1 Thessalonians 5

1. 5:1-2 What did the Thessalonians already know?
   Class Answers: Times and dates, or seasons (Morris: times and opportunities). That the day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night. We can prepare, but we can’t know exactly when it will happen.
2. 5:3 How will the day of the Lord be like labor pains? (What is the day of the Lord?)
   Class Answers: It will be sudden, and there will be no escape. The term is used many times in the Old Testament, such as in Amos 5:18-20 (there is no escape). The phrase is found in the New Testament in Acts 2:20 (the Lord’s great and glorious day), 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Thess. 2:2. In 1 Corinthians 1:8, it is “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.,” referring to the second coming of Christ.
3. 5:4-7 How do we protect ourselves against the destruction mentioned in verse 3?
   Class Answers: As children of the day, of the light, we know that the day is coming, and we prepare ourselves. We are awake and sober.
4. 5:8 What are characteristics of children (sons) of light?
   Class Answers: They are sober, with a breastplate of faith and love and a helmet the hope of salvation. The word “sons” or “children” indicates that these are inborn character traits. Notice here the “faith, hope, and love” mentioned back in 1:3. Christians walk in the light of the Lord. Contrary to the way the world might characterize Christians, we are actually the “enlightened” ones – the ones who see the world the way it really is.
   Regarding the word hope, Morris (page 159) states that New Testament hope is grounded in the divine action. (That’s why it’s a confident expectation, not just a strong wish.)
5. 5:9-10 What are Christians destined (appointed) for?
   Class Answers: For obtaining salvation, for “receiving” salvation – from our sins and from wrath. It is God’s work.
6. 5:11 What common (or similar) word do you find in this verse and in 3:2, 5:11, and 5:14?
   Class Answers: In the NRSV, the word “encourage” is used in all three passages. The Greek word used in 3:2 and 5:11 is Parakaleo (admonish, exhort). In 5:14, it’s Paramutheomai (Calm or console).
7. 5:12-13 What are our responsibilities to those who “labor among us” or “have charge of us in the Lord”? (NRSV)
   Class Answers: Those who work among us, have charge over us, and admonish us, which would include ministers and pastors, or elders. The apostles had appointed elders as early as Acts 14:23. It’s likely in such a young Gentile church as Thessalonica that there wouldn’t be many mature Christians, those who had years of experience as Christians. It’s significant that “be at peace among yourselves” is placed after such an injunction. Church leaders can do their work more effectively if they don’t have to solve squabbles among members.
8. 5:14-15 List the ways we are to treat each other.
   Class Answers: 1) Admonish idlers (the unruly); 2) Encourage the fainthearted; 3) Help the weak; 4) Be patient with all of them (even the idler); 5) Don’t repay evil for evil; 4) Seek to do good to one another and all. These define horizontal relationships – one with another.
9. 5:16-18 What is God’s will for us?
   Class Answers: 1) Rejoice always; 2) Pray without ceasing (continually – persistently and regularly); 3) Give thanks in all circumstances. These define a vertical relationship with God.
   Note: Regarding rejoicing, Morris (p. 173) writes: Christianity…turns people’s thoughts away from themselves and their puny deeds to the great God….”
10. 5:19-22 What should be our response to the Spirit and to the things people teach?
    Class Answers: 1) Do not quench the Spirits (Walk by the Spirit; be open to Spirit; 2) Do not despise the words of the prophets (either spoken or written); 3) Test everything; hold to the good, abstain from evil. See these related passages: Acts 11:27-28; 1 Timothy 1:18; 4:14; Revelation 1:3. It’s a balance between being open-minded and using discernment.
11. 5:23-24 What is God able to do for us?
    Class Answers: Sanctify us entirely; keep our spirit, soul, and body sound and blameless. God does it all for us, and He is faithful.
12. 5:25-28 What is a holy kiss?
    Class Answers: A genuine show of affection – not sexual, and not deceitful. The physical kiss is used according to custom. In the U.S., it’s usually a handshake. Other places where the term is used: Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14.

1 Thessalonians 4

1. 4:1-2 What are at three motivations mentioned in these verses for living in the right way? (Hint: Who does it please, who is urging it, and by whose authority were the instructions given?)
   Class Answers: 1) To please God; 2) Because Paul was urging them to do as they had been instructed; 3) Because these instructions were given through Jesus.
   Note: The word instructions here is a little weak, because it indicates authority, as a captain giving an order. According to Morris (page 116), the word is found in only two other places in the New Testament as commands to believers: 1 Timothy 1:5, and 1 Timothy 1:18. The ASV uses the word charge in all three instances.
2. 4:3-8 What does being “sanctified” have to do with living a pure life?
   Class Answers: God calls us to be holy, set apart, which is the meaning of sanctified. Living a pure life – controlling our bodies – is what sets us apart from the “Gentiles who do not know God.” See also Romans 1:20-25.
   Note: Again, I like what Morris has to say here: Page 118: “The strong warning is probably to be understood in light of the prevalence of low standards.” Page 119: “We come to Christ in all our sin, and we receive cleansing by his atoning death. Then day by day we become more and more what God would have us to be.”
3. 4:3-8 Which members of the godhead are involved here?
   Class Answers:
   1) God. Verse 1 – please God; v. 2 – the will of God; v. 5 – Gentiles who do not know God; v. 7 – God calls us in holiness; v. 8 – Rejecting God’s authority; v. 9 – taught by God.
   2) Jesus – v. 1 – urge you in the Lord Jesus; v. 2 – by the authority of the Lord Jesus
   3) Holy Spirit. v. 8 – God gives you his Holy Spirit. In the Greek, this is “his Spirit, the holy.”
   Note: The word godhead is not used in this passage. It is the term used in Colossians 2:9 (KJV and ASV) to translate the Greek word Theotes, which means “the state of being God” or “deity.”
4. 4:9-10 How were they taught by God to love one another? (See John 13:34; 15:9)
   Class Answers: It was taught by Jesus verbally (John 13:34) and by example (John 15:9). Also see 1 Thessalonians 3:12.
5. 4:11-12 What three things does Paul encourage them to do? For what purpose?
   Class Answers: 1) To aspire to live quietly. [Interesting paradox – to “be ambitious” to be quiet.] Morris (p. 131) – this does not denote inactivity, but tranquility in the midst of being busy with the Lord’s work. 2) To mind their own affairs; 3) To work with their own hands. [These are all connected: When we are quietly taking care of our own affairs, we don’t have time to be busybodies.]
   The purpose? For reputation’s sake, to set a good example, to take care of our own needs so we’re not a burden on others.
6. 4:13 Who are those who have fallen asleep? Who are those who have no hope?
   Class Answers: Christians who have died. Apparently, the Thessalonians were concerned about those who died before Jesus came again. Morris, p. 137: “When the apostle counsels the Thessalonians not to sorrow as the pagans do, he is not urging them to endure with a deep Stoic calm the buffetings of fortune that they cannot avoid….Rather, he is rejoicing in the complete victory that Christ has won. Those who have died have simply fallen asleep in Christ, and they will wake with him.”
   Those who have no hope are non-believers. See Ephesians 2:12.
7. 4:14 What does this verse imply about those who have fallen asleep?
   Class Answers: That they are with Jesus – or will be, when he comes again. See also Matthew 24:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Morris, pg. 140: “What worried the Thessalonians was not whether their friends would rise, but whether they would have any share in the great events associated with the Parousia [second coming].”
8. 4:15-17 Read these verses, form a picture of the scene in your mind, then try to describe it in your own words.
   My Answer: When Jesus appears again, he will shout a command, an archangel will call, and a trumpet will sound. Those who died in Christ will rise and meet him in the air. Then those who are still alive will rise to meet them and him. Related passages: 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 10:1; 18:1; 20:1; Acts 1:11. There is no mention of the wicked here. They are mentioned, though, in Acts 24:15 and in Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians.
   Note: There’s so much we can’t comprehend about this event. In response to all our questions, Morris (p. 142) writes: “There are many things we would like to know, but the Bible was not written to satisfy our curiosity. Rather, it is intended to help us in our Christian lives.” The important message here is “Be ready.”
9. 4:18 Where will Christians be when after the Lord returns? How long?
   Class Answers: With the Lord – forever.
   Note: As I understand it, what is referred to as “the rapture” is a quiet event. There’s nothing quiet in this description of Jesus’ Second Coming. I was also curious about the origin of the word “rapture,” since it doesn’t appear in any English translation I’ve read. According to Shogren, p. 188, the Greek word for taken or caught up in verse 17 was translated into Latin as rapiemur, a form of rapio, which in English is rapture. This same word, Harpazo, is used in Acts 8:39 for Philip.
   

Galatians 5

1. 5:1 What is the “yoke of slavery”?
   Class Answers: As a class member pointed out, the verse (in most versions) reads “a yoke of slavery,” so she answered (if I remember right) that this was any type of reliance on our ability to keep the law. In the context of Galatians, the particular “yoke of slavery” or “yoke of bondage” Paul is addressing is the Old Law. See also Acts 15:6-11, especially vs. 10, and Galatians 2:4.
         R. C. Bell compares it to a new master buying a slave and telling him, “I have bought you to set you free.” The slave wouldn’t think about going back to his former cruel master.
2. 5:2-4 Why does Paul condemn circumcision?
   Class Answers: He doesn’t condemn circumcision per se, but he does condemn having it done in order to gain approval from God. To be circumcised for religious reasons is to reinstate the Old Law, to subject oneself to the Old. Law. Circumcision is not part of the Law of Christ.
        Again, to quote R. C. Bell from his book Studies in Galatians (pg. 61-62): “Christian freedom has both a negative and positive aspect. Men are freed from some things and freed for other things…. God has worked out a unique plan by which Christ’s slave becomes his own master! Christ gets the essential law of life obeyed, human nature fulfilled, and his slave in possession of life abounding—all this without slavish drudgery or ‘dragging of feet’ on the part of the slave.”
3. 5:5-6 What two manifestations of faith are mentioned here?
   Class Answers:
   v. 5 – We eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. See Romans 8:23. John Stott (The Message of Galatians) points out that we wait for it, we don’t work for it; Bell compares this hope to the crown of righteousness Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4:8.
   v. 6 – Faith works through love. See John 13:34,35. A motive of love means we go beyond what the Law would demand.
4. 5:7-8 What does it mean to “obey the truth”?
   Class Answers: Stott writes that it means applying belief to behavior. Obeying the truth means we subject ourselves to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. From Ed Wharton’s The Constitution of Christian Freedom: Legalism hinders submission: I have to do what is required, or commanded, nothing more.
5. 5:6-12 List 7 fallacies of legalism mentioned here. (Legalism: The effort to be justified through keeping the law.)
   Class Answers:
   v. 6 – In Christ, keeping the law means nothing. (NIV: It has no value.)
   v. 7 – It prevents us from obeying the truth, hinders our submission.
   v. 8 – It doesn’t come from Christ, the one who calls us.
   v. 9 – It affects others in the body. Wharton: It leavens the church with disobedience. Bell: This powerless form of religious would destroy the life of the church.
   v. 10 – It confuses us. Wharton: causes trouble.
   v. 11 – It abolishes (removes) the offense of the cross. The “offense of the cross” reflects back to Galatians 3:13 and the shame of the cross. How could we worship a God who was not only killed but went through a humiliating, excruciating death at the hands of lesser men?
   v. 12 – It agitates, unsettles new Christians. Wharton: It mutilates the body.
6. 5:13-15 Freedom in Christ gives us freedom to love one another and serve God. NOT to sin! It’s freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
   Bell (pg. 66): “As the character of Christ proves, law itself and love are not incompatible; Pharisaic legalism, not law, is what contradicts gospel grace, truth, and love.”
7. 5:16-18 What conflict is described here?
   Class Answers: The conflict between the Spirit and the flesh (NIV – sinful nature). [I didn’t write down anyone else’s answer . Feel free to put a better explanation in the comment section.] Comment from Bell’s book: Flesh is not sinful; it’s just how Satan reaches us.
       We also had a discussion about whether or not we can be led by the Spirit without the Word. See Galatians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17. The general consensus was that only the Word can reveal the will of God, but the indwelling Spirit helps us to carry out His will. When we follow our best impulses – which we can identify as “best” because of what the Spirit has revealed in the Word – we allow the Spirit to guide us.
8. 5:19-21 Below is the list of “acts of the sinful nature” from the NIV. Beside each word, write a synonym, either from another version or a dictionary.
   Class Answers:
   sexual immorality – fornication, adultery (NKJ)
   impurity – uncleanness
   debauchery – licentiousness, lewdness, indulgence
   Note: These first three are also condemned in the 7th of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:14)
   idolatry – worship of an image or other material object representing a deity
   witchcraft – sorcery, magic
   Note: Idolatry and witchcraft also break the 1st of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:2-3).
   hatred – enmities, hostility, animosity
   discord – strife, contentions, quarreling
   jealousy – resentment against a rival or against another’s success. It occurs when someone else wants to take something I own.
   fits of rage – anger, wrath, outbursts of anger
   selfish ambitions – quarrels, factions, disputes
   dissensions –strong disagreements, contentions or quarrels, discord
   factions – heresies, a party spirit (Stott), “a feeling that everyone else is wrong except those in your own little group” (New Living Translation)
   envy – a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to antoher’s advantages, success, possessions. Having to do with wanting other people’s things.
   Note: These have to do with our relationships with others, which would be covered in the 10th commandment (Exodus 20:17) and Leviticus 19:17-18 – “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
   drunkenness – given to intoxication
   orgies – carousing, revelries
   Note: Don’t overlook the “and the like” at the end of this passage. Legalism would say “If it’s not on the list, it’s not sin.” Wharton: We can make our own list. We know the difference between what is good and what is sin.
9. 5:21 What is the result of such a lifestyle?
   Class Answer: Loss of inheritance in the kingdom of God.
10. 5:22-25 Some would look at these verses as a to-do list as opposed to the “do-not” list in verses 19-21. How do we develop these attributes?
    Class Answers: By crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires, following the Spirit’s guide, not just by moral discipline. It is all based on love. Without love, the rest is not possible. Bell: The Holy Spirit is the only tree that produces this fruit.
         It is not a to-do list but is rather what we can reap when we follow the Spirit rather than our selfish desires.
11. 5:26 How does our opinion of ourselves affect the way we treat others?
    Class Answer: Being self-centered leads to competition and envy.

Choose a verse from Chapter 5 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).
Verses chosen were Galatians 5:13b,14; 5:22; and 5:25.

Galatians 4

1. 4:1-3 How is being under the Law like being an under-age heir?
   Class Answer: As members of the class pointed out, the Law isn’t mentioned in these verses, but in context, that’s the subject of Paul’s discourse and the aim of this comparison. Though an under-age heir will one day benefit from the inheritance, as long as he’s not of age, he has no freedom, being subject to guardians and trustees. Being under the Old Law is like having the promise of an inheritance, but not the reality of the inheritance. The heir has no control, no freedom.
   
   “Religious legal systems are for the moral immature.” Studies in Galatians, R.C. Bell, pg. 49.
   
   Just as during a child’s ministry his guardian may ill-treat and even tyrannize him in ways which his father never intended, so the devil has exploited God’s good law, in order to tyrannize men in ways God never intended. God intended the law to reveal sin and to drive men to Christ; Satan uses it to reveal sin and so drive men to despair. God meant the law as an interim step to man’s justification; Satan uses it as a final step to his condemnation. God meant the law to be a stepping-stone to liberty; Satan uses it as a cul-de-sac, deceiving his dupes into supposing that from its fearful bondage there is no escape. From The Message of Galatians, John Stott, page 105.
2. 4:4-7 Name four blessings we receive because God sent His Son.
   Class Answers:
   v. 5 – redemption (for those under the law)
   v. 5 – full rights of sons, or adoption as sons (for you Gentiles.)
   v. 6 – The Spirit of His Son (Given to us)
   v. 7 – We are no longer slaves, but children of God.
   Note: All three members of the Godhead are mentioned in verse 6: God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Also note the word Abba: The Aramaic word for Father – a personal, pet name. Now the Gentiles – for whom God was formerly far away – can address him personally, as their Father.
3. 4:8-11 How were the Galatians – who had been pagans – turning back to those principles by observing special days?
   Class Answers: They were being legalistic and ritualistic. They were superstitiously observing rituals as if the rituals saved them. They were enslaving themselves to those (Judaizing teachers) who were not gods. 
4. 4:10-11 Why is Paul condemning the observance of special days? (See Colossians 2:16-17)
   Class Answers: They were only shadows of things to come, according to Colossians 2:16-17. The observance of days does not bring salvation. They were judging and being judged by whether or not they observed days and by what they ate and drank.
5. 4:12-16 How had the Galatians welcomed Paul when he first preached to them? (See Acts 13:13 - 14:26)
   Class Answers: As if he were an angel of God or even Jesus himself. They would have torn their eyes out and given them to him if they could. Possible References: In Acts 14:11, those in Lystra at first wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. In Acts 14:20, after Paul was beaten and thought to be dead, he and Barnabas went to Galatian cities. Note on verse 12: Become like me – free – because I became like you when I was among you.
6. 4:17-18 Who were “those people”? (NIV) What motivated them?
   Class Answers: Judaizing teachers: In 1:7 – “some people.” In 1:9 – anyone who was preaching another gospel. In 3:1 – those trying to bewitch them. They were motivated by envy. They were trying to ruin Paul’s influence.
7. 4:19-20 What was Paul’s motivation?
   Class Answers: He wanted to “form Christ in them,” for them to be conformed to the image of Christ. Instead, it was like going through the pain of childbirth a second time.
8. 4:21-23 What was the difference between Ishmael and Isaac? (Old Testament reference: Genesis 16:1-2, 15; 21:1-3)
   Class Answers: Ishmael – born of a slave, in an ordinary way (NIV), or according to the flesh (NKJV), not an heir. Isaac – born of a free woman, a child of promise (Hebrews 11:11). His birth was not ordinary – Sarah was too old to conceive a child. (Historical Background)
9. 4:24-27 What symbols does Paul use for the two covenants? (OT reference: Exodus 19:1-6; 20:1-2)
   Class Answers: 1) Old Law – Mt. Sinai, Hagar, the present city of Jerusalem, slavery 2) New Law – Jerusalem above, free, children of promise. (Allegorical argument)
10. 4:28-31 How was the “physical” son persecuting the “spiritual” son? (OT reference: Genesis 21:8-10)
    Class Answers: Just as Ishmael taunted Isaac, those who were Jews physically were trying to persecute, or enslave, those who were born again spiritually. (Personal application)

Choose a verse from Chapter 4 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).

Verses chosen were 4:4-5, 4:6, 4:7, and 4:18.

Galatians 3

1. 3:1-2 What are the answers to the questions Paul asks: “Who has bewitched you?” and “Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?” (NIV)
   Class Answers: 1) The Judaizers – the ones insisting that Gentile Christians should also obey the Old Law; Satan – through Jewish Christians. 2) They received the Spirit through faith.
2. 3:3-5 How were the Galatians trying to attain their goal?
   Class Answers: verse 3 – by human effort. From verse 2 – by works of the law.
3. 3:6 Why does Paul mention Abraham? Why was Abraham considered righteous?
   Class Answers: 1) Because he was their physical father. They were “sons of Abraham.” He lived before the law was enacted. 2) Because he believed God. Our works are proof of our faith as opposed to trying to prove our faith.
4. 3:7-9 Who are the true children of Abraham?
   Class Answers: Those who are his spiritual children, those who believe the promises of God. See verse 16: those who are of faith.
5. 3:10 What are the results of obeying the law? (CB Note: This question should have read: “What are the results of relying on obedience to the law?) What law is Paul talking about?
   Class Answers: 1) Being cursed, for no one can keep the law perfectly (Deuteronomy 27:26). The law can only condemn, it cannot save. 2) The Old Law – the “Book of the Law” – the Law of Moses.
6. 3:11-13 How did Christ become a curse for us?
   Class Answers: He hung on the cross – the sign of a man who has been condemned. See Leviticus 18:5; Habakkuk 2:4; Deuteronomy 21:23; Romans 8:3.
7. 3:14-18 To whom did God give these promises? What were the promises? (See Genesis 12:1-3)
   Class Answers: 1) To Abraham and his seed: Christ and all who are in Christ; 2) God will make him a great nation; He will make his name great; He will bless them that bless Abraham; all families of the earth will be blessed.
8. 3:19-20 What was the purpose of the law? How long would it last?
   Class Answers: From John Stott: “The function of the law was not to bestow salvation but to convince men of their need for it.” See Romans 7:7-10 – The purpose of the law was to define sin. 2) It would last until the Seed (Christ) came.
9. 3:21-23 Did the Old Law stand in the way of God’s promises? What was its limitation?
   Class Answers: 1) No. It reminded us of our sins, which only Christ could remove. 2) It held us prisoners to sin. It can not give life but is the antithesis of life. It couldn’t save, it revealed the sin that alienates God from man.
   Stott’s explanation of “But God is one”: In Christ, both Abraham and Moses come together, because God is one. To Abraham he gave a promise (Genesis 12:1,2), and to Moses he gave a law (Exodus 20). In Christ, both the promise and the law are fulfilled.
10. 3:24-25 What was the purpose of the Law?
    Class Answers: To act as a tutor (ASV), disciplinarian (NRSV), someone put in charge (NIV) to bring us to Christ. The Greek is paidagogus – a custodian, guide, guardian of boys, disciplinarian, like a strict governess. When a man is mature, he doesn’t go back to boarding school.
11. 3:26 How do we become “sons” of God?
    Class Answers: Through faith in Christ Jesus (not by physical birth). Ed Wharton: “full grown sons.” Stott: …who obey their father out of love, not coercion. By adoption, being made full heirs.
12. 3:27 How do we “clothe” ourselves in Christ? What does that mean?
    Class Answers: Through baptism, raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-4). It means we make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). We envelope ourselves in Christ so that we look like him.
13. 3:28-29 In what ways does belonging to Christ unify us?
    Class Answers: We are one body. Our backgrounds no longer matter; we are all children of God, spiritual brothers and sisters.

Choose a verse from Chapter 3 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).
Class choices: Galatians 3:21, 3:28, 3:29.

Studies in Acts–Lesson 12

Read Acts 20 and 21.

1. After exhorting the disciples at Ephesus, Paul departed for Macedonia. 20:1. [The cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea]
2. After passing through Macedonia (or the region), Paul came to Greece, where he is supposed to have spent 3 months. 20:3
3. Paul expected Titus to meet him in Troas with news from Corinth. (2 Corinthians 7:5-10). Also see 2 Corinthians 2:12-13.
   Note: According to scholars, Paul had written the first letter to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus. He was anxious to receive from Titus the Corinthian church’s reaction to his first letter. When Titus finally caught up with Paul in Macdeonia, according to 2 Corinthians 7, he was greatly relieved at Titus’s news and wrote his second letter from there.
4. Paul took up a collection on the third journey for the poor in Jerusalem . (1 Corinthians 16:1-6; 2 Corinthians 8:1-6; 9:1-6; Romans 15:25,26)
5. There were seven men who accompanied Paul on his return. 20:4 [Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus. DeWitt comments that they accompanied him for protection, because he was carrying money.]
6. Luke joined the group at Troas. 20:6
7. Paul was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem before Pentecost. 20:6 [This was about a year after he left Ephesus, because, according to 1 Corinthians 16:8, he had stayed there until the previous Pentecost.]
8. A meeting in Troas was on the first day of the week, and Paul preached until midnight. 20:7
9. The meeting was held in a three-story house, and Eutychus fell out of the window and was taken up for dead. 20:9
10. From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called for the elders of the church. 20:17

11. Underline the mistakes.

Paul wanted the Ephesian elders to know that after he left, grievous wolves would enter in among them, not sparing the flock. 20:29 And not only so, but that right from among themselves men would draw disciples after them. 20:30 Paul quoted a statement from Jesus that is not found in the four gospels. 20:35 Rhodes is the name of one of Paul’s companions an island. 21:1 There was a change of ships in Patara. 21:2 They passed Cyprus on the right left. 21:3 The ship from Patara unloaded at Tyre. They stayed three seven days at Tyre. 21:3 Some of those of Tyre were prophets. 21:4 They stayed seven days one day at Ptolemais. 21:7 Philip the evangelist was a convert of Paul one of the seven. 21:8. Also see Acts 6:3-6. Philip was not like Paul, an evangelizing bachelor because he had four unmarried daughters. 21:9 A prophet named Agabus came from Jerusalem. 21:10 He took his Paul’s girdle and bound his hands and feet and said that Paul would be bound in the same way in Jerusalem. 21:11 Paul was to stay in the home of John Mark Mnason in Jerusalem. 21:16 Only two apostles Several brethren were present in Jerusalem when Paul arrived. 21:17

Matching

12. Tarsus	18  "All zealous for the law ... " 21:20
13. From which Paul addressed the multitude	20   Those over whom Paul was in charge 21:23-26
14. The one for whom Paul was mistaken	17  The Jews from Asia 21:27
15. When they saw the chief captain and soldiers	19  The Ephesian 21:20 (A Gentile)
16. A great silence.	15  Left off beating Paul 21:32
17. Stirred up the multitudes and laid hands on Paul	14  The Egyptian 21:38
18. The believing Jews in Jerusalem	21  Did not know the reason for the uproar 21:33
19. Trophimus	13  Castle stairs (or barracks) 21:37-40
20. Four men who had a vow	12  No mean city (or no ordinary city ) 21:39
21. The chief captain	16  Beckoned with hand 21:40

Studies in Acts–Lesson 6

Read Acts 10:1 – 11:18

1. Who was Cornelius? What kind of man was he?
   Comments: A centurion of the Italian cohort. He was devout, feared God, led his household, was generous and prayerful (vv. 1,2). He also had a close connection with the Jews. (10:22)
2. Why did the angel appear? What time of day was it?
   Comments: The angel appeared because of Cornelius’s prayers and generosity. (v. 4) It was 3 p.m. (3) Also see 10:31.
3. For what purpose was Peter to speak to him? (11:14)
   Comments: Peter had a message that would save Cornelius and his household.
4. Who did Cornelius send?
   Comments: Two slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks (7). These were men were would have believed in Cornelius’s vision – part of Cornelius’s household who also feared God.
5. What time of day was it when Peter had his vision? Describe the vision. Did Peter understand it?
   Comments: It was noon (9). Something like a sheet came down from heaven, full of four-footed creatures, reptiles, and birds, with a voice saying “Get up, Peter, and eat.” But Peter refused. The voice said, “Don’t call profane what God has cleansed.” This was repeated two more times, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
   Peter was still puzzling about this when the men appeared at the gate. He certainly understood it later (10:28). Laws forbidding the eating of unclean foods are in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
6. What did the Spirit tell Peter to do?
   Comments: To go meet the men at the gate, for the Spirit had sent them (19). Peter’s impulsiveness was an asset here. He impulsively obeyed – didn’t stop to wonder or deny what had just happened.
   From Lenski’s Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, pg. 407:
   If God cleansed, Peter ought to be satisfied; if the Spirit said to go with these men, Peter ought to drop any misgivings about going. When we have God’s authority, any scruples on our part insult God. On God’s authority we must act even if we do not fully understand all that he commands or promises. Too often our trouble is that we invent his authority for what he does not want us to do; and when we do what he disapproves we refer it to him as having demanded it.
7. What did the men from Caesarea tell Peter?
   Comments: That an angel had told Cornelius to send for him (22).
8. Who accompanied Peter back to Caesarea? Why?
   Comments: Believers from Joppa (23). It doesn’t say here, so it could just have been curiosity. More likely, they went as witnesses. The witnesses mentioned in Matthew 18:16 aren’t gathered for the same reason, but the principle would apply.
9. What had Cornelius done in preparation for Peter’s arrival?
   Comments: He had gathered relatives and close friends (24).
10. What did Cornelius do as Peter arrived?
    Comments: Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet and worshiped him. Peter made him get up, saying “Stand up; I am only a mortal.” (10:25,26)
11. What did Peter tell Cornelius was unlawful for a Jew to do? Why then did Peter do it?
    Comments: To associate with or visit with a Gentile. Because God told him to. He did it because he was more than a Jew – he was a Christian (28).
12. When Peter asked Cornelius why he had sent for him, what did Cornelius reply?
    Comments: He had been instructed by an angel to do so (30-33).
13. Peter's sermon might be summarized as:
    The message of Jesus. (or birth, or power)
    The works of Jesus. (or death, or peace)
    The death and resurrection of Jesus. (or resurrection, or healing, or good news)
    Ordained to judge the living and the dead.
    Forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus as the Christ. (43)
    Comment: v. 36 – “You know the message.” The Gentiles had heard the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection – before this.
14. When the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, what did Peter say and command?
    Comments: “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (47,48)
    

     

True or False

1. The angel told Cornelius what he must do to be saved. False. (11:14; 10:22)
2. Peter sent the Gentile messengers to stay with another Gentile. False. (10:23)
3. The demonstration of the Spirit convinced Peter that the Gentiles were accepted. True. (10:47)
4. Peter said, "Nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.” True. (10:14)
5. Peter took three times as many witnesses as the Law of Moses required (Deut. 19: 15). True. (11:12)
6. Four days passed after Cornelius's vision before he talked with Peter. True. To the hour! (10:30)
7. Before Peter finished his sermon, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles. True. (10:44)
8. Peter said, "Stand up; for I myself also am a man." True. (10:26)
9. In every nation, those who fear God are accepted of Him False. They must also do what is right. (v. 35).
10. It is said that Peter saw the heavens opened. True. (10:11)
11. The Spirit told Peter that three men sought him. True. (10:19, per the NRSV)
12. All the prophets gave witness of Jesus. True. (10:43)
13. Why was Peter questioned in Jerusalem?
    Comments: The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. (11:1)
14. What charge was lodged against Peter?
    Comments: That he had eaten with uncircumcised men. (11:2,3)
15. How did Peter explain the matter to them?
    Comments: He told them the story from his point of view, step by step. (11:4-17) Note Peter’s thought process in 11:15-17.
16. When they heard all these things, what did they do?
    Comments: They were silenced for a minute or two. Then they praised God for giving the Gentiles “the repentance that leads to life.” (11:18)
    

Studies in Acts, Lesson 3

Read Acts 5: 17 - 7:60

1. What caused the high priest and the Sadducees to “rise up”?
   Comments: Jealousy. They did not like all the attention Peter was getting. Note: Apparently, they jailed all the apostles. See 5:12 – All the apostles seemed to be at Solomon’s porch; 5:29 – It was more than just Peter and John.
2. How is the second arrest different from the first?
   Comments: 1) In verse 18, the high priest and his associates simply put them in a public jail. 2) In verses 26 and 27 – after the miraculous release of the apostles – the captain of the temple guard and officers went to the temple and brought them before the Council.
3. What two charges were made against the apostles? What was their response?
   Comments: 1) 5:28 – You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching; 2) You intend to bring this man’s blood on us. Note: The high priest was right! In 5:30, Peter and the apostles say just that. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on the cross.”
4. What do the scriptures tell us of Gamaliel?
   Comments: 5:34 - He was a Pharisee, teacher of the Law, respected by the people. He may have been a member of the Council, since it says he “stood up in the Council.” It’s not clear whether or not there were some there outside the Council. Acts 22:3 tells us he also taught Saul of Tarsus.
5. What was Gamaliel’s advice to the Council?
   Comments: 5:28-39 – If this “plan or action” is not from God, it will be overthrown. If it is from God, you don’t want to oppose it. Note: How refreshing to hear these words of wisdom from a respected member of the community, to witness how he persuades them calmly, while appealing to their “better selves”: Surely you would not want to oppose God!
6. What shows the utter disregard of the apostles for the punishment from the Council?
   Comments: 5:41-42. They rejoiced that they had been worthy of suffering shame [and not shame alone, but a beating as well!]. They went right back teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. They were content to leave the situation in God’s hands, as Gamaliel had suggested.
7. List two problems that arose in the church at this time. (6:1 –
   Comments: 1) 6:1-2 An accusation of discrimination from the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews, that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2) 6:9 Members of the synagogue of the Libertines (Freedmen, or freed slaves) began debating with Stephen.
8. Who selected the seven men? What were their qualifications?
   Comments: 6:3-13. The congregation of the disciples chose them. The men were to have good reputations and to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Note: Another example of wisdom on the part of the apostles. According to their names, all the men were Hellenistic Jews. The apostles chose from their own number the men to take care of this responsibility.
9. What two-fold task did the apostles have in the Jerusalem church?
   Comments: Prayer and ministry of the word. Note: Prayer is mentioned first, and then ministry of the word.  Even if that has no significance, the two seem to be equal in importance.
10. What was the purpose of the laying on of hands?
    Comments: Endorsement, encouragement, ordaining their ministry. In this verse (6:6), the apostles seem to be the ones laying on the hands, for the purpose of ordination, setting these men apart for a particular service. Later, in 8:17, the apostles will lay hands on believers to pass on miraculous gifts of the Spirit. In 13:2-3, the church in Antioch will lay hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them on a mission trip. Here, too, they are “set apart” for a particular work. Note: We do the same today when we hold a special ceremony before sending out missionaries. We “lay” our hands on them in hugs, pats, and handshakes as signs of our support and encouragement.
11. What are the thoughts conveyed in the phrase "obedient to the faith"? See also Jude 3 and Romans 6: 17-18.
    Comments: They turned (were converted) to Christ from Judaism. Jude 3 – “Contend earnestly for the faith…once for all delivered…” Romans 6:17-18 – Obedient to a form of teaching. When they obeyed the faith, they participated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, they turned from sin to righteousness, from the old man to the new man.
12. Why do you think the Sanhedrin would be especially interested in the charge against Stephen?
    Comments: 6:11-13 – He was part of a movement, which preached Christ risen from the dead, which they hated, and couldn’t control (See 4:21-23). They perceived him as a threat to their way of life.
13. What was the specific charge made against Stephen?
    Comments: 6:13-15 He “spoke against this holy place”: Insurrection, blasphemy, wanting to destroy Jerusalem. They were afraid that Jesus would “destroy this place”? He was supposed to be dead!
14. Do you recall an incident similar to this? Describe the circumstances that are alike in the two incidents.
    Comments: The persecution and execution of Stephen resemble the trial and crucifixion of Christ:
    Matthew 26:61 and Acts 6:14 – Both were accused of destroying symbols of Jewish law. In Christ’s case it was the temple.
    Matthew 26:65,66 and Acts 6:11 – Both were accused of blasphemy.
    Matthew 26:67-68 and Acts 7:57-58 – Both suffered physical abuse.
    Matthew 27:20 and Acts 7:57 – Both were victims of a mob mentality
15. In chapter 7, Stephen gives a brief history of Israel's rejection of God's council. Make a list of the things Israel rejected which are mentioned here.
    Comments: 7:9 – Joseph; 7:25,39 – Moses; 7:51-52 – Prophets; 7:52 – the Messiah; 7:53 – God’s law
16. Which verses do you think best answer the charge that was made against Stephen?
    Comments: In 6:11, Stephen is accused of blasphemy. In 6:14, he is accused of plotting to destroy “this place.” Acts 7:55-56 may answer the first charge; Acts 7:47-50 answers the second: God does not dwell in a house made with hands. Men cannot destroy a house not made with hands.
17. Which of Stephen’s statements do you think caused the most anger in the council?
    Comments: Several answers on this one: 7:52 – “Your fathers killed the prophets”; 7:53 – You received the law but did not keep it;  and 7:56 – “I see the heavens opened….” Most likely, each statement brought them closer to the point of uncontrolled fury.
18. According to tradition, who probably cast the first stone?
    Comments: According to this passage, the witnesses were those who began to stone him. A good practice, if you think about it. If you’re the one who has to carry out the execution, you might think twice about making a false accusation – if you’re in your right mind. These men were not.
19. Was Saul a member of the council?
    Comments: It doesn’t say. The general consensus was that he was not – because 1) of his age – he was a young man.  2) In 9:14, he’s given authority by the chief priests to arrest Christians. Given his background (Philippians 3:4-6), however, he could have been.
20. Do Stephen's last words remind you of similar words spoken by another? What were they? Who else spoke them?
    Comments: Both Jesus and Stephen asked forgiveness for those who murdered them. Jesus, in Luke 23:34, cried "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Here, in 7:60, Stephen cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”

Studies in Acts, Lesson 1

Read Acts 1 and 2, Matthew 18:18-20; Mark 16:15; and Luke 1:3; 24:26, 27

1. Who wrote the book? Why do you think so? (See Luke 1:3.)
   Comments: Luke. Because the writer mentions writing a previous book, and both Luke and Acts are addressed to Theophilus. Acts seems to be a continuation of the gospel of Luke.
2. Is everything that Jesus taught recorded in the New Testament?
   Comments: Certainly not every word he said was recorded. According to John 21:25, all the books in the world could not have recorded all he did. That must be true of the things he said, too. We have to believe, however, that the gospel writers wrote down everything he wants us to know. Acts 20:35 mentions a teaching of Jesus that is not found in the gospels: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
3. What question did the apostles ask Jesus on His last day on earth? Do you think there is anything strange about this question?
   Comments: v. 6 – Are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel? After Jesus’ emphasis that his kingdom was not of this world, they were still looking for the restoration of David’s physical kingdom. After all, Jesus was his descendant.

True or False

1. The filling of the office of Judas happened while there were 120 present.
   True – 1:15
2. Isaiah said, "Let his habitation be made desolate, and let no man dwell herein, and his office let another take." False – 1:20. It was David, in Psalms.
3. Judas pointed Jesus out to His enemies by kissing Him. True – Luke 22:47-48; Acts 1:16
4. There was but one direct qualification given for an apostle. True – 1:21,22
5. The apostles knew even before Pentecost that they were to preach the resurrection of Christ. True – 1:22; Mark 16:15
6. God was the one who chose Matthias. True – 1:23-26

Short Answers

1. Be able to recite from memory the names of the twelve Apostles.
   Comments: From Matthew 10:2-4 – Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew; James the Son of Alphaeus and Thaddeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. In the list in Acts 12:13-14, Judas Iscariot is not mentioned, and Thaddeus is called Judas son of James.
2. Where do you think the apostles were on the Day of Pentecost?
   Comments: In a room in the temple. It seems reasonable that that’s where they would have gathered on Pentecost. It would also accommodate all the Jews that gathered around the apostles.
3. What miraculous manifestations occurred at this time?
   Comments:1) The sound of a mighty (violent) wind filled the house;
   2) What looked like divided tongues of fire rested on each of them.
   3) They began to speak in other languages. (2:2-3)
4. What kind of Jews were present at Pentecost? In general, where were they from?
   Comments: They were devout (God-fearing) Jews from “every nation under heaven.”
5. Were there mockers in the group? How did Peter answer them?
   Comments: v. 13 – They accused the apostles of having drunk too much wine. v. 13 – Peter answered that it couldn’t be so; it was only nine in the morning! One commentary mentioned that it was too early even to have broken the fast from the night before.
6. In your own words, state the four points that Peter gave in the opening words of his sermon (vss. 22-24).
   a) Jesus of Nazareth proved he was from God by his miracles, wonders, and signs.
   b) He was handed over to you, just as God had planned.
   c) You, helped by wicked men, crucified him.
   d) But God raised him from the dead.
7. Why did the words of 2:36 cause such an impact upon those who heard? What was their immediate reaction?
   Comments: They realized they had killed the Messiah. They were cut to the heart – it was a painful realization. They asked if there was anything they could do about it.
8. What was Peter’s instruction to these men?
   Comments: Repent and be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of sin. He also made the promise that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which could include not only being sealed by the Holy Spirit, as in Ephesians 1:13-14, but also the fruits of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-24.
9. What is meant by the expression “as many as received his word”?
   Comments: Those who accepted his message – believed him.
10. List five things that happened to a group of the devout Jews on Pentecost that were the direct result of Peter's sermon. (2:37-41)
    a) They were cut to the heart – v. 37
    b)They repented – v. 38
    c) They were baptized for the forgiveness of sins – vv. 38, 41
    d) They received the gift of the Holy Spirit – v. 38
    e) They were added to the apostles’ number – they became disciples.
11. Do any of the scriptures in the remainder of the lesson set or establish a pattern that we today should practice? If so, what? List them.
    Comments: v. 42 – They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. vv. 44-45 – They shared what they had with each other; they were generous. v. 46 – They continued to meet together, praising God, and enjoying favor with the community.

Luke 3 and 4

1. 3:1-9; 15-17 How did John the Baptist prepare the way for Christ?
   Comments:
   v. 3 He preached a baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
   v. 8 – He preached the importance of bearing fruit.
   v. 16 – He prophesied of one coming who was greater than he was, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Though the fire is one of judgment, it is also a cleansing fire, one that separates believers from unbelievers.
   From William Hendricksen’s commentary: “Making paths straight, filling valleys, bringing mountain and hills low, making rough ways smooth” refers to breaking down every barrier between people and the Messiah. John helped “smooth” the way to the Son of God.
2. 3:10-14 What advice did John give to people about their sins?
   Comments: CB Note: The question they ask, “What shall we do then?” may be more about bearing fruit than sin.
   v. 10 To the people: Share with the needy – both clothing and food
   v. 13 To the tax collectors: Don’t extort money
   v. 14 To the soldiers: Don’t intimidate or accuse false; be content with your wages.
3. 3:18-20 Why were John’s good tidings bad news to Herod?
   Comments: John rebuked him for living with his brother’s wife, Herodias. Herodias had been married to her father’s half-brother, Herod Philip. Their daughter was Salome. Then she took up with another half-uncle, Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee.
4. 3:21-23 What was revealed at Jesus’ baptism? How old was he?
   Comments: That He was the Son of God, who was pleased with Jesus. Jesus was 30 years old at the time.
5. 3:23-38 List not more than five men from the genealogy of Christ and tell of their significance in Jewish history.
   Comments: v. 31 – David – 3rd king of Israel; v. 32 – Boaz, David’s great-grandfather by Ruth; v. 33 – Judah – The 4th son of Jacob, and the one through the Messiah would come; v. 36 – Shem – Son of Noah through whom the tribes of Israel would come. Matthew’s genealogy in Chapter 1 is Joseph’s ancestry, through David’s son Solomon. This one is Mary’s, through David’s son Nathan.
6. 4:1-13 What experience did Jesus go through immediately after His baptism? How did he deal with it?
   Comments: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, then he fasted for 40 days. The devil tempted him to 1) turn stones to bread; 2) worship him; 3) throw himself off the temple to prove his divinity. Jesus answered each time with a scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3); “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve (Deuteronomy 6:13); and “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
7. 4:14-32 How was Jesus received in the region of Galilee? In his hometown of Nazareth? In Capernaum?
   Comments: v. 15 – In Galilee, he was glorified by them all. vv. 16-30 – In Nazareth, first they marveled at his gracious words,  then they grew angry enough to throw him off a cliff,  after being compared unfavorably to Gentiles. vv. 31-37 – In Capernaum they were astonished at how he spoke with such authority.
8. 4:16-21 What did He claim for Himself in the Nazareth synagogue?
   Comments: That he was the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61:1.2.
9. 4:33-42 List some of the good works He performed in Galilee.
   Comments: vv. 33-35 – He cleansed a man with a demon; v. 38 – He healed Simon’s (Peter’s) wife’s mother. v. 40 – He healed diseases, cast out demons.
10. 4:43-44 What did Jesus consider His most important work?
    Comments: To preach the kingdom of God.

Luke 1 and 2

1. 1:1-4 Why was the book written?
   Comments: v. 4 - So that Theophilus would know the truth about the things about which he had been instructed.
   
2. 1:5-25 What was John’s mission to be, according to the angel?
   Comments: 1) To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children. [The NRSV translates “fathers” as “parents.”]
   2) To turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; and
   3) To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
   
3. 1:26-38 What were the three reactions Mary had as the angel revealed the message from God to her?
   Comments: 1) She was afraid (implied, because the angel told her not to fear);
   2) She was perplexed, or troubled;
   3) She was curious – “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
   4) She was accepting. “Let it be to me according to your word.”
   Note the difference between her question, “How can this be….” and Zechariah’s question in 1:18 – “How will I know that this is so?” He questioned the truthfulness of the question, while Mary questioned the mechanics.
   
4. 1:39-56 What does Mary’s song of praise reveal about her character?
   Comments: She was a joyful, willing servant. She was submissive, devout, and grateful for her place in history.
   
5. 1:57-80 What was John’s mission to be, according to his father?
   Comments: v. 76 – To prepare the way of the Lord;
   v. 77 – to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.
   
6. 2:1-7 Why did Joseph and Mary have to go to Bethlehem?
   Comments: To register (for paying taxes). Joseph was a descendant of David, and Bethlehem was the City of David.
   
7. 2:8-20 What did the heavenly host say to the shepherds?
   Comments: v. 10 – The angel told them not to fear, that he was bringing them good news.
   v. 14 – The heavenly host praised God, pronouncing peace among those whom God favored. The heavenly host was an army of angels – perhaps thousands.
   
8. 2:21-24 To whom was Jesus presented as a baby?
   Comments: v. 22 – To the Lord. It seems ironic, but of course that was part of the Jewish law, to present the firstborn to God (v. 23; Numbers 18:15).
   
9. 2:25-39 What was prophesied of him in Jerusalem?
   Comments: vv. 29-32 – He would be a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel.
   v. 34 – He was destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, revealing the thoughts of many.
   v. 35 – A sword would pierce Mary’s soul.
   Note: This is the first reference to Christ’s suffering and death. It may also be the first reference – in the life of Jesus, anyway – that the “light” would be available to all nations, not just the Jews.
   
10. What happened in this chapter that Mary “pondered in her heart”?
    Comments: If we consider that Mary pondered all that happened, not just the thing previous (2:51 – “She pondered all these things in her heart”), we would have this list:
    1:33 – Gabriel’s pronouncement that she would bear the Son of God;
    1:44 – John’s leaping in the womb when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting;
    2:19 – What the shepherds told Mary;
    2:34, 35 – Simeon’s prophecy;
    2:51 – Jesus’ time in the temple, taking care of his Father’s interests.

John 20 and 21

1. 20:1-10 From this passage, how would you answer someone who said that either the body was stolen, or that Jesus never really died? (Corresponding passages in the other gospels are Matthew 27:57 – 28:10; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12.) Comments: 1) The men and women who came to the grave were amazed that Jesus’ body was gone. If anyone had stolen it, it would have been those who went on to preach His resurrection, i.e. Peter and John. 2) He had been buried with 100 pounds of spices and wrapped in linen cloths. If he had just swooned and woken up in the tomb, he would have had to tear open the weighted grave clothes and push away the heavy stone. 3) There was a guard at the tomb. 4) If the body had been stolen, the thieves would have either taken the wrappings or unwrapped the body. It’s not likely they would have carefully laid the wrapping back in place.
2. 20:11-18 What were Jesus’ instructions to Mary, once she recognized Him? Comments: 1) Do not cling to me. We weren’t sure whether this was a physical or emotional clinging or how it connected with his ascension. 2) Go tell my brethren and tell them I’m ascending to your Father and My Father and your God and My God.
3. 20:19-23 What blessings did Jesus give the disciples when He appeared to them? Comments: v. 19 – “Peace be with you.” v. 21 – “Peace to you.” v. 22 – He breathed on them, imparting the Holy Spirit, much like God breathed life into the first man, and made him a living spirit (Genesis 2:7). This is ultimately fulfilled in Acts 2, when the apostles received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in languages they’d never studied. Note: Jesus also gave them responsibilities with the blessings: v. 21 “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
4. 20:24-31 What caused Thomas to believe? What is the source of our faith? Comments: Thomas saw the risen Lord for himself. We believe without seeing (verse 29). Verse 31 – These things are written, so that we might believe, which ties in with Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
5. 21:1-6 Where did Jesus appear to some of the disciples? List the disciples. Comments: At the Sea of Tiberius, on the shore. Present there were Simon Peter, Nathanael, Thomas (the Twin), the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two other disciples, unnamed.
6. 21:7-14 How did the disciple whom Jesus loved know it was Jesus on the shore? Comments: We can’t be sure, but he identified Him as Jesus after the man on the shore told them their fishing would be successful if they merely cast the nets on the other side of the boat. The catch was so abundant it had to be Jesus that had caused it. Note: Notice how – typical of their personalities -- John had the first insight, but it was Peter who took action.
7. 21:15-19 Is there any significance in Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him? What responsibility did Jesus give to Peter? Comments: It was the same number of times that Peter had denied him. He also gave Peter a responsibility, stated three different times in slightly different combinations of the same words: “Feed my lambs; tend my sheep; feed my sheep.” He also told Peter that his death would glorify Christ.
8. 21:20-25 In this account, what were Jesus’ last words to Peter? Comments: Simply, “Follow me.” Our concern should not be to judge the salvation, or even guess the future, of other disciples. Our duty is simply to “follow Him.”

John 15, 16, and 17

1. 15:1-8 What is necessary before we can bear fruit? What do you think it means to bear fruit?
   Class comments: In order to bear fruit, we must first be part of the vine. We must be one with Christ. We can’t do it alone.
   Bearing fruit includes taking opportunities to teach others, being educated in the Word, showing others we care.
   Galatians 5:22-23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
   
2. 15:9-17 What commands does Jesus give in this passage? Obeying his commands makes us _________, not ________.
   Class comments: All the commands in this passage have to do with love. Verse 9: “Abide in my love.”
   Verse 12: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
   Verse 17: “Love one another.”
   In verse 15, Jesus told the disciples that no longer would he call them servants, but friends. Since he’s addressing the disciples, it’s possible that that friendship was limited to those he had spent so much time with, and to whom he had revealed himself.
   On the other hand, might not the same principle apply to us? “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
   Being a friend of Jesus doesn’t mean we no longer serve him. If we are his friends, we will want to please him and therefore would serve him out of love, not out of duty.
   
3. 15:18-26 Who was Jesus talking about when he refers to the “world”?
   Class comments: Human systems that oppose God’s purpose; those who don’t recognize Jesus as the Savior.
   Second question: “What would they do to the Christians?” They would 1) Hate the disciples (v. 19) and 2) Persecute them (v. 20). They would also hate the Son and the Father (v. 23).
   Note from FHU class: 5 Major Reasons Christians Were Hated (5 Accusations)
   a. They were arsonists (blamed by Nero) – 2 Peter 3:10
   b. They were atheists (didn’t believe in gods) – Acts 17
   c. They broke up families (love me more…) – Matthew 10:34,35
   d. They were cannibals (“Eat my body, drink my blood”) – John 6; 1 Cor. 11:24,25
   e. They were Immoral (they celebrated with love feasts) – Jude 1:12
   
4. 16:1-4 Who are “they”? Why would they persecute believers? Consider: Is conscience a safe guide when it comes to our religious beliefs?
   Class comments:  “They” refers to the Jewish leaders and Romans. They wanted to get rid of the things believers taught. Jesus was a threat to them. A conscience is useful to us only if it’s been trained in the Word – the only absolute standard.
   
5. 16:5-15 Who is this “Helper” or “Comforter” that Jesus talked about? What purpose will He serve? Of what three things will He convict the world?
   Class comments: The Holy Spirit would guide the disciples to all truth, to convict  them of sin, righteousness, and the judgment.
   The different translations gave us different understandings of verses 8-11. The NASV uses the phrase “convict the world of guilt,” whereas the other translations read merely “convict the world,” which could also carry the connotation of “convince.”
   In Strong’s, the definition of the Greek word is to convict, refute, confute 1) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted; 2) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose. Note: The People’s New Testament explains it more simply than some of the other commentaries.
   
6. 16:16-24 What does Jesus mean when he tells them they won’t see him, but then they will? To what does he compare it?
   Class comments: His death and resurrection. Like a woman in labor, they would suffer distress at his leaving them and because of his trial and crucifixion, but his resurrection would be like the birth of a child. Out of grief will come joy.
   
7. 16:25-33 Jesus spoke of peace in this passage. From verses 27, 32, and 33, what are possible sources of this peace?
   Class comments: v. 27 – The Father loves us (Greek phileo); v. 32 – The Father would be with the Son when all others have scattered; v. 33 – Jesus has overcome the world.
   
8. 17:1-5 What was Jesus’ prayer for Himself? According to verse 2, what was the work that Jesus came to do?
   Class comments: He prayed the glorify the Son. He came to give eternal life to those God had given Him.
   
9. 17:6-19 What did Jesus ask for on behalf of the men that God had given Him?
   Class comments: He prayed 1) that they would all be one (11); 2) that they would have His joy (13); 3) that they would be kept from the evil one (15); 4) that they would be sanctified in the Truth (17).
   
10. 17:20-26 For whom did Jesus pray in these verses? What did He pray for?
    Class comments: He prayed for those who would believe through the apostles’ words (us!). He prayed that we would be one (v. 21); that we would be in unity, so that the world would know that God sent Christ (v. 23); that we would be with him where he his, to behold His glory (v. 24); that His love would be in us.

John 13 and 14

1. 13:1-17 What did Jesus mean when he told Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (vs. 8)? Multiple choice (from The Serendipity Bible):
   a. “I don’t want to share a room with anyone with dirty feet.”
   b. “To be part of me you have to learn to receive.”
   c. “You have to let my coming sacrifice cleanse you from your sin.”
   d. “As long as you live, you will need cleansing and forgiveness.”
   e. “Unless you’re a servant like I am, you can’t be my disciple.”

Class Comments: Most in the class picked “e” as one of their answers, with “b” and “c” as other choices. Note: Peter was very emphatic in his initial refusal. In the Greek, he uses a double negative [οὐ (never) μή (cannot)] for emphasis. The Serendipity Bible includes suggestions for small group studies. As is typical in the multiple questions they suggest, there is not just one right answer.

1. 13:18-30 Since “Satan entered him,” was Judas responsible for the action he was about to take? Class Comments: Yes, he was. Judas  allowed Satan to influence him, gave him an opening because of his own greed. James 1:14-15 teaches about the progression of sin, from lust to sin to death.
2. 13:31-35 How can others know we belong to Christ? How many others? How does this relate to 13:14-15? Class Comments:  Others know we belong to Christ when we love one another. All – both believers and unbelievers – will know we are of Christ. Love is demonstrated by our service. Both love and humble service are signs of discipleship. Note: According to Leviticus 19:18, even the Old Testament commanded love for neighbors. According to notes I took in a previous class, William Barclay called this a new commandment because it was “as I have loved you” – selflessly, sacrificially, with understanding and forgiveness.
3. 13:36-38 Do you think Peter understood that Jesus was speaking of His death, or just of a dangerous situation? Class Comments: He thought it would be just a dangerous situation. The disciples didn’t seem capable of understanding the nature of the kingdom of which Jesus spoke. They still looked for an earthly kingdom, free from Roman bondage. Note: Also from my FHU class notes: Peter was willing to meet a sharp dagger, but later couldn’t withstand the sharp tongue of a maiden (18:17). When Jesus told Peter he couldn’t follow Jesus, the general consensus was that Jesus was talking about the cross, although it could also include his ascension back to the Father.
4. 14:1-6 Is Jesus the only way, the only truth, the only access we have to life? What does that mean for those who follow other spiritual leaders? Class Comments: If we believe Jesus, we have to believe He is the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life. That means those following mere men  will not gain spiritual, eternal life. When they reject Christ, they reject the way, the truth, and the life. See also Acts 4:12.
5. 14:7-11 How does Philip’s question indicate his misunderstanding of who Jesus was? Class Comments: He wanted a physical showing of the Father. Since Jesus was a man and could show himself, couldn’t his father also do the same? He seemed to think that Jesus was merely an emissary of God, not the image of God himself. See also Hebrews 1:3.
6. 14:12-14 In context, what prayer requests is Jesus promising to fulfill? What is the purpose of such prayers? Class Comments: He promises to fulfill prayers asked in His name, according to His purpose, by His authority, for the purpose of glorifying his Father. Prayers for strength, peace, and the ability to carry out his will. Note the context: He is talking about works. He will fulfill the requests that are a continuation of His works.
7. 14:15-18 How much do the promises about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-18 depend on Jesus’ statement in verse 15? Class Comments: This promise is based on Jesus’ love for us, and our love for Jesus, which we show in our obedience. If Jesus’ love abides in us, we will obey Him; it will be part of our nature to do so. Note: The transliterated Greek word for Comforter in verse 16  is paraclete: one who is called to stand along beside, to help, to advocate on behalf of.
8. 14:19-24 How do we show Jesus that we love Him? What are the resulting blessings? Class Comments: By obeying him. The resulting blessings are that the Father will also love us, and both the Son and Father will make their abode with us. Question asked: But doesn’t the Father love all of us unconditionally, even those who don’t obey Him? I would answer that this doesn’t exclude God’s love for the whole world, but is an assurance to disciples that the Father will not only love them, but live in them through His Son – an assurance the unbelieving world cannot have.
9. 14:25-31 To whom was Jesus speaking in this passage? How would the Holy Spirit be a helper to them? Class Comments: He’s speaking to the disciples, those who ate supper with Him (the apostles, Luke 22:14). He would teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all things – help they would need as they taught others in the first century without the aid of the written word we have. Question: Then would not all the promises he made be only to the apostles? As we briefly surveyed the chapter, it appeared that some of those promises were general in nature. For example, in 13:33-35, verse 33 would have to apply only to the apostles, whereas in 13:34-35 is a principle that would apply to all disciples of every time. A good study for another time!

John 7 & 8 Class Discussion

1. 7:1-13 Why did Jesus’ brothers want him to go to the feast in Jerusalem? Why did He decide not to go with them? Class Comments: They wanted him to prove himself. “If you’re so great, why not show it?” They seemed to want a confrontation with the Jewish leaders. He didn’t go with them because it was not yet his time to go. He would go with them on his terms, not theirs. His physical brothers – James, Joses, Simon, and Judas – are listed in Matthew 13:55. Though at this time they did not believe, the crucifixion and resurrection changed them. James later became a leader in the church in Jerusalem, and probably wrote the book of James, and Jude is the author of the book that bears his name.
2. 7:14-24 What is the answer to the Jews’ question in verse 15? Class Comments: He is the Word incarnate! His teaching wasn’t his own; it was from God.
3. This section seems to include a lot of confusion and controversy about the nature and identity of Christ. Note the confusion and/or controversy in the following passages:
   a. 7:25-27 – The rulers’ reaction indicates they think He is the Christ, but he couldn’t be, because “we know where he’s from.”
   b. 7:28-31 – They knew him, they knew where he was from. He claimed to know God and be from God. They wanted to arrest him, but no one touched him, because his hour had not yet come. But many believed. Would the Christ do any more than this man had been doing?
   c. 7:32-36 – Jesus: I’m going where you will not find me. The crowd thought only in the physical realm. (Would he go outside Judea, to the Jews of the Dispersion – or even to the Gentiles?) He spoke of the spiritual realm, of going to the cross – and beyond, at His ascension.
   d. 7:37-44 – Jesus speaks of living water and the Spirit. The crowd says, “This is the Prophet. This is the Christ.” But it can’t be the Christ, because He will come out of Bethlehem, while this man is from Galilee. (They were apparently ignorant of his birthplace.)
   e. 7:45-52 – The officers were afraid to seize Jesus because of the words he spoke. The priests and Pharisees accused them of being deceived. Nicodemus asks for justice, and the priests and Pharisees accuse him of being a [despicable] Galilean. Other indication of ignorance: They said “No prophet has arisen out of Galilee,” yet that was the home of the prophet Jonah (2 Kings 14:25 – Gath Hepher, 5 miles from Nazareth.
4. 8:1-11 How did the scribes and Pharisees hope to trap Jesus with this situation? Class Comments: They were trying to make him contradict himself, knowing he would forgive the woman and thereby contradict Moses’ law. Also see Matthew 5:28 – Jesus’ view of adultery was stricter than that of the law. Other notes: This passage is absent in the older Greek manuscripts. It appears in at least three other places in some manuscripts: after John 7:36, after John 21:25, and after Luke 21:38.
5. 8:12-20 What two witnesses does Jesus call to confirm that He is the light of the world? Class Comments: Himself, and His Father. Contrary to what they say, he is qualified to testify of himself. Other notes: It’s no coincidence that at this festival he calls himself the light of the world. Light ceremonies played a big part in the Feast of Tabernacles in Jesus’ day, according to The Feast of Tabernacles in the Days of Jesus. 
6. 8:21-30 What is the consequence for those who do not believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be? Class Comments: They will die in their sins. V. 28 – “But when you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I AM.”
7. 8:31-47 Who is Jesus instructing in this passage? How does their concept of freedom differ from His? Class Comments: He’s instructing Jews who believe him. As Jews who were still subject to the law of Moses, they didn’t understand what he said about spiritual freedom and felt threatened when he implied they were not free. Another misstatement here: They claimed to be under bondage to no one, but they had been in bondage in Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria and were now subjects of Rome.
8. 8:48-59 What is the significance of how Jesus identifies Himself in verse 58? (Also read Exodus 3:13-15.) Class Comments: He identifies himself as I AM, the name of the God of Abraham. At this, they took up stones to stone him, but he hid himself and left the temple. [His time had not yet come.]