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.
   

1 Thessalonians 3

1. 3:1-3 For what reasons did Paul send Timothy to Thessalonica?
   Class Answers:
   v. 1 – He was desperate to know how the Thessalonians were faring in his absence. He and Silas could no longer stand not knowing.
   v. 2 – To strengthen and encourage them in the faith. To encourage them in their knowledge of their Savior and to make certain they were secure in that faith.
   v. 3 – So that no one would be shaken by the persecutions. He wanted the Thessalonians to know that these current afflictions were signs that things were as they should be, rather than the reverse.
   Note: Persecution is a common theme in the New Testament. In our progressively more secular society, we shouldn’t be surprised when we are criticized or judged backward, or even hateful, because we condemn sinful practices.
   Matthew 5:10-12: Persecution is a cause of rejoicing
   John 15:12-21: If we choose not to be part of this world, we will be persecuted.
   2 Timothy 3:12: If we desire to live godly lives, we will be persecuted.
   1 Peter 4:12-14: Don’t be surprised by persecution, but rather rejoice in it.
2. 3:3-4 What were the evangelists destined (or appointed) for ?
   The question should read, What are Christians destined for?
   Class Answers: For persecution. For the very afflictions the Thessalonians were experiencing.
   Note: More warnings (promises) of persecution:
   Acts 9:15-16: God told Ananias that he would show Paul what he would suffer for God’s sake.
   James 1:2: James tells his readers to rejoice in trials.
3. 3:5 Who is the tempter? How would he cause Paul’s labor to be in vain?
   Class Answers: Satan. (See also 1 Thessalonians 2:18.) If they succumbed to temptation, they would be right back where they started. He would undo all the apostles’ teaching. See 2 Peter 2:20-22: like a dog eating its own vomit.
4. 3:6 What was the good news that Timothy brought back to Paul?
   Class Answers: Of their faith and love. That they always remembered Paul and Silas kindly and they longed to see them. That the Thessalonians wanted to see and be with Paul as much as he wanted to connect with them, that they were continuing in the faith and love that he’d shared with them.
   Note: The Greek word for “good news”  here is Euaggelizo, usually translated “gospel.”  Also note the change of Paul’s tone: From concern to joy at Timothy’s good news.
   From Morris: “The combination of faith and love is no mean summary of the whole duty of Christians.” See also Galatians 5:6.
5. 3:7-10 What responses did Paul and Silas have to this news?
   Class Answers:
   v. 7 – Comfort. Even in the apostles’ own distress and persecution, they were encouraged about them through the Thessalonians’ faith. (This is the fourth time the word faith is used in this chapter.)
   v. 8 – Life. They now “live,” if the Thessalonians stand firm. Philippians 1:21 – For Paul, to live was Christ. Their faithfulness gave him new life, new energy.
   v. 9 – Joy. They couldn’t thank God enough for the joy they felt. Note the object of their gratitude – not the Thessalonians, but God. This was God’s work.
   v. 10 – Prayer. They prayed even more intensely that they could see them in person and strengthen whatever still might be lacking (to complete them).
6. 3:11-13 What are Paul’s three prayers?
   v. 11 – That God and Jesus would direct their way to the Thessalonians, clear the pathway to them.
   v. 12 – That the Thessalonians would increase and abound in love for one another and for all.
   v. 13 – That God would strengthen their hearts in holiness, so that they would be blameless. (NIV – blameless and holy)
7. 3:13 What does Paul write about the coming of Jesus?
   Class Answers: That he will come with all his saints (NRV), or “holy ones” (NIV). Commentators disagree on whether this refers to Christians who have died or angels. Morris contends that it is both. Hendricksen (page 93) ties it to 4:14:

Not a single one of [those who have fallen asleep in Jesus] will be left behind in heaven: all those who at death went to heaven – and therefore are now with him in heaven – will leave their celestial abodes at the very moment when the Lord begins his descent. Very quickly they will reunite with their bodies, which now become gloriously resurrected bodies, and will then immediately (together with those children of God who still survive on earth, and who will be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”) ascend in order to meet the Lord.
This interpretation brings 3:13 into complete harmony with 4:13-18…. The coming is one; but it is a coming both with and for his saints.

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.

Studies in Acts–Lesson 14

Read Acts 25:14 through Chapter 28.

Who said it – or might have said it? Where? When? Why?

Acts 25

1. "There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix." v. 14. Who? Festus, to King Agrippa. Where? In Caesarea. When? While the King was staying in Caesarea, several days after Paul appealed to Caesar. Why? Possibly to find out Agrippa’s judgment in the matter.
Note: This King was Agrippa II, and Bernice was his sister – and his wife. Previously, she had been married to her uncle. Their father – Agrippa I – was the member of the Herod family that was eaten up by worms as recorded in Acts 12.

2. "For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him." v. 27 Who? Festus. Where? In the audience hall. When? The next day. Why? He wanted to know what to write to Rome about the charges against Paul. He knew Paul had done nothing deserving of death, so he was trying to explain his actions.

Acts 26

3. "You are permitted to speak for yourself." v. 1 Who? Agrippa to Paul. Why? So Agrippa could hear Paul’s side of the story. He was curious. 

4. "... especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. v. 3. Who? Paul to Agrippa. Why? He knew Agrippa’s background and wanted an informed listener. Maybe also a bit of flattery? Paul’s hope was in the promises of God.

5. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Who? Jesus, to Saul, in Hebrew. Where? On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus on one of his journeys to arrest Christians. When? At midday, after Saul was blinded by the sun. Why? Jesus had chosen Saul to serve.

6. “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” v. 28. Who? Agrippa, to Paul, at the end of Paul’s speech. Why? It’s hard to know what was in Agrippa’s mind. In some versions, this is stated as a question, as if to ask Paul his intentions. In other versions, it’s a statement – either honest or in derision.

 

Acts 27

7. "And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy…." v. 1. Who? Luke. Where? Caesarea. Why? Paul was headed for Rome – at government expense. According to Don DeWelt’s Acts Made Actual, this was probably in late August.

8. “You may go to your friends.” v. 3. Who? Julius, the centurion, to Paul. When? When the ship docked in Sidon. Why? So they could care for Paul. Note: It appears they traveled 65 miles that first day.

9. “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be attended with damage and great loss….” v. 10 Who? Paul, to the centurion and sailors. Where? Near Lasea. When? According to commentaries, October. Why? He perceived there would be danger if they continued. Also, according to commentaries, sailing after September 15 was dangerous.

10. “…you must stand before Caesar….” v. 24. Who? An angel of God, to Paul. Where? On the ship at Paul’s bed. When? At night, after passing Cauda after the third day out. Why? In order to assure him they would all survive the storm. God wanted Paul to preach in Rome.

11. “…this is for your preservation….” v. 34. Who? Paul, to the rest of the men on the ship, as they drifted across the Adriatic Sea. Why? To urge them to eat.

Acts 28

12. "Undoubtedly this man is a murderer. ... " v. 4. Who? The natives of Malta, after a viper attached itself to Paul’s hand. Why? He must have been deserving of death, and since the sea hadn’t punished him, the viper would.

13. “Let the fever pass from him….” v. 8. Who might have said it? Paul, about the father of Publius, while he stayed with Publius in Malta. He was sick with dysentery, and God could heal him.

14. “Stay with us for a week.” v. 14. Who? Believers in Puteoli (chief port of Rome), to Paul, when the ship docked there.

15. "...nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.” v. 21. Who? The Jewish leaders in Rome, to Paul. When? Three days after arriving in Rome, assembled at Paul’s request. Why? Because Paul had told his story, the reason for his chains.

16. “We do not believe these things.” v. 24. Who? Some of the Jews in Rome, to Paul, after he had taught them the gospel. “They refused to believe.”

17. "You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive." v. 26. Who? Paul, to the unbelieving Jews in Rome. He is quoting what Jesus quoted, from Isaiah 6:9-10.  (Matthew 13:14-15)

18. “This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” v. 28 Who? Paul, to the Jews, as they left him in prison. Why? Maybe to shame them? Maybe they wouldn’t listen, but the Gentiles would.

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.