SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
1. Revision of JS2 Promotion examination questions.
2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: (a) The Promise- John 14; 16:5-16; Acts 1:3-5,8. (b) The Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-13.
3. Peter’s First Speech on Pentecost Day and its Effect: (Acts 2:14-41) (i) Peter’s First speech (ii) its effect.
4. Fellowship in the Early Church: (a) Togetherness in the early church. Acts 2:41-47. (b) Fraud in the Church. Acts 5:1-11
5. Fellowship in the Early Church: (c) Murmuring in the early church. Acts 6:1,2 (d) Selection 0f deacons – Acts 6:1-7. (equitable distribution)
6. Opposition to the Gospel Message: (a) Arrest of Peter and John. Acts 3:1-44; 4:5-31.
7. Opposition to the Gospel Message: (b) Arrest and Martyrdom of Stephen. Acts 6:8-17; 17:1-60.
8. Opposition to the Gospel Message: (c) Persecution of the Church by Saul. Acts 8:1-3;9:1-6. (d) Martyrdom of James. Acts 12:1-3.
9. Revision.
1ST TERM
WEEK 1
LESSON 1
TOPIC: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
CONTENTS: 1. The Promise –John 14; 16:5-16; Acts 1:3-5,8
2. The Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-13.
THE PROMISE
The Holy Spirit is refer to as God the Spirit. He is the third personality in the trinity of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is also called the counselor, comforter, instructor and teacher that directs the affairs of the Church. The Greek name for the Holy Spirit is paraclete.
Jesus made several appearances to His disciples within the period of forty days after His resurrection. It was during this period He gave His disciples the great commission to evangelize the whole world by teaching and preaching to the people and baptizing them in the name of the father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem till they receive the power from above which is the Holy Spirit which the Father will send unto them. He said, John the Baptist baptized with water but in a few days time they would be baptized with Holy Spirit:
“John baptized you with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus assured them that when the Holy Spirit come, He will guide them into all truth.
https://www.slideshare.net/dkooyers/act ... esus-peter
IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. It enables one to work effectively for God.
2. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom to understand the gospel message.
3. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual courage to preach and win souls for God.
https://youtu.be/io3czyV0_Rw
EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. Jesus promised to send --------------- to His disciples.
2. Another name for the Holy Spirit is----------.
3. The Holy Spirit is the ----------- person in the Godhead.
4. Why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to the apostles?
5. The Greek name for the Holy Spirit is---------.
ESSAY:
Write short note on the Pentecost.
LESSON 2
THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Jews have many festivals. One of the Jewish festivals was the Pentecost. It is also called the feast of weeks. The Pentecost was an agricultural festival held seven weeks or on the fiftieth day (50th day) after the Passover to thank God for a successful agricultural year and to seek His protection and blessing for the next agricultural year. Many Jews came from far and near to celebrate the festival in Jerusalem. Whit-Sunday is the Christian festival corresponding to the Pentecost of the Jews.
Before the coming of the Holy Spirit while they were praying and waiting for the promise, Peter rose up one day and addressed the disciples numbering about one hundred and twenty, on the matter of the successor of Judas Iscariot. The qualification was personal knowledge of Jesus and His ministry. Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias were picked. After prayer and casting of lots, Matthias was chosen to complete the twelve disciples/ apostles.
The coming of the Holy Spirit took place on the day of Pentecost .This was ten days after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. On this particular day, the disciples were together in the upper room where they had eaten the last supper with Jesus. They had remained in the room after the ascension of Jesus for fear of the Jews. They prayed and worshipped together in the upper room. Suddenly there was first the sound of a great wind which came from heaven into the room. Then, they saw what look like flames in the form of tongues resting upon each of them. They were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in an unknown tongue i.e. they began to speak in different languages the goodness of God.
The people around there who had come for the feast of Pentecost had the noise, they rushed to see what was happening and discovered that the disciples were speaking and preaching about God because each of them heard the disciples preach in his own language. There were Parthians, Medes, Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphilia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene. There were also visitors from Rome, Create and Arabia. They were all amazed at the wonderful event but some mocked and made jest of the disciples accusing them of being drunk.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
God fulfilled His promise by sending down the Holy Spirit on the disciples/apostles on the day of Pentecost. This shows how reliable, dependable and trustworthy God is in His dealings with human beings. He never fails in His promise.
https://youtu.be/FIJrk9-dtRE
EVALUATION:
1. The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on -------- day.
2. What were the disciples accused of?
3. Why did the disciples remain in the upper room in Jerusalem?
4. Judas Iscariot was replaced by ----------.
5. How many days is between the Passover and the Pentecost?
ASSIGNMENT
1. Give detailed account of Peter’s speech.
2. Mention the effect of his speech.
TOPIC: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
CONTENTS: 1. The Promise –John 14; 16:5-16; Acts 1:3-5,8
2. The Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-13.
THE PROMISE
The Holy Spirit is refer to as God the Spirit. He is the third personality in the trinity of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is also called the counselor, comforter, instructor and teacher that directs the affairs of the Church. The Greek name for the Holy Spirit is paraclete.
Jesus made several appearances to His disciples within the period of forty days after His resurrection. It was during this period He gave His disciples the great commission to evangelize the whole world by teaching and preaching to the people and baptizing them in the name of the father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Jesus instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem till they receive the power from above which is the Holy Spirit which the Father will send unto them. He said, John the Baptist baptized with water but in a few days time they would be baptized with Holy Spirit:
“John baptized you with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus assured them that when the Holy Spirit come, He will guide them into all truth.
https://www.slideshare.net/dkooyers/act ... esus-peter
IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. It enables one to work effectively for God.
2. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom to understand the gospel message.
3. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual courage to preach and win souls for God.
https://youtu.be/io3czyV0_Rw
EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. Jesus promised to send --------------- to His disciples.
2. Another name for the Holy Spirit is----------.
3. The Holy Spirit is the ----------- person in the Godhead.
4. Why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to the apostles?
5. The Greek name for the Holy Spirit is---------.
ESSAY:
Write short note on the Pentecost.
LESSON 2
THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Jews have many festivals. One of the Jewish festivals was the Pentecost. It is also called the feast of weeks. The Pentecost was an agricultural festival held seven weeks or on the fiftieth day (50th day) after the Passover to thank God for a successful agricultural year and to seek His protection and blessing for the next agricultural year. Many Jews came from far and near to celebrate the festival in Jerusalem. Whit-Sunday is the Christian festival corresponding to the Pentecost of the Jews.
Before the coming of the Holy Spirit while they were praying and waiting for the promise, Peter rose up one day and addressed the disciples numbering about one hundred and twenty, on the matter of the successor of Judas Iscariot. The qualification was personal knowledge of Jesus and His ministry. Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias were picked. After prayer and casting of lots, Matthias was chosen to complete the twelve disciples/ apostles.
The coming of the Holy Spirit took place on the day of Pentecost .This was ten days after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. On this particular day, the disciples were together in the upper room where they had eaten the last supper with Jesus. They had remained in the room after the ascension of Jesus for fear of the Jews. They prayed and worshipped together in the upper room. Suddenly there was first the sound of a great wind which came from heaven into the room. Then, they saw what look like flames in the form of tongues resting upon each of them. They were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in an unknown tongue i.e. they began to speak in different languages the goodness of God.
The people around there who had come for the feast of Pentecost had the noise, they rushed to see what was happening and discovered that the disciples were speaking and preaching about God because each of them heard the disciples preach in his own language. There were Parthians, Medes, Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphilia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene. There were also visitors from Rome, Create and Arabia. They were all amazed at the wonderful event but some mocked and made jest of the disciples accusing them of being drunk.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
God fulfilled His promise by sending down the Holy Spirit on the disciples/apostles on the day of Pentecost. This shows how reliable, dependable and trustworthy God is in His dealings with human beings. He never fails in His promise.
https://youtu.be/FIJrk9-dtRE
EVALUATION:
1. The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on -------- day.
2. What were the disciples accused of?
3. Why did the disciples remain in the upper room in Jerusalem?
4. Judas Iscariot was replaced by ----------.
5. How many days is between the Passover and the Pentecost?
ASSIGNMENT
1. Give detailed account of Peter’s speech.
2. Mention the effect of his speech.
WEEK 2
LESSON 3
TOPIC: PETER’S FIRST SPEECH ON PENTECOST DAY AND ITS EFFECT (Acts 2:14-41)
CONTENTS:
1. PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
2. ITS EFFECT
PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
On hearing the false accusation that the disciples who were under the influence of the Holy Spirit, were drunk, Peter stood up to refute the charge of drunkenness. This led to his first speech on the day of Pentecost.
Peter told his hearers that it was unlikely that they would be drunk at the third hour of the day, that is, 9.00am.He made references to the Old Testament to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. He quoted Prophet Joel 2:28 to show that they were not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He cited the miracles, the crucifixion and death of Jesus as proofs of His Messiahship. He said God raised Him from the death as David had prophesied in the Psalm 16:10 :
“For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption.”
Peter went further to say that Jesus had not only risen but had ascended into heaven. In heaven, He has received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit , and from heaven ,He has sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He concluded by telling them that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit ,manifested by the gift of tongues, was the proof that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.
EFFECT OF PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
The people were deeply touched by Peter’s speech. They found themselves guilty of blindness for not recognizing Jesus as the Christ. They accepted their responsibility for persecuting Him as a false Christ and admitted their guilt for crucifying Him.
After they had condemned themselves as guilty, they asked, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-38).They did as Peter said and about three thousand converts were made after Peter’s speech.
https://youtu.be/LBOrBofmkWM
EVALUATION:
1. What Prophet did Peter Quote during his Speech?
2. ------- Number of people was converted on the day of Pentecost.
3. List three countries whose people witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit.
ASSIGNMENT
Describe in detail the fellowship pattern in the early church.
TOPIC: PETER’S FIRST SPEECH ON PENTECOST DAY AND ITS EFFECT (Acts 2:14-41)
CONTENTS:
1. PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
2. ITS EFFECT
PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
On hearing the false accusation that the disciples who were under the influence of the Holy Spirit, were drunk, Peter stood up to refute the charge of drunkenness. This led to his first speech on the day of Pentecost.
Peter told his hearers that it was unlikely that they would be drunk at the third hour of the day, that is, 9.00am.He made references to the Old Testament to prove that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. He quoted Prophet Joel 2:28 to show that they were not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He cited the miracles, the crucifixion and death of Jesus as proofs of His Messiahship. He said God raised Him from the death as David had prophesied in the Psalm 16:10 :
“For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption.”
Peter went further to say that Jesus had not only risen but had ascended into heaven. In heaven, He has received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit , and from heaven ,He has sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He concluded by telling them that this outpouring of the Holy Spirit ,manifested by the gift of tongues, was the proof that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.
EFFECT OF PETER’S FIRST SPEECH
The people were deeply touched by Peter’s speech. They found themselves guilty of blindness for not recognizing Jesus as the Christ. They accepted their responsibility for persecuting Him as a false Christ and admitted their guilt for crucifying Him.
After they had condemned themselves as guilty, they asked, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:37-38).They did as Peter said and about three thousand converts were made after Peter’s speech.
https://youtu.be/LBOrBofmkWM
EVALUATION:
1. What Prophet did Peter Quote during his Speech?
2. ------- Number of people was converted on the day of Pentecost.
3. List three countries whose people witnessed the coming of the Holy Spirit.
ASSIGNMENT
Describe in detail the fellowship pattern in the early church.
WEEK 3
LESSON 4
TOPIC: FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH
CONTENTS: 1.TOGETHERNESS IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 2:41-47.
2. FRAUD IN THE CHURCH. ACTS 5:1-11.
TOGETHERNESS IN THE EARLY CHURCH
At the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the number of the disciples including women was about one hundred and twenty (120) .After Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost about three thousand souls were baptized and added to the Church. Also after the prayer of Peter and John for the crippled man at the beautiful gate who got healed during the hour of prayer, about five thousand men were converted and added to the church.
The converts all stayed in Jerusalem with the disciples. They formed the early Church. There was a sense of togetherness and belonging among members of the early Church. They were of one heart and one mind, they did everything in common.
The Characteristics of the early Church can be summarized as follows:
1. They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship.
2. They lived communal life; they had everything common.
3. They broke Bread together. This means they took Holy Communion together.
4. The rich and others sold their properties and possessions and brought all the money to the apostles’ feet.
5. They worshipped in the temple daily.
6. They distributed food and clothing to all the members, as any had need.
7. They prayed Together.
8. They were always praising God.
9. They ate food with glad and generous hearts.
10. Everybody worked for the good of others in order to build a strong Church .
https://www.slideshare.net/chucho1943/0 ... rly-church
EVALUATION:
1. The early church practiced -------- type of living.
2. Mention four forms of togetherness seen in the life of members of the early church.
LESSON 5
FRAUD IN THE CHURCH
Fraud is a form of cheating or stealing that results from dishonesty. It is a way of denying others their share from the Church, State or Nation through deceit and corruption. In our present day ,people in churches and society engage in widespread fraud to enrich themselves. Some people who collect tithes for the Church or taxes for the Nation, keep part of the money collected for their personal use. Such acts are fraudulent. Just as fraud (corruption) is today, so it was in the early Church.
Some members of the early Church were not honest. Ananias and Sapphira were bad people. The two agreed to sell their property and bring the money to a common fund but after they had sold the property, they surrendered part of the money and kept back the rest for their own use. The husband came first and lied to Peter that he had brought the entire money. Peter made it known to him that he had told a lie not to him but to the Holy Spirit. Immediately Ananias fell down and died. Some people came in, carried him away and buried him.
After a while his wife Sapphira came in and also lied that she and her husband had brought the entire amount. Immediately, she also fell down and died and was buried beside her husband. A great fear came upon all the members of the early Church.
https://youtu.be/w2_BYNC5-1M
EVALUATION:
1. What is Fraud?
2. Who were caught in the act of cheating and lying in the early church?
3. List five examples of fraud seen in our society.
ASSIGNMENT
Read the next topic and give a brief account what led to murmuring in the early church.
TOPIC: FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH
CONTENTS: 1.TOGETHERNESS IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 2:41-47.
2. FRAUD IN THE CHURCH. ACTS 5:1-11.
TOGETHERNESS IN THE EARLY CHURCH
At the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the number of the disciples including women was about one hundred and twenty (120) .After Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost about three thousand souls were baptized and added to the Church. Also after the prayer of Peter and John for the crippled man at the beautiful gate who got healed during the hour of prayer, about five thousand men were converted and added to the church.
The converts all stayed in Jerusalem with the disciples. They formed the early Church. There was a sense of togetherness and belonging among members of the early Church. They were of one heart and one mind, they did everything in common.
The Characteristics of the early Church can be summarized as follows:
1. They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship.
2. They lived communal life; they had everything common.
3. They broke Bread together. This means they took Holy Communion together.
4. The rich and others sold their properties and possessions and brought all the money to the apostles’ feet.
5. They worshipped in the temple daily.
6. They distributed food and clothing to all the members, as any had need.
7. They prayed Together.
8. They were always praising God.
9. They ate food with glad and generous hearts.
10. Everybody worked for the good of others in order to build a strong Church .
https://www.slideshare.net/chucho1943/0 ... rly-church
EVALUATION:
1. The early church practiced -------- type of living.
2. Mention four forms of togetherness seen in the life of members of the early church.
LESSON 5
FRAUD IN THE CHURCH
Fraud is a form of cheating or stealing that results from dishonesty. It is a way of denying others their share from the Church, State or Nation through deceit and corruption. In our present day ,people in churches and society engage in widespread fraud to enrich themselves. Some people who collect tithes for the Church or taxes for the Nation, keep part of the money collected for their personal use. Such acts are fraudulent. Just as fraud (corruption) is today, so it was in the early Church.
Some members of the early Church were not honest. Ananias and Sapphira were bad people. The two agreed to sell their property and bring the money to a common fund but after they had sold the property, they surrendered part of the money and kept back the rest for their own use. The husband came first and lied to Peter that he had brought the entire money. Peter made it known to him that he had told a lie not to him but to the Holy Spirit. Immediately Ananias fell down and died. Some people came in, carried him away and buried him.
After a while his wife Sapphira came in and also lied that she and her husband had brought the entire amount. Immediately, she also fell down and died and was buried beside her husband. A great fear came upon all the members of the early Church.
https://youtu.be/w2_BYNC5-1M
EVALUATION:
1. What is Fraud?
2. Who were caught in the act of cheating and lying in the early church?
3. List five examples of fraud seen in our society.
ASSIGNMENT
Read the next topic and give a brief account what led to murmuring in the early church.
WEEK 4
LESSON 6
TOPIC: FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH
CONTENTS:
1.MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 6:1, 2
2. SELECTION OF DEACONS. ACTS 6:1-7 (EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION)
MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH
To murmur is to grumble, to show discontent. It is also to whisper in low tones to express displeasure; especially when a group of people realize that things are not being done the right way or they are being discriminated against.
There was discrimination among members of the early church. This came about during the distribution of food and other things. The Jews who were from Jerusalem and Palestine (Hebrews) were given special treatment while the Jews born outside Jerusalem and Palestine ( Grecian Jews or Hellenites) especially the widows, were treated differently. They were discriminated against and were not given the food and other things they requested for. As a result, the Grecian Jews murmured and complained bitterly.
EVALUATION:
1. What is murmuring?
2. Distinguish between the Hebrews and Hellenites.
3. There was --------- among the members of the early church and this was glaring among the widows of the Grecians Jews.
LESSON 7
SELECTION OF DEACONS
In order to solve the discrimination and partiality problem in the distribution of food and other items among the early Christians, the apostles discussed the matter. Peter made it known, that they (apostles) cannot leave the work of preaching and ministering the word of God to serve tables and supervise the distribution of food and other things. He suggested that they should choose seven men who will become deacons to supervise the distribution of food and other things, and ensure that nobody was discriminated against.
Peter stated the qualities expected of the seven deacons.
These qualities are listed below:
1. They should be men of good repute, i.e. men of good character.
2. They should be men of wisdom and understanding.
3. They should be men filled with the Holy Spirit.
The following men that fit into the criteria were chosen by the early Church as deacons:
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. Due to the selection of the seven deacons, the discrimination and the grumbling in the church stopped as there was now equitable distribution of food and other things.
EVALUATION:
1. What step was taken to solve the problem of discrimination in the early church?
2. Mention the names of the seven deacons.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tho9UT ... sp=sharing
ASSIGNMENT
Read the next topic- (1) explain the term “opposition”
(2) Mention two instances in which the gospel message recorded stiff oppositions in the Acts of the Apostles.
TOPIC: FELLOWSHIP IN THE EARLY CHURCH
CONTENTS:
1.MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH. ACTS 6:1, 2
2. SELECTION OF DEACONS. ACTS 6:1-7 (EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION)
MURMURING IN THE EARLY CHURCH
To murmur is to grumble, to show discontent. It is also to whisper in low tones to express displeasure; especially when a group of people realize that things are not being done the right way or they are being discriminated against.
There was discrimination among members of the early church. This came about during the distribution of food and other things. The Jews who were from Jerusalem and Palestine (Hebrews) were given special treatment while the Jews born outside Jerusalem and Palestine ( Grecian Jews or Hellenites) especially the widows, were treated differently. They were discriminated against and were not given the food and other things they requested for. As a result, the Grecian Jews murmured and complained bitterly.
EVALUATION:
1. What is murmuring?
2. Distinguish between the Hebrews and Hellenites.
3. There was --------- among the members of the early church and this was glaring among the widows of the Grecians Jews.
LESSON 7
SELECTION OF DEACONS
In order to solve the discrimination and partiality problem in the distribution of food and other items among the early Christians, the apostles discussed the matter. Peter made it known, that they (apostles) cannot leave the work of preaching and ministering the word of God to serve tables and supervise the distribution of food and other things. He suggested that they should choose seven men who will become deacons to supervise the distribution of food and other things, and ensure that nobody was discriminated against.
Peter stated the qualities expected of the seven deacons.
These qualities are listed below:
1. They should be men of good repute, i.e. men of good character.
2. They should be men of wisdom and understanding.
3. They should be men filled with the Holy Spirit.
The following men that fit into the criteria were chosen by the early Church as deacons:
Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. Due to the selection of the seven deacons, the discrimination and the grumbling in the church stopped as there was now equitable distribution of food and other things.
EVALUATION:
1. What step was taken to solve the problem of discrimination in the early church?
2. Mention the names of the seven deacons.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tho9UT ... sp=sharing
ASSIGNMENT
Read the next topic- (1) explain the term “opposition”
(2) Mention two instances in which the gospel message recorded stiff oppositions in the Acts of the Apostles.
WEEK 5
LESSON 9
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
BIBLICAL REFERENCES Acts 3: 11 – 44; 4: 5 - 31
CONTENT:
(i.) Meaning of opposition
(ii.) Reasons for the opposition to the Gospel
(iii.) Manifestation of the opposition
(iv.) Why Peter and John were arrest
(v.) Reasons for the arrest of Peter and John
(vi.) Defense of Peter.
Meaning of opposition; Reasons for the opposition to the Gospel
INTRODUCTION
From the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the strength and courage to preach, they never stopped preaching the good news about Jesus. Jesus was the expected Messiah and Saviour whom the Jews rejected. But, God raised Jesus up so that whoever believes in him would be saved and have eternal life.
REASONS FOR THE OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL
The Jews opposed the Gospel Message for two reasons:
First, some of them rejected the good news about Jesus because they did not see Jesus as the expected Messiah and Saviour.
Second, some of them like the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL
The opposition manifested in the arrest of Peter and John; the arrest and martyrdom of Stephen, the persecution by Paul, the martyrdom of James, and the arrest of Peter and his miraculous escape from prison.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lN-7K ... sp=sharing
ARREST OF PETER AND JOHN (Acts 3: 11 – 44; 4: 5 - 31)
On their way to worship in the temple at Jerusalem at the ninth hour of the day, Peter and John met a cripple at the Beautiful Gate. Peter healed the cripple in the name of Jesus.
Many people followed Peter and John into the temple at Portico of Solomon. Peter explained to them that the cripple was healed in the name of Jesus, whom they killed but God raised him from the dead.
As Peter was speaking, the priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came and arrested him and John.
https://youtu.be/yU3Hqpc8AYE
WHY PETER AND JOHN WERE ARRESTED (Acts 4: 1 – 4)
All the three groups had their reasons for arresting them.
1.The priests were the temple authorizes and the apostles had no right to preach in the temple without their permission.
2. The captain of the temple was in charge of the temple police and his duty was to maintain law and order in the temple. The commotion caused by the healing of the cripple was likely to disturb the peace in the temple leading to the breakdown of law and order.
3. The Sadducees were a religious party in the time of Jesus. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. And so, they were not happy that the apostles were preaching the fact that Jesus died but God raised him from the dead.
THE DEFENSE OF PETER (Acts 4: 5 – 31)
The following day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish Council for trial, that is the Supreme Court of the Jews. In attendance, among the Jewish leaders, elders and scribes, were Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the members of the High Priests family. They were asked to explain the means by which thee cripple was healed. Peter told them that it was by the name of Jesus, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead. Peter made it clear that, apart from the name of Jesus, there is salvation in no other name.
The members of the Sanhedrin could not deny the miracle that had taken place, and so agreed to warn the apostles not to preach in the name of Jesus again. But Peter insisted that they would continue to preach in Jesus’ name. After threatening them, the Sanhedrin released the apostles.
After their release, Peter and John went back to the company of the early Christians. Together they prayed to God to give them the strength to preach the gospel with boldness in spite of the opposition from the Jewish authorities:
‘’ And now look upon their threats and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with boldness.”
https://youtu.be/S1ULxa5JhpQ
EVALUATION
1. Give two reasons why the Jewish leaders opposed the gospel message.
2. Mention three occasions in which the gospel message recorded stiff oppositions in Acts of
Apostles.
3. Who arrested Peter and John and why were they arrested?
4. The highest Jewish Council is called ……………….
ASSIGNMENT
Read Acts 17: 1 – 60, in three sentences, summarize Stephen’s speech and his defence before the authorities.
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE
BIBLICAL REFERENCES Acts 3: 11 – 44; 4: 5 - 31
CONTENT:
(i.) Meaning of opposition
(ii.) Reasons for the opposition to the Gospel
(iii.) Manifestation of the opposition
(iv.) Why Peter and John were arrest
(v.) Reasons for the arrest of Peter and John
(vi.) Defense of Peter.
Meaning of opposition; Reasons for the opposition to the Gospel
INTRODUCTION
From the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the strength and courage to preach, they never stopped preaching the good news about Jesus. Jesus was the expected Messiah and Saviour whom the Jews rejected. But, God raised Jesus up so that whoever believes in him would be saved and have eternal life.
REASONS FOR THE OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL
The Jews opposed the Gospel Message for two reasons:
First, some of them rejected the good news about Jesus because they did not see Jesus as the expected Messiah and Saviour.
Second, some of them like the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
THE MANIFESTATION OF THE OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL
The opposition manifested in the arrest of Peter and John; the arrest and martyrdom of Stephen, the persecution by Paul, the martyrdom of James, and the arrest of Peter and his miraculous escape from prison.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11lN-7K ... sp=sharing
ARREST OF PETER AND JOHN (Acts 3: 11 – 44; 4: 5 - 31)
On their way to worship in the temple at Jerusalem at the ninth hour of the day, Peter and John met a cripple at the Beautiful Gate. Peter healed the cripple in the name of Jesus.
Many people followed Peter and John into the temple at Portico of Solomon. Peter explained to them that the cripple was healed in the name of Jesus, whom they killed but God raised him from the dead.
As Peter was speaking, the priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came and arrested him and John.
https://youtu.be/yU3Hqpc8AYE
WHY PETER AND JOHN WERE ARRESTED (Acts 4: 1 – 4)
All the three groups had their reasons for arresting them.
1.The priests were the temple authorizes and the apostles had no right to preach in the temple without their permission.
2. The captain of the temple was in charge of the temple police and his duty was to maintain law and order in the temple. The commotion caused by the healing of the cripple was likely to disturb the peace in the temple leading to the breakdown of law and order.
3. The Sadducees were a religious party in the time of Jesus. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. And so, they were not happy that the apostles were preaching the fact that Jesus died but God raised him from the dead.
THE DEFENSE OF PETER (Acts 4: 5 – 31)
The following day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish Council for trial, that is the Supreme Court of the Jews. In attendance, among the Jewish leaders, elders and scribes, were Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the members of the High Priests family. They were asked to explain the means by which thee cripple was healed. Peter told them that it was by the name of Jesus, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead. Peter made it clear that, apart from the name of Jesus, there is salvation in no other name.
The members of the Sanhedrin could not deny the miracle that had taken place, and so agreed to warn the apostles not to preach in the name of Jesus again. But Peter insisted that they would continue to preach in Jesus’ name. After threatening them, the Sanhedrin released the apostles.
After their release, Peter and John went back to the company of the early Christians. Together they prayed to God to give them the strength to preach the gospel with boldness in spite of the opposition from the Jewish authorities:
‘’ And now look upon their threats and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with boldness.”
https://youtu.be/S1ULxa5JhpQ
EVALUATION
1. Give two reasons why the Jewish leaders opposed the gospel message.
2. Mention three occasions in which the gospel message recorded stiff oppositions in Acts of
Apostles.
3. Who arrested Peter and John and why were they arrested?
4. The highest Jewish Council is called ……………….
ASSIGNMENT
Read Acts 17: 1 – 60, in three sentences, summarize Stephen’s speech and his defence before the authorities.
WEEK 6
LESSON 10
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (Part B)
THE ARREST AND MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN
BIBLICAL REFERENCES Acts 6: 8 - 17; 7: 1 - 60
CONTENT:
(i.) The man Stephen
(ii.) The arrest of Stephen
(iii.) The defense of Stephen
(iv.) The martyrdom of Stephen
(v.) Significance of Stephen’s martyrdom to the early Church
THE MAN STEPHEN
Stephen was a Jew of Greek descent. He was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to help look after the poor and the needy in the Church. Stephen had the Holy Spirit in him, and soon he started preaching the gospel. The Holy Spirit gave Stephen the wisdom and understanding to successfully argue with the opponents of the Church. The success of Stephen got him into trouble with the enemies of the Church. They made false accusations against him saying that he spoke against Moses and God.
THE ARREST OF STEPHEN (ACTS 6: 8 – 15)
Stephen was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. Some worthless people were bribed to tell lies against him. Stephen was falsely charged with:
1. Speaking blasphemous words against the temple and the law;
2. Saying that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple;
3. Saying that Jesus would change the custom Moses gave them.
When Stephen was brought to the court, the judges saw his face as that of an angel. This means that his face looked innocent.
THE DEFENCE OF STEPHEN
In his defense Stephen outlined the history of the Jews from the call of Abraham to the establishment of the monarch (Kingdom). The outline of the defense is as follows:
i. From the call of Abraham to the birth of the twelve patriarchs (the 12 sons of Jacob).
ii. The patriarchs’ stay in Egypt
iii. The birth and call of Moses
iv. The leadership of Moses
v. The place of worshipping God
vi. Indictment of the Jews.
HOW STEPHEN INDICTED THE JEWS
Stephen indicted the Jews of always resisting the Holy Spirit, calling them disobedient people whose hearts were bent on evil and whose ears would not hear the word of God. Stephen said they are and uncircumcised in heart and ears.
THE MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN
When the Judges heard the indictment, they were so angry that they all rushed to him and knock him down. But as he looked up, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. The judges expressed their total disgust, seized him, threw him out of the city and stoned. The murderers placed their garment at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen was praying that God should not hold that sin against them. After that he prayed for himself that the Lord Jesus should receive his spirit. Then he fell asleep, that is, he died. By his death, Stephen became the first Christian to die for Jesus Christ. This made him the first Christian martyr.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XDZFCi ... sp=sharing
SIGNIFICANCE OF STEPHEN’S MARTYRDOM TO THE EARLY CHURCH
i. Stephen’s death led to a great led to a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem;
ii. It led to the church evangelization outside Jerusalem;
iii. Saul led the persecution of the church;
iv. Christians became aware that persecution was a part of their heritage.
https://youtu.be/Ye6T7sGvAtA
EVALUATION
1. Who is Stephen?
2. Why was Stephen arrested?
3. Outline the false charges laid against Stephen.
4. List the outline of Stephen’s defense.
5. Who was the first Christian martyr?
ASSIGNMENT
Read about the early life of Paul.
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (Part B)
THE ARREST AND MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN
BIBLICAL REFERENCES Acts 6: 8 - 17; 7: 1 - 60
CONTENT:
(i.) The man Stephen
(ii.) The arrest of Stephen
(iii.) The defense of Stephen
(iv.) The martyrdom of Stephen
(v.) Significance of Stephen’s martyrdom to the early Church
THE MAN STEPHEN
Stephen was a Jew of Greek descent. He was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to help look after the poor and the needy in the Church. Stephen had the Holy Spirit in him, and soon he started preaching the gospel. The Holy Spirit gave Stephen the wisdom and understanding to successfully argue with the opponents of the Church. The success of Stephen got him into trouble with the enemies of the Church. They made false accusations against him saying that he spoke against Moses and God.
THE ARREST OF STEPHEN (ACTS 6: 8 – 15)
Stephen was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. Some worthless people were bribed to tell lies against him. Stephen was falsely charged with:
1. Speaking blasphemous words against the temple and the law;
2. Saying that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple;
3. Saying that Jesus would change the custom Moses gave them.
When Stephen was brought to the court, the judges saw his face as that of an angel. This means that his face looked innocent.
THE DEFENCE OF STEPHEN
In his defense Stephen outlined the history of the Jews from the call of Abraham to the establishment of the monarch (Kingdom). The outline of the defense is as follows:
i. From the call of Abraham to the birth of the twelve patriarchs (the 12 sons of Jacob).
ii. The patriarchs’ stay in Egypt
iii. The birth and call of Moses
iv. The leadership of Moses
v. The place of worshipping God
vi. Indictment of the Jews.
HOW STEPHEN INDICTED THE JEWS
Stephen indicted the Jews of always resisting the Holy Spirit, calling them disobedient people whose hearts were bent on evil and whose ears would not hear the word of God. Stephen said they are and uncircumcised in heart and ears.
THE MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN
When the Judges heard the indictment, they were so angry that they all rushed to him and knock him down. But as he looked up, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. The judges expressed their total disgust, seized him, threw him out of the city and stoned. The murderers placed their garment at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen was praying that God should not hold that sin against them. After that he prayed for himself that the Lord Jesus should receive his spirit. Then he fell asleep, that is, he died. By his death, Stephen became the first Christian to die for Jesus Christ. This made him the first Christian martyr.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XDZFCi ... sp=sharing
SIGNIFICANCE OF STEPHEN’S MARTYRDOM TO THE EARLY CHURCH
i. Stephen’s death led to a great led to a great persecution of the church in Jerusalem;
ii. It led to the church evangelization outside Jerusalem;
iii. Saul led the persecution of the church;
iv. Christians became aware that persecution was a part of their heritage.
https://youtu.be/Ye6T7sGvAtA
EVALUATION
1. Who is Stephen?
2. Why was Stephen arrested?
3. Outline the false charges laid against Stephen.
4. List the outline of Stephen’s defense.
5. Who was the first Christian martyr?
ASSIGNMENT
Read about the early life of Paul.
WEEK 7
LESSON 11
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (Part C)
CONTENT:
1. Persecution of the Church by Saul. Acts 8: 1- 3; 9: 1 - 6
2. Martyrdom of James. Acts 12: 1- 3
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH BY SAUL: ACTS 8: 1- 3; 9: 1 – 6
PAUL’S EARLY LIFE
Paul was also called Saul. Paul was his Roman name and Saul his Jewish name. At that time the Romans who ruled over Palestine as part of the Roman Empire, allowed foreigners to buy Roman citizens and enjoy certain rights. Paul was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia and the residence of the governor. Paul who had bought the Roman citizenship, was the ringleader that led the Jews to stone Stephen to death.
PAUL’S PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
Immediately Stephen died, there was mass persecution against members of the early Church in Jerusalem. Many of the Christians were killed. Paul was at the forefront of the persecution, killing or dragging many Christians from their homes to prison.
Some of those who survived the persecution fled to places in Judea and Samaria. However, the apostles remained in Jerusalem. After Paul had persecuted the Christians in Jerusalem, he heard that many of them had fled Jerusalem to places like Damascus, in far away Syria. Paul who wanted to stamp out Christianity was not happy with the success of Christianity in Damascus.
Therefore, he went to the high priest and obtained permission to go to Damascus so that he could arrest the Christians there and bring them for punishment. The high priest gave Paul a letter of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus.
https://www.slideshare.net/eroufail/st-paul-the-apostle
THE CONVERSION OF SAUL (ACTS 9: 1 -19)
Paul left for Damascus. As he got near to the city of Damascus in the afternoon, something strange happened to him that was to change his entire life for the better. Jesus appeared to him in a form of dazzling light which shown around him. This made him to fall down. He heard a voice, which called his name and asked him why he was persecuting him. When he asked the voice whom he was, the voice said that he was Jesus whom Paul was persecuting, adding that he should go into the city, where he would be told what told what to do next.
His companions stood speechless with surprise because they heard the voice but did not see any body. When Paul rose up, he found that he was totally blind. His companions then led him by hand into Damascus where he stayed for three days without sight.
The Lord appeared to one of the Christians in Damascus called Ananias to go to a street called Straight, and ask for the house of a man called Judas. There he will find a man of Tarsus named Saul; praying.
So, Ananias went to the house of Judas and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and prayed for him. Immediately Saul, something like scales fell from his eyes and Saul regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized, and he took food and he was strengthened.
Immediately Saul was converted to Christianity, he started preaching to the Jews in Damascus about Jesus Christ that He is the Son of God.
Conversion of Paul
LESSON 12
THE MARTYRDOM OF JAMES ACTS 12: 1 – 3
James the apostle was the brother of John, the sons of Zebedee. He was among the first four disciples to be called by Jesus. He was very active in the early Church. The Jews did not like the progress that James was making towards the growth of the Church. They hated him and wanted to kill him. The Romans had made Herod Agrippa 1, a nephew of Herod Antipas, the king of the Jews. But the Jews did not like Agrippa’s rule. They hate him. In order to please the Jews and make them like him, Agrippa arrested James when he got to know that the Jews hated the apostle. King Herod killed James; and the Jews were very pleased that King Herod had killed their enemy. When Herod saw that his action pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter. However, God delivered Peter from his hand.
https://youtu.be/u1MIO4mButc
OPPOSITION IN THE CHURCH TODAY
Christians have been opposed in the Church for:
• Standing up for Christ by telling the truth.
• Exposing evil practices in the Church such as the pastor sleeping or going to bed with female members of the Church.
• Criticizing the emphasis on materialism at the expense of the full gospel.
• Preaching prosperity without responsibility.
• Calling on the leadership of the Church to live exemplary lives.
OPPOSITION IN THE COMMUNITY
Christians have been opposed in the community for:
• Exposing fraud, bribery and corruption in their places of work.
• Condemning examination malpractices.
• Preaching against sexual immorality.
• Condemning tribalism, nepotism and favouritism.
• Condemning religious discrimination.
RELIGIOUS AND MORAL LESSONS
You must learn to pray to God through Jesus to give you spiritual courage to defend your faith in spite of all opposition.
You must learn to pray to Jesus to give you spiritual love to pray for enemies, like Stephen did.
You must learn not to condemn what you do not understand, but rather seek to understand it. Paul persecuted the Christians because he did not understand the Gospel Message.
You must learn to learn to listen to the voice of the Lord when he calls you from your sinful ways to change for the better.
https://youtu.be/uPlez-rwhKY
EVALUATION
1. Who supervised the stoning of Stephen to death?
2. Why did Saul obtain permission from Herod to do?
3. Saul was converted on his way to …………….
4. Why did Herod Agrippa kill James?
TOPIC: OPPOSITION TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (Part C)
CONTENT:
1. Persecution of the Church by Saul. Acts 8: 1- 3; 9: 1 - 6
2. Martyrdom of James. Acts 12: 1- 3
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH BY SAUL: ACTS 8: 1- 3; 9: 1 – 6
PAUL’S EARLY LIFE
Paul was also called Saul. Paul was his Roman name and Saul his Jewish name. At that time the Romans who ruled over Palestine as part of the Roman Empire, allowed foreigners to buy Roman citizens and enjoy certain rights. Paul was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia and the residence of the governor. Paul who had bought the Roman citizenship, was the ringleader that led the Jews to stone Stephen to death.
PAUL’S PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
Immediately Stephen died, there was mass persecution against members of the early Church in Jerusalem. Many of the Christians were killed. Paul was at the forefront of the persecution, killing or dragging many Christians from their homes to prison.
Some of those who survived the persecution fled to places in Judea and Samaria. However, the apostles remained in Jerusalem. After Paul had persecuted the Christians in Jerusalem, he heard that many of them had fled Jerusalem to places like Damascus, in far away Syria. Paul who wanted to stamp out Christianity was not happy with the success of Christianity in Damascus.
Therefore, he went to the high priest and obtained permission to go to Damascus so that he could arrest the Christians there and bring them for punishment. The high priest gave Paul a letter of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus.
https://www.slideshare.net/eroufail/st-paul-the-apostle
THE CONVERSION OF SAUL (ACTS 9: 1 -19)
Paul left for Damascus. As he got near to the city of Damascus in the afternoon, something strange happened to him that was to change his entire life for the better. Jesus appeared to him in a form of dazzling light which shown around him. This made him to fall down. He heard a voice, which called his name and asked him why he was persecuting him. When he asked the voice whom he was, the voice said that he was Jesus whom Paul was persecuting, adding that he should go into the city, where he would be told what told what to do next.
His companions stood speechless with surprise because they heard the voice but did not see any body. When Paul rose up, he found that he was totally blind. His companions then led him by hand into Damascus where he stayed for three days without sight.
The Lord appeared to one of the Christians in Damascus called Ananias to go to a street called Straight, and ask for the house of a man called Judas. There he will find a man of Tarsus named Saul; praying.
So, Ananias went to the house of Judas and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and prayed for him. Immediately Saul, something like scales fell from his eyes and Saul regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized, and he took food and he was strengthened.
Immediately Saul was converted to Christianity, he started preaching to the Jews in Damascus about Jesus Christ that He is the Son of God.
Conversion of Paul
LESSON 12
THE MARTYRDOM OF JAMES ACTS 12: 1 – 3
James the apostle was the brother of John, the sons of Zebedee. He was among the first four disciples to be called by Jesus. He was very active in the early Church. The Jews did not like the progress that James was making towards the growth of the Church. They hated him and wanted to kill him. The Romans had made Herod Agrippa 1, a nephew of Herod Antipas, the king of the Jews. But the Jews did not like Agrippa’s rule. They hate him. In order to please the Jews and make them like him, Agrippa arrested James when he got to know that the Jews hated the apostle. King Herod killed James; and the Jews were very pleased that King Herod had killed their enemy. When Herod saw that his action pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter. However, God delivered Peter from his hand.
https://youtu.be/u1MIO4mButc
OPPOSITION IN THE CHURCH TODAY
Christians have been opposed in the Church for:
• Standing up for Christ by telling the truth.
• Exposing evil practices in the Church such as the pastor sleeping or going to bed with female members of the Church.
• Criticizing the emphasis on materialism at the expense of the full gospel.
• Preaching prosperity without responsibility.
• Calling on the leadership of the Church to live exemplary lives.
OPPOSITION IN THE COMMUNITY
Christians have been opposed in the community for:
• Exposing fraud, bribery and corruption in their places of work.
• Condemning examination malpractices.
• Preaching against sexual immorality.
• Condemning tribalism, nepotism and favouritism.
• Condemning religious discrimination.
RELIGIOUS AND MORAL LESSONS
You must learn to pray to God through Jesus to give you spiritual courage to defend your faith in spite of all opposition.
You must learn to pray to Jesus to give you spiritual love to pray for enemies, like Stephen did.
You must learn not to condemn what you do not understand, but rather seek to understand it. Paul persecuted the Christians because he did not understand the Gospel Message.
You must learn to learn to listen to the voice of the Lord when he calls you from your sinful ways to change for the better.
https://youtu.be/uPlez-rwhKY
EVALUATION
1. Who supervised the stoning of Stephen to death?
2. Why did Saul obtain permission from Herod to do?
3. Saul was converted on his way to …………….
4. Why did Herod Agrippa kill James?