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 2

1. 2:1-3 Who were Barnabas and Titus? What ethnicity were they? (See Acts 4:36,37; 9:26,27; 2 Corinthians 2:13; Titus 1:4,5)
   Class Answers: Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus, who introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem. He was a companion of Paul. Titus was a Greek (Gentile), who also traveled with Paul and later preached for the church in Crete. Even though Titus was a Gentile, he was not “compelled” to be circumcised, even though that’s what the Judaizing teachers would have desired.
2. 2:2 What was the gospel Paul preached among the Gentiles? (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
   Class Answer: The gospel of salvation: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
3. 2:3-5 Why did Paul want a private meeting with the church leaders? Who was trying to interfere?
   Class Answer: He didn’t want to be running “in vain,” to have his ministry rendered fruitless by the false teachers. He wanted to be able to speak to the leaders without the disruption of those were trying to take away freedom in Christ and impose slavery to the Law.
4. 2:6-10 What were the leaders’ responses to Paul’s
   Message - v. 6 – They added nothing to it. As far as they were concerned, the gospel Paul preached lacked nothing.
   Ministry - v. 7 – They saw he had been entrusted with the gospel to the Gentiles.
   Mission - vv. 9-10 – They gave him the right hand of fellowship, asking him only that he and Barnabas continue to remember the poor.
   Comment by John Stott: The meeting proved there was no rift among the apostles.
5. 2:11-14 How was Peter “clearly in the wrong”? What caused him to act this way?
   Answer: When men came from Jerusalem (or James), Peter withdrew from socializing with the Gentiles. In doing so, he was trying to force the Gentiles to live by Jewish customs. Why? He was afraid of those who came from Jerusalem – afraid of crossing them.
6. 2:15-16 By what are we justified? (Romans 4:1-3) Does this mean we’re not subject to any law? (See James 2:8)
   Answer: Not by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. James 2:8 states that we are subject to the “Royal” law of Christ: to love our neighbors as ourselves. Obedience to commandments of Christ by itself doesn’t save us, but it’s evidence of our faith. How can God know we believe unless we obey, as Abraham did?
7. 2:17 In what way would Christ promote sin?
   Answer: If, while claiming to be justified in Christ, we willfully sin. But that’s not the case. Justification in Christ doesn’t give us license to sin (Romans 6:1,2). Trying to follow the law will make us lawbreakers, because it is impossible to keep perfectly.
8. 2:18 What had Paul destroyed?
   Answer: His old way of life, his allegiance to the Old Law. Why bring that back again? 1:23 – In the past, Paul had tried to destroy the church. So he had destroyed that life of destruction.
9. 2:19-20 How had Paul been “crucified with Christ”?
   Answer: Paul’s identity was gone; he was now living by faith. The old Paul/Saul was gone. We are spirits in a body, not merely bodies with spirits. If our will – our spirit – has been replaced with the Spirit of Christ, then that renewed spirit will be manifest in what we do with our physical bodies.
10. 2:21 How could Christ “die for nothing”?
    Answer: If we can be righteous through the law, then Christ’s death was in vain. Commentary: To mingle legalism with grace makes grace a mockery.

Choose a verse from Chapter 2 to memorize (or to post in a prominent place).

Verses chosen: Galatians 2:16 and 2:20.

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.

Studies in Acts–Lesson 10

Read Acts 16 and 17.

1. Why was Timothy circumcised?
   Answer: Because of the Jews – who knew his father was a Gentile (16:3), and therefore, that he had probably not been circumcised. This action on Paul’s part seems to agree with his declaration in 1 Corinthians 9:20,21, that “to Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews….”  As one commentator, quoted by Lenski, states, “Timothy was circumcised because of Jewish unbelievers, not because of Jewish believers.” Titus, who was a Gentile, refused to be circumcised, even though Judaizing teachers apparently tried to persuade him. [See Galatians 2:1-10.]
2. What were the “decrees” that were delivered to the churches?
   Answer: The letter from the Jerusalem council (Acts 15) regarding the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what has been strangled, and from fornication.”
3. What did Paul do in Phrygia and Galatia?
   Answer: Nothing. He passed through, forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia. (16:6)
4. Why would a man from Macedonia be any different than any other man?
   Answer: Macedonia was in Europe (16:9-10). Also note that, starting in verse 10, the voice changes to “we,” indicating that Luke joined them in Troas. See Acts – Geography, Map 6.
5. What was a Roman “colony”?
   Answer: An area outside Italy that enjoyed the same status as colonies in Italy. From Lenski’s Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles, page 652:
   ”In 42 B. C. the battle of Philippi was fought between the Second Triumvirate (Octavius, Antonius, Lepidus) and the republicans of Rome under Brutus and Cassius, which resulted in a defeat for the latter, both of whom were killed. In commemoration of the victory Octavius made Philippi a colony. After the battle of Actium in 31 B. C. Augustus sent more Roman veterans to the colony and raised the standing of Philippi to the highest point by granting it the so-called jus Italicum, i.e. putting it on a par with the Roman colonies in Italy.”
6. What was the occupation and home town of Lydia?
   Answer: She was a dealer in purple cloth from Thyatira [one of the seven churches to which Revelation was written]. See Acts – Geography, Map 6.
7. How did the Lord open the heart of Lydia?
   Answer: Through the preaching of the word (16:14). From Lenski, pg. 658:
   ”The Lord opens the heart, but the hand with which he lifts the latch and draws the door is the Word which he makes us hear, and the door opens as we heed…keep holding our mind to what we hear. No man can open the door of his heart himself, nor can he help the Lord to open it by himself lifting the latch and moving the door. The one thing he can do is to bolt the door, i. e., refuse to hear and to heed; and thus he can keep the door closed and bar it even more effectually than it was at first. This prevents conversion.”
8. Why did Paul rebuke the spirit in the maid at Philippi?
   Answer: Because the spirit was from the wrong source (16:18). Also, she was being used by greedy men.
9. What was an accusation to the slave masters before the magistrates in Philippi?
   Answer: They were advocating unlawful customs, which amounted to treason (16:21).
10. Was the jailor listening to the singing and praying of Paul and Silas?
    Answer: No. He was asleep (16:25,27). Note verse 33: “He washed their stripes.” They had been in total darkness in this inner cell, having been whipped (verse 23 – “severe flogging”) without any attention paid to their wounds. The jailer took it on himself to attend to their wounds.
11. Why ask the magistrates to deliver them personally?
    Answer: The condemnation and imprisonment were public; Paul wanted a public acknowledgement and apology.
12. Why did the magistrates “fear” Paul and Silas?
    Answer: They feared these Roman citizens would make trouble for them with their superiors. They had jailed Roman citizens without a trial (verse 37 – “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned….”). Note verse 40: They went to Lydia’s house to encourage disciples there.
13. For how many Sabbaths did Paul reason from the scriptures in the synagogue at Thessalonica? What was his message?
    Answer: He stayed three Sabbaths. His message was that Jesus, who had suffered and risen from the dead, was the Messiah. (17:3)
14. Who did Paul stay with in Thessalonica? How did this man get into trouble?
    Answer: He apparently stayed with Jason (17:5-7), which caused trouble for Jason. A mob of Jews dragged Jason out of his house and brought him and other disciples before the authorities, shouting that Jason had entertained the men who “have been turning the world upside down.” Comment: An accusation we certainly don’t hear today about Christians today.
15. Where was Luke left to work? Timothy? Silas and Timothy?
    Answer: Luke was left in Philippi (16:16,40). Timothy was left in Thessalonica (17:10). Silas and Timothy were left in Berea (17:14).
16. Why did Paul leave Berea?
    Answer: The Jews from Thessalonica came to Berea to stir up trouble.
17. What provoked Paul’s spirit in Athens?
    Answer: All the idols he saw there (17:17). Note: Whereas we might be intimidated by the size of the city and the idolatry problem, Paul sought out an opportunity and place where he could address the problem.
18. What is an Epicurean? Answer: The philosophy that “the highest good from life can be secured only in pleasure.” They were “atheistic evolutionists.”
    What is a Stoic? Answer: A philosophy that “the highest good comes from self discipline, denying natural and necessary desires.” They were “pantheon evolutionists.” Per Dewitt, in Acts Made Actual, one produced degenerates, the other suicides.
19. What was the “Areopagus”?
    Answer: Also known as Mars Hill, it’s a bare marble hill next to the Acropolis in Athens. Before the 5th century BC, it was the council of elders of the city, like the Roman Senate.
20. List the major points in Paul’s sermon.
    Answer:
    1. You are extremely religious
    2. You have an altar to “the unknown god.”
    3. I proclaim that your “unknown god” is the Creator of all.
    4. This God commands all people to repent.
    5. The world will be judged by a man whom God appointed and raised from the dead.
    From Dewitt’s Acts Made Actual:
    1. Creator of all (24-26)
    2. Within reach of all (27-29)
    3. Gives salvation to all (30-31)
21. At what point in Paul’s sermon did some begin to mock? What were the results of Paul’s sermon?
    Answer: When they heard of the resurrection. Some mocked, some put it off until later, some believed. Dewitt: the church in Athens was one of the strongest congregations of the empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

Studies in Acts–Lesson 9

Read Acts 14:21 – 15:41

1. In Derbe Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and converted many. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. (14:21)
2. Upon the return visit to the churches, Paul and Barnabas:
   a. Preached and gave the Lord's Supper
   b. Preached and appointed elders (14:22-23) Note: Although it doesn’t specifically say they preached, general consensus was that it was probably involved in the encouragement.
   c. Encouraged the brethren (14:22)
3. Pisidia and Pamphylia were
   a. Cities
   b. Villages
   c. Provinces (14:24)
4. Upon the second visit to Perga, they
   a. Passed through
   b. Preached and appointed elders
   c. Just preached (14:25) Note: There’s no record that they preached there earlier (Acts 13:13-14).
5. Attalia was
   a. A seaport (14:25,26)
   b. A town in the journey where they preached
   c. A province
6. Back at Antioch, Paul and Barnabas spoke about the Gentiles, saying:
   a. God gave them a great opportunity
   b. God had baptized them in the Holy Spirit also
   c. God had opened a door of faith unto them (14:27)
7. What was taught by certain men from Judea that caused such a stir?
   Answer: They taught that Gentile Christians should be circumcised. (15:1)
8. Why go to the apostles and elders about the trouble?
   Answer: 1) The apostles had authority (Matthew 28:18-20); 2) The troublemakers had come from Jerusalem, so they were going to the source. 3) They couldn’t come to an agreement among themselves. (15:2)
9. What encouragement did Paul and Barnabas have on their way to Jerusalem?
   Answer: When they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, the believers in Phoenicia and Samaria rejoiced. (15:3)
10. Who especially objected to uncircumcised Christians? What sect?
    Answer: Believers from the sect of the Pharisees (14:5). They not only wanted to bind circumcision, but the whole law of Moses. Note: Verse 4 tells us that the whole church was present when Paul and Barnabas gave their report. Verse 6 says that only the apostles and elders met to “consider the matter.”
11. Who said that God had chosen him that by his mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe?
    Answer: Peter (15:8). Note: In Acts 10:34-35, Peter states that he realizes that God is not partial to one group of people over another.
12. What was the “yoke” which neither the fathers nor the Jews of Peter’s day could bear?
    Answer: The law of Moses (15:10). They were “putting God to the test” – disclaiming that God had opened the gospel to the Gentiles. V. 11 – “On the contrary, we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."
13. What was the point of argument in the speeches of Paul and Barnabas?
    Answer: God had performed signs and wonders among the Gentiles, indicating His approval. (15:12)
14. What did James add that had not been said before?
    Answers: 1) 15:15 - This was a fulfillment of prophecy (Amos 9:11,12); 2) That they write the Gentiles not to be troubled by the Judaizing teachers. (15:19)
15. Why ask the Gentiles to abstain from “what is strangled, and from blood”?
    Answer: So the Gentiles and Jews could eat together in clear conscience. Not eating of these meats was part of the Jewish culture (Leviticus 17:10-14), a thing Jews couldn’t do in good conscience – so it was a matter of respect for their Jewish brethren. See 1 Corinthians 8 for Paul’s in-depth discussion of this principle.
    Here’s what Lenski (Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles) writes about this attitude (pg. 616)
    [Paul’s] prime consideration was love….Many who today deem themselves strong are impotent in this application of love. They scorn the idea that they should consider their brethren, they hurt and stagger the weak without a qualm, and they offend where they are themselves often wrong in fact and where the offense is gratuitous and wholly uncalled for. Go to school to James and take a full course with Paul. One thing that made them so great was this considerate love for the brethren.
16. What purpose did Paul have in making a second journey?
    Answer: To see how the believers were doing. (15:36)
17. What was the disagreement over John Mark?
    Answer: He had deserted them in Perga, Pamphylia (15:38). Note: Barnabas and John Mark were cousins (Colossians 4:10). Also, Barnabas was a “native of Cyprus” (Acts 4:36), so it appears that Barnabas and Mark were going home. Later, Paul and John Mark became reconciled, because in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24, Mark was with him, and he asked for Mark at the end of his life (2 Timothy 4:11).

Studies in Acts–Lesson 8

Read Acts 12:25 – 14:20

1. Who returned from Jerusalem to Antioch?
   Answer: Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark. Note: Barnabas is mentioned before Saul.

2. For what were Barnabas and Saul separated?
   Answer: For the work to which the Holy Spirit had called them. (13:2)

3. They were sent on their way by the Holy Spirit. They went to Seleucia ,and sailed from there to Cyprus. They visited the city of Salamis, then traveled through the whole island to Paphos. (13:4-6)

4. Elymas was struck blind for a while and led by the hand. (13:6-11) Note: Elymas was also known as Bar-Jesus, which means “son of Jesus” or “son of salvation.” In v. 10, Paul calls him a “son of the devil.” He was a Jewish false prophet (v. 6). Also note: From verse 9, Saul is referred to as Paul – possibly a transition from his Hebrew name to one that is Greek.

5. Sergius Paulus  [the pro-consul, or governor of the region] believed and was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. (13:12) Note: He was astonished at the teaching, not the miracle.

6. Sailing from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphilia, where John Mark returned to Jerusalem. But Paul and Barnabas continued until they came to Antioch of Pisidia, where on the sabbath day they entered the synagogue and sat down. (13:13,14) Note: Now it’s “Paul and his companions.” Paul has taken (and Barnabas has given up) the leadership role.

True or False

1. Paul's sermon here is similar to Peter's on Pentecost. True – although it was more like Stephen’s in Acts 8. He does speak of David, death, and resurrection.

2. Many Jews and a few proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas. False – Apparently many proselytes also followed them. v. 43

3. The following Sunday almost the whole city came to hear Paul preach. False – It was the following Sabbath, which was a Saturday. v. 44

4. When the multitude saw the Jews, they were filled with jealousy. False – When the Jews saw the multitude…. v. 45

5. God judged the Jews unworthy of eternal life, so Paul turned to the Gentiles. False – The Jews judged themselves unworthy. v. 46

6. Some of the Gentiles were ordained to eternal life. True. It doesn’t say God pre-ordained them, leaving them with no free will. The word here, according to Lenski, conveys the concept of being pre-disposed to hear.

   “Here we have a contrast: the Jews thrust away the Word; these Gentiles glorify the Word…the Jews regard themselves unworthy of eternal life; these Gentiles are in line for eternal life. Who put them in line? God did so by sending Paul and Barnabas and his Word and his grace and by making both come in contact with their hearts. (Lenski, pg. 552)

7. Devout women of honorable estate helped Paul and Barnabas. False. The Jews incited them against Paul and Barnabas.

8. Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet; the disciples were happy. True. (13:51,52) Note: This “shaking the dust” was commanded by Jesus in Matthew 10:14. Verse 52 is reminiscent of Acts 5:41, when the apostles “rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.”

Fill in the Blank

1. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke so effectively that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (14:1)

2. Although the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, Paul and Barnabas stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed their words with signs and wonders. (14:2-3)

3. The city was divided, part holding with the Jews and part with the apostles. 14:4)

4. At Lystra, after healing the man with crippled feet, the multitude, in the language of the Lyconians, exclaimed that the gods were come down in the form of humans, calling Barnabas Zeus (or Jupiter) and Paul Hermes (or Mercury). (14:8-12) Note: Zeus and Hermes were the Greek names for the King of the Gods and the Speaker, or Messenger of the gods; Jupiter and Mercury were the Roman names.

5. When Paul and Barnabas understood, they tore their clothes, and rushed into the crowd, asked why the people did this, because Paul and Barnabas were only mortals. (14:14,15)

6. Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and persuaded the crowds, and they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. (14:19)

7. As the disciples gathered around Paul, he got up and went back to the city (Lystra). Then he and Barnabas left for Derbe. (14:20)

Studies in Acts–Lesson 7

Read Acts 11:19 – 12:24

1. For what purpose was Barnabas sent to Antioch?
   Answer: The church in Jerusalem had heard that Hellenists were being converted in that area. (11:19-22) Comment: According to Lenski’s commentary on Acts (page 447), there were 25,000 Christians In Jerusalem at the time of Stephen’s death – before the dispersion of Acts 8:1. According to BibleHistory.com, “Josephus says that at the siege of Jerusalem the population was 3,000,000; but Tacitus’ statement that it was 600,000 is nearer the truth.” If 600,000 is the figure, then at one time, 4% of Jerusalem’s population were Christians. Other sources say it may have been as many as 100,000 during feast days.
2. Barnabas saw the grace of God had been extended to the Gentiles. (23)
3. Where did Barnabas go to find whom? How long did they stay in Antioch?
   Answer: To Tarsus to find Saul. They stayed one year. (25-26)
4. What significant thing happened in 11:26?
   Answer: The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Comment: This is one of three places in the New Testament where the word Christian is used. The other two are Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16. Also note that they were called Christians only after salvation in Christ was offered to the Gentiles.
5. What caused the disciples to send money to Judea? Who took it for them?
   Answer: Agabus prophesied a severe famine. Barnabas and Saul took it to the elders. (11:27-30) Comment: Note the trust involved here. They trusted in Agabus’s prophecy enough to give their money; they trusted Barnabas and Saul with the funds. This is one blessing of being a Christ–  the ability to trust others’ judgment and integrity.
6. Whom did Herod the king kill? Why?
   Answer: James, the brother of John, because he belonged to the church. (12:1-2)
7. Why did he also then arrest Peter?
   Answer: Because he saw that the death of James pleased the Jews. He would have executed him, too, but had to wait until after the Passover.
8. How was Peter secured in prison?
   Answer: With 4 squads (4 quaternions – 4 soldiers each), probably in 6-hour shifts for each squad. Comment: Note verse 5 – while he was in prison, the church prayed for him fervently.
9. Who was smitten on the side? By whom?
   Answer: An angel “smote” or “tapped” (NSRV) Peter on the side (12:7). Comment: Here it was the night before he was to be executed, and he was fast asleep.
10. How was Peter able to leave the prison?
    Answer: He followed the angel, and just walked out. The outside gate opened by itself. (12:8-10) Comment: Apparently, the guards were oblivious to what was happening, too.
11. What was Peter’s reaction when he was left by himself on the street?
    Answer: He emerged from what seemed like a dream and said, “I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me.” (12:11)
12. Where did Peter immediately go? Where else do you hear of this woman’s son?
    Answer: To the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, who later accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first journey out of Antioch of Syria(12:25. See also Acts 15:37,38 and 2 Timothy 4:11). He also wrote the gospel of Mark. Comments: They were praying for Peter (v. 5), yet were astonished when their prayers were answered.
13. What humorous incident occurred next?
    Answer: Rhoda, a maid, answered Peter’s knock and was so overjoyed at seeing him she left him standing there. (12:13-17)
14. What happened to the guards back at the prison?
    Answer: After questioning them, Herod ordered that they be put to death. (12:19)
15. What happened to Herod?
    Answer: He was eaten by worms when he accepted praise as a god. (12:22-23). Comment: Don De Welt, in Acts Made Actual (pg. 164), quotes Josephus on this: “Herod was seized with violent pains in the bowels, and …lingered in great torture for five days.” According to this, it was an internal attack – maybe a bacterial infection?

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)