25 passages · Jesus and the church
Naomi argues that she has no more sons to offer them and that the LORD's hand has gone against her. Orpah kisses her goodbye and turns back, but Ruth clings to Naomi.
Ruth refuses to leave, pledging to go where Naomi goes, adopt her people and God, and stay with her even in death. Seeing her determination, Naomi stops arguing.
Jonathan loves David as himself and makes a covenant with him, giving him his robe, sword, bow and belt. David prospers as Saul sets him over the men of war.
Saul orders Jonathan and his servants to kill David, but Jonathan warns David and speaks up for him. Saul swears David will not be killed, and David returns to court.
David asks Jonathan what he has done wrong, since Saul wants him dead. Jonathan doubts it, but David proposes a test at the New Moon feast.
In the field, Jonathan promises to tell David the truth about Saul's mood and asks David to show loyal love to his family. They agree on a signal with three arrows and a boy.
Jonathan shoots arrows beyond the boy, telling David to flee. After sending the boy away, the two weep, and Jonathan sends David off in peace.
David stays in the wilderness of Ziph, where Saul keeps looking for him. Jonathan comes and encourages David, saying he will be king, and they make a covenant.
Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar hear of Job's trouble and come to comfort him. They barely recognize him, weep, mourn, and sit with him seven days without speaking.
David says how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity, comparing it to fragrant oil on Aaron's head and to dew from Hermon falling on Zion, where the LORD commands blessing.
He describes a man with no family who works endlessly and never feels he has enough. He then praises companionship, since two can help, warm and defend each other.
The new believers devote themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, shared meals and prayer. They share their possessions with those in need, worship in the temple and gain favor with the people as more join.
The believers are united and share their possessions so no one is in need, while the apostles preach the resurrection with power. Barnabas is highlighted as one who sold a field and gave the money to the apostles.
Paul sends personal greetings to a long list of named people in Rome, including Priscilla and Aquila, and notes their labors, sufferings, and service. He asks them to greet one another with a holy kiss.
Timothy and other companions, including Tertius who wrote down the letter, send their greetings to the Romans.
Paul passes on greetings from the churches in Asia, Aquila and Prisca, and the brothers, adds a greeting in his own hand, and ends with a call for the Lord to come and blessings of grace and love.
Paul says that on reaching Macedonia he had conflict outside and fear within. God comforted him through Titus's arrival and his report of the Corinthians' longing and zeal.
Paul reminds them how warmly they welcomed him when he first preached to them in weakness, and asks if he has become their enemy by telling the truth. He is in agony until Christ is formed in them.
Paul tells spiritual believers to restore anyone caught in a sin gently, watching themselves, and to carry each other's burdens, which fulfills the law of Christ. Each should test their own work.
Paul thanks God for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel from the start, confident God will complete what He began in them. He tells them how much he longs for them.
Paul asks them to respect their leaders, live in peace and care for the unruly, fainthearted and weak. He then gives quick commands: rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in everything, test all things, and hold to what is good.
Paul sends greetings to Prisca, Aquila, and Onesiphorus's household, gives news of Erastus and Trophimus, and asks Timothy again to come before winter. He closes with greetings from friends and a blessing.
Paul and Timothy greet Philemon, two co-workers, and the church that meets in Philemon's home, wishing them grace and peace from God and Jesus.
The message is that God is light with no darkness. Claiming fellowship with Him while walking in darkness is a lie, but walking in the light brings fellowship and the cleansing of Jesus' blood.
The elder says he has more to write but hopes to speak face to face soon, then sends peace and greetings from friends and asks Gaius to greet friends there by name.