Romans 1
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Paul, a a servant of Christ Jesus, b called to be an apostle, c set apart for the gospel of God,
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which d he promised beforehand e through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
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concerning his Son, f who was descended from David g according to the flesh
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and h was declared to be the Son of God i in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,
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through whom j we have received grace and k apostleship l to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name m among all the nations,
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including you who are n called to belong to Jesus Christ,
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To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: o Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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First, p I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, q because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.
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r For God is my witness, s whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, t that without ceasing I mention you
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always in my prayers, asking that somehow u by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
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For v I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -
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that is, that we may be mutually encouraged w by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
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I want you to know, brothers, that x I have often intended to come to you (but y thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some z harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
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a I am under obligation both to Greeks and to b barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
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So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
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For d I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is e the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew f first and also to g the Greek.
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For in it h the righteousness of God is revealed i from faith for faith, j as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."
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For k the wrath of God l is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
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For what can be m known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
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For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, n have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
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For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they o became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
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p Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
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and q exchanged the glory of r the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
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Therefore s God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to t the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
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because they exchanged the truth about God for u a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, v who is blessed forever! Amen.
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For this reason w God gave them up to x dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
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and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, y men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
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And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, z God gave them up to a a debased mind to do b what ought not to be done.
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They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
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slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
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foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
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Though they know c God's decree that those who practice such things d deserve to die, they not only do them but e give approval to those who practice them.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes.
1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
Hebrews 5:4
And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
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Cross References
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
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Cross References
Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
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Cross References
Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -
Romans 16:26
But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -
Luke 1:70
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
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Cross References
Matthew 1:1
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
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Cross References
Galatians 4:4
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.
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Cross References
Acts 13:33
This he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, "'You are my Son, today I have begotten you.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:4
For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
Ephesians 1:19 - 20
And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Philippians 3:10
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
Acts 26:23
That the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.
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Cross References
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 15:15
But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God
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Cross References
Acts 1:25
To take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.
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Cross References
Romans 6:16
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Romans 16:26
But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -
1 Peter 1:2
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
Romans 15:18
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience - by word and deed.
Acts 6:7
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
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Cross References
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
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Cross References
Revelation 17:14
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:30
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:4
I give thanks to my God always for you because ...
Ephesians 1:15 - 16
For this reason, because I have heard of your f...
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.
Colossians 1:3 - 4
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jes...
Romans 6:17
But thanks be to God, that you who were once sl...
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everyt...
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, ...
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Cross References
Romans 16:19
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
1 Thessalonians 1:8
For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:8
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all ...
1 Thessalonians 2:5
For we never came with words of flattery, as yo...
1 Thessalonians 2:10
You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and r...
Romans 9:1
I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not ly...
2 Corinthians 1:23
But I call God to witness against me - it was t...
2 Corinthians 11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting ...
2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is...
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Cross References
Acts 24:14
But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets.
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2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
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Cross References
Romans 15:32
So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
1 Thessalonians 3:10
As we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
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Cross References
Romans 15:22 - 23
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
Acts 19:21
Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
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Cross References
2 Peter 1:1
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
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Cross References
Romans 15:22 - 23
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
Acts 19:21
Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
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Cross References
Romans 15:22
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
1 Thessalonians 2:18
Because we wanted to come to you - I, Paul, again and again - but Satan hindered us.
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Cross References
Philippians 4:17
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
John 4:36
Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:16
For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
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Cross References
Acts 28:2
The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
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Cross References
Psalms 40:9 - 10
I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.
Mark 8:38
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:24
But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
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Cross References
Romans 2:9
There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek.
Acts 3:26
God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.
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Cross References
Mark 7:26
Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
John 7:35
The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?
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Cross References
Romans 3:21
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -
2 Corinthians 5:21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith -
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Cross References
Romans 9:30
What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith.
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Cross References
Galatians 3:11
Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith.
Hebrews 10:38
But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
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Cross References
Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
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Cross References
Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Colossians 3:6
On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
Romans 5:9
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
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Cross References
Romans 2:5
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
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Romans 2:14 - 15
For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.
Acts 14:17
Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.
Acts 17:24 - 27
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man.
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Cross References
Psalms 19:1 - 6
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Jeremiah 5:21 - 22
Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not.
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Cross References
2 Kings 17:15
They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them that they should not do like them.
Jeremiah 2:5
Thus says the Lord : "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
Ephesians 4:17 - 18
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
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Cross References
Jeremiah 10:14
Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
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Cross References
Psalms 106:20
They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.
Jeremiah 2:11
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.
Deuteronomy 4:16 - 18
Beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female.
Acts 17:29
Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 1:17
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Cross References
Romans 1:26
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature.
Romans 1:28
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Ephesians 4:19
They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:4
That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.
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Cross References
Isaiah 28:15
Because you have said, "We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter".
Isaiah 44:19 - 20
No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, "Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?
Jeremiah 10:14
Every man is stupid and without knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his images are false, and there is no breath in them.
Amos 2:4
Thus says the Lord : "For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have rejected the law of the Lord, and have not kept his statutes, but their lies have led them astray, those after which their fathers walked.
2 Thessalonians 2:11
Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false.
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Cross References
Romans 9:5
To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
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Cross References
Romans 1:24
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.
Romans 1:28
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
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Cross References
Colossians 3:5
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
1 Thessalonians 4:5
Not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
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Cross References
Leviticus 18:22
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Leviticus 20:13
If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.
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Cross References
Romans 1:24
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves.
Romans 1:26
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature.
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Jeremiah 6:30
Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them.
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Ephesians 5:4
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
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Cross References
Romans 2:26
So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
Romans 8:4
In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
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Cross References
Romans 6:21
But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
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Cross References
Luke 11:48
So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs.
Acts 8:1
And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 22:20
And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.
1 Corinthians 13:6
It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:12
In order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.