Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 3526 to 3550 of 4963 results

3526. In Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9)

Acts 17:1-9

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... gospel preached not only by Paul, but the message preached by them all. 17:4 The result of this preaching (as so often elsewhere) was that some Jews were persuaded, including perhaps Aristarchus (see disc. on 20:4) and Jason (cf. vv. 5, 7); but by far the best response was from the God-fearing Greeks (see notes on 6:5 and 13:14), of whom Secundus may have been one (see disc. on 20:4). Among the God-fearers were not a few prominent women, though the Greek could equally mean “wives of the leading men.” In ...

3527. In Corinth

Acts 18:1-17

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... :6. From now on, he said, I will go to the Gentiles (v. 6). As in 13:46, the reference is simply to the local situation, for in verse 19 and again in 19:8 we find him back in a synagogue preaching to Jews. As usual, the best response to Paul’s preaching was from the Gentiles (initially the God-fearers). Thus many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized (v. 8; the tense in the Greek points to continuous growth). Most of the converts were from the lower classes. “Think of what you were ...

3528. The Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19:23-41

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... further ado. As far as we know Demetrius took the matter no further. Additional Notes 19:24 Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis: There is a title, ho neopoios (“temple repairer”), that is known to have been borne by an official who was responsible for the fabric of the temple of Artemis. On this basis, the suggestion has been made that Demetrius was a neopoios, but that Luke has mistaken his title for a description of his trade, a naopoios “temple maker.” Some weight is added to this ...

3529. Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

Acts 20:13-38

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... the three persons of the Trinity in their several relationships to the church. Moreover, this verse is one of the clearest assertions in the New Testament of the doctrine of the atonement (see notes on 8:32f. and disc. on 13:39). As those to whom God has given the responsibility of watching over the church, Paul calls the elders overseers (v. 28), a term that is also found in his letters (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1f.; Titus 1:7; the same word is used of Jesus in 1 Pet. 2:25). The nature of their task is drawn ...

3530. Paul Before Agrippa

Acts 25:23--26:32

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... now to stress (with the wisdom of hindsight) the foolhardiness of what he had been attempting to do (cf. 5:39; Ps. 2:3, 4). The general sense of the proverb is that it is foolish to struggle against one’s destiny. Paul’s question in verse 15 and Jesus’ response are much as in the earlier accounts. As in 22:10, Paul fell back into the Christian habit of calling Jesus the Lord. 26:16 Next he told of his commission. If this is indeed what Jesus said to him on the road, it is by far the most detailed ...

3531. The God of All Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... Yahweh’s salvation from a specific peril in the past (cf., e.g., Pss. 28:6; 31:21; 66:20; 124:6; Gen. 14:20; Exod. 18:10; 2 Sam. 18:28; Luke 1:68–79; 1QM 14.4–5). Typically, the psalmist gives praise in the assembly that, in response to his cry for help, God delivered him from the clutches of death or from some other danger. 1:3 The use of Father in the thanksgiving does not merely represent a “Christianization” of the Jewish formula, for the eulogy in 1 Chron. 29:10 already refers to God as ...

3532. Body / Ambassador

2 Corinthians 5:11--6:2

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... tries to persuade men of, the verb seems to be used in Acts as a technical term for the apostolic proclamation (cf. Acts 18:4 [“Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks”]; 19:8; 28:23). Indeed, it is Paul’s responsibility to “win” both Jews and Gentiles with the message of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:19–22). In that case, Paul would be saying that his knowledge of the fear of the Lord causes him to preach the gospel and to try to persuade people. The thought is ...

3533. Accusations

2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... Paul states the reason (For, gar) for his claim to be an apostle of Christ. Paul has authority from the Lord. He is not self-appointed. He is not confident “in himself” (cf. v. 7). Paul has been personally commissioned to undertake his apostolic responsibilities (cf. 13:10). The purpose for which Paul was commissioned is building up and not pulling down. He has already stated that he has divine powers to demolish strongholds (cf. 10:4–5), but his real purpose is the edification of the church. He does ...

3534. Paul's Concern for the Corinthians

2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... this time he will act more decisively, if necessary. He does not spell out exactly what he might do at this point (see on 13:2; also 1 Cor. 4:21). While Paul hopes for the best, he fears the worst. Everything is contingent on the Corinthians’ response. In verse 20b, a vice catalogue follows, in which the apostle lists the sins of faction and sedition he fears may be characteristic of the Corinthian church when he comes. This vice list gives an important insight as to the nature of the situation in Corinth ...

3535. Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Ephesians 1:1-14

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... to salvation, God has taken the initiative to claim a people for himself. An individual is free to choose God only because God has already decided for such a person from eternity. Likewise, election should not lead to spiritual complacency; it is a privilege and responsibility that is unto holiness of life and for good works (1:4; 2:10). The author indicates that God’s intention for the salvation of humanity precedes the creation of the world and the historical process (for he chose us in him before the ...

3536. Unity in the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:1-16

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... matter of his grace, and just as the apostle has emphasized how he personally was the recipient of grace (3:2, 7, 8), he reminds the readers that each one of them has received the same privilege. Later, he will show how that privilege leads to responsibility (4:12–16). The gift is as Christ apportioned it. Though grace suggests the unlimited favor of God, this phrase shows that, as it was given to each individual, it does have limitations. No one person has all the gifts required for the body; rather, the ...

3537. Children and Parents

Ephesians 6:1-4

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... his commandments (Exod. 20:6). Initially, Exodus 20:12 referred to the promised land that God was giving to the children of Israel. Also, it would have been older children who were called upon to honor their parents by obeying and exercising care and responsibility for them. Ephesians shortens the phrase “in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exod. 20:12) to “on the earth.” The promised land is replaced by a more general or universal conception. God rewards a society or a community in which ...

3538. Slaves and Masters

Ephesians 6:5-9

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... ones. Work that is done cheerfully (eunoia carries the idea of zeal and enthusiasm) has to come from the heart. That inner conviction brought about by a new relationship to Christ and new attitude toward work enables the slave to perform his or her responsibilities with enthusiasm. 6:8 As in Colossians (3:24), the reward motif is introduced into the discussion as a reminder that there is more to life than poor working conditions or one’s paycheck. In Colossians, there is a direct connection to the future ...

3539. Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... against Jewish slanders. The matters touched on include: (1) the circumstances of their coming to Thessalonica and their motives in being there (2:1–6); (2) their conduct towards the Thessalonians (2:7–12); and (3) the response of the Thessalonians to their message and the ensuing hardship caused by that response (2:13–16). Because of their hostility toward the Jews and based on the assumption that they reflect the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (for the latter, cf. 2:16c especially) the last four ...

3540. The Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... a reference to Paul’s missionary preaching in this passage. According to Cullmann the apostle believed that “before the End the gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10) and that he (Paul) was largely responsible for preaching it. Until he had fulfilled that responsibility, the End would not come. Paul’s mission, therefore, was the restraining principle and he himself “the one who now holds back” the man of lawlessness (Christ and Time [London: SCM, 1951], p. 164). Not many have ...

3541. The Lord's Grace to Paul

1 Timothy 1:12-20

Understanding Series

Gordon D. Fee

... Lord [Christ Jesus] as the bestower of grace), the theology of this passage is thoroughly Pauline. Grace had been poured out on him abundantly, a grace that brought about both his faith and his love. For Paul, God’s is always the prior action. Faith is a response to grace (Rom. 3:23–25; Eph. 2:8), and faith acts in love (Gal. 5:6; cf. 1:5). Moreover, that faith and love are in Christ Jesus shows clearly that they are not human qualities but indications that grace has been operative. They are “visible ...

3542. Overseers and Deacons

1 Timothy 3:1-16

Understanding Series

Gordon D. Fee

... strife and quarrels. The true elder is to be gentle, even in correcting opponents (2 Tim. 2:23–25). The list concludes with not a lover of money. According to 6:5–10, greed turns out to be one of the “deadly sins” of the false teachers, being directly responsible for their ruin. Thus a word against avarice appears in every list of qualifications for leadership (3:8; Titus 1:7; cf. Acts 20:33). On this matter, see especially discussion on 6:5–10 and 2 Timothy 3:6–7. 3:4–5 Paul now moves on in ...

3543. Paul’s Request for Onesimus

Philemon 1:8-25

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... a member of God’s family. Since Paul was instrumental in bringing Onesimus to Christ through his witness, he describes his relationship to Onesimus as that of a spiritual father. He uses this language of father and child on other occasions when he has been responsible for people having become Christians (cf. 1 Cor. 4:15, 17; Gal. 4:19). By taking the Greek preposition peri as “I am asking for him,” it is possible to believe that Paul desired to retain Onesimus for his own personal use in prison. But ...

3544. Taming the Tongue

James 3:1-12, James 3:13-18

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1), the lifestyle of the teacher was more important than the words he or she spoke. Teachers were primarily models, secondarily intellectual instructors. By claiming this status they put both life and words under God’s scrutiny, and he would hold them responsible for misleading the flock in word or deed. 3:2 The danger is compounded by the fact that we all stumble in many ways. James cites a proverb that means that Christians not only sin frequently but also sin in many ways. This truth is ...

3545. The Living Stone and a Chosen People

1 Peter 2:4-12

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... :27; Heb. 13:16), and giving (2 Cor. 9:12; Phil. 4:18). Such sacrifices are acceptable to God, not on account of any merit in the one who offers them, but because they are made through Jesus Christ, that is, on the grounds of his perfect sacrifice and in response to the prompting of his Spirit, i.e., “in his name.” 2:6 Peter buttresses his argument with a series of OT quotations from Isaiah 28:16 (v. 6), Psalm 118:22 (v. 7), and Isaiah 8:14 (v. 8), all of which were widely used in the early church ...

3546. Prophecy of Scripture

2 Peter 1:12-21

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... , then so assured that he was established in his loyalty and could not possibly fail his Lord, was bidden, after the approaching drama of the arrest and crucifixion was over, to “strengthen (stērizein) your brothers” (Luke 22:32). 1:13 Conscious of his apostolic responsibilities, and mindful of his own limited remaining time in which to minister, Peter uses solemn language. I think it is right, I deem it my duty, to refresh your memory (lit. by a reminder, such as this letter) as long as I live in the ...

3547. A Call to Persevere

Jude 1:17-25

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... they do not even pray at all, as some “advanced” modern-day professing Christians freely admit. But Jude clearly implies that prayer has a major role in building up Christian life. 21 Jude exhorts his readers, Keep yourselves in God’s love. That love was responsible for their call to faith in the first place (v. 1). But believers have their part to play. They must continue to respond to God’s love (John 15:9–10; Rom. 8:35–39; 1 John 4:16) and thereby maintain and strengthen their relationship ...

3548. The Israelites Oppressed

Exodus 1:1-22

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.” The pharaoh’s main concern was that they would leave the country. His response might be understood as an administrative strategy, as “shrewdly” also can mean “wisely.” He did not try to eliminate them directly. Egypt had a problem with mobile populations. The problem was not that they would take over the country, but that they would ...

3549. Bricks Without Straw

Exodus 5:1-21

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... ” to Pharaoh (vv. 8, 15), once in this appeal and also in the telling sentence, “They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ ” The one to whom they cry out is the one they serve. The Lord’s poetic response to the beating (nakah) of the foremen will be to strike (nakah) Egypt with wonders (3:20), with blood (7:17, 25), with gnats (8:12–13), and with hail (9:25, 31–32). 5:19–21 Moses and Aaron were waiting for the foremen when they left Pharaoh. The ...

3550. The Plague of Frogs

Exodus 7:25--8:15

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... doesn’t say how far, how long, or who might go. He will play those cards later. He said, “I may let you go” (NIV “I will let you go”). Neither did he indicate where they might go (a move he would try to manipulate in v. 25). Moses’ response indicates that he understood the game (see also Moses’ comment at v. 29, “be sure that Pharaoh does not act deceitfully again”). He promises to pray for the removal of the frogs—not so the people would be freed, but “so that you may know there is no ...

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