Biblical Living

Walking by the Holy Spirit

What does Scripture teach about the Holy Spirit and living by his presence and power?

God gives his Holy Spirit so that those who belong to Jesus Christ can live in fellowship with him and learn to do his will. The Spirit gives new life, assures God’s children, helps their prayers and strengthens their service. Walking by the Spirit means depending on that help and responding with the faith, love and obedience Scripture describes.

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The Spirit’s presence is a gift to receive and a reason to live responsively before God. Romans 8:9–17 connects him with belonging to Christ, putting sin to death and approaching God as Father. Galatians 5:13–26 explains his work through love and a changed character. These passages give substance to dependence on the Spirit: trust the Father through Christ, seek his help and practice the good he teaches.

Receive the Helper whom the Father and Son give

Jesus promises his people help that reaches the whole of life with him. In John 14:15–18, as he prepares his disciples for his departure, he promises to ask the Father for another Comforter who will remain with them. He calls this Helper the Spirit of truth and assures them that they will not be left comfortless. The promise stands beside the call to love Jesus and keep his commandments. Receive the Spirit’s presence as God’s provision for continuing to trust, love and obey Christ.

The Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit are two names for the same Spirit in the KJV. Jesus describes him as someone who teaches and reminds the disciples of Jesus’ words (John 14:25–26), bears witness to Jesus (John 15:26–27), and hears, speaks and glorifies the Son (John 16:13–15). These are personal actions. To depend on the Spirit is to depend on the divine Helper who knows and acts. Receive his presence with trust in his wisdom and goodness.

The Father, Son and Spirit are closely united while remaining distinguishable in these passages. The Father sends the Spirit in Jesus’ name in John 14:26; Jesus sends him from the Father in John 15:26. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Acts 5:1–4 supplies a further point: when Ananias lies about his offering, Peter calls this lying to the Holy Ghost and then lying to God. Together these passages give reason to receive the Spirit with the reverence, trust and obedience due to God. Ephesians 4:4–6 places the one Spirit, one Lord and one God and Father within the unity of the Christian people.

The Spirit’s work draws attention to Christ. In John 16:8–11, he exposes the world’s wrong judgment about sin, righteousness and judgment: people refuse to believe in Jesus, Jesus returns to the Father, and the ruler of this world stands judged. In John 16:13–15, he makes known what belongs to Jesus and so glorifies him. Look for growing truthfulness about sin, confidence in the risen Lord and obedience to his word as you seek the Spirit’s help. His presence deepens your life with the Father and Son.

Further study: Karoline Lewis

Look to God for cleansing and new life

The life God calls you to live begins with life he gives. In John 3:1–8, Nicodemus recognizes Jesus as a teacher from God, but Jesus tells him that he must be born again to see God’s kingdom. Nicodemus thinks of entering his mother’s womb a second time. Jesus distinguishes birth from human flesh from birth through the Spirit. The wind makes his point vivid: its sound can be heard although its course cannot be mastered. God’s renewing work is real even though a person cannot produce or control it.

Jesus’ words about water and the Spirit belong against Israel’s hope of renewal. Ezekiel 36:16–32 addresses a people whose idolatry and bloodshed have defiled their land and whose exile has profaned God’s name among the nations. God promises to cleanse them, give them a new heart, and put his Spirit within them so that they will obey him. The heart of stone gives way to a responsive heart. This is a strong background for Jesus’ question about what a teacher of Israel ought to understand in John 3:9–10. God supplies both cleansing from sin and the inward renewal needed for a different life. The promise first concerns Israel’s restoration; its description of a new heart shows why God’s saving work calls forth a changed life.

Christians understand the reference to water in John 3:5 differently. Some see baptism directly in view as the setting in which God gives new birth; others understand cleansing and spiritual renewal, with varying views of its relation to baptism. The common point of John 3:3–8 is essential: entrance into God’s kingdom requires birth from the Spirit. The conversation then directs faith to the Son God gives for the world’s salvation (John 3:14–18). Come to Jesus with your need for mercy and receive the life that comes from God.

Titus 3:3–8 explains why this hope is available to people with a sinful past. Paul recalls disobedience, enslavement to desires, envy and hatred. The change comes through God’s kindness and mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, poured out through Jesus Christ. Regeneration means new birth. The passage explicitly rules out our righteous works as the basis of this rescue, then directs believers to maintain good works. Receive God’s mercy gratefully and give yourself to the good that his renewal makes possible.

The Spirit is God’s gift to those who belong to Christ. Galatians 3:1–5 asks whether the Galatians received him through works of the law or through hearing with faith; Galatians 3:13–14 connects the promised Spirit with Christ’s redemption and faith. Romans 8:9 makes the connection decisive: anyone without the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ. Indwelling means that God’s Spirit lives in his people. Begin and continue in dependence on this gift, with faith directed toward Christ rather than confidence in your religious achievement.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · Catholic Church

Understand the gift through Jesus’ death, resurrection and mission

God’s Spirit was already at work among his people before Pentecost. In Numbers 11:16–17 and 24–30, the LORD gives the Spirit to elders who will share Moses’ burden, and they prophesy. When Joshua wants two men stopped, Moses expresses the wish that all the LORD’s people might receive his Spirit. Joel 2:18–32 later joins promises of restoration with an outpouring upon sons and daughters, old and young, servants and handmaids. God’s promised generosity reaches across differences of age, sex and social standing.

Israel’s prayers also remember the Spirit’s patient care. Nehemiah 9:19–21 recalls God leading and sustaining the people in the wilderness and giving his good Spirit to instruct them. Nehemiah 9:26–31 confesses their repeated refusal to listen, including refusal of the Spirit’s testimony through the prophets, while praising God’s mercy. Isaiah 63:7–14 likewise remembers the LORD’s goodness and rescue, Israel’s rebellion that grieved his holy Spirit, and the Spirit’s leading in the days of Moses. These accounts concern God’s dealings with Israel. They show that his Spirit’s work already included teaching and leading people who owed him a faithful response.

Jesus brings these hopes into focus. Luke 3:21–22 records the Spirit descending at his baptism while the Father identifies him as his beloved Son. Luke 4:14–21 then presents Jesus ministering in the Spirit’s power and declaring that the Scripture about the Spirit-anointed bearer of good news is fulfilled in him: good news for the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind and freedom for the oppressed. In John 7:37–39, he invites the thirsty to come to him and drink; John explains that the living water concerns the Spirit whom believers would receive after Jesus was glorified. This is a new stage in God’s gift through Christ, not the first time the Spirit exists or acts.

In Acts 1:4–8, the risen Jesus tells the disciples to wait for the Father’s promise and says they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost. He explains the purpose as power to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Acts 2:1–13 records the Spirit filling them and enabling speech that the gathered people hear in their own languages. Peter explains the event through Joel’s promise, then proclaims Jesus’ death and resurrection. His conclusion in Acts 2:32–36 is that the exalted Jesus has received the promised Spirit from the Father and poured out what the crowd sees and hears. Pentecost bears witness to Jesus as Lord and Christ.

Respond to that announcement as a call into life with Christ and his people. In Acts 2:37–41, Peter calls his hearers to repent and receive baptism in Jesus Christ’s name for the remission of sins, promising the gift of the Holy Ghost to those whom God calls. The believers then continue in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers, with practical generosity and praise (Acts 2:42–47). The narrative gives the Spirit’s coming a visible setting in a learning, worshiping and caring community. Receive the gospel and take part in that shared life.

Further study: Max Turner · Craig S. Keener

Understand Spirit baptism and seek God’s continuing help

Acts shows God giving his Spirit in circumstances that differ. In Acts 8:4–17, the Samaritans believe Philip’s message about Christ and are baptized; later Peter and John pray and lay hands on them, and they receive the Holy Ghost. Luke expressly marks the interval. In Acts 10:34–48, the order is different: the Spirit falls on Cornelius’s household while Peter is preaching forgiveness through faith in Jesus, and Peter then commands water baptism. In Acts 11:15–18, Peter recalls Jesus’ promise of baptism with the Spirit and explains that God has given the Gentiles the same gift. The church recognizes God granting them repentance unto life.

Acts 19:1–7 requires its own setting. The men Paul meets know John’s baptism. Paul explains that John directed people toward the coming Jesus; they are baptized in the Lord Jesus’ name, and the Spirit comes upon them when Paul lays hands on them. Tongues and prophecy accompany this event. Christians disagree about how fully these men understood Christ beforehand. Their need for instruction about Jesus is part of the story, so this account should not be reduced to a bare timetable for an already instructed believer.

These passages contribute to genuine differences about Spirit baptism. One reading understands it as the Spirit’s gift in becoming a Christian, taking 1 Corinthians 12:13 as central and reading the delays in Acts within the gospel’s historical expansion. Classical Pentecostals distinguish the Spirit’s work in new birth from a further empowerment, appealing especially to the believing Samaritans who receive later. The latter view still affirms that the Spirit already indwells believers, and it need not require a long interval. The disagreement concerns how to relate these works and names. The accounts themselves establish God’s gift, the importance of faith in Jesus, and power for his service.

Keep those clear realities at the center of your response. Romans 8:9 joins belonging to Christ with having his Spirit; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13 says that all the members share the one Spirit and one body. Acts 4:23–31 shows believers praying and being filled for renewed boldness. You can therefore thank God for his presence and ask earnestly for further help in obedience and service. In Acts 8:18–24, Peter’s rebuke of Simon also makes the manner of receiving clear: God’s gift calls for a right heart and repentance, and cannot be bought or possessed as a source of personal control.

Further study: Max Turner · Craig S. Keener · General Presbytery, Assemblies of God (USA) · Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators

Approach God as your Father and rest your hope in his promise

The Spirit brings you into the life of God’s children. In Galatians 4:4–7, God sends his Son to redeem those under the law and, because they are his children, sends the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father. The name Father expresses the relationship God grants through Christ. Romans 8:14–16 likewise joins being led by the Spirit with adoption and the freedom to cry to God as Father. Bring your needs and obedience to him within that welcome.

Romans 8:16 says that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. Paul places this assurance beside trust in the Father and the Spirit’s work against sin, rather than giving a technique for producing a particular sensation. First John 4:7–16 similarly connects God’s gift of the Spirit with receiving the testimony about his Son and living in love. Look to God’s promise in Christ, pray to your Father, and welcome the love and obedience the Spirit forms. The passage gives grounds for confidence without prescribing one emotional experience that every believer must reproduce.

Ephesians 1:3–14 places this confidence within praise for the Father’s purpose, redemption through Christ’s blood and the gift of the Spirit. After hearing and believing the gospel, the believers are sealed with the promised Spirit. A seal marks them as God’s own; the Spirit is also called the earnest of their inheritance, meaning the pledge or first installment of what God promises to complete. The reason for hope is God’s gracious commitment in Christ. Let that hope sustain a life directed toward the day of redemption.

This belonging includes endurance. Romans 8:17 joins being heirs with Christ to suffering with him and sharing his glory. Romans 8:18–25 says that people who already have the firstfruits of the Spirit still groan as they wait for the redemption of their bodies. His presence gives a foretaste of that future, while the future remains awaited. Romans 8:31–39 grounds confidence amid tribulation, danger and death in the Father who gave his Son and in Christ who died, rose and intercedes. Continue to trust that love as you wait for the life God has promised.

Further study: Elisabeth Johnson

Follow the Spirit through active, faithful obedience

Walking by the Spirit means letting the life he gives govern the way you live. Galatians 5:13–16 begins with freedom in Christ and explains its use: serve one another through love. Paul cites the command to love your neighbor and describes the damage of a community that bites and devours its members. His command to walk in the Spirit answers that problem. Depend on the Spirit as you choose conduct that honors God and seeks another person’s good.

Paul also explains the conflict. In Galatians 5:17–21, the desires of flesh and Spirit oppose one another. Flesh here reaches beyond bodily appetite: Paul includes envy, hatred, strife and divisions alongside sexual immorality and drunkenness. These are ways of life that resist God. His warning that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom gives the struggle its seriousness. Bring the actual desire and conduct before God, turn from the sin, and act in the direction the Spirit’s fruit identifies.

Being led by the Spirit in Galatians 5:18 belongs to this same argument. Galatians 5:1–6 has opposed seeking justification through the law and identified faith working through love. The Spirit leads people in the freedom Christ gives, into conduct that fulfills the command to love in Galatians 5:13–14. Paul is therefore describing a life directed by God’s Spirit, with a moral character the following verses make visible. This particular promise is not a guarantee that every strong inward feeling supplies God’s decision about a choice.

Romans 8:12–14 makes the believer’s active response especially clear. Paul warns that living according to the flesh ends in death, then promises life to those who put sinful deeds to death through the Spirit. He calls those led by the Spirit God’s children. To mortify these deeds is to put them to death: cease the sinful practice and refuse its claim over your life. The words through the Spirit identify the help; the people receiving that help are themselves called to act. Ask for that help and carry out the obedience you understand. Dependence and action belong together.

Your body itself has a good purpose in this life. Romans 8:11 promises life for mortal bodies through the Spirit of the God who raised Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 6:12–20, Paul reasons that the body is for the Lord, belongs to Christ and is a temple of the Holy Ghost. That is why he commands fleeing sexual immorality and glorifying God in the body. Walking by the Spirit reaches physical conduct as well as inward desire. Offer your bodily life to the Lord whose presence gives it dignity and whose promise gives it a future.

Further study: Carla Works

Let the Spirit’s fruit shape your treatment of people

The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 describes the character he produces: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Longsuffering includes patience with others; temperance means self-control. These qualities belong together in a life directed by God. Paul’s concluding words in Galatians 5:24–26 connect belonging to Christ with rejecting sinful desires and with putting away pride, provocation and envy. Seek the growth of this whole character as you live among other people.

The next paragraph shows how that fruit acts. In Galatians 6:1–5, spiritual people restore someone overtaken in a fault with meekness, while watching their own susceptibility to temptation. They bear one another’s burdens and examine their own conduct. Gentleness therefore includes helping a person turn from sin, and humility keeps the helper from superiority. In Galatians 6:7–10, sowing to the Spirit leads into the call to persevere in doing good to all, especially the household of faith. Keep doing the good that love requires, trusting God with growth and the promised harvest.

Ephesians 4:25–32 gives this obedience further substance. Speak truth because you belong to one another; replace stealing with honest work and generosity; use words that benefit the hearer; practice kindness and forgiveness because God has forgiven you in Christ. The command not to grieve the Holy Spirit stands within those very instructions in Ephesians 4:30. Grieving him concerns the way God’s people resist his holy purposes in their conduct. Welcome his work by responding to these commands in the relationships they address.

Love grows out of God’s own action. First John 4:9–13 explains that God sent his Son so that we might live through him, gave him for our sins, and has given us his Spirit. The conclusion is that we ought to love one another. Ephesians 5:1–2 similarly calls God’s dear children to walk in love, following Christ’s self-giving. Receive that love with gratitude, and let it shape patient, truthful, generous care. The Spirit’s fruit has a recognizable likeness to the Savior who gave himself for us.

Further study: Carla Works

Seek the fullness that becomes worship, gratitude and care

Being filled with the Spirit concerns the life God brings under his gracious influence and power. In Ephesians 5:15–18, Paul calls believers to live wisely, use their time well and understand the Lord’s will. He contrasts drunkenness and its excess with being filled with the Spirit. The command calls for a receptive, responsive life in which God’s Spirit shapes what people do. Its setting is continuing Christian conduct.

Ephesians 5:19–21 explains the shape of that life: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord from the heart, giving thanks to the Father in Jesus’ name, and submitting to one another in reverence for God. These actions turn both toward God and toward fellow believers. Join sincerely in worship, help others praise him, give thanks, and yield self-importance in your dealings with one another. Paul’s account allows the congregation to recognize fullness through this shared conduct.

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21 helps explain what to seek. He asks the Father to strengthen the believers inwardly through his Spirit, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith and they may grasp his love together with all the saints. The prayer moves toward being filled with all God’s fullness. Ask for the strength to trust Christ deeply, receive his love and live out its breadth with his people. His work reaches the heart’s settled dependence and the church’s life together.

Acts also shows fresh help for particular responsibilities. After threats, the believers in Acts 4:23–31 pray for bold speech and for God to act through Jesus; they are filled with the Holy Ghost and speak boldly. In Acts 6:1–7, the church chooses men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to address the neglect of widows. These descriptions include both renewed empowerment and a recognized character suited to service. Keep seeking God’s help for the work before you, and cultivate the wisdom and faithfulness through which that help serves others.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · Craig S. Keener

Pray with confidence in the Spirit’s help

Ask the Father for the Spirit’s help with confidence in his goodness. Luke 11:9–13 invites asking, seeking and knocking, then gives the reason. A father whose child asks for bread, a fish or an egg does not answer with a stone, serpent or scorpion. If sinful human parents know how to give good gifts, Jesus reasons, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. Come expecting the Father’s goodness and seeking the gift Jesus commends.

Your access to God rests on Christ. Ephesians 2:13–18 describes Christ reconciling Jews and Gentiles through his cross, so that both have access through him by one Spirit to the Father. Prayer belongs within that welcome. Ephesians 6:18–20 calls for prayer in the Spirit with perseverance for all God’s people and, particularly, boldness for the imprisoned apostle. Ask for what serves the gospel and the needs of others, depending on the Spirit who brings you before the Father.

When words fail, the Spirit’s help remains. Romans 8:22–27 sets prayer within the groaning of creation and believers awaiting bodily redemption. Paul says that we do not know what we should pray for as we ought; the Spirit helps this weakness and intercedes according to God’s will. God, who searches hearts, knows the Spirit’s mind. The passage directs confidence toward the Spirit’s faithful intercession when your understanding is incomplete. Bring the prayer you can offer and entrust what you cannot understand to God.

Praying in the Spirit belongs with continuing in faith and love. Jude 1:17–23 joins it to remembering apostolic teaching, building one another up in the faith, awaiting Christ’s mercy and caring for others. It is not defined there by one language or outward experience. First Corinthians 14:13–19 discusses prayer in tongues specifically and directs prayer with understanding so that others can join and be strengthened. Receive the Spirit’s help while giving shared prayer words others can understand and affirm.

Further study: Elisabeth Johnson · Craig S. Keener

Seek guidance through truth, prayer and tested judgment

Let the truth about Christ guide your expectation of the Spirit. In John 14:25–26, Jesus promises his first disciples that the Spirit will bring his words to their remembrance. John 15:26–27 connects their witness with having been with Jesus from the beginning; John 16:12–15 promises further understanding that glorifies him. These promises first concern those entrusted with this testimony. As you receive their teaching, seek understanding faithful to Christ rather than treating the promise as personal infallibility. Second Peter 1:16–21 likewise directs attention to the prophetic word and says its human speakers were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The Spirit also enables understanding of what God gives. In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul recalls preaching Jesus Christ crucified so that faith would rest in God’s power. In 1 Corinthians 2:10–13, he explains why the Spirit can reveal God’s wisdom: just as a person’s own spirit knows that person’s thoughts, the Spirit of God knows the things of God. The gift enables the knowledge and proclamation of what God freely gives. The mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16 therefore belongs to this gospel-shaped understanding. Paul immediately corrects envy and division among the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:1–4. Seek the Spirit’s help to understand Christ, and let that understanding reshape your loyalties and treatment of others.

Acts records definite guidance for the church’s mission. In Acts 13:1–4, while the Antioch leaders worship and fast, the Spirit directs the setting apart of Barnabas and Saul; the church prays and sends them. Acts 16:6–10 describes the Spirit preventing travel into particular regions, followed by Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia and the group’s conclusion that God has called them to preach there. These are accounts of God’s direction. Luke does not say how every prohibition was communicated, and the account does not identify every inward impulse as that same kind of guidance.

Receive spiritual claims with both openness and discernment. First Thessalonians 5:19–22 places the command not to quench the Spirit beside respect for prophecy, testing everything and holding to what is good. First John 4:1–6 directs testing because false prophets exist, with confession of Jesus Christ come in the flesh and reception of the apostolic testimony as decisive concerns. First Corinthians 14:26–33 requires prophetic speech to be weighed and the gathering to serve learning and peace. Examine what is claimed in the light of these standards, and make room for the judgment of faithful believers.

Ask for direction with a heart ready to obey. In Psalm 143:8–10, the distressed psalmist asks to know the way to walk, to be taught God’s will and to be led by his good Spirit. James 3:13–18 describes wisdom from above as pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, merciful and sincere, with good fruit. These passages help you evaluate the character and purpose of a proposed course. Receive Scripture carefully, pray, listen to sound counsel, and act on what is clearly good. A strong impression still needs testing; confidence in God can include humility about your own judgment.

Serve with the strength God gives and preserve the Spirit’s unity

Use the Spirit’s help for the good of other people. First Corinthians 12:1–11 begins with confessing Jesus as Lord and then speaks of different gifts, services and workings from the same Spirit, Lord and God. The purpose is benefit to others, and the Spirit distributes as he wills. That gives service both confidence and humility: God provides what his people need through differing members. Attend to the useful work entrusted to you and receive what others contribute.

Shared dependence changes how believers regard one another. In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, the one Spirit brings Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people into one body. A foot’s difference from a hand does not remove its belonging; an eye’s difference from a hand does not remove its need for the other. Paul calls the members to common care, shared suffering and shared joy. Ephesians 2:19–22 describes this people together as God’s dwelling through the Spirit. Value the people with whom God has joined you and take their needs seriously.

Preserve that unity through conduct. Ephesians 4:1–6 calls for humility, meekness, patience and bearing with one another in love, because there is one body and one Spirit. Practical responsibilities deserve the same attention: Acts 6:1–7 joins fullness of the Spirit and wisdom with an orderly answer to neglected widows. First Peter 4:7–11 calls for prayer, earnest love, hospitality and service with the ability God supplies, so that God receives glory through Jesus Christ. Spirit-dependent service includes careful, faithful work that benefits people.

Persevere when that work is costly. In 2 Timothy 1:6–14, Paul urges Timothy to exercise his gift, join in suffering for the gospel, hold sound teaching in faith and love, and guard what has been entrusted to him through the indwelling Holy Ghost. Power stands beside love and sound judgment in this charge. Timothy’s particular commission is his own, but the passage shows the kind of strength the Spirit supplies: courage to remain faithful to Christ and care for his truth. Seek that strength as you carry your responsibilities with God’s people.

Read the related guide on using your gifts to serve others

Read the passages

Scripture in context

60 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
Numbers 11:10–30 KJV · In this guide

Context: Moses protests the burden of the people amid their craving for meat; God gives elders to share it, and their prophesying prompts Joshua’s concern and Moses’ wish.

11:10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?

11:12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

11:13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

11:15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

11:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.

11:17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.

11:18 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

11:19 Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days;

11:20 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

11:21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

11:22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

11:23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

11:24 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.

11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

11:26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

11:27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

11:28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

11:29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

11:30 And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

Historical confession and covenant prayer 1 selections
Nehemiah 9:16–31 KJV · In this guide

Context: The Levites’ covenant prayer confesses rebellion from the wilderness through the time of Israel’s judges and prophets, while recalling God’s provision, instruction and repeated mercy.

9:16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

9:18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

9:21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

9:22 Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.

9:23 Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.

9:24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.

9:25 And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.

9:26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

9:27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;

9:29 And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

9:30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.

9:31 Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Lament and petition 1 selections
Psalms 143:1–12 KJV · In this guide

Context: A distressed servant appeals to God’s faithfulness for rescue, renewed life, instruction and guidance by his good Spirit.

143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

143:2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

143:3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

143:4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

143:6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

143:7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

143:8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

143:9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

143:10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

143:11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

143:12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

Historical recollection within prophetic lament 1 selections
Isaiah 63:7–14 KJV · In this guide

Context: Within a communal lament, the speaker remembers the LORD’s kindness to Israel, the people’s rebellion against his holy Spirit, and the exodus leading that displayed his glorious name.

63:7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

63:8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

63:12 That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

63:13 That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?

63:14 As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.

Restoration prophecy 1 selections
Ezekiel 36:16–38 KJV · In this guide

Context: God addresses Israel’s pollution, exile and his profaned name; he promises cleansing, a new heart, his Spirit, restored land and renewed community.

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.

36:33 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.

36:34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by.

36:35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.

36:36 Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.

36:37 Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

36:38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Prophetic promise 1 selections
Joel 2:18–32 KJV · In this guide

Context: Restoration after devastation leads into the promised outpouring, signs of the LORD’s day and deliverance for those who call on him.

2:18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

2:19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

2:20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

2:21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

2:22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

2:24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

2:26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

2:27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

2:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Controversy narrative and warning 1 selections
Matthew 12:22–37 KJV

Context: After Jesus heals a demon-oppressed blind and mute man, Pharisees credit the ruler of demons. Jesus answers with the divided kingdom, God’s Spirit and kingdom, the strong man, the blasphemy warning and accountable speech from the heart.

12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

12:27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Commission 1 selections
Matthew 28:16–20 KJV · In this guide

Context: The risen Jesus commissions the eleven in the setting of worship and some doubt, grounding baptism and teaching in his authority and 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.

Controversy narrative, warning and discipleship teaching 1 selections
Mark 3:20–35 KJV

Context: Jerusalem scribes attribute Jesus’ expulsions of demons to Beelzebub; Jesus answers with divided-house and strong-man arguments and warns against blaspheming the Spirit. Mark explicitly supplies their accusation as the reason, within the surrounding family episode.

3:20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

3:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Prophetic announcement and narrative 1 selections
Luke 3:15–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: John distinguishes his water baptism from the coming stronger one, warns of judgment, and Luke narrates Jesus’ baptism with Spirit and heavenly voice.

3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

3:18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Messianic proclamation and narrative 1 selections
Luke 4:14–30 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus returns in the Spirit’s power, announces fulfillment of Isaiah at Nazareth and faces rejection after examples of mercy beyond Israel.

4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

4:25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

4:30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

Prayer instruction and analogy 1 selections
Luke 11:1–13 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus teaches prayer, persistence and confidence through the friend-at-midnight and father-and-child comparisons.

11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Dialogue and gospel teaching 1 selections
John 3:1–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: The Nicodemus encounter moves from new birth and misunderstanding to the Son’s heavenly testimony, God’s saving love 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.

Invitation with narrator’s explanation 1 selections
John 7:37–44 KJV · In this guide

Context: At the feast Jesus invites the thirsty, the narrator explains the Spirit in relation to Jesus’ glorification, and the crowd disputes Jesus’ identity.

7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

7:41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.

Promise and farewell teaching 1 selections
John 14:15–31 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus prepares his disciples for departure by joining love, obedience, the abiding Helper and peace. The selection retains the response to Judas’s question and the Father–Son setting.

14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Farewell teaching 1 selections
John 15:18–27 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus speaks of the world’s hostility before identifying the Spirit’s testimony and that of his companions from the beginning.

15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Promise and explanation 1 selections
John 16:5–15 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus answers sorrow at his departure with the promised Helper’s work toward the world and the disciples.

16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Resurrection narrative and commission 1 selections
John 20:19–23 KJV · In this guide

Context: The risen Jesus appears to fearful disciples, gives peace, commissions them, breathes the Spirit and speaks about forgiveness.

20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Narrative and commission 1 selections
Acts 1:1–11 KJV · In this guide

Context: Luke links his volumes, recalls the risen Jesus’ teaching and records the promised Spirit, worldwide witness and ascension.

1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Foundational narrative and apostolic proclamation 1 selections
Acts 2:1–47 KJV · In this guide

Context: The signs and languages lead to Peter’s Joel-and-resurrection sermon, the call to repent and be baptized, and the believers’ shared life.

2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans?

2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

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.

Prayer and narrative 1 selections
Acts 4:23–37 KJV · In this guide

Context: Released witnesses report the threats; the church prays, receives filling and boldness, and the narrative describes generous shared life.

4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

4:35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Narrative and apostolic judgment 1 selections
Acts 5:1–11 KJV · In this guide

Context: Ananias and Sapphira deceive the community concerning the sale and face judgment; Peter identifies the deception as lying to the Spirit and 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 practical care 1 selections
Acts 6:1–7 KJV · In this guide

Context: The church addresses neglected widows by appointing reputable men full of Spirit and wisdom while the apostles continue word and prayer.

6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Mission narrative 3 selections
Acts 8:4–25 KJV · In this guide

Context: Philip preaches amid mission beyond Jerusalem; Samaritans believe and are baptized, apostles pray, and Simon’s attempt to buy authority is rebuked.

8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

8:6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8:8 And there was great joy in that city.

8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

8:11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Acts 13:1–4 KJV · In this guide

Context: Antioch prophets and teachers worship and fast; the Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul, and the community prays and sends them.

13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 16:6–10 KJV · In this guide

Context: The mission is redirected away from Asia and Bithynia; Paul sees the Macedonian vision and the group concludes God is calling them there.

16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

16:8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Conversion and calling narrative 1 selections
Acts 9:1–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: Saul encounters the risen Jesus; Ananias is sent for healing and filling, after which Saul is baptized and begins preaching.

9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

9:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

9:21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Mission narrative and gospel proclamation 1 selections
Acts 10:34–48 KJV · In this guide

Context: Peter preaches Jesus to Gentiles, the Spirit comes during the message, and Peter commands baptism after recognizing the same gift.

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 interpretation 1 selections
Acts 11:1–18 KJV · In this guide

Context: Peter answers objections to eating with Gentiles by retelling the divine direction, message and gift; the hearers praise God.

11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

11:8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.

11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:

11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Mission and initiation narrative 1 selections
Acts 19:1–7 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul questions disciples knowing John’s baptism, explains Jesus, baptizes them and lays hands on them; tongues and prophecy follow.

19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

Apostolic argument and assurance 1 selections
Romans 8:1–11 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul explains freedom in Christ, God’s action against sin, the contrast of flesh and Spirit, indwelling and resurrection life.

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.

Apostolic exhortation and assurance 2 selections
Romans 8:12–17 KJV · In this guide

Context: The consequence of indwelling is Spirit-enabled putting to death of sin, being led as children, the cry to the Father, witness and inheritance.

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.

1 John 4:7–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: John grounds mutual love in God’s sending of his Son, the gift of the Spirit, confession, abiding and confidence.

4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Apostolic argument and promise 1 selections
Romans 8:18–30 KJV · In this guide

Context: Present suffering and creation’s groaning are set beside future glory; believers wait, the Spirit intercedes and God purposes conformity to Christ.

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.

Assurance 1 selections
Romans 8:31–39 KJV · In this guide

Context: Rhetorical questions ground confidence in the Father’s gift of the Son, Christ’s death, resurrection and intercession, and undefeated love.

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.

Apostolic argument and correction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 2:1–3:4 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul explains the Spirit’s revelation of God’s wisdom in the crucified Christ and then rebukes rivalry among the Corinthians who need to grow.

2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Apostolic ethical argument 1 selections
1 Corinthians 6:12–20 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul answers slogans about freedom and the body by resurrection, union with Christ, the seriousness of sexual union and the Spirit’s indwelling.

6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.

6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Apostolic instruction 5 selections
1 Corinthians 12:1–31 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul addresses spiritual manifestations by Christ-confession, a common giver, common benefit, diverse members and mutual care.

12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

12:15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

12:16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

12:17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

12:21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

12:29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Galatians 6:1–10 KJV · In this guide

Context: Restoration, burdens, self-examination, support, sowing and persevering good develop the communal shape of spiritual life.

6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Ephesians 4:1–16 KJV · In this guide

Context: The call to preserve unity through humble character rests on shared belonging and develops through Christ’s gifts toward maturity and truth in love.

4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Ephesians 4:17–5:2 KJV · In this guide

Context: Putting off the former life and learning Christ lead into truth, work, generous speech, kindness and forgiveness; the Spirit’s grief is named within this sequence.

4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 Peter 4:7–11 KJV · In this guide

Context: Eschatological watchfulness leads into prayer, love, hospitality and the use of gifts with God-supplied strength for his glory through Christ.

4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Apostolic worship instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 14:13–19 KJV · In this guide

Context: Within the discussion of tongues, Paul joins prayer and singing to understanding so hearers can affirm thanksgiving and be built up.

14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

14:17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

Apostolic assembly instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 14:26–40 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul orders congregational contributions for edification, interpretation, evaluation and peace and concludes with the authority of the Lord’s command.

14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

14:30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

14:31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

14:36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Apostolic argument 2 selections
Galatians 3:1–14 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul appeals to the Galatians’ reception of the Spirit, Abraham’s faith and Christ’s redemption in opposing reliance on works of the law.

3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 4:1–7 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul contrasts the minor heir’s condition with redemption through God’s Son and the Spirit’s cry in the hearts of God’s children.

4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Apostolic argument and command 1 selections
Galatians 5:1–18 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul opposes circumcision as reliance on the law for justification, calls for freedom through loving service, and introduces walking and leading by the Spirit.

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.

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.

Ethical contrast and exhortation 1 selections
Galatians 5:19–26 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul names works of flesh and their kingdom warning, contrasts the Spirit’s fruit, and applies life in the Spirit against rivalry.

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.

Praise and assurance 1 selections
Ephesians 1:3–14 KJV · In this guide

Context: The opening blessing praises the Father’s purpose, redemption in Christ and the Spirit’s seal and pledge of inheritance.

1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Apostolic reconciliation argument 1 selections
Ephesians 2:11–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: The cross reconciles Jews and Gentiles into one people with shared access to the Father and a shared dwelling of God through the Spirit.

2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Apostolic prayer and praise 1 selections
Ephesians 3:14–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul asks the Father for inward strength through the Spirit, Christ’s dwelling by faith and knowledge of his love with all the saints.

3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Apostolic command 1 selections
Ephesians 5:15–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: The instruction to wise living culminates in filling by/with the Spirit, worship, gratitude and mutual submission.

5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Apostolic exhortation and imagery 1 selections
Ephesians 6:10–20 KJV · In this guide

Context: The call to stand in God’s strength names truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Spirit’s word and persevering prayer for all saints and gospel speech.

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Apostolic instruction and prayer 1 selections
1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 KJV · In this guide

Context: Final community instructions connect mutual care, rejoicing, prayer, openness to prophecy, testing and God’s sanctifying faithfulness.

5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

5:16 Rejoice evermore.

5:17 Pray without ceasing.

5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

5:20 Despise not prophesyings.

5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Personal apostolic charge 1 selections
2 Timothy 1:3–14 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul recalls Timothy’s sincere faith, urges renewed exercise of his gift and fidelity in suffering, and names the Spirit’s help in guarding the entrusted truth.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1:11 Where unto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Apostolic instruction and salvation summary 1 selections
Titus 3:1–8 KJV · In this guide

Context: The call to gentle conduct is grounded in God’s mercy to formerly disobedient people, then concludes with devotion to good works.

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.

Wisdom exhortation 1 selections
James 3:13–18 KJV · In this guide

Context: James contrasts jealous ambition with wisdom shown in meek conduct, mercy, sincerity and peace.

3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Apostolic defense and Scripture teaching 1 selections
2 Peter 1:16–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: Apostolic eyewitness testimony and attention to the prophetic word counter fabricated accounts; prophecy’s origin is the Spirit’s movement of its human speakers.

1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Apostolic discernment instruction 1 selections
1 John 4:1–6 KJV · In this guide

Context: John addresses false prophets and distinguishes the Spirit of truth from error through Christ’s incarnation and apostolic testimony.

4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Exhortation and doxology 1 selections
Jude 1:17–25 KJV · In this guide

Context: In contrast with divisive people lacking the Spirit, believers remember apostolic words, build up faith, pray, show mercy and rely on God’s keeping.

1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

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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.

How does water relate to birth from the Spirit?

John 3:3–10 requires birth from above and challenges Israel’s teacher to understand it. Ezekiel 36:25–27 joins cleansing water, a new heart and the Spirit; Titus 3:5–7 joins washing, renewal and mercy.

  • A sacramental reading identifies the water with Christian baptism through which God grants new birth; Catechism 1215 explicitly takes this view. Its strength is taking water and washing seriously, while the baptismal mode of grace remains a wider theological question.
  • A cleansing-and-renewal reading understands one divine cleansing and new birth against Ezekiel 36. It fits the Israel-teacher setting without identifying water solely with a rite. It must still explain baptism’s place in the surrounding Gospel and apostolic practice.
  • The inspected NET note emphasizes water and wind as life-giving images from above. A natural-birth reading also exists, but repeating the physical birth Nicodemus has already misunderstood does not explain the passage as well.

Ezekiel 36 provides a strong background for understanding cleansing and new life. Birth from the Spirit and faith in Christ are necessary; Christians differ about precisely how baptism relates to this renewal. That difference deserves recognition alongside the shared call to receive God’s mercy and live responsively.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · Catholic Church

Further examination: Does the explanation preserve the cleansing context and the force of water while accurately identifying the differing sacramental interpretations?

How do Spirit baptism and reception relate to becoming a Christian?

Acts 8:12–17 explicitly separates faith and baptism from later reception. Acts 10:43–48 gives reception during gospel hearing before water baptism. Peter calls that the promised Spirit baptism in Acts 11:15–18. Paul speaks of all being baptized into one body by one Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:13.

  • An initiation reading takes the one Spirit as essential to Christian belonging and reads the varied Acts sequences within the first spread of the gospel. Turner argues on pp. 152–153 that Luke expects reception with initiation and presents delays as problems requiring resolution.
  • A distinct-empowerment reading gives Acts’ sequence continuing exemplary weight, especially the Samaritans’ real belief before reception. The Assemblies of God distinguishes this from regeneration and prior indwelling. It allows the works to occur close together.
  • Keener emphasizes differing authorial interests and the range of the Spirit’s saving and empowering work. This offers useful common ground, though it does not by itself settle every disagreement about normative sequence.

The Samaritan delay is real, but the narratives do not give one sequence repeated in every case. The NET renders Acts 19:2 as when you believed; KJV since alone cannot establish an interval. Whatever the disputed terminology, all who belong to Christ have the Spirit, and the church can seek renewed help for service.

Further study: Max Turner · General Presbytery, Assemblies of God (USA) · Craig S. Keener · Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators

Further examination: Are the Samaritan delay, Gentile sequence, Ephesian knowledge gap and 1 Corinthians 12 all allowed their full evidential weight?

Does every believer need the same outward sign?

Tongues are explicitly recorded at Pentecost, Cornelius’s household and Ephesus. Acts 8 records an observable reception without naming tongues, and Acts 9 does not narrate tongues. First Corinthians 12:29–30 expects negative answers about universal possession of the listed ministries and manifestations.

  • Classical Pentecostals infer a normative initial sign from the repeated Acts pattern and distinguish that sign from congregational use of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12–14.
  • Other Christians accept the recorded signs while finding insufficient basis to make tongues universal. They emphasize the unspecific accounts and Paul’s teaching about differing gifts.

The repeated signs in Acts support a serious interpretive argument, while tongues in Acts 8–9 remain an inference. Paul’s question about differing gifts matters, but does not alone resolve the Pentecostal distinction between an initial sign and public use. Christian belonging rests in Christ with his indwelling Spirit. The related guide on serving with spiritual gifts discusses the gifts more fully.

Further study: General Presbytery, Assemblies of God (USA) · Craig S. Keener

Further examination: Does the guide retain the narrated signs and treat both their recurrence and the accounts’ silence honestly?

How should John 20:22 and Pentecost be read together?

John 20:19–23 joins the risen Jesus’ peace, sending and breathing of the Spirit. Acts 1:4–8 still anticipates the Father’s promised gift, fulfilled in Acts 2. Both connect the Spirit to Jesus and his mission.

  • The inspected NET note takes Easter as an actual gift of life and Pentecost as empowerment, while regarding the founding sequence as historically unique.
  • An enacted-promise reading understands Jesus’ breathing as anticipating Pentecost. Raymond Johnson’s survey describes this position on pp. 25–26. The forward-looking Acts promise supports the connection, while the direct command to receive in John must retain force.

Both accounts join the Spirit’s gift to the risen Christ and his mission. They do not explicitly label the disciples’ precise regeneration date or establish a compulsory interval for every later believer. The relation between the Easter breathing and Pentecost remains a real interpretive question, while their shared call to receive Christ’s gift and fulfill his mission is clear.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · Raymond Johnson

Further examination: Can the accounts be related without weakening John’s receive language or importing a universal conversion timetable?

What does being filled with the Spirit mean in Ephesians and Acts?

Ephesians 5:18 gives a command, followed by worship, thanksgiving and submission in 5:19–21. Acts 4:31 describes filling for bold proclamation, while Acts 6:3 describes people recognized as full of Spirit and wisdom.

  • The KJV renders the phrase with the Spirit; the NET argues for by the Spirit, as the means of being filled with God’s fullness, in light of Ephesians 3:19.
  • The following participles can be read as describing how fullness is expressed or how believers participate in it; the NET specifically prefers results to means.

Both readings connect filling with dependence on God, worship, gratitude and responsive conduct. These actions express life with the Spirit; the text supplies no mechanism for compelling an experience. Acts also records renewed empowerment and recognized fullness without attaching one identical outward manifestation to every description.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators

Further examination: Does the explanation distinguish continuing responsive life, recognized character and renewed empowerment while preserving their unity in the Spirit’s work?

How do the Spirit’s guidance and assurance remain accountable to truth?

The farewell promises concern Christ’s testimony and his first disciples; Acts records particular mission directions; the letters command testing. Romans 8:14–17 joins witness, adoption and a life led away from sin.

  • Christians who expect continuing particular impressions or prophetic guidance emphasize the narrated speech and mission direction in Acts, while requiring testing.
  • Christians who restrict revelatory guidance to the apostolic foundation emphasize its historical setting and expect the Spirit’s direction through Scripture, wisdom and providence.
  • The witness of the Spirit is understood with differing emphasis on inward assurance and on faith and conduct shaped by the gospel; Romans 8 presents filial trust and Spirit-enabled obedience together.

God’s particular direction in Acts is part of the biblical testimony, and believers are called to depend on his Spirit. Claims of guidance remain subject to the tests Scripture gives. A strong feeling by itself does not establish that God has spoken, and Romans 8 does not require an audible assurance. The differences about continuing revelation remain open alongside these shared responsibilities.

Further study: Karoline Lewis · Elisabeth Johnson

Further examination: Does an ordinary reader learn how to seek and test guidance without being told either to dismiss Scripture’s narratives or to treat personal impressions as commands from God?

How does grieving the Spirit differ from the warning about blasphemy?

Isaiah 63:7–14 recalls Israel’s rebellion against the Spirit who had led them; Ephesians 4:25–32 addresses conduct that grieves the Spirit within Christian relationships. In Mark 3:22–30, scribes credit Jesus’ expulsions of demons to an evil ruler. Jesus answers that a divided kingdom cannot stand and that a strong man must be bound before his goods can be taken. Mark 3:30 explicitly gives their accusation that Jesus has an unclean spirit as the reason for the warning. Matthew 12:22–37 names the Spirit of God and the arrival of God’s kingdom, then connects speech with the heart.

  • A reading centered on the historical accusation stresses the deliberate naming of the Spirit’s work in Jesus as evil. It preserves the specific act and the exceptional seriousness of Jesus’ words.
  • A broader account emphasizes a settled repudiation of the Spirit’s witness to Christ. Black interprets the accusers as turning away from the agent of forgiveness. This explains the warning’s continuing relevance, but its proposed account of why goes beyond the reason Mark expressly supplies.

The passages describe related resistance to God but do not make every act of grieving or every uncertain judgment identical to the blasphemy in this encounter. Jesus’ severe warning must remain attached to the accusation Mark identifies. Its faithful response is to recognize and receive God’s work in Christ, speak truthfully about him, and respond to the Spirit with the kindness, forgiveness and obedience the letters teach.

Further study: C. Clifton Black

Further examination: Does the explanation preserve the explicit accusation and Jesus’ reasoning without creating a new catch-all category for doubt, distress or ordinary failures?

  1. Commentary on John 14:15–21

    Karoline Lewis · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2014-05-25

    Locates the Helper’s promise within Jesus’ departure and continuing relationship with the disciples.

    What was reviewed

    Complete commentary, especially paragraphs on the Farewell Discourse, another Advocate, truth and not being orphaned. Accessed 2026-09-26.

    Pastoral scholarly exposition. The statement about the crucifixion ending the incarnation is not adopted; the guide makes no such claim.

  2. John 3:3–10, translator and study notes

    Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · NET Bible

    Provides the born-again/from-above and wind/Spirit wordplay and one symbolic reading of the water.

    What was reviewed

    Notes 6–19 on 3:3–10, especially note 12 on water and wind/Spirit. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    The notes’ particular water-and-wind analysis is distinguished from the Ezekiel 36 cleansing reading and from sacramental readings.

  3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1214–1216

    Catholic Church · Holy See

    Primary evidence for the Catholic sacramental interpretation in further study.

    What was reviewed

    Paragraphs 1214–1216; paragraph 1215 links John 3 and Titus 3 with sacramental rebirth. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    A confessional explanation, not evidence that all Christians share this interpretation.

  4. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts

    Max Turner · Word & World 23.2, pp. 146–153 · 2003

    Argues that Luke joins the Spirit’s empowering work with participation in salvation and treats reception with conversion as expected.

    What was reviewed

    All eight pages; competing account at pp. 147–149, critique at pp. 149–151, narrative argument and initiation at pp. 151–153. Accessed 2026-09-26.

    His judgment about a scholarly majority describes 2003 and is not asserted as current consensus; cited monographs were not read.

  5. Acts, Lesson 7: Acts Chapters 1 and 2

    Craig S. Keener · BiblicalTraining

    Explains mission and prayer, distinguishes New Testament emphases, and notes repeated filling.

    What was reviewed

    Lecture transcript §1(a) Promise, §1(b) Preparation, §1(c) Proofs, and §1(e) Prophecy of Pentecost. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    Transcript only; media not played. Contains transcription errors and modern examples, which were not reproduced.

  6. Position Paper on Baptism in the Holy Spirit

    General Presbytery, Assemblies of God (USA) · Assemblies of God (USA) · 2010-08

    Primary account of separable empowerment, tongues as initial evidence, and prior indwelling of all believers.

    What was reviewed

    Sections Subsequence and Separability; Subsequence in Acts; Speaking in tongues; summary statements; Continuing Evidences; The Spirit Already Indwells All Believers. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    Represents classical Assemblies of God teaching; does not establish consensus. Unstated tongues in Acts 8–9 remain inference.

  7. Acts 19:1–7, translation and notes

    Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · NET Bible

    The translation when you believed prevents the KJV since wording alone from settling chronology.

    What was reviewed

    Acts 19:1–7 and note 8 attached to Paul’s question in verse 2. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    A translation comparison, not a complete solution to the disciples’ disputed prior status.

  8. John 20:22, study note 37

    Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · NET Bible

    Presents an actual Easter gift of life distinguished from Pentecost empowerment.

    What was reviewed

    Study note 37 on 20:22, including its comparison with John 7:38–39 and Acts 2. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    This is an argued interpretation, not explicit narrative labeling of regeneration or a universal two-stage order.

  9. Commentary on Romans 8:22–27

    Elisabeth Johnson · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2024-05-19

    Relates adoption, firstfruits, groaning, future bodily redemption and the Spirit’s intercession.

    What was reviewed

    Complete commentary, especially paragraphs 1–11 on Romans 8:3–27; page identifies original publication May 31, 2009. Accessed 2026-09-26.

    Broader polemic about other eschatological systems is not adopted; source is a short pastoral commentary.

  10. Commentary on Galatians 5:1, 13–25

    Carla Works · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2022-06-26

    Keeps ethical teaching within Paul’s argument about reliance on law and the Spirit’s work.

    What was reviewed

    Complete commentary: law dispute, freedom for love, Spirit’s fruit and community transformation. Accessed 2026-09-26.

    Reconstructions of what the opponents explicitly claimed are not adopted as facts; singular fruit is not treated as proof of instant perfection.

  11. Ephesians 5:18–21, translator and study notes

    Biblical Studies Press, NET Bible translators · NET Bible

    Explains by the Spirit and the alternative ways of connecting worship, thanks and submission to filling.

    What was reviewed

    Footnotes c and g on 5:18 and 5:21, alongside the displayed passage. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    The notes favor results over means but identify alternatives; neither grammar nor this guide supplies a technique for controlling filling.

  12. The Church’s Mission: John 20:19–23 Reconsidered

    Raymond Johnson · Currents in Theology and Mission 43.4, pp. 22–28 · 2016-10

    Documents the enacted-promise interpretation and the commission context as serious alternatives to separating two gifts.

    What was reviewed

    Introduction on p. 22; interpretive categories on p. 23; symbolic reading on pp. 25–26 and notes 25–28. Accessed 2026-09-26 · Read in part.

    Partial article access. Carson and other earlier works are known here through Johnson’s survey, not direct reading; its historical council-date claim is not used.

  13. Commentary on Mark 3:20–35

    C. Clifton Black · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2024-06-09

    Explains the accusation setting and argues that rejection of Jesus as the Spirit’s agent separates accusers from the source of forgiveness.

    What was reviewed

    Complete commentary; especially the paragraphs beginning Return to Mark 3:22–30 and Though all other sins are forgivable. Accessed 2026-09-26.

    The explanation of why is expressly his interpretation. Modern analogies, speculative motives of the accusers, and the concluding borrowed prayer are not reproduced.