Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have been invested with Christ. There is no more Jew or Gentile, there is no more slave or freeman, there is no more male or female: but ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Then John addressing him said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbad him, because he followed not with us. And Jesus said to him, Forbid him not; for he that is not against us, is for us.

Then John addressed him, saying, Master, we saw a person in thy name casting out devils, who followeth us not: and we forbad him, because he did not follow us. Then said Jesus, Forbid him not: for there is no man who shall perform a miracle in my name, who will be able presently after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us, is for us. read more.
For whosoever shall give you even a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to the Messiah, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

If God then gave an equal gift to them even as to us, on believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; I, indeed, who was I, that I should be able to restrain God? So when they heard these things they were satisfied, and glorified God, saying, Well! then hath God even to the Gentiles given repentance unto life.

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren. read more.
Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them. But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol [sacrifices], and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell. They then being thus dispatched, came to Antioch: and assembling the multitude, they delivered the letter: and when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation [of it].

PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, (which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; made from the seed of David after the flesh, read more.
definitively marked out as the Son of God by miracle, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead: through whom we have received grace and apostolic mission among all nations for his name, to bring them to the obedience of faith: among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ. To all that are at Rome, beloved of God, called saints, grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Both to the Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the ignorant am I a debtor. So, as far as is in my power, I am desirous to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Wherefore by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before God: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets; the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference: read more.
for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath proposed as the propitiatory sacrifice through faith in his blood, in demonstration of his justice for the remission of past sins, through the patience of God; for a demonstration of his justice at this present time: that he might be just, though justifying him who is of the faith of Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what law? of works? No: but by the law of faith. We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law. Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.

BEING justified therefore by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have had an introduction through faith into this grace in which we have stood fast, and are rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of separation, destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; read more.
and coming, hath preached peace to you who were afar off, and to those who were nigh:

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Where there is no difference whether a man be Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or freeman: but Christ is all and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any man hath a complaint against another: even as Christ hath freely forgiven you, so also do ye. read more.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God set up its throne in your hearts, whereunto also ye have been called in one body; and be ye thankful.

destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace, Verse ConceptsNew ThingsLaws, AbolishedLaw, And GospelRitual LawRitualSalvation, Nature OfLaw, TemporaryAbolish, Evil ThingsAnnulmentTwo GroupsNew LifeChurch Distinct From IsraelMaking Peace With God


As many as wish to make a fair appearance in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. read more.
And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol [sacrifices], and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.


This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed:

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not affect uncircumcision. Is any man called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the observance of the commandments of God.

And even Titus, who was with me, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised: but this I did because of false brethren artfully introduced, who came to pry into our liberty which we hold in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

Behold, I Paul declare to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you. And again, I testify to every man who is circumcised, that he is under an obligation to keep the whole law. Ye have vacated all expectations from Christ, as many of you as are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. read more.
For we in spirit by faith expect the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith exerting its energy by love. Ye were running well: who hath hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not from him who called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole mass. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be no otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear condign punishment whosoever he be. But I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then indeed the offence of the cross is at an end.

Wherefore remember that ye in time past were Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

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in whom also ye have been circumcised with the circumcision not made with hands, by the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, through the circumcision of Christ: Verse ConceptsBeing Born AgainParticipation, In ChristRitualTypesNew Birth, Described AsForsaking SinGod Stripping PeopleLiving Not For The MaterialTrue CircumcisionRemoving People From Your Lifeefficiency

And they of the circumcision who were believers, as many as came with Peter, were amazed, because even on the Gentiles the gift of the holy Ghost was poured out. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

And when they knew the grace which was bestowed on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars [of the church], gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision: Verse ConceptsFellowship, In Christian ServiceFellowship, Among BelieversApostles, Function In Early ChurchGrace, And Christian LifePaul, Apostle To GentilesPillarsCompanionshipMissionary WorkMetaphorical PillarsBlessings For The Right HandThe Gospel To Jew And Gentilepartnership


And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him, Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalDisputes

This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. Verse ConceptsCouncil of JerusalemNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By Faith

and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow-labourers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me. Verse ConceptsFellow WorkersSuffering, Encouragements InCircumcision PartyPeople Encouraging OthersKingdom Of God



But as the lame man that was cured held fast Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them into the portico called Solomon's, in vast amazement. Then Peter observing it, addressed himself to the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why gaze ye upon us, as if by our own power or piety we had enabled this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. read more.
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and besought that a man, a murderer, might as a favour be given unto you; but ye slew the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses. And through faith in his name hath his name restored this man to strength, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the sight of you all.

We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law. Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. read more.
Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who pursued not after righteousness, have attained unto righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith. Verse ConceptsGospel, Promises OfJustice, In Believers' LivesImputed RighteousnessPursuing GoodForeigners Saved By FaithRighteous By FaithGentiles

And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." read more.
But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live." Now the law is not by faith: but "The man that doeth these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who is hanged on a tree:" that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

For by grace ye are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not by works, lest any man should boast; for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, for which God hath before prepared us, that we should walk therein.

NOW faith is the realizing confidence of the things hoped for, and the demonstration of things unseen: for thereby the ancients obtained a testimony of approbation. By faith we understand that the worlds were exactly formed by the word of God, so that the visible objects were not made out of things which now appear. read more.
By faith Abel offered unto God a sacrifice of more excellence than Cain, by which he received a testimony that he was a righteous man, God bearing witness upon his gifts: and by this, though dead, he still speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated, so as not to see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he was recorded to have been acceptable to God. But without faith it is impossible to be acceptable; for he must believe, who cometh unto God, that he exists, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned respecting things not yet seen, filled with reverential awe, prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. For he expected a city having foundations, of which God is the planner and architect. By faith also that very Sarah, who was barren, received ability for the conception of seed, and past the usual time of life brought forth a child, because she accounted that he who promised it, would be true to his promise.

For there is no difference between either Jew or Greek: for the same Lord of all is rich to all that call upon him. "For every one shall be saved, whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord."



Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

But I tell you, That every idle word which men speak, for it shall they give an account in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Know then that they who are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live." Now the law is not by faith: but "The man that doeth these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who is hanged on a tree:" that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law. Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith consummated. read more.
And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God." Observe therefore that by works a man is justified, and not by faith merely. But was not Rahab the harlot in like manner justified by works, when she entertained the messengers, and sent them away by a different road?






since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.

to those who are without law, as without law (not as being without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain those who were without law. Verse ConceptsJustification By FaithThe Law Of ChristWithout The LawStaying Strong And Not Giving UpStaying PositivePositive ThinkingNever Giving UpNot Being Alonelawactingfreeorderflexibilitychrist

We conclude therefore that by faith a man is justified, without works of law. Is he the God of the Jews only, and is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, verily, of the Gentiles also: since it is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. read more.
Do we then abolish the law through faith? God forbid: but on the contrary, we give the law stability.