Background: Paul was in the midst of his second missionary journey. He was travelling with Silas and Timothy. He has been forced out of the city of Berea as an “agitator.” While Silas and Timothy remained in Berea, Paul travelled to the city of Athens. While waiting for Silas and Timothy to rejoin him, Paul takes in the sights of the once great city.
Read Acts 17:16-21
1) vs. 16 – As Paul is walking through the city what catches his eye and what is his reaction to them? Idols. Temples/statues to/of gods such as Athena, Zeus, Apollo, etc. Row after row in the city. Reaction – Irritated/angry
2) vs. 17 & 18 – What did Paul do while in Athens? What did he not do? Paul did not rebuke/chastise the Athenians for worshipping idols. He did not go “fire and brimstone” on them. He did not go around Athens destroying the idols and telling the Athenians to repent or go to Hell. If Paul had, how would the Athenians received Paul? Not well. Instead, Paul “reasoned” with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles (converts to Judaism) in the synagogue and with anyone in the market place. Greek word for “reasoned” – Dialegomai from which we get the English word “dialogue.” What did he “reasoned” with the Athenians about? Jesus and His resurrection. How do you think Paul “reasoned” with the Athenians? He entered into conversations with the Athenians. I don’t think Paul got into heated debates with the Athenians. It was probably more “What do you believe? Why do you believe what you believe? This is what I believe and why.” He would go to the synagogue, participate in the worship, and share Jesus with them using the Old Testament. Also, Paul would go to market place and strike up a conversation with a local Greek. The market place in Athens was known as the Agora. It was the social center of the city. There would be hundreds of merchants selling food, clothing, furniture, jewelry, etc. Think Short Pump Mall or Stony Point Mall. It was packed with hundreds of people. It was where people caught up with the latest news. It was the gathering place for the dissemination of ideas.
3) What two groups of philosophers did Paul converse with? Epicureans and Stoics. Athens was the birthplace and center of Greek philosophy. Philosophy (Greek – philo – love; Sophia – knowledge) – pursuit of knowledge and/or truth using reason/critical thinking. Greek philosophers questioned everything. Practiced the Socratic method - they constantly asked and answered questions to stimulate rational thinking and bring to light new ideas. Epicureans and Stoics were two of the more popular philosophies in Paul’s day. They were also rival schools of thought. Epicureans – taught that the chief purpose of humanity was to pursue pleasure through knowledge and living a moral life. Stoics – regarded emotions to be a hindrance to learning truth. They encouraged the development of self-control in order to overcome destructive emotions. Stoics taught that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker allows one to understand universal truth. Think Mr. Spock from Star Trek.
4) Where did the two groups of philosophers take Paul and what did they ask him to do? The Areopagus/Mars Hill to share more with them the new teaching he was proclaiming. The Areopagus (rock of Ares – Greek god of war) was a council made up of the intellectual elite of Athens who gathered to discuss philosophy, religion, morality, etc. The council influenced the religious and moral thought of Athens. Anyone bringing new religious/philosophical ideas, such as Paul did, were brought before the Areopagus. See verse 21.
Read Acts 17:22-31
5) vs. 22-23. How did Paul begin his speech to the Areopagus? He acknowledged that the Athenians were very religious. They had built idols for dozens of gods. They even had an altar to an unknown god in case they had missed a deity. They didn’t want to take a chance of offending that deity.
6) According to Paul, who was the Unknown God? The one true God. Paul goes on to explain to the Athenians who God is and who He is not and how He desires to have a close, intimate relationship with humanity. This relationship begins by humans repenting of their disobedience. For there will come a day will all will by judged by God through a Man whom God had raised from the dead.
7) Contrast Paul’s presentation of the Gospel to the Athenians with his presentation to the Jews in Acts chapter 13. Why the difference? In Acts 13, Paul relies heavily on Old Testament Scripture in sharing the Gospel with the Jews. In Acts 17, Paul does not cite the Old Testament Scriptures at all. In fact in verse 28, Paul quotes Greek literature in order to describe man’s relationship with God. The second quote “For we also are His children” comes from a Greek poem titled “Hymn to Zeus.” He doesn’t even say the name Jesus. If Paul had quoted from Psalms, Isaiah, and other Old Testament books as he did in Acts 13 or repeatedly said the name “Jesus Christ,” what response would he have gotten from the Athenians? Disinterest; confusion. Instead, Paul spoke to the Athenians in their language, literally and figuratively. He addressed them using logic and Greek literature. Where did Paul learn Greek philosophy and literature? A) Born and raised in a cosmopolitan city, Tarsus, that was heavily influence by Greek culture. B) During his Pharisee training under Gamaliel, who unlike other Pharisee teachers, embraced Greek culture. He exposed Paul to Greek philosophy and literature.
8) What responses from the Athenians did Paul receive to his presentation? A) Ridicule from those who rejected the idea of resurrection from the dead. Probably from the Epicurean philosophers who believed that when one died their soul and body dissipated into atoms. No afterlife. B) Some were open to hear more from Paul in the future. C) Some believed and became Christians one of whom was a member of the Areopagus.
Application:
1. Look for opportunities to share the Gospel. When Paul saw the altar to the Unknown God, he saw a way to introduce the Gospel to the Athenians.
2. When sharing the Gospel, do not come across as judgmental/holier than thou. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23
3. When sharing the Gospel, know your audience. Talk to them using language, literally and figuratively, they understand. To someone who does not have a strong religious background, be careful not to throw a lot of Scriptures at them or use theological words (justification, sanctification, Trinity, propitiation, etc.)
4. Know that you will not always receive a positive response from your audience to the Gospel message. Some will ridicule you. But there will be some whose curiosity has been piqued and would like to talk more about the Gospel with you. And there will be one or two who will believe.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Council of Jerusalem pt. 2
Read Acts 15:13-23
14. James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, pronounced the judgment of the council. Were the Gentiles required to be circumcised and observe the customs of the Mosaic Law? No. James said that Jewish Christians should not make life difficult for Gentile Christians
15. What did the Council of Jerusalem require of Gentile Christians? 1) Not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 2) Abstain from sexual immorality – Adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality, pedophilia, etc., 3) Abstain from meat of strangled animals. 4) Do not drink/eat blood. Why these four? All four were common Gentile practices. They were not taboo in Gentile society. Being new to the faith, many Gentile Christians still practiced some of the four not realizing they were sinful. However, the Scriptures written by Moses (Genesis-Deuteronomy) that had been read for centuries in every city that had a synagogue regarded such activities as sinful. Therefore, Gentile Christians should abstain from such acts.
The Council of Jerusalem sent Paul and Barnabas along with two representatives from the Jerusalem church, Barsabbas and Silas, to Antioch with a letter regarding the council’s judgment to be read to Gentile Christians.
16. In verse 31, what was the reaction of the Gentile Christians to the judgment of the Council of Jerusalem? Encouragement.
Impact of Council of Jerusalem on future of Christianity –
1) Ensured that the Church would be inclusive. People of all nations could become Christians.
2) Over the course of the next century Christianity became more Gentile. Many Jews continued to believe that the Mosaic Law and the surrounding oral traditions were necessary to know true salvation. Given the choice between Christianity and Judaism, more Jews chose Judaism.
3) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem did not end the friction between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. There was still among the Jewish Christians prejudice against Gentiles and a desire to hang on to the “Old Testament” style of worship.
4) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem established the precedent that salvation was attained through the grace of Jesus Christ NOT by our works.
5) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem marked the beginning of what we know today as denominationalism. Not everyone agreed on the role works played in salvation even after the council’s decision. Paul and his followers emphasized grace. James and his followers emphasized works.
Postscript
Paul’s confrontation with Peter in Antioch and emerging split with Barnabas after the Council of Jerusalem. Read Galatians chapter 2.
14. James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, pronounced the judgment of the council. Were the Gentiles required to be circumcised and observe the customs of the Mosaic Law? No. James said that Jewish Christians should not make life difficult for Gentile Christians
15. What did the Council of Jerusalem require of Gentile Christians? 1) Not to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 2) Abstain from sexual immorality – Adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality, pedophilia, etc., 3) Abstain from meat of strangled animals. 4) Do not drink/eat blood. Why these four? All four were common Gentile practices. They were not taboo in Gentile society. Being new to the faith, many Gentile Christians still practiced some of the four not realizing they were sinful. However, the Scriptures written by Moses (Genesis-Deuteronomy) that had been read for centuries in every city that had a synagogue regarded such activities as sinful. Therefore, Gentile Christians should abstain from such acts.
The Council of Jerusalem sent Paul and Barnabas along with two representatives from the Jerusalem church, Barsabbas and Silas, to Antioch with a letter regarding the council’s judgment to be read to Gentile Christians.
16. In verse 31, what was the reaction of the Gentile Christians to the judgment of the Council of Jerusalem? Encouragement.
Impact of Council of Jerusalem on future of Christianity –
1) Ensured that the Church would be inclusive. People of all nations could become Christians.
2) Over the course of the next century Christianity became more Gentile. Many Jews continued to believe that the Mosaic Law and the surrounding oral traditions were necessary to know true salvation. Given the choice between Christianity and Judaism, more Jews chose Judaism.
3) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem did not end the friction between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. There was still among the Jewish Christians prejudice against Gentiles and a desire to hang on to the “Old Testament” style of worship.
4) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem established the precedent that salvation was attained through the grace of Jesus Christ NOT by our works.
5) The decision made by the Council of Jerusalem marked the beginning of what we know today as denominationalism. Not everyone agreed on the role works played in salvation even after the council’s decision. Paul and his followers emphasized grace. James and his followers emphasized works.
Postscript
Paul’s confrontation with Peter in Antioch and emerging split with Barnabas after the Council of Jerusalem. Read Galatians chapter 2.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Council of Jerusalem pt. 1
1. What is the difference between a Jew and a Gentile? A Jew is a descendant of Abraham through his wife Sarah. Abraham and his descendants through Sarah were chosen by God to bring salvation to the other peoples of the world (Isaiah 49:6.) Through the Jews all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3.) A Gentile is anyone who is not a descendant of Abraham through Sarah – Arab, Roman, Greek, Persian, African, etc.
Background: Acts chapter 14 ends with Paul and Barnabas giving their report to the church in Antioch about their missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor. Specifically about how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. One would think that this would be a cause for joy and celebration. However, as we’re going to see in chapter 15, the rapidly growing number of Gentile believers created a sharp disagreement within the Church and its leaders. The seeds for this discontent became first evident in Acts 11. A group of Christians referred to as “circumcised” believers were upset that Peter, a Jew, entered the home of a Gentile which was forbidden by the Law. After the “circumcised” believers heard from Peter how God poured out the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, they acknowledged that God had offered salvation to the Gentiles. But, the news of Paul and Barnabas’ success with Gentiles in Cyprus and Asia Minor resurrected the Gentile debate within the Church.
Read Acts 15:1-6
2. Men from Judea would refer to whom? Jews or Gentiles? Jews.
3. What were they teaching? Unless you were circumcised in accordance with the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved. In other words, believing what Jesus said in John 3:16 was not enough for salvation. There was one other thing you have to do in order to be saved - circumcision. Background on circumcision (Genesis chapter 17) – God and Abraham made a covenant agreement. I will bless you and make you great. In return. Abraham and all his male descendants were to be circumcised - an outward/external/physical sign that the Jews were the followers of God. What custom do Christians follow that is similar to circumcision to show that we are followers of God? Baptism.
4. To whom did the men of Judea direct this teaching? People who were not circumcised, i.e., the Gentile believers. How do you think the Gentiles reacted to this teaching? Probably not well. To be circumcised as an adult was a painful experience. Moreover, they were probably confused. What the men of Judea were teaching was different from that of Paul and Barnabas. They said nothing about circumcision being necessary for salvation. In effect, the men from Judea were teaching the Gentile Christians that in order to be truly saved they must become Jews.
5. What was Paul and Barnabas’ response to the teaching of the men from Judea? They opposed it. Paul and Barnabas engaged them in debates.
6. What did the believers in Antioch do in order to resolve this debate? Sent Paul and Barnabas along with believers to seek the counsel of the apostles and leaders of the Church in Jerusalem on whether Gentile believers should be circumcised.
7. What did Paul and Barnabas do on the way to Jerusalem? They were sharing with believers how God was bringing the Gentiles to the faith. Their news was met as it should have been by all believers – great joy.
8. With whom did Paul and Barnabas meet with in Jerusalem and what did they talk about? The apostles (Peter, John, Matthew, etc.,) and elders (pastors.) Leaders of the church. They reported how during the missionary trip to Cyprus and Asia Minor many Gentiles had converted to the faith.
9. Who else spoke at this meeting? Pharisees who were Christians. Remember, Pharisees were teachers of the Mosaic Law. Their job was to explain to people what God wanted them to do to be righteous based on Scriptures and oral traditions. What did they say? The Gentiles have to be circumcised AND observe the Mosaic Law and all the oral traditions attached to it. Examples – the thousands of rules one had to remember and follow in order to properly observe the Sabbath, dietary habits (no pork), feast days, etc. Again, believing what Jesus said in John 3:16 was not enough for salvation. Christ’s sacrifice alone was not enough to ensure one’s salvation. One must also be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law. In other words, the Gentiles must become Jews.
After hearing both sides, the apostles and the elders discussed the Gentile question among themselves.
Read Acts 15:7-12
10. Was there an immediate agreement reached by the apostles and elders? No. There was a lengthy debate. Evidently, the apostles were divided regarding the issue of the Gentiles and the Law. In Galatians chapter 2, Paul writes about the Council of Jerusalem from his point of view. From what Paul writes, it seems James, the leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, sided with the Pharisee Christians. The Gentile question divided the leaders of the Church. They were in a no-win situation. Should the leaders decide that Gentiles should follow Jewish customs in order to be Christian, they would alienate the Gentiles. Should the leaders decide that Gentiles do not have to observe Jewish customs, they would alienate the Jews. The final decision would impact the future of the Church.
11. After a lengthy debate, which of the apostles stood up to speak? Peter. I can imagine Peter had remained silent during the debate and after hearing enough he decided it was time for him to say his piece. When Peter spoke, everyone listened. His words carried much weight. Why? He was the head of the Church appointed to that position by Jesus himself.
12. What did Peter say? He recounted how God had directed him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and God acknowledged their faith by granting them His Holy Spirit (Acts chapter 10.) Why are you Pharisee Christians (I can picture Peter looking directly at them.) intent on making God upset by seeking to put upon the Gentiles a burden (Mosaic law and oral traditions) that not even we or our Jewish ancestors were able to live up to successfully? (Read Matthew 11:28-30) No one in this room can honestly say they have faithfully observed every single command found in the Law. Consequently, observing the Law of Moses did not and cannot save us. Circumcision did not save us. Observing the Sabbath did not save us. The dietary laws did not save us. So why should we force the Gentiles to observe something that we Jews failed to live up to? What saved us is not the Law of Moses but the grace and mercy that our Lord Jesus the Messiah exhibited towards us by taking upon Himself the punishment for our failures to observe the Law of Moses so that we can know eternal salvation. Guess what? The grace and mercy that Jesus exhibited to us Jews is being granted to the Gentiles.
13. After Peter finished speaking what was the crowd’s reaction? Dead silence. No one disputed his words. They then listened to Paul and Barnabas speak about how God blessed the Gentiles.
Background: Acts chapter 14 ends with Paul and Barnabas giving their report to the church in Antioch about their missionary journey to Cyprus and Asia Minor. Specifically about how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. One would think that this would be a cause for joy and celebration. However, as we’re going to see in chapter 15, the rapidly growing number of Gentile believers created a sharp disagreement within the Church and its leaders. The seeds for this discontent became first evident in Acts 11. A group of Christians referred to as “circumcised” believers were upset that Peter, a Jew, entered the home of a Gentile which was forbidden by the Law. After the “circumcised” believers heard from Peter how God poured out the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles, they acknowledged that God had offered salvation to the Gentiles. But, the news of Paul and Barnabas’ success with Gentiles in Cyprus and Asia Minor resurrected the Gentile debate within the Church.
Read Acts 15:1-6
2. Men from Judea would refer to whom? Jews or Gentiles? Jews.
3. What were they teaching? Unless you were circumcised in accordance with the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved. In other words, believing what Jesus said in John 3:16 was not enough for salvation. There was one other thing you have to do in order to be saved - circumcision. Background on circumcision (Genesis chapter 17) – God and Abraham made a covenant agreement. I will bless you and make you great. In return. Abraham and all his male descendants were to be circumcised - an outward/external/physical sign that the Jews were the followers of God. What custom do Christians follow that is similar to circumcision to show that we are followers of God? Baptism.
4. To whom did the men of Judea direct this teaching? People who were not circumcised, i.e., the Gentile believers. How do you think the Gentiles reacted to this teaching? Probably not well. To be circumcised as an adult was a painful experience. Moreover, they were probably confused. What the men of Judea were teaching was different from that of Paul and Barnabas. They said nothing about circumcision being necessary for salvation. In effect, the men from Judea were teaching the Gentile Christians that in order to be truly saved they must become Jews.
5. What was Paul and Barnabas’ response to the teaching of the men from Judea? They opposed it. Paul and Barnabas engaged them in debates.
6. What did the believers in Antioch do in order to resolve this debate? Sent Paul and Barnabas along with believers to seek the counsel of the apostles and leaders of the Church in Jerusalem on whether Gentile believers should be circumcised.
7. What did Paul and Barnabas do on the way to Jerusalem? They were sharing with believers how God was bringing the Gentiles to the faith. Their news was met as it should have been by all believers – great joy.
8. With whom did Paul and Barnabas meet with in Jerusalem and what did they talk about? The apostles (Peter, John, Matthew, etc.,) and elders (pastors.) Leaders of the church. They reported how during the missionary trip to Cyprus and Asia Minor many Gentiles had converted to the faith.
9. Who else spoke at this meeting? Pharisees who were Christians. Remember, Pharisees were teachers of the Mosaic Law. Their job was to explain to people what God wanted them to do to be righteous based on Scriptures and oral traditions. What did they say? The Gentiles have to be circumcised AND observe the Mosaic Law and all the oral traditions attached to it. Examples – the thousands of rules one had to remember and follow in order to properly observe the Sabbath, dietary habits (no pork), feast days, etc. Again, believing what Jesus said in John 3:16 was not enough for salvation. Christ’s sacrifice alone was not enough to ensure one’s salvation. One must also be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law. In other words, the Gentiles must become Jews.
After hearing both sides, the apostles and the elders discussed the Gentile question among themselves.
Read Acts 15:7-12
10. Was there an immediate agreement reached by the apostles and elders? No. There was a lengthy debate. Evidently, the apostles were divided regarding the issue of the Gentiles and the Law. In Galatians chapter 2, Paul writes about the Council of Jerusalem from his point of view. From what Paul writes, it seems James, the leader of the Jerusalem church and brother of Jesus, sided with the Pharisee Christians. The Gentile question divided the leaders of the Church. They were in a no-win situation. Should the leaders decide that Gentiles should follow Jewish customs in order to be Christian, they would alienate the Gentiles. Should the leaders decide that Gentiles do not have to observe Jewish customs, they would alienate the Jews. The final decision would impact the future of the Church.
11. After a lengthy debate, which of the apostles stood up to speak? Peter. I can imagine Peter had remained silent during the debate and after hearing enough he decided it was time for him to say his piece. When Peter spoke, everyone listened. His words carried much weight. Why? He was the head of the Church appointed to that position by Jesus himself.
12. What did Peter say? He recounted how God had directed him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and God acknowledged their faith by granting them His Holy Spirit (Acts chapter 10.) Why are you Pharisee Christians (I can picture Peter looking directly at them.) intent on making God upset by seeking to put upon the Gentiles a burden (Mosaic law and oral traditions) that not even we or our Jewish ancestors were able to live up to successfully? (Read Matthew 11:28-30) No one in this room can honestly say they have faithfully observed every single command found in the Law. Consequently, observing the Law of Moses did not and cannot save us. Circumcision did not save us. Observing the Sabbath did not save us. The dietary laws did not save us. So why should we force the Gentiles to observe something that we Jews failed to live up to? What saved us is not the Law of Moses but the grace and mercy that our Lord Jesus the Messiah exhibited towards us by taking upon Himself the punishment for our failures to observe the Law of Moses so that we can know eternal salvation. Guess what? The grace and mercy that Jesus exhibited to us Jews is being granted to the Gentiles.
13. After Peter finished speaking what was the crowd’s reaction? Dead silence. No one disputed his words. They then listened to Paul and Barnabas speak about how God blessed the Gentiles.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Conversion of Saul/Paul pt. 2
Read Acts 9:10-19
6. What did Jesus tell Ananias to do? Go see Saul and heal him of his blindness.
7. What was Ananias’ response? Fear. Saul’s notoriety had spread to the believers in Damascus. Lord, don’t you know who this guy is? He’s a murderer of your followers. He’ll have me arrested and placed in chains.
8. What did Jesus say to Ananias concerning Saul? What do you make of Jesus’ statement concerning Saul in verse 16? 1) I haven chosen Saul to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles and Jews. 2) The suffering that Saul will experience in the service of Christ will be beyond belief.
9. How did Ananias greet Saul? As a brother in the faith.
10. What happened to Saul? He regained his sight and was baptized. Saul was now a Christian. I wonder … just as Saul bore witness to the death of Stephen and took joy in it if Stephen bore witness to the conversion of Saul and took joy in it.
Read Acts 9:19-22
11. After becoming a Christian, what did Saul begin to do? Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogues in Damascus.
12. What was the reaction of the people to Saul’s activities? Shock. Amazement. Isn’t this the man who was suppose to be arresting people doing the very thing he is doing – proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God?
13. How do you think Saul proved that Jesus was the Christ/Messiah to the Jews in Damascus? Through Old Testament Scripture and his training as a teacher of the Law.
Background: Between verse 22 and verse 23, Saul travelled to Arabia for a period of time and returned to Damascus (Galatians 3:17). Why he went to Arabia no one knows. Events in verse 23 takes place three years after Saul’s return to Damascus from Arabia.
Read Acts 9:23-30
14. What happened to Saul in Damascus? The Jews plotted to kill Saul. Saul was forced to flee Damascus with the help of his disciples. They placed Saul in a large basket and lowered down the wall of the city.
15. Where did Saul go after leaving Damascus? Jerusalem.
16. Who did Saul try to contact in Jerusalem? The disciples/apostles. What reception did Saul receive? The disciples/apostles refused to meet Saul. They were afraid of him. Despite being a Christian for three or more years, Saul still had a reputation for being a killer of Christians. He was still remembered as the one who had the beloved Stephen killed. The disciples/apostles probably believed Saul was attempting to deceive them. He was pretending to be a Christian in order to capture the leaders of the Christian movement.
17. How did Saul gain acceptance by the apostles? A Christian named Barnabas whose name meant “Son of Encouragement” brought Saul to the apostles. Barnabas was someone greatly respected by the apostles. He spoke on Saul’s behalf. He acted as Saul’s advocate. What did Barnabas say to the apostles concerning Saul? His conversion experience on the road to Damascus … Saul’s boldness in proclaiming the Gospel in Damascus. Barnabas’ words and I’m sure intervention by the Holy Spirit convinced the apostles to accept Saul as an authentic believer. What might have happened had Barnabas chose not to speak on Saul’s behalf?
Background: Saul spent 15 days in Peter’s home. He had a meeting with James, the brother of Jesus, who was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Saul’s meeting with both men went a long way to winning the acceptance of the believers.
18. In verses 28 and 29 what was Saul doing? Saul was walking around Jerusalem with the apostles preaching the Gospel. He also debated with Hellenistic Jews – Jews who adopted Greek culture. They were into Greek philosophy – Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, etc. Hellenistic Jews were a faction in Jewish society that believed man’s salvation rested within himself (knowledge, logic) not in God. They were secular humanists who rejected the supernatural. They pursued knowledge through constant questioning and debate. Saul was able to hold his own in debates with the Hellenistic Jews. He used their methods (question & debate) to counter their philosophical arguments … methods Saul probably learned as a student of Gamaliel. Saul was so successful in his debates with the Hellenistic Jews that they wanted him dead. He now had made enemies of religious Jews and secular Jews. Observation – No one (secular Jews or deeply religious Jews) could out argue Saul when it came to proving the authenticity of the Gospel. Saul was more equipped to proclaim Christ to this group than the other apostles because of his educational background.
19. Where did Saul go after leaving Jerusalem? He returned to his hometown of Tarsus.
6. What did Jesus tell Ananias to do? Go see Saul and heal him of his blindness.
7. What was Ananias’ response? Fear. Saul’s notoriety had spread to the believers in Damascus. Lord, don’t you know who this guy is? He’s a murderer of your followers. He’ll have me arrested and placed in chains.
8. What did Jesus say to Ananias concerning Saul? What do you make of Jesus’ statement concerning Saul in verse 16? 1) I haven chosen Saul to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles and Jews. 2) The suffering that Saul will experience in the service of Christ will be beyond belief.
9. How did Ananias greet Saul? As a brother in the faith.
10. What happened to Saul? He regained his sight and was baptized. Saul was now a Christian. I wonder … just as Saul bore witness to the death of Stephen and took joy in it if Stephen bore witness to the conversion of Saul and took joy in it.
Read Acts 9:19-22
11. After becoming a Christian, what did Saul begin to do? Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogues in Damascus.
12. What was the reaction of the people to Saul’s activities? Shock. Amazement. Isn’t this the man who was suppose to be arresting people doing the very thing he is doing – proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God?
13. How do you think Saul proved that Jesus was the Christ/Messiah to the Jews in Damascus? Through Old Testament Scripture and his training as a teacher of the Law.
Background: Between verse 22 and verse 23, Saul travelled to Arabia for a period of time and returned to Damascus (Galatians 3:17). Why he went to Arabia no one knows. Events in verse 23 takes place three years after Saul’s return to Damascus from Arabia.
Read Acts 9:23-30
14. What happened to Saul in Damascus? The Jews plotted to kill Saul. Saul was forced to flee Damascus with the help of his disciples. They placed Saul in a large basket and lowered down the wall of the city.
15. Where did Saul go after leaving Damascus? Jerusalem.
16. Who did Saul try to contact in Jerusalem? The disciples/apostles. What reception did Saul receive? The disciples/apostles refused to meet Saul. They were afraid of him. Despite being a Christian for three or more years, Saul still had a reputation for being a killer of Christians. He was still remembered as the one who had the beloved Stephen killed. The disciples/apostles probably believed Saul was attempting to deceive them. He was pretending to be a Christian in order to capture the leaders of the Christian movement.
17. How did Saul gain acceptance by the apostles? A Christian named Barnabas whose name meant “Son of Encouragement” brought Saul to the apostles. Barnabas was someone greatly respected by the apostles. He spoke on Saul’s behalf. He acted as Saul’s advocate. What did Barnabas say to the apostles concerning Saul? His conversion experience on the road to Damascus … Saul’s boldness in proclaiming the Gospel in Damascus. Barnabas’ words and I’m sure intervention by the Holy Spirit convinced the apostles to accept Saul as an authentic believer. What might have happened had Barnabas chose not to speak on Saul’s behalf?
Background: Saul spent 15 days in Peter’s home. He had a meeting with James, the brother of Jesus, who was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Saul’s meeting with both men went a long way to winning the acceptance of the believers.
18. In verses 28 and 29 what was Saul doing? Saul was walking around Jerusalem with the apostles preaching the Gospel. He also debated with Hellenistic Jews – Jews who adopted Greek culture. They were into Greek philosophy – Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, etc. Hellenistic Jews were a faction in Jewish society that believed man’s salvation rested within himself (knowledge, logic) not in God. They were secular humanists who rejected the supernatural. They pursued knowledge through constant questioning and debate. Saul was able to hold his own in debates with the Hellenistic Jews. He used their methods (question & debate) to counter their philosophical arguments … methods Saul probably learned as a student of Gamaliel. Saul was so successful in his debates with the Hellenistic Jews that they wanted him dead. He now had made enemies of religious Jews and secular Jews. Observation – No one (secular Jews or deeply religious Jews) could out argue Saul when it came to proving the authenticity of the Gospel. Saul was more equipped to proclaim Christ to this group than the other apostles because of his educational background.
19. Where did Saul go after leaving Jerusalem? He returned to his hometown of Tarsus.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Conversion of Saul/Paul pt. 1
Background: (Read Acts 22:2-5; Acts 23:6; Philippians 3:5-6; Galatians 1:13-24) Saul’s beginnings are very much different from that of the original Disciples. Disciples – rural, uneducated, poor. Saul – urban, well-educated, upper class. Saul was born in Tarsus, an important trading city located in southeastern Asia Minor (modern day Turkey.) His family was descendants of the tribe of Benjamin. His father being a Pharisee was a person of importance in Tarsus. Moreover, Saul was a Jew who also was a Roman citizen. Roman citizenship was a big deal and not easy to obtain. It came with important civil/legal rights that non-Roman citizens, such as Jews in Judea, did not enjoy. At some point during his youth, Saul moved to Jerusalem where he received a religious education under the direction of Gamaliel, one of the greatest teachers of the Law. Gamaliel was a Pharisee who was well respected by the Jews. He was more liberal than his Pharisee brethren. Gamaliel studied Greek literature; recommended that the Sabbath restrictions be made less burdensome on the people; urged kindness toward Gentiles; and expressed tolerance toward Christians. (Read Acts 5:30-39). By his account, Saul was an excellent student (Galatians 1:13-14.) Despite his teacher’s liberal views, Saul fell into the camp of the hard-lined Pharisees who espoused a strict observance of the Law (read Philippians 3:5-6) Being a Pharisee in training, it’s very possible that Saul witnessed Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. As Christianity exploded in Jerusalem after Pentecost, Saul developed a deep contempt for the followers of this new faith. He viewed them as traitors to their heritage and violators of the Law who deserved the ultimate punishment – death. We first meet Saul at the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7:57-8:3.) The act of the witnesses laying their clothes at Saul’s feet is seen by some scholars as a gesture acknowledging Saul being in charge of Stephen’s execution. From this point on, Saul goes on a crusade to destroy the Church. He is the Sanhedrin’s chief prosecutor against the Church. The very name of Saul instilled fear in the hearts of the first Christians.
Read Acts 9:1-9
1. What was Saul’s request to the high priest? Permission to arrest followers of Jesus found in Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem to be imprisoned, tried as Law breakers, and stoned to death. Damascus was the largest city in the Near East. Trivia – Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. In Saul’s day, it had a large Jewish population. Evidently, many Jews in Damascus were becoming followers of the Way. The distance between Jerusalem and Damascus was 150 miles – a four to six day journey.
2. As Saul neared Damascus, what happened? He was hit by an extremely bright flash of light from the sky followed by a voice. What did the voice say? “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Whose voice was this? Jesus. Why did He phrase the question to Saul the way He did? Jesus was informing Saul that in attacking the followers of the Way he was attacking Jesus Himself. Moreover, Jesus wanted to point out to Saul the futility of his mission. Saul was only hurting himself. He was fighting against God and no one comes out of that battle unscathed.
3. How did Saul acknowledge the source of the voice (vs. 5)? Lord – master, owner. A title given to God by his followers. Saul knew that this voice was from God. He was taught by his religious teachers that a voice from Heaven belonged to God.
4. What did Jesus tell Saul to do? Go to Damascus and await further orders.
5. After Saul got up from the ground, what was wrong with him? He was blind. The men who were with Saul helped him reach Damascus. For the next three days, he did not eat or drink. Only prayed.
Read Acts 9:1-9
1. What was Saul’s request to the high priest? Permission to arrest followers of Jesus found in Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem to be imprisoned, tried as Law breakers, and stoned to death. Damascus was the largest city in the Near East. Trivia – Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. In Saul’s day, it had a large Jewish population. Evidently, many Jews in Damascus were becoming followers of the Way. The distance between Jerusalem and Damascus was 150 miles – a four to six day journey.
2. As Saul neared Damascus, what happened? He was hit by an extremely bright flash of light from the sky followed by a voice. What did the voice say? “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Whose voice was this? Jesus. Why did He phrase the question to Saul the way He did? Jesus was informing Saul that in attacking the followers of the Way he was attacking Jesus Himself. Moreover, Jesus wanted to point out to Saul the futility of his mission. Saul was only hurting himself. He was fighting against God and no one comes out of that battle unscathed.
3. How did Saul acknowledge the source of the voice (vs. 5)? Lord – master, owner. A title given to God by his followers. Saul knew that this voice was from God. He was taught by his religious teachers that a voice from Heaven belonged to God.
4. What did Jesus tell Saul to do? Go to Damascus and await further orders.
5. After Saul got up from the ground, what was wrong with him? He was blind. The men who were with Saul helped him reach Damascus. For the next three days, he did not eat or drink. Only prayed.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Study of Acts of the Apostles pt. 2 (cont'd)
4. Prayer - vs. 42
For what purpose? Seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement from God. Lifting up needs of members of the groups. Praying for healing – physical, emotional, spiritual. Worship God. Praying for family members/friends/neighbors/enemies. Draw closer to God.
5. Ministering to others/evangelism - vs. 45 - Sharing property and possessions with anyone in need.
a) Who falls under the category of “anyone”? Believer and non-believer
b) For what purpose? Following Christ’s example. He gave up the riches of
heaven in order to meet the needs of humanity – the greatest being salvation.
A fellow believer in need (food, clothing, shelter), the group met the need.
Neighbors who were non-believers in need (food, clothing, shelter), the group
met the need. Neighbor ask why – opportunity to witness
6. Praising God/Worship - vs. 47 a) How do you suppose they praised God?
See Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16 - psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, making
melody, singing songs of thankfulness
b) For what purpose? Worship; giving God glory
3. What was the local community’s response to the early believers? Found favor with all people – includes non-believers.
4. What was God’s response to the early Church? - vs. 47 Blessings – added to their number daily new believers.
5. What role did Church play in the lives of early Christians?
Discipleship - nurtured spiritual growth (milk to meat), place of encouragement/support, promoted unity, avenue of service/outreach to church body and local community, and promoted worship.
6. What impact did the early Church have on the Local Community? vs. 45, 47
- Evangelism – meeting needs, offering hope
Acts 2:43 – Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe. Awe – submissive and admiring fear inspired by authority or power. When did they feel sense of awe? What inspired it? Not because of signs and wonders. Those came after awe. Awe resulted from church experience.
Definition of church - An assembly of believers who continually devote themselves to studying the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, ministry, and praising God. Purposes - Nurture spiritual growth, encouragement, service/outreach to church body and community, and worship.
For what purpose? Seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement from God. Lifting up needs of members of the groups. Praying for healing – physical, emotional, spiritual. Worship God. Praying for family members/friends/neighbors/enemies. Draw closer to God.
5. Ministering to others/evangelism - vs. 45 - Sharing property and possessions with anyone in need.
a) Who falls under the category of “anyone”? Believer and non-believer
b) For what purpose? Following Christ’s example. He gave up the riches of
heaven in order to meet the needs of humanity – the greatest being salvation.
A fellow believer in need (food, clothing, shelter), the group met the need.
Neighbors who were non-believers in need (food, clothing, shelter), the group
met the need. Neighbor ask why – opportunity to witness
6. Praising God/Worship - vs. 47 a) How do you suppose they praised God?
See Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16 - psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, making
melody, singing songs of thankfulness
b) For what purpose? Worship; giving God glory
3. What was the local community’s response to the early believers? Found favor with all people – includes non-believers.
4. What was God’s response to the early Church? - vs. 47 Blessings – added to their number daily new believers.
5. What role did Church play in the lives of early Christians?
Discipleship - nurtured spiritual growth (milk to meat), place of encouragement/support, promoted unity, avenue of service/outreach to church body and local community, and promoted worship.
6. What impact did the early Church have on the Local Community? vs. 45, 47
- Evangelism – meeting needs, offering hope
Acts 2:43 – Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe. Awe – submissive and admiring fear inspired by authority or power. When did they feel sense of awe? What inspired it? Not because of signs and wonders. Those came after awe. Awe resulted from church experience.
Definition of church - An assembly of believers who continually devote themselves to studying the Word, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, ministry, and praising God. Purposes - Nurture spiritual growth, encouragement, service/outreach to church body and community, and worship.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Study of Acts of the Apostles pt. 2
What is a Church?
I. Introduction
If someone on the street came up to you and asked, “What is a church?” what would you tell them?
II. Origin of Small Group Ministry - Acts 2:42-47
1. The church that was established after Pentecost met where? (Hint: two places) The first Christians gathered at the temple (large group) and in homes (small groups.) They left the temple and gathered in smaller numbers in people’s homes.
2. When the first Christians met together, they continually devoted themselves to doing what? For what purposes?
Continually – on a regular basis; constantly
Devoting – to give attention to; to be faithful; to spend much time together
1. vs. 42 “the apostles’ teaching …”
a) How did that work? Listen to Peter or John teach in the temple about Jesus. Shared the teachings of Jesus (ex. Sermon on the Mount). Use the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. People would gather in their homes to discuss what they heard. Ex. Love your enemy, forgiveness.
For what purpose? To become Christ-like; to have the mind of Christ; to be salt of the earth.
2. Fellowship - vs. 42
a) Define fellowship - Greek koinonia - the close association between persons, emphasizing what is common between them. What was common? Christ. Love, worship, serve, Christ. Their desire to be more like Him.
b) For what purpose? Hebrews 10:24-25 – Someone in group share how God blessed them – gave
encouragement to someone who needed to hear it. Someone had a rough day or week, share with
group, group expressed love/encouragement.
3. Breaking of bread - vs. 42
a) What does this mean? 1. Communion 2. Share a meal together.
b) How did it work? Vs. 46 – from house to house breaking bread; sharing meals together.
c) For what purpose? 1. Remember Christ’s sacrifice 2. Promote fellowship. A time of happiness, joy
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