Thematic Bible: Worship


Thematic Bible







But when the leading priests and the experts in the law of Moses saw the wonderful things [i.e., miracles] He was performing and [heard] the children shouting in the Temple, "Hosanna to the son of David," [See note at verse 9], they were filled with anger [i.e., over the acclaim being given to Jesus]. Verse ConceptsChief priestsdiligenceResentment, Against GodScribesShoutingChildren And The KingdomAngry With ChristOpposition To Christ From ScribesSave Us!



And it happened after three days that they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the middle of the [Jewish] teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Verse ConceptsLearning MethodsAskingJudaismListeningSittingSitting At The FeetChrist EnquiringFinding PeopleChrist In The Temple

And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, [still] did not repent of what they had made with their hands [i.e., their idolatry]. They did not stop worshiping demons, and gold, silver, brass, stone and wooden idols, which can neither see, nor hear nor walk. Verse ConceptsDeafnessFalse ReligionDemons, Evil Work Ofdemons, Kinds ofGoldStonesWoodIdolatry Consists OfAtheism, Description OfBrassImpotence Of IdolsIdols Not SeeingIdol WorshipIdolatryUnhearingWorshipping The DevilWood And StoneBronze For IdolsRepentance





[Certainly not!] But I am saying that the Gentile sacrifices are [really] offered to evil spirits and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with evil spirits. Verse ConceptsAstrologyFalse ReligionPagansNations DescribedSacrificesDemonsSacrificeHalloweenpartnershipstatuesDemonic Influence

And they [all] worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast?" and "Who is able to wage war against him?" Verse ConceptsArmageddonFalse ReligionUnique CreaturesWorshipping The DevilReady For War

Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., "Lord." See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. [This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone's knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God], and that everyone's mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


For it is written [Isa. 45:23], "As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone's knee will bow before me, and everyone's mouth will confess to [or, praise] God." Verse ConceptsFeetKneelingPraiseTonguePraise To God Is Fittingconfessing


Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you. Verse ConceptsFeetSatan, As DeceiverSatanticKnowing About God's KingdomSatanJews

O Lord, who will not fear [you] and honor your name, for only you are holy? [So], all the nations will come and worship in front of you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfGlorifying GodMinistry, Nature OfReverence, And God's NatureUnity, God's Goal OfWorship, Reasons ForMan's Conduct Towards GodAweThe Gentiles ConversionGod Doing RightDoing RightGod's Deed RevealedThe Gospel To The NationsWorshipping GodFear God!














Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy." Verse ConceptsBabylonChristiansNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritBrotherhoodTestimoniesBowing To False GodsAngelsAngels Looking After PeopleProphesying In The ChurchSubsequent Witness To ChristWorship God!ProphecyGay Marriagetestimonygabriel

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who obey the words of this book. You should worship God."








When Peter entered [the house] Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet [and attempted] to worship him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, "I am just a man, myself."

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At Lystra they met a certain man sitting [on the street] who had a crippling handicap in his feet which he had suffered since birth. [It was so severe] he was never able to walk. As he listened to Paul, [the apostle] looked at him intently, perceiving that he had [enough] faith to be fully healed [of his lame condition], so he said loudly, "Stand straight up on your feet." And the man jumped up and began walking. read more.
And when the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the dialect of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in human form." So, they called Barnabas, "Zeus," and Paul "Hermes," because Paul was the principal speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance of the city, brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the gates [of the heathen temple], wanting to offer [animal] sacrifices on behalf of the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about what they were trying to do [to them], they tore their clothes [i.e., as an expression of frustration] and rushed over to the crowd and shouted, "Gentlemen, why are you doing these things? [Do you not know that] we are also human beings with the same kind of feelings that you have? And we are just bringing you the good news that you should turn away from these useless things [i.e., idol worship] and [turn] to the living God, who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. God allowed all nations to go their own way in past generations, and yet He did not leave them without evidence about Himself. He gave you good [things], brought rain from the sky, [provided] fruitful harvests and filled [your bodies] with food and your hearts with joy." And [even though] they said these things, it was difficult to restrain the crowds from offering [animal] sacrifices to them.

Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., "Lord." See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. [This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone's knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God], and that everyone's mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


For it is written [Isa. 45:23], "As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone's knee will bow before me, and everyone's mouth will confess to [or, praise] God." Verse ConceptsFeetKneelingPraiseTonguePraise To God Is Fittingconfessing


Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you. Verse ConceptsFeetSatan, As DeceiverSatanticKnowing About God's KingdomSatanJews

O Lord, who will not fear [you] and honor your name, for only you are holy? [So], all the nations will come and worship in front of you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfGlorifying GodMinistry, Nature OfReverence, And God's NatureUnity, God's Goal OfWorship, Reasons ForMan's Conduct Towards GodAweThe Gentiles ConversionGod Doing RightDoing RightGod's Deed RevealedThe Gospel To The NationsWorshipping GodFear God!




Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly "army" [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, "May there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God."


And they [i.e., the 144,000] were singing a new song in front of God's throne, and in front of the four living beings and the [twenty-four] elders. No one could learn [to sing] this song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand [See 7:4,9] who had been purchased from the earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

saying, "We thank you, O Lord God Almighty, who exists [in the present] and who existed [in the past], because you have taken your great power and have begun to rule. Verse ConceptsGod, Power OfGod, The EternalThanksgivingThanksgiving, OfferedThe AlmightyThe Existence Of GodGod Showed His PowerWe Thank GodThank YouBeing Grateful

And each of the four living beings had six wings [and] were covered with eyes all around them and [even] within them. And day and night they never stop saying, [Note: Some translations have "singing" here and at other places below], "Holy, holy, holy [is] the Lord God Almighty, who was [in the past] and who is [in the present] and who will come [in the future]." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfdoxologyNightSeraphimWingsWorship, Reasons ForGod, TrinityPraise, Should Be Offered ByThe AlmightyUnceasing PraiseThe Existence Of GodFour CreaturesSix ThingsUnceasingAlways PraisingInside And OutEyes In ProphecyFeet Of CreaturesThe Fact Of His ComingEyesCherubimPurgatoryrejuvenationAngelic Beings Praising God

Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says "myriads of myriads"]. They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], "The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise."

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the [twenty-four] elders and the four living beings. And they fell down on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, saying [See Note at 4:8], "May it be so; May there be praise and splendor and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. May it be so."

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all of you [who are] His servants, you who are the least significant and [also] the most important ones, who revere Him." Verse ConceptsBabylonPraise, Reasons ForSmallnessReverence To GodGod's VoiceGreat And SmallPraise The Lord!Slaves Of GodGay Marriage

Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy." Verse ConceptsBabylonChristiansNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritBrotherhoodTestimoniesBowing To False GodsAngelsAngels Looking After PeopleProphesying In The ChurchSubsequent Witness To ChristWorship God!ProphecyGay Marriagetestimonygabriel

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who obey the words of this book. You should worship God."


























And the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, [still] did not repent of what they had made with their hands [i.e., their idolatry]. They did not stop worshiping demons, and gold, silver, brass, stone and wooden idols, which can neither see, nor hear nor walk. Verse ConceptsDeafnessFalse ReligionDemons, Evil Work Ofdemons, Kinds ofGoldStonesWoodIdolatry Consists OfAtheism, Description OfBrassImpotence Of IdolsIdols Not SeeingIdol WorshipIdolatryUnhearingWorshipping The DevilWood And StoneBronze For IdolsRepentance





[Certainly not!] But I am saying that the Gentile sacrifices are [really] offered to evil spirits and not to God. And I do not want you to have fellowship with evil spirits. Verse ConceptsAstrologyFalse ReligionPagansNations DescribedSacrificesDemonsSacrificeHalloweenpartnershipstatuesDemonic Influence

And they [all] worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast?" and "Who is able to wage war against him?" Verse ConceptsArmageddonFalse ReligionUnique CreaturesWorshipping The DevilReady For War



























When He had come into the Temple, the leading priests and elders of the [Jewish] people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching]? And who gave you this authority?" Verse ConceptsChief priestsLeaders, SpiritualEntering The TempleChrist TeachingChrist In The TempleGod Appointing His SonResolving Conflict






Jesus then went to Nazareth where He had been brought up. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, according to His custom, and stood up to read [the Scriptures]. The book [i.e., actually a scroll] of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book and found the passage where it was written [Isa. 61:1f],








And again, when God sent the Firstborn One [i.e., Jesus. See Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5] into the world, He said [Deut. 32:43 LXX], "And all of God's angels should worship Him." Verse ConceptsFirstbornHeirsWorship, Of God AloneJesus Christ, Worship OfHeaven, Worshiping GodHeaven And AngelsChrist, Names ForWorshipping Christ


Suddenly Jesus met them and gave them greetings. They approached Him and took hold of His feet [and knelt] to worship Him. Verse ConceptsAdoration, Of ChristFeetGreetingsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesSalutationsMeeting GodWorshipping ChristSpoken Greetings


And the apostles worshiped Jesus, then returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Verse ConceptsWorship, Results OfWorship, Times Foradoration

And when He had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb [i.e., to worship Him]. Each one of them held [in his hands] a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints [See Psa. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4]. Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

And again, when God sent the Firstborn One [i.e., Jesus. See Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5] into the world, He said [Deut. 32:43 LXX], "And all of God's angels should worship Him." Verse ConceptsFirstbornHeirsWorship, Of God AloneJesus Christ, Worship OfHeaven, Worshiping GodHeaven And AngelsChrist, Names ForWorshipping Christ


Suddenly Jesus met them and gave them greetings. They approached Him and took hold of His feet [and knelt] to worship Him. Verse ConceptsAdoration, Of ChristFeetGreetingsResurrection Of Christ, AppearancesSalutationsMeeting GodWorshipping ChristSpoken Greetings


And the apostles worshiped Jesus, then returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Verse ConceptsWorship, Results OfWorship, Times Foradoration

And when He had taken the book, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb [i.e., to worship Him]. Each one of them held [in his hands] a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints [See Psa. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-4]. Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy." Verse ConceptsBabylonChristiansNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritBrotherhoodTestimoniesBowing To False GodsAngelsAngels Looking After PeopleProphesying In The ChurchSubsequent Witness To ChristWorship God!ProphecyGay Marriagetestimonygabriel

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. Verse ConceptsBowing To False GodsAngels

Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This "angel worship" could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God's messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason. Verse ConceptsAdoration, FalseFutilityThe Carnal MindDelighting, Wrong Kinds OfHealthMind, The HumanPrizesSelf DisciplineSyncretismHumility In The Christians LifeIdolatry Consists OfSelf AbasementArtificialnessLiving For The MaterialFalse VisionsEvil HeartsAngelsBe Humble!Evil AngelsAngels Not To Be WorshippedVolunteeringcheaterspietyrealityOccultism Being Forbidden


But Peter lifted him up, saying, "I am just a man, myself." Verse ConceptsUnbelief, Sourced InWorshiping Togethermyself

"Gentlemen, why are you doing these things? [Do you not know that] we are also human beings with the same kind of feelings that you have? And we are just bringing you the good news that you should turn away from these useless things [i.e., idol worship] and [turn] to the living God, who created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. Verse ConceptsAgnosticismConversion, nature ofCreation, Origin Ofethics, personalemptinessEarth, Creation OfGod, Living And Self sustainingGod, Uniqueness OfHeaven And EarthMission, Of The ChurchMonotheismNatureCreation Of The Physical HeavensRepentance, Nature OfSeaUniverseVanityCreation Of The SeasThe Gospel PreachedUseless IdolsLike People By NaturePeople Are The SameMere MenWhy Do Others Do This?Passion
















But when the leading priests and the experts in the law of Moses saw the wonderful things [i.e., miracles] He was performing and [heard] the children shouting in the Temple, "Hosanna to the son of David," [See note at verse 9], they were filled with anger [i.e., over the acclaim being given to Jesus]. Verse ConceptsChief priestsdiligenceResentment, Against GodScribesShoutingChildren And The KingdomAngry With ChristOpposition To Christ From ScribesSave Us!

I also send greetings to the church that meets in their house. Greetings to my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia [Note: This was a province in the western part of present-day Turkey]. Verse ConceptsChristiansChurchHousesProperty, HousesChurch, Description OfConverts To ChristianityPeople ConvertedFirst Among The GentilesGoing To Church

and to Apphia our sister [Note: This was probably Philemon's wife], and to Archippus our fellow-soldier [Note: This was probably Philemon's preacher son. See Col. 4:17] and to the church [that meets] in your house. Verse ConceptsMilitarysisterhood

Now, following His death on the cross [and resurrection], Jesus appeared alive [to His apostles] for forty days, and demonstrated by many convincing proofs [that He had been raised bodily from the dead]. [During that time] He also spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God. Verse ConceptsAlive, Description OfAssurance, basis ofHistoryKingdom Of God, Coming OfPersuasionProof, As EvidenceThe Number FortyJesus Christ, ResurrectionInfallible ProofsForty DaysMore Than One MonthThe Witness Of ChristProofsDuring The DayChrist Is RisenPassion

The churches in Asia send you their greetings [Note: This was the westernmost province in present-day Turkey]. Aquila and Prisca [Note: This married couple were close friends and fellow-tentmakers of Paul], along with the church that meets in their house, send you their warm greetings in [fellowship with] Christ. Verse ConceptsAssemblyChurchHospitality, Examples OfHousesProperty, HousesWomenChurch, Examples Of


[Dear] Theophilus, in my former letter [i.e., the Gospel of Luke] I wrote to you concerning what all Jesus did and taught since the beginning [of His ministry], Verse ConceptsBeginningFirst ActionsChrist TeachingBeginning To TeachIdentity In Christ


After thinking about the matter [for awhile], he decided to go to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where a large gathering [of Christians] was praying. Verse ConceptsAgreement, Before GodHousesPrayer, In The ChurchSleeplessnessPrayer MeetingsChurch GatheringsPraying TogetherPrayer During PersecutionIdentity

Greet the brothers who are at Laodicia, and Nympha, along with the church that meets in her house. Verse ConceptsHospitality, Examples OfHousesProperty, HousesWomenChurch, Examples OfBrotherhood

And on the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday], when we [disciples] had gathered together to break bread [i.e., the Lord's Supper. See I Cor. 11:20-24], Paul delivered a message that lasted until midnight, [since] he was planning to leave [Troas] the next day. Now there were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. A certain young man, named Eutychus, fell sound asleep while sitting on an [open] window ledge [during the message]. Since Paul's message continued [until nearly midnight] Eutychus was overcome by sleep and fell from the third floor to his death.

O Lord, who will not fear [you] and honor your name, for only you are holy? [So], all the nations will come and worship in front of you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Verse ConceptsGod, Holiness OfGlorifying GodMinistry, Nature OfReverence, And God's NatureUnity, God's Goal OfWorship, Reasons ForMan's Conduct Towards GodAweThe Gentiles ConversionGod Doing RightDoing RightGod's Deed RevealedThe Gospel To The NationsWorshipping GodFear God!





And he was led by the Holy Spirit into the Temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus in, so they could do to Him what was customary under the law of Moses, Verse ConceptsCustomChrist, Names ForEntering The TempleFulfilling The LawLed By The SpiritDevout mothers

But the Jews said, "It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and are you going to rebuild it in three days?" Verse ConceptsDullnessMisunderstood Truth40 To 50 Yearsconstruction

Then they entered Jerusalem and Jesus went into the Temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold [animals for sacrifice]. He upset the tables of the cashiers [i.e., those who exchanged foreign coins] and the benches of those who sold pigeons [for sacrifices]. Verse ConceptsdovesMoney, Uses OfTablesBanksAnger Of JesusTurning Upside DownEntering The TempleChrist Driving Out PeopleChrist In The Templesales

As Jesus left the Temple, His disciples approached Him as He was walking along the road and pointed out the Temple buildings. Verse ConceptsProphecies Said By JesusLeavingThe Disciples ActionsStatus Of The TempleThings Manifestattention

Then, as someone [i.e., of His disciples. See Mark 13:1], spoke of how the Temple was decorated with beautiful stones and objects dedicated as gifts, Jesus said, Verse ConceptsAdornment, Of BuildingsBeauty, In ArtefactsBeauty Of ThingsStatus Of The Temple

And they recognized him as the same person who had sat at the "Beautiful Gate" of the Temple begging for money, and they were filled with wonder and amazement over what had happened to him. Verse ConceptsGatesMiracles, Responses ToAlmsgivingAltruismCharitySitting In The GatewayNamed GatesRecognising Peoplesurprises





Now Peter and John were going to the Temple at three o'clock one afternoon [Note: Jewish time calculations are employed here], during the regular [Jewish] prayer hour. Verse ConceptsFamily SolidarityCeremoniesHourWorship, Times ForPrayer Meetings3 PmDisciples In The TempleWhen To PrayThe First TemplePrayingpartnership


Then the devil took Him to the holy city [i.e., Jerusalem] and placed Him on an [elevated] wing of the Temple, Verse ConceptsNames For JerusalemHoliness, As Set Apart For GodSuffering, Of Jesus ChristStatus Of The TempleTop Of ThingsThe DevilResisting Temptationstructure













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. For Moses said, [Ex. 20:12] 'Give honor to your father and mother,' and [Ex. 21:17 says], 'Whoever says bad things about his father or mother should surely be put to death.' But when you people say, 'If someone says to his father or mother, [the money] I could have helped you with is Corban; in other words, [it is] given to God,' you are not allowing him to do anything for his father or mother anymore. You are making God's message useless by [enforcing] the tradition you have been following. And you do many things like that."



For the law of Moses was [only] a foreshadow of the good things that [were] to come [i.e., in the Messianic age], not the exact image of those things. It can never, by the same sacrifices, continually offered year after year, make [morally] perfect those who draw near [to God in worship]. Verse ConceptsFreedom from the LawLaws, AbolishedForeshadowingRestored In Jesus ChristPerfection, HumanPriesthood, In NtShadowsWorship, Acceptable AttitudesLaw, TemporaryAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristAntitypesUnceasingEvery YearDoing RepeatedlyOffering SacrificesReligious FreedomFreedomSacrificeSelf Imagelawimagereality



Then a third angel followed them. He said in a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his statue, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he will also [have to] drink the wine of God's anger, as an undiluted mixture in the cup of His anger. And he will be tortured with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their suffering will ascend forever and ever and there will not be any rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his statue and who receive the mark of his name."

Then I heard a loud voice from the Temple saying to the seven angels, "You [angels], go and pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath upon the earth." So, the first [angel] went and poured out his bowl onto the earth and a terrible and painful sore broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue.

Then I saw the beast [See 13:1ff], and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled together to wage war against the One who was riding on the horse [i.e., Christ. See verse 11] and His army. But the beast was captured, along with the false prophet [See 16:13], who performed [supernatural] signs in his presence. [He had performed these signs] to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his statue. [See 13:15-16]. The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. Then the rest of them [i.e., the kings and their armies. Verse 19] were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the One riding the horse. And all the birds gorged on their flesh.




The people began shouting, "His is the voice of a god and not a man." Verse ConceptsFlatteryVoicesMen As Godsworms

And when the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the dialect of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in human form." Verse ConceptsLanguages Mentioned In ScriptureBecoming Like PeopleLike MenMen As Gods

But the natives expected him to swell up [from snake bite] or fall dead suddenly, but after expecting this for a long time and not seeing any harm come to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. Verse ConceptsFalse GodsWaitingPossibility Of DeathPeople Changing Their MindsSwellingMen As Gods







"Two men went up to the Temple [in Jerusalem] to pray. One of them was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector. Verse ConceptsRich, TheJewish SectsTwo PeopleCharacteristics Of PhariseesPraying For OthersGoing To ChurchPrayingtaxespharisees

And they were there in the Temple [area] continually praising God [i.e., for the next ten days. See Acts 2]. Verse ConceptsPraise, Reasons ForSynagogueDisciples In The Temple
















Then I saw thrones, with individuals sitting on them who had been given [authority] to judge. And I [also] saw the souls of those who had been decapitated because they had testified about Jesus and [had proclaimed] the message of God. [They are] the ones who had refused to worship the beast or his statue, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And these ones lived again and ruled with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of those who had died did not come [back] to life until the thousand years had ended). This is the first resurrection [from the dead]. The person who shares in this first resurrection is blessed and holy [i.e., for being so dedicated to God]. The second death does not have power over these people, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will rule with Him for the thousand years.

And I saw a beast coming up out of the ocean. It had ten horns and seven heads, and [it had] ten crowns on his horns and on each head there was a blasphemous name [i.e., a name that slandered God]. And the beast I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like a bear's, and his mouth like a lion's. And the dragon gave him his power, his throne and his great authority. And one of the beast's heads looked like it had been fatally wounded, but the wound healed and the entire world was amazed and followed after him. read more.
And they [all] worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast?" and "Who is able to wage war against him?" And the beast was given [by the dragon ?] a mouth for making proud claims and [speaking] blasphemous words, and the authority to act for forty-two months [See 11:2; 12:6]. And he opened his mouth to speak slanderous words against God and against His name and His Tabernacle, that is, those living in heaven. And he was given [the power] to wage war against the saints [i.e., God's holy people] and to conquer them; and he was given authority over every tribe, race, language group and nation. And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read "...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed"].

And whenever they saw Him, [people possessed by] evil spirits fell to the ground in front of Him, shouting, "You are the Son of God." Verse Conceptsdemons, Kinds ofSaid To Be The ChristBowing Before Messiah


Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy." Verse ConceptsBabylonChristiansNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritBrotherhoodTestimoniesBowing To False GodsAngelsAngels Looking After PeopleProphesying In The ChurchSubsequent Witness To ChristWorship God!ProphecyGay Marriagetestimonygabriel

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers, the prophets, and with those who obey the words of this book. You should worship God."

For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real "Jews" in God's eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God's Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation]. Verse ConceptsFalse WorshipHeart, And Holy SpiritRefugeStrength, HumanTypesWorship, Acceptable AttitudesThe Holy Spirit And PraiseThe Spirit Of GodThe Holy Spirit In The ChurchLiving Not For The MaterialTrusting Other PeopleBoasting In GodHow To Worship GodTrue CircumcisionConfidenceSelf EsteemConfidence And Self Esteem



For God's extreme anger is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who restrain the truth [from being known and obeyed] by their wickedness. For what is known about God is plain to these people [i.e., to the Gentiles], because God has made it clear to them. For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities of eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, [capable of] being perceived through the things that He has made. So, these people have no excuse [i.e., for not believing in Him]. read more.
Now they knew who God was, but they did not honor Him as God or thank Him [for their blessings]. Instead they engaged in their useless speculations and their foolish minds were filled with [spiritual] darkness. They claimed to be wise, but became fools, and exchanged the honor belonging to the immortal God for the statues of mortal men, and birds, and animals and reptiles. So, God allowed [or, abandoned] them to have the impure desires of their hearts, and to [practice] degrading behavior with their bodies among themselves. For they exchanged God's truth for the [devil's] lie, and worshiped and served what was created instead of the Creator, who is to be praised forever. May it be so.



"Lord, take pity on my son, for he has violent seizures and suffers intense pain. He often falls into a fire or into water. [Note: This man was also dominated by an evil spirit. See verse 18]. Verse ConceptsdiseasesSuffering, Nature OfCrying To JesusPeople TumblingConvulsionsBurning PeopleBe Merciful!Demons Causing TormentwaterfallsDemonic Influence


Then Paul stood up in the Areopagus and said, "You men of Athens, I noticed that you are an extremely religious people in all your ways. [See verse 16] For as I traveled along [your streets] and observed what you are worshiping, I saw an altar with the inscription: [DEDICATED] TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So, what you are worshiping ignorantly is what I am telling you about. The God who made the world and everything in it, who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in hand-made temples. read more.
Neither is He waited on by men's hands as though He needed anything, since it is He who gives to all people their life and breath and everything [they need].


But the time will come, and is now [actually] here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [i.e., from the heart] and truth [i.e., according to God's revealed will], for these are the people whom the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."








The jailor immediately took Paul and Silas, and cleansed [and soothed] their wounded [backs] and then he and his [believing] household were immersed [into Christ]. Verse ConceptsHourLove, For One AnotherRelatives Also InvolvedChristian BaptismBaptism

And she had a sister named Mary who was also sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to what He said. Verse ConceptsFeetListeningSittingSitting At The FeetHearing ChristChrist TeachingIdentityIdentity In Christdistractions

And when she was immersed [into Christ], along with her household [i.e., possibly relatives and/or employees] she urged us, saying, "If you consider me to be a faithful disciple of the Lord, come and stay at my house." And she insisted that we go [to her house]. Verse ConceptsFamilies, Examples OfBelieversBaptism, practice ofHospitality, Examples OfHousesInvitationsOrdinancesPersuasionProperty, HousesRiches, Believers AttitudesWomenLove to Others, Examples OfHospitalityTravellersRelatives Also InvolvedChristian BaptismStaying TemporarilyBaptizing InfantsBaptism



So [then], the father realized that it was at that [exact] hour that Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So, he and his entire family believed [in Jesus]. Verse ConceptsFaith, Origins Ofevangelism, kinds ofHousesKept Alive By MenAt The Same TimeKnowing FactsThose Who Believed In Christ

The first thing Andrew did was to find his own brother Simon and say to him, "We have found the Messiah (which means Christ [i.e., God's specially chosen one])." Verse ConceptsFindingWitnessing, Approaches ToNames And Titles For ChristChrist, Names ForFinding PeopleEvangelismmovement

Now the woman was a Greek [i.e., a Gentile], a Syrophoenician by nationality. [Note: This was a region just north of Galilee and consisted of Syria and Phoenicia]. She begged Him to drive out the evil spirit from her daughter. Verse Conceptsdemons, Kinds ofBeggarsGreeksLove, And The WorldJesus Casting Out Demons

"Return to your house and tell people about the great things God has done for you." So, he went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole town [i.e., Gerasa. See verse 26] the great things Jesus had done for him. Verse ConceptsExperience, of Godevangelists, identity ofTestify On God's BehalfFervourZealousness, Examples OfChrist's WorkTelling Of JesusFamily And FriendsGod Turning Bad Things Into Good





Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly. Verse Conceptsevangelism, kinds ofGuestsHospitality, Examples OfSpiritual VitalityRejoicingExcitementHospitalityTravellersRelatives Also InvolvedThose Who Believed In ChristThose Who Provided A MealRejoicing When Someone Is Saved



And it happened during that time that Jesus went out to the mountain [i.e., probably a hillside near Capernaum] to pray, and continued praying to God all night. Verse ConceptsHabitsNightPrayer, Practicalities OfPrivacySleeplessnessSpiritualityAll Night PrayersSecret PrayerSolitudeJesus PrayingExamples of secret prayerPraying For OthersPrayingorganization