Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Bishop » An overseer, a supervisor
So, pay close attention to your [own] lives, and to all [members] of the flock [i.e., the congregation] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [i.e., elders, shepherds or pastors]. Provide [spiritual] food for the church of the Lord which He purchased by [shedding] His own blood.
Verse Concepts
[This letter is from] Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, [and is being sent] to all the saints [i.e., God's holy people] who are at Philippi [Note: This is a town in present-day northeastern Greece, and the first place in Europe where Paul established Christianity], along with the overseers [Note: These men were also called elders, shepherds or pastors] and deacons.
Verse Concepts
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching. [He must] not be a drunkard or a fighter, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means. [He must] manage his own family well and, with dignity, keep his children in subjection [or, "respectful"]. read more.
For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how will he be able to take care of the church of God? [He must] not be a new convert or else he could become conceited [i.e., over being in a leadership position] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], or else he could fall into reproach [i.e., from worldly people] and [therefore] into the devil's trap.
For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how will he be able to take care of the church of God? [He must] not be a new convert or else he could become conceited [i.e., over being in a leadership position] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil. He must also have a good reputation among outsiders [i.e., non-Christians], or else he could fall into reproach [i.e., from worldly people] and [therefore] into the devil's trap.
The reason I left you in Crete [Note: This was an island in the Mediterranean Sea off the southern coast of Greece] was so you could set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city [i.e., where there was a church], as I directed you. [An elder must] not be guilty of just blame, [he must be] the husband of one wife, whose children are believers [Note: The word for "believers" may also be translated "faithful ones" or "trustworthy ones"], who have a reputation for not being wild or disobedient. As God's manager [of the church], an overseer must be free from just blame, not a drunkard, not a fighter [and] not in love with money. read more.
[He must be] hospitable, someone who loves what is good, sensible, upright, devout and self-controlled. [He must] hold on firmly to the trustworthy message, which is according to [our] teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort people with sound teaching and to convince those who contradict it. For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
[He must be] hospitable, someone who loves what is good, sensible, upright, devout and self-controlled. [He must] hold on firmly to the trustworthy message, which is according to [our] teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort people with sound teaching and to convince those who contradict it. For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Conscience » Whose conscience is defiled
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses].
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses].
Denial » Who denies the lord
But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly.
Verse Concepts
For certain men have secretly infiltrated [your ranks]; they are men who had been written about long ago that they should be judged [and condemned] for perverting the unearned favor of our God into [a license for] living unrestrained, indecent lives, and who deny [the identity and work of] our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Verse Concepts
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
Disobedience » Who is disobedient to God
When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. And the person who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the message and immediately welcomes it joyfully, but since he has such a shallow root, he lasts for [only] a short while. Then when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, immediately he falls away [from God]. read more.
And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.
And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.
Some of the seed that fell along the roadside represents where 'the word' was sown [i.e., preached]. When these people have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes away 'the word' which had been sown in them. And in the same way, some [of the seed] that was sown on rocky soil represented those who heard 'the word' and immediately accepted it gladly, but [since] they had such shallow roots, they continued on for [only] a little while. Then, when trouble and persecution arose over [obeying] 'the word,' immediately they stumbled [i.e., and fell away from God]. read more.
And other seeds represent those who are sown among thorns. These are people who heard 'the word,' but worry [over things] of the world, and the deceitfulness of material wealth, and the evil desires for other things entered their hearts and choked [the effectiveness of] 'the word,' so that it did not yield a crop [in their lives].
And other seeds represent those who are sown among thorns. These are people who heard 'the word,' but worry [over things] of the world, and the deceitfulness of material wealth, and the evil desires for other things entered their hearts and choked [the effectiveness of] 'the word,' so that it did not yield a crop [in their lives].
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
And He answered them, "Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites very well when he wrote [Isa. 29:13], 'These people honor me with their lips [i.e., by what they say], but their heart is far from [honoring] me. They are worshiping me for nothing because they are teaching principles which are [merely] the requirements of men.' You disregard the commandment of God and [yet] hang onto the traditions of men." read more.
And He said to them, "You are good at rejecting the commandment of God so you can keep your traditions.
And He said to them, "You are good at rejecting the commandment of God so you can keep your traditions.
And those people [represented by the seed falling] along side of the road are those who have heard the word [of God], but the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they do not believe it and receive salvation. And those people [represented by the seed falling] on rocky ground are those who, upon hearing the word [of God], accept it gladly, but since they have no root [system], they believe it for [only] awhile, and [then] in times of trial fall away [from God]. And those people [represented by the seed] that fell among thorns are the ones who have heard [the word], and as they go about their business, they become choked by worry, by money and by worldly pleasures, and produce no mature crop.
Jesus answered him, "If a person loves me, he will obey my teaching, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him [i.e., in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit]. The person who does not love me will not obey my teaching. And the message you are hearing is not mine, but belongs to the Father, who sent me.
false Doctrines » Teachers of, are described as » Covetous
And through greedy desires and deceptive words they will exploit you [for evil purposes]. But the judgment that they have had coming for a long time, will not delay, but will eventually awaken [i.e., arrive] to bring destruction upon them.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Fables » Not giving heed to fables
As I urged you to do when I was leaving Macedonia [See Acts 20:1ff], I want you to remain in Ephesus in order to urge certain people not to teach a different [i.e., false] doctrine, and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God's plan which is based on faith.
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth.
Hearing » What not to hear
As I urged you to do when I was leaving Macedonia [See Acts 20:1ff], I want you to remain in Ephesus in order to urge certain people not to teach a different [i.e., false] doctrine, and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God's plan which is based on faith.
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth.
Leaders » False shepherds, characteristics of » False teachers, warnings against
But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly.
Verse Concepts
If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness],
Verse Concepts
[Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].
Verse Concepts
They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
Verse Concepts
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven.
Verse Concepts
They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.'"
Verse Concepts
Ministers » When unfaithful » Described
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Rebuke » Rebuking others
Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith,
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith,
Religious » False shepherds, characteristics of » False teachers, warnings against
But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly.
Verse Concepts
If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness],
Verse Concepts
[Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].
Verse Concepts
They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
Verse Concepts
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven.
Verse Concepts
They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.'"
Verse Concepts
Sacrilege » Forbidden
If any person destroys God's Temple, God will destroy him. For God's Temple is holy [i.e., set apart for His service], and you people are His [holy] Temple.
Verse Concepts
You should serve as shepherds of God's flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Divine Teacher » FALSE » False, warnings against
But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly.
Verse Concepts
If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness],
Verse Concepts
[Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].
Verse Concepts
They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
Verse Concepts
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven.
Verse Concepts
They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.'"
Verse Concepts
teaching » Those that teach doctrines contrary to Christ’s
If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness], that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions, [and] continual wranglings between people with corrupt minds, who are deprived of the truth. They think that [professing] godliness is a way to obtain [financial] gain.
For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people. They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money. Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons." read more.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
[And] this testimony is true. [So], for this reason you should rebuke them severely, so that they will be sound in the faith, instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who reject the truth. Everything is pure [i.e., ceremonially acceptable] to the person who is pure [i.e., who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ], but to those who are [spiritually] corrupt, and do not believe [in Christ], nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [Note: This statement was intended to remove the physical restrictions imposed by the law of Moses]. These people claim to know God [as Savior], but they deny Him by their actions, so they are detestable and disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
As I urged you to do when I was leaving Macedonia [See Acts 20:1ff], I want you to remain in Ephesus in order to urge certain people not to teach a different [i.e., false] doctrine, and not to listen to legends or exhaustive lists of ancestors. These [only] serve to arouse speculations, rather than [promote] God's plan which is based on faith. But the goal of this instruction is [to] love [God and people] from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. read more.
Some people have strayed away from these things and have turned aside to useless discussions. They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
Some people have strayed away from these things and have turned aside to useless discussions. They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
FALSE » Shepherds » Teachers
But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly.
Verse Concepts
If anyone teaches a different doctrine [i.e., from what has been urged above], and does not agree to [proclaim the] sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to teaching that is godly [i.e., in harmony with godliness],
Verse Concepts
[Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].
Verse Concepts
They want to be teachers of the law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.
Verse Concepts
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.
Verse Concepts
They must be silenced [because] they are upsetting entire families by teaching things they should not be for the shameful purpose of making money.
Verse Concepts
Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven.
Verse Concepts
They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.'"
Verse Concepts