswill

And he said [to me], 'The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One [i.e., Jesus], and to hear His voice [speaking to you]. Verse ConceptsChrist, Character OfPredestination, Of PersonsHearing God's WordKnowing God's WillGod Appointing OthersKnowing FactsRighteousness Of Christ

The children [i.e., members] of your chosen sister [church] send you their greetings. [See verse 1]. Verse ConceptsElection, Description OfChildren In The Faith

We know, my brothers who are dearly loved by God, about your election [i.e., that you were chosen by God because of your obedient faith], Verse ConceptsElection, Characteristics OfPeople Of God, In NtChristians, Names OfChosen DisciplesUnconditional LoveBrothers LoveChristians Being Called Brothers

[This letter is from] Paul, a slave of God, and an apostle for [the benefit of] the faith of God's elect [i.e., His chosen people] and [to spread] the knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness, Verse ConceptsApostles, Function In Early ChurchFaith, Nature OfChristiansLettersPaul, Apostle To GentilesNames And Titles For The ChristianMaintaining FaithKnowing God's TruthThe Truth Of The Gospel

It is in [fellowship with] Christ that we [Jewish Christians] also were selected as [God's] inheritance [i.e., to receive His never ending blessings], having been predetermined according to the plan of God, who works out everything in harmony with what He wants. Verse ConceptsGod, Activity OfAdoption, nature ofAggressionBeing ChosenGod, Purpose OfGod, Sovereignty OfHistoryPlansPredestined PeoplePredestined PlansStrength, DivineAuthority, Belonging To GodForeordained PlansGod Works His WillGod's CounselPurposeInheritanceGod's PlanAdoption Is By God's GraceUnconditional LoveGods PlanLife Purpose



These people have been [specially] selected, and [their acceptance was] pre-planned by God the Father, and they were set apart through [the work of] the Holy Spirit. This resulted in their obedience and sprinkling [Note: This is a figurative reference to the Old Testament practice of cleansing, See Exodus 24:7-8] by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be continually upon you. Verse ConceptsAbility, Of God To SaveGod, All knowingFaith, Nature Ofethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InGod, Unity OfHoliness, Believers' Growth InGod's ForeknowledgeRevelation, Responses ToSanctification, Nature And BasisSprinklingAbundance, SpiritualObedience To GodPredestination, Of EventsForeordained PlansOrderliness In SalvationThe Trinity In SalvationThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSprinkling BloodGod In Three PersonsGrace Be To YouThe FatherThe Blood Of JesusSanctificationIdentity In Christ


"I am not talking about all of you; for I know the ones I have chosen [i.e., which of the twelve apostles would be faithful]. But let the Scripture [Psa. 41:9] be fulfilled [that says], 'The person who eats with me has [viciously] turned against me.' Verse Conceptselection, responsibilities ofGospel, Confirmation OfHeelsReward, HumanProphecies Concerning ChristOld Testament People As TypesChosen DisciplesGod Knowing His PeopleScriptures FulfilledUnfaithfulFulfilled Prophecies Prove InspirationSharingTrust In Relationships

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel]. Verse Conceptsethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InElection, Characteristics OfChristiansBeing ChosenBeginningGod, Purpose OfGrace, And Holy SpiritHoliness, Believers' Growth InPeople Of God, In NtPredestined PeopleSanctification, Means And ResultsSanctification, Nature And BasisAcceptance, Of The GospelBeing ForeordainedThe Holy Spirit And PraiseThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSaved By FaithFrom The BeginningChosen DisciplesThanking God For PeopleThe Gospel Of SalvationElectSanctificationChristians Being Called Brothers

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel]. Verse Conceptsethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InElection, Characteristics OfChristiansBeing ChosenBeginningGod, Purpose OfGrace, And Holy SpiritHoliness, Believers' Growth InPeople Of God, In NtPredestined PeopleSanctification, Means And ResultsSanctification, Nature And BasisAcceptance, Of The GospelBeing ForeordainedThe Holy Spirit And PraiseThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSaved By FaithFrom The BeginningChosen DisciplesThanking God For PeopleThe Gospel Of SalvationElectSanctificationChristians Being Called Brothers


No soldier on active duty, gets himself involved in the affairs of civilian life, so that he can please the person who enlisted him [i.e., his commanding officer]. Verse ConceptsMilitary ServiceCommanderBeing A SoldierAttitudes, Of Christians To The WorldLove, Abuse OfSelf DenialCare, WorldlyWorldliness, AvoidMinisters, Should Not BeChristians, Names OfUnworldlinessPleasing Mensisterhooddistractions





These people have been [specially] selected, and [their acceptance was] pre-planned by God the Father, and they were set apart through [the work of] the Holy Spirit. This resulted in their obedience and sprinkling [Note: This is a figurative reference to the Old Testament practice of cleansing, See Exodus 24:7-8] by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be continually upon you. Verse ConceptsAbility, Of God To SaveGod, All knowingFaith, Nature Ofethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InGod, Unity OfHoliness, Believers' Growth InGod's ForeknowledgeRevelation, Responses ToSanctification, Nature And BasisSprinklingAbundance, SpiritualObedience To GodPredestination, Of EventsForeordained PlansOrderliness In SalvationThe Trinity In SalvationThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSprinkling BloodGod In Three PersonsGrace Be To YouThe FatherThe Blood Of JesusSanctificationIdentity In Christ


[What if He did this] in order to demonstrate His wealth of glory toward people who deserved His mercy, whom He had previously determined should receive [such special] honor? Verse ConceptsElection, Results InPredestined PeopleGloryRiches Of GraceGod Will Show MercyMercy And Grace


So, now also, there is a small minority which has been selected by God's unearned favor [i.e., to be saved]. Verse ConceptsFaithlessness, As DisobedienceGod, Purpose OfGrace, The Source OfSurvivors FavouredChosen DisciplesGraceGod's Grace

Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]." Verse ConceptsBook of lifeElection, Characteristics OfWritingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeRejoicingNames Written In HeavenBelonging To HeavenLack Of RejoicingMan's Authority Over The DevilCasting Out Demons







For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real "Jews" in God's eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God's Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation]. Verse ConceptsFalse WorshipHeart, And Holy SpiritRefugeStrength, HumanTypesWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Holy Spirit And PraiseThe Spirit Of GodThe Holy Spirit In The ChurchLiving Not For The MaterialTrusting Other PeopleBoasting In GodHow To Worship GodTrue CircumcisionConfidenceSelf EsteemConfidence And Self Esteem














Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23]." Verse ConceptsBook of lifeElection, Characteristics OfWritingWhat Heaven Will Be LikeRejoicingNames Written In HeavenBelonging To HeavenLack Of RejoicingMan's Authority Over The DevilCasting Out Demons

So, they were sent on their way with the backing of the [Antioch] church and traveled through both Phoenicia and Samaria, telling them about the conversion of the Gentiles. This brought great rejoicing to all the brothers [who heard about it]. Verse ConceptsConversion, examples ofChristiansTravelThe Soul Winners JoyPeople ConvertedPeople Sending People

Actually, we felt within us that we had [already] received a death sentence, so that we could [learn] not to trust in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead. Verse ConceptsAbrahamAfflicted SaintsSuffering, HardshipUnreliabilityFalse ConfidenceTrusting YourselfThe Dead Are RaisedHope In Hard TimesTrusting God In Difficult TimesTrusting OthersDespairFamily Deathpressure














Actually, we felt within us that we had [already] received a death sentence, so that we could [learn] not to trust in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead. Verse ConceptsAbrahamAfflicted SaintsSuffering, HardshipUnreliabilityFalse ConfidenceTrusting YourselfThe Dead Are RaisedHope In Hard TimesTrusting God In Difficult TimesTrusting OthersDespairFamily Deathpressure

For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real "Jews" in God's eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God's Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation]. However I, myself, have [reasons for such] confidence in the flesh. [But] if any other person has [reasons for placing] confidence in the flesh, I have more [reasons].