Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible





It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.









For we do not have a lasting city here on earth [i.e., such as Jerusalem] but we are looking for the city to come [i.e., heaven. See 10:11]. Verse ConceptsDecayCitySociety, Positive Aspects OfDeath, Preparation ForCitizens, HeavenlyThe Future AgeCity Of GodCitizensseeking



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"Fasten your belts [i.e., get things ready], keep your lamps lit, and be like men expecting their master to return from the wedding reception, so that when he does come and knock [at the groom's house, See note on Matt. 25:1-12], they will immediately open [the door] to him. Those slaves whom their master finds being watchful when he returns are [certainly] blessed. Truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt [i.e., get things ready] and have them recline [at his dinner table] and will come and serve them.


It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.


For indeed, we groan while in this "house," longing to be covered over by our heavenly dwelling place, Verse ConceptsThirstWearinessClothed With Good ThingsChanging DirectionRight DesiresTaken To Heaven


It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain. But if [continuing] to live in my body means accomplishing more work [for Christ], then I do not know which to choose. read more.
So, I am in a dilemma between the two choices. [On the one hand] I have the desire to depart [from this life] and be with Christ [in heaven], which would be far better.



I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment]. So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.


preaching boldly in the name of the Lord [and] speaking and arguing with the Greek-[speaking] Jews, but they were out to kill him. Verse Conceptsevangelists, ministry ofGreeksHatredSuffering, Of BelieversDisputesPersecution Of The Apostle PaulReasoned ArgumentAttempting To Kill Specific PeopleBoldness


For even though I am absent [from you] in body, still I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing and observing [i.e., with my mind's eye] your orderly behavior and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Verse ConceptsJoy, Of The ChurchSpirit, Nature OfCharacter Of SaintsComplimentsAnchorsOrderly PatternsStrong Faith In ChristGone AwayAbsenceKeeping FaithStrength And FaithFaith In GodThe Bodydistanceorganizationconnectionorder

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 Peter said, "Look, we have left our homes to follow you." Verse ConceptsPeter, The DiscipleSelf DenialNever Giving Upfollowingimpossible

And now I am standing [here], being judged because [I believe that] God will fulfill the hope He promised to our forefathers. Verse ConceptsHope, In GodMinistry, Qualifications ForAncestorsGod's Promise To Abraham


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


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






It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.


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


Then you will be able to approve of [only] what is best and be sincere and without just blame on the day of Christ's [return], having been full of qualities of righteousness, which come from Jesus Christ and produce honor and praise to God. Now I want you to know, brothers, that the things that happened to me have resulted in the advancement [of the influence] of the Gospel rather [than hindering it], read more.
so that my imprisonment for Christ became known throughout the entire headquarters of the governor [i.e., among all his personnel], and to everyone else. And most of the brothers in the Lord's [service], through my imprisonment, gained confidence to speak out God's message with greater courage and without fear. Some people, indeed, are proclaiming Christ out of envy and strife [i.e., out of rivalry], while others do it from goodwill. Those who do it out of love [for me] know that I am prepared to defend the Gospel [i.e., before government authorities]. But the others preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, hoping to stir up trouble for me while I am in prison. So, what [should I think about the situation]? Just this: I am happy and will continue to be happy that, in every way, Christ is being preached, [regardless of] whether it is in pretense or with sincerity. For I know that, through your requests [in prayer] for me and the help provided by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, this situation will result in my being rescued [i.e., released from imprisonment]. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain. But if [continuing] to live in my body means accomplishing more work [for Christ], then I do not know which to choose.