53 Bible Verses about Preaching, Effects Of

Great was the power by which the apostles attested the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and they were all greatly favoured by the people.

from thence they sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended to the favour of God, for the commission, which they had now discharg'd. when they were arrived, and had assembled the Church, they related what great things God had wrought by them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles:

it is by the divine favour that I am what I am: and his favour to me was not in vain; no, I laboured more than they all: yet it was not I, it was the divine favour which assisted me. but whether I or they labour'd most, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

for Christ did not send me to baptize: but to preach the gospel: tho' not with the preaching of the wise, lest the cross of Christ should have been hinder'd in its efficacy. For tho' the doctrine of the cross seems folly to those that perish: yet we that are to be saved, do feel its energy is divine. for it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."read more.
where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputant of this age? has not God prov'd the wisdom of this world to be downright folly. for whereas the world, with all their learning, did not distinguish the characters of his divine wisdom, in his works, it pleased God to save those who believe, by preaching, which they counted folly. while the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom: we preach Christ crucified, an obstacle to the Jews indeed, and to the Gentiles foolishness: but to those who believe, both Jews and Gentiles, he is the Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. for this divine doctrine, as foolish and weak as men may think it, far surpasses all their wisdom, and baffles all their power.

As for me, my brethren, when I appear'd among you, it was not to represent to you the divine mystery in sublime language, and with human literature. for I did not think I was to have any other knowledge among you, than that of Christ, a crucified saviour. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in great agony:read more.
my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures: that your faith might not be owing to human wisdom, but to the divine influence.

"the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to proclaim the favourable year of the Lord."

When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Peter was yet speaking, when the holy spirit descended on all that heard him. all the Jewish converts, who came with Paul, were astonished to see that the gift of the holy spirit was diffused likewise among the Gentiles. for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.read more.
then Peter said, can we refuse the water of baptism to such as have received the holy spirit as well as we? so he directed they should be baptized in the name of the Lord. after which they desired him to stay some time with them.

my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures: that your faith might not be owing to human wisdom, but to the divine influence.

put up your requests likewise for me, that God would give me an opportunity to declare the mystery of Christ (for which I am even in bonds:) that I may publish it in the manner, it should necessarily be done.

and now, Lord, behold their threatnings: and enable thy servants to deliver thy word with freedom, by displaying thine hand in miraculous cures, and prodigies, which by the name of thy holy child Jesus shall be done. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled, trembled; they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals. wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair: whilst we shall continue our applications to prayer, and to preaching.

Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them. accordingly, after having fasted and prayed they gave them imposition of hands, and dismiss'd them.read more.
being thus appointed missionarys by the holy spirit, they went to Seleucia, where they embark'd for Cyprus. when they were arrived at Salamis, they preach'd the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and had John for their assistant.

To conclude, pray for us, my brethren, that the doctrine of the Lord may make its progress, and be respected every where as it is among you:

for to us was the good promise made, as well as to them: but the word address'd to them was not effectually receiv'd with faith by those that heard it.

nor do we fail of giving thanks to God continually, that, when you received the word of God, which we preach, you did not receive it as the doctrine of men, but as a doctrine that appears to be truly divine, by the influences it displays in you, who believe.

the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, because they were converted at the preaching of Jonas, and now there is one superiour to Jonas here.

the people of Nineve shall rise up in the day of Judgment, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; but now, a greater than Jonas is here.

At that time appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh." for it is of John the prophet Esaias spoke, when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths clear."read more.
now John wore a coat made of camels hair, with a leathern girdle about his waist; and his food was locusts and wild hony. Then the inhabitants of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and the whole country about Jordan, came to him: and having confess'd their sins, they were baptized by him in Jordan.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." accordingly, John baptized in the desart, and preach'd the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. all Judea, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, went out to meet him, and having confess'd their sins, he baptized them in the river Jordan.

in pursuance of which, he went into all the country about Jordan, exhorting all to repent and be baptized, in order to obtain the remission of their sins. as it is written in the book of the prophecies of Esaias, "the voice of one crying in the desart, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths clear. every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be level'd: the crooked shall be made strait, and the rough ways shall be made smooth,read more.
and all men shall behold the divine saviour."

however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people.

Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation.read more.
then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.

One Simon was then resident in that place, who pretended to be something extra-ordinary, and by his magical practices had so enchanted the people of Samaria, that they all followed him, both old and young. this man, said they, is the plenipotentiary of God. no wonder they were so attach'd to one, who had for a long time infatuated them with his arts.read more.
but when they had embraced the doctrine of Philip, concerning the kingdom of the Messias, and the authority of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. nay, Simon himself became a proselyte: and after he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was transported at the sight of the miracles and prodigies which he perform'd.

the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures. so that many of them believed, besides a considerable number of women of distinction, and of men, that were Greeks.

What I have explain'd to you, my brethren, is the gospel which I preached to you, which you have received, and wherein you have persisted: by which also you will be saved, if you so retain it as I preached it to you, unless you have believed without sufficient grounds.

After they had preach'd the gospel in that city, and made many disciples, they retook the road to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, encouraging the disciples, exhorting them to persevere in the faith, representing that it is thro' much tribulation that we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, conformable to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret from antient times, but now is laid open, and by the writings of the prophets (according to the commandment of the eternal God) made known to all the Gentiles, to induce them to obey the faith: to God, I say, who is only wise, be glory thro' Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ: till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ:read more.
that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit: but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head: from which the whole body fitly framed, and compacted by the entire adherence and contribution of every part performing its respective function, increases and improves itself by the mutual concern of the parts.

continue therefore to follow the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you have receiv'd it: being firmly attach'd to, and founded upon him: establishing yourselves in the faith you have been taught, and being thankful for the improvement you make therein.

as for the disciples, they went and preached the gospel in all parts: the Lord co-operating with them, and confirming their doctrine by the miracles that accompany'd it.

Thus went Jesus about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all sorts of diseases and infirmities among the people: so that his fame was spread over all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were afflicted with any diseases or pains, demoniacs, lunatics, and paralytics; and he healed them. and a great multitude of people followed him from Galilee, from Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judea, and from about Jordan.

After this he assembled the twelve apostles, and gave them authority over all sorts of demons, and the power of curing all diseases: then sent them to proclaim the reign of the Messiah, and to heal the sick. and he said to them make no provision for your journey: take neither staff, nor sack, nor bread, nor money; and but one coat for each.read more.
when you are lodg'd in any house, there stay, till you leave the place. if any refuse to entertain you, when you leave that city, shake off the dust from your feet, as a sign of their being abandon'd. accordingly they departed, and travell'd thro' the towns, preaching the gospel, and performing cures every where.

Jesus made these twelve his missionaries, and gave them these instructions, don't go any where among the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans. but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. and wherever ye go, make this proclamation: the kingdom of heaven is nigh.read more.
heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: what ye have received gratis, give gratis. Provide neither gold nor silver, nor brass in your purses: nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staves: for the workman deserves his maintenance. whatever city or town ye enter into, find out some house of repute, and there lodge till ye leave that place. As soon as ye enter into any house, salute the family. if the family be worthy, your benediction shall have its effect; but if it be not worthy, it shall only redound to your own advantage. if they should not receive you, nor mind your instructions: when ye depart out of that house, or city, shake off the pagan dust from your feet.

Now having called the twelve, he sent them out by two and two, giving them power to exorcize spirits: he order'd them to take nothing for their journey, but a single staff, no scrip, no bread, nor money in their purse: to have but one pair of shoes, and but one coat.read more.
whatever house you enter into, said he, there abide, till you leave the place. wherever they shall refuse to entertain you, or to hear you, at your departure shake off the dust of your feet, as a testimonial against them. I assure you, the people of Sodom and Gomorrha shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than that city.

and now, Lord, behold their threatnings: and enable thy servants to deliver thy word with freedom, by displaying thine hand in miraculous cures, and prodigies, which by the name of thy holy child Jesus shall be done.

Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them. the people attended with great unanimity, hearing his discourses, and observing the miracles he wrought. for the impure spirits, with great outcries, came out of many that were possessed: many paralytic, and lame people were cured.read more.
which caused great joy in that city.

Being arriv'd at Iconium, they went both together to the Jewish synagogue, where they discours'd in such a manner, that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed. but the disbelieving Jews practis'd upon the Gentiles, and inflam'd their minds against the brethren. however the apostles stay'd there a considerable time, being inspir'd with great resolution by the Lord, who gave his attestation to the evangelical doctrine, by the prodigys and miracles, which he did by their hands.

At length Jesus finished his discourse, and the people were fill'd with astonishment at his doctrine. for he taught them, as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

At length he went to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath-days. and they were astonished at his doctrine, for he spoke with authority.

As soon as they were come to Capernaum, he entred into the synagogue, and it being the sabbath, instructed them. and they were astonished at his manner of preaching: for he spoke with an air of authority, and not as the Scribes.

now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans?read more.
how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be?

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply.

Jesus leaving that place, went into his own country, attended by his disciples. when the sabbath was come, he preach'd in the synagogue, to the great astonishment of many, who upon hearing his discourse, said, how came he by all this? what strange endowment of knowledge is this, that he should work such miracles? is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, of Juda and Simon? are not these his sisters, who are here with us? and they were scandalized at him.read more.
but Jesus said to him, a prophet is never despis'd, except in his own country, among his own kindred, and in his own family: so that excepting the cure of a few sick by the imposition of hands, he would not work any miracle there, they were so marvellously incredulous. so that He went all about to teach in the neighbouring villages.

and when he was come into his native country, he taught them in their synagogue, in such a manner that they cry'd out with astonishment, how came this man by all this wisdom, and extraordinary power? is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers? and his sisters, don't they live just by us? how came he then by all this?read more.
and they were scandaliz'd at him. but Jesus said to them, a prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own family. and he did not many miracles there, because of their incredulity.

while the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom: we preach Christ crucified, an obstacle to the Jews indeed, and to the Gentiles foolishness: but to those who believe,

While Paul was expecting them at Athens, he was grieved to the soul to see the whole city o'er-spread with idols. he disputed therefore in the synagogue with the Jews, and the proselyted Greeks: and in the publick place daily with those he met. there certain Epicurean and Stoick philosophers encountred him: "what does this mountebank mean?" said some: "he seems to proclaim some strange deitys," said others: because he talk'd to them of Jesus and the resurrection.read more.
One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish? for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means. now the Athenians, and the foreigners residing at Athens generally amus'd themselves about nothing, but hearing and spreading of news. Then Paul being plac'd in the middle of the Areopagus, said thus, "I observe, O Athenians, that you are in a manner too devout. for considering, as I pass'd along, the deitys, which you adore, I met with an altar that had this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. now that GOD whom you worship without knowing him, is the same that I denounce to you. the GOD who made the world and every thing therein, and is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples erected by men: he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have. he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions: by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING. since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry. God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent: because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead." When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject;

Then Felix adjourn'd them, saying, I shall inform myself more particularly of this sect, and when general Lysias comes, I will give you a full hearing. Felix then order'd a centurion to take Paul into his custody, without confining him so as to hinder his friends from waiting upon him. some time after he came to Cesarea with his wife Drusilla, a Jewess, when sending for Paul, he heard him discourse about the Christian faith.read more.
but as he was treating of justice, temperance, and a future judgment, Felix greatly alarm'd, said, "withdraw for the present; and when I am at leisure, I will send for you." this he frequently did, and convers'd with him upon the presumption that Paul would have

When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject;

others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine.

but when the Jews of Thessalonica were inform'd that Paul had preached the word of God at Berea, they went thither to stir up the populace.

While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them, being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus. and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening.

when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men.read more.
the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council,