Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Persecution » Of the righteous » Diffuses the gospel
Now those who had been scattered in different directions, in consequence of the persecution that followed upon the death of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the Message--but only to Jews. Some of them, however, who were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, on coming to Antioch, addressed themselves also to the Jews of foreign birth, telling them the Good News about that Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, so that a great number who had learned to believe came over to the Lord's side.
Saul approved of his being put to death. On that very day a great persecution broke out against the Church which was in Jerusalem; and its members, with the exception of the Apostles, were all scattered over the districts of Judea and Samaria.
Now those who were scattered in different directions went from place to place proclaiming the Good News.
Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News. It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains. And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly.
Pretorium » Also called praetorium, common hall, judgment hall, and palace
From Caiaphas they took Jesus to the Government House. It was early in the morning. But they did not enter the Government House themselves, lest they should become 'defiled,' and so be unable to eat the Passover.
After that, Pilate went into the Government House again, and calling Jesus up, asked him: "Are you the King of the Jews?"
And, going into the Government House again, he said to Jesus: "Where do you come from?"
"I will hear all you have to say as soon as your accusers have arrived." And he ordered Paul to be kept under guard in Herod's Government House.
After that, the Governor's soldiers took Jesus with them into the Government House, and gathered the whole garrison round him.
The soldiers then took Jesus away into the court-yard--that is the Government House--and they called the whole garrison together.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.
Rome » Christians in
All Christ's People here, and especially those who belong to the Emperor's household, send theirs.
Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus and Claudia send you their greetings, and so do all our Brothers.
Give my greeting, also, to the Church that meets at their house, as well as to my dear friend Epaenetus, one of the first in Roman Asia to believe in Christ; To Mary, who worked hard for you; To Andronicus and Junias, my countrymen and once my fellow- prisoners, who are men of note among the Apostles, and who became Christians before I did; read more.
To my dear Christian friend Ampliatus; To Urban, our fellow-worker in the Cause of Christ, and to my dear friend Stachys; To that proved Christian Apelles; to the household of Aristobulus; To my countryman Herodion; to the Christians in the household of Narcissus; To Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard for the Master; to my dear friend Persis, for she has done much hard work for the Master; To that eminent Christian, Rufus, and to his mother, who has been a mother to me also; To Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the Brothers with them; Also to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and to all Christ's People who are with them. Greet one another with a sacred kiss. All the Churches of the Christ send you greetings. I urge you, Brothers, to be on your guard against people who, by disregarding the teaching which you received, cause divisions and create difficulties; dissociate yourselves from them.
To my dear Christian friend Ampliatus; To Urban, our fellow-worker in the Cause of Christ, and to my dear friend Stachys; To that proved Christian Apelles; to the household of Aristobulus; To my countryman Herodion; to the Christians in the household of Narcissus; To Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard for the Master; to my dear friend Persis, for she has done much hard work for the Master; To that eminent Christian, Rufus, and to his mother, who has been a mother to me also; To Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the Brothers with them; Also to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and to all Christ's People who are with them. Greet one another with a sacred kiss. All the Churches of the Christ send you greetings. I urge you, Brothers, to be on your guard against people who, by disregarding the teaching which you received, cause divisions and create difficulties; dissociate yourselves from them.
Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News. It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains. And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly. read more.
It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will. The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News. The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains. But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice.
It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will. The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News. The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains. But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice.
Tact » Paul » In turning the preaching of his adversaries to advantage
Until you are able to appreciate all moral distinctions. And I pray, too, that you may be kept pure and blameless against the Day of Christ, Bearing a rich harvest of that righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News. read more.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains. And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly. It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will. The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News. The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains. But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that, through your prayers and through a rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 'all this will make for my Salvation.' And this will fulfil my earnest expectation and hope that I shall have no cause for shame, but that, with unfailing courage, now as hitherto, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by my life or by my death, For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. But what if the life here in the body--if this brings me fruit from my labors? Then which to choose I cannot tell! I am sorely perplexed either way!
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains. And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly. It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will. The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News. The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains. But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that, through your prayers and through a rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 'all this will make for my Salvation.' And this will fulfil my earnest expectation and hope that I shall have no cause for shame, but that, with unfailing courage, now as hitherto, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by my life or by my death, For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. But what if the life here in the body--if this brings me fruit from my labors? Then which to choose I cannot tell! I am sorely perplexed either way!