The Christian life begins with who Jesus is and what he has done. His commands come with the promise of his presence, and his call reaches your whole life. Scripture joins God’s gift of salvation with a continuing response: receive Christ, remain in him, and let his teaching shape what you believe, desire, say, and do.
Receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
Come to Jesus ready to receive his care and learn from him. In Matthew 11:25–30, he speaks of the Father being made known through the Son, then invites the weary and burdened to come to him for rest. He tells them to take his yoke and learn from him because he is meek and lowly in heart. A yoke signifies accepting his direction; the one who calls for that obedience also gives rest for the soul. Begin with this confidence in his character as you place your life under his teaching.
Put your trust in Jesus himself. John 1:1–4 identifies the Word as already present in the beginning, with God and himself God, and says that all things were made by him. John 1:14 then says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The one who reveals the Father entered human life; receiving him means believing in his name, as John 1:12–13 explains. Those who receive him become God’s children through birth from God. Your response rests on who he is and on the life God gives through him. In John 14:1–7, he answers Thomas’s uncertainty about the way to the Father by identifying himself as the way, truth, and life, and says that no one comes to the Father except through him. Come to God through the Son who makes him known.
Colossians 1:15–20 explains why Jesus deserves this trust and allegiance. He is the image of the invisible God, all things were created by and for him, and all things hold together in him. The title firstborn in verse 15 must be read with that explanation: the passage places him over creation and before all things, rather than among the things he created. He is also the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. God reconciles through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:21–23 brings this to the reader’s condition: people once alienated and hostile in their conduct are reconciled through his death and called to continue grounded in the faith.
The gospel announces a saving act that has happened. In 1 Corinthians 15:1–8, Paul recalls the message the Corinthians received: Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again on the third day, and appeared to witnesses. His resurrection is essential to the promise of forgiveness. In 1 Corinthians 15:12–22, Paul reasons that if Christ has not risen, faith is empty and believers remain in their sins; because he has risen, those who belong to him have hope of resurrection. Trust the crucified and risen Christ for forgiveness and life, and let that hope give direction to your obedience.
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 describes the LORD’s servant suffering for the transgressions of others, bearing their iniquities, and finally being exalted. In Acts 8:26–35, an Ethiopian official is reading the part about a sheep led to slaughter and asks whom the prophet means. Philip begins with that Scripture and announces Jesus to him. This biblical connection explains why Christ’s suffering belongs at the center of following him: he gave himself to deal with the sins from which his people need rescue. The official’s subsequent baptism in Acts 8:36–40 gives the account a clear response to the good news he has heard about Jesus.
Further study: NET Bible translators and editors · NET Bible translators and editors
Rely on God’s grace for forgiveness and life
Come to God as someone who needs his mercy and can receive it. Ephesians 2:1–7 begins with people dead in trespasses and sins, following disobedient desires. The change begins with God’s rich mercy and great love: he makes them alive with Christ. In Ephesians 2:8–10, salvation is by grace through faith, God’s gift rather than grounds for boasting. The passage then describes believers as God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Grace gives both the welcome you could not earn and a new purpose for your life.
Romans 3:19–28 explains why moral achievement cannot be your ground of confidence before God. The law makes sin known; all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Paul then announces that people are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus. To be justified concerns being put right before God, the righteous judge; Christ’s blood and faith in him stand at the center of Paul’s explanation. His conclusion removes boasting. Receive forgiveness through Christ instead of presenting your conduct as a claim that God owes you acceptance.
Paul develops that distinction through Abraham in Romans 4:1–8. He contrasts wages owed to a worker with the righteousness counted to the person who believes in God, who justifies the ungodly. In Romans 4:9–12, Abraham’s faith precedes his circumcision, so circumcision cannot be the achievement that earned that standing. Romans 4:18–25 then describes his trust in God’s promise and connects the passage to those who believe in the God who raised Jesus. Faith relies on God’s promise and power. It receives what he gives rather than turning trust itself into another accomplishment to boast about.
Jesus gives the same direction to people who trust in their own righteousness and despise others in Luke 18:9–14. The Pharisee lists his religious practices and compares himself favorably with other people. The tax collector stands at a distance and asks God for mercy as a sinner. Jesus says that this man goes home justified, and concludes that the humble will be exalted. Approach God with honest need and confidence in his mercy. The grace that welcomes you also teaches you to regard other people without the contempt Jesus exposes.
Further study: Anthony N. S. Lane · Catholic Church
Turn to Christ in repentance and faith
Respond to Jesus by turning to God and believing the good news. In Mark 1:14–15, Jesus announces that the time is fulfilled and God’s kingdom is at hand, and commands repentance and belief. Repentance is a change of direction toward God that reaches your conduct. Paul describes his preaching in Acts 26:19–23 as calling people to repent, turn to God, and do works fitting repentance. The deeds express that turning; the message centers on the Christ who suffered and rose. Acknowledge your sin, receive Christ’s mercy, and begin doing what obedience to him requires.
Faith includes openly acknowledging Jesus as Lord. Romans 10:9–13 connects confession of the Lord Jesus, belief that God raised him from the dead, and calling on the Lord for salvation. Romans 10:14–17 explains the setting: people hear the message of Christ and believe in the one proclaimed. These verses give words to a response of trust; they do not present a phrase whose repetition works apart from believing. Call on him sincerely, confess who he is, and keep listening to the word through which faith comes.
In Acts 16:25–34, the jailer asks Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. They direct him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and then speak the Lord’s word to him and everyone in his house. He washes their wounds, receives baptism with his household, sets food before them, and rejoices. The household promise in Acts 16:31 is followed by the household’s hearing the word; it is not permission to assume that one person’s faith makes the response of everyone else unnecessary. Bring the message of Christ to those in your care and welcome their learning, faith, and participation in the life of his people.
Zacchaeus shows how a response to Jesus can reach possessions and wrongdoing. In Luke 19:1–10, Jesus receives the tax collector, who speaks of giving half his goods to the poor and repaying fourfold anyone he has defrauded. Jesus announces salvation for the house and says that the Son of man came to seek and save the lost. The account connects the Savior’s welcome with generosity and making wrongs right. It does not command everyone to give the same fraction or use this repayment amount in every case. Turn from what is wrong, act honestly toward those affected, and let mercy bear visible fruit.
Receive the new life God gives by his Spirit
Ask God for the life you cannot produce for yourself. In John 3:1–8, Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, comes to Jesus, who tells him that he must be born again to see God’s kingdom. Nicodemus thinks of another physical birth. Jesus speaks instead of birth of water and the Spirit and distinguishes what flesh produces from what the Spirit produces. The wind comparison in John 3:8 emphasizes the reality of the Spirit’s work even though its movement is beyond the hearer’s control. Entering God’s life depends on God giving new birth.
The language of cleansing and the Spirit has a scriptural background. In Ezekiel 36:16–32, God promises to gather and cleanse his defiled people Israel for the sake of his holy name. In Ezekiel 36:25–27, clean water, a new heart, and God’s Spirit belong together, with the result that his people walk in his statutes. This promised renewal is a likely background to Jesus’ expectation that Israel’s teacher should understand the need for new birth in John 3:9–10. Christians differ over how directly the water in John 3:5 refers to baptism. The central responsibility is clear: look to God for cleansing and inward renewal that produces obedience.
The same conversation directs you to the Son whom God gives. In John 3:14–18, Jesus compares his being lifted up with Moses lifting up the serpent and promises eternal life to those who believe in him. God’s love is expressed in giving his only begotten Son for the world’s salvation. John 3:19–21 then contrasts loving darkness with coming to the light, where one’s deeds are made known as wrought in God. Receive the Son, come honestly into his light, and welcome the truth about your life.
Titus 3:3–8 explains the source and purpose of this change. Paul recalls former disobedience and hatred, then describes God’s kindness and love appearing. God saves according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, poured out through Jesus Christ. The result is hope of eternal life and a call for believers to devote themselves to good works. Romans 8:9–17 likewise identifies the Spirit with belonging to Christ and with adoption as God’s children. Depend on the Spirit as you learn the family life God has given you.
Further study: NET Bible translators and editors
Receive baptism and walk in newness of life
Receive baptism as part of responding to Jesus and belonging to his people. In Matthew 28:18–20, the risen Lord grounds his commission in his authority over heaven and earth. He sends the disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and teaching them to observe everything he commanded. Baptism belongs with learning obedience under the Lord who promises his presence. Seek it with the church, receive its teaching, and continue in the life of discipleship to which Christ calls you.
The apostles speak of baptism with serious promises. After proclaiming Jesus’ death, resurrection, and lordship, Peter tells his hearers in Acts 2:37–41 to repent and be baptized in Jesus Christ’s name for the remission of sins, with the promise of the Holy Ghost. Those who receive his word are baptized and added to the community. In Acts 22:12–16, Ananias calls Paul to arise, be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling on the Lord’s name. These passages place baptism alongside turning to Christ, forgiveness, and invoking him. Their force should remain part of how you understand and receive baptism.
Acts also records the freedom of God’s action. In Acts 10:34–48, Peter proclaims forgiveness through faith in Jesus; the Holy Ghost falls on the Gentile hearers while he is speaking. Peter then insists that water baptism cannot be withheld from those who have received the Spirit, and commands their baptism. The Spirit’s arrival before the water shows God giving his gift before baptism is administered. Peter’s immediate command also shows that receiving the Spirit did not remove these believers’ responsibility to be baptized.
Romans 6:1–14 explains the life joined to baptism. Paul rejects continuing in sin so that grace may abound, and speaks of believers baptized into Christ’s death and buried with him, so that they should walk in newness of life. His reasoning moves from participation in Christ’s death and resurrection to a practical response: reckon yourselves dead to sin and alive to God, and present yourselves to God rather than letting sin rule your bodies. Colossians 2:11–15 similarly joins burial and rising with Christ in baptism to faith in God’s working, forgiveness, and the cancellation of the debt against us. Live out this allegiance to the Lord who frees you.
First Peter 3:18–22 also joins baptism to Christ’s saving work. Christ suffered for sins to bring us to God. After recalling Noah’s deliverance through water, Peter says that baptism now saves, and immediately explains that this is not the putting away of bodily dirt but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The KJV’s answer is also understood as an appeal or pledge in other translations. Whatever precise sense is taken, Peter distinguishes baptism from mere outward washing and makes the risen Christ essential. Approach God through Christ with the faith and conscience appropriate to that promise.
Christian churches differ in explaining how these passages fit together. Catholic teaching treats baptism as a sacrament of new birth, received in the faith of the church; Reformed teaching describes a covenant sign and seal whose grace is the Spirit’s work; Baptist teaching ordinarily baptizes professing believers as a sign of their union with Christ. Catholic churches baptize infants, and Reformed churches baptize believers’ children, with different accounts of covenant and faith. These differences affect practice and deserve careful study. They do not remove the commission to baptize and teach, or the call to repent, believe, and live in Christ.
Further study: Stephen J. Wellum · Israel Kamudzandu · Sam Storms · NET Bible translators and editors · Catholic Church · Catholic Church · Catholic Church · Westminster Assembly
Give Jesus first place and follow him through the cost
Give your life to Jesus with a willingness to follow where he leads. In Mark 8:27–35, Peter identifies Jesus as the Christ but then resists his teaching that the Son of man must suffer, be killed, and rise. Jesus corrects him and calls the crowd as well as the disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow. The call answers the desire for a Messiah whose path avoids suffering. Luke 9:23 makes this a daily taking up of the cross. Self-denial means relinquishing the right to make your own preservation and desires the final authority over obedience to him.
Jesus explains why that costly allegiance is worth giving. In Mark 8:35–38, seeking to save one’s life at the expense of Christ and the gospel leads to losing it, while losing it for his sake leads to saving it. Gaining the whole world cannot compensate for the loss of one’s soul. His words place present advantage within the lasting reality of belonging to him and his coming glory. Receive his judgment about what life is worth, and remain faithful even when obedience costs approval, possessions, comfort, or life itself.
In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus speaks to large crowds about the cost of discipleship. He uses strong language about hating one’s family and even one’s own life. Matthew 10:37–39 clarifies the priority: loving father, mother, son, or daughter more than Jesus is incompatible with being his disciple. The demand is supreme loyalty to him; it does not make hostility toward family a Christian virtue. Luke’s builder must calculate whether he can finish the tower, lest an abandoned foundation expose him to ridicule. The king must consider whether his ten thousand soldiers can meet an army of twenty thousand; if not, he seeks terms of peace before the armies meet. Both comparisons require a serious reckoning with the consequences of the commitment. Come to Christ prepared to yield competing loyalties to his command.
That surrender reaches possessions. In Mark 10:17–27, Jesus lovingly tells a wealthy man to sell what he has, give to the poor, and follow him. The man goes away sorrowful because he has great possessions. Jesus then teaches how hard it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom and directs the astonished disciples to what God can do. Luke 14:33 makes the claim on every disciple: all that one has must be yielded to him. Hold possessions under his authority, ready to give, use, or leave them as faithfulness requires.
The biblical accounts keep this surrender concrete without prescribing one identical sale for everyone. Zacchaeus’s response in Luke 19:8–10 includes a substantial gift and restitution. In Acts 5:1–11, Peter says that Ananias’s property was his before the sale and that the proceeds remained under his authority; the judgment concerns his deceit before God. These passages do not support making every convert repeat the rich man’s exact transaction, but neither do they reduce surrender to a feeling with no effect on property. Let Christ govern what you keep, what you give, and how honestly you act. When Peter speaks of what the disciples have left, Mark 10:28–31 promises a hundredfold of houses, family, and lands in this time, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. Jesus holds real loss and real provision together; his promise includes a new shared life and continuing hardship.
Further study: Jeannine K. Brown
Let faith become obedient love
Love God with your whole self and love your neighbor as yourself. In Matthew 22:34–40, Jesus answers a question about the greatest commandment by placing love for God first and joining it with love for one’s neighbor. He says that all the law and the prophets depend on these two commands. This gives obedience its governing purpose: devotion to God and faithful concern for the good of other people. Let that love direct the conduct through which you answer his mercy.
Jesus calls for a response that reaches what you do. In Matthew 7:21–23, he distinguishes saying Lord, Lord and claiming mighty works from doing his Father’s will. In Matthew 7:24–27, both builders hear his sayings, but only one does them. That person is like a house founded on rock, which stands when rain, floods, and wind strike; the hearer who does not obey is like a house built on sand, which falls. Receive his teaching with the intention of putting it into practice. The contrast concerns the foundation of a life before him, not a promise that obedience prevents hardship.
Respond to God’s mercy with the obedience of a living faith. James 2:14–17 asks what benefit there is when someone says that he has faith but has no works. James gives a definite case: a brother or sister lacks clothing and daily food, and someone sends that person away with good wishes while giving nothing needed for the body. The problem is an empty claim that leaves a neighbor unaided. Believe Christ’s word and act on it, including the practical mercy that another person needs.
James 2:18–26 presses the difference between acknowledging facts and trusting God in action. Even devils believe that God is one and tremble. Abraham’s faith, by contrast, worked with his deeds and was brought to completion through them when he offered Isaac; Rahab received the messengers and sent them out another way. Genesis 15:1–6 records Abraham believing God’s promise before the testing in Genesis 22:1–19. Joshua 2:8–21 records Rahab confessing the LORD’s greatness and acting to protect his messengers. These are particular events in God’s dealings with them, not instructions to reproduce their circumstances. James uses them to show that living faith acts on the God it trusts.
James states the force of his argument in James 2:24: a person is justified by works, and not by faith only. That sentence must be read alongside Paul’s insistence in Romans 4:1–8 that righteousness is counted through faith rather than earned as wages. James confronts a claim to faith that is barren; Paul rejects reliance on works as the basis of being put right before God. Ephesians 2:8–10 holds grace, faith, and good works together, while Galatians 5:6 describes faith working through love. Receive salvation as God’s gift and let faith bear the works of love that belong to it.
There remain real differences over how justification and those works are related. Many Protestant interpreters understand James to describe works vindicating a living faith, with justification before God received through faith alone. Catholic teaching includes inward renewal within justification and understands obedience in charity as a response made possible by grace. Both accounts must face James’s warning against dead faith and Paul’s exclusion of boasting. The practical direction here is firmly grounded: rest in Christ’s saving work, seek God’s renewing grace, and obey him in love. Galatians 2:19–21 expresses that dependence as life by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for Paul; treating righteousness as obtainable through law would empty Christ’s death of its necessity.
Further study: Robert L. Plummer · Anthony N. S. Lane · Catholic Church · Westminster Assembly
Remain in Christ and let his words shape you
Continue depending on Jesus as the source of your life. In John 15:1–5, he calls himself the true vine, describes the Father as the one who tends it, and names his disciples as the branches. A branch cannot produce fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. The Father also prunes fruitful branches so that they bear more fruit. Jesus applies the picture directly: apart from him his disciples can do nothing. To abide in him is to remain in the relationship of trusting, receiving, and obeying him, rather than treating the beginning of faith as the end of dependence.
Jesus explains what that continuing relationship involves in John 15:7–11. His words abide in the disciples, they ask in prayer, bear fruit that glorifies the Father, and keep his commandments as they remain in his love. These are connected parts of life with him. Receive his teaching, bring your requests to God within that teaching, and put it into practice. The promise about asking is given within abiding in Christ and his words; it is not a detached guarantee that every desire will be fulfilled. Jesus gives this instruction so that his joy may remain in them and their joy may be full.
The fruit has a definite character. In John 15:12–17, Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, and describes the greatest love in terms of laying down one’s life for friends. He speaks of making the Father’s teaching known and of choosing and appointing these disciples to bear lasting fruit. The particular appointment of his first disciples belongs to the setting, while the command to love governs the life they are to teach. Stay attentive to his word and give yourself to the good of those he calls you to love.
Remaining also matters because separation from Christ ends in judgment. John 15:6 describes the branch that does not abide as cast out, withered, gathered, and burned. Jesus places this warning within his invitation to remain and bear fruit. Take it seriously by continuing in him, responding to his correction, praying, and loving as he commands. His picture directs your attention to dependence that lasts and a life that bears fruit for the Father.
Further study: Meda Stamper
Walk by the Spirit in the ordinary conduct of life
Bring your actions under the life God has given you. Romans 6:12–14 tells believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, but to present themselves and their members to God as instruments of righteousness. Romans 8:12–17 explains the power and belonging within that response: by the Spirit they put to death the deeds of the body and live as God’s children. Follow the Spirit’s direction with active obedience, depending on the Father whose children you are.
Galatians 5:16–26 describes the conflict and its fruit plainly. The flesh desires what opposes the Spirit; Paul names sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, strife, envy, drunkenness, and related works, warning that those who practice them will not inherit God’s kingdom. The Spirit’s fruit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The contrast gives substance to walking by the Spirit. Turn from the named sins and cultivate patient, faithful, self-controlled love as you follow him.
Colossians 3:1–17 connects changed conduct with belonging to the risen Christ. Because believers have been raised with him, they are to seek the things above and put to death the earthly sins named in Colossians 3:5–9. The following verses call them to put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. God’s peace is to govern, and Christ’s word is to dwell richly among them through teaching, admonition, and thankful singing. Let these instructions shape your speech, relationships, worship, and work, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving.
Your effort belongs within God’s help. Philippians 2:12–16 tells believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling because God is at work in them both to will and to do his good pleasure. Paul immediately names obedience without murmuring and disputing and holding forth the word of life. Titus 2:11–14 likewise says that saving grace teaches people to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly while awaiting Christ. His purpose in giving himself includes purifying a people zealous for good works. Seek his help and do the good he sets before you, with hope fixed on his appearing.
Learn and share life with Christ’s people
Continue learning Christ with his people. In Acts 2:41–47, those who receive the apostolic message and are baptized continue in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. They share with people in need, eat together with gladness, and praise God. This description shows the common life into which the gospel brings them. Matthew 28:20 makes continuing instruction explicit: disciples are to learn to observe everything Jesus commanded. Give regular attention to Scripture, prayer, worship, and the needs of the people with whom you follow him.
That common life includes responsibility for one another. Hebrews 10:19–25 begins with access to God through Jesus and calls believers to draw near, hold fast their confession, and consider how to stir one another to love and good works. It specifically urges them to keep assembling and encouraging one another. Colossians 3:12–16 supplies the character such fellowship requires: patience, forgiveness, love, teaching, and thankful worship. Participate in the church’s life as someone ready both to receive help and to help others remain faithful.
Remember and proclaim Christ’s death in the meal he gave his disciples. In 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Paul recalls Jesus taking bread and the cup, giving them in remembrance of himself, and declaring that this meal proclaims the Lord’s death until he comes. The surrounding rebuke matters: in 1 Corinthians 11:17–22, some eat while others remain hungry and humiliated. In 1 Corinthians 11:27–32, Paul calls for self-examination and discerning the Lord’s body, because receiving the meal irreverently brings judgment. The bread and cup require regard for the Lord who gave himself, and the rebuke of their meal also requires regard for the people he has gathered. In 1 Corinthians 11:33–34, he tells them to wait for one another. Receive the Lord’s Supper with the church in reverence toward Christ and care for the people gathered with you.
Let that shared life make Christ’s love visible. In John 13:34–35, Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them and says that such love will identify them as his disciples. The measure comes from him; fellowship requires more than occupying the same gathering. Forgive, serve, speak truthfully, and provide care as his word teaches. As Matthew 28:18–20 directs, also share the good news and help others learn to follow the Lord whose presence sustains his church.
Return to Christ when you sin and continue in hope
When you sin, return to God in confession and trust Christ’s advocacy. First John 1:5–2:2 calls believers to walk in the light, rejects the claim to be without sin, and promises forgiveness and cleansing when sins are confessed. John writes so that his readers will not sin, and adds that if anyone sins, they have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The same passage locates cleansing in Jesus’ blood. Admit what is wrong, ask forgiveness, and return to obedience with your confidence in him. First John 2:3–6 then connects knowing him with keeping his commandments and walking as he walked.
Let God’s promises give you real confidence. In John 6:35–40, Jesus invites people to come and believe, says that he will not cast out the one who comes to him, and promises resurrection on the last day. In John 10:27–30, his sheep hear his voice and follow him; he gives them eternal life, and no one can pluck them from his hand or the Father’s hand. First John 5:11–13 locates eternal life in God’s Son and tells believers that they may know they have it. Rest your hope in the Son who receives and keeps his people, and keep listening to his voice.
God’s care remains dependable amid suffering. Romans 8:18–27 speaks of creation’s groaning, believers’ waiting for the redemption of the body, and the Spirit’s help when they do not know how to pray. Romans 8:28–39 places those hardships within God’s purpose and Christ’s intercession: tribulation, persecution, hunger, danger, and death cannot separate his people from his love. This assurance promises neither an easy path nor the immediate removal of pain. It gives reason to keep trusting the Lord while awaiting the bodily resurrection announced in 1 Corinthians 15:20–28.
Continue in that faith, taking Scripture’s warnings seriously. Hebrews 10:19–25 encourages believers to draw near through Christ, hold fast, and strengthen one another. Hebrews 10:26–31 then warns of judgment for a rejection that tramples on the Son of God, treats his covenant blood as unholy, and insults the Spirit of grace. The warning should neither be erased nor confused with John’s invitation for a repentant believer to confess sin. Hebrews 10:32–39 recalls costly endurance and urges continued confidence rather than drawing back. Keep coming to Christ, remain among his people, and persevere in the trust and obedience his grace sustains.
Further study: NET Bible translators and editors · Westminster Assembly · Ken Schenck
Read the passages
Scripture in context
59 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Covenant narrative 1 selections
Genesis 15:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: God reassures Abram, promises an heir and numerous offspring, and counts his believing as righteousness.
15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
15:2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
15:4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Particular narrative of testing 1 selections
Genesis 22:1–19 KJV · In this guide
Context: God tests Abraham concerning Isaac; the angel stops the sacrifice, God supplies a ram, and the promise is reaffirmed.
22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
22:3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
22:4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
22:16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
22:19 So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.
Conquest narrative 1 selections
Joshua 2:1–24 KJV · In this guide
Context: Rahab shelters the messengers, confesses the LORD’s rule, seeks her household’s deliverance, and sends the men safely away.
2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
2:2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
2:3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
2:4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
2:5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
2:6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
2:7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
2:8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
2:10 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
2:13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
2:16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.
2:19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
2:20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
2:21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
2:22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
2:23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
2:24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
Prophecy and poetry 1 selections
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete servant song moves through humiliation, suffering for others, death, and exaltation.
52:13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
52:14 As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Covenant restoration prophecy 1 selections
Ezekiel 36:16–32 KJV · In this guide
Context: God addresses Israel’s defilement and exile, promising cleansing, gathering, a new heart, and the Spirit for his holy name’s sake.
36:16 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
36:17 Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.
36:18 Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:
36:19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.
36:20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land.
36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.
36:22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
36:23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
36:28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
36:29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
36:30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
36:31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
36:32 Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.
Gospel warning and comparison 1 selections
Matthew 7:15–29 KJV · In this guide
Context: The Sermon on the Mount closes with fruit, profession and doing the Father’s will, followed by the two builders and the hearers’ recognition of Jesus’ authority.
7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Mission discourse 1 selections
Matthew 10:34–42 KJV · In this guide
Context: Within instruction to the twelve, Jesus explains division, loyalty above family, cross-bearing, and receiving his messengers.
10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Gospel invitation and teaching 1 selections
Matthew 11:25–30 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus thanks the Father for revelation, identifies the Son’s knowledge of the Father, and invites the weary to come, learn, and receive rest.
11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Gospel teaching 7 selections
Matthew 22:34–40 KJV · In this guide
Context: Asked about the greatest command in the law, Jesus joins wholehearted love for God with neighbor-love and says the law and prophets depend on them.
22:34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.
22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Luke 9:18–27 KJV · In this guide
Context: Luke joins Peter’s confession, the passion prediction, and the daily call to take up the cross with saving or losing life.
9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
John 1:1–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: The Gospel’s prologue identifies the Word, creation, incarnation, witness, receiving, and birth from God.
1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 3:1–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus speaks with Nicodemus about birth by the Spirit, the lifted-up Son, faith, judgment, and coming to the light.
3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 6:35–40 KJV · In this guide
Context: In the bread-of-life discourse, Jesus connects coming and believing, the Father’s gift and will, welcome, eternal life, and resurrection.
6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 10:22–30 KJV · In this guide
Context: In a dispute at the dedication feast, Jesus describes his sheep hearing and following him, eternal life, and the Father’s and Son’s preserving hands.
10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.
10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.
10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
10:30 I and my Father are one.
John 14:1–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: In the farewell discourse Jesus comforts his disciples, answers Thomas and Philip concerning the Father, and connects his departure with continuing faith and prayer.
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.
14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Gospel commission 1 selections
Matthew 28:16–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: The risen Jesus meets the eleven and commissions disciple-making among all nations under his authority and continuing presence.
28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Gospel proclamation and narrative 1 selections
Mark 1:14–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus announces God’s kingdom, commands repentance and belief, and calls the first fishermen to follow him.
1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
1:18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Gospel teaching and narrative 1 selections
Mark 8:27–9:1 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter’s confession and resistance to Jesus’ suffering lead to the public call to self-denial, the cross, and allegiance before his coming glory.
8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Cæsarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Gospel narrative and teaching 1 selections
Mark 10:17–31 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus addresses a wealthy inquirer, teaches on riches and God’s power, and answers Peter concerning losses and promised life.
10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Gospel teaching and comparisons 1 selections
Luke 14:25–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus addresses crowds with uncompromising allegiance, cross-bearing, tower and king comparisons, renunciation, and the salt saying.
14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Parable 1 selections
Luke 18:9–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus addresses those trusting their own righteousness and despising others through the Pharisee and tax collector.
18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Narrative 3 selections
Luke 19:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus seeks Zacchaeus, whose response includes generosity and restitution; Jesus announces salvation and his mission to the lost.
19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
19:8 And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Acts 8:26–40 KJV · In this guide
Context: Philip explains Isaiah’s servant passage as good news about Jesus to an Ethiopian official, who subsequently receives baptism.
8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.
Acts 16:13–34 KJV · In this guide
Context: Luke narrates Lydia’s response and household baptism, then the imprisonment of Paul and Silas, the jailer’s question, household hearing, baptism, and joy.
16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
16:20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
16:22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Passion narrative 1 selections
Luke 23:32–43 KJV
Context: Luke narrates Jesus’ crucifixion amid mockery and his promise to the criminal who acknowledges guilt and appeals to him.
23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Farewell teaching 1 selections
John 13:31–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: After Judas departs, Jesus speaks of his glorification and gives the disciples the command to love as he has loved them.
13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.
13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.
13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Gospel imagery and instruction 1 selections
John 15:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: In the farewell teaching, Jesus joins vine and branches, pruning, judgment, words, prayer, commandments, love, joy, and appointed fruitfulness.
15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Apostolic proclamation and narrative 2 selections
Acts 2:22–47 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter proclaims Jesus’ death, resurrection, and lordship, answers the hearers’ question, and Luke describes the baptized community.
2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2:38 Then Peter said unto them, 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 Ghost.
2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 10:34–48 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter proclaims the risen Jesus and forgiveness; the Spirit falls on Gentile hearers, after which he commands water baptism.
10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Narrative with apostolic rebuke 1 selections
Acts 5:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Ananias and Sapphira deceive about their gift; Peter identifies their retained authority over property and the lie to God.
5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
5:7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
5:8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
Narrative of apostolic deliberation 1 selections
Acts 15:1–21 KJV
Context: The apostles and elders consider the demand for Gentile circumcision; Peter appeals to the Spirit, faith and grace, and James addresses Gentile inclusion.
15:1 And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
15:2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
15:5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15:15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
15:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
Conversion testimony 1 selections
Acts 22:6–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul recounts Christ’s appearance and Ananias’s commission and summons to baptism, washing away sins, and calling on the Lord.
22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
22:10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
22:13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
22:14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Apostolic testimony 1 selections
Acts 26:19–23 KJV · In this guide
Context: In his defense before Agrippa, Paul summarizes his obedient preaching of repentance, fitting deeds, and the suffering and risen Christ.
26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Apostolic argument 7 selections
Romans 3:19–31 KJV · In this guide
Context: The law exposes sin; God’s righteousness is manifested through faith in Jesus Christ, excluding boasting.
3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 4:1–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul explains Abraham’s credited righteousness, circumcision after faith, promise, and belief in the God who raises the dead.
4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Romans 6:1–23 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul rejects remaining in sin because of grace, appeals to union with Christ’s death and life, and contrasts service to sin with service to righteousness.
6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 10:5–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul joins believing, confessing Jesus as Lord, calling on him, and hearing through proclamation.
10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Corinthians 15:1–28 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul recalls the received gospel and argues that Christ’s resurrection is necessary for forgiveness and the future resurrection of his people.
15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
15:12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
15:13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15:15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
15:18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Galatians 2:15–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul explains justification through faith in Christ and describes dying to law and living by faith in the Son who loved him.
2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 3:23–29 KJV
Context: Paul moves from the law’s custody to faith, being clothed with Christ in baptism, unity, and inheritance of Abraham’s promise.
3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Apostolic teaching 8 selections
Romans 8:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul moves from freedom from condemnation to life according to the Spirit, belonging to Christ, putting sin to death, and adoption.
8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Ephesians 2:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul contrasts the former life in sins with God’s mercy and salvation by grace, ending with the purpose of good works.
2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Colossians 1:9–23 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving lead into the Son’s supremacy in creation and reconciliation, then perseverance in the gospel.
1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Colossians 2:6–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Receiving Christ leads to walking rooted in him; Paul connects fullness in Christ, circumcision, burial and rising in baptism, faith, and forgiveness.
2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Titus 2:11–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: God’s saving grace trains a people for godly conduct while they await Christ, who gave himself to redeem and purify them.
2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Titus 3:1–8 KJV · In this guide
Context: Instructions for good conduct are grounded in former sin, God’s kindness, merciful salvation, washing, the Spirit’s renewal, and hope.
3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
1 John 1:5–2:6 KJV · In this guide
Context: The message of God as light leads to truthfulness about sin, confession and cleansing, Christ’s advocacy, and obedience.
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John 5:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Faith in Jesus, love, obedience, God’s witness, and life in the Son culminate in the purpose that believers know they have eternal life.
5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Apostolic encouragement and argument 2 selections
Romans 8:18–39 KJV · In this guide
Context: Present suffering is set within future glory, groaning and hope, the Spirit’s help, God’s purpose, and Christ’s inseparable love.
8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 3:13–22 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter encourages faithful suffering, grounds hope in Christ’s unique suffering for sins and exaltation, and compares Noah’s deliverance with baptism.
3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Apostolic correction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 1:10–17 KJV
Context: Paul opposes factions identifying with different teachers and distinguishes his principal preaching commission from personally administering baptisms.
1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Apostolic correction and institution tradition 1 selections
1 Corinthians 11:17–34 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul rebukes divisive eating that humiliates the hungry, recalls the Lord’s Supper, and urges discernment, self-examination, and waiting for one another.
11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.
11:21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.
11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
11:34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Apostolic argument and instruction 1 selections
Galatians 5:1–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul opposes reliance on circumcision for justification and directs freedom toward faith working through love and service to neighbors.
5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Apostolic ethical teaching 2 selections
Galatians 5:16–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul contrasts the desires and works of flesh with the Spirit’s fruit and calls those living in the Spirit to walk in the Spirit.
5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Colossians 3:1–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Because believers have risen with Christ, they seek his life, put off old sins, and put on virtues, forgiveness, love, worship, and thanksgiving.
3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Apostolic exhortation 1 selections
Philippians 2:12–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Following the Christ passage, Paul urges obedient working out of salvation because God works within, then names conduct and witness.
2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
2:18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Warning and exhortation 1 selections
Hebrews 2:1–4 KJV
Context: The superior Son announced in chapter 1 makes neglecting his attested salvation more serious than disobeying the message delivered through angels.
2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Exhortation with warning and encouragement 1 selections
Hebrews 10:19–39 KJV · In this guide
Context: Access through Jesus leads to drawing near, holding fast, gathering, a grave apostasy warning, and encouragement from former endurance.
10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
10:28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Apostolic argument and ethical teaching 1 selections
James 2:1–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: James rebukes partiality, urges mercy, and challenges a claim to faith without works through need, demons, Abraham, and Rahab.
2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
What does birth of water and the Spirit mean in John 3:5?
John 3 contrasts birth by flesh with birth by the Spirit and then directs faith to the lifted-up Son. Ezekiel 36:25–27 joins cleansing water, a new heart, and the Spirit within Israel’s restoration. Titus 3:5 also places washing and the Spirit’s renewal together.
- A baptismal reading understands water and Spirit within Christian initiation and the new birth God gives, without treating the water as autonomous power.
- A cleansing-and-renewal reading sees a unified reference to God’s purifying Spirit, with Ezekiel’s promise as background; baptism may express that reality without being the immediate referent.
- A physical-birth reading takes water as natural birth followed by spiritual birth, but the passage never expressly identifies water with childbirth.
STRONG on the necessity of the Spirit’s new birth; PROBABLE that promised cleansing and renewal supplies essential background. The article keeps a direct baptismal reference open and does not establish a required chronological order from this verse.
Further study: NET Bible translators and editors · Stephen J. Wellum · Catholic Church
Further examination: How do Jesus’ appeal to an Israelite teacher, the water-and-Spirit wording, and the following call to believe constrain each interpretation?
How do baptism, faith, forgiveness, and the Spirit belong together?
Acts 2:38 and 22:16, Romans 6:3–4, Colossians 2:12–13, Titus 3:5, and 1 Peter 3:21 give substantial baptismal or washing language. Acts 10:43–48 records forgiveness proclaimed through faith and the Spirit given before water. First Peter qualifies outward washing and points to the resurrection. Luke 23:39–43 gives Christ’s promise to a dying criminal without narrating baptism; it does not disclose the man’s earlier history. First Corinthians 1:10–17 distinguishes Paul’s principal preaching work from administering baptism while rebuking factional claims about who baptized whom.
- Sacramental readings understand baptism as an effective means of God’s grace, with different accounts of faith and reception. Catholic teaching also says God is not bound to the sacrament and treats desire and martyrdom as exceptional cases.
- Reformed sign-and-seal accounts affirm God’s action through baptism while denying that saving grace is inseparable from its administration or tied to that moment.
- Believer-baptism accounts read baptism as the appointed expression of conversion and union with Christ, sometimes explaining the strongest language as naming the whole conversion by its visible act.
VERY_STRONG that baptism belongs to commanded discipleship; STRONG that its meaning cannot be reduced to physical washing or divorced from Christ, faith, and new life. The guide preserves the full passages and does not claim the theological mechanism is uncontested.
Further study: Stephen J. Wellum · Israel Kamudzandu · Sam Storms · NET Bible translators and editors · Catholic Church · Westminster Assembly
Further examination: Which account explains both the strong baptismal statements and the Spirit-before-water sequence without weakening either?
Who receives baptism, and what do the household accounts establish?
Matthew 28 joins disciple-making, baptism, and teaching. Acts 2 joins receiving the word with baptism and includes the promise to children and those the Lord calls. Acts 16 gives household baptisms, explicitly narrating the jailer’s household hearing the word but not listing ages in either household. Galatians 3:26–29 joins being God’s children by faith with baptism into Christ and inheritance of Abraham’s promise.
- Believer-baptism arguments emphasize the recurring proclamation, personal faith, and baptism pattern and do not infer infants from the household label.
- Infant-baptism arguments appeal to the inclusion of believers’ children, covenant continuity, household solidarity, and formation within the church; these arguments depend on broader theological connections, not an explicit infant named in Acts 16.
- Immersion is favored by many believer-baptism churches; Reformed practice also accepts pouring or sprinkling. Burial imagery in Romans 6 has theological force, but by itself does not state every procedural requirement.
STRONG that these passages must be taught without inventing household ages. The article names the practice difference and leaves recipient and mode disputes open; it does not give a universal rebaptism instruction.
Further study: Stephen J. Wellum · Catholic Church · Westminster Assembly
Further examination: What does each passage expressly identify about recipients, what must be inferred from covenant connections, and what evidence would be required to establish a mandatory mode?
How should Paul’s and James’s justification language be read together?
Romans 4 denies justification on the basis of works as wages; James 2:24 says justification is by works and not faith only. James starts with someone saying he has faith, exposes a refusal of mercy, and describes Abraham’s faith as active and completed through deeds. Both authors quote Genesis 15:6, but James also invokes the later testing in Genesis 22. Acts 15:1–11 rejects making Gentile circumcision necessary for salvation, appealing to hearts purified by faith and salvation through Christ’s grace.
- A Protestant vindication reading treats James’s works as the demonstration and completion of genuine faith, distinguishing them from the ground or instrument of forensic justification.
- Catholic accounts include renewal within justification and distinguish grace-enabled obedience from earning initial grace.
- Other readings emphasize different stages or a final judgment according to works; the relation among these models requires more than replacing one author’s wording with the other’s.
VERY_STRONG that grace excludes boasting and that living faith must act in love. STRONG that the different immediate problems matter. The guide does not claim that this contextual comparison resolves every disagreement about justification.
Further study: Robert L. Plummer · Anthony N. S. Lane · Catholic Church · Westminster Assembly
Further examination: Can the proposed synthesis preserve Paul’s wages-versus-gift argument and James’s exact conclusion, including his Abraham chronology and the needy neighbor?
Does following Jesus require every disciple to sell every possession?
Luke 14:33 makes renunciation universal; Mark 10:21 commands a particular wealthy man to sell and give. Luke 19 records a different financial response, and Acts 5:4 acknowledges retained authority over property and proceeds while condemning deceit.
- A literal dispossession reading takes Luke’s renunciation to require relinquishing ownership as the normal disciple’s response, sometimes practiced in a common life.
- A whole-life-allegiance reading understands relinquishment as surrender of every possession to Christ’s authority, which can require actual sale and loss without imposing the same transaction in all circumstances.
STRONG_INFERENCE, STRONG: the second account better accommodates the different narratives without softening the first text into a private feeling. The main teaching requires real generosity, honesty, and readiness to relinquish.
Further study: Jeannine K. Brown
Further examination: How does the reading preserve Luke’s uncompromising demand while accounting for what Peter says about Ananias’s property?
How do promises of preservation relate to warnings against falling away?
John 6 and 10 and Romans 8 make strong promises of Christ’s welcome and care. John 15 and Hebrews 10 give severe warnings. First John calls believers to confess sin and trust Christ’s advocacy while continuing to obey.
- Perseverance accounts understand God to preserve the truly regenerate and use warnings as means of that perseverance; Westminster XVII gives this confessional account.
- Conditional readings take the warnings to address believers who must continue in faith lest they forfeit final salvation. Schenck’s treatment of Hebrews 2 presses the audience’s need to continue and the reality of judgment for abandoning Christ; the full systematic account is not supplied by that short commentary.
STRONG that assurance belongs in Christ and that warnings summon continued faith. The article neither promises salvation regardless of abandoning Christ nor declares every sin proof of final apostasy. No complete settlement of the security debate is claimed.
Further study: Westminster Assembly · Ken Schenck
Further examination: Does the explanation give the promises their intended comfort and the warnings their intended seriousness, while distinguishing repentant failure from repudiating Christ?
How are disputed readings retained in the pinned KJV?
The pinned KJV includes Acts 8:37 and the heavenly-witness language in 1 John 5:7–8. The inspected NET textual notes judge these longer readings secondary. The package does not replace, remove, or silently modernize the KJV text.
- Readers following the KJV’s received text retain the longer readings as Scripture in that textual tradition.
- Modern critical editions omit these longer forms or mark them in notes on manuscript grounds.
STRONG that the textual differences must be disclosed. The teaching of confession is independently grounded in Romans 10:9–13, Christ’s divine identity in John 1:1–18, and the baptismal name in Matthew 28:19. Assurance here is explained from 1 John 5:11–13, not made dependent on the disputed clause.
Further study: NET Bible translators and editors · NET Bible translators and editors
Further examination: Is the displayed KJV exact, is the disagreement visible, and does any main conclusion depend solely on a disputed reading?
- Colossians 1:15: translation notes 1–3
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press / NET Bible · n.d.
Explains why the following creation statement supports supremacy rather than first-created status.
What was reviewed
Verse and notes 1–3, especially note 3 on firstborn, rank, and the explanatory connection with 1:16. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Cited works by Harris and O’Brien were not independently read; the main conclusion is also tested against Colossians 1:16–17.
- Acts 8:26–40: translator and textual notes
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press / Bible Gateway · n.d.
Flags the textual status of the official’s confession without altering the pinned KJV.
What was reviewed
The passage and its displayed notes; note 36 at 8:36 discusses the longer reading numbered 8:37 in KJV. Accessed 2026-09-25.
No independent manuscript collation; geographical and manuscript details not necessary to the guide are not asserted.
- Justification by Faith 1517–2017: What Has Changed?
Anthony N. S. Lane · Tyndale Bulletin 69.2 (2018), 283–303 · 2018
Distinguishes theological language, models, and continuing substantive differences in Protestant and Catholic accounts.
What was reviewed
Abstract and opening pages 283–285; pages 298–303, sections 9–12. Pages 286–297 were not fully inspected. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Historical-theological comparison rather than a verse-by-verse commentary; its cited books and the Joint Declaration were not independently read.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 2: Grace and Justification
Catholic Church · Holy See · n.d.
Primary representation of justification including forgiveness and renewal through Christ and grace.
What was reviewed
Paragraphs 1988–1995. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Doctrinal primary source, not independent exegetical adjudication; used to avoid equating Catholic teaching with earning initial grace.
- John 3:1–21: translator and textual notes
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press / Bible Gateway · n.d.
Clarifies the again/from-above and Spirit/wind language and supplies Old Testament water/Spirit comparisons.
What was reviewed
Passage and displayed notes 1–46, especially 8, 12–17, 21, and 34–37 on birth, water, Spirit/wind, and the lifted-up Son. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Its specific note cites Isaiah 44 and Ezekiel 37; the Ezekiel 36 comparison in this guide is a separate canonical judgment.
- Water Baptism
Stephen J. Wellum · The Gospel Coalition · n.d.
A substantive believer-baptism argument relating baptism to conversion, union with Christ, and the new covenant.
What was reviewed
Entire essay from definition and summary through the concluding discussion; bibliography inspected as a list only. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Its descriptions of other traditions are checked against their own documents; listed monographs were not read.
- Commentary on Romans 6:1b–11
Israel Kamudzandu · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2014-06-22
Emphasizes baptismal participation in Christ’s death and the resulting transformed life.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body on Romans 6:1–11. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Broader cultural comparisons and claims about gradual salvation are not imported; Romans 6 controls the explanation.
- Does Baptism Save? (1 Peter 3)
Sam Storms · Crossway · 2019-01-05
Argues for appeal in 3:21, rejects merely physical washing, and emphasizes Christ’s resurrection.
What was reviewed
Complete main article adapted from ESV Expository Commentary, volume 12; displayed notes 1–6. The full volume and later notes were not read. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
His account of the spirits in prison is one disputed interpretation and is not treated here as established.
- 1 Peter 3:21: translation notes 1–3
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press / NET Bible · n.d.
Makes the wording question at 3:21 visible alongside Storms’s appeal reading.
What was reviewed
Verse and notes 1–3 on the correspondence, bodily dirt, and pledge/response wording. Accessed 2026-09-25.
A translator’s judgment among alternatives; it does not settle the full sacramental question.
- Catechism: Who Can Receive Baptism?
Catholic Church · Holy See · n.d.
Explains adult initiation, infant baptism, the faith of the church, and growth in faith.
What was reviewed
Complete section, paragraphs 1246–1255. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Represents Catholic doctrine; historical claims about earliest infant baptism were not independently established.
- Catechism: The Necessity of Baptism
Catholic Church · Holy See · n.d.
Qualifies Catholic necessity language through God’s freedom and the accounts of desire and martyrdom.
What was reviewed
Complete section, paragraphs 1257–1261. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Used for accurate representation, not as a biblical proof or a claim about each person’s destiny.
- Westminster Confession of Faith, chapters XI, XVII, XXVII–XXVIII
Westminster Assembly · Orthodox Presbyterian Church text · 1646–1647; online edition n.d.
Primary Reformed account of justification, perseverance, and baptism, including covenant children and Spirit-given efficacy.
What was reviewed
Chapters XI.1–6, XVII.1–3, XXVII.1–5, and XXVIII.1–7; adjacent material was not used as independent evidence. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.
Confessional position, not an owner-selected position; no claim that its account represents all Protestants.
- Commentary on Luke 14:25–33
Jeannine K. Brown · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2010-09-05
Reads the family language alongside Matthew 10:37 and connects both comparisons to costly allegiance.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary and its two displayed notes. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Cited works by Knowles and Stein were not independently read; application does not turn renunciation into a merely inward sentiment.
- What Does It Mean that We’re “Justified By Works”? (James 2)
Robert L. Plummer · Crossway · 2019-01-15
Argues that James confronts barren claimed faith and uses justification as vindication through works.
What was reviewed
Complete article and displayed notes, adapted from ESV Expository Commentary, volume 12; not the whole volume. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Its note denying an explicit Old Testament reference to Abraham as God’s friend is rejected: Isaiah 41:8 and 2 Chronicles 20:7 say this.
- Commentary on John 15:1–8
Meda Stamper · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2015-05-03
Connects abiding with loving indwelling, words, prayer, and fruit that depends on the vine.
What was reviewed
Complete main commentary, including its connection with John 15:9–17. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Speculative pastoral explanations of removing or pruning other people are not adopted; John 15:6 remains a judgment warning.
- 1 John 5:7: textual notes 1–2
NET Bible translators and editors · Biblical Studies Press / NET Bible · n.d.
Identifies the substantial textual issue so a doctrine is not made to depend solely on the disputed wording.
What was reviewed
The verse and both displayed notes, especially the longer heavenly-witness reading of 5:7–8. Accessed 2026-09-25.
No independent manuscript collation; manuscript totals and historical motives are not asserted.
- The First Warning to Remain Faithful (A Study in Hebrews)
Ken Schenck · Seedbed · 2018-07-27
Reads the warnings as addressing an audience that must continue in faith and cannot escape judgment if it abandons Christ.
What was reviewed
Complete article body, including Understanding the Word and Questions for Reflection; excerpt from The Letter to the Hebrews, not the whole book. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Focuses on Hebrews 2:1–4 rather than a full system of perseverance. Historical and authorship side claims are not adopted.