God S Promise Fulfilled

part - II

old testament

lesson - 2

god’s promise fulfilled

book of Joshua

Who wrote, when

While returning from Egypt, the children of Israel reached Paran Wilderness. Then Moses sent spices to secretly search out Canaan; one man from each tribe. Joshua (old name Hoshea) and Calcb, son of Jephunnch of the tribe of Judah were among the twelve spies sent out to Canaan. On their return both of them told the people that the land they explored was an excellent one. If the Lord is pleased with them, He will take them there and give them the rich and fertile land. But the other spies spread a false report and frightened the people saying that the inhabitants of the land were stronger and they had even seen giants among them. The cities were very large and fortified. Since the people refused to trust in he Lord, they were made to wander thirty nine years in the wilderness, without directly entering Canaan from Paran Wilderness. It is believed that the events during this period recorded earlier by two or three historians were consolidated in a book from after the children of Israel returned from Babylonian captivity during 5th century B.C., under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemia. Even though the details are available, no mention is made about the author of this book. Since it contains the detailed history of Joshua it is aptly named as the Book of Joshua.

The Children of Israel Enter the promised land

Purpose: To understand that the Lord himself was leading the people.

Moses who led the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land could not enter there. On reaching the plains of Moab, he went up to mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah. The promised land was shown to him by the Lord from one end of the country to the other. Then the Lord said to him “This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” saying “I will give it to you descendants”. I have caused you to see it with your own eyes, but you shall not cross ever there” Moses passed away and he was buried in a valley in the land of Moab opposite to Both Peor. Now Joshua, the son of Nun chosen by the lord to succeed Moses, was full of spirit of wisdom for Moses had laid his hands on hi So the children of Israel heeded him and did as the Lord has commanded Moses. After the death of Moses, the leadership was passed on to him. He sent out two spies with orders to go and secretly explore the land of Canaan especially the city of Jericho. When they came to the city, they went to spend the night in the house of a harlot named Rahab. Hearing about this, the King of Jericho sent word to Rahab to bring them out. She replied that they left at sun set before the city gates were closed. Actually she kept them hidden under some stalks of flex on the roof of her house. The King’s men left the city and went in search of the spies as far as the place where the orad crosses Jordan. Rahab lived in a house built into the city wall. At night she let the men down from her window by a rope. These men returned to Joshua and told him all that has befallen them. The children of Israel camped on the eastern side of Jordan for three days waiting to cross it. The leaders then went through the camp and said to the people “

WhenthepeopleleftthecamptocrossJordan,thepriestswentaheadofthemcarryingthearkofthecovenant. Assoonasthepriestssteppedintotheriver,thewaterstoppedflowingandpiledupfarupstreamatAdam. TheflowdownstreamtotheHeadSeawascompletelycutoffandthepeoplewereabletocrossovertoCanaannearJerichowalkingacrossondryground. Thentheriverregaineditsoriginalposition. ThepeoplestayedinGilgal.

Question:

1.WhythebookwasgiventhenameofJoshua?

2.HowdidMosesseethepromisedland?

3.DescribehowthechildrenofIsraeldidcrossoverJordan?

4.HowthespiessentouttoJerichoweresaved?

Versetomemorise: “TheLordiswithusDonotfeatthem” (Num.14:9)
Lesson-3
ImportantbattlesledbyJoshua
Purpose: TorecollectthatIsraels’successinbattleswillalwaysbebyhispowerandnotontheirownmightorcleverness.
1.BattleofJericho:
JerichowassecurelyshutupandguardedtokeeptheIsraelitesout. AsorderedbytheLord,Israelitesmarchedaroundthecityonceadayforsixdays. Sevenpriestseachcarryingtrumpetsofram’shornswentinfrontofthearkofthecovenant. Thosecarryingweaponswereinfrontofthepriestsandtheremainingmenbehindtheark. Ontheseventhdaytheymarchedaroundthecityseventimes. Whenthepriestswereabouttosoundtrumpetsfortheseventhround,Joshuaorderedthepeopletoshoutandhesaid“TheLordhasgivenyouthecity. ThecityandeverythinginitmustbetotallydestroyedasanofferingtotheLord. OnlytheprostituteRahabandherhouseholdwillbespared,becauseshehidourspies. Youarenottotakeanythingthatistobedestroyed. IfyoudosoyouwillbringtroubleanddestructionoftheIsraelitecamp. Everythingmadeofsilver,gold,bronzeorironissetapartfortheLord. ItistobeputintheLordstreasury”. Asdirected,thepeoplegavealoudshoutwhenthepriestsflewthetrumpetsandthewallsofthecitycollapsed. Thenthearmywentstraightuptothehillintothecityandcapturedit. TheyalsokilledeveryoneinthecityexceptRahabandthemembersofherfamily. Theyalsokilledthecattle,sheepanddonkeys. Thentheysetfiretothecityandburnedittothegroundalongwitheverythinginitexceptthethingsmadeagold,silver,bronzeandironwhichtheytookandputintheLord’streasury. ButAchanbelongingtothetribeofJudahdisobeyedtheorderoftheLordnottotakefromJerichoanythingthatistobedestroyed. HetooktwokilogramsofsilverandabarofgoldweighinghalfaKilogramandabeautifulBabyloniancloakandhidthemwithouttheknowledgeofanybodyelse.
2.BattleofAi
AiwasasmallcitynearJerichoanditspopulationwascomparativelysmall. Henceabout3000Israelitesmadetheattack. Buttheywereforcedtoretreat. ThemenofAichasedthemfromthecitygateandkilled36men. JoshuaandtheleadersofIsraeltoretheirclothesingrief,threwthemselvestothegroundbeforethearkofthecovenantandlaytheretilleveningwithdustontheirheadtoshowtheirsorrow. TheLordsaidtoJoshua“Israelhassinned. TheyhavebrokentheagreementwithmethatIorderedthemtokeep. Theyhavetakensomeofthethingscondemnedtodestruction. Theystolethem,liedaboutitandputthemwiththeirownthings.” AsorderedbytheLord,thepeopleweresanctifiedbyJoshuaandbroughtbeforetheLordearlynextmorning. Theywerecheckedtribebytribe,cleansbycleanandfamilybyfamily. Atlast,AchanofthetribeofJudahwaspickedout. JoshuaalongwithallthepeopleofIsrael,seizedAchan,thesilver,thecloakandthebarofgoldtogetherwithAchan’ssonsanddaughters,hiscattle,donkeysandsheep,histentandeverythingheownedandtheytookthemtothevalleyofAchor. AllIsraelstonedAcahnandhisfamilywithstonesandburnedhispossessionswithfire.
Inthesecondbattle,thecityofAiwascapturedbyJoshuaandthewholepopulationofAiwaskilledthatday-twelvethousandmenandwomen. JoshuaburnedAiandleftitinruinsanditisstilllikethattoday. ThenJoshuabuiltonmountEbalanaltartotheLord,theGodofIsrael. AswrittenintheBookoftheLawofMoses,hemadeitwithwholestonesoverwhichnomanhaswieldedanyirontool. InittheyofferedburntofferingstotheLordandsacrificedpeaceofferings. ThereinthepresenceofthechildrenofIsraelJoshuawroteonthestonesacopyoftheLawofMoses. EveryoneofthecommandmentsofMoseswasreadoutbyJoshuatothewholegatheringwhichincludedwomenandchildrenaswellasforeignerslivingamongthem. Hewarnedthepeoplewhoweregoingtostayinlandofidolworshippers,nottodeviatefromtheinstructionsoftheLord.
3.BattleofGibeon
JoshuamadeatreatyoffriendshipwiththepeopleofGibeonandpromisedtoprotectthem. TheAmoritekingsofSouthernCanaanjoinedforces,surroundedGibeonandattackedit. ThenJoshuaandhiswholearmymadeasurpriseattachontheAmorites. TheLordmadetheAmoritespanicatthesightofIsrael’sarmy. WhiletheAmoriteswererunningdownthepassfromtheIsrael’sarmy,theLordmadelargehailstonesfalldownonthemallthewaytoAzekah. MorewerekilledbyhailstonesthanbyIsraelites. OnthedaythattheLordgavethemenofIsrael,victoryecerAmorites,JoshuaspoketotheLord. InthepresenceofIsraeliteshesaid“SunstandstilloverGibeon,MoonstopoverAijalonvalley”. Thesunstoodstillandthemoondidnotmoveuntilthenationhadconquereditsenemies. ThefiveAmoritekingshoweverhadescapedandwerehidinginthecaveofMakkedah. SomeonefoundthemandtoldJoshuawheretheywerehiding. AsorderedbyJoshualargestoneswereplaceattheentranceofthecave. TheIsraelitesbecamesafeofthesouthernpartofCanaanafterthevictoryinthisbattle.
4.BattleofHazor
ThekingsonthenorthernsideofCanaanjoinedforces,cameandcampedtogetheratthewatersofMeromtofightagainstIsrael, SoJoshuaandallhismenattackedthembysurprise. TheLordgavetheIsraelitesvictoryoverthem. ThekingofHazorwascapturedandkilled. Noonewasleftaliveandthecitywasburned. JoshuadideverythingtheLordhadcommandedanditwasthesecretofhissuccess. ThusalltheimportantregionsofCanaanwerebroughtunderthecontrolofJoshua.
Questions:
1.WhicharetheimportantbattlesfoughtbyJoshua?
2.HowdidthepeopleofIsraelcapturethefortofJericho?
3.WhoamongtheinhabitantsofJerichoescapeddeath?
4.WhatwasthesinofAchan?
5.Whatwasthepunishmentforhissin?
6.Whomadethesunandthemoonstandstill? Whendidithappen?
Versetomemorise“TheLord,yourGodisGodinheavenaboveandonearthbeneath”(Joshua2:11)
Lesson-4
divisionofthepromisedland
Purpose: ToascertainhowGod’spromisetoAbrahamwasfulfilled.
MosesassignedtothetribesofGod,ReubenandhalfthetribeofManasseh,theterritoryontheeasternsideoftheJordanriver,oppositetoJericho. TheconqueredterritorywestofJordanwasdividedbyJoshuaamongtheremainingnineandahalftribes. Thetribeofleveldidnotinheritanyland. AstheLordinstructedMoses,theyweretoreceiveastheirpossessionashareofthesacrificesburntonthealtartotheLord,GodofIsrael. Theywerehowevergivensomecitiestoliveinandpasturelandaroundthesecities. Eventhoughtherewasnopermanenttempleforworship, theIsraelitesassembledatShiloh,wherethetabernacleofthetentofmeetingwassetup.
WhenthechildrenofIsraelwerecrossingriverJordantheprieststooktwelvestonesfromtheriver. ThesestonesweresetupbyJoshuaatGilgalwhichwastheirfirstcamp. Hesaidtothepeople“Inthefuturewhenyourchildrenaskyouwhatthesestonesmean,youwilltellthemaboutthetimewhenIsraelcrossedtheJordanondryground. TellthemthattheLordyourGoddriedupthewaterofJordanforyouuntilyouhadcrossedjustasHedrieduptheRedSeaforus”. AscommandedbytheLord,JoshuacircumcisedthemalesbornduringthefortyyearsspentcrossingthedesertbytheIsraelites. WhiletheywerecampingatGilgalontheplainnearJerichotheobservedPassOverontheeveningofthefourteenthdayofthemonth. ThenextdaywasthefirsttimetheyatefoodgrowninCanaan;roastedgrainandbreadmadewithoutyeast. Themannastoppedfailingthen. FromthattimeontheyatefoodgrowninCanaan. TheLordmadeJoshuadogreatthings. HewassteadfastinhisdevotiontotheLord. HerepeatedlytaughtthepeoplethecommandmentsoftheLord. Hisfamousdeclarationwas“Asformyfamilyandme,wewillservetheLord” (Josh24:15) ThelaterhistoryoftheIsraelclearlyrevealsthatwhenevertheyobeyedthecommandmentsoftheLord,theywerevictoriousandtheytasteddefeatwhenevertheydisobeyed.
Joshuadiedattheageofonehundredandten. HewasburiedonhisownlandatTimnathSerahinthehillcountryofEphraim. ThebonesofJosephbroughtfromEgyptbythechildrenofIsraelwereburiedatShechem.
Questions
1.NarratetheimportanteventsofGilgal?
2.WhendidtheheavenlybreadMannastopfalling?
3.WherewerethebonesofJosephburied.
Versetomemorise: “Asformyfamilyandme,wewillservethelord” (Joshua24:15)
lesson-5
people’slifeinthepromisedland
Purpose: TorememberthatLordactthroughHisfaithfulservants.
AfterJoshua,theLordengagedJudgestoprotectthechildrenofIsraelfromtheenemiesandfortheadministrationofjustice. OthneilwasthefirstandSamuelthelastofthegreatjudgesofIsrael. DuringthetimeofSamueltheperiodofmonarchywasestablished. JudgeSamuelwasalsoaprophet.
ThebooksofSamuelIIIdealmainlywithSamuelandSaulandDavidthekinganointedbyhim. Modernscholarsareoftheviewthatinwritingthesetwobooksmorethanonemanhadparticipated. Itisbelievedthatthesebookswerewrittenduring7thcenturyB.C.
HannahandElkanah,theparentsofSamuelwerehighlyGodfearing. BeingchildrensHannahcontinuedhereprayerstotheLord. Hannahmadeasolemnpromise“LordAlomightylookatmeyourservant! Seemytroubleandrememberme!Don’tforgetme!IfyougivemeasonIpromisethatIwilldedicatehimtoyouforhiswholelifeandhewillneverhavehishaircut.” Asonwasborntoherasaresultofherprayers. ShecalledhisnameSamuelandsaid“BecauseIhaveaskedforhimfromtheLord”(1Sam.1:20) AssoonasthechildwasweanedshetookhimtoShilohandentrustedhimtoElithepriest,dedicatinghimtotheLordaspromised.
TheboySamuelstayedinShilohandservedtheLordunderthedirectionofpriestEli. Lordwaswithhim. Samuelwassleepinginthesanctuary. OnenighttheLordcalledSamuel. Heanswered“YesSir” andrantoEliandsaid“YoucalledmeandhereIam” ButElianswered“Ididn’tcallyou,Gobacktobed” SoSamuelwentbacktobed. TheLordcalledhimagainandagain. WhentheLordcalledhimthethirdtimeEliadvisedhimtosay“SpeakLord,yourservantislistening.” WhentheLordcalledhimtosay“SpeakLord,yourservantislistening”. WhentheLordcalledhimthefourthtimeherespondedasadvisedbyEli. ThentheLorddisclosedtoSamuelthedisastertofalluponEliandfamily. AfterthedeathofEliandhissons,SamuelbecamethepriestofShilch.
ThroughouthislifeSamueladministeredjusticeforIsrael. Heledthepeoplegivinggoodadvice. Asaresult,therewasgreatspiritualawakening. HesaidtothechildrenofIsrael“IfyoureturntotheLordwithallyourhearts,thenputawaytheforeigngodsandtheAshtorethsfromamongyou,andprepareyourheartsfortheLord,andserveHimonly;andWewilldeliveryoufromthehandsofthePhilistines”.
Headvisedthepeople(1)TosearchfortheLord(2)Toabandonidolatory,dedicatetotheLordcompletelyandworshipHimonly(3) Torepentoversinsandconfessand(4)Toprayandfast(1Sam7:3-6)
SamuelsincerelyyearnedthatallthetribesofIsraelshouldliveandprosperunderthesoverignityandjudgementofGod. Hewasverymuchannoyedontherequestofthepeopleforakingtoruleoverthemasothernationshave. AscommandedbytheLordheanointedathisresidenceSaul,SonofKishfromthetribeofBenjaminasrulerofthepeopleofIsrael. SuddenlythespiritofGodtookcontrolofSaul. LaterhewaschosenbytheLordinthepresenceofthepeopleatareligiousgatheringatMizpah (1Sam10:20-24)
Questions]
1.WhowasthelastjudgeofIsrael?
2.WhatisthemeaningofthewordSamuel?
3.WhatwasthereplyofSamueltothecalloftheLord?
Versetomemorise: “TheboySamuelcontinuedtogrowandtogainfavourbothwiththeLordandwithmen(1Sam2:26)
lesson-6
saulthefirstkingofIsrael
Purpose: TolocatetheconsequencesofincompleteobediencetotheLord.
WhenSaulwaschosenastheking,Samuelexplainedtothepeoplethebehaviourofroyalty,wroteitinabookaslaiditupbeforetheLord. LaterSamuelproclaimedSaulkingatanholyplaceatGilgal(1Sam11:11-15). Saulwas30yearsoldwhenhebecametheking.
SaulsentonethousandmenunderthecommandofhissonJonathantoattackthePhilistines. JonathandefeatedagarrisonofthephilistinesatGebaInfuriatedPhilistinesposedaseriousthreadtoIsrael. SauldecidedtoofferburntsacrificesandpeaceofferingsatGilgalbeforecommencingtheattackonthePhilistines. HewaitedsevendaysforSamuelasSamuelhadearlierinstructedhimtodo. ButstillSamuelhadnotcometoGilgal. ThepeopleinpanicbegantodesertSaul. ThenSaulofferedaburntsacrificeandjustashewasfinishingSamuelarrived. HeadmonishedSaulforhisdisobedienceoftheLord’sstipulatingthatpriestsaloneareauthorisedtooffersacrifices. TheLordwasdispleasedonthisunauthorisedaction.
OnthedayofbattlenoneofIsraelitesoldiersexceptSaulandhisSonJonathanhadswordorspears. JonathanandtheyoungmanwhocarriedhisweaponssecretlyenteredthecampofPhilistines. Thephilistineswereterrified. Theraidersandsoldiersinthecamptrembledwithfear. Theearthshookandtherewasgreatpanic. ThusIsraelcouldwinoverPhilistineswithoutanyarmyorweapons.
SamuelcommandedSaultoattackAmalekitesandtocompletelydestroyeverythingtheyhave. SauldefeatedtheAmalekites. SaulandhismensparedthelifeofAgagthekingoftheAmalekanddidnotkillthebestsheepandcattle;thebestcalvesandlambsandanythingthatwasgood. Theydestroyedonlywhatwasuselessorworthless. Whenquestioned,Saulansweredthatthebestsheepandcattlewerekeptto offerassacrificetoGod. SamuelsaidthatsinceSaulrejectedtheLords’ command,theLordhasrejectedSaulaskingofIsrael. TheSamuelwenttohishouseinRamah. Neveragaintheymetthereafter.
WhenitwasdecidedtorejectSaulaskingofIsrael,ascommandedbytheLordSamuelsecretlyanointedDavidsonofJesusaskingatBethlehem, (1Sam.16:13). TheLordsspiritleftSaulandanevilspirittormentedhim. DavidwhowasproficientinplayingharpwasbroughttoSaul. WhenevertheevilspiritcameonSaul,Davidwouldgethisharpandplayit. TheevilspiritcameonSaul,Davidwouldgethisharpandplayit. TheevilspiritwillleaveandSaulwouldfeelbetterandbeallrightagain. DavidaccompaniedSaulinthebattlefields. ThisprovidedanopportunityforDavidtogainexpertiseinwarfareandadministrationofthestate.
Questions:
1.HowIsraelcouldgreatlywineverPhilistins?
2.WhatwasthedisobedienceshownbySaulinhiswaragainsttheAmalekites?
VersetoMemorise: “Toobeyisbetterthansacrificeandtoheedthanthefatofram”(1Sam15:22)
lesson-7
saulanddavid
Purpose: TorecognisethatonewhoiswithGodhasnothingtobeafraidof.
Inretaliation,thePhilistinesgatheredforbattleandcampedataplacecalledEphesDamnum. IsraelitesundertheleadershipofSaulassembledandcampedinthevalleyofElah. ThePhilistineslinedupononehillandtheIsraelitesonanother,withavalleyinbetween. AmannamedGoliathcameoutfromPhilistinescamptoChallengetheIsraelites. HeshoutedattheIsraelitestochooseoneoftheirmentofighthim. IfheisabletokillGoliath,thenthePhilistineswillbetheservantsofIsrael. IfGoliathkillshim,theIsraelitesshouldbecometheirservants. ItwasaprevailingcustomtodeclarethearmyofthepersonwinningsuchaduelasvictoriousGoliathwasnearlythreemetrestallandworebronzearmourthatweightedaboutfiftysevenkilogrammesandabronzehelmet. Hisspearwasasthickasthebaronaweaver’sloomanditsironheadweighedaboutsevenkilograms.
OnedayDavidcametothecampandhearingthePhilistinegiantinsultingtheLord, ToldSaulthathewillgoandfighthim. WiththeconsentandbestwishesofSaul,Davidwentoutwithfivestonesandhiscatapult,tomeetGoliath. Whenthearmyonbothsideswerewatching,thestonefromhiscatapulthitGoliathonhisforeheadandbrokehisskull. Goliathfellfacedownontheground. DavidrantohimtookGoliath’sswordandcutoffhishead. SeeingthisthePhilistinesranaway. Israelitesfollowedthemandkilledmanyandlootedtheircamp.
WhenIsraeliteswerereturninghome,womenfromeverytowninIsraelcameoutsingingjoyfulsongs,dancingandplayingtaburinesandIyres. Intheircelebrationthewomensang SauldidnotlikethisandhebecameveryangryinthatDavidreceivedbettercomplements. SaulwasjealousandsuspeciousofDavidfromthatdayon.
NextdayanevilspiritsuddenlytookcontrolofSaul. DavidwasplayingharpashedideverydayandSaulwasholdingaspear. HethrewthespearatDavidtwice,butDaviddodgedeachtime. DavidwasafraidofSaul.
SaulhaddeclaredatthevalleyofElahthathewillgivehisdaughterinmarriagetothemenwhokillsGoliath. Honouringthispromise,SaulgavehisdaughterMichaltoDavid. StillSaultreatedDavidashisenemy. SaultoldhissonJonathanthatheplannedtokillDavid. ButJonathanwhowasveryfondofDavidpraisedhimtoSaul. Displeasedatthis,SaultriedtokillJonathan. LearningaboutthisDavidescapedandwenttothepriestAhimelechinNob. Sincehedidnothaveanyordinarybread,hegavehungryDavidtheshowbreadwhichwasnotlawfulforhimtoeatnorforthosewhowerewithhim,butonlyforthepriests. TheswordofGoliathkepttherewasalsogiventoDavid. HewentdisguisedtoKingAchishofGath. WhentheKing’sofficialsidentifiedthiswarheroofIsraelandtriedtoretainhim,Davidfeignedinsanity,seratchedonthedoorsofthegateandlethissalivafalldownonhisbreadDaviddepartedfromthereandescapedtothecaveofAdullanandstayedthere. PsalmNo.3waswrittenatthistime.
Questions:
1.WhatisthereasonforSaul’senvytoDavid?
2.HowdidDavidsubduetogiantGoliath?
VersetoMemorise: “OhtasteandseethattheLordisgood,BlessedisthemanwhotrustsinHim.” (Ps34:8)
lesson-8
fallofsaul
Purpose: Torealisethatenvyandilltreatmentthere uponbegetdisaster.
SaulaccusedeightyfivepriestsinNobthattheyconspiredwithDavidandhelpedbygivinghimfoodandtheswordofGoliath. Onhisordersallofthemwereslainbysword. AmongthesonsofAhimelech,Abiatharaloneescaped. HemetDavidandtoldhimhowSaulslaughteredthepriestsoftheLord. HestayedwithDavid.
SaulwasrepeatedlyattemptingtokillDavid,whowithhisfollowersescapedbyshiftingtheirstayinthewildernesscavesandmountains. DavidgotseveralopportunitiestokillSaul. HesparedhislifesayingthatwhocanstretchouthishandagainsttheLords’anointedandbegulitless. OncehecutoffacorneroftherobeofSaulwhenhewassleepinginacave. Onanotheroccasion,hetookhisspearandwaterjugkeptbehindSaulshead. DemonstratingtheseitemsDavidconvincedSaulthathesparedthelifeofSauleventhoughhehadampleopportunitiestokillhim.
AgainPhilistinetroopsassembledtofightIsrael. WhenSaulsawthePhilistinearmyhewasterrifiedandsoheaskedtheLordwhattodo. ButtheLorddidnotanswerhimatall. SotheSauldisguisedhimselfandwenttoawomenwhoisamediumandrequestedhertocallupthespiritofSamuel. SamueltoldhimthattheLordwillhandthearmyofIsraeltothePhilistinesandSaulandhissonswillbeslain(1Sam28:7-19). TheLordwasdispleasedsinceSaulconsultedamediumforguidance(1Chr.10:13)
Saul’ssonsJonathan,AbinadabandMalchishuawerekilledinthebattleonMountGilboa. Saulwashurtbyenemyarrowsandbadlywounded. HeaskedtheyoungmancarryinghisweaponstokillhimsothatthePhilistinesandSaulandhissonswillbeslain(1Sam28:7-19). TheLordwasdispleasedsinceSaulconsultedamediumforguidance(1Chro.10:13).
Saul’ssonsJonathan,AbinadabandMalchishuawerekilledinthebattleonMountGilboa. Saulwashurtbyenemyarrowsbadlywounded. HeaskedtheyoungmancarryinghisweaponstokillhimsothatthePhilistineswillnotgloatoverhimandkillhim. Toyoungmanwastooterrifiedtodoso. SoSaultookhisownswordandthrewhimselfonit. ThePhilistinescameandcutoffSaul’shead. WhenthepeopleofJabeshinGileadheardwhatthePhilistineshaddonetoSaul,theytookdownthebodiesofSaulandhissonstoJabeshandburnedthem. Thentheytookthebonesandburiedthem.
Questions:
1.WhythePriestsinNobwerekilledbySaul?
2.HowdidDavidprovethatthehenurturednoillwilltowardsSaul?
3.HowwastheendofSaul?
VersetoMemorise: “WhoeversinsisguiltyofbreakingGods’law,becausesinisbreakingofthelaw” (1John3:4)
lesson-9
david-thekingwhowholeheartedlyreliedonthelord
Purpose: ToremindthattheLordskindnesswillprotectallthosewhorelyonhim.
Asalreadymentioned,DavidwassecretlyanointedatBethlehembySamuelasorderedbytheLord. ImmediatelyspiritoftheLordtookcontrolofDavidandwaswithhimfromthatdayon. Whiletakingcareofthesheep,Davidcouldrescuealambcarriedoffbyalionorbear,bybeatingittodeath.
AfterthedeathofSaul,ascommandedbytheLord, DavidwenttoHebronwithfamilyandsettledthere. ThenthemenofJudahcametoHebronandanointedDavidaskingofJudah(2Sam.2:1-4). HeruledinHebroneverJudahforsevenandahalfyears. ThenJoabwasthecommanderofhisarmy. AbnerthecommanderofSaul’sarmymadeIshboshethsonofSaulkingofIsrael. ThefightingbetweentheforcessupportingSaulsfamilyandthesesupportingDavidwentonforalongtime. AsDavidbecamestrongerandstrongerhisopponentsbecameweakerandweaker(2Sam3:1).LaterAbnerwenttoHebrondecidingtojoinDavid’scamp. ThenhemadeanagreementwithDavid. Onhiswayback,Joabtookhimasideatthegateasthoughhewantedtospeakprivatelywithhim andtherehestabbedhiminthebelly. TwoofficersofIshboshethkilledhim. ThentheycutoffhisheadandpresentedittoDavidinthefondhopeofgettingsomereward. ThoughIshboshethwashisenemy,Davidwasfuriousoverthewickednessoftheseofficers. HegavetheorderandhissoldierskilledthemandcutofftheirhandsandfeetwhichtheyhungupnearthepoolinHebron. LatertheleadersofIsraelcametoDavidandmadeasacredallience. TheyanointedhimandhecamethekingofIsrael(2Sam.5:3-4). ThenDavidcapturedJerusalemthecityofJubsitesandmadeithiscapitalnamingitasDavid’scity. HereignedoverwholeofIsraelfor33years.
DavidwasthemostvalourouswarrioramongthekingsofIsrael. Afterseveralbattlesheexpandedhisterritory. KingDavidwassettledinhispalaceandtheLordkepthimsafeformallhisenemies. ThenDaviddesiredtobuildatemplefortheLordtolivein. ButtheLorddidnotallowhimtobuildthetemplebecausehehadshodmuchbloodonearth. Hemadeabundantpreparationsandaccumulatedlargequantityofgoldandsilverrequiredformakingthetempleduringthereignofhisson. (AfterthedeathofDavidhissonSolomongottheopportunitytobuildthetemple).
AfterbecomingkingofIsraelDavidenquiredwhetheranyonefromthefamilyofhisbosomfriendJonathanwasalive. HelearnedthatMephibosheth,thecrippledsonofJonathanwasalive. KingDavidsentforhim. HegavebackeverythingthatbelongedtohisgrandfatherSaulandhisfamily. Mephiboshethstayedinthekingsplaceandateatthekingstable.
Questions:
1.WherewasDavidanointedasKingbyprophetSamuel?
2.WhytheLorddidnotallowDavidtobuildthetemple?
3.HowdidDavidshowkindnessforJonathan’ssake?
Versetomemorise: “Thelordismyshepherd;Ishallnotwant” (Ps.23:1)
lesson-10
theendofdavid
Purpose: TostudythatdisastersariseoutofSin.
OnthecommandofDavid,UriahoneofhiswarheroswascleverlymurderedandhiswifeBathshebawastakenasDavid’swife. ThethingthatDavidhaddonedispleasedtheLord. ThentheLordssentprophetNathantoDavidwhocommunicatedtheLordsdecision“TheswordshallneverdepartfromyourhousebecauseyouhavedespisedMeandhavetakenthewifeofUriahtheHittitetobeyourwife.” Davidweptandrepentedforhissin. ThenNathanconsoledhimsaying” Thelordhasputawayyoursin;youshallnotdie. Howeverbecauseofthisdeed,youhavegivengreatoccasiontotheenemiesoftheLordtoblaspheme,thechildalsowhoisborntoyoushallsurelydie(2Sam12:10-18). Thechilddiedonthe7thday.
AbsalomandAmnonwerethesonsofDavid. BythecommandofAbsalom,Amnonwasmurderedbyhisservants. ThereafterAbsalomwenttoHebronwithsomeofhisfollowersanddeclaredhimselfastheking. AhitopheloneoftheDavid’scounsellorsandseveralothersjoinedAbsalom. FrightenedoverthesedevelopmentDavidfledfromJerusalem. DavidandhisfollowerswenteastwardscrossingJordanriver. PsalmNo.3wassungbyDavidwhenhewasfleeingfromJerusalemtoescapefromhissonAbsalom.
HushaioneofthefaithfulfriendsofDavidpretendedasafollowerofAbsalom,gatheredinformationandpassedontoDavid,themovementsofAbsalomfromtimetotime. AhithophelpersuadedAbsalomtoallowhimtopursueDavidwithalargearmyandkillhim. AbsalomacceptedthecounselofHushaithatitwasbetter thatthearmyisledbyAbsalomhimself. WhenAhithophelsawthathiscounselwasnotfollowed,hewenthomedisappointedandhangedhimselftodeath. AbsalomacceptingthecounselofHushailedanarmytopursueDavid. TheycrossedJordanandreachedwoodsofEphraim. ThemuleonwhichAbsalomwasridingwentunderthethickboughsofagreatterebinthtreeandhisheadcaughtintheterebinth. Sohewaslefthangingbetweenheavenandearthandthemulewhichwasunderhimwentaway. LearningaboutthisJoabtookthreespearsinhishandandthrustthemthroughAbsalom’sheart. ThentenyoungmensurroundedAbsalom,struckandkilledhim. HearingthenewsDavidweptforhisson.
WhenthedaysofDaviddrewnearthatheshoulddie,hissonSolomonwasannouncedasKing. HechargedSolomonhissonsaying“KeepthechargeoftheLord,yourGodtowalkinHisWays,tokeepHisstatutes,Hiscommandments,HisjudgementsandHistestimoniesasitiswrittenintheLawofMoses” (1Kgs2:4) ThenDaviddied.
ThegreatestAchievementofDavidwasthathewastheIsraelKingwhowholeheartedlyservedtheLord. DavidisthemodelforthecomparisonofthelaterkingsinJudahandIsrael.
AllthegoodthingsplunderedfromtheenemiesattackedbyDavidweresanctifiedanddedicatedtotheLord. Amongthesewerethesilver,goldandbronzefortheconstructionofthetemple.
DavidwasnevershyinpublicadorationoftheLordsingingthePsalms. Hewasconvincedthatduetohissin,hefulldeservedallthepunishmentsgiventohimbytheLord. HerepentedandweptbeforetheLord.
Heneverforgotthosewhowerehimduringhisadversity. HeentrustedhissonSolomontohelpthedescendantsofthosewhohaddonegooddeedandtogivedeservingpunishmentstothosewhowereguiltyofpurposelydoingharm.
HeacceptedSaulastheLords’anointedandrespectedhim,EvenwhenSaultriedkillhim.
Questions:
1.ThethingthatDavidhasdonedispleasedtheLord. Whatwasit?
2.DescribethecircumstanceswhenDavidsangPsalmNo.3?
3.WhowasAhithophel? Whydidhehanghimself?
4.HowwastheendofAbsalom?
VersetoMemorise: “Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforeign,whosesiniscovered” (Ps:32:1)
lesson-11
lord,theonly
Purpose:Tolearnthat,whenwisdomtorulethepeoplewithjusticewassoughtfor,theLordgaveeverything.
SolomonwasthesonborntoDavidinBathsheba. Davidhadassuredherthathersonshallreignafterhimandshallsitinhisthrone (1kgs.1:17). ButwhenDavidbecameoldanothersonAdonijah,declaredhimselfasking. ButasdescribedbykingDavid,Zadok,thepriestanointedSolomonaskingatGibeon.
AfterthedeathofDavid,SolomonwenttoGibeon tooffersacrificesthere. ThereSolomonofferedathousandburntofferings. ThatnighttheLordappearedtohiminadreamandasked“Whatwouldyoulikemetogiveyou”SolomonsoughtwisdomheneededtoruletheLord’speoplewithjusticeandtoknowthedifferencebetweengoodandevil. TheLordwaspleasedthatSolomonhadaskedforthis. Sohesaidtohim“Becauseyouhaveaskedforthewisdomtorulejustly,insteadoflonglifeforyourselforrichesorthedeathofyourenemies,Iwilldowhatyouhaveasked. Iwillgiveyoumorehaveagain. Iwillalsogiveyouwhatyouhaveasked. Iwillgiveyoumorewisdomandunderstandingthatanyonehaseverhadbeforeorwilleverhadbeforeorwilleverhaveagain. Iwillalsogiveyouwhatyouhavenotaskedfor;allyourlifeyouwillhavewealthandhonourmorethanthatofanyotherking. AndifyouobeymeandkeepmylawsandcommandsasyourfatherDaviddid,Iwillgiveyoualonglife” (1kgs3:5-14)
SolomondidnotenterintoanymajorbattlessinceDavidhadalreadyconqueredallthenearbyplaces. Solomon’skingdomincludedallthenationsfromriverEuphratestoPhilistiaandtheEgyptianborder. Theypaidhimtaxesandweresubjecttohimallhislife(1Kgs.4:21)SolomonusedtogetlargequantityofgoldfromTarsusandOphir. ThequeenofShebaheardofSolomon’swisdomandreputation. ShetravelledtoJerusalemtotesthimwithdifficultquestions. ThewisdomandmajestyofSolomonleftherbreathlessandamazed (1Kgs10:1-5). ThedecisionofSolomoninIdentifyingtheactualmotherinthedisputeoftwowomenoverachildtestifiedhiswisdom(1Kgs3:16-28). Solomonwasagreatwriter. Hewaswellversedinproseandpoetry. HeistheauthorEcclesiastesandSongofSongs. Solomonsaid3000proverbsandwrote1005songs. Solomon’sproverbswerecopiedbymenatthecourtofKingHezekiahofJudah(Prov 25:1)Psalms72and27werewrittenbySolomon.
ThebeautifultempleconstructedbyhimatJerusalemwashisgreatestachievement. Ittooksevenyearstocompletetheconstructionofthetemple. AfterkingSolomonhadfinishedbuildingthetempleheprayedtotheLord(1Kgs8:12-53). TheLordappearedtohimagainashehadinGibeonandsaidtohim“Ihaveheardyourprayer. IconsecratethistemplewhichyouhavebuiltastheplacewhereIshallbeworshippedforever. Iwillwatcheveritandprotectitforalltime(1Kgs.9:2,3)
(ThetempleconstructedbySolomonwasdestroyedbyKingNebuchadnezzarduring6thcenturyB.C.LaterasecondtemplewasconstructedbyZerubhabal. Whenthistemplewasspoiled,HerodtheKingofJerusalembuiltabeautifultempleintheplaceoftheoldtemple. ThisthirdtemplewhichwasinexistenceduringthedaysofJesusChristwasdestroyedbyRomanarmyinA.D.70)
InadditiontothousandsofworkersandartisanschosenbySolomon,workerssentbyHiramKingofTyrewerealsoengagedinbuildingthetemple. ThetemplewasdevidedintoMostHolyPlace,HolyPlaceandCourtallaround. TheHighPriestgoesintotheMostHolyPlaceonlyonceayear. HetakeswithhimbloodwhichheofferstoGodonbehalfofhimselfandforthesinswhichthepeoplehavecommittedwithoutknowingthattheyweresinning. Thearkofthecovenantallcoveredwithgoldandcontainingthegoldjarwithmannainit,Aaron’sstickthathadsproutedleavesandthetwostonetabletswithcommandmentswrittenonthemwerekeptintheMostHolyPlace. AbovethearkwerethewingedcreaturesrepresentingGods’presence,withtheirwingsspreadovertheplacewheresinsforgotten. IntheHolyplacewerethelampstandofsevenbranches,tableforthebreadofferedtoGodandthealtarforburningincense. TheCourtaroundwasintwoparts,theinnerpartexclusivelyforthepriests. Thebronzealtarforburningofferingswasplacethere.
Solomon’sdevotiontothelorddimishedinduecourse. HisGentilewivesmadehimturnawayfromGod. Bythetimehewasold,theyhadledhimintotheworkshipofforeigngods. Hebuiltplacesofworship whereallhisforeignwivescouldburnincenseandoffersacrificestotheirGods. EeventhoughtheLord,theGodofIsraelhadappearedtoSolomontwiceandhadcommandedhimnottoworshipforeigngods,SolomondidnotobeytheLord,butturnedawayfromHim. SotheLordwasangrywithSolomonandsaidtohim“Becauseyouhavedeliberatelybrokenyourcovenantwithmeanddisobeyedmycommandments,IpromisethatIwilltakethekingdomawayfromyouandgiveittooneofyourofficials. Duetohisextravagantwayoflife,Solomon’streasurygotdepleted. Thereuponheavytaxwasimposedoverburdenhissubjects. AfterfortyyearsofruleSolomondiedandjoinedhisancestors. HisSonRehoboamsucceededhimasKing.
Questions:
1.WhoanointedSolomon?Where?
2.WheredidtheLordappeartoSolomonforthefirsttime?
3.HowdidSolomonbecomethewisestofthewisemen?
4.NamethebookswrittenbySolomonincludedintheHolyBible?
VersetoMemorise: “Rememberyoucreatorinthedaysofyouryouth” (Eecl.12:1)
Lesson-12
Solomon’skingdomtornintotwo
Purpose: Toestablishthatinternaldisorderisinevitablewheneverthekingrefusetoheedtothewishesofthepeople”
InternalstrifehadsetinduringthelastofSolomon. JeroboamsonofNebat,anEphraimitefromZeredah,oneoftheofficialsofKingSolomonrebelledagainsthim. OneprophetAhijahfromShilohtoldhimthattheLord,theGodofIsraelhasdecidedtotakethekingdomawayfromSolomonandtogivetentribestoJeroboam,keepingonlyonetribeforSolomon(1Kgs1:30-31). LearningaboutthisSolomonsoughttokillJeroboamwhoescapedtoEgyptandstayedtheretillthedeathofSolomon.
AfterthedeathofSolomon,hissonRehoboambecamethekinginJerusalem. AllthepeopleofnorthernIsraelgatheredatShechemundertheleadershipofJeroboamandwenttokingRehoboamwhoreachedthere. TheysaidtohimthathisfatherSolomontreatedthemharshlyandplacedheavyburdensonthem. Theytoldhimthat,ifhemakestheseburdenslighterandmakelifeeasierforthemtheywillbeloyalsubjects. Rehoboamrepliedthathewillonlyincreasethetaxburdeninsteadofdecreasingit. Whenthepeoplesawthatthekingwouldnotlistentothem,theygotangry. ThepeopleofIsraelrebelledleavingRehoboamaskingonlyofthepeoplelivingintheterritoryofJudah. TheremainingpeoplemadeJeroboamtheirking. ThekingdomofJeroboamwasthereafterknownasthekingdomofIsraelandthekingdomofRehoboamknownasthekingdomofJudah.
DavidandSolomonruledoverallthetribesofIsrael,withJerusalemasthecapital. AsalreadymentionedwasdividedintoIsraelKingdomandJudahkingdomduringthetimeofRehoboam,sonofSolomon. RehoboamwasthefirstkingofJudahkingdom. AfterRehoboam,18personswhoweremembersoftheDavid’sfamilybecamekingsatJerusalem. QueenAthaliahwastheonlypersonnotfromthefamilyofDavidwhoruledatJerusalem. ShebeingthewifeofJehoram,oneofthekingsinthefamily,wasalsorelatedtothefamily. YouwillgetopportunityinthenextclasstostudyindetailabouttheJudahkingswhoruledfromJerusalem.
Questions
1.DuringwhosetimethechildrenofIsraelweredividedintotwokingdom?
2.Whowasselectedasthefirstkingofthetentribes?
3.WhoisthequeennotcomingfromthefamilyofDavidwhoruledatJerusalem?
Versetomemorise: “IwaitforyourdeliveranceLord” (Gen.49:18)
lesson-13
kingsofIsraelkingdom
Purpose: TofindoutthatthosewhofailtoheedtotheexhortationoftheLordfaceutterdisaster.
KingdomofIsraelcommencedwiththereignJeroboam,coveredtotribesonthenorthernside. KingJeroboamfortifiedthetownofShechemandlivedthereforawhile. ThenheleftandfortifiedthetownofPenuelandstayedthere(1Kgs.12:25). HemadetwobullsofgoldandplacedoneofthegoldbullsinBeethelandtheotherinDan. HecompelledthepeopletoworshipthesegoldbullsandprohibitedthemfromgoingtoJerusalem. IdolworshipamongIsraeliteswasthusofficiallyintitatedbyhim. Hissuccessorsfromdifferenttribeswerealsoidiolaters.
TirzahwasthecapitalwhenBaasha,ElahandSimriwerekingofIsrael. Zimrisetthepalaceonfireanddiedintheflameswhentheycitywasbesiegedoftheenemies. OmrithenextkingshiftedthecapitalfromTirzahtoSamaria. AllhissuccessorsruledfromSamaria. EmperorShalmanserofAssyriacapturedSamariainB.C.721andtookHosheathelastkingandtheIsraelitestoAssyriaasprisonersandsettledthemindifferentplaces(2Kgs.17:4-6). ThekingofAssyriabroughtpeoplefromdifferentpartsofhiscountryandplacedtheminthecitiesofSamaria,intheplaceofexitedIsraelites. Theytookpossessionofthecitiesandlivedthere. Theymingledwiththosewhowerenottakenasprisonersandinduecoursetheybecameamixedrace. TheyworshippedpagangodsandalsotheLordtreatinghimasoneofthegods. DuringthedaysofJesusthesepeoplewereknownasSamaritans.
IncludingJeroboam,19kingsruledIsrael. Theybelongedtoeightfamiliesandtribes. ThefirstkingJeroboambelongedtoEphraimtribeandBaashatoIssachar;thetribesofotherkingswerenotmentioned. Theywereknownasindividualsandnotarepresentingtheirtribe. Amongthese19kingssevenweremurderedandthemurderssucceededtothethrone.
OmriwhobuiltSamariaashiscapitalintroducedcertainadministrativereforms. DuringthedaysofhissonAhabandhiswifeJezebelthecountrywitnessedtheculminationofidolatryandwickedness(1Kgs.16:30-33). TheLordgaveampleopportunitythroughprophetElijah,forthepeopletorepentabouttheirsins. ButthekingandthepeopleignoredthewarningsoftheLord. AhabdidmoretoprovoketheLord,GodofIsraeltoangerthanallthekingsofIsraelwhoruledbeforehim. Consequentlythecountrywasravishedbyseveredraughtwhentherewasnotadropofrainforthreeyearsandsixmonths. Ahabwaskilledandhisbloodwaslickedbydogs. AhaziahthesonofAhabsucceededhim. OnhisdeathhisbrotherJoramsucceededhim. Bothofthemwereaswickedastheirfather.
Jehuoneofthearmyofficers,anointedaskingofIsraelontheinstructionsofprophetElisha,killedJoramandbecamethekingofIsrael. TheybodyofJezebelwaseatenawaybydogs. Therewerekilledandtheirheadsputinbaskets,weresenttoJehuasorderedbyhim. JehudestroyedBaalfromIsrael. JehuwassucceededbyhissonJehoahazwhowassuccededbyhissonJehoash. HewassuccededbyJeroboamIIandafterhimhissonZechariahruledfor6months. Zechariahwasassassinatedthereafter(2Kgs15:10). ThusthepromisewhichtheLordhadmadetokingJehu“YourdescendantsdowntofourthgenerationwillbeofIsrael”wasfulfilled(2Kgs15:12).
ShallumwhoassassinatedkingZechariahruledinSamariaforonemonth. Menahamassassinatedhimandsucceededasking. OnhisdeathhissonPekahiahbecamethekingofIsrael. HeruledSamariafortwoyears. PekahanofficerinPekahiah’sforcesassassinatedhimandbecamekingofIsrael. ItwaswhilePekahwasthekingthatTiglathPileser,theemperorofAssyriacapturedseveralcitiesandtookpeopletoAssyriaasprisoners. HosheaplottedagainstkingPekah,assassinatedhimandsucceededasking. DuringthereignofHosehaEmperorShalmaneserofAssyriaattackedanddeportedpeoplefromSamariaasalreadymentioned.
AlmostalltheIsraelKingswereworshippingothergods. ThentheLord,throughhisbraveprophetsexhortedthekingsandthepeople. Buttheydidnotcaretoheedtothesewarnings.
NotonlythatJeroboamconsecratedtwogoldbullsataltarshehadbuilt,hechosepriestsfromfamilieswhowerenotoftheLevitribe. Hehimselfofferedsacrificesatthealtar. Hedidnotabandonhisevilwaysdespitespecificwarnings. BecauseJerobaomsinnedandledthepeopleofIsraelintosintheLorddestroyedthedynastyofJeroboamanduprootedthepeopleofIsraelfromthegoodlandwhichhegavetotheirancestorsandscatteredthembeyondtheriverEuphrates(1Kgs14:14,15)
Questions:
1.OfficialidolworshipamongIsraeliteswasinitiatedbywhom?
2.HowdidSamaritansoriginate?
3.Whoisthekingwhosetflametohispalaceandsuicided?
VersetoMemorise: “UnlesstheLordbuildsthehouse,theylabourinvainwhobuildit” (Ps127:1)
lesson-14
importantprophetsofIsrael
Purpose: ToconfirmthatGodworkwondersthroughHisprophets.
ProphetswholiaisonedbetweentheLordandthecommonmanplayedanimportantroleinthehistoryofIsraelites. ThingstohappenwererevealedbytheLordtothepeoplethroughthepredictionsoftheprophets. FormerlytheywereknowninIsrael seer (1Sam.9:9). Elijahwhoneverexperiencedeathbuttakenuptohaven wasthemostzealousinthetraditionoftheprophets. HehadtherarefortunetobepresentalongwithMosesatthetimeoftransfigurationofJesus. JohntheBaptistwasidentifiedbyJesustoElijahwhoboresimilarityinhisdress,strengthandmight(Mal4:5,Math.11:14,Luke1:17). HebelongedtothevillageofTishbiteofGilead. DuringthedaysofAhab,Jozebelattemptedtokillhimbecausehestronglyprotestedagainstidolatory. OfcoursehecouldconvincethekingandthepeoplethattheLordisGodandtheLordaloneisGodbygettingthesacrificesatMountCarmelburnedbythefiresentbytheLordfromheaven. Hekilledalltheprophets,ofBaal. WhilehewashidingnearthebrookofCherith,theLordcommandedravenstobringhimbreadandmeateverymorningandevening. TheLordprotectedhimwonderfullywhenhewasprovidedbythewidowofZarephath. Thebinofherflourwasnotusedupnordidherjarofoilrundry.
AscommandedbytheLord,ElijahanointedJehuaskingoverIsraelandHazaelaskingoverSyriaandElishaashissuccessorprophet. WhenitwastimefortheLordtotakeawayElijah,hetookhismantle,rolleditupandstruckthewaterofJordananditwasdividedthiswayandthat,sothatElijahandElishacrossedoverdryground. Thenachariotoffireappearedwithhorsesoffireandseparatedthetwoofthem. Elijahwentupbyawhirlwindintoheaven. ElishagotthemantlefallenfromthehandofElijahwhenhewastakenuptoheaven. WiththismantleElishaalsocoulddivideriverJordan.
ElijahhadcondemnedAhabandwarnedhimabouttheseverepunishmentforcunninglytakingofthevineyardofNabothaftermurderinghim.
Elijahfervantlyfoughtagainstinjustice. AlsoduringthedaysofAhaziahthesonofAhab.
ElishatheonlyanointedprophetandthediscipleofElijah,fulfilledhismissionduringthedaysofthesuccessorsofAhab. Elishaworkedseveralmiracleslikepurifyingwatercausingmiscarriage(2Kgs2:19-22) fillingthedrystreambedwithwater(2Kgs3:20)increasingtheoilofthewidow,(2Kgs4;7) givinglifetothedeadchildofthewomanfromShunem,(2Kgs4:34-36),increasingleavesofbread,(2Kgs4:42-44) curingNaaman’sleprosy,(2Kgs5:14). InflictingtheleprosyofNaamantoGehaziandhisdescendants,(2Kgs5:27)floatingtheironaxeheadfallenintowater(2Kgs.6:7) strikingSyrianarmywithblindness (2Kgs6:18)etc.
LikeEliah,Elishaalsowasfullofspirit.
Questions
1.HowdidElijahprovethattheLordaloneinGod?
2.WhocamewiththespiritandmightofElijahtopreparethewayfortheLord?
3.Whoistheanointedprophet?
4.ListoutthemiraclesofElisha
VersetoMemorise:“ThereisnoneholyliketheLord(1Sam.2:2)
part-III
NewTestament
lesson-15
thegospels
Purpose: ToUnderstandthattheonlysavioroftheisworldJesus.
TheNewTestamentisfocussedonJesusChrist. ThefourGospelsprovideimportantdocumentaryevidenceevidenceonthelifeandteachingsofJesusChrist. TheeventsfromhisbirthtoascensionarenarratedinachronologicalorderinnoGospel. St.MarkandSt.JohnhavedocumentedtheeventsafterJesuscompleting30yearsofage. St.MathewandSt.LukeprovidedetailsaboutthebirthofJesus. AnaccidentwhenJesuswas12yearsoldismentionedbySt.Luke. Incontinuationtheretoeventsafterattaining30yearsofarearenarratedbybothofthem. MorethangivingafactualnarrationaboutthelifeofthehistoricalfigureJosus,theapostleshaveplacedonrecordtheinformationaboutthechristassimilatedbytheearlychristianchurch.
InHebrewlanguagethewordJesusmeansprotectionoftheLordandMessiahmeanstheanointed. InGreeklanguageithasbeeninterpretedasChrist.
ThereissomedifferenceinrecordingthegenealogyofJesusinthefirstandthethirdGospels. St.MathewhastraceditintheascendingorderfromAbrahamthroughvirginMary,whileSt.LukehasrecordedtheancestryofJosephtoAdam. TheJewsfamilybelievedthatMessiahwillarriveinthelineofDavidinthetribeofAbraham. ThesetwoevangelistsprovedthroughthegenealopythatboththeseaspectshavecometrueinthecaseofJesus.
Question:
1.WhatarethecontentsoftheGospels?
2.GivethemeaningthewordsJesusandMessiah?
3.ItwasprovedbytheevegliststhroughthegenealogythatthesetwoaspectshavebeencometrueinrespectofJesus. Whatarethey?
Lesson-16
synopticgospels
Purpose: TolearnthatJesusChristiscompleteGodandatthesametimecompletemanexceptforthehumanweaknessofsin.
ThefirstthreeGospelsareknownassynopticGospels. Theyaresimilarincontents,orderandnarration. ItisgenerallyacceptedthatthegospelaccordingtoSt.Markwaswrittenfirst. Mostofthesentencesinthe2ndgospelwerereproducedbySt.MathewandSt.LukeinthefirstandthridGospels. ItistheministryoftheLordinGalileethathasbeengivenimportanceinthesethreeGospels. IncertainverseswordbywordsimilarityisalsovisibleinthesethreeGospelseg.Healingtheleper(8:2,1:40,5:12). Healingtheparalytic(9:2,2:5,5:12),QuestioningtheauthorityofChrist(11:23,11:28,20:2)etc. InthecaseofcertainversessimilarityisbetweenthefirstandsecondGospelswhileincertainothersbetweenGospelssecondandthird.
ThisdoesnotmeanthatthesynopticGospelsaresimilarinallrespects. Therearedifferencesinseveralmatters.
1.ThenarrationaboutthebirthofJesusisdifferentlygiveninthe1stand3rdGospelswhilethe2ndGospelissilentoverthis.
2.ThesermonontheMounthasbeendescribedbySt.Mathewwithgreatimportanceinchapter5,67ofhisGospel,whileSt.Lukehasmadeonlypassingreferencetothisinchapter6:17-49,11:19-12:33etc.
St.MarkinhisGospelhasinterpretedAramaicSyriacwordsonsevenoccasions(3:17,5:41,7:11,7:34,14:36,15:22,15:34) Outofthem,St.MathewhasusedonlytwowhileSt.Lukehasnotatallusedthesewords.
TheGospelAccordingtoSt.Mathew
Author:St.MathewoneofthetwelvedisciplesofJesushaswrittenthisgospel. HehasanothernameLevi. HewasataxcollectoratCapernaumtillhewascalledbyJesus. ThisGospelwaswrittenmainlyforJewishchristians. Hehasliberallyquotedfromthebooksoftheprophetsintheoldtestament. ThisevangelisthasfurnishedthegenealogytoprovethatJesuswasborninDavid’sline. ItisbelievedthatthisGospelwaswritteninHebrewlanguageduringA.D.70ataplaceoutsideCanaan,mostprobabluAnitoch.
MostdetailedinformationaboutthelifeandteachingsofJesusisavailableintheGospelofSt.Mathewwhichservesasaconnectinglinkbetweentheoldtestamentandthenewtestatement. OnaccountofthisfirstplaceamongtheGospelshasbeenassignedtoiteventhoughitwasnotwrittenfirst.
ThisGospeliscalledChurchGospel. ThewordEcclesiaisseenonlyinthisGospel.
ItcanbeseenthatthisGospelwaswrittenwithseveralobjectsinview. Importantamongthemwere:-
1.ToprovethattheoldtestamentpredictionsaboutMessiahhavebeenfulfilledinJesus.
2.ToprovethatChristianchurchisthetruesuccessorofIsrael.
3.ToprovethatJesuscametofulfillthescriptureandnotto doawaywithit.
4.ThoughsabbathandcommandmentsaremostnobleJesusisthatLordoftheselawsalso.
5.ToconvincethepeoplethattheChrististhesaviorofallthosewhoareoverburdenedwithsinandsufferings;notexclusivelyforJewsbutforallthosewhoapproachhimand
6.AbovealltoprovethatJesusbornastheseedofapoorwomanandbroughtupasthesonofacarpenterwasthetruekingofIsrael. ThepresentationofgoldbythewisementoJesusprovidesproofofhiskingship.
TheGospelaccordingtoSt.Mark.
ItisuniversallyacceptedthatthisgospelwaswrittenbyMark(Greekname)John(Hebrewname)aboutwhommentionismadeinActs12:12,12:24,13:5,13:13,Colossins4:10,Philemon24and2Timothy4:11. HetravelledwithSt.PaulfromAntiochtoPergainthe1stmissionaryjounrney. BarnabaswasMarks’cousin(Col.4:10) butSt.PetermayhavethepersonwholedhimtoChrist. St.Petercalledhim“Markmyson” (1Peter5:13). ItwasthiscloseassociationwithSt.PeterthatlentapostolicauthoritytoMark’sGospel,sincePeterwasevidentlyMark’sprimarysourceofinformation. FamouschurchhistorianEusebiusholdsthatMarkhavingbecometheinterpreterofPeterwrotedownaccuratelyallthatherememberedofthethingssaidanddonebytheLordbutnothoweverintheorder. ThisGospelwasprobablywritteninRomebetweenA.D.65and70forGentilereadersingeneralandRomansparticular.
Thoughthisistheshortestofthefourgospels,thenarrationofmostoftheeventsisasdetailedasaneyewitnessreporteg.Peter’smotherin-lawhealed1:29-31,Apostlesbecamecowards(4:40),seeingJesuswalkingontheseadisciplessupposeditwasghost(6:49)etc. TheweaknessofthedisciplesandthehumannatureofJesusarenotkepthiddenbyMark(3:5,4:38,13:32). HehasplacedonrecordthecareandcompassionofJesustowardsothers. HetaughtthatJesus,thesonofGodwasalsocentpercenthuman,withsentimentssuchashappiness,sorrow,love,angeretc. whowillinglyadoptedtheroleofsufferingservant. HehasnotmentionedtheeventsaftertheresurrectionoftheLord. Theologistsareoftheviewthatsentences9-20ofthelastchapterofthisGospelwereaddedonlaterbysomeoneelse.
TheGospelaccordingtoSt.Luke
InthematterofthebeautyoflanguageandharttouchingpresentationGospelaccordingtoSt.LukestandsfirstamongthebooksinthenowTestament. Itisalsothelongestandmostliterarygospel. ThisgospelwaswrittenbyLuke,aphysicianwhowasacloseassociateandtravellingcompanionofSt.Paul. AmongtheGospelsSt.Lukealonegivesaprologuewheretheauthorintroduceshimselfandexplaisnthepurposeandmethod. ThiswaswrittenafterA.D.70. IncontinuationtheArtsoftheApostleswasalsowrittenbyhimaboutwhichweshalllearninanotherlesson.
TheimportantmessageoftheGospelisthatallhumanbeingswillwitnesssalvationofGod. St.LukehasmadeitclearthatsalvationisnotexclusivelyfortheJews,butfortheentirehumanity. Duringthetemplepresentation,SimonhascalledChildJesusasalighttobringrevealationtotheGentilesandtheglorytotheLords’people,Israel(2:29-31). ThepurposeofGodbecomingmanwastopreachnrepentanceandremissionofsininHisnametoallnationsbeginningatJerusalem(24:47).
ThesongofthevirginMary(1:46-55)disclosesthesympathytothepoor. Jesuswasborninpoorsurroundings. ItwastothepoorandworthlessshepherdsthatthebirthofJesuswasfirstannouncedandtheyhadthegoodfortunetoseethesaviorbeforeanyoneelse. TheLordtaughtthatBlessedarethepoorandhungry(16:19-31)andtheparableofthefoolishrichman(12:16-21)alsocontainthismessage. Thedangerofkeepingwealthforone’sownuse,withoutspendingitfornoblepurposesisclearlyspeltout.
ItcanbeseenthatspecialconsiderationisgivenintheGospelforwomenfolk,ignoredbythesocietyduringthedaysofChrist. ThewidowofthecitycalledNain(7:11-17),thesinnerwoman(7:37.50)thecrippledwoman(13:11-17)andthewomansufferingseverebleedings(8:43-48)receivedthecompassionofJesus. Intheparableofthewomanhavingtensilvercoins(15:8-10)andtheparableofthe womanandtheJuge(18:1-8)womenarethemaincharacterwomennarethemaincharacters. Itwasthewomenwhofollowedhimmourningandlamenting,whenJesuswasledforcrucifixion.
TwomostpopularandbeautifulstoriesintheworldliteraturearenarratedbySt.Luke. TheyaretheparableoftheGodSamariatan(10:30-37)andtheparableoftheprodigalson(15:11-32). St.LukehasestablishedthatJesusChrist,performingmiracles,wasperfectGodandperfectmanwithallhumanattributesexceptsin,whocametoseekandtosavesinfulmen.
Questions:
1.WhicharetheSynopticGospels?
2.WhatarethespecialfeaturesoftheGospelofSt.Mathew?Whatwasthepurposeofwritingthisgospel?
3.FromwheredidSt.MarkgetthedetailstowritehisGospel?
4.WhatarethespecialfeaturesoftheGospelofSt.Luke?
Lesson-17
theactsoftheapostles
Purpose:TostudythegrowthofthechurchaftertheascensionofJesusChrist.
Author: Asmentionedinthelastlesson,St.Lukeistheauthorofthisbookalso. Hewasagentitleconverttochristanity,whowasalsoaphysicianandcloseassociatesofSt.Paulaccompnyinghiminthemissionaryjournies.
Time:ItisbelievedthatthisbookwaswrittenbetweenA.D.70and80.
TheGospelaccordingtoSt.Lukewascompletedearlier.
Contents: ThecontentsofthisbookaretheseriesofincidentsfromtheascensionofJesusChristtotheimprisonmentofSt. PaulinRome. ActivitiesofSt.Peteraremainlydealthwithinthe12chaptersandtheactivitiesofSt.Paulintheremainingchapters.
Fromthedayofresurrenctiontotheascension,theLordproviedthroughnumerousexamplesthatheisalive. Theapostlesgatheredfrequentlytoprayasagroup,togetherwithwomenandwithvirginMarythemotherofJesusandwithhisbrothers(Act.1:14). Afewdayslatertherewasameetingofthebelievers. Then,St.PeresuggestedtochoosesomeonetojoinasawitnesstotheresurrectionoftheLord. TheyproposedtwomenandprayedtheLordtochooseoneofthemtoserveasanapostleintheplaceofJudas. ThereafterlotsweredrawnandMatthiaswaschosentobeaddedtothegroupofelevenapostels(1:26).
OnethedayofPentecost,allthebelieversweregatheredtogetherinoneplace. Suddenlytherewasanoisefromtheheavenwhichsoundedlikeastrongwindblowinganditfilledthewholehousetheyweresitting. Thentheysawwhatlookedliketonguesoffire,whichspreadoverthetouchedeachpersonthere. TheywerefilledwiththeHolyspiritenabledthantospeak. Devoutmentogether,theywereallexcitedbecauseeachoneofthemheardthebelieversspeakinginhisownlanguage. Amazedandconfused,theykeptaskingeachother“Whatdoesthismean”.
ThenSt.PeterStoodupwiththeotherelevenapostlesandspoketothecrowd. Manyofthembelievedhismessageandwerebaptised,Aboutthreethousandpeoplewereaddedtothegroupthatday(Act2:1-41).
Questions:
1.BrieflyDescribethecontentsoftheApostles.
2.DescribethewonderswhichtookplaceinJerusalemonthedayofPentecost.
3.WhowaschosenasthediscipleofChristintheplaceofJudas?
Lesson-18
persecutioninjerusalem
Purpose:Torecollectthatpersecutiondidreallycontributefortheexpansionofthechurchandnotinitsdecline.
OnedaywhenPeterandJohnweregoingtothetempleforprayers, theymetamanwhohadbeenlameallhislife. Hebeggedtogivehimsomething. ThePetertoldhim“SilverandgoldIdonothave;butwhatIdohave,Igiveyou. InthenameofJesusChristofNazareth,riseupandwalk”. Hetookhimbyhisrighthandandliftedhimup. Immediatelyhisfeetandanklebonesreceivedstrength. Soleapinguphestood,walkedandenteredthetemplewiththemwalking,leapingandpraisingGod(Acts3:18). Thepeoplearoundweresurprisedandamazedatwhathashappened. PetertoldthemthatthehealinghashappenednotbymeansoftheirownpowerorgodlinessbutitwasthepowerofJesus’namethatgavestrengthtothislameman. Angeredatthispreaching,someofthepriestsandtheofficerinchargeofthetempleguardsarrestedandputtheminjail. Nextdaywhentheywerequestioned,theyboldlytoldthatsalvationistobefoundonlythroughJesus. Inalltheworldthereisnooneelsewhocansaveus. TheywereleftoffcommandingthemnottospeakatallnorteachinthenameofJesus. TheapostlescontinuedtoproclaimGod’smessageboldly,disregardingthewarningofthepriests. Throughthehandsoftheapostlesmanymiraclesandwondersweredoneamongthepeople. Againtheapostleswereimprisoned. ButatnightanangeloftheLordopenedtheprisondoors,broughtthemoutandsaid” Go,standonthetempleandspeaktothepeopleallthewordsofthisnewlife”. Whentheyspokeagaininthemembersofthecouncilwerefuriousandtookcounseltokillthem. ButontheadviceofGamaliel,ateacherofthelawhelfinrespectbyallpeople,theywerelotoffafterbeatingthem.
StephenamanrichlyblessedbyGodandfullofpowerproclaimedGod’smessageandperformedgreatmiraclesandwondersamongthepeople. AllegingthathewasspeakingagainstMosesandthecommandments,hewasseizedandbroughtbeforethecouncil. InspiredbytheHolyspirit,Stephenpreachedtothecouncilduringinterogation,liberallyquotingfromthescripturenarratingindetailthebirthofChrist,hisministrydeathandresurrectionandestablishedthathewastheMessiahforwhomtheyallwerewatingfor. AsthemembersofthecouncillistenedtoStephentheybecameveryangry.Theythrewhimoutofthecityandstonedhim. Atthetimeofhisdeath,Stephenprayed“LordJesusreceivemyspirit”Hekneltdownandcriedinloudvoice“Lord!Donotchargethemwiththissin” whenhesaidthis,hefellasleep(Acts7:59,60)StephenisthefirstmartyroftheChistendom. SaulofTarsuswitnessedthis,whiletakingcareofthecloathsofthosewhowerestoningStephen. AfterthemartyrdomofStephe,believersinJerusalemexcettheapostleswerescattered. Theywenteverywerepreachingthemessage.
GospelprachedinSamaria
ThosbelieveressactteredfromJerusalem,preachedtheGospelwhentheyreachedSamaria. SeveralSamaritanswhoheardthespeechofPhilipbelievedinChrist. Theywerebaptisedandmademembersofthechurch. Hearingaboutthis,apostlesinJerusalemsentPeterandJohntoSamaria. Whentheyplacedtheirhandsonthosewhowerebaptised,theyreceivedHolySpirit.
Questions:
1.WhatisthereplygivenbyPetertothelameman?
2.WhatwastheprayerofStephenatthetimeofhisdeath?
3.WhoisGamaliel?
Lesson-19
st.paul
Purpose:ToconfirmthatGodhaschosenthepersonfitinallrespectstolookafterthechurch.
TherewereseveraldisciplesoftheLordinDamascus. SaulofTarsuswenttoDamascuswiththeauthorityfromtheChiefpriesttoarrestallthosewhoworshiptheLord. AssaulwascomingnearthecityofDamascus,suddenlyalightfromtheskyflashedaroundhim. Thenhefelltothegroundandheardavoicesayingtohim“Saul,Saulwhyareyoupersecutingme” “WhoareyouLord”heasked. “IamJesuswhomyoupersecute’thevoicesaid. Tremblingandastonishedhesaid“Lordwhatdoyouwantmetodo”TheLordsaidtohim“Ariseandgotothecityandyouwillbetoldwhatyoumustdo” (Acts9:4-6). ThenSaulgotupfromthegroundandopenedhiseyes. Hecouldnotseeanything. SOthementravellingwithhimtookhimbyhandandledhimtoDamuscus. Forthreedayshewasnotabletosee. Duringthistimehedidnoteatordrink. TherewasacertaindiscipleofChristatDamuscusnamedAnanias. TheLordsenthimtoSaul. HeplacedhishandonhimandsaidthattheLordhassenthimsothatSaulmightseeagainandbefilledwithHolySpirit. AtoncesomethinglikefishscalesfellfromSaul’seyesandhewasabletoseeagain. Hestoodupandwasbaptised. ItwasthisSaulwhowaslaterknownasapostlePaul.
Questions:
1.DescribetheexperienceofSaulatDamascus?
2.WhocuredSaulwhenbecameblindafterthevision?
3.Explainthecontext“whoareyouLord”?
lesson-20
St.peter
Purpose:ToascertainthatGodentrustedthemissionofthechurchinthehandsofPeter,thefisherman.
FromtheverybeginningSt.PeterheldanimportantpositionamongthetwelveapostlesoftheChrist. WhereverthenamesofapostlesarementionedintheNewTestament,thenameofPeterisalwaysgivenfirst. PeterwasamongthethreeupostlesspeciallytakenwithJesusonthreeoccassionsandwhentwoweresenttogetreadythelastpassovermeal. PeteralonewasenabledtowalkovertheseatotheLordandtopaytempletaxalongwithJesuswiththepieceofmoneyfoundinthemouthofthefishcaughtbyhimcastingahookinthesea. WhenhewaschosenasadiscipletheLordchangedhisoldnameandcalledhimPeter(meansrock). Theresponsibilitytostrengthenhisbrothers,afterthedepartureofJesusfromtheworld,wasgiventoPeter(Luke22:32). AboveallitwastoPeterthatthekeysofthekingdomofheavenandthepowertobindandtolooseonearth,asthevisibleheadoftheholychurchwasgiven,withoutconsideringhishumanfrailities. (Mathew16:19) Itisbyinvokingthisauthoritythatthepriestsaregivingremissionofsinsthroholyconfession. PeterwastheonlyapostlewhofirmlydeclaredduringthedaysofJesus,thathewasthesonofthelivingGod.
TheActsoftheApostlesrevealsthat,inspiredbytheHolyGhostonthedayofPentecost,theleadershipofthechurchwastakenoverbyPeterasdesiredbytheLord. HisintimatefriendJohnalsowaswithhim. IntheearlyChristianchurchthegroupofbelieverswasoneinmindandheart. Noonesaidthatanyofhisbelongingswashisown,buttheyallsharedwithoneanothereverythingtheyhad. Thosewhoownedfieldsorhouseswouldsellthem,bringthemoneyreceivedfromsaleandhandovertoapostles. Thismoneywasdistributedtoeachaccordingtohisneed. Ananiassoldsomepropertybelongingtohim. WiththeagreementofhiswifeSaphira,hekeptapartofthemoneyforhimselfandhandedoverthebalanceamounttotheapostlesrealisingthefalsehoodPeterquestionedhim. HewastoldthathehasliedtotheGod. AssoonasAnaniasheardthis,hefelldowndead. Ignorantaboutthisincidenthiswifecamein. ShealsoliedtoPeterandsoonfelldowndead.
PetermetatLyddaamannamedAnenaswhowasparalysedandhadnotbeenabletogetoutofhisbedforeightyears. Petersaidtohim“JesusChristmakesyouwell”. Getupandmakeyourbed“Aeneasgotup(9:32).
AtJoppa,aportcity,therewasawomannamedTabitha,whowasabeliever(Hernamemeansdeer). Shediedafterillness. PeterwascalledfromLydda. Peterputallothersoutoftheroom,kneltdownandprayed. Thenheturnedtothedeadbodyandsaid“Tabithagetup”. SheopenedhereyesandwhenshesawPetershesatup. Peterhelpedhertogetup(:40-41).
TherewasamannamedCorneliusinCaesaria. HewasaCaptainintheRomanregimentcalled“TheItalianRegiment”. Hewasareligiousman. Whenhewasparayingoneday,atthreeOclockintheafternoon,hehadavisioninwhichheclearlysawanangelofGodcomingandinstructinghimtosendforapostlePeterstayinginJoppa. NextdayPeterhadavisionatnoon,whenhewaspraying. Hesawheavenopenedandsomethingcomingdownthatlookedlikealargesheet,boundatfourcorners. Initwereallkindsofanimals,reptilesandwildbirds. Avoicesaidtohim“GetupPeterkillandeat”. Accordingtothecommandments,certainanimalsandbirdswereconsidereduncleanandbiddenfromeating. ThenPetersaidC”ertainlynotLord. Ihavenevereatenanythingrituallyuncleanordefiled.” InreplythevoicetoldhimthatheshouldnotconsideranythinguncleanthattheGodhaddeclaredclean. Thishappenedthreetimesandthethingwastakenbacktoheaven(10:9-16). WhenPeterwaswonderingaboutthemeaningofthisvision,themensentbyCorneliusreachedthere. ThentheHolySpiritsaidtohim“Beheld,threemenareseekingyou. Arisetherefore,godownandandgowithhouseofCornelius. HeunderstoodthatthemeaningofthevisionwasthateverybodyirrespectiveofhisreligiousfaithiswelcometoChristianchurch. WhilePeterwaspreachingtothoseassembledatthehouseofCornelius,HolySpiritcamedownonallthosewhowerelisteningtohismessage. TheJewishbelievereswhoaccompaniedPeterfromJoppawereamazedthatGodhadpouredouthisgiftofHolySpiritonGentilesalso,sincetheyheardthemspeakinginstrangetonguesandpraisingGod’sgreatness. PeterorderedthemtobebaptisedinthenameofJesusChrist. Ontheirrequesthestayedwiththemafewdays.
WhenPetercamebacktoJerusalem,thosewhowereinfavourofcircumcisingGentilescriticisedhimsaying“YouwereaguestinthehouseofuncircumcisedGentilesandyouevenatewiththem. SoPetergaveacompleteaccountofwhatreallyhappenedfromtheverybeginning. Whentheyheardthis,theystoppedtheircriticismandpraisedGodsaying“ThenGodhasgiventotheGentilesalso,theopportunitytorepentandlive.” ThereaftermissionaryworkcommencedtheamongtheGreeks.
KingHerodbegantopersecitesomemembersofthechurch. James,brotherofJohnwasputtodeathbyswordbyHeord. WhenhesawthatthispleasedtheJews,hearrestedPeteralso. Afterhisarrest,peterwasputinjailboundwithtwochainsbetweentwosoldiers. AtnighttheangeloftheLordwokehimup. AtoncethechainsfellofPeter’shand. Peterfollowedtheangeloutoftheprison. VerysoonHerodwhopersecutedtheapostleswasstruckdowndeadbytheangleoftheLord(12:1-10,23)
ItisthetraditionalbeliefofthechurchthatthelastdaysofPeterwerespentinRomeandduringthepersecutionofNero,hewascrucifiedwithhisheaddown.
Questions:
1.ClarifythereasonforthedeathofAnaniasandSaphira.
2.NarratethemiraclesperformedbySt.Peter.
3.WhatistheevidencetoshowthatfromtheverybeginningSt.Peterheldthefirstplaceamongthetwelvedesciples?
Lesson-21
theJerusalemcouncil
Purpose: TorealisethattheimpactofsalvationtoallnationsisonlythroughJesusChrist.
ThemaindisputeintheearlychristianchurchwasregardingtheconversionofGentiles. OnegrouparguedthattheyshouldobserveallthecustomslaiddownbyMoses,includingcircumcision,beforetheyarebaptised. TheothergroupwasoftheviewthatallthosewhobelieveinJesusChristcoulddirectlybecomemembersofthechurchafterbaptism,withoutcircumcision. Theyonlyneedtokeepmorallawsabandingidolworship. TheapostlesandleaderscametogetherinJerusalemintheyearA.D.51toconsiderthisissueandtotakeadecision. ThismeetingisknownastheJerusalemCouncil. ThiswasheldinbetweenthefirstandsecondmissionaryjourneyofSt.Paul. Afteralongdebate,St.PeterexplainedfromownexperiencehowtheGentilesreceivedHolySpiritwhnetheybelieved,evenbeforetheirbaptism. Heopposedlayingaloadonthebackofthebelievers. ThewholegroupwassilentwhentheyheardBarnabasandPaulreportallthemiraclesandwondersthatGodhadperformedthroughthemamongtheGentiles. Whenthey hadfinishedspeakingSt.JamesbrotherofJesusspokefullyendorsingtheviewsofSt.Peter. ItwasfinallydecidednottoputanyotherburdenontheGentilebelieversbesidesthesenecessaryrules: eatnofoodthathasbeenofferedtoidols;eatnoblood;eatnoanimalthathasbeenstrangledandkeepoutfromsexualimmorality. ItwasdecidedtosendJudasandSilasalongwithPaulandBarnabastoAnitoch,animportantchristiancentre,withaletterclarifyingthedecisionoftheCouncil. ItwasfurtherdecidedtoauthoriseJames,PeterandJohnasleadersforpreachinggospeltotheJewsandPaulandBarnabasamongtheGentiles(Gal.2:7-8). PeterthenwenttoAntiochandstayedthere.
Questions:
1.WhenwastheJerusalemCouncilheld? Whatisthecircumstanceunderwhichitwasheld?
2.WhataretheimportantdecisionsoftheCouncil?
Lesson-22
firstmissionaryjourneryofst.paul(A.d.48-50)
Purpose: TofulfillthecommandmentoftheLordtopreachtheGospeltoallnations.
St.Paulwhowasbaptised,joinedthebelieversinDamscus. HefervantlypreachedinthesynagoguesthatJesuswastheSonofGod. Infuriatedoverthis,theJewsmadeaplantokillhim. Dayandnighttheywatchedthecitygatestokillhim. Onenighthisfollowerstookhimandlethimdownthroawindowinthecitywallsloweringhiminabasket. ThenhewenttoArabiaformeditation. WhenhecametoJerusalemheaquaintedhimselfwiththeapostlesthere. ThereafterwenttoTarsus,hisbirthplace. BarnabaswenttoTarsusandtookhimtoAnitoch(Act11:25). Forawholeyearthetwometwithpeopleofthechurchandtaughtalargegroup. ItwasatAntiochthatthebelieverswerefirstcalledchristians. InthechurchatAnitoch,thereweresomeprophetsandteachers. WhiletheywereservingtheLordandfasting,theHolySpiritsaidtothem“SetapartformeBarnabasandSaultodotheworktowhichIhavecalledthem”. Theyfasted,prayedandordainedthemasbishopsbyplacingtheirhandsonthemandsentthemoff.
FromAntiochtheyreachedSeleuciaaportcity. Paulose,BarnabasandJohnMarktohelpintheworksailedfromtheretotheislandofCyprus. OnreachingSalamis,ontheeasternshoreoftheislandtheypreachedthewordofGodintheSynagagues. ThentheywentallthewayacrosstheislandtoPaphosanimportantcity. IntheActsoftheApostlestheoldnameSaulisusedtillnow. HereafterthenameusedisPaulwhichmeanssmall. ThegovernoroftheislandSergiusPaulosecalledBarnabasandPaulbeforehimtohearthewordofGod. ButtheywereopposedbythemagicianBar-Jesus(Elymas)stayingwiththeGovernorwhotriedtoturntheGovernorawayfromthefaith. ThenPaulwasfilledwithHolySpirit. Helookedstraightatthemagician,rebukedhimandmadehimblindforatime. Thegovernorsawwhathashappenedandhebelieved.
PaulandhiscompanionssailedfromPaphosandcametoPergacityinPamphyhawhereJohnMarkleftthemandwentbacktoJerusalem.
FromPergaPaulandBarnabasreachedAntiochinPisidia. OntheSabaththeywentintothesynagogueandpreachedtheGospel. Severalpeoplebelieved. WhentheJewsstartedpersecutionagainstPaulandBarnabas,theyleftforIconium. TheapostlesstayedthereforalongtimespeakingboldlyabouttheLord. TheyprovedthattheirmessageaboutHisGracewastruebygivingthemthepowertoperformmiraclesandwonders. Severalpeoplebelieved. HerealsotheywereilltreatedbytheJews. ThentheyfledtothecitiesofLystraandDerbeinLycaoniaandtothesurroundingterritorywheretheypreachedtheGoodNews.
InLystratherewasamanwhohadbeenlamefrombirth. Paulsawthathebelievedandcouldbehealed. Sohelookedstraightathimandsaidinaloudvoice “Standupstraightonyourfeet”. Themanjumpedupandstartedwalkingaround. WhenthecrowdsawthatPaulhaddonetheystartedshoutingittheirownLycaonianlanguage” TheGodshavebecomelikemenandhavecomedowntous”. TheygaveBarnabasthenameZeusandPaulthenameHermes. ThepriestoftheGodZeusbroughtbullsandflowers. heandthecrowdswantedtooffersacrificetotheapostles(Acts14:11-13). TheapostlestoldthemthattheyareonlyhumanbeingslikethemandthepowerofAlmightyGodhadhealedthelameman. TheytheyannouncedtheGoodNews,toturnthemawayfromtheworthlessthrings,tothelivingGodwhomadeheavenearthandseaandallthatinthem. LatersomeJewscamefromAntiochinPisidiaandfromIconiumandwonthecrowdovertheirside,stonedPaulanddraggedhimoutofthetownthinkingthathewasdead. Whenthebelieversgatheredaround,Paulgotupandwentbacktothetown. ThenextdayheandBarnabaswenttoDerbe. PaulandBarnabaspreachedtheGoodNewsinDerbeandwonmanydisciples. ThentheywentbacktoLystra,IconiumandontoAntiochinPisidia. Theystrengthenedthebelieversandencouragedthemtoremaintruetothefaith. Ineachchurchtheyappointedelders(priests)andwithprayersandfastingtheycommendedthemtotheLordinwhomtheyhadputtheirtrust. FromPisidiatheycametoPergaandthenwenttoAttalia. FromtheretheysailedbacktoAntioch,theplacewheretheyhadbeencommendedtothecareofGod’sgracefortheworktheyhavenowcompleted. WhentheyarrivedinAntiochtheygatheredthepeopleofthechurchtogetherandtoldthemaboutallthatGodhaddonewiththemandhowHehadopenedthewayforGentilestobelieve. Theystayedalongtimetherewiththebelievers.
Questions:
1.WhoallaccompaniedSt.PaulforthefirstMissionaryJourney?
2.WhoisBar-Jesus? WhydidPaulrebukehim?
3.WhydidthepeopleofLystrabelievethatPaulandBarnabaswereGodsinhumanform?
4.Explainthecontext“Standupstraightonyourfeet”
Lesson-23
secondmissionaryjourneryofst.paul
(Acts15:35-18:22)
Purpose: ToestablishthatdespitestiffoppositionandresistanceSt.Paulfoughtthegoodfight,finishedtheraceandkeptthefaith.
AftertheJerusalemCouncilwhichtookplaceafterthefirstmissionaryjourney,PaulsaidtoBarnabas“letusgobackandvisitourbrothersineverytownwherewepreacedthewordoftheLordandletusfindouthowtheyaregettingon. BarnabaswantedtotakeJohnMarkwiththem. ButPauldidnotthinkitwasrighttotakehimbecausehenadnotstayedwiththemtotheendoftheirmission,buthadturnedbackandlefttheminPamphylia. Therewasasharpargumentandtheyseparated. BarnabastookMarkandsailedofftoCypruswhilePaulchoseSilasandleftbyanotherroute.
PaulwentnorthwardsfromAntiochandthenwestwardbylandandreachedDerbeandLystrathro’hisbirthplaceTarsus. InLystratherewasachristiannamedTimothy. HismotherEuniceandgrandmotherLoiswereChristianbelivers. HisfatherwasaGreek. AllthebeleieversinLystraandIconiumspokewellofTimothy. Paultookhimasco-worker. TheytravelledthroughtheregionofPhrygiaandGalatiabecausetheHolySpiritdidnotallowthemtopreachthemessageintheprovinceofAsia. WhentheyreachedtheborderofMysiatheytriedtogointotheprovinceofBithynia,buttheSpiritdidnotpermitthem. SotheywenttoToas. ThatnightPaulhadavisioninwhichhesawaMacedonianstandingandbegginghim“ComeovertoMacedoniaandhelpus” KnowingthatthisisthewillofGod,PaulandhisteamleftbyShiptoNeapolis,theportofPhilippiandreachedPhilippibyland.
TheyspokeaboutJesustothewomengatheredbytheriverside. OneofthosewhoheardthemwasLydiafromThyatirawhowasadealerinpurplecloth. TheLordopenedhermindtopayattentiontowhatPaulwassaying. Shewasbaptisedalongwiththepeopleofherhouse. ThefirsttoembracechristanityinEuropeancontinentwasLydia’sfamily. ShereceivedPaulandhisteamasguestsinherhouse. TherewasaslavegirlinPhilippipossessedbyanevilspiritthatemblodhertopredictthefuturesheearnedlotofmoneytoherownersbytellingfortunes. Pauldroveouttheevilspiritfromher. Whenherownersrealisedthattheirchanceofmakingmoneywasgone,theyseizedPaulandSilasanddraggedthemtotheauthoritiesinthepublicsquare. TheofficialstoretheclothesoffPaulandSIlasandorderedthemtobewhipped. Afterseverebeatingtheywerethrownintojailandtheirfeetfatenedbetweenheavyblocksofwood. Atnight,PaulandSilaswereprayingandsinginghymnstoGod. Theotherprisonerswerelisteningtothem. Suddenlytherewasaviolentearthquakewhichshooktheprisontoitsfoundations. Atoncethedoorsopenedandthechainsfelloffalltheprisoners. Hearingtheloudsound,thejailerwokeup. Whenhesawtheprisondoorsopen,hethoughtthattheprisonershadescaped. Sohepulledouthisswordandwasabouttokillhim,whenPaulshoutedatthetopofhisvoice“Don’tharmyourself. Weareallhere”. Thejailercalledforalight,rushedinandfelltremblingatthefeetofPaulandSilas. Thenheledthemoutandasked“Sirs,WhatmustIdotobesaved”? Theyanswered“BelieveintheLordJesusandyouwillbesaved-youandyourfamily” (Acts16:30-31). Thejailertookthem andwashedtheirwounds. Heandallthemembersofhisfamilywerebaptisedatonce. ThefirstGentilefamilyinEuropebaptisedwasthatofthisjailer. ThenhetookPaulandSilastohishouseandgavethemsomefoodtoeat. HeandhisfamilywerefilledwithjoybecausetheynowbelievedinGod. NextmorningtheRomanauthoritiessentPoliceofficerstoletthemgo. ThenonlytheyknewthatbothofthemwereRomancitizens. Theywentandapologisedtothemandledthemoutoftheprison. PaulandSilaswenttoLydia’shouse. Theretheynetthebelievers,spokewordsofencouragementstothenandleft. TheytravelledthroughAmphipolisandApolloniaandreachedThessalonica.
TheystayedinthehouseofJason. Adoptinghisusualpractice,PaulwenttotheSynagogue. ThereduringthreeSabbathshehelddiscussionswiththepeoplequotingandexplainingthescriptureandprovingfromthemthattheMessiahhadtosufferandrisefromdeath“ThisJesuswhomIannouncetoyou”. Paulsaid“istheMessiah”SeveralJewsandalargegroupofGreekswereconvincedandjoinedPaulandSilas. ButtheJewswhoweretheenemiestotheGospelcreatedtroubleandattackedthehouseofJason,wheretheywerestaying. AtnightthebelieverssentPaulandSilastoBerea.Whentheyreached there,theywenttotheSynagogueandpreachedtheGoodNews. Severalpeoplewhoheardthembelieved. WhentheJewsinThessalonicaheardthatPaulwaspreachingthewordofGodinBereaalsotheycamethereandstartedexcitingandstirringupthecrowd. ImmediatelythebelieverstookPaultoAthens. TherePaulhelddiscussionsintheSynagoguewiththeJewsandtheGentileswhoworshippedGodandalsointhepublicsquareeverydaywiththepeoplewhohappenedtopassby. Paulspokebeforethecitycouncil,theAreopagus. Somemenjoinedhimandbelieved. AmongthemwasDionysiusamemberofthecouncil.
Later,PaulleftAthensandwenttoCorinth,thecentreoftradeandeducationofGreece. TherehestayedwithAquilaamakeroftentsandhiswifePriscilla. Heworkedwiththembecauseheearnedhislivingbymakingtents. HehelddiscussionsinSynagogueeverySabbath,tryingtoconvincebothJewsandGreeks. SilasandTimothyjoinedPaulatCorinth. WhentheJewsopposedhimandsaidevilthingsabouthim,heprotestedsaying“FromnowonIwillgototheGentiles”. HewenttostayinthehouseofaGentilenamedTitusJustuswhoworshippedGod. HecommencedherrethemissionamongtheGentiles. OnenightPaulhadavisioninwhichtheLordsaidtohim“Donotbeafraid;butkeeponspeakinganddonotgiveupforIamwithyou. Noonewillbeabletoharmyou,formanyinthecityaremypeoiple” (Acts18:10). PaulstayedthereforayearandahalfteachingthepeoplethewordofGod. Itwasduringthistimethathisfirstepistlesviz. twoepistlestoThessaloniansweresent.
WithPriscillaandAquilafromCorinth,PaulsailedofffromtheportofCenchreaandreachedEphesusthemostimportanttownofAsiaMinor. VerysoontheysailedofftoCaesaria. FromtherehereachedJerusalembyland. Aftermeetingthechurchleadersthere,hewenttoAntiochfromwherethejourneywascommended.
Questions:
1.HowdidSt. PaulwhodesiredtogotoBithyniareachTroas?
2.HowdidtheyreachPhilippi?
3.Describethecircumstanceswhichledtothe conversionoftheJailorofPhilippi.
4.Explainthecontext“BelieveintheLordJesusandyourwillbesaved-youandyourfamily”.
5.Explainthecontext“Donotbeafraid;butkeeponspeakinganddonotgiveup”.
lesson-24
thethirdmissionaryjourneyofst.paul
(acts18:23-21:16)a.d.54-58
Purpose: TorecognizethatSt.Paulfulfilledhismissioninfullmeasure.
AttheendofhissecondmissionaryjourneySt.PaulreturnedtoAntioch. Afterstayingthereforsometimes,heleftandwentthroughtheregionofGalatiaandPhygiastrengtheningallbelievers. ThenthearrivalofPaul, aJewnamedApoollos,aneloquentspeakerhavingathoroughknowledgeofthescriptures,taughtcorrectlythefaithaboutJesustothepeopleofEphesus. WhenPriscillaandAquilaheardhim,theytookhimhomewiththemandexplainedtohimmorecorectlythewayofGod. AfterthathewenttoCorinth. WhenPaulplacedhishandsonthebelieversinEphesus,theyreceivedtheHolySpirit. PaulwentintotheSynagogueandspokeboldlywithpeopleforthreemonthsholdingdiscussionswiththemandtryingtoconvincethemabotutheKingdomofGod. WhentherewasresistancefromsomeoftheJews,hehelddiscussionsinthelecturehallofTyrannus. Thiswentonfortwoyears,sothatallthepeoplewholivedintheprovinceofAsia,bothJewsandGentiles,heardthewordoftheLord. GodwasperformingunusualmiraclesthroughPaul. Evenhand-kerchiefandapronshehadusedweretakentothosewhowereillandtheirdiseaseswerecuredandevilspiritsdrivenaway. Manyofthosewhohadpracticedmagicbroughttheircostlybookstogetherandburnedtheminpublic.
TherewasatempleofgoddessArtemisinEphesus. AsilversmithnamedDemetriusmadesilvermodelsofthetempleofthegoddessArtemisandhisbusinessbroughtagreatdealofprofittotheworkers. SincePaultaughtthatman-madegodsarenotgodsatallandhesucceededinconvincingmanypeople,theirbusinesswasseriouslyaffected. ThereforeDemetriusandhisfollowersmadethecrowdcreateuproarthroughoutthecityinthenameofreligion. TheauthoritiespacifiedthepeoplesayingthatthiswasonlyalabourdisputeandPaulandhisfollowershavenotrobbedtemplesorsaidevilthingsabouttheirgodess. Aftertheuproardiedout,Paulcalledtogetherthebelieversandwithwordsofencouragementsaidgoodnyetothem. ThenhewentontoMacedonia.
AftervisitingthechurchesinPhilippi,Thessalonicaetc. PaulreachedCorinthwherehestayedfortheremonths. FromtherehedesiredtoreturndirectlytoSyria. ThenitwasdiscoveredthattheJewswereplottingagainsthim. SoitwasdecidedtogobackthroughMacedonia. HereachedTorasinAsiaMinorthroughBerea,ThessalonicaandPhilipi. Theco-workersofPaulhadreachedthereearlier. AfterspendingaweekthereitwasdecidedtoproceedfromTorasonaMonday. OnSundaywhenthedesciplescametogethertobreakbread,Paulreadytodepartthenextday,spoketothemandcontinuedhismessageuntilmidnight. AnyoungmannamedEntychussittinginawindowovercomebysleep,felldownfromthethirdstoreytothegroundandwastakenupdead. Paulbroughtheyoungmanalive.
FromTroasPaulwenttoAssosbyland. Pauldecidedtosailon,pastEphesussoasnottoloseanytimeintheprovinceofAsia. HewasinahurrytoarriveinJerusalembythedayofPentecostifatallpossible. OnreachingNiletus,hesentwordtoEphesusaskingtheeldersofthechurchtomeethim. Whentheyarrived,hemadeahearttouchingspeech. Hetoldthemthatheisawarethatnoneofthemwillseehimagain. Hecautionedthemagainstthosewhowilltellliestoleadthebelieversawayafterthem. HeadvisedthemtorememberthewordsthatLordJesushimselfsaid“Thereismorehappinessingivingthaninreceiving”. WhenPaulfinished,hekneltdownwiththemandprayed. Theyallwerecryingastheyhuggedhimandkissedhimgoodbye. FromMiletushesailedtoTyre. Theretheyfoundsomebelievers. BythepoweroftheSpirittheytoldhimnottogotoJerusalem. HecontinuedhisvoyagesailingfromTyretoCaesareavia. Ptolemais. AtCaesareaaprophetnamedAgabuspredictedthatPaulwillbetiedupbytheJewsifhegoestoJerusalemandhandedovertoGentiles. Paulsaid “IamreadynotonlytobetiedupinJerusalembuteventodiethereforthesakeoftheLordJesus”. PaulwenttoJerusalem.
WhenPaularrivedinJerusalem,thebelieversextendedawarmwelcome. NextdayPaulwenttoseeJames,thebrotherofJesusandtheleaderofthechurchinJerusalem. Allthechurchleaderswerealsopresent. PaulgreetedthemandgaveacompletereportoneverythingthatGodhaddoneamongtheGentilesthroughhiswork. HereendsthethirdmissionaryjourneyofSt.Paul. ItwasduringthisjourneythatthetwoepistlestoCorienthians,epistletoGalatiansandepistletoRomanswerewrittenbytheapostle.
Questions:
1.DescribethewondersthroughSt.PaulinEphesus?
2.DescribethecircumstancesofthedeathofEuthychus?
3.WhatwasthepredictionofAgabus?
Lesson-25
st.paulunderarrest
(Acts21:27-28:30)
Purpose: TounderstandthateveryoneeagerfortheappearanceoftheLord,therightousJudge,issuretogetthecrownofJustice.
SomeJewwhentheysawPaulintheTempleatJerusalemattemptedtokillhimallegingthathewasbroughtsomeGentilesintothetempleanddefiledtheholyplace. TheystirredupthewholecrowdandsezedPaul. Knowingaboutthis,Lysiasthecommander oftheRomantroopsrushedinwithsomeofficersandsoldiersandarrestedPaulandorderedhimtobeboundwithtwochains. Withthepermissionofthecommander,heexplainedindetailtothepeople,thevisionhehadatDamascusandtheexperiencethereafter. Whenthepeoplewerescreaming,wairingtheirclothes,throwingdustupintheairandshoutingtokillhim,theRomancommanderorderedhismentotakePaulintothefortandtowhiphimtofindoutwhytheJewswerescreaminglikethisagainsthim. ButwhenheknewthatPaulwasaRomanCitizen,thechainsofPaulweretakenoffandhewaskeptunderthecareofthesoldierstoprotecthimfromhisenemies. ThatnighttheLordstoodbyhimandsaid“Beofgoodcheer,Paul;for asyouhavetestifiedforMeinJerusalem,soyoumustalsobearwitnessatRome”(23:11). SomeJewstookavowthattheywouldnoteatordrinkanythinguntiltheyhadkilledPaul. ThesonofPaul’ssistersheardabouttheplotandtoldaboutthistoPaulandtheCommander. ThecommanderthencalledtwoofhisofficersandarrangedtosendPaultoGovernorFelixatCaesareaundertheescortofthesoldiers. HealsosontalettertotheGovernorexplainingwhyheissenttohim.
HighPriestAnaniaswenttoCaesreawithsomeeldersandalawyernamedTertullus. TheyappearedbeforeFelixandmadetheirchargesagainstPaul. FindingthathehasnotcommittedanyoffenceundertheRomanLaw,nopunishmentwasawardedtoPaul. ButtopleasetheJews,hewaskeptunderdetentioninCaesarea. WhenFelixretiredaftertwoyearsandFestussucceededhimasGovernor, theChiefPriestandtheJewishleadersonceagainbroughtchargesagainstPaulandbeggedFestustodothemthefavourofbringingPaultoJersualembecausetheyhadmadeaplottokillhimontheway. FestuswantedtogainfavourwiththeJews. SoheaskedPaulwhetherhewaswillingtogotoJerusalemtobetriedbeforehimthere. RealisingthathewillnotgetjusticeatJerusalem,hemadeuseofthespecialprivilageofaRomancitizentoappealbeforetheCeasarforthetrialbeforehim. ThenFestusafterconferringwithhiscouncil,allowedtheappeal. SometimelaterKingAgrippacametoCaesareatopayavisitofwelcometoFestus. ThenheexpressedhisdesiretohearPaul. HearingtheboldspeechofPaul,Festusshoutedathim“Paulyouarebesideyourself! Muchlearningisdrivingyoumad” (26:24). KingAgrippaalsowasconvicnedthatPaulhasnotcommittedanyoffenceundertheRomanLaw. AgrippasaidtoFestus“ThismanmighthavebeensetfreeifhehadnotappealedtoCeasar”.
AnorderedbyFestus,PaulandsomeotherprisonerswerehandedovertoJulius,acentuionoftheAugstianRegiment,forbeingtakenfromCaesariatoRomebyship. Whentheyreachedwithmuchdifficulty,aplacecalledFairHavensintheCreteisland,Paulgaveawarningandadvisednottoproceedfurtherduetobadweatherconditions. Ignoringthistheshipproceeded. VerysoonaverystrongwindcalledEuroclydonarose. Thewindkeptonblowingveryhard. Forfourteendaystheshipmovedaimlesslywhenneithersunnorestarsappearedformanydays. Thepeopleintheshipgaveuphopeofbeingsavedandwaitedfordeathwithouttakingfood. PaulstoodbeforethemandtoldthemthatanangelofGodhadinformedhimthatGodhassparedthelivesofallthosewhoaresailingwithhim. Thereforeheadvisedthemtoeatsomefood. AftersayingthisPualtooksomebread,gavethankstoGod, beforethemallbrokeitandbegantoeat. Theytookheartandeveryoneofthematesomefood. TheshiphitasandbanknearMaltaIsland. Allthepassengersreachedashoresafely,eitherbyswimmingorholdingontotheplankorsomeotherbrokenpieceoftheship. Thenativesshowedunusualkindness. Theykildledafireandwelcomedtheship-wreckedpassengers,becauseitwasrainingandbecauseofthecold. WhenPaulhadgatheredabundleofsticksandlaidthemonfire,avipercameoutbecauseoftheheatandfastenedonhishand. ThenativessawthesnakehangingonPaulshandandsaidtooneanotherthatthismanmustbeamurderandtofatewillnotleavehimeventhoughheescapedfromthesea. ButPaulshookthesnakeoffintothefirewithoutbeingharmedatall. Whentheyfoundthatheisunharmed,theysaid“HeisaGod” PaulhealedthroughprayersseveralsickpeopleincludingthefatherofPubliustheChiefOfficialoftheisland.
FromMaltatheyleftbyanothershipandreachedRomevia. Syracuse,Rhegium,andPuteoli. WhentheyreachedRome,Paulwasallowedtolivebyhimselfwithasoldierguardinghim. FortwoyearsPaullivedinaplaceherentedforhimslef. Therehewelcomedallwhocametoseehim. HepreacedaboutthekingdomofGodandtaughtabouttheLordJesusChrist,speakingwithallboldnessandfreedom. Afterthathewassetfree(ThenarrationintheActsoftheApostlesendswiththeeventsattheendofthestayoftwoyearsinRome). TheepistlestoEphesians,PhilemonandPhilippianswerewrittenduringthisstayinRome.
ItisgenerallybelievedthatPaulwhowassetfreeduringA.D.63travellingtoAsiaMinorandMacedonia. ItwasduringthisperiodthattheepistlestoHebrews,1stepistletoTimothyandepistletoTituswerewritten. Atlasthewrotethe2ndepistletoTimothyduringhislastdays. Hehasboldlyrecordedasfollows “Ihavefoughtthegoodfight,Ihavefinishedtherace,Ihavekeptthefaith. Finallythereislaidupformethecrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therightousJudgewillggavetomeonthatdayandnottomeonlybutalsotoallwhohavelovedhisappearing” (2Timothy4:7-8). Chapter8oftheepistletoRomansandChapter13ofthefirstepistletoCorinthiansarethepricelessjewelsofthetheologicalliterature.
HistoryrevealsthatPaulwhowasimprisonedagaininA.D.65duringthepersecutionofNerowasbeheadedinA.D.67andbecameamartyr.
Questions:
1.DescribebrieflytheeventswhentheshipsailedignoringthewarningofSt.Paul?
2.WhicharethepricelessJewelsofthetheologicalliterature?
3.Statethereasonsfor
1.GovernorFelixdidnotpunishSt.PauleventhoughHighPriestAnaniasmadechargesagainsthim.
2.St.PaulrequestedFestustoallowtheappealtotheCaesar.
4.WhenwasSt.Paulimprisonedagain? Whenwashebeheaded?