Apostle
One sent with authority. In a special sense, the term identifies the witnesses chosen and commissioned by Christ, including the Twelve and Paul.
Key ScripturesMatthew 10:1–8; Acts 1:21–26; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:8–9
Bible Study Tools
Bible Dictionary
Search concise definitions of important biblical people, teachings, offices, and practices, with passages for further study.
24 entries
Baptism
Immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, union with Christ, and entrance into the one body.
Key ScripturesMatthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21
Church
The assembly or called-out people belonging to Christ. In the New Testament it may describe all the saved or a local congregation.
Key ScripturesMatthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Romans 16:16; Ephesians 1:22–23
Covenant
A binding relationship established by God. The new covenant was enacted through Christ and replaces the Mosaic covenant as the rule for God's people today.
Key ScripturesJeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6–13; 9:15
Deacon
A servant or minister. First Timothy 3 gives qualifications for men appointed to a recognized work of service in a congregation.
Key ScripturesPhilippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8–13
Disciple
A learner and follower. A disciple of Jesus receives His teaching, follows His example, and remains faithful to His word.
Key ScripturesMatthew 28:19–20; Luke 9:23; John 8:31–32
Elder
A spiritually mature man appointed to shepherd and oversee a local congregation; also called an overseer, bishop, shepherd, or pastor.
Key ScripturesActs 14:23; 20:17, 28; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4
Evangelist
A proclaimer of the good news of Christ who teaches the word and equips the church; not a governing office over elders.
Key ScripturesActs 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5
Faith
Trusting response to God's testimony that includes belief, reliance, and obedient faithfulness. Biblical saving faith acts upon what God has said.
Key ScripturesRomans 1:5; 10:17; Galatians 5:6; Hebrews 11:1, 6; James 2:14–26
Fellowship
Sharing together in Christ, His gospel, worship, work, suffering, and support. Fellowship rests upon walking in the light.
Key ScripturesActs 2:42; Philippians 1:5; 1 John 1:3–7
Gospel
The good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and that salvation is offered under His reign.
Key ScripturesMark 16:15–16; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Grace
God's undeserved favor and saving action. Grace instructs believers to reject sin and does not remove the necessity of obedient faith.
Key ScripturesEphesians 2:8–10; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 5:8–9
Kingdom of God
God's reign, especially the rule of Christ inaugurated in the first century. Christians are transferred into Christ's kingdom and await its final glory.
Key ScripturesDaniel 2:44; Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9
Lord's Supper
The memorial meal of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine by which Christians remember Christ's body and blood and proclaim His death.
Key ScripturesMatthew 26:26–29; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:23–29
Messiah
The Anointed One promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus, God's Son, King, Priest, and Savior. 'Christ' is the Greek equivalent.
Key ScripturesPsalm 2; Isaiah 53; John 1:41; Acts 2:36
New Birth
The spiritual beginning of life in Christ, associated with hearing the gospel, faith, repentance, and birth of water and Spirit.
Key ScripturesJohn 3:3–5; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:22–23
Repentance
A change of mind toward sin and God that produces changed conduct. God commands all people to repent.
Key ScripturesLuke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; 2 Corinthians 7:10–11
Resurrection
God's raising of the dead. Jesus rose bodily as the firstfruits, guaranteeing the future resurrection and judgment of all people.
Key ScripturesJohn 5:28–29; 20:24–29; 1 Corinthians 15:20–23
Salvation
Deliverance from sin, guilt, and death through Jesus Christ. It is offered by grace, received in obedient faith, and completed in eternal life.
Key ScripturesMark 16:16; Acts 2:38–47; Romans 5:8–10; Hebrews 5:9
Sanctification
Being set apart as holy for God and growing in holiness through truth, the Spirit, and faithful obedience.
Key ScripturesJohn 17:17; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14
Scripture
The God-breathed written word, true and authoritative, able to teach, correct, and equip God's people for every good work.
Key ScripturesPsalm 119:160; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21
Sin
Lawlessness and falling short of God's will through thought, desire, word, or action. Sin separates people from God and brings death.
Key ScripturesIsaiah 59:1–2; Romans 3:23; 6:23; James 1:14–15; 1 John 3:4
Soul
A word used for life, person, or the inner being, depending on context. Human beings are accountable to God beyond bodily death.
Key ScripturesMatthew 10:28; 16:26; Acts 2:41; James 5:20
Worship
Reverent honor and service offered to God according to His truth. New Testament worship includes teaching, prayer, singing, giving, and the Lord's Supper.
Key ScripturesJohn 4:23–24; Acts 2:42; 20:7; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 16:1–2