32 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud
The Bible teaches that God made you on purpose and for a purpose: we are His workmanship, created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Our calling is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). God does not force our path: He calls us, and we choose to obey Him (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Our plans are many, but the Lord's purpose stands. Jeremiah 29:11 was first spoken to the exiles in Babylon.
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 19:21
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 33:11
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 16:9
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever — do not abandon the works of Your hands.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 138:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 32:8
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 37:23
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Job 42:2
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Jeremiah 29:11
God formed you and created you for His glory.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 2:10
13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 139:13-16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 1:16
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 43:7
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Revelation 4:11
God's purpose reaches even into our pain.
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.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:28
How it is used today: Used as a promise that whatever happens in my life, even the bad things, God is working it all into His good plan for me; many also read "called according to His purpose" as God's own eternal choice of who will be saved (verses 29-30).
First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Just before, he speaks of "the sufferings of this present time" and of the Spirit helping us when "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought" (8:18-27). The promise is for "those who love God," and verses 35-36 name what he has in mind: trouble, persecution, hunger, the sword.
The early Christians: John Chrysostom says Paul is speaking to people in danger: God does not promise that trouble will not come, but He turns the painful things themselves into good for those who love Him, as with the three young men in the furnace. He also reads the "purpose" in this verse as including the free choice of those who are called, since all were called but not all obeyed. Clement of Alexandria uses the verse to encourage Christians facing martyrdom.
“So he does not say that no trouble comes near those who love God, but that "it works together for good." That is, He uses the painful things themselves to prove those whom others plot against. And this is much greater than keeping such troubles from coming, or stopping them after they have come.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans
“Therefore he says that it is not the calling alone, but also the purpose of those who are called, that works salvation. For the calling was not forced on them or made compulsory. All, then, were called, but not all obeyed the call.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans
The difference: Today this verse is often read as God making whatever happens turn out well for me, and by some as God alone choosing who is saved. Chrysostom says it is for those who love God, that the "good" may be the hardship itself rather than escape from it, and that God calls everyone but not all obey the call.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 1:6
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Genesis 50:20
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 55:8-9
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ecclesiastes 3:1
What every life is for, in Scripture's own words.
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Deuteronomy 30:19
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ecclesiastes 12:13
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Micah 6:8
How it is used today: Used as a short summary of what God wants (justice, mercy, humility), often for social-justice teaching; many evangelicals add that no one can do it perfectly, which shows our need of a Savior.
First spoken: God brings a case against Israel (Micah 6:1-5). The people ask if thousands of rams or even a firstborn would please Him (6:6-7), and verse 8 answers that He has already shown what is good. Verses 9-16 then accuse the city of cheating and violence.
The early Christians: Origen and Irenaeus quote the verse to prove free will: God would not require justice and mercy if it were not in our power to do it. Irenaeus says the prophets urged people to do good 'because it is within our power to do so.'
“Now, that it is our duty to live virtuously, and that God requires this from us, because it does not depend on Him or on anyone else, nor, as some think, on fate, but is our own doing, the prophet Micah will prove when he says, “If it has been announced to you, O man, what is good, or what does the Lord require of you, except to do justice and to love mercy?”” Origen, De Principiis
“Therefore, the prophets urged people to do what is good, act justly, and work righteousness, as I have extensively shown, because it is within our power to do so” Irenaeus, Against Heresies IV
The difference: Today the verse is often read as a standard we fall short of, pointing us to Christ. The early Christians read it as a command we are able to keep, which is why God holds us to it.
37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 22:37-39
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 10:31
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 5:16
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 2:9
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching 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.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 28:19-20
How it is used today: Used as the Great Commission: every Christian is called to win people to Christ; a person is saved when he trusts Christ, and baptism follows as an outward step of obedience and a public sign of that inward faith.
First spoken: The risen Jesus said this to the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-18), after "All authority has been given to Me." It has three parts: make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them "to observe all things that I have commanded you."
The early Christians: Tertullian says this command "has bound faith to the necessity of baptism," and Cyprian says the Lord ordered that "former sins are to be done away in baptism." The Didache gives the way to baptize in the threefold name after teaching and fasting, and John Chrysostom stresses the last part: each believer must first teach himself to keep everything Christ commanded, such as not insulting back.
“For the law of baptizing has been laid down, and the formula has been prescribed: “Go,” He says, “teach the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The comparison of that law with this statement, “Unless a man has been reborn of water and Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,” has bound faith to the necessity of baptism.” Tertullian, On Baptism
“First teach yourself. If you teach yourself to keep everything He commanded, then even in this way you will have many people following your example.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Thessalonians
The difference: Both agree that Jesus sent His church to every nation. But today baptism is often seen as a sign that follows salvation; the early Christians read this verse as the command that joins faith to baptism, where past sins are washed away, and they stressed teaching new believers to keep everything Christ commanded.
God leads those who seek Him and walk in His word.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 12:2
How it is used today: Used to teach that as I renew my thinking, mainly by taking in the Bible, I will be able to discern God's specific will for my life and my decisions.
First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome right after urging them, "by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). Verses 3-21 then spell out that life: humility, love without pretending, blessing those who persecute you, and not repaying evil for evil.
The early Christians: John Chrysostom says the "world" here is the passing show of riches, glory, beauty and luxury, that we renew ourselves every day by repentance, tears, confession and good works, and that God's will is already known: a humble, simple life of self-control and hardship. Cyprian reads verses 1-2 as Christians offering themselves as living sacrifices and holding on to the end, and Clement of Alexandria as living as strangers to those who hope in the earth.
“What then are the things that God wills? To live in poverty, in lowliness of mind, in contempt of glory; in continency, not in self-indulgence; in tribulation, not in ease; in sorrow, not in dissipation and laughter; and in all the other points on which He has given us laws.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans
“For speak of riches, or glory, or beauty of person, or luxury, or whatever other things in it seem great, it is only a fashion, not reality; a show and a mask, not any abiding substance.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans
The difference: Today this verse is often used to find God's personal will for my choices. The early Christians read God's will here as already known, a humble and simple life of self-control that does not run from hardship, and the renewing as daily repentance and good works, set apart from the world's riches and show.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 3:5-6
How it is used today: Used as a promise of personal guidance: if I trust God instead of my own judgment and bring Him into every decision, He will guide my choices and make the path of my life straight and clear.
First spoken: Solomon is teaching his son (Proverbs 3:1, "My son, do not forget my law"). The next verse says "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil" (3:7), and verses 11-12 say "do not despise the chastening of the LORD... for whom the LORD loves He corrects." In the Greek Old Testament the early church read, verse 6 says to acknowledge "her," that is, wisdom.
The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria quotes verse 5 as relying on God with all your heart and mind, and reads verse 6 together with verses 7 and 11-12: not being wise in your own eyes means fearing God, departing from evil, and accepting His painful discipline. He is the only Father in our library who comments on these verses.
“But fear God, who alone is powerful. From where it follows, as a consequence, that we are not to oppose God. The words that follow teach especially clearly that the fear of God is departure from evil. For it is said, "and depart from all evil." Such is the discipline of wisdom, for "whom the Lord loves He chastens," causing pain in order to produce understanding, and restoring to peace and immortality.” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)
The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that God will guide my personal decisions and smooth my road. The early Christians read it with the verses after it: trusting God means fearing Him, turning away from evil, and accepting His correction, even when it hurts, rather than following our own reason.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 119:105
How it is used today: Used to teach that the Bible is the light that guides a believer's everyday choices and keeps him from stumbling.
First spoken: A psalm in praise of the Lord's law, written to Israel. The writer says he keeps the commands because God's word shows him the way.
The early Christians: Origen quotes it with 'The Lord is my light' as proof that the Word of God lights up the soul with the knowledge of God, and says the prophets knew more than they wrote. Tertullian likens God's word to the lamp that finds the lost coin.
“And so that very ancient prophet, who prophesied many generations before the reign of Cyrus—for he was older than Cyrus by more than fourteen generations—spoke these words: "The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?" and, "Your law is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path;" and again, "The light of Your countenance, O Lord, was manifested toward us;" and, "In Your light we shall see light."” Origen, Against Celsus
“But the simple language of the holy Scriptures has led honest readers to be filled with a divine spirit, and this light is nourished within them by the oil which, in a certain parable, is said to have preserved the light of the torches of the five wise virgins.” Origen, Against Celsus
The difference: Today it is mostly used to say the Bible gives guidance for daily decisions. Origen quoted it for something deeper: the light of knowing God that the Word kindles in the soul through the Scriptures, a light that must be kept fed, like the oil in the lamps of the five wise virgins.
16Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How it is used today: Used to teach that Christians should rejoice, pray and give thanks in every circumstance, even hard ones, because this is God's will for them in Christ.
First spoken: Paul closes his first letter to a suffering young church (see 1:6, 2:14, 3:3-4). Verse 16-18 are three short commands, and he says this is God's will for them 'in Christ Jesus.' Verse 19 goes straight on to 'do not quench the Spirit.'
The early Christians: John Chrysostom, preaching on these verses, says "Rejoice always" is said about suffering: joy is born even in poverty and trouble, in the person who takes revenge on no one and does good to everyone. He says always giving thanks is the mark of a wise soul: give thanks to God when evil comes, and the evil is changed into good.
“This is said about the temptations that bring suffering. Listen, all of you who have fallen into poverty or into painful troubles. From these things, joy is born. For when we have a soul like this, so that we take revenge on no one but do good to everyone, then tell me, from where can the sting of grief enter us?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Thessalonians
“Always giving thanks is a mark of a wise soul. Have you suffered some evil? But if you choose, it is not evil. Give thanks to God, and the evil is changed into good.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on First Thessalonians
Where they agree: Both say Christians should rejoice, pray and give thanks in every situation, hard ones included. Chrysostom adds that this joy grows in the person who takes revenge on no one and does good to all, and that giving thanks in trouble turns the evil into good.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 2:13
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,
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Timothy 1:9
Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.
“For the glory of God is a living human; and the life of a human consists in beholding God.”
“In humans, as well as in angels, He has placed the power of choice (since angels are rational beings), so that those who have obeyed might justly possess what is good, given by God but preserved by themselves.”
The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.
prothesis Greek · Strong’s G4286
purpose; a plan set out beforehand
Hear it & see its versesetsah Hebrew · Strong’s H6098
counsel, plan, purpose
Hear it & see its versesmachashabah Hebrew · Strong’s H4284
thought, plan, purpose
Hear it & see its versesScripture sums it up plainly: fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13); do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8); love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Within that, God prepares good works for each of us (Ephesians 2:10).
Listen: Ecclesiastes 12:13 · Micah 6:8
God first spoke it to Judah in exile in Babylon, promising to bring them home after seventy years (Jeremiah 29:10). It still shows His heart toward His people: His thoughts toward them are peace, and He is found by those who seek Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
Listen: Jeremiah 29:10 · Jeremiah 29:13
Offer yourself to God and let Him renew your mind, so you can prove His good and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2). Trust Him rather than your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5) and do the will He has already made plain in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Listen: Romans 12:1-2 · James 1:5
Joseph told his brothers, "ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20). Paul says our light affliction is working for us a far greater glory (2 Corinthians 4:17), and that God works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Listen: Genesis 50:20 · 2 Corinthians 4:17
Irenaeus, a 2nd-century bishop, wrote that the glory of God is a living human, and that our life consists in beholding God. That echoes Jesus' promise: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8).
Listen: Matthew 5:8
Every verse, read aloud
How the early church read itNo early comment
How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that God has a good plan for my life: to prosper me, keep me from harm and give me a bright future.
First spoken: Jeremiah sent this in a letter to the Jewish exiles carried off to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). God told them to settle there and pray for the city (29:7), and promised that after seventy years He would bring the nation home (29:10), when they sought Him with all their heart (29:13).
The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.
Keep in mind: First a promise to the Jewish exiles in Babylon that God would bring the nation home after seventy years, when they sought Him with all their heart. It shows that God keeps His word, but it is not a promise that every reader has a personal plan for success and safety.