Thematic Bible: Should be


Thematic Bible




This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsSpirit, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Nature OfSpiritual Life, Described ByLiving For The MaterialChrist PreachingValidly Like GodLiving The Life



It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. Verse ConceptsDeath, Of BelieverseagernessDevotion To GodBoldness, Comes FromHope, Results OfNot AshamedBraveryHope Regarding BelieversLife And DeathNot Put To ShameHope For The Righteousholy BoldnessCourage And StrengthBoldnessLoss Of A Loved Oneexpectations


So, do not allow [the practice of] sin to rule your mortal bodies, so that you obey its desires. And do not offer the parts of your bodies [i.e., hands, eyes, etc. See Matt. 5:29-30] as tools for [accomplishing] evil purposes; but [instead] offer yourselves to God, as [people who are] alive from the dead [i.e., no longer under the power of sin] and the parts of your bodies as tools for [accomplishing] righteous purposes for God.






But Jesus said to him, "Nobody who begins plowing [a field] and then looks back [i.e., in regret for beginning such an arduous task] is suited for [serving in] the kingdom of God." Verse ConceptsCommitmentBacksliding, ResultsFaithfulness, To GodHesitationPloughingQuittingWorthinessBeing DevoutLooking BackwardCares Of This WorldIndecisionMoving ForwardPloughmenJudgement On BackslidersBackslidingSingle MindednessWorth

that we would be delivered from the [destructive] hand of our enemies and [then] serve Him without fear Verse ConceptsFearRescueBeing DevoutGod Saving From EnemiesFreed From FearOvercoming Enemies

Finally then, brothers, we request and urge you, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, that you should live [dedicated lives] and please God. Just as you people received direction from us [on doing this], see that you [continue to] do it more and more. Verse ConceptsCommitment, to Godethics, incentives towardsAskingPleasing GodWatchfulness, Of LeadersBeing DevoutAbounding, Good ThingsGrowth In GraceLast WordsEncouraging One AnotherEncouraging Othersencouraginguplifting






Then some [parents] were bringing [their] little children to Jesus so He could touch them [i.e., to bestow a blessing on them], but His disciples spoke harshly to these parents [for doing this]. But when Jesus saw it, He was moved with [righteous] indignation, and said to them, "Allow these little children to come to me and stop trying to prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such [humble ones. See Matt. 18:4]. Truly I tell you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God as a little child does, that person will by no means enter it." read more.
Then He lifted up the children into His arms, and placing His hands on them, He asked God's blessing on them.


But [Prov. 25:21-25 says], "Feed your enemy if he is hungry; give him something to drink if he is thirsty. For when you do this, it will be [like] heaping burning coals on his head." [i.e., it can cause him burning shame that can lead to his repentance and ultimate forgiveness]. Verse ConceptsForgiveness, Application Ofethics, socialenemies, of believersHeadsHospitality, Shown ToReward, HumanEnemies, Christian Response ToHospitalityCoal, Metaphorical UseDuties To EnemiesBurning PeoplePeople Providing FoodTurning The Other CheekEnemiesGod Quenching Our ThirstForgiving Others Who Hurt YouFeeding The Poorhunger



Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me]." And when he said this he fell asleep [in death]. Verse ConceptsIntercessionPraying LoudlyAttitudes, in prayerKneelingParticipation, In SinPeace, Believers Experience OfPrayer, For OthersSleep, And DeathIntercessory PrayerEnemies, Christian Response ToGod Forgive!Martyrdom




You slaves should obey your earthly masters in everything, [and] do not do it just when they are looking [at you], or to gain their favor, but do it with a sincere heart, out of reverence for the Lord. Verse Conceptsethics, personalMen PleasersLordship, Human And DivinePopularityReverence, And Social BehaviourReverence, And ObedienceServants, BadServants, GoodEmployeesPopularity SoughtSingleness Of HeartBeing Seen By ManSlavesObeying PeopleThe Fear Of The Lord




You slaves should obey your earthly masters in everything, [and] do not do it just when they are looking [at you], or to gain their favor, but do it with a sincere heart, out of reverence for the Lord. Verse Conceptsethics, personalMen PleasersLordship, Human And DivinePopularityReverence, And Social BehaviourReverence, And ObedienceServants, BadServants, GoodEmployeesPopularity SoughtSingleness Of HeartBeing Seen By ManSlavesObeying PeopleThe Fear Of The Lord















Therefore, you must submit [to the authorities], not only because of [the threat of] punishment, but also for the sake of [your] conscience. Verse Conceptsethics, socialLeaders, PoliticalBe Subject To PeopleRespecting Authorityconscience



[So], pay everyone what you owe them; pay taxes to the tax collector; pay revenue to the revenue collector; show respect to the one deserving it; give honor to the one deserving it. Verse ConceptsBeing In DebtAuthority, of human institutionsHuman Authority, Christian ResponseTaxationTributesCitizenshipHonour The HonourableTax To Be PaidRespectRespecting ParentsRespecting Authoritytaxes

First of all, then, I urge you to offer [special] requests, prayers, intercessions [Note: "Intercessions" probably refers to praying on behalf of others], and thanksgivings for all people. [Offer them] for kings and for all people in prominent [governmental] positions, so that we can live a peaceful and quiet life in all reverence [toward God] and respectability [toward people].




[But] Paul answered, "What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?" Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfAfflicted Saints, Examples OfeagernessMartyrdom, Qualities OfReadinessSelf DenialShepherds, As Church LeaderWeepingLove Towards Christ, The Nature OfMartyrdom Of The SaintsLove For GodMartyrdom, Believers Attitude TowardsDeath Of God's PeopleEvangelismBreaking Chainsjerusalem






For this reason, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. [Note: This suggests that her forgiveness was the result of her loving, but the point Jesus makes better fits the idea that her forgiveness produced love]. But the person who is forgiven of little [i.e., of only a few sins], loves [only] a little bit." Verse ConceptsLove Towards Christ, The Nature OfLove For GodReceived OutcastsGod Has ForgivenNot Loving GodForgivenessLove And Forgiveness





To all those people who live by this rule, may there be peace and mercy [from God] in their lives; that is, upon [those people who are truly] God's "Israel" [i.e., the church]. Verse ConceptsBenedictionsNames And Titles For The ChurchChurch, Titles OfOld Testament People As TypesReceiving God's MercyPeace And Comfort

May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus. Verse ConceptsMercy, Of Jesus ChristGod Will Show MercyPurgatoryministering

[It is being sent] to Timothy, my true son in the faith [i.e., in the realm of Christianity, not in a physical sense]. May you have unearned favor, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Verse ConceptsFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsBenedictionsThe FaithChildren In The FaithChrist Is LordGrace Be To YouThe FatherTrust In RelationshipsFather And Daughter RelationshipsMercy And Gracefatherhoodsonship







[We did this], not because we did not have a right [to support], but so we could become an example for you to imitate. Verse ConceptsImitatingMinisters, Should BeImitating Good PeopleExample Of Believers



And so, since we have such deep affection for you, we were very pleased to share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. Verse ConceptsMentoringCommitment, to God's peopleLove, For One AnotherUnity, Of God's PeopleValuesMinisters, Should BeMinisters, Way They Should TeachAffection For God's PeopleThe Gospel PreachedLove Exists Between PeopleSharing

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God's unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel's truth]. Verse ConceptsFellowship, In The GospelFellowship, Among BelieversConfirmationFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsChainsdefence, humanDefenseGrace, And Christian LifeParticipation, In ChristSympathyMinisters, Description OfMinisters, Should BePartakersThe Gospel PreachedThe Grace Given To MenGod's GracePositive Thinkingpartnershipgrandmasevangelising

For you know that we treated each one of you like a father treats his own children, exhorting you, and comforting you, Verse ConceptsSpiritual FathersPeople Encouraging OthersFathers Loving CareEncouragementencouraginguplifting


[And] we were not looking for honor from people, either from you or from anyone else, even though, as apostles of Christ, we could have become a burden [to you]. [Note: The idea seems to be that the apostles could have claimed financial support, but chose not to]. Verse ConceptsApostles, Authority In ChurchCommendationAttention SeekersMinisters, Should BeMen PleasersSeeking Honourdignity









It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die. For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.




Be attentive to these things [i.e., all of the foregoing]; be involved in [practicing] them, so that your progress [in the ministry] will be evident to everyone. Verse ConceptsGiving, Of OneselfeagernessProgressSpiritual VitalityGrowing SpirituallySpiritual ProgressPeople ImprovedStudyingBeing Yourselfpracticeimprovement


Deacons should be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own family affairs well. Verse ConceptsLove, In RelationshipsMonogamyAuthority Of DisciplesMarriage ControlledWifeFamily FirstMoney ManagementA Good Husband













But I work out and get my body in shape [i.e., spiritually], so that after preaching to other people, I myself do not become disqualified [i.e., for winning the prize from God. See verse 24]. Verse ConceptsLicentiousnessCastawaysBodyAsceticism, TypesLustMortificationSelf DisciplineConduct, ProperDietsMinisters, Should BeBeating OneselfMaking SlavesslaveryRacetrainingmyself

I solemnly urge you, in the presence of God, and Christ Jesus and the elect [i.e, chosen] angels, that you obey these instructions without showing prejudice [toward anyone], or doing anything out of partiality. Verse ConceptsFavouritismethics, socialequalityElection, Description OfSolemn ChargesMinisters, Should BeAngels, DescriptionPartialityMen's Orders





Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to. Verse ConceptsCommitment, to GodHeart, And Holy SpiritTeachingThanksgivingRenewed HeartObedience To GodThanksgiving, OfferedObeying The GospelSubject To EvilAll Have SinnedThank God!doctrine




So then, my dear ones, just as you people were always obedient [to my teaching] when I was there with you, so now, in my absence [also], be [obedient] all the more. [Continue to] complete your own salvation [i.e., by living faithfully to the end. See Rom. 13:11] with fear and trembling [i.e., with a reverent and submissive spirit], Verse ConceptsWhat Christian Should Do AlwaysCommitment, to Jesus Christethics, and graceGrowthFearProgressTremblingObedience To GodGone AwayObeying The GospelSaving OneselfWorks Of FaithIn Men's PresenceFear God!ObedienceAbsenceExerciseWorrying About The FutureHard Work And Perseveranceobeyingreverence








[May these qualities be attributed] to the only God and our Savior, through [the person and work of] Jesus Christ our Lord, before [the beginning of] time [as well as] now and forever. May it be so. Verse ConceptsPoweradorationdominion




And after the reading of the law of Moses and [the writings of] the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent [word] to Paul and Barnabas, saying, "Brothers, if you [men] have any message that will exhort [or encourage] the people, you may speak." Verse ConceptsReadingLiteracySynagogueReading The ScripturesExhort OthersStudying The LawUse Of The ScripturesWritten In The ProphetsEncouragementMotivationReading The Bibleencouraginguplifting







Jesus said to him, "It is also written [Deut. 6:16], 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Verse ConceptsTemptation, ResistingTestingTesting GodNew Testament Claiming Old Testament Is InspiredTemptationResisting Temptationexams


"Every person therefore, who hears these words of mine and obeys them will be like the sensible person who built his house on a [foundation of] rock. Verse ConceptsWisdom, Source Of HumanSpiritual FoundationsStones For ProtectionHearing ChristDoing God's WorksThe Work Of The Wise

But you should not deceive yourselves by just listening [to God's word] instead of doing what the word teaches. Verse Conceptsethics, basis ofTheologyUnworldlinessHearing God's WordDeceiving OneselfOne's DeedsKeep The Commandments!DeceptionheroesCall To Action






because it is written [Lev. 11:44f], "You shall be holy [i.e., separated from sin] even as I am holy." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfGod, Perfection OfImitatingLaw, OtGod's NatureBe Holy For I Am HolyHoliness



And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers. Verse ConceptsHearingPreaching, Effects OfResponseThe Authority Of ScriptureSpeech, DivineThanksgiving, OfferedReceiving God's WordThose Who Had FaithMan's TeachingWe Thank GodGod's Work In UsAcceptanceThe Word Of GodBelieving In Yourself


They answered him, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search [the Scriptures], and you will see that no prophet will come from Galilee." [Note: They were probably referring to "the prophet" predicted to come by Moses. Deut. 18:15]. {{Most ancient manuscripts do not contain the section from 7:53 through 8:11, or else place it elsewhere in the book. Verse ConceptsJesus The Prophet

Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God's message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the presence of God. Verse ConceptsIntegrityCraftinessConsciences, Before OthersFaithfulness, In Human RelationshipsDeceit, Practice OfDeception, Christian Leaders Must NotHonestyMorality, And CreationRejecting ThingsRenunciationSecrecyWord Of GodTruthMinisters, Should Not BeMinisters, Way They Should TeachIntegrity, Examples OfReceiving God's WordAvoiding SecrecySpeaking TruthCommending OneselfEliminating ShameClear Consciences



If someone's gift is speaking, he should [be sure to] say only what God wants him to. If a person's gift is serving, he should do so by the strength provided by God [who supplies all such gifts]. This is so that, in using all gifts, God may be honored through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs honor and power forever and ever. May it be so. Verse ConceptsGlorifying GodGiving, Of TalentsAmenChannels Of TruthMotives, Importance OfWork, Divine And HumanAbility, God's PowerMinisters, Way They Should TeachBible, Names OfChrist GlorifiedEternal PraiseGod Giving StrengthServing PeopleGod Gives StrengthSpeaking As From Godthe Gifts of GodGlory of the The churchHelping OthersStrength, God Is OurspeakingPetsMinistryGuidance And StrengthHelping Others In NeedThe Power Of WordsenergyprovidingpeterdominionCall To Action

Therefore, you should put away [from you] all moral filth and overflowing wickedness and humbly receive the word [of God], planted within you [by the Holy Spirit. See John 16:8], which is capable of saving your souls. Verse ConceptsAcceptance, Of The GospeldrossdirtReformationSin, Avoidance OfAbility, Of God To SaveReceiving God's WordPollution ForbiddenBe Humble!Being HumbleMoralityHumility And Pridehumblenesswelcome


Therefore, when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered what He had said and they believed the Scriptures and the words Jesus had spoken. Verse ConceptsFaith, Origins OfRememberingUnderstandingBelieving ProphetsChrist Would RiseDiscipleshipJesus Death











However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God's ownership and a commitment to Him]: "The Lord knows those who are His people," [See Num. 16:5], and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness." [See Isa. 36:13]. Verse ConceptsGod, All knowingIniquity, Believer's Relation ToFoundationsConfidence, God's CallingHoliness,  Worldly SeparationInscriptionsRepentance, Examples OfSealsUniquenessSpiritual FoundationsChrist's Knowledge Of BelieversIn The Name Of ChristAvoiding EvilGod Knowing His Peoplefootball













We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer. Verse ConceptsFruit, SpiritualAbolitionThe Sin NatureThe New Man In ChristPutting Off The Old ManSelfishnessUnselfishnessThe Human BodyDying With ChristCrucifying Our FleshOld NatureDestruction Of Satan's WorksDead To SinContinuing In SinOur CrucifixionSubject To EvilIdentityIdentity In Christrebirth

























So then, we should not be [spiritually] asleep, like the rest [i.e., the unsaved world], but we should be alert and sober [i.e., in control of our senses]. Verse ConceptsConformityBeing PreparedNightOrderliness In Personal DevotionSobrietyDrugs, Illegal NarcoticsSleep, Warnings AgainstAttitudes While Waiting For Second Comingawakeningothers


But you should be alert at all times, offering earnest prayers, so that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen, and to appear [acceptable] in front of the Son of man [on that day]." Verse ConceptsAcknowledging GodWhat Christian Should Do AlwaysBeing PreparedEscaping, Spiritual ThingsBeing AwakePrayerfulnessWatchfulness, Of BelieversAnswered PromisesUnceasingAlways Being ActiveSeeking God's StrengthEscaping EvilEverything Happening For A ReasonPrayer During Hard TimesPraying





"You should pay attention; be alert and pray, for you do not know when the time will come [i.e., for the Lord to return]. Verse ConceptsWatchfulness, Of BelieversIgnorance Of Christ’s ReturnTaking HeedThe Time UnknownPersistence





[So], if any woman believer has widows [in her family], she should take care of them and not require the church to be burdened, so that it can take care of the true widows [i.e., destitute ones]. Verse ConceptsBelieversMoney, Stewardship OfPoverty, Remedies ForLove Between RelativesRemoving BurdensPeople HelpingEach Local Church


[But] do not put a widow on the list [i.e., of people being helped by the church. See Acts 6:1] who is under sixty years old. [And she must] have been the wife of one man, Verse ConceptsFaithfulness, In Human RelationshipsWidows, Should BeMarriage ControlledSecond MarriageWomen's RolesBeing Single