Thematic Bible: Power of

The devil had already filled the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, with the desire to turn Jesus over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities]. During the [Passover] meal, Verse Concepts

But Peter said to Ananias, "Why has Satan filled your heart [causing you] to deceive the Holy Spirit by keeping back part of the selling price of the land [while representing it as the full price]? Verse Concepts

But, so that I would not become too conceited over the tremendous revelations [I received], a "thorn in the flesh" was given to me as a messenger from Satan to torment me. [Note: This "thorn" was probably some physical handicap, possibly defective eyesight. See Gal. 4:14-15; 6:11]. Verse Concepts

You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. Verse Concepts

For we [really] wanted to come to you [and] I, Paul, [even tried to come] more than once, but Satan prevented us. [Note: This was probably accomplished through the influence of certain people or circumstances]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And Jesus said to them, "I saw Satan falling from heaven as lightning. Verse Concepts

Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called "the Devil," and "Satan," the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels. Verse Concepts

He threw him into the pit, and closed it and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that time, he must be released for a short while. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Be sensible and alert; your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring [i.e., hungry] lion looking for someone to [kill and] eat. Verse Concepts

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life. Verse Concepts

Then Jesus was led up to the desert by the Holy Spirit in order to be put to the test by the devil. Verse Concepts

The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread." Verse Concepts

So, should not this woman, being a daughter [i.e., descendant] of Abraham, whom Satan has bound [with this disease] for eighteen years, have been released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?" Verse Concepts

And while the boy was approaching [Jesus], an evil spirit threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit and [then] returned him to his father healed. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels.

When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And it happened as Jesus finished praying at a certain place that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us [how] to pray, just like John [the Immerser] taught his disciples." And He said to them, "When you pray you should say, 'Father, may your name be highly honored. May your kingdom come [to earth]. Give us day by day our bread for each day. read more.
And forgive us of our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And do not allow us to be put to the test.'" And Jesus said to His disciples, "Suppose one of you who has a friend would go to him at midnight and say to him, ' [Please] lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has come to [visit] me while on a trip and I do not have anything to feed him?' Then the man will answer from inside [his house], 'Do not bother me. My door is [already] locked, my children are [already] in bed with me and I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him something because he is a friend, yet because of his friend's persistence, he will [eventually] get up and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask [God for something] and it will be given to you; look [to God for something] and you will find it; knock [on the door of opportunity] and it will be opened up to you. For every person who asks will [certainly] receive; and the one who looks will [certainly] find; and to the person who knocks, the door will [certainly] be opened up. And what father among you, whose son asks [him] {{Some ancient manuscripts add for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone [instead]? Or, [if he asks]}} for a fish, will give him a snake [instead]? Or, if he asks [him] for an egg, will give him a scorpion [instead]? [Note: While at rest a scorpion rolls up in a ball that resembles an egg]. If then you know how to give good gifts to your children, even though you are sinful [human beings], how much more [likely] is it that your Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"

Then Jesus told His disciples a parable for the purpose of showing them that they should pray continually and not become discouraged. He said, "There was a certain judge in this town who did not revere God nor respect man. There was [also] a widow in that [same] town who kept coming to the judge saying, 'Grant me a [favorable] judgment against my opponent.' read more.
And for some time the judge refused to do it. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I do not revere God or respect man, I will grant her a [favorable] judgment because she keeps bothering me [about the matter] and is about to exhaust my patience by her persistent visits.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what [even] this unjust judge said [about the widow]. So, will God not grant justice to His elect [i.e., His people] who call out to Him [i.e., in prayer] day and night? Will He be slow in helping them? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly. However, will the Son of man find [very many] believing people on the earth when He returns?"

He was appointed to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of holiness [Note: This could refer to the Holy Spirit] when He was raised from the dead. Verse Concepts

This Son expresses the radiance of God's splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [man's] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven]. Verse Concepts

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Verse Concepts

But in order that you may know that the Son of man has authority to forgive people's sins on earth, (then He said to the man afflicted with paralysis), 'Get up, pick up your cot and go home.'" Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

No one is taking it away from me, but I am giving it up voluntarily. I have the right to give it up and I have the right to take it back again. I received the commandment to do this from my Father." Verse Concepts

This message was about Jesus from Nazareth and how God specially chose Him [and signified it] by giving Him the Holy Spirit and power. He traveled all over doing good [for people] and healing everyone who was [being] oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Verse Concepts

Just as you gave Him authority over all mankind, He will give never ending life to all those people [Note: The Greek word here is neuter gender, "all those things"] you have given Him. Verse Concepts

Then He said to the disciples, "Where is your faith?" They became afraid and were amazed, saying to one another, "Who can this [man] be, that he can even command the winds and the water and they obey him?" Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Now may there be glory for ever, through Jesus Christ, to the only wise God, who is able to make you stand firm [in the faith], according to the good news and proclamation of Jesus Christ. This message is the secret which was [eventually] revealed, after having been kept quiet about for long ages. Verse Concepts

[i.e., so they will believe and obey the truth]. May it be so. Verse Concepts

for our Gospel came to you, not merely in words, but also in power, in [a demonstration of] the Holy Spirit [See I Cor. 2:4] and with ["our" or "your"] deep conviction [of its truth]. You people know what kind of men we were while living among you for your benefit. Verse Concepts

For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control. Verse Concepts

[I pray] that, according to God's glorious abundance, He would empower you to become [spiritually] strong through His Holy Spirit in your inner person, Verse Concepts

And God performed special miracles through the hands of Paul, such as sick people, who were given hand towels or [leather] aprons that had touched Paul's body, being healed from diseases and delivered from evil spirits.

And I did not use persuasive words of [human] wisdom in my message and preaching, but they were [accompanied by] a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power [from God]. [Note: This "demonstration" could have included the evidence of miraculous spiritual gifts which Paul utilized while there in Corinth. See 14:18]. Verse Concepts

And the apostles testified concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and the favor [of God] was upon all of them. Verse Concepts

And Stephen [i.e., one of the seven men chosen to minister to widows, verse 5], who was full of [God's] favor and power, performed great wonders and [miraculous] signs in front of the [Jewish] people. Verse Concepts

But, you apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit descends on you and [then] you will become My witnesses [i.e., to tell what you know] in Jerusalem, in [the countries of] Judea and Samaria, and [even] to the distant regions of the earth." Verse Concepts

Suddenly a rushing sound, like a fierce wind blowing, came from the sky above them, and [its noise] filled the entire house where they were sitting. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Then Jesus returned to Galilee with power from the Holy Spirit; and a report about Him spread through all the surrounding region. Verse Concepts

Do you think that I came to bring [only] peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division instead. Verse Concepts

And there was much whispering about Him among the crowds. Some were saying, "He is a good man," [but] others said, "No [he is not], he is [just] deceiving the crowd." Verse Concepts

So, a division arose among people in the crowd over Jesus. Verse Concepts

Some of the Pharisees then said, "The man who did this is not from God, because he does not observe the Sabbath day. But other people said, "How could a man who is a sinner do such [miraculous] signs?" And the people were divided among themselves [over the issue]. Verse Concepts

The Jews who heard these words became divided again [i.e., over their meaning]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Now Herod wanted to have him put to death, [but hesitated], fearing the crowd, because they considered John to be a prophet. Verse Concepts

However, no one said anything about Him openly for fear of the Jews. Verse Concepts

When he realized that this act pleased the Jews, he proceeded to have Peter arrested also. [This happened] during the Festival of Unleavened Bread [See Exodus 12:15ff]. Verse Concepts

And everything you ask for in prayer you will receive, if you have [enough] faith." Verse Concepts

And I will do [for you] whatever you ask in my name [i.e., by my authority], so that the Father may be honored through the Son. Verse Concepts

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the [other] prisoners listened. Suddenly there was a terrible earthquake which violently shook the foundation of the jail. Immediately all the [cell] doors swung open and everyone's chains fell off.

But this kind [of spirit] can not be driven out except by praying and fasting.]}]} Verse Concepts

Then he prayed again and the sky poured rain and the ground produced its crop. Verse Concepts

If you remain in [fellowship with] me and my teaching remains in your hearts, [you can] ask for whatever you want, and it will be done for you. Verse Concepts

I will not speak with you very much anymore because the ruler of the world [i.e., Satan] is coming, and he has no control over me. Verse Concepts

Judgment is now coming to this world; the prince of this world [i.e., Satan] will now be driven out. Verse Concepts

[And it will be shown] judgment, because the ruler of this world [i.e., Satan. See 12:31] has been condemned [i.e., by Jesus' death and resurrection]. Verse Concepts

Therefore, since the children share in [bodies of] flesh and blood, Christ also, in the same way, took on a human body so that, through His death, He could destroy [the dominion of] him who had the power to cause death, that is, the devil. Verse Concepts

The coming [of this lawless person] is according to the work of Satan, [and will be] attended by all kinds of powerful [i.e., miraculous] signs and false wonders, Verse Concepts

For even if our Gospel message is veiled, it is veiled [only] from those who are lost. For the god of this world [i.e., Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they would not see the light of the Gospel of the splendor of Christ, who is the image of God.

For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: "Heavenly realms" here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us]. Verse Concepts

to open their eyes [to the truth] so they will turn from darkness to light and from the power [i.e., the influence] of Satan to God. [Then] they can receive the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance [of never ending life], along with [all] those who are set apart [for God] by trusting in Me.' Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And the devil said to Him, "I will give you full authority [over them] and their splendor, for it has [all] been granted to me and to whom I want to give it. Verse Concepts

The devil had already filled the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, with the desire to turn Jesus over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities]. During the [Passover] meal, Verse Concepts

But Peter said to Ananias, "Why has Satan filled your heart [causing you] to deceive the Holy Spirit by keeping back part of the selling price of the land [while representing it as the full price]? Verse Concepts

But, so that I would not become too conceited over the tremendous revelations [I received], a "thorn in the flesh" was given to me as a messenger from Satan to torment me. [Note: This "thorn" was probably some physical handicap, possibly defective eyesight. See Gal. 4:14-15; 6:11]. Verse Concepts

You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. Verse Concepts

For we [really] wanted to come to you [and] I, Paul, [even tried to come] more than once, but Satan prevented us. [Note: This was probably accomplished through the influence of certain people or circumstances]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And Jesus said to them, "I saw Satan falling from heaven as lightning. Verse Concepts

Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called "the Devil," and "Satan," the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels. Verse Concepts

He threw him into the pit, and closed it and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that time, he must be released for a short while. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Be sensible and alert; your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring [i.e., hungry] lion looking for someone to [kill and] eat. Verse Concepts

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life. Verse Concepts

Then Jesus was led up to the desert by the Holy Spirit in order to be put to the test by the devil. Verse Concepts

The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread." Verse Concepts

So, should not this woman, being a daughter [i.e., descendant] of Abraham, whom Satan has bound [with this disease] for eighteen years, have been released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?" Verse Concepts

And while the boy was approaching [Jesus], an evil spirit threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit and [then] returned him to his father healed. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels.

When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

The devil had already filled the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, with the desire to turn Jesus over [i.e., to the Jewish authorities]. During the [Passover] meal, Verse Concepts

But Peter said to Ananias, "Why has Satan filled your heart [causing you] to deceive the Holy Spirit by keeping back part of the selling price of the land [while representing it as the full price]? Verse Concepts

But, so that I would not become too conceited over the tremendous revelations [I received], a "thorn in the flesh" was given to me as a messenger from Satan to torment me. [Note: This "thorn" was probably some physical handicap, possibly defective eyesight. See Gal. 4:14-15; 6:11]. Verse Concepts

You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. Verse Concepts

For we [really] wanted to come to you [and] I, Paul, [even tried to come] more than once, but Satan prevented us. [Note: This was probably accomplished through the influence of certain people or circumstances]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

And Jesus said to them, "I saw Satan falling from heaven as lightning. Verse Concepts

Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called "the Devil," and "Satan," the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels. Verse Concepts

He threw him into the pit, and closed it and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that time, he must be released for a short while. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Be sensible and alert; your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring [i.e., hungry] lion looking for someone to [kill and] eat. Verse Concepts

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life. Verse Concepts

Then Jesus was led up to the desert by the Holy Spirit in order to be put to the test by the devil. Verse Concepts

The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread." Verse Concepts

So, should not this woman, being a daughter [i.e., descendant] of Abraham, whom Satan has bound [with this disease] for eighteen years, have been released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?" Verse Concepts

And while the boy was approaching [Jesus], an evil spirit threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit and [then] returned him to his father healed. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil]. The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels.

When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan's influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders' hands [i.e., signifying your appointment]. Verse Concepts

The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This "gift" was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural "spiritual gift" bestowed by the apostle Paul]. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

So, the message of the Lord spread widely and had a great influence [over people]. Verse Concepts

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Holy Spirit, which is God's word. Verse Concepts

Verse Concepts

For God's word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates [deep enough] even to divide [a person's] soul [from his] spirit, and his joints [from his] bone marrow [Note: This is figurative language describing the penetrating effect of God's word into a person's spiritual, inner being] and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of a person's heart. Verse Concepts

I am not ashamed of the good news [i.e., the Gospel], because it is God's power for [bringing] salvation to every person who believes [in Jesus]; first to Jews and then to Greeks [i.e., unconverted Gentiles]. Verse Concepts

Thematic Bible: Power of

Thematic Bible

Adversary » Power of » Instigating men to sin

Adversary » Power of » Humbled

Adversary » Power of » Tempting to disobedience

Adversary » Power of » Preying upon men

Adversary » Power of » Tempting Christ

Adversary » Power of » Ruining the soul and body

Adversary » Power of » Slandering saints

Adversary » Power of » Sowing the tares

Adversary » Power of » Removing the good seed

Adversary » Power of » Opposing the righteous

Adversary » Power of » The malignant work of

Adversary » Power of » Lying

Adversary » Power of » Inflicting disease

Christ » Power of » Prayers of

Christ » Power of » Demonstrated by his resurrection

Christ » Power of » Infinite

Christ » Power of » Pardoning

Christ » Power of » Saving

Christ » Power of » Over his own life

Christ » Power of » Wonder-working

Christ » Power of » Life-giving

Christ » Power of » Over nature

God » Pleasing of » Power of

Holy spirit » Power of » Fills life with healing influences

Holy spirit » Power of » Enables men to speak with authority

Holy spirit » Power of » Accompanies the baptism of the holy spirit

Holy spirit » Power of » Mightier than physical forces

Holy spirit » Power of » Gives men courage to rebuke sin

Holy spirit » Power of » Jesus the supreme example of

public Opinion » Power of » Divided, concerning Christ as his work

public Opinion » Power of » Saved jonathan's life

public Opinion » Power of » Cost saul his kingdom

public Opinion » Power of » Saved the life of john the baptist

public Opinion » Power of » Prevented men from confessing Christ

public Opinion » Power of » Secured the imprisonment of peter

Prayer » Power of » Dependent upon faith

Prayer » Power of » To be most effective, should be accompanied by praise

Prayer » Power of » Increased by self-denial

Prayer » Power of » Manifest in the life of elijah

Prayer » Power of » Unlimited to those who abide in Christ

Satan » Power of » Called the prince of this world

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Inspires lying wonders

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Blinds the minds of unbelievers

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Contends with the saints

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Sinners under the dominion of

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Permitted to afflict the righteous

Satan » Adversary » Power of » Claims authority over the world

Serpent » Power of » Instigating men to sin

Serpent » Power of » Humbled

Serpent » Power of » Tempting to disobedience

Serpent » Power of » Preying upon men

Serpent » Power of » Tempting Christ

Serpent » Power of » Ruining the soul and body

Serpent » Power of » Slandering saints

Serpent » Power of » Sowing the tares

Serpent » Power of » Removing the good seed

Serpent » Power of » Opposing the righteous

Serpent » Power of » The malignant work of

Serpent » Power of » Lying

Serpent » Power of » Inflicting disease

Tempter » Power of » Instigating men to sin

Tempter » Power of » Humbled

Tempter » Power of » Tempting to disobedience

Tempter » Power of » Preying upon men

Tempter » Power of » Tempting Christ

Tempter » Power of » Ruining the soul and body

Tempter » Power of » Slandering saints

Tempter » Power of » Sowing the tares

Tempter » Power of » Removing the good seed

Tempter » Power of » Opposing the righteous

Tempter » Power of » The malignant work of

Tempter » Power of » Lying

Tempter » Power of » Inflicting disease

Timothy » Power of

Word » Power of » A life-giving force

Word » Power of » A defensive weapon

Word » Power of » A crushing hammer

Word » Power of » A devouring flame