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 951 to 975 of 4943 results

951. Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

Acts 1:12-26

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... that which is obtained by lot. Here it is used figuratively, though it is interesting that Judas’ successor was actually appointed by this means (cf. v. 26). It is also interesting that the same word is used in 1 Pet. 5:3, and in the same way, concerning an area of ministerial responsibility. Its use here, therefore, may be another echo of Peter’s actual words (see disc. on v. 24). 1:22 Beginning from John’s baptism: This can be understood in a general sense (cf. GNB), and on this view, the candidate ...

952. Peter at Cornelius’ House

Acts 10:23b-48

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... News, there is no one who cannot be saved. And so, without further ado, he spoke the saving word that they had gathered to hear. 10:36–38 The Good News started with God. It was his message, and he sent it to the people of Israel. It concerned peace through Jesus Christ (v. 36), that is, he was God’s agent in bringing about peace between God and humanity (cf. 2 Cor. 5:18ff.). Peace is here synonymous with salvation. The last phrase of verse 36 stands apart from the syntax of the sentence as a parenthesis ...

953. On to Jerusalem

Acts 21:1-16

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... by this name (8:4–40). He now had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (v. 9; see note on 11:27), their presence and their service to the church characteristically noted by Luke (see disc. on 1:14). Though they were prophets, they made no prediction concerning Paul, as far as we know. That role fell to another. 21:10–11 The travelers had been in Caesarea for several days when the prophet Agabus came down from Judea (v. 10). Politically, Caesarea was part of Judea. It was in fact the administrative ...

954. Paul Opposes Peter

Galatians 2:11-21

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... , or at least for Christian Jews and Gentiles having close enough social contact that they knew what each other ate. The translation circumcision group conveys the sense that these men from James were on a circumcising campaign. While we know that Paul is concerned about such people in Galatia (6:12), it is far from clear that his opponents in Antioch were preaching circumcision. In the Greek the phrase means simply “those of the circumcision,” that is, Jews. Read in the context of the preceding passage ...

955. Not Circumcision but a New Creation

Galatians 6:11-18

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... the word “flesh,” and so reads literally “good showing in the flesh.” As Paul has used the word “flesh” throughout the letter for that which is opposed to the Spirit (e.g., 5:17), he may be denigrating the rival evangelists by caricaturing them as concerned about the flesh, not the things of God. His statement is also a question: Would you want such as these to be the ones to compel you to be circumcised? Paul returns to the central issue: the cross of Christ. This he has referred to earlier ...

956. One in Christ

Ephesians 2:11-22

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... , they had many things in common with the Jews, and so the author speaks about all of humanity. He goes on in 2:4–10 to emphasize God’s mercy, love, and grace and how God brought mankind into relationship with himself through Christ. The concern in 2:11–22 is with the national and covenantal alienation between Jews and Gentiles rather than with the spiritual alienation between God and humanity in 2:1–10. Thus the emphasis here is upon those aspects of Christ’s redemption that break down divisions ...

957. Living as Children of Light

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... Matt. 19:21; Luke 14:13; John 13:29; Acts 2:44; 4:32–37; 6:1–4; Rom. 15:25–29; 2 Cor. 8 and 9). The ultimate goal for work is to have something to give away. The readers of Ephesians are to share in that concern for humanity. 4:29 The fourth injunction deals with unwholesome speech—do not let any evil or rotten (sapros) word come out of your mouth. According to Mitton, this would include “words of a complaining, sneering, cynical, sarcastic type, all of which spread demoralisation in a community ...

958. The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... ’ is an expression used only when some grave utterance is in question” (p. 189). God is the giver of this special utterance, but the apostle knows that he is the bearer of it. Second, he requests boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel. This concern is repeated in the next verse, thus indicating the burden that the apostle felt for a clear presentation of the gospel. The mystery refers elsewhere in Ephesians to the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ (3:3–6, 9). Although he is ...

959. Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... dia with the gen.), in terms of making it known to those for whom it was intended, was through our gospel, i.e., the gospel given to Paul and his companions to preach. It was, of course, “the gospel of our Lord Jesus” as far as its content was concerned, and in terms of its origin, the gospel of God (see disc. on 1 Thess. 1:5). Earlier, God’s objective in making his choice was “for salvation” (2:13). Here that same goal is in terms of “obtaining” the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (eis peripoi ...

960. Personal Instructions and Greetings

Titus 3:12-15

Understanding Series

Gordon D. Fee

... reference to the fact that some in Crete have proven themselves disloyal to Paul and his gospel. For the final benediction, Grace be with you all, see discussion on 1 Timothy 6:21. Thus this letter to a longtime companion in ministry, born out of concern for the nascent churches in Crete but with considerably less urgency than that to Timothy in Ephesus, concludes with a benediction, praying for God’s grace to be on them all. Additional Note For examples of the formal closings of ancient letters, see F. X ...

961. Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

Hebrews 10:1-18

Understanding Series

Donald A. Hagner

... words of v. 5; John 6:14; 11:27). The scroll is literally “the roll of the book” (cf. Ezek. 2:9, LXX). The meaning of the psalm passage in its own historical context seems clear. A pious Israelite, perhaps David or a Davidic king, stresses that what concerned God is not sacrifices but obedience. God has given ears to hear and to obey. Thus the psalmist goes on to say, “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart” (cf. Jer. 31:33). From his christocentric perspective the author ...

962. Favoritism Forbidden

James 2:1-13, James 2:14-26

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... at who is elected to office in the church and who sits on denominational committees would quickly indicate that despite the very negative view Jesus took of wealth (e.g., Mark 10), James’ reproof is still relevant today. The church ought to show no partiality, no concern about the outward beauty, wealth, or power of a person. This is demanded of us as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. The only basis of the church is faith in a single Lord. Belief and commitment save rich and poor alike, and all ...

963. Praying for Endurance and Healing

James 4:13-17, James 5:1-6, James 5:7-12, James 5:13-20

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... and the quotation is most appropriate. God does not like watching people squirm. He would not allow suffering to happen if there were not a far greater good ahead. On this note the summary ends: Trust God and keep on patiently enduring, for the Lord is unimaginably concerned about you. 5:12 James is ready to end his letter, so he puts in his equivalents of the customary endings of a Greek literary letter. The first part of such an ending was frequently an oath to guarantee its truth, so having first used a ...

964. The Day of the Lord

2 Peter 3:1-18

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... to them to foster their spiritual life (1:5–8). This is now my second letter to you, he declares, although whether he means 1 Peter or some other letter, now lost, is uncertain. Since Peter is evidently not able to visit his friends in person, his pastoral concern impels him to do the next best thing and commit his message to writing. That in any case has the advantage of greater permanence, and the reminders it contains (1:12, 13, 15) will continue to be on hand to do their work. Moreover, a letter can ...

965. The Israelites Oppressed

Exodus 1:1-22

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... . He did not remember or care about what Joseph had done for Egypt. The verb yadaʿ “know” is an important concept in Exodus 1–14, especially concerning what Pharaoh knew or didn’t know in relation to the Lord (1:8; 2:25; 3:7; 5:2; 6:3, 7; 7:5, 17; ... otherwise translated “more numerous than us,” which could be a political spin on the actual situation. Pharaoh’s two concerns as an administrator (that they are “too numerous” and might “leave the country”) set him in direct opposition to ...

966. Consecration of the Firstborn

Exodus 13:1-16

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... matzah”); nothing with yeast (khamets); and any yeast (seʾor). The text focuses the main point (“eat matzah on those seven days”) in two new ways—on the present and on their future location in the land. It is possible that the final editor was concerned with his situation and looked back at the exodus. The text itself timelessly looks to the present (Today, in the month of Abib), the future (When the LORD brings you into the land), and the past (the land he swore to your forefathers). The exodus is ...

967. Crossing the Sea

Exodus 13:17--14:31

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... brief notes. First, we look ahead to the geographical route. Next, we look back in history to an oath made about Joseph. Then we are brought up to date on a new manifestation of the Lord’s presence in cloud and fire. The first note (vv. 17–18) concerns the route to the sea. The name God occurs for the first time since Exodus 10, reminding the reader that “the LORD” who had been close at hand in Egypt was still “God” as they leave it. The mentions of Philistine country and facing war were ominous ...

968. The Waters of Marah and Elim

Exodus 15:22-27

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... Suez. Elim may have been at Wadi Gharandel (62 mi. down the Suez Gulf) or Ayun Musa which has 12 springs (close to the top of the gulf). For possibilities of other proposed locations for Mt. Sinai see Durham, Exodus, pp. 212–13. 15:26 The Lord’s concern for health and healing in the 613 Sinai laws is extensive (Exod. 19–Num. 10:10). Community order in itself is a health issue. Keeping the Ten Commandments (e.g., you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not ...

969. Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return

Ezra 1:1-11

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... basis for this edict (here given in Hebrew). The fact that the king put it in writing supports this idea, and this is actually the only official document in Ezra-Nehemiah not written in Aramaic. The narrator reserved the stipulation found in 6:5 concerning the return of sacred vessels for the narrative of 1:7, where he could associate it with an extant inventory. Because he incorporates a list of returnees from Babylon in chapter 2, he includes the return of exiles in the edict—although simply as builders ...

970. Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem

Nehemiah 2:1-10

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... brought it into the royal presence and Nehemiah poured it, probably after sampling it to check for poison. Evidently he had hidden his grief while on duty, but this time it showed—perhaps on purpose—and attracted the king’s attention. His concerned question about Nehemiah’s unhappiness launches the first of three interchanges in verses 2–8. Each question Artaxerxes asks is more specific as the dialogue continues, and his courtier gives answers ever more germane to the mission he wanted to fulfill ...

971. The King's Edict in Behalf of the Jews

Esther 8:1-17

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold: These symbols of royalty designate royal favor but not royalty itself. 8:16 Honor: Hebrew words for honor often have a broader range of meanings than comparable words in English. Certain words reflect concerns of status; others, substance (i.e., wealth); others, honorable character; and others, splendor. The simple word for light here (?orah) is an example of the last category. The book of Esther also uses the term tip?eret for splendor or radiance (1:4 ...

972. Triumph of the Jews

Esther 9:1-19

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... . 16). 9:15 / Put to death in Susa three hundred men: The Jews engage in self-defense, and they also execute their enemies legally. Since the Jews had been granted the authority to eliminate all of their enemies, there is no ethical concern in the narrative concerning what the Jews did this second day. While modern readers may wince at the vengeance implied, the author makes no apologies for what is plainly portrayed as a narrative of vindication. The book of Esther assumes that people can be evil (“vile ...

973. A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Huwiler

... oppression, not one who experiences it. At first reading, it may appear as though the issue of space has supplanted that of time. There is a place for judgment and a place for justice, but in both of these places there is wickedness. However, the temporal concern is implicit in the claim that God will impose judgment on the righteous and the wicked: because there is a time for everything, there must be a time for judgment. This claim has potential for comfort, coming as it does after both the poem asserting ...

974. The Fall of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 39:1-18

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... chapter is paralleled to Jeremiah 52:4–16 and 2 Kings 25:1–12. It is interesting to note that Jeremiah 39:4–13 is not found in the Septuagint. It seems that the Masoretic Text places these verses here to bring the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning Judah (which ends here) to a fitting climax. 39:1–10 For years, Jeremiah has been warning Judah and its leaders that disobedience and a refusal to repent would ultimately lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and exile of its people. Chapter 39 begins with a ...

975. Disaster Because of Idolatry

Jeremiah 44:1-30

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... , this oracle is the last of Jeremiah’s prophetic utterances. Nowhere in the Bible is Jeremiah’s death described. Tradition records that he died in Egypt. Even though this was the last oracle Jeremiah delivered during his lifetime, chapter 45 narrates one concerning Baruch that came much earlier in his life. Chapters 46–51 contain the oracles against the nations, also coming earlier in time. Additional Notes 44:1 Because the Nile flows from south to north, the southern region is referred to as Upper ...

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