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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL

REVISED SYLLABUS 2019

NEW TESTAMENT

CONTENTS

S.
Syllabus Page Number
No.
1. Introduction 2

2. The Forerunner 6

3. Life of Jesus Christ 9

4. Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ 19

5. Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ 26

6. Holy Spirit 33

7. Acts of the Apostles 36

8. Paul the Apostle 39

9. Major Themes in the Epistles 45

10. The Book of Revelation 49

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SEMESTER I

UNIT I: Introduction to the New Testament: (2 Hours)

Three types of books-Biographical, Epistolary and Apocalyptic – Names of God

UNIT II: The Forerunner: (1Hour)

The life and teachings of John the Baptist – The Baptism of Jesus

UNIT III: Life of Jesus Christ: (3 Hours)

Birth of Christ – Prophecies related to the Birth of Christ – Childhood days – Suffering
and Death – Resurrection & Ascension

UNIT IV: Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ: (2 Hours)

Preparation for Ministry – Miracles and Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ

UNIT V: Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ (4 Hours)

Teaching through Parables – Teachings on Prayer – Teaching about Women

SEMESTER II

UNIT VI: Holy Spirit (2 Hours)

Day of Pentecost – Functions of the Holy Spirit – Gifts & Fruit of the Spirit

UNIT VII: Acts of the Apostles (2 Hours)

Origin and Development o the church – Characteristics of Early Church – Jerusalem
Council

UNIT VIII: Paul the Apostle (3 Hours)

Life of Paul – Conversion – Missionary Journey

UNIT IX: Major Themes in the Epistles (3 Hours)

Principles of victorious Christian living (I & II Timothy) – Faith & Deeds ( Hebrews&
James), - Superiority of Jesus Christ (Hebrews) (This topic has been deleted)

UNIT X: The Book of Revelation: (2Hours)

Guidelines to the study – Major themes of the Book of Revelation - Lessons for the
contemporary church from the message to the seven churches
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UNIT I - INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament is a collection of 27early Christian writings. New Testament is the
variant translation of ‘New Covenant’. The background of the concept is Jeremiah31:31-
34. God intends to make once again a covenant, but this will not be like the previous
ones. The early Christians precisely echoed the language and ideas of Jeremiah when
they began to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. They understood Jesus’ death and
resurrection in the context of this new covenant. In Jesus Christ God has renewed His
covenant with new dimensions, it is no more restricted to Israel but to all people.

The Text and Canon of the New Testament:

Orthodox Christians everywhere today take it for granted that Holy Scripture consists of
two parts or testaments, consisting of 66 books. While purchasing a new Bible, some
Bibles, for sure include the Old Testament Apocrypha which is indicated in the outside
cover. The New Testament however is never added to, and so the percentage of
Christians who have any acquaintance with New Testament Apocryphal books is
negligible. The New Testament Apocrypha consists mainly of religious fiction and the
majority of such works were penned under false names.

Division of the New Testament:

We possess then a New Testament of 27 books which in ordinary English Bible always
appear in the same order. This is the Canon of the New Testament. The 27 Books can be
categorized into three types. They are

1. Biographical/Historical: In this there are five books. Four Gospels (Mathew,

Mark, Luke and John) and the Acts of the Apostles.

2. Epistolary: All the epistles are under this category. 13 Pauline letters, Romans 2
letters to Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 letters to
Thessalonians, 2 letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon. These thirteen letters
were written by Paul the apostle. One letter for the Hebrews The author of
Hebrews is unknown. There are seven General or Catholic letters, Letter of
James, 2 letters by Peter, three letters by John and one by Jude.
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3. Apocalyptic: Apocalyptic means the revelation of the hidden things. In this we

have only one book that is the revelation of the Second coming of Jesus Christ i.e.
Book of Revelation.

The Apostles themselves had no such written rule of faith and conduct. Their Bible, and
that of the Jews to this day, consisted of the Old Testament; This was the Canon of the
Holy Writ accepted by Jesus Himself and referred to simply as ‘The Scriptures’,
throughout the New Testament writings. It was not until the year A.D. 393 that a church
council first listed the 27 New Testament Books now universally recognized. There was
a period of about 350 years during which the New Testament Canon was in process of
being formed.

The Greek word kannon, as used by the early church fathers had a number of meanings
and the most relevant of meanings were List and Rule. The New Testament Canon
simply refers to the list of books contained in the New Testament, the books contained in
this list are ‘canonical’ and all others are ‘uncanonical’. The canonical books are also
those which we find authoritative, presenting the ‘rule’ of faith and conduct.

The great majority of New Testament Books were penned between AD 50 and AD 100.
The writers were apostles and their associates and were men specially fitted and
commissioned to convey to mankind the Word of God as revealed in the Acts and the
teaching of the Lord Jesus. Another category of Christian literature sprang up in the
second century and to it belongs the New Testament Apocrypha. These books were not
simply essays in fiction , some were deliberately promulgated in the endeavor to support
heretical teachings. Such works caused real danger to simple Christians. Therefore
Church leaders had the twin responsibility to ensure that nothing contrary to Gods
revealed will should be read or taught in the churches and at the same time they must take
care not to exclude any writings that bore the impress of divine inspiration. The amount
of unanimity churchmen exhibited over the next century or two was remarkable
The Canon of the New Testament as we know it today, was defined not by church
council, nor by any decree but by the consensus of Christian opinion everywhere. In this
we may well see the hand of God. He who inspired the Biblical writers in the first place,
guided those responsible for the safe keeping and transmission as well. Another
important reason for the unanimity was that to Christians everywhere, the New Testament
books plainly exhibited divine authority.

Order of the New Testament:

The New Testament writings are not arranged in the order of their composition. The
order is roughly chronological in so far as the subject matter is concerned. The life of
Jesus (Gospels) precedes the history of the early Church (Acts), the letters reflect the life
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of he early Christians and Revelation closes with the grand vision of the ultimate future,
paradise regained. Within this overall arrangement, the gospels come first. The Pauline
letters follow Acts and are arranged according to the principle that the letters to the seven
churches are separated from those to the three individuals. Then comes the general letters
and the Revelation.

The Language of the New Testament:

The New Testament books were all written in Greek, not classical Greek but Hellenistic
Greek. Although Jesus and his earliest followers probably spoke Aramaic in their present
form in the Gospels even the words of Jesus are given in a Greek Form.

Names of God in the New Testament:

Several names were used by the New Testament authors for God. These names reflect
the fact that the New Testament was written in a Greek speaking culture primarily on the
basis of the tradition and concepts inherited from the Old Testament. The following are
the names used by the New Testament authors for God.

1. God - (Theos) Theos was used as a general word for God. This is the most
commonly used term used 1318 times in the new Testament. This term refers to
the God revealed in the history of Israel and in the person o Jesus.

2. Lord – (kyrios) Kyrios was a more personal name designating God as the personal
Lord of all. It is used for God, about 100 times in the New Testament. 719
occurrences of kyrios in the New Testament refer to Jesus.

3. Father – (Abba) Jesus Christ used the intimate family word in his native Aramaic
language Abba which means Father. Those who acknowledge God as Father
acknowledge God as the one to whom absolute obedience is due.

4. The God of the Fathers -- This significant Old Testament title for God, as well as
the more particular phrase of the same meaning, ‘The God of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob’ is found in the New Testament two times in the Gospels (Mk 12:26 & Mt.
22:32) and in the book of Acts. It emphasizes the continuity of Israel and the
Church’s faith, that the God of present experience is the same as the God revealed
to the ancient patriarchs.

5. The Almighty – (Pantokrator, El Shaddai) This is the name God gives to himself
in his covenant relationship with Abraham. This term is found in II Cor.6:18 and
nine times in Revelation.
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6. Alpha & Omega: These are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet and
thus represent God as the beginning and the end, the source and goal of all
creation and thus the only God. Only the author of Revelation uses this name for
God (Rev.1:8, 21:6). He also applies it explicitly to Jesus Christ (Rev.22:13).

7. The Holy One: This term was explicitly used for God only once in the New
Testament (Rev.16:5). It is used for Jesus in (Mk.1:24, Lk. 4:34 and Jn.6:69)

8. General Terms- Among the more common general designations used in the Old
Testament that are adopted in significant ways by the New Testament authors are
King, Judge and Savior, which are applied more frequently to Jesus Christ than to
God.

***Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is
above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on
earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

References:

 Life of Christ – Fulton Sheen

 New International Bible Commentary – FF Bruce

 Chapter 1 of previous CEC New Testament notes

 http://www.intervarsity.org/studentsoul/item/names-of-god

 http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-definition-god-titles.htm
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UNIT II : THE FORE RUNNER

THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Introduction: John the Baptist is an important figure in each of the four Gospels of New
Testament. The four gospels prepare their narrative of the ministry of Jesus with a brief
summary of the ministry of John the Baptist. He is identified with the beginning of Jesus
Ministry and understood as the forerunner to Jesus the messiah. (Mt 3: 1-12; Mk 1: 1-8;
Lk 3:1-20; Jn 1:19-34) Before he began his ministry he spent the years in the Wilderness.
There were no prophets in Israel for four hundred years and people were anxious to hear
a prophet. At that time John began his ministry of preparing the way for the Messiah.

Life Style & Characteristics of John the Baptist: (Lk3: 1-20)

John was living in solitude in the desert, clothed in camel’s hair with a leather girdle
about his loins. His food consisted of locusts and wild honey. His costume was probably
meant to resemble that of Elijah in whose spirit John was to go before Christ.(Mt
17:12,13). His birth was foretold by prophet Isaiah and Malachi. (Is.40:3-5& Malachi
4:5-6) In all countries, when the head of a government wishes to visit another
government, he sends messengers before him. So John the Baptist was sent to prepare
the way of Christ, to announce the conditions of his reign and government, John
disclaimed that he was the Messiah and said that he was only a voice crying in the
wilderness (Jn. 1:23) Even before he met the Messiah, he announced the superiority of
Christ …one mightier than I… (Mk.1:7&8) John considered himself unworthy to untie
the shoes of Our Lord. The greatness of John consisted in the fact that to him was given
the privilege of running before the chariot of the King and saying “Christ has come”.
John the Baptist had the courage to face challenges. He was bold enough to point out the
mistakes of the leaders of his time. He was willing to pay the price for
that.(Lk.3:19&20). (Lk. 7: 18-29) While in prison John clarifies his doubt on the
Messiahship of Jesus. Jesus after giving an answer to The disciples John sent, he testifies
about John (vs.28) …among those born of women there is no one greater than John

Teaching of John the Baptist:

John did not preach in the synagogue. He lived and preached in the wilderness. The
heart of his message to soldiers, public officials, farmers and anyone else who would
listen was ‘Repent’. This first note of warning in the New Testament tells all men to
change. The Sadducees must lay aside their worldliness, the Pharisees their hypocrisy
and self righteousness. With the country under a Roman yoke, it would have been a more
certain route to popularity for John to promise that the one who was to come , the one
whom he announced, would be a political liberator. That would have been the way of
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men; but instead of a call to arms, John gave a call to reparation for sin, and those who
claim descent from Abraham should not glory in it, because if God willed , he could raise
up children of Abraham from the very stones (Lk.3:7-9)

In (Lk.3:10-14) John gave some sort of ethical teaching. To the multitudes he said,
‘share with the needy brethren ‘, to the tax collectors, ‘be honest in your exactions’, to the
soldiers, ‘don’t bully to blackmail’. John used symbols as well as words. The chief
symbol of the washing away of sin was a cleansing by water. John had been baptizing in
the Jordan, as a token of repentance, but he knew that his baptism did not regenerate or
quicken the dead soul. That is why he made a contrast between his baptism and the
baptism that later on Christ himself would confer, speaking of the latter he said ‘He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’ (Mt. 3:12)

Death of John the Baptist:

(Mk.6:14-28) John was beheaded in prison and his head was brought in a platter and
presented to a girl who gave it to her mother who was Herodias, King Herod’s brother
Philip’s wife.

***’He must become greater; I must become less.’ John 3:30

Baptism of Jesus Christ: (Mt. 3:13-17, Mk.1:9-12, Lk.3:21&22,Jn.1:29-34)

The day on which John and Jesus met in the Jordan, there awakened in John the deepest
and most reverent humility. John felt the need of a Redeemer, ;but when Our Lord asked
him to baptize Him, John was reluctant to do so. (Mt.3:14) How could I baptize one who
had no sin? His refusal to baptize Jesus was recognition of His sinlessness. However
Jesus replied (Mt.3:15) Let it be so for the present; we do well to conform in this way
with all that God requires.

The Object of His baptism was the same as the object of His birth i.e. To identify Himself
with sinful humanity. Isaiah had foretold that He would be numbered with the
transgressors. Christ was not doing this as a private person but as a representative of
sinful humanity, though himself without sin. Every Israelite who came to John made a
confession of his sins. However Our Blessed Lord did not make any such confession. He
had no sin to repent of and no sin to be washed away. Yet he was identifying Himself
with sinners.

When he went down into the river Jordan to be baptized He made himself one with
sinners. At the age of twelve in the temple he said ‘He must be about His Fathers
business’, now He was revealing what His Father’s business was – the salvation of
mankind. In the temple at the age of twelve His origin was emphasized; now in the
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Jordan, it was the nature of mission that is emphasized. From now on, He was to be
merged with the sinful population. He was committed henceforth to live among and
minister unto the victims of sin, to be betrayed into the hands of sinners and to be accused
of even though he knew no sin.

When Jesus came out of the water, He saw a vision and heard a voice. He saw the
heavens open and the Spirit o God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a
voice from heaven said ‘This is my son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. To
Jesus Baptism meant an extraordinary spiritual experience. The descent of the Spirit
means that from that time onwards Jesus knew Himself to be ‘the Anointed of the Spirit,
to be equipped with divine power. The heavenly voice is in the language of scripture.
‘Thou art my Son’ is the coronation formula of the Messianic King of Israel (Ps. 2:7) and
‘with thee I am well pleased’ is the ordination formula of Isaiah’s Servant of the Lord (Is.
42:1) .

*** In the waters of the Jordan Christ identified with sinners. The descending of the spirit
in the form of a dove crowned Him and dedicated Him to sacrifice, and the Voice attested
that His sacrifice would be pleasing to the Eternal Father.

References:

 The Life of Christ – Fulton J Sheen

 New Testament previous CEC Notes

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UNIT III - LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

Birth of Christ

Between Malachi and Matthew are about four hundred ‘Silent Years’, during which God
remained silent as far as fresh revelations were concerned. The broad outline of these
years is given in Daniel Chapter 11. During the silent years, God had not been
interactive. Indeed these 400 years were years of intensive preparation of the world for
the coming of his son. The Jews who dispersed had done much to spread ahead the basic
ideas on which Gospel was to be so firmly founded. The Jewish Sabbath, synagogue and
scriptures became well known. The Jewish Messianic hope was kept alive so that when
the Apostles began to spread the news that the Christ had come, many were ready to
believe. So when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a
woman to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons. (Gal.4: 4, 5)

The Annunciation: (LK.1:26-38) God sent Angel Gabriel to Mary who was engaged to
be married to Joseph with the message of Jesus Birth. Mary was deeply troubled as she
was a virgin. When the angel told her not to be afraid and assured her that nothing is
impossible with God she submitted by saying ‘I am the Lords servant’. Fall from state of
innocence and happiness was according to Genesis through a woman, ad so it is fitting for
God to enable a woman to play a great role in its restoration.

Travel to Bethlehem: (Lk. 2:1-7) Caesar Augustus ordered for a census of the world,
which was subject to the Roman rule. Citizens were to register in the towns of their
family origins. So by the edict, Joseph, the builder, an obscure descendant of the great
King David set out with his wife Mary to register in Bethlehem the city of David. Unable
to find room in the inn, Joseph and Mary went at last for shelter in the stable. In the
filthiest place in the world, a stable Mary gave birth to her first born. She wrapped him in
swaddling cloth and placed him in a manger.

The Shepherds and the Angels: The Angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who
were out in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night and gave them the good
news of great joy – the birth of the Messiah. The Shepherds hurried and worshipped the
child and spread word concerning the child.

Circumcision: (Lk. 2:21) On the eight day it was time to circumcise the babe and he was
given the name Jesus. Circumcision was the symbol of the covenant between God and
Abraham and his seed..Circumcision presumed that the person circumcised was a sinner.
Jesus was now taking the sinners place. Circumcision in the Old Testament was a
prefiguring of Baptism in the New Testament. Both symbolize a renunciation of the flesh
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with its sins. In the circumcision of the divine child there was a dim suggestion and hint
of Calvary, in the precocious shedding of blood.

Presentation at the Temple: (Lk. 2:22-39) Forty days after his birth, which was the
appointed time for a male child according to the Law, Jesus was brought to the temple.
The traditional offerings for purification were a lamb and a turtledove if the parents were
rich, and two doves or two pigeons if they were poor. Jesus was presented at the temple
and the offering was a pair of doves.(Vs. 24) We find here an instance of how God in the
form of man shared the poverty of mankind. At the temple was a devout and righteous
man Simeon who was waiting for the consolation of Israel. When Simeon saw Jesus in
the temple, he took Him in his arms and praised God for the Salvation which God had
prepared for all people. He also prophesied about the death on the cross when he said to
Mary a sword will pierce your soul.(Vs.35). There was also Anna the prophetess who
gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the
Messiah. (Vs. 38)

Magi and the slaughter of the innocents: (Mt.2:1-18) Even as Simeon foretold that the
Divine Babe would be a light to the gentiles, the magi, scientist of the east, were already
on the march. It was a star that led them. The star disappeared during the interrogation of
Herod, but reappeared and finally stood over the place where the child was born. The
Magi worshiped him and gave him gifts. Gold to honor His Kingship, Frankincense to
honor his Divinity and Myrrh to honor His Humanity which was destined for death. The
crib and the cross are related for there is myrrh at both. When the Magi inquired King
Herod of the babe born King of the Jews, he learnt from the chief priests and learned
men that he was born at Bethlehem. Herod pretended he wanted to worship the babe and
so requested the Magi to come back and report to him about the babe born to be King.
Being warned by an Angel the Magi returned to their country by another route. When
Herod realized that he had been cheated by the Magi, he gave orders to kill all the boys in
Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under in accordance with the time
he had learned from the Magi.

Flight to Egypt & Return to Nazareth: (Mt. 2:19-23) Joseph warned by an Angel in
a dream took the Child and Mary and went to Egypt. Egypt was a temporary abode of the
child Jesus. After the slaughter of the Innocents and the death of the Herod the Great, an
angel charted the course of Joseph, biding him to return to Galilee. He came and settled
there in Nazareth in fulfillment of what was said by the prophets ‘He shall be a Nazarene’
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Prophecy of Birth of Christ & its Fulfillment

Prophecy Fulfillment Event

Isaiah 7:14, Genesis 3:14-15 Lk. 1:27 Virgin Birth

Micah 5:1-2 Lk. 2:4-7 Born in Bethlehem

Genesis 49:10 Mt. 1:2&3 Born in the Tribe of Judah

Jeremiah 23:5, Isaiah 9:6-7 Mt.1:6 lineage of David.

Jeremiah 31:15 Mt 2:16-18 Killing of innocent children

Hosea 11:1 Mt.2:13 Will come out of Egypt

A Messenger to prepare he way for
Isaiah 40:3-5 Mt 3:1-3
the Messiah
Will be from Gallilee specifically
Isaiah 9:1-2 Mt 2:22-23
Nazareth
Num. 24:27 Mt. 2:2 Appearance of a Star

Is. 60:6,9 Mt.2:11 Arrival of Magi with costly gifts

*** The crib and the cross are related for there is myrrh at both. A babe destined to die.

Child Hood Days:

The Boy Jesus at the Temple & Obedience: (Lk. 2:41-51) According to the custom
when Jesus was 12 years old he was taken to the temple at Jerusalem. After the feast of
the Passover, Mary and Joseph returned unaware that Jesus had stayed back at Jerusalem,
thinking that he was with his relatives and friends. After a days journey they found Jesus
missing and having searched among relatives and friends returned to Jerusalem. After
three days they found him in the temple courts (a Jewish school) , sitting among the
teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. On seeing Jesus, Mary out of
anxiety asked, ’Son why did you treat us like this?’ to which Jesus replied”…don’t you
know I had to be in my fathers house?”. The answer of Jesus was making a distinction
between the one whom He honored as a father on earth and the Eternal Father. This
answer affirmed a parting of the ways, yet it did not diminish the filial duty that He owed
to Mary and Joseph for Vs. 51 says that he immediately subject to them again.

Growing in Nazareth: (Lk.2:51&52) The only acts of Christ’s childhood which are
recorded are acts of obedience. For the next 18 years, after his visit to the temple, He
played the role of a village carpenter, a maker in wood. Jesus grew in wisdom (mental
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dimension) and stature (Physical dimension) and in favor with God (spiritual dimension)
and men (social dimension). We see that his growth was wholesome encompassing the
body, mind, soul and spirit.

Suffering & Death of Jesus Christ

The Triumphal Entry: (Mt.21:1-11, Lk.19:28-44, Jn.12:12-19) It was the month of

Nisan. The book of Exodus ordered that in this month the Paschal Lamb was to be
selected and four days later was to be taken to the place where it was to be sacrificed. His
last Sabbath, the Lord spent in Bethany with Lazarus and his sisters. News spread that
Our Lord was coming into Jerusalem. In preparation for His entrance, He sent two of
His disciples into the village, where they were told they would find a colt tethered, on
which no man had ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Him. If anyone asks why
you are untying it, say, Our Master needs it. (LK. 10:31). This combination of Divinity
and dependence of possession and poverty was the consequence of the Word becoming
flesh. Truly, He who was rich became poor for our sakes, that we might be rich. As He
approached the city a great multitude came to meet Him shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is
he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel.’(Jn.12:13. Our Lord
who rejected false enthusiasm of the people, fled the spotlight of publicity in several
previous occasions, now did not dampen their enthusiasm. Because His ‘Hour’ had
come. It was time now for Him to make the last public affirmation of His claims.
Matthew explicitly states that the solemn procession was to fulfill the prophecy made by
Zechariah years before (Zech 9:9). If Jesus had entered into the city with regal pomp in
the manner of conquerors, He would have given occasion to believe that He was a
political Messiah. But the circumstance He chose validated His claim that His Kingdom
was not of this world. The acclaim of the people was another acknowledgement of His
Divinity. Many took off their garments and spread them before Him, others cut down
boughs from the olive trees and palm branches and strewed them on the way. They
shouted Hosanna to the Son of David, king of Israel.

The Last Supper: (Mt.26:17-30, Mk.14:43-51, Lk. 22:7-38) A covenant or testament is

an agreement and in Scripture it means one between God and man. At the last supper,
Our Lord would speak of the new Covenant which is best understood in relation to the
Old. The covenant which God made with Israel as a nation was done through Moses as
the mediator and sealed with blood. The new covenant or testament which would include
all nations, was mediated through the Lord Jesus Christ and ratified by His precious
Blood. With less than 24 hours for Him to become the true Paschal Lamb, He gathered
His twelve Apostles and in one sublime act He interpreted the meaning of His death and
instituted for His Apostles and posterity a Memorial action of His redemption. ‘This is
my body which is given for you (Lk.22:19). This is my blood, the blood of the covenant,
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shed for many for the forgiveness of sins’ (Mt.26:28).Do this in remembrance of
me.(Lk.22:19) .

Garden of Gethsemane: (Mt. 26:36-46, Mk. 14:32-42, Lk.22:39-46) Eden and

Gethsemane were the two gardens around which revolved the fate of humanity. In Eden,
Adam sinned; in Gethsemane, Christ took humanity’s sin upon Himself. In Eden, Adam
hid himself from God; in Gethsemane, Christ interceded with His Father; in Eden, God
sought out Adam in his sin of rebellion; in Gethsemane, the New Adam sought out the
Father and submitted to him. In Eden, a sword was drawn to prevent entrance into the
garden and in Gethsemane, the sword would be sheathed. The garden was called
Gethsemane because of the presence of a press which crushed olives. It was not the first
time Our Lord had been in that garden, He often met there with his disciples and often
spent the night there. (Jn.18:3 & Lk.21:37). He took only three of his close disciples into
the garden. (Mt.26:36-38). Beginning to grow dismayed and distressed he asked the
three to stay awake and pray. Isaiah had foretold that there would be laid upon Him the
iniquity of us all. In fulfillment of that prophecy He tasted death for every man, bearing
guilt as if it were His own. Two elements were inseparably bound together – sin bearing
and sinless obedience. Falling on his face, he now prayed to His Heavenly Father: ‘My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by, yet not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ (Mt.
26:39). His two natures, the Divine and the human were both involved in this prayer. He
and the Father were one; It was not ‘Our Father,’ but ‘My Father’, Unbroken was the
consciousness of His Fathers love. On the other hand, His human nature recoiled from
death as a penalty for sin. The natural shrinking of the human soul from the punishment
which sin deserves was overborne by Divine submission to the Father’s will. An Angel
from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. His anguish was such that his sweat
was like drops of blood falling to the ground. During these agonizing moments he
returned to find his disciples sleeping and the third time he woke them and told them that
his time had come when he would fall into the hands of evil men.

*** Why Bread and wine was used in the Memorial? No two substances in nature have
to suffer more to become what they are, than bread and wine. Wheat has to pass through
the rigors of winter, be ground beneath the Calvary of a mill and then subjected to
purging fire before it can become bread. Grapes in their turn must be subjected to the
Gethsemane of a wine press and have their life crushed from them to become wine. Thus
they do symbolize the Passion and Suffering of Christ and the condition of Salvation, for
Our Lord said unless we die to ourselves we cannot live in Him.

Betrayal by Judas & Peter’s Denial: (Mt. 26: 47-50, Mk.14:43-47, Lk22:47,48,
Jn.18:1-9) & (Mt.26:69-75, Mk.14:66-72, Lk. 22:54-62, Jn. 18:15-18&25-27) Judas led a
band of officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, carrying lanterns, torches and
 15

weapons. Judas had given to the Roman soldiers a sign of a kiss by which they would
know our Lord. Judas had been with the Lord in that garden many a times to pray so he
knew where to find him. After betraying Jesus for just 30 pieces of silver, Judas was
filled with remorse for he had betrayed innocent blood. He tried to return his wages to
the chief priests but was refused. So he threw the silver coins into the temple and went
and hanged himself.

When Our Lord was arrested, Peter followed Him afar off; with him was John. They both
went to the house of Annas and Caiphas where Our Lord was being tried. Peter entered
the courtyard and began to warm himself by the fire. A maiden who had let him in said
to him you were there too with Jesus the Galilean. Peter denied once. Peter began to feel
uncomfortable and moved a little distance toward the porch. Here again the maid came to
him affirming that He had been with Jesus of Nazareth. To this Peter replied I do not
know the man. More time passed and this time his speech gave him away and one of the
bystanders said surely you are another of them. Now Peter begins to blasphemy and
swear that he did not know him. At that moment the cock crew and Jesus turned to look
at Peter. Peter was now filled with repentance that he went outside and wept bitterly.
Repentance is not concerned with consequences; but remorse is inspired principally by
fear of consequences. Judas had a sad end but Peter later was referred to as the Rock
upon which the Church will be built.

Trial & Crucifixion: (Mt.26:47 to 27:56) Jesus was first led away to Annas, who was
the father- in- law of Caiphas, the high priest of that year. In as much as both were
representatives of religious power, the first trial was on the grounds of religion. From
Annas Christ was led to Caiphas, who said ‘It would be to their interest if one man died
for the whole people (Jn. 18:14). Since Caiphas had already determined the Our Lord
should die, he had no intention of learning anything; rather he sought to find some excuse
for the planned injustice by questioning Him and bringing in false witnesses. When
Jesus finally responded ‘I am’ to the question Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?
charge of blasphemy was raised against him and the religious trial was over.

Jesus was now led before the superior court of Pilate, and the charge filed was
blasphemy. As this was a purely religious charge, people knew that Pilate would not be
interested in it. So they brought up another charge that He said He was the king. When
Pilate asked Jesus Are you king of the Jews? Jesus replied that My kingdom does not
belong to this world (Jn.18:36). Pilate’s worry about a challenge to Roman power was
for a moment put at ease. Pilate now began to attempt to rescue Christ and declared I find
no case against him (Jn. 18:38). However when Pilate heard that Jesus belonged to
Galilee, he saw an escape from judging Christ and sent him to Herod. Herod had heard a
lot about Jesus and was curious to see him and was hoping to see some miracle performed
 16

by him. (lk.23:8). He asked the Lord many questions to which Jesus gave no reply.
Irritated by the silence Herod and his troops treated him with contempt and ridicule and
sent him back to Pilate dressed in a gorgeous robe (Lk. 23:11). Pilate and Herod who had
been long time enemies became friends. Back in Pilates court, Pilate declared that he had
nothing to deserve death. He tried to release Jesus and gave the option to the Jews to
choose the prisoner they wanted to be released during the feast Jesus or Barabbas. People
shouted Barabbas and Pilate could not prevail. Wanting to please the crowd he declared
to release Barabbas and asked the People to take Jesus and crucify him. Even as Pilate
was making one last attempt to release Jesus, he asked him where have you come from
for which Jesus remained silent. Now he received a message from his wife Claudia, have
nothing to do with that innocent man (Mt.27:19). Pilate finally handed Jesus over to the
crowd and said that he did not have anything to do with the death of this innocent man,
So he washed his hands off the guilt. The crowd responded by saying let His blood be on
us and our children (Mt.27:16) and they took Him, stripped him of the purple robe and
dressed him in his own clothes and laid on his head a crown of thorns.

He was then taken through the streets, an ultimate sin offering driven like the scapegoat
outside the city. His enemies compelled a stranger, Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry
His cross. Along the procession route were many women. Jesus asks them not to weep
for Him but to weep for themselves for if these things are done when the wood is green,
what will happen when it is dry? (Lk.23:28-31) When the procession reached the place
called Golgotha, or the ‘Place of the Skull’, He was nailed on to a cross between two
criminals. He was indeed numbered with the transgressors. (Is.53:12). The inscription of
the cross written by Pilate read ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. Jesus uttered
Seven words from the cross and finally entrusted his spirit to His Heavenly Father. In
fulfillment of the Scripture before they came to break His bones in the evening, he was
already dead. When a soldier pierced His side water and blood gushed out.
 17

SEVEN WORDS OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS

1. Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing. Lk.23:14

Jesus remember me when you come to your throne. I tell you this today you shall
2.
be with me in Paradise. Lk.23:42
Woman this is thy son. To his beloved disciple He said This is thy mother. Jn.
3.
19:26,27

4. My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mt. 27:46

5. I Thirst Jn. 19:28

6. It is finished Jn. 19:30

7. Father into Thy hands I commit my spirit. Lk. 23:46

Resurrection and Ascension: (Mt.27:57-28:15, Mk.15:42-16:18, Lk. 23:50-24:49, Jn.

19:38-20:25) & (Mk. 16:19&20, Lk. 24:50-53)

Burial: The body of the Savior hung limp upon the Cross. It was two his secret disciples,
rich men, Nicodemus, a doctor of the law and Joseph of Arimathea along with the
company of women, who claimed Christ’s body from Pilate and carried it to a new tomb.
They anointed the Body with a hundred pounds of myrrh and spices and wound it about
with pure linen. The elaborate embalming suggests that these disciples were not
expecting the Resurrection. However the enemies of Christ were expecting the
resurrection. Early on Saturday morning, the chief priests and Pharisees broke the
Sabbath and went to Pilate and said we recall how that impostor said that he would rise
on the third day. So they requested that the grave be made secure till the

third day. Their wish was granted. A stone was rolled on the entrance of the tomb and it
was sealed and was well guarded.

S.No. Incident Reference

1. The first appearance to Mary Magdalene Jn.20:10-18

2. The 2nd to Cleopas on the road to Emmaus Lk.24:13-35

The 3rd to the 10 apostles excluding Thomas who left just
3. Lk.24:36-49
before he came and some other disciples
4. The 4th to the disciples and Thomas Jn.20:24-31
 18

5. The 5th at the sea of Tiberias where he reinstates Peter Jn. 21:1-18

6. The 6th appearance was to more than 500 people at one time I Cor. 15:6
The 7th and final appearance when he ascended into heaven
7. Acts 1:9-11
on

Resurrection: In the dim dawn of Sunday morning, several women approached the tomb
with spices to anoint the body. The question in their mild was who would roll away the
stone for them (Mk. 16.3)) But as they approached, they found the stone rolled back.
Before their arrival, there had been a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord, who
descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat upon it. On seeing this the guards
shook with fear and lay like dead (Mt.28:4). The angel told the women that Jesus had
risen and commissioned them to go and give this message to the disciples. Peter and John
then came to the tomb and found it empty but the Linen lying about. The chief priests
offered the guards a substantial bribe and asked them to spread the news that the disciples
came by night and stole the body while they were asleep. (Mt.28:12-15). Jesus after his
resurrection first appeared to Mary Magdalene and later to his disciples at several
occasions.

Appearance of Jesus after Resurrection

Ascension: For forty days after His Resurrection, Our Divine Savior was preparing His
Apostles to bear the loss of His Presence through the gain of the Comforter who was to
come. (Acts1:3). At the end of the forty days, Christ led his disciples out as far as
Bethany to the Mount Olives which was to be the scene of the last adieu. As He was
about to ascend to His Heavenly throne, He raised His hands and gave the final blessing,
and parted from them to take his seat at the right hand of God. (Mk.16:19). As the
disciples were looking up into the sky, two men dressed in white stood beside them and
said This same Jesus, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.
A coronation upon the earth, instead of Ascension into heaven, would have confined
men’s thoughts of Him to the earth. But the Ascension would cause men’s minds and
hearts to ascend above the earth. Another reason for His Ascension was that He might
plead in heaven to His Father with a human nature common to the rest of men(Heb.4:14).
While in heaven, He would be not only an Advocate of men with the Father but He would
also send the Holy Spirit as man’s Advocate with Him.

*** Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus
the son of God, Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Or we do not have a high priest
 19

who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted
in every way, just as we are- yet without sin. (Heb 4:14,15)

References:

 The Life of Christ – Fulton J Sheen

 http://www.truebiblecode.com/understanding240.html

 http://www.100prophecies.org/page2.htm
 20

UNIT IV

MIRACLE & HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

Preparation for Ministry:

Immediately after baptism, Our Blessed Lord withdrew into seclusion. The wilderness
would be His school, just as it had been the school of Moses and Elijah. Retirement is a
preparation for action. All human consolation was left behind as “Hew lodged with he
beasts” and for forty days, He ate nothing. Since the purpose of His coming was to do
battle with the forces of evil, His first encounter was with the prince of evil himself.
(Mt.4:1) Through being tempted He received the strengthening which comes directly
from trial and testing, as a preparation of His ministry.

The tempter was sinful, but the One tempted was innocent. (Heb4:15) The entire history
of the world revolves around two persons, Adam and Christ. Adam was given a position
to maintain, and he failed. Now with Christ everything was at stake again. There was the
repetition of the temptation of Adam. The temptations were meant to divert our Lord
from His task of salvation through sacrifice. Instead of the Cross as a means of winning
the souls of men, Satan suggested three short cuts to popularity: an economic one, another
based on marvels, and a third, which was political. The temptations will fall into three
categories.1) pertaining to the flesh (lust or gluttony) 2) pertaining to the mind (pride &
envy) 3) pertaining to the idolatrous love of things (greed). All three temptations sought
to woo Our Lord from His Cross and , therefore, from Redemption.

First Temptation: Knowing that Our Lord was hungry, Satan pointed down to some
stones that resembled round loaves of bread and said: ‘If you are the Son of God, tell
these stones to become bread.(Mt.4:3) The first temptation of Our Lord was to become a
kind of social reformer and to give bread to the multitudes in the wilderness, who would
find nothing there but stone. But Jesus realized there were deeper needs in man than
crushed wheat; and there were greater joys than the full stomach. The evil one was
saying, ’start with the primacy of the economic! Forget about sin!’ The physical need of
Jesus was real; the power, if He was God, was also real. Yet Christ answered Man cannot
live on bread alone, he lives on every word that God utters.(Mt.4:4) While accepting
human nature with all its failings and trials and self denials, Jesus nevertheless knew He
was not without Divine help.

The Second Temptation: Satan having failed to win Our Lord away from His Cross and
Redemption by turning Him into a ;communist Commissar’ who promises nothing ;but
bread, now turned to attack directly upon His Soul. Satan now tempted Him to pride and
egotism. Satan took him to a lofty impressive pinnacle of the temple and said; throw
 21

yourself down, for it is written He will put his angels in charge of you and they will
support you in their arms, for fear you should strike your foot against a stone. (Mt. 4:6)
Having heard our Lord quote scripture, the devil now quoted it too. Satan was here
saying, ‘why take the long and tedious way to win mankind, through the shedding of
;blood, the mounting of a Cross, through being despised and rejected, when You can take
a short cut by performing a daring deed and giving the Father an opportunity to protect
Him’. The answer of Our Lord to the second temptation was Scripture says you are not to
put the Lord your God to the test. (Mt. 4:8) Jesus refused to perform stunts to win men.
He knew it was only when He was on the cross, He could draw all men to Himself.

The Third Temptation: The final assault took place on the mountain top. It was the third
attempt to divert Him from His Cross, this time by a plea for coexistence between good
and evil. He had come to establish a kingdom on earth by acting as the lamb going to
sacrifice. Why could He not choose a much quicker way of establishing His kingdom,;
by striking, up a treaty, which would give Him all He desired, namely the world, but
without the Cross? ……. You only have to do homage to me and it shall all be yours.(LK.
4:5-7) He was offering Our Lord the world on one condition, that He worship Satan.
Worship, of course, would imply service. The kingdom that Satan offered was of the
world, and not of the Spirit. It would still be a kingdom of evil and the hearts of His
subjects would not be regenerated. Jesus knew that kingdoms can be won only by His
suffering and death. So at this blasphemous request of Satan, patience gave way to just
anger, and He replied, Begone Satan! Scripture says, You shall do homage to the Lord
your God and worship him alone. (Mt.4:10)

Our Lord came down from that mountain as poor as when He ascended it. However
when He finished His earthly life and had risen from the dead, He spoke to His apostles
on another mountain Mt.28:16-20)….He said All authority in heaven and earth has been
given to me. Go forth therefore and make all nations my disciples….

Some Miracles of Jesus Christ:

The Wedding at Cana: (Jn. 2: 2-11)

The first miracle of Jesus took place in the Marriage feast at Cana. A marriage feast is an
occasion for much joy; and wine is served as a symbol of that joy. Jesus and his disciples
were invited to the wedding at Cana, which would last for almost eight days. He came to
the wedding not just as the village carpenter, but as the Christ or the Messiah which
would be revealed before the rejoicing came to an end. Mary His mother was also present
at the wedding feast. Mary was to be the instrument of His first miracle, or sign that He
was what He claimed to be, the Son of God. When the win gave out at Cana, it is
interesting to note that Mary was more concerned with the gusts than was the wine-
 22

steward. She turned to her divine Son in a perfect spirit of prayer. Completely confident
in Him and trusting in His mercy she said (jn.2:3) ‘They have no wine left. The mother
used the special power which she had as a mother over her Son, a power generated by
mutual love. However Jesus answered with apparent hesitation:(Jn.2:4) Your concern,
mother is not mine. My hour has not yet come. The Hour obviously refers to His Cross.
Whenever the word ‘Hour’ is used in the New Testament, it is used in relation to His
Passion, death and glory. At Cana, our Lord was referring to Calvary and saying that the
time appointed for beginning the task of Redemption was not yet at hand. His mother
was asking for a miracle; He was implying that a miracle worked as a sign of His Divinity
would be the beginning of His death. The moment He showed Himself before men as
the Son of God, He would draw down upon Him their hatred, for evil cannot tolerate
goodness. Mary turned to the wine steward and said ‘Do whatever he tells; you. (Jn.2:5)
The six water pots were filled, making about one hundred and twenty gallons and in the
beautiful language of Richard Crashaw, ‘the conscious water saw its God and blushed.’
The first miracle was something like creation itself. It was done by the power of ‘the
Word’. The wine He created was so good that the bridegroom said …..you have kept the
best wine till now (JN.2:10) . He did at the marriage feast what He would not do in a
desert. He worked in the full gaze of men what He had refused to do before Satan. This
deed at Cana in Galilee is the first of the signs by which Jesus revealed his glory and led
his disciples to believe in him. (JN. 2:11).

Feeding of the Five Thousand: (Mt. 14:13-21;Mk.6:30-44; Lk.9:10-17;Jn.6:1-15)

This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels, with only slight differences in details. It is a
separate incident from the feeding of the 4,000. It signaled the end of Jesus' Galilean
ministry that lasted for about two years. When Jesus heard about the death of John the
Baptist, he went with the disciples on a boat to a private place. However, great
multitudes followed him. When the boat landed, Jesus saw all the men, women and
children and had compassion on them. He taught them about the Kingdom of God and
healed those who were sick.

Looking at the crowd, which numbered about 5,000 men, not counting women and
children, Jesus asked his disciple Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to
eat?" (John 6:5, NIV) Jesus knew what he was going to do, but he asked Philip to test
him. Philip replied that even eight months' wages would not be enough to give each
person even one bite of bread.

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, brought forward a young boy who had five small loaves
of barley bread and two small fish. Andrew wondered how that could help. Jesus ordered
the crowd to sit down in groups of fifty. He took the five loaves, looked up to heaven,
 23

gave thanks to God his Father, and passed them to his disciples to be distributed. He did
the same with the two fish.

Everyone—men, women and children—ate as much as they wanted! Jesus miraculously

multiplied the loaves and fishes so there was more than enough. Then he told his disciples
to gather the leftovers so nothing was wasted. They collected enough to fill 12 baskets.

The effect of the miracle on the multitude was stupendous. There was no denying the fact
that Christ had Divine power; He showed it in multiplying the bread. It brought their
minds back immediately to Moses who had given their forefathers manna in the desert.
Who then could be a better King for them to throw off the yoke of the Romans and make
them free. They previously acknowledged Him A Prophet and Teacher now they would
proclaim Him as King. However, the Lord knowing what was in the hearts of the
populace, withdrew into the mountain alone to pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending
time with God is a priority for Jesus. In order to teach His disciples not to cash in on
cheap popularity, constrained them to take a ship and go to the other side of the lake, a
distance of five or six miles.

Jesus Walks on Water: (Mt.14:22-32; Mk.6:45-56; Jn.6:16-24)

Several hours later in the night, the disciples encounter a storm. During the fourth watch
of the night, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples who
think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them , "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus invites Peter
to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water. When Peter takes his
eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord
and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat
together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the
Son of God."

Jesus Calms the Sea: Mt.8:23-27Mk.4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

He and his disciples escape from the crowds in a boat, to cross to the other side of the Sea
of Galilee, when a great storm blows in on them, so that the boat was in danger of
swamping. Jesus is asleep on the stern seat. The disciples become terrified and wake him
up. Jesus calms the storm, then turns to them and says, “Why are you afraid? Have you no
faith?” The disciples were filled with great awe and said to one another "Who then is
this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

There is no magic solution to fear and anxiety. It is a part of existence. But what it
evokes is the potential for a courageous response to anxiety, the courage to be. This
 24

courage in the face of the storms of life connects us with God who is the ground of our
being. If God be for us who can be against us? (Rom.8:31)

Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ:

No title did our Lord use more often to describe Himself than “the Son of Man.” The
“Son of Man referred to His human nature. He identified himself with mankind and so
became a carpenter. No single human affliction which befalls man as the result of sin
escaped His oneness with it. Mt. 8:17 says He took away our illnesses and lifted our
diseases from us. People came to Jesus with physical diseases, mental problems and
emotional disturbances, all affecting their spiritual lives. He gave them wholesome
healing. Just one thing was required from those who came to Him; complete trust in Him
(Mt. 9:22; Lk7:9) He received everyone who came to Him(Jn. 6:37).

Healing of a Paralytic: (Mk. 2:1-12; Lk.5:17-26)

One day as Jesus was teaching in a home at Capernaum, a great crowd had gathered.
Four men carried a paralytic on a mat and finding no way to reach Jesus, went on the roof
and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front
of Jesus. Jesus seeing their faith said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven”. The Pharisees
and teachers of the law began to question asking who can forgive sins but God alone.
Jesus knowing their thoughts asked if ilt was easier to say your sins are forgiven or to say
get up and walk. He then said that they must know that the son o Man has the authority
on earth to forgive sin. Saying so he said to the paralysed man ‘Get up take your mat and
go home’. Immediately he went home praising God .

Raising from the dead:

Lazarus: (John:11:1-43)

Lazarus the brother of Martha and Mary who was loved by Jesus, died. Of sickness.
Jesus was informed but he delayed . when he finally reached Bethany, Martha and Mary
approached Jesus. Jesus made a meaningful conversation with Martha and told her ‘I am
the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me wil live even though he dies’.
(vs.25). Mary on seeing Jesus remarked, Lord if you were here my brothe would not
have died. Jesus wept. Then moved on to the tomb and asked the people to remove the
tombstone. After a short prayer he called out to Lazarus who came out alive.

Jairus daughter(Mt. 9:18-25; Lk.8:40-59)

Jairus a ruler of the Synagogue requested Jesus to go with him to his house as his
daughter about twelve years old was dying. On the way, a woman subject to bleeding for
twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak and was immediately
 25

healed. Jesus knowing that power had ;gone out from him claimed ‘someone touched
me’. The woman knowing she could not go unnoticed came and fell at Jesus feet. Jesus
told her ‘Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace’. While Jesus was still
speaking people came from Jairus house to say that his daughter was dead and not to
bother Jesus anymore. Jesus knowing this said ‘ Don’t be afraid only believe and she will
be healed’. Sure enough Jesus entered the house of Jairus , entered the little girls room
and took her by the hand and said ‘My child get up’. Her spirit returned and she stood up
at once. Jesus asked them not to publicise the event.

Son of the widow of Nain: (Lk. 7:11-17)

Blind Barthimaeus receives sight: (Mk.10:46-52; Lk.18:35-43)

When Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho along with a large crowd, a blind man,
Bartimaeus, sitting by the road side begging knowing that Jesus was passing by, shouted
Son of David have mercy on me. Even the rebuke of the disciples did not deter him for
he shouted all the more. At his call, Jesus stopped and called the blind man,. Jesus asked
him what he wanted and when the blind man said ‘Rabbi I want to see’, Jesus said ‘Go
your faith has healed you’. Immediately he received sight and followed Jesus.

Ten Lepers Healed:(Lk:17:11-19)

Along the border between Samaria and Galilee, Jesus met 10 lepers who cried unto him
for pity with a loud voice from a distance. Jesus on seeing them asked them to ;go and
show themselves to the priests. As they went they were healed. One among them a
foreigner came back praising God and thanked Jesus. Jesus was astonished and asked
what about the nine. So saying he commended him and said ‘your faith has made you
well’.

Healing of the Demon Possessed: (Mk:5: 1-20)

Jesus cast out demons (a legion) from a Gerasene demoniac. This man lived in the tombs
and no one could bind him not even with a chain. Jesus on seeing him ordered the
demons to leave him, but they begged Jesus to send them among the pigs. The permission
was granted and a herd of pigs about 2000 of them rushed down the steep bank and were
drowned in the lake. The people who lost their pigs pleaded with him to leave the place.
The man relieved of demons wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus asks him to go to his
family land tell them how much the Lord had done for Him and people f Decapolis were
amazed at his testimony.

Jesus was moved with compassion. He did not show the kind of pity that we humans feel
when we come face to face with pain and suffering. Our feelings are shallow and selfish.
 26

Jesus expressed His genuine love for the suffering humanity in a tangible way. He had
compassion for the crowds because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Mt.9:36
&Mk. 6:34). When he saw a great throng, he had compassion on them and healed the
sick (Mt.14:14).

…….Since man is disturbed and burdened about many things in life, Jesus freely invites
all to come to him and find rest in Him (Mt. 11:28)

References:

 Life of Christ – Fulton Sheen

 New Testament Previous CEC Notes

 http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/a/Jesus-Feeds-5000.htm

 http://www.messiah-study.net/Feeding5000.htm

 http://christianity.about.com/od/biblestorysummaries/p/walkingonwater.htm

 http://ifhtec.org/2012/07/03/62412-fear-or-faith-by-lynn-naeckel/

 http://web.stpeters.org.au/views/sermons/kempster/HK12os12.shtml
 27

UNIT V

TEACHING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

One of the main aspects in the messianic ministry of Jesus is his teaching ministry. Even
those

Who do not believe him to be the Son of God, accepted him as a great teacher from God.
(JN. 3:2)

He taught with obvious authority and made a profound impression upon his
contemporaries. They were astonished at his teaching for He taught them as having
authority, and not as the Scribes:. (Mt. 1:22) (Lk. 4:22) says “all bear Him witness and
wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of ;his mouth” Jesus taught with
authority and this differentiated him from other religious teachers. Christ in His earthly
ministry gave three long discourses:

a) Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5,6&7) The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of
sayings and teachings of Jesus, which emphasizes his moral teaching found in the
Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon is the longest piece of teaching from Jesus in the
New Testament. It includes some of the best known teachings of Jesus such as the
Beatitudes, and the widely recited Lord's Prayer. To most believers in Jesus, the
Sermon on the Mount contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. The last
verse of chapter 5 is considered to be a focal point that summarizes the teaching of
the sermon: "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect", advising the disciples
to seek the path towards perfection and the Kingdom of God.

General Themes of Sermon on the Mount:

(Mt.5:1-16) – Characteristics of Discipleship

(Mt.5:17-48) – The old and the new law

(Mt.6:1-18) – Religious observance

(Mt.6:19-34) – Material Possession

(Mt.7:1-12) – Attitude of man to God

(Mt.7:13-29) – The demands of the kingdom

b) The Olivet discourse (Mt. 24&25) It is known as the "Little Apocalypse" because it
includes Jesus' descriptions of the end times, the use of apocalyptic language, and
 28

Jesus' warning to his followers that they will suffer tribulation and persecution
before the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of God.

c) The Farewell discourse (John 13:31-35) The keynote of this discourse is the
assurance and comfort in the face of two difficulties coming upon the disciples,
Jesus' death and their own persecution. He prepares them for his death and the
coming of the Spirit, now called the Paraclete.

*** "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect"

Teaching through parables:

(Mt.1:34&35) All these things spake Jesus in parables, and without parables spake he not
unto them; That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets. I will open my
mouth in parables, I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of
the world. In these words the ministry of out Lord in speaking in parables is magnified.
In parables are contained the profound and deep things or mysteries of the Gospel and
therefore the opening of them by the help of the divine Spirit is a necessity. Parables are
similitude, which makes use of natural things by way of allusion or comparison, to open
spiritual things, for our better understanding.

Parable of the Sower: (Mt. 13:3-23)

Through this parable Jesus was revealing the excellent nature of the word of God, which
when received into an heart prepared by the Holy Spirit will bear much fruit. Jesus also
wanted to convince the hearers that it is not enough or sufficient to; hear the word of God
preached, for many who hear it may eternally perish if not received right. Three of the
four grounds mentioned in the parable proved bad showing only a few hearers have their
hearts broken up and prepared by the convictions of the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus
Christ.

The Highway Ground or the ground by the high-way side is very hard and not ploughed .
It commonly bears nothing. The seed which falls on the highway side is either trodden by
the feet of travelers or devoured by the fowls of the air. In like manner those who are not
prepared to received the word of God, will have the word trodden by the power of lusts
and love of this world or temptations of the evil one.

Secondly, the seed falls on stony ground, ground which is not fully broken up and mixed
with earth, for the seed to grow and bring forth fruit unto perfection. The success of the
seed is that for a time it sprang up, but in the end it withered. The second group of
hearers listen to the word of God and receive it into their thoughts and their affections and
 29

are somewhat raised by it for a certain period. However as their faith was not the true
saving faith, when the heat of the sun came up it withers away.

Thirdly, some seeds fell among the thorns; the thorns sprang up with it and choked the
seed. Thorny ground needs ploughing up and manuring. The plough must go deep to
reach the roots of the thorn. When this is not done, unbelief and sinful cares spread
themselves and choke the word and make it unfruitful.

Finally comes the good ground. The seed that falls on good ground, brought forth fruit.
There is no naturally Good ground. Good ground is the one prepared by the work of the
Holy Spirit. Honest hearers hear the word of God, Understand it, Keep it, bring forth fruit
and with patience.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan: (Lk. 10:30-37)

The scope of the parable is to show who is our neighbor and how we should respond to
his needs. Neighbour is one who shows the most favour, pity and compassion and
thereby he clearly shows that he himself is the only neighbor and friend of our souls. He
also strives to convince us of the wretched state and condition of all men by nature and of
the evil of sin, and to show neither the law, nor levite priest, nor legal sacrifices, could
relieve or help any miserable and undone sinner.

Jesus said this parable in answer to an expert in law who wanted to test Jesus. He seemed
to know the law well (Vs. 27) but when Jesus replied ‘Do this and you shall live, the
lawyer wanted to justify himself. The lawyer believes that no Gentile is his neighbor,
although it seems he suspects they really are. So the Lord wanted to teach him who his
neighbor was.

The priest served God and His law, which encourages mercy. He professed his love for
God and human beings, and he prayed several times a day. This spiritual leader, one of
12,000 priests living in Jericho at that time, had left service to God back at the Temple,
having neither time nor compassion for his neighbor. The Levite was of the same tribe as
the priest but of one of the inferior branches. As a servant of the Temple, a custodian of
religious worship, and an interpreter of the law, he should also have been eager to assist
the battered man. Both men ignore God's instruction by neglecting the intent of His law.

The Samaritans were a Gentile people mostly living in Samaria, and Jews thought of
them as inferior and hated them. The Samaritan not only intervenes on behalf of the
beaten traveler, he goes beyond the call of duty to ensure the man receives care until he
has recovered.
 30

Jesus Christ is the good neighbor, and His example is the one to imitate. He saw a world
of sinners robbed of their potential, stripped of spiritual ideals, wounded by sins, and
unable to rise by themselves from their beaten state. He came down to where the sinners
are and gave mankind a corresponding act of mercy, seen in type in the Good Samaritan.
Through His death and resurrection, He covers our nakedness, binds up our wounds, and
heals them.

Parable of the Lost Son: (Lk.15:11-32)

The chief scope of the parable is to rebuke the pride and arrogance of the Pharisees, who
over valued their own pretended legal righteousness and reflected upon our Lord for
keeping company with and showing so much love and favour to publicans and sinners
(Lk.15:1-3). It also sets forth man’s woeful, actual and willful departure from God and
his miserable condition by original and actual transgression (Vs.12-16). It magnifies the
great grace, love and unspeakable compassion of God the father to the greatest sinner,
who returns unto Him by true repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Vs.20-24).
It finally reveals the envy of the Jews and Pharisees, at God’s extended grace and favour
to the poor Gentiles and to such who have been great sinners (Vs.25-32).

Parable of Talents: (Mt. 25:14-30)

The open scope and design of this parable is no doubt to stir up all his servants and
disciples to watchfulness and to provoke them to the uttermost of their power, to improve
all sorts of gifts, grace and endowments they have received. It also helped to take his
disciples off from an expectation of a present, visible, glorious kingdom; when he said I
must go on a long journey into a far country and it will be a great while before I return. It
is also designed to show that we have nothing of our own, but what we and all men have,
is given unto us by the Lord Jesus Christ. All men have received some talent or another
from God, so he expects and requires he careful and due improvement of them to his own
glory and according to that will the rewards of grace be. Non-improvement of the least
talent God hath given us, will be the final cause of condemnation of the sons of men.

God does give differing gifts, but remember this, the lesson of this parable is that he
rewards according to each ones faithfulness (Vs.21). He doesn’t reward according to the
magnificence of the gift that he has given. As we shall see, he gives the same reward to
the two talent servant that he gives to the five talent servant.

Teachings on Prayer:

One aspect of our Lord’s real humanity was his need for communion with God.
Therefore, he taught that men ought to pray always (Lk.18:1).
 31

Jesus Encouraged his disciples to pray:

 He taught we should persist in prayer through parables (Lk.18:1-8)

 He reassured people of the efficacy of prayer (Mt. 7:7 & Jn 14:14)

 He taught the importance of faith in prayer (Mk.11:23,24)

 He taught to pray with a pure heart (Mk.11:25)

 We must fast and prayer especially when dealing with evil spirits (Mk.9:29)

 He taught us to ask in ‘His Name’ (Jn. 14:13&14)

 He recommended the secret, closet type of humble praying which pleased God
(Mt.26:41)

 He recommended praying in small groups with one accord (Mt. 18:18-20)

Jesus warned against

 Long prayers (Mk.12:40)

 Vain repetitions that are meaningless (Mt. 6:7)

 Public prayers conducted to be seen as a pious person (Mk.12:40)

Jesus himself was a man of Prayer.

 Jesus started his ministry with prayer (Mt. 4:1,2)

 Jeus prayed at his baptism (Lk. 3:21)

 He prayed very early in the morning (Mk. 1:35)

 He prayed in the evening (Mk. 6:46.47)

 He prayed through the night in solitude (Lk.6:12)

 He prayed often (Lk. 5:15,16)

 He prayed before teaching others to pray (k. 11.1)

 He prayed before transfiguration (Lk. 9:28,29)

 He prayed at the garden of Gethsemane (Lk 22:41,42)

 He prayed at the Cross (Lk. 23:46)

 32

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he told them how to pray. The
Lord’s Prayer (Mt. 5:9) is given as a formula to guide us in formulating our own heartfelt
prayers. It is primarily concerned with God and His kingdom. It is addressed to “Our
Father”. Both these words are significant. We should never forget that God is our father
and that we have direct access to him in prayer along with all our brother and sisters in
Christ. This access to God through prayer is very important because Christian life is
spiritual warfare (Mt. 19:16 & Eph 6:12-18). The enemy is real, but with prayers, our
victory is assured (I Cor. 15:57).

*** If Jesus as the Son of God had an ongoing communication with his father, depending
on him for guidance and power, how much more ought we to pray, if we are to live
effective victorious lives as Christians?

Teaching about Women:

The teachings of Jesus about women should be considered both by his teachings and by
his actions. In Jesus’ dealings with women, he gave them a respect that they did not
otherwise have and gave them a place of honour which world other world religions did
not give. We must remember the cultural background of Judaism. A Jewish man might
be heard to pray: “I thank thee that I was not born a Gentile, a dog nor a woman”. In this
context, Jesus’ many encounters with women, and his statement regarding women were
revolutionary.

Jesus always treated women as persons. He purposefully entered into a life changing
dialogue with the sinful Samaritan woman (breaking many conventions) –Jn.4:9. As a
result, she brought her entire village into the understanding of his teachings. He included
women in his illustrations and parables; the story of the lost coin (LK. 15:8), the story of
the widow’s mite (Lk. 21:2), the yeast in the dough (Matt. 13:33). In fact, after his
resurrection, Jesus appeared first to women and spoke to them (Jn. 20:15). He asked the
women to tell the good news to the disciples who were in hiding. Jesus did not include
women in his band of 12 disciples, but this was not possible in the culture of his day
considering the sort of itinerant ministry he had to do.

References:

 http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-
Introduces-Major-Themes

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivet_Discourse

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sermon_on_the_Mount
 33

 http://www.biblicaljesus.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/BS/k/823/The-
Parable-of-Good-Samaritan.htm#ixzz3qDrdd9x0

 http://www.sljinstitute.net/sermons/new%20testament/pages/the_parable_of_talen
ts.html

 Exposition of the Parables – Benjamin Keach

 New Bible Commentary 3rd Edition, Edited by Guthrie D, Motyer J A et.al.

 New Testament Previous CEC Notes

 34

UNIT VI: HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit is co-eternal with the Father and the Son. We understand from the Old
Testament that Holy Spirit was an agent at the time of creation(Gen.1:2). We find the
existence of the Holy Spirit along with the father at the time of creation. In the Old
Testament, Holy Spirit is understood as a source of inspiration and power. Holy Spirit is
understood as a vehicle of god’s revelation and activity. Another emphasis in the Old
Testament is that the Holy Spirit was understood as god’s presence in the covenantal
community. We also see the work of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of Jesus
Christ. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit at the time of Baptism. Holy Spirit came
upon Jesus as a dove. He was helped by the Holy Spirit at the time of temptation. Thus
the day of Pentecost is not the birthday of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit existed even before
that.

Ascension day falls on the 40th day after Easter. Ascension day really commemorates the
exaltation of Jesus to God’s right hand and it is the day when Jesus disappeared from His
disciples sight, 40 days after the first resurrection appearance. Jesus gave the disciples
some parting advice (Acts1:2). He directed them to wait in Jerusalem until they should
receive heaven’s power and then to act as His witnesses iln Jerusalem, Judaea and
Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Thus he told them not to start their ministry until
they had been baptised with the Holy Spirit (Acts1:5,8) As the apostles gazed up into
heaven, two angelic beings told them that Jesus would come back in the same way as they
had just seen Him go (Acts:1:9-11). Jesus Christ promised His disciples that when he
goes away he would send them a comforter, a counsellor to be with them always to guide
them and to lead them.

Day of Pentecost:

The day of Pentecost, the Feast of weeks-the anniversary of the giving of the law at Sinai
(Levi23:15;Deut 16:9) which fall on the 50th day after the passion, Passover, found the
gathering of 120 people in the upper room. Suddenly the Holy Spirit took possession of
them while visible and audible signs accompanied the promised heavenly gift. There was
a rushing mighty wind which came with great force. There was an appearance of
something like flaming fire, lightening on every one of them. There was an outburst of
glossolalia, speaking in other tongues, as disciples were heard praising God in languages
and dialects diverse from their native Galilean, Aramaic, but recognisable by visitors to
the feasts (miracle of linguistic fusion). This seems to be the reversal of the curse of
Babel (Gen. 11:1-9- strange miracle of confusion). The spirit like fire melts the heart,
burns up the dross, kindles pious and devout affections in the soul in which, as in the fire
 35

on the altar, the spiritual sacrifices are offered up. Peter asserts that what was prophesied
by prophet Joel has been fulfilled (Joel2:28-32).

Functions of the Holy Spirit:

Holy Spirit Empowers, Equips and Enables.

Holy Spirit empowers: (Acts 1:8) Holy spirit empowered the disciples of Jesus Christ.
Disciples were afraid and disappointed. They followed Jesus giving up everything. They
never worried about their livelihood when Jesus was with them. Now they were worried
and they did not know what to do. They expected Jesus to establish a kingdom (political)
and they thought that they would become an important people in that kingdom. When
Jesus died on the cross they thought everything was gone. They had lost their power.
However, when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they were empowered and they could
face situations, move forward and face crisis. We see Peter who denied Jesus, stand up
and address the crowd with so much authority, that at the end of his speech three
thousand people were baptised and added to the community of disciples.

Holy Spirit Equips : Holy Spirit equipped the disciples with different gifts and abilities.
There are five different lists of gifts mentioned in the Bible.

 I Cor.12:8-10-Nine gifts are mentioned here

 I Cor.12:28-30-Nine gifts are mentioned of which four are different from the
earlier reference
 Rom.12:6- seven gifts are mentioned of which two are new
 Eph.4:11,13- Five gifts are mentioned of which two are new
 I Peter4:10,11- Two gifts are mentioned of which one is new

On the whole these five lists mention 21 gifts. There can be several other gifts of the
Holy Spirit also. Holy Spirit gives gifts and abilities according to the need of the
situation. Gifts are not given according to our desires and wish. They are distributed
among people according to the will of god (I Cor. 12:1). What one needs to understand is
that no gift is superior over the other. No one can have all the gifts together. Speaking in
tongues is not a special or superior gift. Gifts are given according to the need of the
situation. Speaking in different tongues on the day of the Pentecost was absolutely
necessary for the disciples to communicate as people gathered there did not share a
common language. We need to identify the gifts given to us and utilise them for God’s
glory and for the common good.

Holy Spirit Enables: He enables us to bear fruit (Gal.5:22&23). Paul states in I Cor.
That bearing fruit is more excellent way than having gifts (ICor. 12:31). “Covet earnestly
 36

the best gifts and yet I show you a more excellent way” and then he talks about the fruit
of the spirit-Love. Gifts and abilities should be used to bear fruit. That is what Joseph
did and he is called a fruitful vine (Gen.49:22). Matt.7:22,23-reads, ‘Many will say on
the day of the Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And in your name cast out
devils and in your name done many wonderful works. And I will profess unto them I
never know them.’ Holy spirit enables us to bear fruit. A tree is known by the fruit it
bears. Fruit is a collective noun designating crop or harvest and suggests the many-sided
character of virtuous life. Love does not seek its own selfish ends but the good of others.
Joy is deep happiness born of a personal relation to God. Peace with God affects our
relationships with others significantly. Patience is long suffering, being patient with
others. Kindness denotes excellence of character with the sense due regard for the fragile
nature of human personality and human need. Goodness in addition to kindness suggests
righteousness softened by love. Faithfulness denotes fidelity a fundamental trait of
Christian character. Gentleness is used to denote submissiveness to divine will and
consideration towards men. Self-Control denotes self-mastery, restraint of behaviour.

Holy Spirit enables us to stay united. He stresses unity and not uniformity. Different
languages but one spirit. (Acts2:44) All the believers were together and had everything
in common. Holy Spirit enables us to grow and expand. After the day of Pentecost,
ministry expanded and the number increased 3000, to 5000 to 7000. Increase in numbers
meant increased responsibility and the Spirit enabled them to shoulder it faithfully and
wisely.

*** The Holy Spirit fills us that we may be His witnesses (Acts 1:8)

References:

• New Bible Commentary 3rd Edition, Edited by Guthrie D, Motyer J A et.al.

• New Testament Previous CEC Notes

 37

UNIT VII: ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (Title changed to Origin and Development
of the Church. Subtitle removed)

Origin and Development of the Church:

Pentecost has rightly been described as the birthday of the church. Convinced by peter’s
argument the multitude were conscience stricken and willingly received his assurance that
forgiveness and the gift of the Holy spirit would be granted them by God if they repented
and were baptised in the name of Jesus. Three thousand believed the good news that
day and were baptised, thus forming the first fellowship of believers. The Pentecostal
experience did not lead the first believers to break with Judaism and form a separate and
distinct community. However, certain distinctive Christian elements are evident and the
first of which is ‘the apostles teachings’. The worship in the early church is marked by
great simplicity. In addition to worship in the temple, there are gatherings in believers
homes (Acts2:46&47;5:42), for breaking of bread and taking food. Common meals had
played a large role in Jesus ministry (Mk.9:10&11; Acts1:4) and continued to be an
important factor in the religious experience of the early church. Private homes provided
the meeting places for the acts of worship. The pouring of the Holy Spirit filled them
with the spirit of unity. They welcomed into their fellowship all who accepted the
proclamation of Jesus, the Messiah, repented and received baptism irrespective of racial
and social backgrounds. The community was apparently characterised by many poor
people especially widows who had no family and therefore no source of support. The
sense of sharing the blessings of the Messianic age led to an actual sharing of possessions.
Many believers sold their lands and properties and made the proceeds available for the
support of the indignant (Acts4:32-35).

Characteristics of the early church:

• Worshipping community-Acts 2:47

• Praying community- Acts 2:42
• Caring & sharing community Acts: 2:44&45
• Witnessing community- Acts8:4
• Organised community which practised division of labour for common good-
Acts6:1-8
• Community which taught and meditated on God’s word-Acts11:26

Persecution of the Church and the outcome:

The first evidence of breach with Judaism occurs as a result of the ministry of Stephen.
Stephen was accused of speaking against the temple and the low of Moses (Acts6:13).
Stephen was arrested and put to trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of Jewish
 38

nation. Stephen turned his face not on his persecutors, but up to heaven where he had a
vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of god to receive him. Saul witnessed his death,
consented to it and later embarked on a rigorous persecution of the believers. Stephens
testimony and the manner of his death may well have begun a process of conviction in
Saul which culminated in his conversion on the Damascus road. (Acts22:20). As
Tertullion wrote ‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church’. Now as then,
preaching of the gospel and persecution go together (Acts8:4) . The more the church
was persecuted, the more it seemed to multiply.

The execution of Stephen was now the signal for a much more rigorous campaign of
repression. The large community of believers in Jerusalem were now scattered
throughout Palestine and even beyond its borders. Dispersion did much more good than
harm to the cause. Those thus scattered carried the good news with them and
disseminated it everywhere even as far as north Syrian Antioch(Acts11:19-25). The
disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. The church at Antioch becomes a
missionary church and they set aside Barnabas and Saul for the special work which God
had called them for – mission to the gentiles(Acts 13:1).

The Jerusalem Council: (Acts15:1-16:5)

The Gentile mission resulted in predominantly Gentile churches and an excess of Gentile
Christians over those of Jewish birth and background. The Jewish party in Jerusalem
church said they must act at once, if they were to act at all. So a campaign was organised
in Antioch, the citadel of Gentile Christianity, urging the adoption of Jewish law by all
Christians, as an indispensable condition of salvation. Peter who was in Antioch at the
time and knew perfectly what the rights and wrongs of the matter were, after the vision
that he had at Joppa (Acts10:1-48), along with Barnabas, withdrew from the society of
Gentile Christians. Paul dealt drastically with that situation and rebuked Peter outright.
This resulted in Peter supporting Paul’s argument at the Jerusalem Council.

To avoid splitting of the early church into Jewish and Gentile, the church at Antioch sent
delegates to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem and the issue was thoroughly discussed.
At the end of the discussion, it was decided no conditions (circumcision) were to be
imposed on the gentile Christians for salvation or admission to full Christian fellowship,
save that condition which God himself had accepted as sufficient i.e. Faith in Christ.
However, they had to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood and from flesh
from which blood is not fully drained. The decisions were conveyed to the church at
Antioch through a letter sent to them, carried by Judas and Silas, who accompanied the
delegates on their way back to Antioch.
 39

***Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph.4:3).

References:

 New Bible Commentary 3rd Edition, Edited by Guthrie D, Motyer J A et.al.

 New Testament Previous CEC Notes

 40

UNIT VIII: PAUL THE APOSTLE

Paul was raised by devout Jewish parents in the port city of Tarsus on the coast of Asia
Minor. His father was a Roman citizen. How he acquired this priceless honor we are not
told. Most likely a Roman general or administrator in southeastern Asia Minor granted
citizenship to him for rendering some valuable service. The service may have been
rendered to Pompey or Mark Antony. As Roman citizens, Paul’s family must have
associated with the cream of Gentile society in Tarsus and Cilicia, even though their strict
observance of Jewish law made it impossible for them to exploit their advantages fully.

Paul described himself as a Hebrew of the Hebrews – a Hebrew sprung from

Hebrews(Phil.3:5). He was proud of his heritage as a Jew and of his status as a Roman.
He grew up in a bustling seaport thronged with sailors and merchants from allover the
known world. He was a cosmopolitan Hellenist and a Greek-speaking Jew. He was also
a trained rabbi, one who had sat at the feet of Gamaliel. That in itself set Paul apart from
the rank and file, even among the Jews.

Gamaliel was the grandson of the illustrious rabbi Hillel. He was a Pharisee, and his
learning was so great that he was one of just seven doctors of Jewish law given the title
rabban. He was Gamaliel’s star pupil, the one he thought most likely to succeed. Before
his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a "zealous" Pharisee who "intensely
persecuted" the followers of Jesus. Paul also discusses his pre-conversion life in
his Epistle to the Philippians, and his participation in the stoning of Stephen is described
in Acts 7:57-8:3.

A persecutor is what Paul became. He made havoc of the church. It is easy to imagine
that he cheered those who stoned Stephen and held their coats. He obtained warrants
from Caiaphas and Annas to persecute the church at home and abroad with a single-
mindedness and savagery that struck terror into the hearts of Christians everywhere.

Paul’s Conversion:

Acts of the Apostles discusses Paul's conversion experience at three different points in the
text, in far more detail than in the accounts in Paul's letters. The book of Acts records that
Paul was on his way from Jerusalem for Syrian Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus,
with the intention of returning them to Jerusalem as prisoners for questioning and
possible execution. The journey is interrupted when Paul sees a blinding light, and
communicates directly with a divine voice. The account continues with a description
of Ananias of Damascus receiving a divine revelation instructing him to visit Saul at the
house of Judas on the Street Called Straight and there lay hands on him to restore his
sight (the house of Judas is traditionally believed to have been near the west end of the
 41

street). Ananias is initially reluctant, having heard about Saul's persecution, but obeys the
divine command.

This experience of the Damascus road not only brought him to recognition of Jesus as the
resurrected and exalted Messiah, it also contained a call from God to a particular mission.
This fact is recorded in the conversion accounts in Acts 9:15-16; 22:15; 26:17-18 and is
confirmed by Paul’s own words. God has set him apart before his birth to preach the
Gospel to the gentiles(Gal.1:15). He is an apostle to the gentiles and magnifies his
ministry to provoke Jews as well to faith(Rom.11:3). He has a commission that he did
not choose for him and which lays upon him the inescapable necessity of preaching the
gospel( ICor.9:16). After his first mission in the gentiles’ world, when his Gospel was
challenged by the Juadizers, Paul’s apostleship to the gentiles was recognized and
approved by the church in Jerusalem. Including the other apostles – James, Peter and John
(Gal.2:7-9). This unique factor in Paul’s apostleship was his distinctive mission to the
gentiles. In his lists of leaders in the churches Paul ranks apostles first.(I Cor.12:28;
Eph.4:11).

Paul’s Missionary Journeys: The New Testament records Paul taking three missionary
journeys that spread the message of Christ to Asia Minor and Europe.
 42

On three separate missionary journeys—each several years in length—Paul preached the

news of Jesus in many coastal cities and trade route towns. The following is a brief
chronicle of these missionary journeys:

1st Missionary Journey (Acts 13-14): Answering God’s call to proclaim Christ, Paul
and Barnabas left the church at Antioch in Syria. At first, their method of evangelism was
to preach in the town synagogues. But when many of the Jews rejected Christ, the
missionaries recognized God’s call of witnessing to the Gentiles. Paul's ministry to
Gentiles brought controversy over who could be saved and how to be saved.

The first journey, led initially by Barnabas, takes Paul from Antioch to Cyprus then
southern Asia Minor (Anatolia), and back to Antioch. In Cyprus, Paul rebukes and blinds
Elymas the magician (Acts 13:8 – 12) who was criticizing their teachings. From this point
on, Paul is described as the leader of the group.

They sail to Perga in Pamphylia. John Mark leaves them and returns to Jerusalem. Paul
and Barnabas go on to Pisidian Antioch. On Sabbath they go to the synagogue. The
leaders invite them to speak. Paul reviews Israelite history from life in Egypt to King
David. He introduces Jesus as a descendant of David brought to Israel by God. He said
that his team came to town to bring the message of salvation. He recounts the story of
Jesus' death and resurrection. He quotes from the Septuagint to assert that Jesus was the
promised Christos who brought them forgiveness for their sins. Both the Jews and the
'God-fearing' Gentiles invited them to talk more next Sabbath. At that time almost the
whole city gathered. This upset some influential Jews who spoke against them. Paul used
the occasion to announce a change in his mission which from then on would be to the
Gentiles. Acts 13: 13-48 Antioch served as a major Christian center for Paul's
evangelizing.

Between his first and second missionary journeys, he participated in a conference in

Jerusalem discussing the way of salvation. The final consensus was that the Gentiles
could receive Jesus without submitting to Jewish traditions.

2nd Missionary Journey (Acts 15:36-18:22): After another stay in Antioch, building up
the church there, Paul was ready to take a second missionary journey. Paul leaves for his
second missionary journey from Jerusalem, in late Autumn after the meeting of
the Council of Jerusalem where the circumcision question was debated. On their trip
around the Mediterranean sea, Paul and his companion Barnabas stopped in Antioch
where they had a sharp argument about taking John Mark with them on their trips. The
book of Acts said that John Mark had left them in a previous trip and gone home. Unable
to resolve the dispute, Paul and Barnabas decided to separate; Barnabas took John Mark
 43

with him to Cyprus, while Silas joined Paul on their trip to Asia Minor. God turned this
dispute into a positive, for now there were two missionary teams.

Paul and Silas initially visited Tarsus (Paul's birthplace), Derbe and Lystra. In Lystra,
they met Timothy, a disciple who was spoken well of, and decided to take him with them.
The Church kept growing, adding believers, and strengthening their faith daily. Acts 16:5

In Philippi, certain men were not happy about the liberation of their soothsaying servant
girl, who had been possessed with a spirit of divination, (Acts 16: 16 – 24) and they
turned the city against the missionaries and Paul and Silas were put in jail. After a
miraculous earthquake, the gates of the prison fell apart and Paul and Silas were able to
escape but remained; this event led to the conversion of the jailor. Acts 16: 25 - 40 They
continued traveling, going by Berea and then to Athens where Paul preached to the Jews
and God-fearing Greeks in the synagogue and to the Greek intellectuals in the Areopagus.

Paul spent 18 months in Corinth. The reference in Acts to proconsul Gallio helps
ascertain this date (cf. Gallio inscription).In Corinth, Paul met Aquila and Priscilla who
became faithful believers and helped Paul through his other missionary journeys. The
couple followed Paul and his companions to Ephesus, and stayed there to start one of the
strongest and most faithful churches at that time. The missionaries sailed to Caesarea to
greet the Church there and then traveled north to Antioch where they stayed for about a
year before leaving again on their third missionary journey.

God providentially redirected Paul and Silas to Greece, bringing the gospel to Europe. At
Philippi, the missionary team was beaten and imprisoned. Rejoicing to suffer for Christ,
they sang in jail. Suddenly, God caused an earthquake to open the doors of the cell and
free them from their chains. The amazed jailer and his family believed in Christ, but the
government officials begged Paul and Silas to leave.

Traveling on to Athens, Paul preached to an inquisitive audience on Mars Hill. He

proclaimed the only true God whom they could know and worship without man-made
idols. Again, some sneered and some believed.

Paul taught those who believed in Christ and established them in churches. During this
2nd missionary journey, Paul made many disciples from all backgrounds: a young man
named Timothy, a businesswoman named Lydia, and the married couple Aquila and
Priscilla.

3rd Missionary Journey (Acts 18:23-20:38): During Paul’s third journey, he fervently
preached in Asia Minor. Paul began his third missionary journey by traveling all around
the region of Galatia and Phrygia to strengthen, teach and rebuke the believers. Paul then
 44

traveled to Ephesus, an important center of early Christianity, and stayed there for almost
three years. He performed numerous miracles, healing people and casting out demons,
and he apparently organized missionary activity into the hinterlands. Paul left Ephesus
after an attack from a local silversmith resulted in a pro-Artemis riot involving most of
the city. During his stay in Ephesus, Paul wrote four letters to the church in Corinth
admonishing them for their pagan behavior.

Paul went through Macedonia into Achaea and made ready to continue on to Syria, but he
changed his plans and traveled back through Macedonia because of Jews who had made a
plot against him. At this time, it is likely that Paul visited Corinth for three
months. In Romans 15:19 Paul wrote that he visited Illyricum, but he may have meant
what would now be called Illyria Graeca, which lay in the northern part of modern
Albania, but was at that time a division of the Roman province of Macedonia.

Paul and his companions visited other cities on their way back to Jerusalem such as
Philippi, Troas, Miletus, Rhodes, and Tyre. Paul finished his trip with a stop in Caesarea
where he and his companions stayed with Philip the Evangelist before finally arriving at
Jerusalem. (Acts 21: 8 – 10, 15) God confirmed his message with miracles. Acts 20:7-12
tells of Paul at Troas preaching an exceptionally long sermon. A young man, sitting in an
upstairs window sill, went to sleep and fell out the window. He was thought to be dead,
but Paul revived him.

Once involved in the occult, the new believers at Ephesus burned their magic books. Idol-
makers, on the other hand, were not pleased with their loss of business on account of this
one true God and His Son. One silversmith named Demetrius started a city-wide riot,
praising their goddess Diana. Trials always followed Paul. The persecution and
opposition ultimately strengthened true Christians and spread the gospel.

At the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, he knew he would soon be imprisoned and
probably killed. His final words to the church at Ephesus display his devotion to Christ:
“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the
whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came
upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you
anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,
solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem,
not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies
to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my
life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry
which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of
 45

God” (Acts 20:18-24). Some Bible scholars see a fourth missionary journey as well, and
early Christian history does seem to attest to the idea. At the same time, there is no
explicit evidence for a fourth journey in the Bible, as it would have occurred after the
close of the book of Acts.

The purpose of all of Paul’s missionary journeys was the same: proclaiming God’s grace
in forgiving sin through Christ. God used Paul’s ministry to bring the gospel to the
Gentiles and establish the church. Paul’s letters to the churches, recorded in the New
Testament, still support church life and doctrine. Although Paul’s missionary journeys
caused him to sacrifice everything, they were worth the cost (Philippians 3:7-11).

Works cited:

1. Segal, Alan F. Paul, the Convert, (New Haven/London, Yale University Press,
1990)

2. Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome, Paul: A Critical Life (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996)

 46

UNIT IX - MAJOR THEMES OF THE EPISTLES

Principles of victorious Christian living: (I & II Timothy)

Paul’s three recorded letters at the end of his full and fruitful life, were addressed to his
authorised representatives – Timothy and Titus. These were the only letters Paul wrote
exclusively to individuals and they were meant to exhort and encourage Timothy and
Titus in their ministry of strengthening the churches in Ephesus and Crete. In the 18 th
century these epistles came to be known as the pastoral epistles. And perhaps in other
churches in the province of Asia.

Paul the aged and experienced apostle wrote first to Timothy from Macedonia in AD 62
or 63 while Timothy was serving as his representative in Ephesus. Paul warns Timothy
about the growing problem of false doctrine, particularly as they relate to the misuse of
the Mosaic Law. (I Tim.1:3-11). Paul also urges Timothy to fulfil his divine calling
without wavering in doctrine or in conduct (ITim.1:18-20). Paul addresses the issue of
church worship. He requests that prayer be the backbone of worship and prayer should be
made for all especially those in authority as we may live and quiet lives in all godliness
and holiness. (ITim.2:2).. Paul then emphasises that men should lift up holy hands in
prayer without anger or dispute. He then turns to the role of women, their external beauty
and emphasises on the importance of inner quality of godliness. (I Tim.2: 8&9). Paul lists
the qualification of overseers or bishops and for the office of the deacon (I Tim.3:1-13).
The need for a person in God’s ministry to manage his own family well is stressed. Paul
warns Timothy of the false teaching and the deceiving spirits that will arise in the latter
days and exhorts him to teach what he has heard and followed. Paul advises Timothy not
to deal with older men harshly but to consider them as his father. He also gives clear
instructions about widows and asks Timothy to teach children to take care of their own
family members for this will be practicing religion and will be pleasing to God. (I
Tim.5:1-8). Paul also asks Timothy to teach about the unce rtainity of riches and putting
their hope in God. (I Tim.6:17-19).

Instructions for personal life:

 Set an example for believers in speech, in life , in love, in faith and in purity. (I
Tim.4:11)
 Do not neglect the gift given to you but devote to reading of Scripture, preaching
and teaching. (I Tim.4:13&14)
 Do nothing out of favouritism (I Tim.5:21)
 Godliness with contentment is great gain. Love of money is the root of all kind of
evil. (I Tim.6:6-10)
 47

 Pursue righteousness, Godliness, faith, love endurance and gentleness. (I

Tim.6:11)
 Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life. (I Tim.6:12)
 Persevere in the present testing (II Tim.2:1-8)
 Avoid Godless chatter (II Tim.2:16)
 Endure in future testing (II Tim.3:10-17)

***endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No soldier gets involved
in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer (II Tim.2:3&4)

Faith & works: (James and Hebrews) (added Hebrews earlier it was onlyJAMES)

The second chapter of James (Js.2:14-17) deals with faith and works. According to
James, faith without works cannot be called faith. Faith without works is dead and a dead
faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work, must produce and must be visible.
Throughout his epistle, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by
stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith. Faith endures. Trials come
and go. But a strong faith will force them head on and develops endurance. Faith
understands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin.
Faith obeys the word. Faith produces doers. Faith harbours no prejudice. Faith and
favouritism cannot co-exist itself in works. It is demonstrated by obedience and it
responds to the promises of God. To illustrate this point just like Paul, James took his
illustration from the life of Abraham. Paul cited the instance of Abraham’s response to
God’s promise as proof that salvation is by faith, not by works (Rom. 4). James used
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac to prove that faith must be manifested through works in
order to be real (James. 2:21-24). In spite of the apparent contradiction, the two are really
the two sides of the same coin. Paul is writing about the justification before God, while
James writes of the evidence of justification before men. A faith that produces no change
is not saving faith. James is not really an attack on faith, but a protest against the
hypocrisy of pretending to have faith without demonstrating it in works.

Examples of faith revealed through works:

 By faith Noah, warned about things not yet seen, built an ark to save his family
(Heb.11:7)
 By faith Moses refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose
to be mistreated along with the people of God (Heb.11:24&25)
 By faith people passed through the Red sea as on dry ground (Heb.11:29)
 By faith Rahab because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who
were disobedient (Heb.11:31)
 48

*** (Hebrews 12:1)Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith.

Teachings about Jesus: (Book of Hebrews)

The Son Is Higher Than the Angels (1:5 – 2:18)

A series of scriptural citations prove that the Son is superior to angels. We might ask why
angels require a ranking anyway? Today’s view of the world has little room for angels.
But in the world of the New Testament, especially in the writing of Judaism, angels were
regarded as the most powerful intermediaries between God and humans. Their high place
is witnessed in Galatians 4:8 and Colossians 2:18. What is the concern here? Jesus in his
humanity did not appear so impressive as these “spiritual” beings. He was not only
human, he suffered and died. Hebrews must overcome the scandal of a “lowly” Messiah.

As in other New Testament Writing (Gal 3:1-5), Hebrews argues “the greater” right out
of the readers’ own experience. The work of God’s Spirit among them is itself powerful
“witness” to the salvation accomplished through Jesus (2:3-4). Hebrews now drives home
the exhortation. This “greater salvation” demands of the readers a greater response of
vigilance (2:1-2).

From the perspective of the risen Lord, Hebrews new takes up the issue of Jesus’
“lowliness”. On the basis of Psalm 8, the author asserts that Jesus was “lower than
angels” only temporarily. And the reasons for this is so that he could “taste death for
everyone”, that is, act as a priest. On the basis of a messianic reading of Isaiah 8:18-19,
Hebrews next affirms God’s (and the messiah’s) solidarity with humanity. Then Hebrews
turns the table. Because Jesus is one with those he represents before God – those who are
“tested” and who “fear death” – he can be compassionate and merciful priest. Hebrews
defines priesthood in terms of identity rather terms of religious ceremony. Later doctrine
would say that “what is not assumed (by God) cannot be saved”. Precisely because Jesus
is human, he can save humanity.

Jesus, Faithful And Compassionate High Priest (3:1-5, 10)

The next contrast is between Moses, “the servant of the house”, and Jesus, “a son placed
over his house” (3:4-6). The real contrast is between the people led by Moses and the
Christian Community hearing the sermon, a contrast between disobedience and obedient
faith (3:7-13). Hebrews agrees with Paul’s Argument in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, that what
happened to Israel in the desert is a warning for the present.

Much is made of specific words such as rest and today, without regard to their original
contexts. The reason for this is that Scripture speaks to every age in each of its words, and
 49

that every part of scripture interprets every other part. Hebrews says that the “rest” to
which Moses led the people (the land) was not the “rest of God”. Also, the people of old
failed to enter the earthly rest because of their disobedience. Now Christians have hope
for the real rest won by Jesus’ resurrection. The point - they are to obey the call of God
and not fall away (4:6). The message is not a trivial one. The readers are not engaged in a
conquest of territory; they are to share God’s life, an awesome prospect (4:12-13). The
comparison to the wandering Israelites also establishes a basic image of the church as a
people on pilgrimage. Hebrews points the reader again to the leader of the pilgrimage, the
“Apostle and high priest of our confession” (3:1). In the description of Jesus as priest
(4:14- 5:9), Hebrews combines what has come to be called “high” and “low”
Christologies. It is an example .Jesus is not only “faithful” (3:1-2 )as all are called to be,
he “learned obedience from what he suffered”(5:8).The implications of this statement
becomes clear only later (see 12:1-11). We already understand that Jesus’ suffering
deepened his faith, and his obedience was itself a form of suffering. Jesus became little by
little, in his humanity, the perfect son of God and therefore the “leader” of all who follow
him.

Jesus’ Eternal Priesthood and Sacrifice (5:11-10:39)

The long middle section of the sermon argues for the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood. An
extended exhortation is found in (5:11-6:20) and Chapter 7-10 focus on the priestly
identity and activity of Jesus. Hebrews presupposes the reader’s grasp of the “basic
teaching about Christ” (6:1), but, in a rebuke as an exhortation, urges them beyond the
milk fit for babes of the meat for the mature (compare Paul’s use of this imagery in 1 Cor
3:1-3). This “matter” teaching is not a matter of abandoning Jesus. Hebrews, calls such
apostasy from Christ “re crucifying the son of God” (6:6). God’s promise based on Jesus’
resurrection is utterly reliable; Jesus is the “anchor of the soul” (6:19), to whose
priesthood God is bound by oath (6:13). But how are we to understand Jesus’ priesthood?
This requires explanation. By it Christians are enabled to become “imitators to those who,
through faith and patience are inheriting the promises” (6:12).

The consideration of Jesus as priest is the climax of the “lesser to greater” argument. But
because the Jewish symbols are foreign to us today, this section makes for some of the
hardest reading in the New Testament. It is important to remember from the start that the
books premise is the Christian experience of the spirit and conviction that Jesus is the
risen Lord, who has entered into the life of God (2:3-4). Only this makes Hebrews
reinterpretation of scripture reasonable. (This portion has been deleted)

References:

 New Bible Commentary 3rd Edition, Edited by Guthrie D, Motyer J A et.al.

 New Testament Previous CEC Notes
 50

UNIT X - THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Guidelines to study the book:

The book of Revelation, makes for difficult reading, and in fact has a long history of
misinterpretation. Many people had made a fundamental mistake, taking it as a literal set
of predictions delivered in the past concerning current event. Reading Revelation that
way has been popular for a long time. For many people nowadays, it has become an
obsession. The ‘end time’ has been awaited many times without occurring. Such
readings have caused distortion of lives, many individuals and groups have left livelihood
and loved ones to meet the New Jerusalem, only to have their dreams destroyed. Such
readings have missed the real religious message of Revelation. They reduce its value to
that of an astrological chart.

The Book of Revelation requires an openness of faith and an ability to hear. Because it
engages the hearing and the seeing, images must be elicited through the imagination. A
contemplative attitude is essential, along with the need not to try to pin poetic language to
specific events. Although the text calls out for such an interpretation, with its promise to
reveal what will happen soon (22:18&19), it is critical to recognise that just such
statements are standard features of a specific literary for of the ancient world, called
apocalyptic. Two tenets should guide the faithful study of Revelation:

 The word of God was addressed to the people of the age when it was written
 A texts ‘fuller’ meaning for successive ages is secondary and never to be divorced
from its first historical meaning.

Newspapers and poetry do not communicate their ‘truths’ in exactly the same way.
Knowing the usage of a literary form is necessary for intelligent reading. The literary
features express an interpretation of history. Apocalyptic defends god’s justice. The
‘present age’ appears to be under the control of evil people or even satanic powers, since
those devoted to God are being persecuted. The apocalyptic transposes God’s blessing to
a future time, ‘the age to come’. Just when things become humanly impossible, God will
intervene (as through a Messiah), to save God’s own, and he will inaugurate the
“Kingdom of God’. Apocalyptic brings the conviction that God controls history even
though experience seems to suggest that God does not.

The religious message of the apocalyptic is simple. To the faithful, it says, ‘hold on’. To
the wavering, it declares, ‘stand fast’. It offers hope of victory to those now oppressed
but remaining loyal to the one God. Revelation fits the apocalyptic genr well. It has
visions, animals, numbers, and cosmic catastrophes. It has a two page interpretation of
history and its basic religious message is a call for the ‘endurance of the holy ones’.
 51

The seven broad chronological themes in Revelation:

THEME 1: The message to seven ecclesia’s (Chapters 1 – 3)

Jesus gives his assessment of the spiritual state of each of these seven ecclesia’s, and
urges each of them to "overcome" and inherit the promises of the Kingdom. The overall
message of Revelation was also relevant to the seven ecclesia’s, as it has been, and is, to
all ecclesia’s of all ages. Although specific to the seven ecclesia’s, the challenge for
today's ecclesia’s is identical. The same call is made by Jesus to all ecclesia’s over the
past 2,000 years, and beyond, until he comes.

THEME 2: The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Chapters 4 and 5)

Chapter 4 is a chapter of great holiness as we take a look, with John, at the throne of God
Himself, surrounded as he is with four living creatures, twenty-four elders, seven spirits
and myriads of angels. Chapter 5 introduces us to the Lamb, who alone can open the
scroll God holds in His right hand, sealed with seven seals.

THEME 3: 3½ years of great tribulation under the rule of the beast

Chapter 6 - A preview of conditions under the rule of the beast.

Chapter 11:1-14 -Destruction of Jerusalem by the nations marks the beginning of the
tribulation period of 3 1/2 years. The work of the two witnesses during the 3 1/2 years of
tribulation.

Chapter 12 - Persecution of Israel and followers of Jesus by the beast.

Chapter 13- Description of the beast and false prophet and their work.

Chapter 17 - A picture of the beast and the harlot (whose name is Babylon) sitting on the
beast. The beast and ten kings destroy the woman. The beast and the ten kings make war
with the Lamb (Jesus). This battle is described in more detail in chapter 19.

Chapter 18 - A description of the destruction of the harlot (Babylon) by the beast and ten
kings.

THEME 4: The return of Jesus and the gathering of the elect as his bride

Chapter 7 - The elect receive the seal of God. The great destruction of evil on the earth is
delayed while this takes place. This destruction must not be confused with the 3 1/2 years
period of tribulation. They are two separate events. The tribulation must take place first,
 52

at the end of which the elect will be gathered to Jesus by his angels. After that, the
destruction of evil throughout the world takes place.

Chapter 14 - Jesus on Mt. Zion with the redeemed elect. He warns all people on earth not
to worship the beast or bear its mark, and that the destruction of all things evil is about to
commence.

Chapter 15 - Another view of the gathered saints with Jesus, singing the song of Moses
and the Lamb.

Chapter 19:1-10 - Rejoicing by the saints of the destruction of the harlot (Roman
Catholic Church and Europe) (Has been removed) by the beast and ten kings. The union
and marriage supper of Christ and his bride (the saints). These events relate closely to
those in chapters 7 and 15. Not long after the gathering of the saints to Jesus, the beast
and kings of the earth make war with Jesus. This attack by the beast is motivated by the
destruction of the evil on the earth by Jesus.

THEME 5 : Involving the 7th seal and six angels with trumpets . The destruction of all
evil on the earth, culminating in the final battle between Jesus and the beast and kings of
the world who support the beast

Chapter 8 – 9 - Destruction of one third of the environment and mankind (the first
phase). An opportunity is given for those left to repent.

Chapter 10 - God's promise that the establishment of the Kingdom will no longer be
delayed.

Chapter 16 - The second (final) phase of destruction of evil, culminating in the battle of
Armageddon. (This involves the seven angels pouring seven bowls of wrath onto the
earth and mankind). The battle of Armageddon is the war of the beast against the Lamb.

Chapter 19:11-21 - A description of the war in which the beast and kings of the earth
make war against Jesus. The beast and false prophet are destroyed.

THEME 6: The Millenium.

Chapter 11:15 – 19 - (Involving the 7th seal and 7th angel with a trumpet). Proclamation
of the Kingdom of God.

Chapter 20 - A vision of the millenium in which sin will be put down because of the
destruction of the beast, but will rise again at the end of the millenium. Those faithful to
Jesus will rule with him as priests during the millenium. At the end of the millenium, a
final judgement will take place involving those who have lived as mortals during the
millenium. Sin and death will be finally done away with.
 53

Chapter 21-22 - A description of the new world order in the Kingdom, including a vision
of the new Jerusalem.

THEME 7: Beyond the millenium

The earth is now completely filled with the glory of God. Sin and death are no more, and
mortality exists no longer. God is "all in all".

Message to the Seven Churches: Rev.2:1-3:22

The apocalypse or revelation given by God through John his servant who had been
banished to the island called Patmos to the seven churches of Asia (Modern turkey)
situated on an irregular circular road, in the order in which they are addressed. Ephesus,
Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Behind the outward of
the Asian Churches, there was an on-going invisible conflict between Christ and
Antichrist between the Lamb and the Dragon, between the church (the Holy city) and
moral degradation. The onslaught was physical, through the persecuting rulers,
intellectual, through the several false doctrines and moral, through sub standards of
Christian ethics.

The faithful Christians should follow their master who never faltered even when he
suffered. The Lord whom they worship is the firstborn of the dead and had overcome
even death and will never die again. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and
the end. The kings of this world may try to dominate the lives of Christians, but Christ is
the Lord of Lords. His dominion Is universal and He comes to judge the living and the
dead. He walks among the seven lampstands which stand for the seven churches,
patrolling and supervising His churches, as the Chief Bishop. Each of the seven churches
receives a message of commendation along with rebuke. This is to make sure the on-
going mission of His church is not hampered.

The Seven Churches:

(1) Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) - the church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).
(2) Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) - the church that would suffer persecution (2:10).
(3) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) - the church that needed to repent (2:16).
 54

Name of Reward for him

Christ speaking as Commendation Rebuke
the Church who overcomes
He, "who holds the seven Hard work &
stars in his right hand, who Patient endurance, Forsaken their Right to eat from
Ephesus
walks among the seven cannot tolerate First love the tree of life
golden lamp stands" wicked men
"he who is the First and
Afflicted & Poor ,
Smyrna the Last, who died and - Crown of Life
yet rich
came to life"
Eating food
Hidden Manna,
Live where Satan sacrificed to
he "who has the sharp two- White stone with
Pergamum has his throne yet idols and
edged sword". a new name
remained faithful sexual
written on it
immorality
Tolerate
Jezebel who
"the Son of God, who has teaches -
Love, Faith,
eyes like a flame of fire, Eating food Authority over
Thyatira Service &
and whose feet are like sacrificed to the nations
Perseverance
burnished bronze" idols and
sexual
immorality
Will be dressed
Have a
He, "who holds the seven A few who have in white, will not
reputation of
Sardis spirits of God and the not soiled their blot out his name
being alive but
seven stars" clothes. from the book of
are dead
life.
"the holy one, the true one, Have little strength Will make him a
who has the key of David, yet have kept the pillar in the
Philadelphia who opens and no one word and not - temple of God
shall shut, who shuts and denied His name. Will write on him
no one opens" Endured Patiently my new name
"the Amen, the faithful and Will give him
Neither cold
Laodicea true witness, the beginning - right to sit on my
nor hot
of God's creation" throne

(4) Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) - the church that had a false prophetess (2:20).
(5) Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) - the church that had fallen asleep (3:2).
(6) Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) - the church that had endured patiently (3:10).
(7) Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) - the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

Message to the Seven Churches:

*** Behold I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of prophecy in this
book. Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone
according to what he has done. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may
 55

have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. (Rev. 22:
7,12&13)

References:

 New Testament Previous Notes

 http://bibleprophecy.bigpondhosting.com/rev/themes.htm
 http://www.gotquestions.org/seven-churches-Revelation.html