[1] 1:1 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[2] 1:1 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[3] 1:2 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[4] 1:2 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[5] 1:3-4 David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.

[6] 1:3-4 Holy Spirit Literally, "spirit of holiness."

[7] 1:7 holy people Literally, "saints" or "holy ones," a term used in the New Testament to describe followers of Jesus Christ as God's special people. They are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and belong only to God.

[8] 1:7 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[9] 1:9-10 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[10] 1:14 those who share . civilized Literally, "Greeks and barbarians." See "Greek" in the Word List.

[11] 1:17 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[12] 1:17 Quote from Hab. 2:4.

[13] 1:23 divine greatness Literally, "glory," a word that refers to the special qualities of God. See "glory."

[14] 1:25 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[15] 2:7 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[16] 2:12 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[17] 2:16 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[18] 2:22 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[19] 2:22 idol A statue of a false god that people worship. It can also mean anything that is more important to a person than God.

[20] 2:24 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[21] 2:24 Quote from Isa. 52:5. See also Ezek. 36:20-23.

[22] 2:25 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[23] 2:25 circumcise, circumcision Cutting off the foreskin of the male sex organ, which was done to every Jewish baby boy. It was a mark of the agreement God made with Abraham. Read Gen. 17:9-14.

[24] 2:28 circumcision See the Word List. Paul uses it here in a spiritual sense of believers who share in the new agreement God gave his people through Jesus.

[25] 2:29 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[26] 3:7 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[27] 3:10 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[28] 3:19 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[29] 3:21 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[30] 3:22 their faith in Or, "the faithfulness of."

[31] 3:23 divine greatness Literally, "glory," a word that refers to the special qualities of God. See "glory."

[32] 3:24 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[33] 3:30 Jews Literally, "circumcision."

[34] 3:30 non-Jews Literally, "uncircumcision."

[35] 4:1 Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jewish people. Through him God promised to make a great nation and bless all the people of the earth. Read Gen. 12:1-3.

[36] 4:3 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[37] 4:3 Quote from Gen. 15:6.

[38] 4:6 David King of Israel about 1000 years before Christ.

[39] 4:9 circumcise, circumcision Cutting off the foreskin of the male sex organ, which was done to every Jewish baby boy. It was a mark of the agreement God made with Abraham. Read Gen. 17:9-14.

[40] 4:13 Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jewish people. Through him God promised to make a great nation and bless all the people of the earth. Read Gen. 12:1-3.

[41] 4:13 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[42] 4:16 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[43] 4:17 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[44] 4:17 Quote from Gen. 17:5.

[45] 4:18 Quote from Gen. 15:5.

[46] 4:22 Quote from Gen. 15:6.

[47] 5:2 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[48] 5:2 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[49] 5:5 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[50] 5:13 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[51] 5:15 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[52] 6:1 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[53] 6:3 baptize To perform the act of baptism. See "baptism."

[54] 6:3 baptism A Greek word usually referring to the act of dipping or "burying" a person briefly in water, connected with their decision to change their life and turn to God, trusting him to forgive their sins. For people coming to faith in Jesus Christ it was an expression of their trust in his death as the sacrifice God accepted to pay for their sins. Described as a sharing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, it marked the beginning of their new life in Christ as part of God's people. See Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3, 4; Gal. 3:26-28; Col. 2:12, 13.

[55] 6:15 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[56] 7:1 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[57] 7:3 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[58] 7:4 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[59] 7:6 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[60] 7:7 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[61] 7:7 Quote from Ex. 20:17; Deut. 5:21.

[62] 7:12 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[63] 7:14 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[64] 8:2 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[65] 8:2 you Some Greek copies have "me." Also in the next sentence.

[66] 8:3 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[67] 8:15 Abba An Aramaic word that was used by Jewish children as a name for their fathers.

[68] 8:17 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[69] 8:18 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[70] 8:23 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[71] 8:29 firstborn The first male child in a family. Here, it probably means that Christ was the first in God's family to share God's glory.

[72] 8:35 persecution The act of persecuting or being persecuted. See "persecute."

[73] 8:36 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[74] 9:1 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[75] 9:4 Israel The Israelite nation, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also called "Israel."

[76] 9:4 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[77] 9:4 Moses One of the most important leaders of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. God used him to give the people his law, which is often called "the law of Moses."

[78] 9:4 Temple The permanent building in Jerusalem that replaced the portable Holy Tent (Tabernacle) that was used by the Israelites from the time of their wandering in the desert to the reign of king Solomon, when the first Temple was built. Like the Tabernacle, the Temple was the center of Israelite worship, although provision was made for it to be "a house of prayer for all nations" (Isa. 56:7).

[79] 9:5 fathers Important ancestors of the Jewish people, especially the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

[80] 9:5 Christ . forever This can also mean "May God, who rules over all things, be praised forever!"

[81] 9:5 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[82] 9:6 God's people Literally, "Israel," the people God chose to bring his blessings to the world.

[83] 9:7 Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jewish people. Through him God promised to make a great nation and bless all the people of the earth. Read Gen. 12:1-3.

[84] 9:7 Quote from Gen. 21:12.

[85] 9:9 Quote from Gen. 18:10, 14.

[86] 9:11-12 Quote from Gen. 25:23.

[87] 9:13 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[88] 9:13 Quote from Mal. 1:2-3.

[89] 9:15 Quote from Ex. 33:19.

[90] 9:17 Pharaoh A title for the king of Egypt.

[91] 9:17 Quote from Ex. 9:16.

[92] 9:23 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[93] 9:29 Sodom A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Gomorrah, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[94] 9:29 Gomorrah A city that God destroyed, together with the city of Sodom, because the people living there were so evil. See Gen. 19.

[95] 9:33 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[96] 10:5 Quote from Lev. 18:5.

[97] 10:8 Verses 6-8 Quotes from Deut. 30:12-14.

[98] 10:11 Quote from Isa. 28:16.

[99] 10:13 who trusts in the Lord Literally, "who calls on the name of the Lord," meaning to show faith in him by worshiping him or praying to him for help.

[100] 10:13 Quote from Joel 2:32.

[101] 10:15 Quote from Isa. 52:7.

[102] 10:16 Quote from Isa. 53:1.

[103] 10:17 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[104] 11:1 Israelite Belonging to the nation of Israel (see "Israel").

[105] 11:1 Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jewish people. Through him God promised to make a great nation and bless all the people of the earth. Read Gen. 12:1-3.

[106] 11:2 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[107] 11:2 Elijah A very important Israelite leader and prophet who spoke for God during a 25-year period ending about 850 b.c. In the time of Jesus, the Jews were expecting Elijah to come again before the Messiah. See Mal. 4:5-6.

[108] 11:2 Israel The Israelite nation, descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also called "Israel."

[109] 11:3 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[110] 11:3 altar A raised area, pile of stones, or table where sacrifices were offered as gifts to God. An important altar was the one in front of the Temple in Jerusalem. See also "golden altar."

[111] 11:3 Quote from 1 Kings 19:10, 14.

[112] 11:4 Baal A false god worshiped by the Canaanites. They believed he brought rain and storms and made the land produce good crops.

[113] 11:4 Quote from 1 Kings 19:18.

[114] 11:5 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[115] 11:13 apostle A follower of Jesus chosen to represent him in a special way. During his earthly ministry, Jesus named twelve men as apostles, to whom he gave the specific responsibility and authority to represent him and proclaim his message throughout the world. Later, he appeared to Paul and gave him a similar commission, especially to non-Jewish people. Barnabas, Paul's missionary companion, and James, the brother of Jesus, are also called apostles, as well as several others in the New Testament. Some of these occurrences of the word, however, have the more general sense of "messenger" or "emissary."

[116] 11:16 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[117] 11:26 Zion The southeastern part of the mountain that Jerusalem is built on. Sometimes it means the city of Jerusalem, the people of God living there, or the Temple.

[118] 11:26 Jacob Another name for Israel. (See Gen. 32:22-28.) He was an important ancestor of the Israelites or Jews, the father of twelve sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended.

[119] 11:28 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[120] 11:28 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[121] 11:34 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[122] 11:36 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[123] 11:36 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[124] 12:1 lives Literally, "bodies." Paul is using the language of Old Testament animal sacrifice to express the idea of a complete giving of oneself to God.

[125] 12:1 sacrifice To offer a gift to God as an expression of worship, thanksgiving or payment for sin. Also, the gift that is offered. In the Old Testament it was usually a special animal that was killed and burned on an altar. The Old Testament sacrifices offered for sins were symbolic of the perfect sacrifice that God himself would provide through Jesus Christ. Jesus gave his own life as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of all people. See Hebrews 10:1-14.

[126] 12:6 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[127] 12:6 prophecy A message or teaching from God. Also, the ability and authority from God to speak for him.

[128] 12:19 Quote from Deut. 32:35.

[129] 12:20 you will make them feel ashamed Literally, "you will pour burning coals on their head." People in Old Testament times often put ashes on their heads to show that they were sad or sorry.

[130] 13:8 law This usually refers to God's law as it is represented in the Mosaic Law, the rules he gave to the Israelites through Moses (See Ex. 34:29-32). Sometimes it may mean the principle of law rather than a specific law or set of laws.

[131] 13:9 adultery Breaking a marriage promise by committing sexual sin.

[132] 13:9 Quote from Ex. 20:13-15, 17.

[133] 13:9 your neighbor Or, "others." Jesus' teaching in Lk. 10:25-37 makes clear that this includes anyone in need.

[134] 13:9 Quote from Lev. 19:18.

[135] 13:12 night A symbol of sin and evil, which characterize Satan's kingdom.

[136] 13:12 day A symbol of goodness and truth, which characterize God's kingdom.

[137] 13:12 darkness A symbol of sin and evil, which characterize Satan's kingdom.

[138] 13:12 light A symbol of goodness and truth, which characterize God's kingdom.

[139] 14:2 any kind of food The Jewish law said there were some foods that Jews could not eat. When they became followers of Christ, some of them did not understand that they could now eat all foods.

[140] 14:11 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[141] 14:17 God's kingdom The "reign" or "rule" of God over all humanity-a time of great blessing for those who submit to him by accepting Jesus as the Christ (appointed king), who represents God's kingdom on earth, being the perfect example of submission to the will of God. When people give control of their lives to Jesus, they become a part of God's kingdom and begin to enjoy the blessings he has promised his people from the beginning. (Note that in Matthew this term also translates the Greek phrase, "the kingdom of the heavens," which was used by Jews as a way to avoid saying the divine name.)

[142] 14:17 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[143] 15:2 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[144] 15:3 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[145] 15:3 Quote from Ps. 69:9.

[146] 15:6 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[147] 15:8 ancestors Literally, "fathers," meaning a person's parents, grandparents, and all the other people that person is descended from. In the New Testament it usually refers to people who lived during Old Testament times.

[148] 15:12 Jesse's family Jesse was the father of David, king of Israel. Jesus was from their family.

[149] 15:16 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[150] 15:16 holy Set apart or chosen for a special use; especially, belonging to God or used only for him. Also, pure or perfect, worthy of God and fit for his service. In the New Testament God's people are holy because they have been made pure through Christ and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, keep themselves from sin and live only for God.

[151] 15:16 Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. In union with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world.

[152] 15:19 miraculous sign An amazing act that demonstrates the power of God.

[153] 15:19 wonders Miracles that cause people to react with amazement and fear of God.

[154] 15:19 Illyricum A Roman province north and west of Greece.

[155] 15:21 Scripture Part of the Scriptures or "Holy Writings"-the Old Testament.

[156] 15:26 Macedonia The northern part of Greece, where Thessalonica and Philippi were.

[157] 15:26 Achaia The region in the southern part of Greece where the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth were located.

[158] 15:30 Spirit See "Holy Spirit."

[159] 15:33 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

[160] 16:1 special servant The Greek word is diakonos, which is usually translated "servant." However, in three places (Rom. 16:1; Php. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:8-13) the service of those so described is associated with a local church, indicating that they were chosen to serve in some special way. Cf. Acts 6:1-6.

[161] 16:1 church Literally, "assembly" or "community," the people who have been brought together as God's family through their common faith in Jesus Christ. The word often refers to a group of believers who meet together or who live in the same area, but it is also used to mean the worldwide community of all believers in Christ.

[162] 16:5 Asia The geographical area, sometimes called Asia Minor, that is now the western part of modern Turkey.

[163] 16:7 most important . work Literally, "important among (or to) the apostles."

[164] 16:16 the special greeting of God's people Literally, "a holy kiss."

[165] 16:20 Satan A name for the devil meaning "the enemy," or "the accuser."

[166] 16:20 grace The love and kindness that God shows in his complete willingness to give people favors he does not owe them and blessings they don't deserve.

[167] 16:24 Some Greek copies add verse 24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

[168] 16:25 Good News In the gospels this is usually the news about the coming of God's kingdom (see above) or its representative Jesus Christ. In other places it is, more specifically, the news or message of God's grace-that he has made a way through Jesus Christ for people to be made right with him and enjoy his blessings now and forever.

[169] 16:26 prophet A person who speaks a message from God. Many of the books in the Old Testament are messages spoken or written by "the prophets," who were some of those God chose to speak for him. God often used dreams or visions to tell or show his prophets what they should say.

[170] 16:27 glory A word that refers to the special qualities of God. Often it means brightness, referring to the way he appears to people. Sometimes it means majesty or power, referring to a kind of greatness that cannot be compared to anything in human experience. It can also include the ideas of honor, fame or respect, especially in expressions of praise.

[171] 16:27 Amen A Hebrew word meaning "That's right," "True," or "Yes." It is used to express strong agreement with what has been said.

© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.