Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Christian ministers » Duties of the church to
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you; as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all] -- "your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Remember your leaders [for it was they] who brought you the word of God; and consider the result of their conduct [the outcome of their godly lives], and imitate their faith [their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider of eternal salvation through Christ, and imitate their reliance on God with absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].
Verse Concepts
Imitating OthersMentoringConsistencyFaith, Growth InAttending Churchelders, in the churchGospel, Transmission OfMinistry, In The ChurchRespect, For God's CharacterBishops, QualificationsLeadershipBeing a ModelBishops, DutiesImitating Good PeopleMaintaining FaithRemembering PeopleTeaching In The ChurchChristian Conduct
Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all [the people of] Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you will give it to them as an inheritance.
Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter there. Encourage and strengthen him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
But command Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall go across and lead this people, and he will give them the land which you see as an inheritance.’
For the lips of the priest should guard and preserve knowledge [of My law], and the people should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.
Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything and keep firm possession of the traditions (the substance of my instructions), just as I have [verbally] passed them on to you.
Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts and our firstfruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God's people). I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders and to enlist under them and be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins and cooperates [with you] and labors earnestly.
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. Keep praying for us, for we are convinced that we have a good (clear) conscience, that we want to walk uprightly and live a noble life, acting honorably and in complete honesty in all things.
Christian ministers » Examples to the flock
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.
Verse Concepts
Back to schoolAdultsAdventureFaith, Nature OfFaith, Growth InBecoming An AdultExamplesBelieversHoliness Of MinistersInexperienceInferiorityShynessYouthDuties Of Christian ServantsYoung MenLoving OthersMinisters, Should BeLove To OthersNames And Titles For The ChristianAgape LoveAge DiscriminationExample Of Believers
not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation].
Example » Inspiration of example » Paul's example
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined or inappropriate manner when we were with you [we were never idle or lazy, nor did we avoid our duties],
In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’”
Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father].
I wish that all the people were as I am; but each person has his own gift from God, one of this kind and one of that.
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
Example » Paul, our
In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’”
Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father].
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of this kind and one of another. But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do.
For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate our example, for we were not disorderly or shirking of duty when we were with you [we were not idle]. Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you [for our support]. [It was] not because we do not have a right [to such support], but [we wished] to make ourselves an example for you to follow. read more.
For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule and charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.
For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule and charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.
Ministers » Should be » Ensamples to the flock
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
not because we do not have a right to such support, but [we provided our own financial support] to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity.
Verse Concepts
Back to schoolAdultsAdventureFaith, Nature OfFaith, Growth InBecoming An AdultExamplesBelieversHoliness Of MinistersInexperienceInferiorityShynessYouthDuties Of Christian ServantsYoung MenLoving OthersMinisters, Should BeLove To OthersNames And Titles For The ChristianAgape LoveAge DiscriminationExample Of Believers
not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation].
Ministers » Their people are bound, to » Follow their holy example
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Paul's » Example
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined or inappropriate manner when we were with you [we were never idle or lazy, nor did we avoid our duties],
In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’”
Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.
So I urge you, be imitators of me [just as a child imitates his father].
I wish that all the people were as I am; but each person has his own gift from God, one of this kind and one of that.
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
Unity » Of the righteous
For brothers to dwell together in unity!
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one [of them] claimed that anything belonging to him was [exclusively] his own, but everything was common property and for the use of all.
But I urge you, believers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in full agreement in what you say, and that there be no divisions or factions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your way of thinking and in your judgment [about matters of the faith].
Finally, believers, rejoice! Be made complete [be what you should be], be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace [enjoy the spiritual well-being experienced by believers who walk closely with God]; and the God of love and peace [the source of lovingkindness] will be with you.
Verse Concepts
GoalsFellowship, With GodPeace, From GoddisagreementsGod, Perfection OfRest, PhysicalSanctification, Means And ResultsPeace, In Christian LivingSpiritual PeaceFarewellsCooperationLast WordsHuman ComfortGod Will Be With YouGod Of PeacePeople ImprovedSeek PeaceAgreeing With One AnotherBuilding Each Other UpUnityEncouragement
Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;
Verse Concepts
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.
Verse Concepts
Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.
Verse Concepts
So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices,
Together they shout for joy;
For they will see face to face
The return of the Lord to Zion.
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].
Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that. Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you.