Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




Now to those people who are not married [Note: This probably refers to all unmarried people, and not just to widowers, as some think], or who are widows, I say it is [a] good [idea] for them to remain like me [i.e., single. See verse Verse ConceptsSinglenessVirginRemarriageGood ActivityUnmarriedRelationship TroublesStaying PositiveSex Before MarriageSame Sex MarriageNot Being AloneBeing Singlemarraige

Are you married? [If so], then do not separate [from your mate]. Are you unmarried? [If so], then do not look for a wife. Verse ConceptsAvoid DivorceUnmarriedMarriage KjvBeing Singlespousemarraigematrimony


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

It was God's purpose to bring us into being [spiritually] by the message of truth, so that we could become a kind of "firstfruits" of those He created. [Note: "Firstfruits" here suggests either that Christians are the best of all of God's creatures (Num. 18:12), or that they were the first to be converted, with many more to come]. Verse ConceptsBorn Again, Produced Byelection, to salvationBeing Born AgainAssurance, nature ofBirth, SpiritualGospel, Promises OfOrigins Of Spiritual LifeRegenerationSalvation, Nature OfNew Birth, The Means OfPredestination, Spiritual EventsBible, Names OfBible, Given ForReceiving God's WordMetaphorical FirstfruitsWhat God's Will IsExerciserebirth

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read "...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed"]. Verse ConceptsPassover lambFalse ReligionBook of lifeAtonement, ForeordainedThe BeastPredestined PeopleWhat Heaven Will Be LikePredestination, Of EventsNames And Titles For ChristBeing ForeordainedForeordained PlansOrderliness In SalvationBefore The BeginningChrist Was KilledWorshipping The Devil



Then the angel said to me [See 17:1; 18:1-2], "Write [this]: Those who are invited to the wedding reception of the Lamb are blessed." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." Verse ConceptsBabylonFeastingBanquets, Events CelebratedCelebrationsAngels as agents of judgmentAngels, as God's messengersGuestsHonestyLove FeastMarriage, Customs ConcerningWeddingsBlessed Through GodMarriage To GodWedding GuestsRomanceGay Marriage

And there will never be anything [morally] unclean allowed to enter it, nor any person who practices disgusting behavior [i.e., probably such sins as sexual perversion], or [any person] who is a liar. But the only ones [allowed there] are those [whose names are] recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Verse ConceptsAbominationsBook of lifeImperfection, And God's PurposesGod's Intolerance Of EvilPunishment, By GodSin, God's Judgment OnLamb Of GodWhat Heaven Will Be LikeCitizens, HeavenlyExclusionCitizenshipPurity Of New CreationBenefits Of HeavenDefilementgays

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues [i.e., judgments, See 15:1], came and spoke to me, saying, "Come here, [and] I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." Verse ConceptsNames And Titles For The ChurchSeven SpiritsSeven ThingsEnd Of ActionsMarriage To God

And when He had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb [i.e., to worship Him]. Each one of them held [in his hands] a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints [See Psa. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4]. Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

For the Lamb, who is at the center of the throne, will be their Shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Verse ConceptsEyes, Used In PropheciesdiseasesBereavement, God's Comfort inFountainsGuidance, God's Promises OfKnowing God, Effects OfRest, EternalWellsTearsWhat Heaven Will Be LikeFountains Of LifeMetaphorical SpringsGod Will ComfortWells, Figurative Use

And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. [The words were], "Your deeds are great and marvelous, O Lord, God Almighty; your ways are just and true, O King of the nations [or, "ages"]. Verse ConceptsGod, Righteousness OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsKingship, DivineMoses, Significance OfServanthood, In Life Of BelieversSongsNames And Titles For ChristThe AlmightyGod Reigning ForeverComposersGod Doing RightDoing RightSlaves Of GodWhat God Does

Show 8 more verses
And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [were inscribed on them]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem

And they called out to the mountains, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of God, who sits on His throne, and from the anger of the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFace Of GodPainSuicideThroneLamb Of GodGod Sitting In GloryStones For ProtectionBeing Hidden From GodHidden From GodEnd Timeswrathhidingrevelationjumping

And I looked, and there in front of me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand persons, with the Lamb's name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. Verse ConceptsForeheadsGuaranteeZion, As A SymbolWhat Heaven Will Be LikeGlorified SaintsThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritOne Hundred Thousand And MoreWriting On PeopleFather And Son AlikeRelationship Of Father And SonCalled By God's Name144,000

Then I saw a Lamb, looking like it had been killed. He was standing in the center of the throne, surrounded by the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. He has seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See 1:4], sent throughout the entire earth. Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

Then I saw another [i.e., a second] beast coming up from the earth. He had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. Verse ConceptsSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InHorns In AllegoryCosmic CreaturesTwo Of Body PartsThe False ProphetThe Second Coming

After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. And they called out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation comes from [or, "belongs to"] our God, who sits on His throne, and from [or, "to"] the Lamb."

But I did not see a Temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the city's Temple. And the city does not need the sun or the moon to illuminate it, for the splendor of God provides the light for it, and its lamp is the Lamb.


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read "...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed"]. Verse ConceptsPassover lambFalse ReligionBook of lifeAtonement, ForeordainedThe BeastPredestined PeopleWhat Heaven Will Be LikePredestination, Of EventsNames And Titles For ChristBeing ForeordainedForeordained PlansOrderliness In SalvationBefore The BeginningChrist Was KilledWorshipping The Devil




And there will never be anything [morally] unclean allowed to enter it, nor any person who practices disgusting behavior [i.e., probably such sins as sexual perversion], or [any person] who is a liar. But the only ones [allowed there] are those [whose names are] recorded in the Lamb's book of life. Verse ConceptsAbominationsBook of lifeImperfection, And God's PurposesGod's Intolerance Of EvilPunishment, By GodSin, God's Judgment OnLamb Of GodWhat Heaven Will Be LikeCitizens, HeavenlyExclusionCitizenshipPurity Of New CreationBenefits Of HeavenDefilementgays

Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues [i.e., judgments, See 15:1], came and spoke to me, saying, "Come here, [and] I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." Verse ConceptsNames And Titles For The ChurchSeven SpiritsSeven ThingsEnd Of ActionsMarriage To God

For the Lamb, who is at the center of the throne, will be their Shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Verse ConceptsEyes, Used In PropheciesdiseasesBereavement, God's Comfort inFountainsGuidance, God's Promises OfKnowing God, Effects OfRest, EternalWellsTearsWhat Heaven Will Be LikeFountains Of LifeMetaphorical SpringsGod Will ComfortWells, Figurative Use

And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. [The words were], "Your deeds are great and marvelous, O Lord, God Almighty; your ways are just and true, O King of the nations [or, "ages"]. Verse ConceptsGod, Righteousness OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsKingship, DivineMoses, Significance OfServanthood, In Life Of BelieversSongsNames And Titles For ChristThe AlmightyGod Reigning ForeverComposersGod Doing RightDoing RightSlaves Of GodWhat God Does

Show 8 more verses
And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [were inscribed on them]. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem

Then the angel [See 21:9] showed me the river of the water of life. It was crystal-clear as it flowed out of the throne of God and the Lamb, Verse ConceptsCrystalsAngels Helping UsTransparencyWater, As A Symbol Of LifeRiver Of LifeRiversRunning Water From GodwaterfallsA Quiet Life

And they called out to the mountains, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of God, who sits on His throne, and from the anger of the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFace Of GodPainSuicideThroneLamb Of GodGod Sitting In GloryStones For ProtectionBeing Hidden From GodHidden From GodEnd Timeswrathhidingrevelationjumping

And I looked, and there in front of me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand persons, with the Lamb's name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. Verse ConceptsForeheadsGuaranteeZion, As A SymbolWhat Heaven Will Be LikeGlorified SaintsThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritOne Hundred Thousand And MoreWriting On PeopleFather And Son AlikeRelationship Of Father And SonCalled By God's Name144,000

And there will no longer be any curse [in the city], and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there. And God's servants will serve Him, Verse Conceptsevil, victory overLambsService To GodRest, EternalSymbolsWork, And RedemptionWork, And RestLamb Of GodHeaven And Serving GodCleaningThe Curse Of The LawSlaves Of GodBenefits Of Heaven

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he called out in a loud voice to all the birds that fly in midair, "Come and be assembled together for the great supper of God, Verse ConceptsBirds Of PreyShout Of GodAngels Doing God's WorkControlling Sun Moon And Stars

After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. And they called out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation comes from [or, "belongs to"] our God, who sits on His throne, and from [or, "to"] the Lamb."

But I did not see a Temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the city's Temple. And the city does not need the sun or the moon to illuminate it, for the splendor of God provides the light for it, and its lamp is the Lamb.


After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture

Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, and the sound of much rushing water, and great rolling thunder. They shouted, "Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God Almighty rules. Verse ConceptsBabylonGod, Power OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsPraise, Manner And Methods OfShoutingThunderGod's OmnipotenceThe AlmightyGod, InfiniteMultitudesMany In The ChurchThings Like WaterLike WaterPraise The Lord!Gay MarriagewaterfallsThunder Showing God's Presence


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, Verse ConceptsAtonementGiving, Of OneselfAtonement, Redemption ByAudiencesAtonement, in NTLanguagesHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMarketsNationalismRansomRedemption, In NtValuesWorthinessThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsA New SongAll LanguagesBooks In ProphecyChrist Was KilledThe Gospel To The Nationsrevelationredeemed



After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands. Verse ConceptsMultitudesGentiles, In NtCrowdsAn Innumerable NumberBranches, Types OfAudiencesLanguagesNationalismRobesStandingWhiteGlorified SaintsMany In The ChurchWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsAll LanguagesThe Gospel To The NationsEvangelism During The TribulationGreat White Throne JudgmentLanguageColorRaceculture

Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, and the sound of much rushing water, and great rolling thunder. They shouted, "Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God Almighty rules. Verse ConceptsBabylonGod, Power OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsPraise, Manner And Methods OfShoutingThunderGod's OmnipotenceThe AlmightyGod, InfiniteMultitudesMany In The ChurchThings Like WaterLike WaterPraise The Lord!Gay MarriagewaterfallsThunder Showing God's Presence


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

And they sang a new song [which went like this]: "You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, Verse ConceptsAtonementGiving, Of OneselfAtonement, Redemption ByAudiencesAtonement, in NTLanguagesHeaven,  Redeemed CommunityMarketsNationalismRansomRedemption, In NtValuesWorthinessThe Act Of OpeningOpening DocumentsA New SongAll LanguagesBooks In ProphecyChrist Was KilledThe Gospel To The Nationsrevelationredeemed




These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity



I now want to reply to the matters you people wrote me about. It is [a] good [idea] for a man not to get married. [Note: The words "to get married" here are "to touch" in the Greek and probably refer to sexual relations within marriage. This advice, not a prohibition, is further explained in verses 26-35]. Verse ConceptsAsceticism, TypesSexualitySinglenessCelibacyCourtingNot TouchingWriting LettersGood ActivityNot MarryingsexRelationships With BoyfriendMarriage Between Man And WomanGodly WomanSexual ImmoralityRelationships And DatingMarriage KjvA Good WomanSex Before MarriageA Good ManMan And WomanBeing SingleStruggles In RelationshipA Good Husbanddistractionsmarraigewomanmatrimonywomanhood

to be sensible, [morally] pure, [good] homemakers, kind [and] in subjection to their own husbands, so that God's message will not be spoken against. Verse ConceptsBeing A WifeDiscretionKindnessOrder In The HomePurity, Moral And SpiritualWives, Duties OfWomen WorkingConfidentialityGodly WomanWomen's RolesA Good Womanmothering


And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb.

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity



These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity



I now want to reply to the matters you people wrote me about. It is [a] good [idea] for a man not to get married. [Note: The words "to get married" here are "to touch" in the Greek and probably refer to sexual relations within marriage. This advice, not a prohibition, is further explained in verses 26-35]. Verse ConceptsAsceticism, TypesSexualitySinglenessCelibacyCourtingNot TouchingWriting LettersGood ActivityNot MarryingsexRelationships With BoyfriendMarriage Between Man And WomanGodly WomanSexual ImmoralityRelationships And DatingMarriage KjvA Good WomanSex Before MarriageA Good ManMan And WomanBeing SingleStruggles In RelationshipA Good Husbanddistractionsmarraigewomanmatrimonywomanhood

to be sensible, [morally] pure, [good] homemakers, kind [and] in subjection to their own husbands, so that God's message will not be spoken against. Verse ConceptsBeing A WifeDiscretionKindnessOrder In The HomePurity, Moral And SpiritualWives, Duties OfWomen WorkingConfidentialityGodly WomanWomen's RolesA Good Womanmothering


And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of much rushing water, and like the sound of loud thunder. And the sound I heard was like people playing their harps. And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. read more.
They were found not to be liars; [for] they were without just blame.

These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity

Now I have no command from the Lord concerning [what you wrote about] unmarried women. [Note: The word here is "virgins" but some think it includes both males and females]. But I give my advice as someone who has received the Lord's mercy to be counted trustworthy. Verse ConceptsFaithfulness, Examples OfOpinionsReceiving God's MercyGod's OrdersBeing Singlevirginity

But [another] man, who has a conviction in his heart [about the matter], and does not feel it is necessary [to get married], but has control over his will [i.e., his sexual passion], and has made up his mind to keep [from marrying] his own virgin [fiancee] --- that man is doing the right thing [also]. Verse ConceptsIntelligenceUnmarriedPositive Thinkingactingsteadfastvirginity

And I looked, and there in front of me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand persons, with the Lamb's name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of much rushing water, and like the sound of loud thunder. And the sound I heard was like people playing their harps. And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. read more.
These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. They were found not to be liars; [for] they were without just blame.


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity


These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity


"Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom's home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party] Five of the bridesmaids were foolish and five were sensible. The foolish ones did not take enough olive oil for their lamps with them, read more.
but the sensible ones took [extra] oil in containers, along with their lamps.