'Former' in the Bible

I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach

For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

But this knowledge is not shared by all. And some, by being accustomed to idols in former times, eat this food as an idol sacrifice, and their conscience, because it is weak, is defiled.

to the latter an odor from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,

The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment.

and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.

On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless,

But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more -- or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist."