May 22 Judges 1, 2

May 22

Judges 1, 2

Jdg 1:1 It happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?

Jdg 1:2 Yahweh said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

Jdg 1:3 Judah said to Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into your lot. So Simeon went with him.

Jdg 1:4 Judah went up; and Yahweh delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they struck of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

Jdg 1:5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek; and they fought against him, and they struck the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

Jdg 1:6 But Adoni-Bezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

Jdg 1:7 Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their food under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me." They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

Jdg 1:8 The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

Jdg 1:9 Afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, and in the South, and in the lowland.

Jdg 1:10 Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba); and they struck Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

Jdg 1:11 From there he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher.)

Jdg 1:12 Caleb said, He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife.

Jdg 1:13 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Jdg 1:14 It happened, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her donkey; and Caleb said to her, What would you like?

Jdg 1:15 She said to him, Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Jdg 1:16 The children of the Kenite, Moses' brother-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people.

Jdg 1:17 Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they struck the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. The name of the city was called Hormah.

Jdg 1:18 Also Judah took Gaza with its border, and Ashkelon with its border, and Ekron with its border.

Jdg 1:19 Yahweh was with Judah; and drove out the inhabitants of the hill country; for he could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

Jdg 1:20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and he drove out there the three sons of Anak.

Jdg 1:21 The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

Jdg 1:22 The house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel; and Yahweh was with them.

Jdg 1:23 The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

Jdg 1:24 The watchers saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said to him, Show us, we pray you, the entrance into the city, and we will deal kindly with you.

Jdg 1:25 He showed them the entrance into the city; and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the man go and all his family.

Jdg 1:26 The man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called its name Luz, which is its name to this day.

Jdg 1:27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor of Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

Jdg 1:28 It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and did not utterly drive them out.

Jdg 1:29 Ephraim didn't drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them.

Jdg 1:30 Zebulun didn't drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites lived among them, and became subject to forced labor.

Jdg 1:31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob;

Jdg 1:32 but the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for they did not drive them out.

Jdg 1:33 Naphtali didn't drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labor.

Jdg 1:34 The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the hill country; for they would not allow them to come down to the valley;

Jdg 1:35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor.

Jdg 1:36 The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward. 

 

Jdg 2:1 The angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. He said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore to your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you:

Jdg 2:2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars. But you have not listened to my voice: why have you done this?

Jdg 2:3 Therefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.

Jdg 2:4 It happened, when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

Jdg 2:5 They called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Yahweh.

Jdg 2:6 Now when Joshua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man to his inheritance to possess the land.

Jdg 2:7 The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that he had worked for Israel.

Jdg 2:8 Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old.

Jdg 2:9 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.

Jdg 2:10 Also all that generation were gathered to their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn't know Yahweh, nor yet the work which he had worked for Israel.

Jdg 2:11 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;

Jdg 2:12 and they forsook Yahweh, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

Jdg 2:13 They forsook Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth.

Jdg 2:14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers who despoiled them; and he sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Jdg 2:15 Wherever they went out, the hand of Yahweh was against them for evil, as Yahweh had spoken, and as Yahweh had sworn to them: and they were sore distressed.

Jdg 2:16 Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who despoiled them.

Jdg 2:17 Yet they didn't listen to their judges; for they played the prostitute after other gods, and bowed themselves down to them: they turned aside quickly out of the way in which their fathers walked, obeying the commandments of Yahweh; but they didn't do so.

Jdg 2:18 When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them.

Jdg 2:19 But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn't cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way.

Jdg 2:20 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice;

Jdg 2:21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;

Jdg 2:22 that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

Jdg 2:23 So Yahweh left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

May 22, 23 John 4

May 22, 23

John 4

Joh 4:1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

Joh 4:2 (although Jesus himself didn't baptize, but his disciples),

Joh 4:3 he left Judea, and departed into Galilee.

Joh 4:4 He needed to pass through Samaria.

Joh 4:5 So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph.

Joh 4:6 Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Joh 4:7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."

Joh 4:8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

Joh 4:9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Joh 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

Joh 4:11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?

Joh 4:12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?"

Joh 4:13 Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,

Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."

Joh 4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I don't get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw."

Joh 4:16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

Joh 4:17 The woman answered, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You said well, 'I have no husband,'

Joh 4:18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly."

Joh 4:19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."

Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Father.

Joh 4:22 You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.

Joh 4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.

Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Joh 4:25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things."

Joh 4:26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who speaks to you."

Joh 4:27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you speak with her?"

Joh 4:28 So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,

Joh 4:29 "Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?"

Joh 4:30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him.

Joh 4:31 In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

Joh 4:32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you don't know about."

Joh 4:33 The disciples therefore said one to another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?"

Joh 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.

Joh 4:35 Don't you say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already.

Joh 4:36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Joh 4:37 For in this the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.'

Joh 4:38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven't labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

Joh 4:39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, "He told me everything that I did."

Joh 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days.

Joh 4:41 Many more believed because of his word.

Joh 4:42 They said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

Joh 4:43 After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee.

Joh 4:44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

Joh 4:45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast.

Joh 4:46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.

Joh 4:47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

Joh 4:48 Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe."

Joh 4:49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

Joh 4:50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

Joh 4:51 As he was now going down, his servants met him and reported, saying "Your child lives!"

Joh 4:52 So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him."

Joh 4:53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." He believed, as did his whole house.

Joh 4:54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Five by Mark Copeland

                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                              Chapter Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To examine the sin of Ananias and Sapphira in lying to the Holy
   Spirit

2) To note the amazing signs and wonders that were done by the apostles,
   in which all were healed

3) To consider the apostles' response when government seeks to stifle
   the preaching of the gospel

SUMMARY

In contrast to the remarkable liberality in the church as described in
the previous chapter, we are now told of the example of Ananias and
Sapphira.  A husband and wife who sold a possession, they tried to
mislead the apostles that they were giving the entire proceeds.
Confronted one at a time by Peter and found guilty of lying against the
Holy Spirit, they both fall dead, bringing great fear upon all (1-11).

Highly esteemed among the people, the apostles continue doing many signs
and wonders among the people and in the temple (Solomon's Porch).
Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers, who then brought
the sick out into the streets on beds and couches, that perhaps the
shadow of Peter might fall on some of them.  A multitude from the
surrounding cities brought those who were sick and tormented, and
everyone was healed (12-16).

Once again the high priest and those of Sadducees are filled with anger.
They have the apostles placed into custody.  During the night, an angel
of the Lord frees them and commands the apostles to continue to teach in
the temple.  In the morning when the council convenes, the prison is
found secure but empty.  When told that the apostles are teaching in the
temple, officers are sent to bring the apostles peacefully to the
council.  When the high priest charges them of disobeying the command
not to teach in the name of Jesus (cf. 4:18), the apostles reply "We
ought to obey God rather than man."  They further proclaim that God
raised Jesus (whom the council had murdered) and has exalted Him to be
Prince and Savior who offers repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
sins.  To this the apostles claim to be witnesses, along with the Holy
Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him (17-32).

Infuriated, the council plots to kill the apostles.  However, one in the
council, a Pharisee and highly respected teacher of the law by the name
of Gamaliel (cf. 22:3), advises the council to leave the apostles alone.
Based upon the history of other "movements" that had failed, Gamaliel
reasons that if the apostles were doing the work of men, it would come
to naught.  But if it was the work of God, the council could do nothing
to stop it and would only be fighting against God.  The council is
willing to heed his advice, though the apostles are beaten and charged
not to speak in the name of Jesus before being released.  The apostles
leave the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer
shame in the name of Jesus, and continue right on teaching and preaching
Jesus as the Christ every day in the temple and in every house (33-42).

OUTLINE

I. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA (1-11)

   A. THEIR PLOT TO DECEIVE (1-2)
      1. They sold a possession, but kept back part of the proceeds
      2. Ananias brings a part to the apostles, Sapphira aware of his
         intention to deceive

   B. THE DEATH OF ANANIAS (3-6)
      1. Peter challenges Ananias
         a. Why has he allowed Satan to enter his heart to lie to the
            Holy Spirit?
            1) The land was his to use
            2) The money was his to control
         b. He has not lied to men, but to God!
      2. Ananias drops dead
         a. Upon hearing the words of Peter
         b. Creating great fear on those who heard
         c. Carried out by young men and buried

   C. THE DEATH OF SAPPHIRA (7-11)
      1. Peter confronts Sapphira
         a. She enters three hours later, unaware
         b. Did she sell the land for a certain amount?  Yes, she
            answers
         c. Why did she agree with her husband to the test the Spirit?
         d. Those who buried her husband are ready to carry her out
      2. Sapphira falls dead
         a. Immediately at the feet of Peter
         b. Carried out by young men and buried by her husband
         c. Creating great fear upon all the church and all who heard

II. THE POWER OF THE APOSTLES (12-16)

   A. WITH ONE ACCORD IN SOLOMON'S PORCH (12-13)
      1. Many signs and wonders were done by the apostles among the
         people
      2. While none dared join them, they were esteemed highly

   B. HEALING ALL WHO BROUGHT TO THEM (14-16)
      1. Believers were increasingly added to the Lord
      2. They brought the sick out on the street
         a. Laying them on beds and couches
         b. That at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on
            them
      3. A multitude gathered from the cities surrounding Jerusalem
         a. Bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits
         b. They were all healed

III. THE PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES (17-42)

   A. IMPRISONED, THEN FREED (17-21a)
      1. The apostles put into the common prison
         a. By the high priest and those of the sect of the Sadducees
         b. For they were filled with indignation
      2. The apostles freed by an angel of the Lord
         a. Who came at night, opened the prison doors, and brought them
            out
         b. Who charged them to return to the temple and speak the words
            of life
         c. Which they did, entering the temple in the early morning

   B. BEFORE THE COUNCIL (21b-33)
      1. The council calls for the apostles to be brought from the
         prison
         a. The officers are unable to do so, for the apostles are not
            there!
         b. Despite the secure doors, and guards standing outside
      2. The council has the apostles brought from the temple
         a. The council is informed that the apostles are teaching the
            temple
         b. The apostles are brought to the council peacefully, for fear
            of the people
      3. The high priest challenges the apostles
         a. Were they not strictly commanded to teach in Jesus' name?
         b. You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, intending to
            bring this Man's blood on us!
      4. Peter and the apostles respond
         a. We ought to obey God rather than man
         b. God has raised Jesus, whom you murdered
         c. God has exalted Jesus to His right hand
            1) To be Prince and Savior
            2) To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins
         d. We are witnesses to these things
            1) And so is the Holy Spirit
            2) Whom God has given to those who obey Him
      5. The council's immediate reaction
         a. They were furious
         b. They plotted to kill the apostles

   C. THE ADVICE OF GAMALIEL (34-39)
      1. Gamaliel stands up in the council
         a. A Pharisee, a teacher of the law
         b. Held in respect by all the people
         c. Who commands the apostles be put outside for awhile
      2. Gamaliel cautions the council
         a. To be careful what they do with the apostles
         b. Remember what happened to Theudas
            1) A man claiming to be someone, joined by 400 men
            2) He was slain, and those who obeyed him came to nothing
         c. Remember what happened to Judas of Galilee in the days of
            the census
            1) He drew away many people after him
            2) He also perished, and those who obeyed him dispersed
         d. His advice regarding the apostles:  leave them alone
            1) If their work is of men, it will come to nothing
            2) If it is of God, it cannot be overthrown and you will be
               fighting against God

   D. THE APOSTLES' RELEASED (40-42)
      1. The council's decision
         a. They agree with Gamaliel to let the apostles go
         b. But first beat them and command them not to speak in the
            name of Jesus
      2. The apostles' reaction
         a. They depart rejoicing they were counted worthy to suffer
            shame for His name
         b. They continued to teach and preach Jesus daily in the temple
            and in every house

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Ananias and Sapphira (1-11)
   - The power of the apostles (12-16)
   - The persecution of the apostles (17-42)

2) Who is introduced as having sold a possession? (1)
   - Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife

3) What did the husband do?  Was the wife aware of it? (2)
   - He kept back part of the proceeds and brought a part to the
     apostles; yes, she was

4) What did Peter charge the husband of doing?  In what way? (3)
   - Lying to the Holy Spirit
   - By keeping back part of the price (but implying he was giving all
     of it)

5) Who did Peter say he had lied to? (4)
   - Not to men but to God

6) What happened when the man heard this?  What was the reaction of
   those who heard? (5)
   - He fell down and breathed his last; great fear come upon all who
     heard

7) How long before the wife came in?  Was she aware of what happened?
   (7)
   - Three hours; no

8) Did she attempt to mislead Peter also? (8)
   - Yes

9) What did Peter charge her with being guilty of doing? (9)
   - Agreeing with her husband to test the Spirit of the Lord

10) What then happened?  What was the reaction upon those who heard?
    (10-11)
   - She fell dead, and was buried by her husband; great fear came upon
     them

11) What was being done by the apostles? (12)
   - Many signs and wonders among the people

12) How did the people regard the apostles? (13)
   - None dared join them, but did esteem them highly

13) Did this hinder the growth of the church? (14)
   - No, believers were being increasingly added to the Lord

14) What did the believers do?  Why? (15)
   - They brought the sick out into the street on beds and couches
   - That the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on them

15) Who else were bringing sick people? (16)
   - A multitude from the surrounding cities

16) Of those sick and tormented brought to the apostles, who were
    healed? (16)
   - They were all healed

17) Who was filled with indignation and had the apostles put into
    custody? (17-18)
   - The high priest and those of the sect of the Sadducees

18) Who freed the apostles during the night?  What were they told to do?
    (19-20)
   - An angel of the Lord; to go to the temple and speak to the people
     all the words of this life

19) What was discovered when the apostles were sent for from prison?
    (21-23)
   - The prison was secure with the guards standing outside, but no one
     was inside

20) When told that the apostles were teaching in the temple, what did
    the council do? (24-26)
   - Sent the officers to bring the apostles without violence, for they
     feared the people

21) What three charges did the high priest make against the apostles?
    (27-28)
   - Did we not command you not teach in this name?
   - You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine
   - You intend to bring this Man's blood on us!

22) What was the initial response of Peter and the apostles to these
    charges? (29)
   - We ought to obey God rather than man

23) What else did the apostles proclaim on this occasion? (30-32)
   - God raised up Jesus whom they murdered by hanging on a tree
   - God exalted Him to His right hand to be Prince and Savior
   - To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins
   - We are witnesses to these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God
     has given to those who obey Him

24) What was the council's initial reaction?  What were they planning to
    do? (33)
   - They were furious; they plotted to kill the apostles

25) Who in the council stood up?  Who was he?  What did he command? (34)
   - A Pharisee named Gamaliel
   - A teacher of the law held in respect by all the people
   - That the apostles be put outside for a while

26) What were his initial words to the council? (35)
   - Take heed what you intend to do regarding these men

27) What two examples does he give of 'failed movements'? (36-37)
   - Theudas and his followers who came to nothing when he died
   - Judas of Galilee and those who followed him, who were dispersed
     when he died

28) What counsel does Gamaliel then offer?  Why? (38-39)
   - Keep away from the apostles and leave them alone
   - If their work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of
     God, they will be fighting against God and cannot overthrow it

29) What was the council's response to Gamaliel?  Yet what did they
    still do? (40)
   - They agreed with him
   - They beat the apostles, commanded them not to speak in the name of
     Jesus, then let them go

30) How did the apostles' respond as they left the council? (41)
   - Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the
     name of Jesus

31) What did the apostles continue to do?  Where? (42)
   - Teach and preach Jesus as the Christ; daily in the temple, and in
     every house

Happy!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday we began a study of Matthew; specifically, the "Sermon on the Mount".  So, when I came across this picture, frankly, I couldn't resist doing a post on the topic.  Now, I have done posts on this selection of Scripture before, but somehow today's picture put a bit of a spin on how I normally approach this topic.  But, I am getting ahead of myself; now would be a good time to read what Jesus said...

Matthew Chapter 5

   3  "“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

  4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

  5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.

  6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.

  7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

  8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.

  9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

  10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

  11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Everyone wants to be happy!!!  Well, to be fair, not quite everyone.  I have known a few people that reveled in their unhappiness, but thankfully, only a very few.  For most people, the first few verses are no problem; but, when you read verses ten and following, it strikes a discordant note for some.  That is because they did not understand the statements before ten.  This discourse is about being a follower of God by HIS RULES.  Happiness is not a warm, fuzzy experience of pleasure, it is a state of obedience to the will of heaven.  And that makes all the difference in the world!!!  Christians do not necessarily have a pleasant life; they have a life of doing God's will and that causes problems at times.  But, God is there, so no matter what happens there is a wonderful reward at the end of it all.  One more thing.... do NOT expect others to necessarily be happy about your happiness (with God).  There is the sort of person who enjoys wrecking the happiness of others, remember?  Look at the picture again.  Notice that someone has shot holes in the sign!!!! Relax, the sign has done its work anyway; God awaits!!!!!!

May 21 Joshua 23, 24

May 21

Joshua 23, 24

Jos 23:1 It happened after many days, when Yahweh had given rest to Israel from their enemies all around, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years,

Jos 23:2 that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and said to them, "I am old and well advanced in years.

Jos 23:3 You have seen all that Yahweh your God has done to all these nations because of you; for it is Yahweh your God who has fought for you.

Jos 23:4 Behold, I have allotted to you these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even to the great sea toward the going down of the sun.

Jos 23:5 Yahweh your God will thrust them out from before you, and drive them from out of your sight. You shall possess their land, as Yahweh your God spoke to you.

Jos 23:6 Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left;

Jos 23:7 that you not come among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow down yourselves to them;

Jos 23:8 but hold fast to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day.

Jos 23:9 For Yahweh has driven great and strong nations out from before you. But as for you, no man has stood before you to this day.

Jos 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand; for it is Yahweh your God who fights for you, as he spoke to you.

Jos 23:11 Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love Yahweh your God.

Jos 23:12 Else if you do at all go back, and hold fast to the remnant of these nations, even these who remain among you, and make marriages with them, and go in to them, and they to you;

Jos 23:13 know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no longer drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you.

Jos 23:14 Behold, today I am going the way of all the earth. You know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which Yahweh your God spoke concerning you. All have happened to you. Not one thing has failed of it.

Jos 23:15 It shall happen that as all the good things have come on you of which Yahweh your God spoke to you, so Yahweh will bring on you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you,

Jos 23:16 when you disobey the covenant of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them. Then the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you, and you will perish quickly from off the good land which he has given to you."

Jos 24:1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, for their heads, for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

Jos 24:2 Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Your fathers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nahor: and they served other gods.

Jos 24:3 I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.

Jos 24:4 I gave to Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave to Esau Mount Seir, to possess it. Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

Jos 24:5 I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did in its midst: and afterward I brought you out.

Jos 24:6 I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and you came to the sea. The Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and with horsemen to the Red Sea.

Jos 24:7 When they cried out to Yahweh, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea on them, and covered them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt: and you lived in the wilderness many days.

Jos 24:8 I brought you into the land of the Amorites, that lived beyond the Jordan: and they fought with you; and I gave them into your hand. You possessed their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

Jos 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel. He sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you;

Jos 24:10 but I would not listen to Balaam; therefore he blessed you still. So I delivered you out of his hand.

Jos 24:11 You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Girgashite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I delivered them into your hand.

Jos 24:12 I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.

Jos 24:13 I gave you a land whereon you had not labored, and cities which you didn't build, and you live in them. You eat of vineyards and olive groves which you didn't plant.'

Jos 24:14 Now therefore fear Yahweh, and serve him in sincerity and in truth. Put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, in Egypt; and serve Yahweh.

Jos 24:15 If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh."

Jos 24:16 The people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake Yahweh, to serve other gods;

Jos 24:17 for it is Yahweh our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed.

Jos 24:18 Yahweh drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve Yahweh; for he is our God."

Jos 24:19 Joshua said to the people, "You can't serve Yahweh; for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins.

Jos 24:20 If you forsake Yahweh, and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after he has done you good."

Jos 24:21 The people said to Joshua, "No; but we will serve Yahweh."

Jos 24:22 Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen Yahweh yourselves, to serve him." They said, "We are witnesses."

Jos 24:23 "Now therefore put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel."

Jos 24:24 The people said to Joshua, "We will serve Yahweh our God, and we will listen to his voice."

Jos 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

Jos 24:26 Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Yahweh.

Jos 24:27 Joshua said to all the people, "Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of Yahweh which he spoke to us. It shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God."

Jos 24:28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.

Jos 24:29 It happened after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred and ten years old.

Jos 24:30 They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.

Jos 24:31 Israel served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work of Yahweh, that he had worked for Israel.

Jos 24:32 They buried the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. They became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

Jos 24:33 Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in the hill of Phinehas his son, which was given him in the hill country of Ephraim.

"ACTS OF THE APOSTLES" Chapter Four by Mark Copeland

                         "ACTS OF THE APOSTLES"

                              Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To study the beginning of the persecution against the church, and the
reason for it

2) To note the apostolic response to persecution, and continued progress
of the church in Jerusalem

SUMMARY

The first case of persecution against the church is described in this
chapter.  Peter and John are put into custody because their preaching on
the resurrection of Jesus disturbed a number of the religious leaders
(in particular the Sadducees who denied any resurrection, Mt 22:23; Ac
23:8).  In spite of this, the number of men who believed came to be
about five thousand (1-4).

After a night in jail, Peter and John are brought before the council,
including the high priest and members of his family.  Challenged to
explain themselves, Peter proclaims the healing was done by the name of
Jesus Christ, the very one they crucified yet whom God raised from the
dead and who has now become "the chief cornerstone" (cf. Ps 118:22),
and in whose name alone salvation is now available.  Amazed  at Peter
and John's boldness, and unable to deny that the lame man had been
healed, the council sends them outside and confer among themselves.
They decide to prevent the spread of the apostles' doctrine by
threatening Peter and John not to preach or teach in the name of Jesus.
The apostles respond that they must speak what they have seen and heard.
The council, unable to do anything more at this time because of the
people, simply threaten the apostles once again and let them go (5-22).

Returning to their companions, Peter and John report what has been said.
Prayer is offered, asking for boldness in view of the persecution
foretold in Psalms 2:1-2, and for signs and wonders to continue in the
name of Jesus.  At the conclusion of the prayer, the place where they
prayed was shaken and all were filled the Holy Spirit, emboldening them
to speak the Word of God (23-31).

The chapter ends with a description of the continued growth of the
church, with the oneness of the brethren and the empowered testimony of
the apostles to the resurrection of Jesus.  The great liberality
continues, meeting the needs of the saints.  One example in particular
is noted, that of Barnabas, whose work is featured later in the book
(cf. Ac 11:22-30; 13:1-15:41), and whose liberality stands in stark
contrast to what takes place in the next chapter (32-36).

OUTLINE

I. THE ARREST OF PETER AND JOHN (1-22)

   A. BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL (1-12)
      1. Peter and John taken into custody
         a. By the priests, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees
         b. Who were upset by their preaching in Jesus the resurrection
            from the dead
         c. Kept overnight until the next day
         d. The number of those who believed came to be about five
            thousand
      2. Their appearance before the Council (Sanhedrin)
         a. Before the rulers, elders and scribes
         b. Before Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander,
            along with other family members of the high priest
         c. Peter and John challenged to explain by what power or name
            they have acted
      3. Peter's response as led be the Spirit
         a. Were they being judged for doing a good deed to a helpless
            man in making him well?
         b. It was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth he was made
            whole
            1) Whom they crucified
            2) Whom God raised from the dead
            3) Who is the stone rejected by the builders, and has become
               the chief cornerstone - cf. Ps 118:22
         c. There is salvation in no other name under heaven

   B. THREATENED NOT TO TEACH (13-22)
      1. The council's reaction
         a. What the council saw
            1) The boldness of Peter and John
               a) Perceived as uneducated and untrained men
               b) Realized as having been with Jesus
            2) The man who had been healed
               a) Standing with Peter and John
               b) Against whose healing nothing could be said
         b. What the council reasoned
            1) A notable has occurred, evident to all, none could deny
            2) To prevent further spread, to threaten the apostles
         c. What the council did
            1) Commanded Peter and John
            2) Not to speak at all or teaching in the name of Jesus
      2. Peter and John's reply
         a. Shall they listen to the council or God?
         b. They cannot but speak what they have seen and heard
      3. Peter and John released
         a. Upon further threatening
         b. Finding no way of punishing them,
         c. Because of the people, who glorified God for what had been
            done
         d. For the man who was healed was over forty years old

II. THE PRAYER FOR BOLDNESS (23-31)

   A. PETER AND JOHN RETURN (23)
      1. To their brethren
      2. To report all that had been said to them

   B. THEIR PRAYER (24-30)
      1. Addressed to the Lord God, Creator of all things
         a. Who prophesied by the mouth of His servant David
         b. Of the nations' rage and plotting against His Christ
         c. As fulfilled by Herod and Pilate, by Gentiles and Israel
         d. Who did according to His predetermined purpose
      2. Asking for all boldness in the face of such threats
         a. That His servants may speak His word
         b. That His hand might stretch out
            1) To heal, to do signs and wonders
            2) Through the name of His holy Servant Jesus

   C. THE ANSWER (31)
      1. The place in which they were assembled was shaken
      2. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit
      3. They spoke the word of God with boldness

III. THE PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH (32-37)

   A. THEIR UNITY (32)
      1. The multitude of believers were of one heart and one soul
      2. None claimed their possessions as their own; they had all
         things in common

   B. THEIR GREATNESS (33)
      1. With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection
         of Jesus
      2. And great grace was upon them all

   C. THEIR LIBERALITY (34-37)
      1. None among them lacked what they needed
         a. For all who possessed lands or houses sold them
         b. The proceeds were laid at the apostles' feet
         c. Distribution was made as each had need
      2. The example of Joses
         a. Called Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, by the apostles
         b. A Levite of the country of Cyprus
         c. Sold land, and laid the money at the apostles' feet

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The arrest of Peter and John (1-22)
   - The prayer for boldness (23-31)
   - The progress of the church (32-37)

2) Who came upon Peter and John while they were speaking? (1)
   - The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees

3) Why were they upset with Peter and John? (2)
   - Because they preached in Jesus the resurrection of the dead

4) Why did that upset them? (cf. Mt 22:23; Ac 23:8)
   - The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection

5) What did they do with Peter and John? (3)
   - Placed them in custody until the next day

6) How many men had come to believe in Christ? (4)
   - About five thousand

7) Who joined the rulers, elders and scribes on the next day? (5-6)
   - Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members
     of the family of the high priest

8) What did they ask Peter and John? (7)
   - "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

9) What name did Peter given them? (8-10)
   - The name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

10) What had the religious leaders done?  What had God done? (10)
   - Crucified Jesus
   - Raised Jesus from the dead

11) What else did Peter say about Jesus? (11-12)
   - He is the rejected stone which has become the chief cornerstone
     (cf. Ps 118:22)
   - There is salvation in no other name but His

12) What did the religious leaders see, perceive, and realize about
    Peter and John? (13)
   - Their boldness
   - That they were uneducated and untrained men
   - That they had been with Jesus

13) What could the religious leaders not deny? (14)
   - That the man standing with Peter and John had been healed

14) After Peter and John were put out of the council, what did the
    council confer among themselves? (15-17)
   - They could not deny such a notable miracle
   - To prevent the spread of the apostles' doctrine, to severely
     threaten them

15) What did the council command Peter and John?  How did they respond?
    (18-20)
   - Not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus
   - "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than
     to God, you judge."
   - "...we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

16) After threatening the apostles some more, why did the council not
    punish them further? (21-22)
   - Because of the people, who glorified God for what had been done

17) Once released, what did Peter and John do? (23)
   - Returned to their companions and reported all the council had said

18) What did they then do? (24)
   - Pray to God

19) What Messianic prophecy did they refer to in their prayer? (25-26)
   - The one found in Ps 2:1,2

20) Who were mentioned as a fulfillment of opposing God and Christ? (27)
   - Herod and Pilate; the Gentiles and the people of Israel

21) In their opposition against God, what had they actually done? (28)
   - What God had determined before to be done

22) In their prayer, what did the apostles ask of God? (29-30)
   - To consider the threats and give His servants boldness to speak His
     word
   - To grant healing signs and wonders to be done in the name of Jesus

23) What happened in response to their prayer? (31)
   - The place where they assembled shook; they were all filled with the
     Holy Spirit
   - They spoke the word of God with boldness

24) What manifested the oneness of the believers at that time? (32)
   - They had all things in common

25) What manifested the greatness enjoyed by the church at that time?
    (33)
   - With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of
     Jesus
   - Great grace was upon them all

26) What manifested their love and generosity at that time? (34-35)
   - Those who had lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds
     to the apostles
   - Distribution was made as anyone had need

27) Who was singled out as an example of their liberality? (36-37)
   - Joses, a Levite from Cyprus named Barnabas (Son of Encouragement)
     by the apostles