Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. Verse ConceptsCommendationRulersSecurityTaxationMagistratesFear Is DueFearDoing The Right ThingBeing ScaredRespecting Authoritybehaviorterrorism

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience.

The people of Israel and Judah have made me furious because they are evil. The people, their kings and officials, their priests and prophets, and the Judeans and those who live in Jerusalem have turned their backs, not their faces to me. I taught them again and again, but they refused to listen and learn. They set up their detestable idols in the Temple that is called by my name, and they dishonored it. read more.
In the valley of Ben Hinnom they built worship sites for Baal to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech. I did not ask them to do this. It never entered my heart (mind). I did not make Judah sin.' You have said this about the city: Because of wars, famines, and plagues it will be handed over to the king of Babylon. Jehovah the God of Israel says:

But as for you who forsake Jehovah and forget my holy mountain, which spread a table for the God of Fortune (Babylonian diety) and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter! I called but you did not answer. I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: My servants will eat, but you will go hungry. My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty. My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame! read more.
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. You will leave your name to my chosen ones as a curse. The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name.

This is what Jehovah says: Heaven is my throne. Earth is my footstool. Where can you people build a house or resting place for me? I have made all these things. That is why all these things have come into being, declares Jehovah. I will pay attention to those who are humble and sorry for their sins and who tremble at my word. Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person. Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog's neck. Whoever offers a grain sacrifice is like someone who offers pig's blood. Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol. People have certainly chosen their own ways, and they delight in detestable things. read more.
Therefore I will choose harsh treatment for them and bring on them what they fear. I called, but no one answered. I spoke, but they did not listen. They did what I consider evil. They chose what I do not like.

I know that after I die you will become thoroughly corrupt and turn from the way I have commanded you to live. In the days to come disasters will happen to you because you will make Jehovah furious by doing what he considers evil. Verse ConceptsCorruption, CausesGod's WaysProvoking GodSin, Nature OfKnowing Beforehand

Jehovah said through his servants the prophets: Manasseh king of Judah committed detestable sins. He did more evil than all the Amorites before him. He enticed Judah to do evil with his false gods. Because of this,' says Jehovah the God of Israel: 'I will send such evil on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of all who hear of it will burn. read more.
The line of Samaria and the weight of Ahab will be stretched over Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be washed clean as a plate is washed, and turned over on its face. I will discard the rest of my heritage. I will give them into the hands of their enemies. They will take their property and their goods for themselves. Because they have done evil in my eyes. They moved me to anger from the day their fathers came out of Egypt till this day.' Even more, Manasseh killed many innocent men. He filled Jerusalem from one end to the other with blood. He also caused Judah to sin and do evil in the eyes of Jehovah.

Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what Jehovah our God considered evil. They deserted him. They turned away from Jehovah's tent and turned their backs on him. They also shut the doors of the temple's entrance hall. They extinguished the lamps, and did not burn incense or sacrifice burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel. Jehovah was angry with Judah and Jerusalem. He made them something that shocks and terrifies people and that people ridicule, as you can see with your own eyes. read more.
Our fathers were killed in battle. Our sons, daughters, and wives are prisoners because of this.

When they had rest, they did evil again before you: so you gave them into the hands of their enemies who ruled over them. When they came back and prayed to you, you listened to them from heaven; again and again, in your mercy, you gave them salvation. You admonished them so that you might make them come back again to your law. Their hearts were lifted up, and they paid no attention to your orders. They went against your life giving decisions and turned their backs on you. They were stubborn and did not listen. You put up with them for years. You admonished them by your Spirit through your prophets. Still they did not listen. So you gave them up into the hands of the peoples of the lands. read more.
Even then, in your great mercy, you did not put an end to them completely, or give them up; for you are a God of grace (loving-kindness) and mercy.

Jehovah says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: Break up your unplowed fields, and do not plant among thorns. Be circumcised by Jehovah, and get rid of the foreskins of your hearts (cleanse your hearts), people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. If you do not, my fury will blaze like a fire. It will burn, and no one will be able to put it out. This is because of the evil you do.

Jehovah spoke his word to me. Jehovah asked: Nation of Israel, can I do with you as this potter does with clay? Nation of Israel, You are in my hands like the clay in the potter's hands. At one time I may threaten to tear up, break down, and destroy a nation or a kingdom. read more.
However if the nation that I threatened turns away from doing wrong. Then I will change my plans about the disaster I planned to do to it. At another time I may promise to build and plant a nation or a kingdom. If that nation does what I consider evil and does not obey me I will change my mind about the good that I promised to do to it.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.


Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

Tell us what you think? Is it lawful to pay the poll tax to Caesar, or not? Jesus perceived their wickedness. He said: Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. They brought a penny (denarius) to him. read more.
He asked: Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's, they said. Then he said: Pay Caesar the things that are Caesar's. Pay God the things that are God's.


Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it is to the king, or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do good. It is God's will that you do the right things and that this will silence the ignorance of foolish men. read more.
Be free, and yet do not use your freedom for a covering for evil, but as servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Reverence and respect God. Honor the king.

Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it is to the king, or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do good.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. Verse ConceptsCommendationRulersSecurityTaxationMagistratesFear Is DueFearDoing The Right ThingBeing ScaredRespecting Authoritybehaviorterrorism

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose.

Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some do, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. It is known that you are a letter of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on tablets of stone, but on tablets of flesh that are of the heart. read more.
We have such confidence through Christ toward God. We are not adequate by ourselves to account for anything. Our adequacy is from God. He also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant. This is a covenant not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.


You have heard it said, 'You should love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' (Leviticus 19:18) I say love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! You will then act as true children of your Father in heaven. He gives sunlight to both evil and good people. He sends rain for the just and the unjust.

Jehovah says: Stand by the way [of life] and see and ask for the ancient paths. Walk in the good way and you will find rest. But you said: We will not walk in it! Verse ConceptsGospel, Requirements OfGuidance, Need For God'sGod's WaysRest, SpiritualRestlessnessRejection Of God's CallObstinacy Against GodPaths Of RighteousnessOld ThingsLearning The Right WayGod Giving RestHighwaysPaths

Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. This should not be in the way of eye service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from a complete heart; with goodwill doing service, as to God, and not to men. read more.
You know that whatever good thing each person does, the same shall he receive again from God, whether he be slave or free.

Do what is right and good in Jehovah's sight. Then you will be able to go in and possess this good land from your enemies, just as he promised your ancestors. Verse ConceptsOaths, DivineDoing RightDoing The Right ThingDoing Your Best

If you do good to those who do good to you what thanks do you have? Even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive what thanks do you have? Even sinners lend to sinners to receive again as much. Love your enemies and do good to them. Lend expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great. You will be sons of the Most High for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

They sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus. They said: Teacher we know you are truthful. You teach the way of God in truth. And you are not partial to the influence of men. Tell us what you think? Is it lawful to pay the poll tax to Caesar, or not? Jesus perceived their wickedness. He said: Why do you test me, you hypocrites? read more.
Show me the tribute money. They brought a penny (denarius) to him. He asked: Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's, they said. Then he said: Pay Caesar the things that are Caesar's. Pay God the things that are God's.

Teacher, they said, we know that you are truthful, and not concerned about what other people think. You truthfully teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay or should we not pay? Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them: Why do you test me? Show me a denarius. And they brought it. He said to them: Whose is this image and superscription? They said: Caesar's. read more.
Jesus said: Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. They greatly marveled at him.

Teacher, they said, we know that you are right in what you say and teach. You are not partial and do not play favorites. Rather you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not? He perceived their craftiness, and replied: read more.
Show me a denarius. Whose image and superscription does it have? They said, Caesar's. He said to them: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. read more.
He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose.