Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



For as many of you who were baptized into Christ put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one (united) in Christ Jesus. (John 17:21) (Ephesians 4:4-6)

John said: Master we saw some one casting out demons in your name. So we prevented him from doing this because he does not follow us. Jesus said: Do not forbid him for he that is not against you is for you.

John spoke up: Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in your name. We tried to stop him because he does not follow us. But Jesus said: Do not stop him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. read more.
Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

Since God gave them the same gift as he gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could oppose God? When they heard this they objected no more and praised God, saying: God has granted the people of the nations repentance to life.

Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had an intense (harsh) dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question. The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes). So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter. When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed (set apart) for the good news of God, He promised this long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. This is about his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who came from the seed of David according to the flesh. read more.
He was declared to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, respecting his name. You are among those called to Jesus Christ. To all who are in Rome, beloved of God and called to be holy ones: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise. I am ready to preach the good news to you in Rome also. I am not ashamed of the good news; for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who exerts active faith (believes), to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

No flesh will be justified before God by works of the law. Knowledge of sin comes from the law. But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. God makes people righteous through their active faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all. read more.
For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God being justified freely by his grace (as a gift) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God displayed Christ publicly as propitiation (atonement) by his blood through faith. It demonstrated his righteousness. It was through the forbearance of God that he passed by the sins that had taken place before. It showed his righteousness at this present season that he might himself be righteous, and the justifier of he who has faith in Jesus. Where is the boasting? It is excluded. Is it by law? Is it by works? No, it is by a principle of faith. We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.

We are justified (acquitted) (made righteous) by faith. And we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have access to grace (God's favor) by faith through him. This is where we stand. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

For he is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle barrier of partition. Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. So he reconciled them both in one body to God through the stake. He put to death the enmity (antagonism) (hostility). read more.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near.

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There is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all and in all. As God's chosen, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness (humility), meekness (mildness), and long-suffering (patience). Tolerate (endure) (suffer) (put up with) one another, and forgive each other. If any man has a complaint against anyone, forgive them, even as God forgave you. read more.
Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection and unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful.

Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace. Verse ConceptsNew ThingsLaws, AbolishedLaw, And GospelRitual LawRitualSalvation, Nature OfLaw, TemporaryAbolish, Evil ThingsAnnulmentTwo GroupsNew LifeChurch Distinct From IsraelMaking Peace With God


Those who desire to make a showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised. This is done so they may not be persecuted for the stake of Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying

The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. read more.
God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes).


Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say: To Abraham his faith was counted for righteousness. How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision: He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had while he was not circumcised. That way he could be the father of all those who believe, though they are not circumcised, that righteousness might be counted to them.

Is any man called being circumcised? He should not become uncircumcised. Is any called who is not circumcised? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God.

Titus was with me and he was not persuaded to be circumcised. He is a Greek. This occurred because of the false brothers brought in secretly. They came to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus. This was so they might bring us into bondage.

Behold, I Paul say to you, that, if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision. He is under obligation to obey the whole Law. You who seek to be righteous by Law are separated from Christ. You have fallen away from grace. read more.
For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision means anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. You were running well! Who hindered you that you should not obey the truth? This persuasion did not come from him who calls you. A little leaven, leavens (ferments) the whole lump. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view. And he that troubles you will bear his judgment, who ever he is. But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then has the stumbling block of the stake been done away?

Remember that you were once people of the nations in the flesh. You are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision, in the flesh, made by human hands. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalBodyLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of Circumcision

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You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in 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

Those circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of Holy Spirit was also poured out on the people of the nations. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGenerosity, God'sBelieversPrejudiceAstonishmentThe Gentiles ConversionThe Holy Spirit Described As God's Gift

When they saw the grace that was given to me, James, Cephas (Peter) and John, they who were known to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship. We were to go to the nations and they were to go to the people who are circumcised. 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


When Peter went to Jerusalem, those who favored circumcision argued with him. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalDisputes

Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say: To Abraham his faith was counted for righteousness. Verse ConceptsCouncil of JerusalemNecessity Of CircumcisionRighteous By Faith

and Jesus that is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are my fellow-workers for the kingdom of God, men that have been comfort (encouragement) (consolation) to me. Verse ConceptsFellow WorkersSuffering, Encouragements InCircumcision PartyPeople Encouraging OthersKingdom Of God



The beggar held on to Peter and John while all the people came to them at the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this he spoke to the people: You men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you look at us as though our own power or holiness made this man walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus. You handed him over to Pilate. When he was determined to let him go you denied him. read more.
You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and requested a murderer to be released to you. You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this! This man you see and know was made strong by his faith in the name of Jesus. His faith has given him total healing in your presence.

We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. read more.
Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.

What shall we say? The nations did not pursue righteousness. Yet they have attained to righteousness, the righteousness that is based on the principle of faith. Verse ConceptsGospel, Promises OfJustice, In Believers' LivesImputed RighteousnessPursuing GoodForeigners Saved By FaithRighteous By FaithGentiles

The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: In you will all the nations be blessed. So then those who have faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. read more.
The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast. For we are his workmanship created with Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these works in advance that we should walk in them.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen. God approved of the men of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible. read more.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised.

For there is no difference between Jew and Greek. The same Lord (God) of all is abounding in riches for all who call on him. Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved. (Joel 2:32)


For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with a contemplative poem. God rules over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. The princes of the people have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham. For the rulers (shields) (protectors) of the earth belong to God! He has ascended to the heights.

Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.

I tell you there will be an account in the Judgment Day for every careless word that men say. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Abraham believed God and Jehovah considered his faith as his righteousness. (Genesis 15:6) You know that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: In you will all the nations be blessed. read more.
So then those who have faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.

Are you willing to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is useless (barren) (lifeless)? Was Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith acted with his works, and works made faith perfect (complete). read more.
The scripture was fulfilled which says: Abraham believed Jehovah and it was reckoned (imputed) (considered) (credited) to him for righteousness. He was called Jehovah's friend (Genesis 15:6) ( Isaiah 41:8). You see that a man is justified (declared and pronounced righteous) by works, and not by faith alone. Rahab the harlot was justified by her works. When she received the messengers she sent them out another way.






If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.

To those without Law I became like those without Law that I might gain them. I am not without law to God, but under the law to (toward) (of) Christ. Verse ConceptsJustification By FaithThe Law Of ChristWithout The LawStaying Strong And Not Giving UpStaying PositivePositive ThinkingNever Giving UpNot Being Alonelawactingfreeorderflexibilitychrist

We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. read more.
Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.