The Crusades

The attempt of popes and some lay Christians during the 12th and 13th centuries to wrest control of thte Holy Land.  A series of crusades scarred the history of Europe, the story of the church, and the lives of those who participated.

A short summary of the crusades includes:

First Crusade

Conquering Jerusalem and a long strip of coastal land alng the Mediterranean.  Crusaders established the 'Feudal Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.'

Second Crusade

Accomplished nothing

Third Crusade

Fredrick of Germany, Richard the Lion Hearted of England, and Philip Augustus of France combined to lead this crusade. 

Fourth Crusade

Diverted to attack Constantinople instead of conquering Jerusalem.  The crusaders ravaged the city that was supposed to be their ally.

The Children's Crusade

Children, it was decided, are innocent, and therefore would have a greater spiritual power. 

The 5th, 6th, and 7th Crusades all ended in defeat.

The results of the Crusades can be summarized:

1. They led to bloody artocities, sometimes to their own people.

2. Returning crusaders brought Eastern ideas and philosophies into Europe, much to the dismay of the church.

3.  They caused a backlash of reform within the church by people sick of violence and politics.

The Inquisition

Seeking to stem the tide of reform and rebellion within the Western Church, they would hold an inquest, seeking out heresy or disloyalty.  In 1220, this court of inquiry was assigned to the Dominicans to carry out.

The inquisitor was given absolute power to pass judgment, responsible only to the pope.

The winds of reform were begining to move.

More to view:

http://homepages.udayton.edu/~schuerwc/lecture%20outline%203.htm

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Europe at this time was seeking to recover from the 'Dark Ages', so called because it was a time of intellectual stagnation, poverty, and cultural decline. 

On the more practical side, monks and others in the countryside were applying the principles of poverty and simplicty to work ot their faith.  This was the time of Francis of Assisi (A.D. 1182 - 1226) who obtained approval from Pope Innocent III to begin a group called the 'Friars Minor' (Lesser Brothers).  These friars were about preaching and carring for the poor and sick. 

Finally, the political leaders called an empire-wide council to depose both popes and elect a new one.  During this time abuses abounded.  Many faithful Christians abandoned the traditional church and called for a return to poverty and simplicity.  Some of these formed brotherhoods within the church.  Others formed outside, sometimes at great cost of personal safety.

Prayer of St. Francis

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The Late Medieval Church

Under the Holy Roman Empire, Europe became a 'Christian community'. The church was not only a religious center, but also the center of political and economic life. the spires of the local cathedral stood tall above all  other village building and served as a gathering place for everyone from kings to peasants.

This period witnessed great expansion of commerce, massive building projects, advances in scholarship, and an exploding population.  Overall, the population tripled.  In some of the wealthiest areas it multiplied tenfold.

The early cathedrals' style was Romanesque.  Built using Roman architectural style with  large, heavy inernal pillars, they were strong and stable, but not very tall. 

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The Early Medieval Church

(A.D. 313 - 800 )

The word 'medieval' derives from a Latin term meaning 'middle' in reference to church history, it refers to the Middle Ages, the period of church history from the early church to the modern church.  It has a character all it own.

Suddenly it was 'fashionable' to be a Christian, and many poeple came into the fellowship of Christians to gain respect and prestige.  Slowly, the official policy of Rome came into Christianity the official relition of the empire.

Emperor Constantine felt it best to move the seat of the empire from Rome to Byzantium, a strategically located city at the narrow southwest entrance to the Black Sea, a araa in which the richest culture of the world flourished.  Byzantine culture and architecture are still much admired.  Constantine changed the name of the city to Constantinople and embellished it with beautiful buildings and churches.  It held the name Constantinople until 1930, when the name officially changed to Istanbul.(Turkey).

In the West, the bishops of the major cityies, especially Rome, assumed constantly greater powers of leadership.  This was often by necessity, as these bishops guided the church and became involved in  political issues.

More to view:

 http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Medieval/ByzantineEmpire.html

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The Imperial Move East:

Constantine decided to move the capital of the empire form Rome to the city of Byzantium, the seat of the Byzantine Empire, rich in culture and distinctive architecture.    (Byzantium  was in ancient Greek city, which was founded by Greek colonists from Megara in 667 BC and named after their king Byzas or Byzantas The name "Byzantium" is a Latinization of the original name Byzantion. The city is what later evolved to be the center of the Byzantine Empire (the Greek-speaking Roman Empire of late Antiquity and the Middle Ages) under the name of Constantinople. Constantinople fell to the Turkish Ottoman Empire in 1453. The name of the city was changed to Istanbul in 1930 following the establishment of modern Turkey.)

The imperial presence in the city made it even more magnificient.

Constantine and successive emperors enriched the city with lavishly beautiful  public and religous buildings, including the incrediable Church of  St. Sophia. Constantine renamed the city Constantinople, and in recent times it was renamed again as Instanbul.

As a result of the move East, residents and bishops in Rome often felt abandoned by their emporer. Therefore, Roman bishops became more and more infuliential as political as well as relgtious, leaders.

Another result was growing cleavage between the church in the West, centered in Rome, and the church in the East, centered in Constantinople.  The Eastern Church, known as the Eastern Orthodox, eventually divided from the West. 

The Empire of the Franks

The Franks were a fierce warrier tribe in west Germany and France.  Their warriors looked intimidating, with long blond or red hair that fell across their foreheads.  Their weapon of choice was a single-edged ax, which they threw like a tomahawk.

The first significant king of the Franks, from the Merovingan family, was Clovis.  He became a Christian through the influence of his wife, Clothilda. As was the custom of the day, the entire tribe became Christian, following the decision of the king. 

Clovis united the Frankish tribes into a political and growing in power and influenced (France owes its name to the Franks).  He supported the church and the church, in turn, gave its approval and support to Clovis.

After Clovis' death, his pleasure-loving sons gave little attention in administration of the government.  They left that to the 'Mayors of the Palace,' a succession of pollitical leaders from the Carolingian family.

More to view:

http://www.historyteacher.net/EuroCiv/Weblinks/Weblinks-3-MedievalWorld.htm

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From the Apostles to Constantine

The story of the church begins with Pentecost.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, the members of the early church carried the Good News of the resurrection across their part of the world.  The response was phenomenal.  People by the thousands turned to Christ and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

A tremendously significant event for Judaism and Christianity at this time was the destruction of Jerusalem in  A.D. 70.  The Jews had consistently rebellious against their Roman conquerors.  The Roman Legions, led by Titus (who later became emperor), invaded Palestine in A.D. 69 with the intent of putting down Jewish rebellion once for all.  They surrounded Jerusalem at Passover when a large number of people from the countryside of Judea were in the city.  After a long and cruel seige, Jerusalem fell on September 8, A.D. 70.

Josephus, a Jewish scholar and historian who defected to the Romans, provides the most complete record of the unbelievable misery of the Jewish defenders.  He traveled with Titus as offical historian for the Romans and gives us an eyewitness account of the fall of Jerusalem.  He describes mass starvation. 

The seige of Jerusalem ended with the temple's complete destruction.  The Romans even tore the stones apart to the extract the gold that lay among them.  This act fulfilled Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24: 1-2. Only the Western foundation wall was left standing--today's 'wailing wall;.

Christianity in its early days was definitely a grass roots movement.  The common people were at the heart of the worked and carried the Gospel across the empire. (The word 'Gospel', means 'Good News.') 

Many Christians today want to get back to the power and influence of the early church.  But it is interesting and informative to study the charactieristics of those early Christians.

1. Simplicity - Early church structure seems to be simple.  They apparently met in homes, in an environment where 'common people' were feel welcome.

2.  Emphasis on teaching, fellowship, and prayer- They met together for worship,  and an important part of that time was spent instructing people about 'the apostles teaching. (Acts 2:42).

3.  A fellowship of love - Unlike nearly every other group in their society, the early Christians recognized no class or racial distinctions. Men and women, peasant, slaves, rich and free--all were equally welcome.

4.  Enthusiastically persuading others to believe - in contrast the Christians couldn't stop talking about their faith in the risen Christ and community, Christians were known for their unusual and friendly hospitality. Their ministry was financed entirely by personal giving, most of which went to help support the needy.

5.  High moral standards - Christians stood out  like lights in a dark room.  Their instistence on living on a high moral plane and teaching others to do so set them apart as definitely different.

However, the early Christians were not without enemies.    There were severe persecutions and many believers died for their faith.  The major persecutions were:

 Emperor Nero in Rome,  Emperor Domitian, Emperor Marcus Aurelus, Emperor Decius, Emperor Valerian, Emperor Diocletian.  The persecution of Christians was so severe that it turned the stomach of even the pagans, many of whom became sympathetic to Christians.  This most severe persecution in the Roman Empire was also the last.

The church faced not only problems from the outside (persecution), but also problems from within the form of false teaching.  Some of the major heresies to plague the church at the time were:

Gnosticism, Ebionites, Docetism, Marcionism, Manicheanism, Montanism, Monarchianism.

The major centers of Christianity, such as Rome, Caesarea, Antioch, and Alexandria, became prominient in leadership.  Rome, being the largest church and the capital fo the empire, gave the bishiops of Rome considerable influence.

Some outstanding Christian leaders lived during this time.  Ignatius,(Bishop or Antioch), Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna), Bishop Martyr, Tertullian (North African lawyer),Irenaus (Bishop of Lyon), Clement of Alexandria, Origen.

This period of church history comes to a dramatic climax October 28, A.D. 312, when Constantine advanced on Rome, achieved victory over his rival at the Milvian Bridge outside Rome, became a convert to Christianity and emperor of the Roman Empire.

More to view:

http://www.christianitysite.com/MilvianBridge.htm

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Characteristics of Early Christians

Many Christians want to know the power and the influence of the early Church.  Of course, the power is spiritual.  But it is interesting and informative to study the characteristic of the early Christians. 

1.  Simplicity - Unlike modern demoninational and church organization, early church structure seems to be simple.  They apparently met in homes, in an environment where 'common people' would feel welcome.  Their teaching was understandable, even to those formal education, and there were no complex or secret rituals.

2.  Emphasis on teaching, fellowship and prayer- They met together regularly for worship, and as important part of that time was spent instructing people about 'the apostles teaching'. (Acts 2:42).  They consistently carried out Jesus' final instruction of making disciples and 'teaching them.'  (Matthew 28:20).

3.  A fellowship of love - Unlike nearly every other group in their society, the early Christians recognized no class or racial distinctions.  Men and woman, peasants, slaves, rich and free--all were equally welcome. Outcasts found identity and a sense of belonging in the Christian community.  Christians were knownfor their unusual and friendly hospitality.  Their ministry was financed entirely by personal giving, most of which went to help support the needy.

4.  Enthusiastically persuading others to believe - The Christians couldn't stop talking about their faith in the risen Christ and persuading others to join them.  They were confident in the truth of their mesage and the reality of the resurrection.

5.  High moral standards - Christians stood out like lights in a dark room.  Their insistance on living on a high moral plane and teaching others to do so set them apart as definately different.

Early church organization was simple.  Elders had the oversight of synanagogues, and the same concept carried over into the church.  They wre also called 'bishops,' which means 'overseer'.  Deacons (from Greek word meaning 'servant') assisted elders in their work.  'Pastors' (from the Greek word meaning 'shepherd') cared for the spiritual needs of the flock.  Teachers taughted the doctrines of the apostles.  The whole church made decisions under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Everyone in the church carried out the work of the ministry.  Pastors and teachers helped equip the saints for their work of miistry (Ephesians 4: 11 - 13).

Emperor Constantine

The conversion of Constantine and his Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 completly turned the issue of religious freedom and the position of Christianity in the empire upside down. 

More to view:

http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/constantine.php

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From the Apostles to Constantine

This lesson covers seven major topics:  The Fall of Jerusalem, Characteristics of Early Christians, Persecutions, Early Church Leaders, Emperor Constantine.

The Fall of Jerusalem (70 AD)

Josephus is our primary source of information about the fall of Jerusalem.  He was the official historian for the Romans, and he traveled with the Romans that invaded Judea and conquered Jerusalem.  His knowledge of Scripture and the history of the Jews, together with his on-the-scene observation from the Roman side, qualified him in an unusual way to report these events.

Decapolis is derived from the Greek word meaning Ten Cities (deka meaning ten, and polis meaning a city). They were a group of cities generally located to the east of the The Sea Of Galilee and The Jordan River. Among them was Pella, the city to which many Christians fled just prior to the Fall of Jerusalem In 70 A.D.

After the destruction of Jerusalem, the Romans advanced onthe last holdout of the Jews at the top of Masada, a high rock promontory built earlier by Herod for his own defense.  The battle for Masada, in which it is thought the defenders finally committed mass suicide rather than suffer defeat at the hands of the Romans, was the final death of the Jewish nation.  It was not restored until 1948. 

Both unbelieving and Christian Jews were scattered throughout the empire.  Like sparks from a robust fire, Christians from Jerusalem spread the Gospel everywhere.  Within 200 years Christians comprised the majority in many cities and provinces.

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Continuing~The Revelation and Review of Bible Survey

The purpose of the Book is to reveal Jesus--His glorified state and His plans and purposes for this world.  At the time of this writing, Jesus had ascended to heaven some sixty years earlier.  The author, John the Apostle, was in exile on the island of Patmos.  All the other apostles had faced martydom.  Jesus had promised to return, but 'Where was He?' 'What was He doing?'  'What about the future?'  To answer these questions God revealed Jesus to His followers so they could know and understand His purposes. 

One word 'revelation' is translation of the Greek, meaning 'to unveil'.  Similar to the way a new painting, statue, etc, might be unveils to a waiting crowd at its dedication.

The Revelation is a perfect completion of the library that began with Genesis.  Everything that was lost in Genesis because of sin is regained in Revelation through the work of Christ. 

1. Jesus revealed as Lord of the Church (Chapter  3)

2.  Jesus revealed as Judge of the earth

  a. The Seven seals (Chapter 6)

  b.  The trumpet judgments and bowls of wrath

Trumpet Judgments (Chapters 8, 9)

Hail, Fire, and Blood

One third of the sea to blood

On third of the rivers to blood

Sun, moon, stars one third dark

Plague of locusts on Antichrist's kingdom

Eastern military powers destroy one third of mankind

Bowls of Wrath (Chapter 16)

Sores on people

Al of the sea to blood

All rivers to blood

Sun scorches like fire

Plague of darkness on Antichrist's kingdom

3.  Jesus as King, ruling on the throne forever, bringing everlasting righteousness and peace.  (Chapters 19 - 22)

The Bible~in Three Minutes or less

The story starts with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, located inMesopotamia,  many generations passed until Noah, also in Mesopotamia, experienced the Flood.  From here, people spread out in every direction' the descendants of Shem to the East, Ham to the South, and Japheth to the West and North.'

God called Abraham from his home in Ur.  He travelled around the Fertile Crescent to Canaan, where his descendants, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were born.  God changed Jacob's name to 'Israel'.

Joseph was then prisioner to Egypt, where the children of Israel were at first highly favored, but followed a change in rulers, they became slaves and endured severe persecution.  Finally, after they had been in Egypt some 400 years, God called Moses to lead them out of Egypt, through the Sinai Desert to Mt. Sinai, where they received the law.  From Mt. Sinai they wandered arond in the desert and finally arrived at the sumit of Mt. Nebo, where Moses died. 

Joshua followed Moses and led the nation into Canaan, where they captured the territory and divided the land among the twelve tribes.  The period of the Judges followed, when for approximately 400 years there was no central government and 'everyone did as he saw fit.'  During this time the nation endured seven cycles of slavery and oppression because of their sin.

The twelve tribes came together under one government during the United Kingdom period.  The three kings of this period were Saul, David, and Solomon.  Solomon, built the first temple.

After Solomn's death, civil war divided the nation into the Northern Kingdom, (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah).  The Assryians ultimately took Israel into captivity and populated the land of Israel with Assyrians.  The resulting racial mixture became known as Samaritans.

The Southern Kingdom (Judah) was taken captive by the Babylonians.   They remained in captivity in Babylon for seventy years, then returned and rebuilt the temple and the city of Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra.

After '400 years of silence' in the Bible records Jesus appeared~leading to the Passion week in Jerusalem and the resurrection.

Paul carried the Gospel to the Gentile world of Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome in three missionary journeys and a final journey to Rome.  His letters to the various churches of Asia Minor and Rome.

The Bible concludes with the Revelation of Jesus Christ, written by John while he was  a prisoner on the island of Patmos

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The Revelation and Review of Bible Survey

We should become familiar with the various intrepretations of Revelation. 

Let us note the outline of the major themes of the Book of Revelation. 

1.  The Book was written by the apostle John, the last surviving apostle, was exiled on the island of Patmos because of his faith.

2.  It had been a long time since Jesus' ascension and things were not 'going well' for Christians.  All the apostles, except John had been martyred and persection of Christians was intense under Emperor Domitian.  Christians were wondering, 'Where is Jesus?'  'What is He doing?'  'Why hasn't He returned?' 

3.  The Revelation is the same kind of literature as, and really a continuation of, Daniel. 

As we review the outline we will review, 'Where is Jesus, and what is He doing?' receives a three-part answer in this prophecy:

1. Today, Jesus is Lord of the Church.  He is the glorified, all-powerful, Son of God, majestic in the heavens.  But as Lord of the Church, He is also present in every congregation.  Nothing escapes His watchful eye.  He evaluates the work of every local church.  Though the church does not see Him, He is present.

2. A significant change takes place at the geginning of Chapter 4, where the scene shifts to Jesus as Judge of the earth.  Justice will come.  This judgement is described as seven seals, leading into seven trumpet judgments. 

3.  This lengthy passage ends with Jesus coming as King, ruling on the throne forever, and bringing in everlasting righteousness and peace.

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Journey To Rome

Rome military personnel intervened when the Jews attempted to kill Paul.  Paul requested and received opportunity to speak to the crowd.  When the comander ordered that he be flogged and questioned.  Paul declared his Roman citizenship and right of protection under Roman law, causing the commander to release him.

Paul's nephew warned him of a company by the Jews to kill him.  When this news was shared with the commander, he ordered Paul to be transfered to Caesarea that night under guard of 200 Roman soldiers, 70 horsemen, and 200 spearmen.

Through a series of judicial delays, Paul was held in prison in Caesarea for two years before he exercised his right as a Roman citizen to have the emporer hear his case.

The voyage to Rome involved immense hardshop, including a shipwreck at Malta (Acts 17).

Paul was imprisoned in Roman for two years, realeased, and then imprisoned a second time under much worse conditions.  During the first imprisonment he wrote Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians.  During his release he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus.

During the second imprisonment and while awaiting execution, Paul write the deeply moving letter to Timothy, recorded in the New Testament as 2 Timothy.  In this letter told of his being generally abandoned.  He declared, "I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight.  I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which theLord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing'.  Shortly after writng these words, he was beheaded.

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Third Journey

Travelling through the provinces of Galatia and Phygia.  Paul revisited the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.

Ephesus.  Paul taught in the synagogue for three months, but when opposition from the Jews became too strong, he moved to the lecture hall owned by Tyrannus.  He taught there daily for two years with such awesome results that 'all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the Word of the Lord' (Acts 19:10.) The craftsman making idols were losing money, prompting them to start a riot.    The city clerk addressed the crowd in Paul's defense and restored order.

While in Ephesus, Paul wrote a letter to Christians in Corinth, known to us at I Corintians.

Troas.  Paul preached in Toras with great success, but was much disturbed because Titus, had been sent to Corinth, had not returned to meet him. (II Corinthians 2: 12-13)

Philippi.  Anxious to find Titus.  Paul sailed to Neapolis and immediately proceeded overland to Philippi, where both Titus and Timothy joined him (II Corinthians 1:1, 7:6).  Titus then carried a letter to Christians in Corinth, wich we know as II Corinthians.

Corinth.  After travelling through several Macedonian cities and visiting their churches, Paul spent three months in Corinth.  While there, he wrote the letter of Romans to Christians in Rome.

Returning by the same route to Troas, Paul sailed to Ephesus where he met with the elders of the church it was deeply emotionly farewell, recognizing they would probably never see him again. (Acts 20:17 - 38).

Paul proceeded to Jerusalem against the advice of friends and associates who feared for his life.  Paul declared that he was ready, not only to be bound, but to die for the Name of Christ (Acts 21: 10 - 14). Arriving in Jerusalem, he was falsely accused and dragged out of the temple to be killed.

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Paul's Second Journey-With Silas

- Overland through Tarsus and the Cilician Gates (a mountain pass)

- Revisited churches established during first journey in Derbe, Lystra

- In a vision Paul hears the 'Macedonian call', and changes his plans in order to travel to Macedonia

- Troas. Here Luke, the 'beloved physician', joins the team.  He becomes the historian of Paul's journeys

- Philippi, Lydia, a business in Philippi is converted, and her house becomes a center of worship.  Paul and Silas are imprisoned and are rescued by an earthquake.  Paul's testamony results in the jailer's conversion.

- Thessalonica.  Many converts. A riot instigated by the Jews forces Paul and Silas to escape by night.

- Berea.  Again, many converts.  Jews from Thessalonica came and stirred up opposition  Paul then sailed for Athens, while Silas and Timothy remained at Berea.

- Athens, Paul (alone) began by holding discussions daily in the market.  He was invited by some of the Greek philosophers to come to the Areopagus to discuss the subject of the resurrection.  It was here that Paul presented his famous 'Areopagus speech'. (Acts 17:22 - 31).

More to view (Areopagus)

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-areopagus-mars-hill.htm

- Corinth.  Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and lived in their home while earning a living by tent making.  He remained in Corinth about eighteen months and was greatly encouraged by the arrival of Silas and Timothy.  He admitted that when he first came to Corinth he was in 'weakness and fear, and with much trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:3), probably intensified by beiing alone.  He was rejected by the Jews, so he moved his teaching ministry out of the synagogue and into the home of a convert named Justus.  The Jews attacked him and brought him into court, where the proconsul Gallio threw out the case.

An eloquent scholar named Appolos cane to Corinth while Paul was there.  Under the tutoring of Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos became a powerful defender of the faith throughout the region.

While in Corinth, Paul sent two letters to the church in Thessalonica, which were preserved as First and Second Thessalonians in the New Testament.

-Ephesus.  Paul returned home via Ephesus, when the intent of reaching Jersusalem in time for Pentecost.  Aquila and Priscilla accomanied him to Ephesus, then remained there while Paul went to Caesarea, Jerusalem, and finally to Antioch.

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Lesson 6~Paul's Missionary Journeys

The story of the New Testament church begins with Pentecost, the event described in the second chapter of Acts.  The presence of God through the Holy Spirit into His new 'body' the people who belong to Christ and of whom He is the 'head'.  This new body of people is to emcompass every language, tribe and nation. 

Acts Chapter 2~Because of increasing persecution of Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, many of them moved to other areas. The greatest concentration of believers was in Antioch of Syria, where they were first called 'Christians'.  Barnabas came to Antioch to help with the work and was soon overwhelmed.  In his search for help he remembered Saul who had persecuted Christians in Jerusalem but on a trip to Damascus had met the resurrected and glorified Lord and was soundly converted.  Saul (renamed Paul) was now living in his hometown of Tarsus.  Barnabas found him and requested that he come to Antioch to help with the work.

Prior to his conversion Saul was a devout, highly educated Jew.  He described himself as 'circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law; a Pharisee' as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.'  But when he met Christ, all of that changed.  He later testified: '..whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.   What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ..." (Philippians 3:4-9)

The Antioch church, led by the Holy Spirit, commissioned Paul and Barnabas to go on a missionary journey to tell the good news of the resurrection and the open door to Gentiles of every nation. 

 We are to summarize and find places Paul visited and relate them to the events.  Notice especially the churches to which he wrote letters because these letters have become most of the 'epistles' of our New Testament.

Throughout his ministry, Paul experienced harassment and persecution. 

First Journey~With Barnabas and John Mark

~Cyprus

Governor Sergius Paulus interested in hearing the Gospel.

False prophet, Elymas, rebuked by Paul and stricken with temporary blindness.

~Perga and Antioch

John Mark returned to Jerusalem.

Hostility of the Jews inceased.

~Iconium

Many converts, both Jews and Greeks

Numerous miracles.

A plan to investigate a riot and stone the misisonaries is discovered, causing Paul and his companions to escape from the city.

~Lystra and Derbe

Because of the miracles performed, the people attempted to worship the missionaries, thinking they were gods.  The missionaries, however, refused worship and convinced the people that they were only human.

Unbelieving Jews from Antioch and Iconium instigated a riot which Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead.  He revived and returned to Derbe the next day, where he and Barnabas saw many people converted as a result of their teaching.

Return by sea to Antioch of Syria and report to the Antioch Church.

The Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15: 1-35)

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Paul's Missionary Journeys

The information for these comes from the Book of Acts.  Luke, a physician, wrote Acts and accompanied Paul and his team during a portion of their missionary travels. 

Paul's life prior to his missionary jouneys:

1. He was a native of the city of Tarsus (Acts 21:39)

2. He was a 'pure' Jew, from the tribe of Benjamin. (Philippians 3:5)

3.  He was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6)

4. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28)

5. He was well educated (Acts 24:3, 26:24)

6. He participated before conversion in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57 - 58)

7.  He persecuted Christians fiercely (Acts 9: 1-2)

8. He was dramatically converted to Christ (Acts 9)

9. After his conversion he spent time 'sorting things out', spendig considerable time in the Arabian Desert, in Jerusalem to visit Peter, and finally back home to Tarsus (Galatians 1: 11 - 14).

Tarsus:

Barnabas went to Tarsus to ask Saul (Paul) to join him in the work at Antioch (Acts 11; 25-26).  The Antioch church then commissioned them to embark on a missionary journey to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles in Asia Minor (roughly modern Turkey) Acts 13: 2 - 3.

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Paul's Missionary Journey's

These lessons consist of three major sections: Pentecost, Antioch as a Christian center, and Paul's missionary journeys. 

Pentecost

All Christians agree Pentecost was an important event.  It was the 'birthday of the Church' and fulfilled the promise Jesus made in Acts 1:8; John 14:16; 26; 15:26; amd 16:7.

Some interesting Old Testament background to Pentecost should be mentioned.

1. Pentecost was observed on ' the day after the Sabbath', which was Sunday. (Leviticus 23:15).  It was also connected with 'new grain' or 'first fruits', a fitting symbol of new life in Christ. 

2. Pentecost is linked directly to Passover, just as the coming of the Holy Spirit is linked directly to the sacrifice of Christ.  Fifty days separated the Festival of Passover and the Festival of Pentecost, just as fifty days separated the crucifixion and Pentecost.  The meaning of 'Pentecost' is fifty.

Other symbolic significance may be drawn from Pentecost. 

1. When the Spirit of God centerd the original temple built by Solomon.  He did as a great demonstration of the 'glorify of the Lord' (II Chronicles 5: 13 -14).  Likewise, when the Spirit departed from the temple before the destruction, the glory of the Lord was again visible. (Ezekiel 10).  At the Acts 2 Pentecost experience, the Spirit of God moved into His 'new temple', the heart and body of His people, the Church. (II Corinthians 6:16).

2.  The old temple was preliminary to God's eventual purpose and was therefore centered in Judaism because the Jews were the vehicle through whom God's plan of salvation centered the world.  The message of Pentecost, however, wsa that the new temple was not restricted to Judaism but for the whole world!  This is symbolized by the fact that al these people from so many different nations heard the message in their own language.  It served as a prelude to Revelation 5:9 and 7:9.  Because the Jews had a difficult time understanding this concept.  God gave Peter a special object lesson (Acts 10), and Paul kept preaching that the 'dividing wail of hostility' between Jew and Gentile was removed in Christ (Ephesians 2:14).

These issues are the major ones about Pentecost. 

Next we go to Antioch~as a Christian center.

The Bible mentions two Antioch's--Antioch in Syria and Antioch in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).  The following concerns Antioch in Syria, located about 300 miles north of Jerusalem along the Mediterranean coast.  The other Antioch will be included later in the lesson as a destination in Paul's missionary journeys.

After Pentecost the Gospel spread rapidly from Jerusalem, across Judea, Samaria and Asia Minor.   In Jerusalem severe persecution of Christians broke out, some of which Saul (later called Paul).

Many believers in Jerusalem fled to other areas.  The largest concentration of these refugees was in Antioch, where the followers of Jesus were first called 'Christians'. (Acts 11:26). Antioch became a strong church and a center for missionary outreach.  Barnabas, one of the early church leaders at Antioch, enlisted Paul's help conversion.

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The Inter-Testament Period and Ministry of Christ (Continued)

The experience of the restored nation of Judah during the Inter-Testament period was stormy.  Surrounding thread came from a Syrian ruler, 'Antiochus Epiphanes.'  Epiphanes, a name Antiochus gave himself, means roughly 'God Revealed'. Daniel 11 appears to be a direct phophecy of the destruction Antiochus brought to the nation of Judah. In verses 36 - 45 of that chapter Daniel seems to move mysteriously into a prophecy of the coming Antichrist as though Antiochus in some way impersonates him.

Antiochus set up a statue of Zeus in the temple and forced the Jews to worship this false god on penalty of death. 

Summary of the Ministry of Jesus

Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Early Judean Ministry

Baptism, temptation, trip to Cana, where He performed His first miracle, calling of first disciples, first cleansing of the temple, interview with Nicodemus, visit with Samaritan woman at Jacob's well enroute to Galilee.

Matthew 3: 13 - 4:11

Mark 1: 9 - 13

Luke 3:21 - 4:13

John 1:19 - 4:44

Great Galilean Ministry

Rejection at Nazareth and move to Capernaum, appointment of the twelve apostles, Sermon on the Mount, the 'great group of parables', the sending out of the Seventy and sending out the Twelve, various miracles, the transfiguration.

Matthew 4:12 - 18:35

Mark 1:14- 9:50

John 4:45 - 7:9

Later Judean Ministry

Healing of the blind man on the Sabbath and various other healings, the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Pharisees' attempt to stone Jesus, teachings about His death.

John 7:10 - 10:39

Luke 9:51 - 19:27 is apparantly arranged topically more than chronologyically, with a vast amount of inforamtion about Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, and this section may include events from both the Judean and Perean ministries.

Perean Ministry

Raising of Lazarus, teaching about Jesus' death, encounter with the rich young ruler, healing of two blind men and Bartimaeus, teaching about divorce.

Matthew 19:1 - 20:34

Mark 10: 1 - 52

John 19: 40 - 11:54

Passion Week In  Jerusalem

'Palm Sunday' entrance into Jerusalem, prediction of the destruction of the temple and of Jerusalem, teaching about end-time events, cursing of the fig tree, continued teachings about Jesus' death, various parables, washing disciples' feet, final instructions, the Last Supper, the betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial.

Matthew 21:1 - 27:66

Mark 11:1  - 15:47

Luke 19:28 - 23: 56

John 12: 1 - 19:42

Resurrection and Ascension

Matthew 28: 1 - 20

Mark 16: 1 - 20

Luke 24: 1- 53

John 20: 1 - 21: 25

Acts 1: 1- 11

http://www.bcbsr.com/survey/catotbks.html

Books of the New Testament

Biographies of Jesus

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

History

http://www.biblenotes.net/newbook.html

Prophecy

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Palestine at the Time of Jesus

http://www.wall-maps.com/bible/232767-over.htm

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The Inter-Testament Period and Ministry of Christ

The Seleucid Empire (312 - 60 BC) was a Hellenistic successor state of Alexander the Great's dominion, which at its height included central Anatolia, the Levant, Mesopotamia, Persia, Turkmenistan and Pamir. 

Hellenistic civilization was the zenith of Greek influence in the ancient world. After the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great, Greek culture was spread to Asia, in addition to the Greek colonists who settled in and helped administer the new lands. But more than that, the Hellenistic culture represents the fusion of the Greek world with that of the Near Eastern and Indo-Iranic cultures.

The Hellenistic Period is characterized by a new wave of Greek colonization which established Greek cities and Kingdoms in Asia and Africa.Those new cities were composed of Greek colonists who came from different parts of the Greek world, and not from a specific "mother city" (metropolis) as before. The main cultural centers expanded from mainland Greece, to Pergamon, Rhodes, as well as to new Greek colonies such as Antioch and Alexandria. This mixture of Greek-speakers gave birth to a common Attic-based dialect, known as Hellenistic Greek, which came to absorb and replace all idioms of the Greek language.

Antiochus IV, also known as Antiochus, Epiphanes, invaded Palestine in route to and from his wars with Egypt.  He inflicted incredible bloodshed and misery upon the Jewish people and presided over what has been called the 'first thoroughgoing persecution of the Jews for their faith'.  He was guilty of causing the death of thousands of people and untold misery to thousands more.  H called himself 'Ephiphanes', meaning a manifestation of diety. 

Meanwhile, to the west, the city of Rome was flexing its muscles.  Expanding its power and influence.  Rome grew from an important city to a territorial power, and finally an immense empire.  The Romans largely adopted Greek culture and added their admistrative and engineering skils to it. Rome systematiclly extended its sovereighty beyond Italy and Greece and eventually became the undisputed ruler of the western Mediterranean.  After defeating Hannibal of Carthage, Roman legions marched into the kingdom of the Seleucids.  After a three-month seige, they captured Jerusalem (198 B.C) and Judah became a Roman province.

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The Divided Kingdom, Captivity, and Restoration

At the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne.  The people petitioned him for a reduction in the heavy tax burden.  Rehoboam's older and more experienced advisors told him to grant the people's request, but his younger and less experienced advisors told him to ignore the request and actually raise taxes.  Rehoboam followed the advice of his  younger advisors, causing a revolt.  Under the leadership of Jeroboam, ten tribes revolted against Rehoboam and established their own kingdom known as 'Israel' or the 'Northern Kingdom'.  The remaining tribes, Benjamin, and Judah, retained Jerusalem and are known as the Kingdom of Judah or 'Southern Kingdom'.  First Kings chapter 12 tells the sad story of the tearing apart of the kingdom.  The map of the kingdoms and Judah shows the division of the territory.

This period in the nations history is sometimes called 'the age of the prophets', because God raised up many outstanding individuals to proclaim His Word to the people.  Following Samuel's time and during the Divided Kingdom, prophets and kings took center stange in Israel's leadership.

Four prophets (Daniel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel) are called 'major prophets' because of the length of their writings. 

The two kingdoms existed separately, each with its succession of kings. 

Here is a link of the succession of kings in each kingdom with their dates.

http://www.kchanson.com/chron/isrkings.html

Throughout this time foreign nations were threatening Israel and Judah, particularly Babylonia, Assyria, and Egypt.  Sargon alo colonized Israel with Capital of Samaria and took many of the people captive to Assyria who mixed with the population of Israel that had remained behind.  This 'mixed race' became known as Samaritans and was much despised by the 'true Jews' during the time of Jesus.

Meanwhile the people in the Southern Kingdom of Judah felt smug and safe because surely God would not allow  them to be conquered.  After all, they possessed the holy city of Jerusalem and were descendants of Judah, through whom God promised special blessing.  In spite of Jeremiah's stern warnings, they continued intheir sinfulness and refused to repent.  Consequently, God allowed the Babylonians under Neuchadnezzar to invade and conquer them in 586 B.C.  The people of Judah wre taken captive to Babylon, exactly as Jeremiah predicted. 

Jeremiah had prophesied that the captivity would last seventy years and the nation wuld be restored (Jeremiah 29).  When the seventy years were almost completed, Daniel interceded for his people, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's kindgom on earth.  God responded to Daniel remarkable information about the future.  He gave Daniel an outline of Gentile kingdoms still to come.

God prepared a military ruler to invade and c0nqure Babylon and told of his arrival 200 years before his birth (Isaiah 44: 8 - 45:4). His name was Cyrus, and he allowed the captives to return to their land.  The dramatic account of their return and the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership has been an inspiration to builders and christian workers for 2,4oo yers.  Read the first 6 chapters of Nehemiah.

Ezra describes the rebuilding of the temple Ezra chapters 3 - 6.  The temple was completed and dedicated in 516 B.C. exactly seventy yars after it was destroyed.  In historical refrence, it is known as the 'second temple' since it was a restoration of the first temple built by Solomon.

The Old Testament record comes to a close at this time.  Next is called 'Inter-Testament Period'

Chronology of Kings of Assyria

http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_time_assyriakings.htm

 Chronology of  Kings of Babylonian &  Persia

http://www.ovc.edu/terry/daniel/bpkngchr.htm

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The Period of The Judges (Book of Judges)

For approximately 400 years after the conquest, no central government existed in Israel.  The various tribes had some internal organizational structure, but it was often inefectual.  'In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit' (Judges 17:6).  The plan was for God to be their King, but the general disobedience to the will of God caused the acutal outcome to be virtual anarchy.

Judges describes seven invasions by surrounding nations.  Each invasion is introduced with the phrase, 'the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord'.  Their sin was followed by invasion and oppression, after which they repented, and God raised up a 'judge'.  These judges were political/military leaders who delivered the people from bondage to a foreign power and provided leadership in the period of peace that followed. 

For illustration of this continual cycle.

The nation went around this circle seven times!  The invading nations and the judges raised up to deliver them were:

1. Mesopotamia-Othniel

2. Moab - Ehud

3. Canaan - Deborah

4. Midian - Gideon

5. Civil war - Abimelech

6. Ammonites - Jephthah

7. Philistines - Samson

The Book of Judges describes some gruesome experiences, largely because Israel was in rebellion against God and suffered the consequences.  However, during the periods of peace, there were some good and prosperous times.  The Book of Ruth was written in this time, and the events surrounding Ruth describe a time of apparent political tranquility and peace.  In fact, approximately 400 years encompassing the period of the Judges, were about 200 years of peace.

A very important individual, Samuel, began his ministry near the end of this period.  Samuel served as a bridge between the judges and the prophets, being both.  The Israelites approached Samuel and demanded a king because they were convinced their problems stemmed from the fact that surrounding nations have kigs but the tribes of Israel do not.  They failed to recognize that their problem was spiritual, not political.  At first resistant to the idea, Samuel, after receiving permission from God, finally agreed to the demand.  God led him to a young man, Saul, whom he anounted as Israel's first king.

The United Kingdom (Monarchy)

The 'United Kingdom' period was the height of prosperity for Israel.  Three kings ruled during this time: Saul, David, and Solomon.  Saul brought the kingdom together under central leadership and gained victory surrounding enemies. Unfortunately, his personal life ended in ruin.

David, the much loved king of Israel, recieved the promise from God that his kingdom will endur forever (2 Samuel 7:16) and that the Messiah will come from his family (Isaiah 11-Jessee was David's father).  In a previous study we saw how God said the Messiah would come from the human race (Genesis 3:15).  Later He narrowed it down to the nation descended from Abraham through Isaac (Genesis 12: 2,3).  Now God identified the actual family--the family of David--from which the Messiah will fulfill God's promise of blessing to the nations.

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The Conquest

Joshua followed Moses in leadership of the new nation and received his marching orders, directly from God.  You will want to read Joshua 1 - 11 for the story of the Hebrews' conquest of this territory.  It started with the miraculous crossing fo the Jordan River and capture of Jericho, the first city captured, was to be offered up to God.  The Hebrews were to take nothing of value from it.  However, it didn't turn out exactly that way.  As you read this passage you will notice the 'sin of Achan' (chapter 7) that caused the nation much grief.  Also note the role of Rahab.  Do you see any important symbolism in the 'scarlet cord' (Joshua 2: 17 - 18) the spies told Rahab to display?  It is sometimes said that a 'scarlet cord' weaves it way all the way through Scripture.

The conquest involved three major campaigns, each of which demonstrated Joshua's military genuis.

The Central Campaign was intended to control the international trade route that followed the high mountain ridge north and south across the area.  Gaining control of this trade route divided the tribes of the north and south from the ones in the south and made conquest easier.  The capture of Ai accomplished this objective.  It also put the 'fear of God' into the inhabitants of the city of Gibeon.  Read about the Gibeonites response in Joshua 9 and about Joshua and the Israelites' serious error.

The Southern Campaign was fought against the 'Amorite League' that attacked Gibeon for what they considered to be treason by the Gibeonites.  Joshua's strategy of surprise attacks and swift movements are evidenced here, as he completely defeated these kings.  However, he had some significant help!  God caused the sun to stand still to provided Joshua some additional time to complete the battle.

The Northern Campaign was against a huge confederacy of kings that gathered at Hazor.  The story is in Joshua 11.  The military assembly is described as 'huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore' (11:4). In this battle the Hebrews, for the first time, faced horses and chariots.

Upon learning about this coalition of kings gathering in the north, Joshua marched his army from Gilgal (central Canaan) to Hazor (more than seventy miles) and performed an early morning preemptive strike.  Before his army attacked, however, Joshua sent commandos ahead to 'hamstring' the horses, effectively neutralizing the enemy's military advantage of horses and chariots. For good measure, the Hebrews also burned the chariots.

The northern campaign completed the conquest of the territory, but unfortunately, there were still large areas of the country not completely conquered.  Consequently, Israel constantly endured harrasment from these native residents.

Following the conquest, the captured lands were divided among the twelve tribes, each autonomous within its own assigned territory.

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The Conquests, Judges & United Kingdom

When Moses and the people of Israel arrived at the top of Mt. Nebo, they could enjoy a commmanding view of the Land of Promise stretching out before them to the west.  It must of been an impressive sight to the wilderness travelling, battle-weary refugees.  Below them was the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.  Beyond this valley and river lay the Judean hills and mountain range, stretching to the hills of Galilee to the north  with groves of olive trees and green valleys.  The Hebrews probably couldn't see it from Mt. Nebo, but beyond the mountains was the fertile 'Maritime Plain', gently sloping to the Mediterrean coast, rich with vineyards and fruit trees.  Vast differences in climate and vegetation in different regions and altitudes of this small country make this a most unusual land.

The three periods of Bible history encompassed by this lesson extend from about 1400 B.C. to 922 B.C., and include the dramatic events of the Hebrew invaion of Canaan, the period of the Judges when there was no central government and establishment of the monarchy.  The Bible books describing these events include Joshua, Judges, Ruth 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 1 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles.  Also during this time Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs were written. It was a rich period of developement for the nation of Israel, culminating in the height of power and riches under kings David and Solomon.

To help keep this historic period straight, there is a chard.  It correlates events with Bible books and dates.  You may want to consult the chart frequently as you survey the rest of the Old Testament.

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The Exodus

The first four books of the Bible, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus & Deuteronomy~are sometimes called 'The First Books of Moses'.  You will also find them called the Pentateuch', which simply means 'five books'.  The name is derived from two Greek words: pente, meaning "five".

Exodus means 'going out'.  This book describes the departure of the Israelites from Egypt.

Leviticus is about the laws of the Levites, the spiritual leaders of Israel.

The book of Numbers is so named because it begins with God telling Moses to 'number the people.  It means to take census.  The books is rich with details about Israel's 40-year journey through the wilderness.

Deuteronomy means 'the second law', so called because it is the record of Moses repeating all the law to his people before he died and just before the people entered the Promised Land.

Moses was the significant personality of this period.  He lived 120 years, and his life divides evenly into three sections.  The first forty years he lived in Egypt as part of the royal family.  The middle forty years he was in exile shepherding sheep in the deserts of Midian. He didn't know it, but God was equipping him, first with knowledge, of the courts of Egypt, then with familiarity with the desert, so he cauld effectively lead the Israelites out of Egypt and beyond during his final forty years.

This lesson divides into four topics:

1. The call of Moses

2. The Plagues and the Passover

3. The Exodus

4. The Wilderness

The Call of Moses

As a result of being rescued from the river by Pharoah's daughter, while he was still an infant, Moses grew u in the royal family of Egypt.  Witnessing an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew slaves, he killed the Egyptian and fled to Midian, where he worked as a shepherd for forty hears at a ranch  owned by Jethro, a priest and prince of Midian.  Moses eventually married Jethro's daughter Zipporah.

While in Midian, Moses came face to face with God at the burning bush, recorded in Exodus chapter 3.  God called him to go back to Egypt to free His people.  Read Exoduc 3 and 4.

The Plagues and the Passover

Moses and his brother Aaron confronted Pharoah.  G0d gave Moses several miraculous signs to convince Pharoah that the true God sent him but the signs failed to persuade the hard-hearted Pharoah. 

The ten plagues were:1. water turning to blood, 2.The Nile River teeming with frogs that crawled into homes and even into the royal palace,3. Dust turning into gnats that coverd people and animals, 4.Swarms of files filling the air and invading homes,5.Disease killing the domestic animals of Egypt.  (However, no animals owned by Hebrews died.)6. A fine dust over the whole land.  when it landed on people or animals, it caused painful boils. 7. The worst hailstorm in Egyptian history (but there was no hail in Goshen where the Hebrews were), 8. The wors invasion of locusts in Egypt history, so thick that the ground was black with them. 9. Darkness so thick it could be felt.  No one was ablle to leave home for three days (but there was light in the Hebrews' homes). 10. The Angel of Death came to every home not protected by blood over the doorposts.  The firstborn of every family in Egypt died.

Following the tenth plague, Pharoah gave permission for the Hebrew slaves to leave Egypt. Read Exodus 12.

"A Point to Ponder"

What "connection"  do you see between the Passover in Egypt, the Lord's Supper observed by Christians, our salvation, and  of Christ on the cross?

The Exodus from Egypt is among the awesome events in all of Israel's history.  Read Exodus 12 - 14.  Then read the worshipful song of Moses and his sister, Miriam (Exodus 15: 1 - 21) Celebrating the event.

God led the people of Israel through th wilderness to Mt. Sinai.  The remainder of Exodus and most of Leviticus and Deuteronomy detail the laws by which the people were to be governed and justice determined. The book of Numbers provides interesting details about experiences in the wilderness travel and the incredible organization involved in the logistics of moving so many people.

The route of the Exodus notice the locations of Mt. Sainai, Kadesh-barnea, Edom and Moab.

The time spent at Mt. Sinai was crucially important for the people because it was here the God fashioned a disorganized crowd of slaves into a  nation governed by laws and characterized by freedom. 

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The Exodus

The story of Genesis is a downward spiral from perfection of the Garden of Eden.

From this low point, God, began to lead His people upward from Egypt.   The first step in this upward journey was forward an earthly kingdom.  The books of Exodus, Leviticu, Numbers and Deuteronomy are the beginning of this part of the story, as God molds and fashion's this new nation--the nation through which all the earth would be blessed.

The Call of Moses

His early life in Egypt--learning about Egyptian government and practice from 'the inside.'

Escape after murder of Egyptian.  Trace his route to Midian.

Residence in Median with Jethro.

Burning bush incident

Moses' reluctance and role of Aaron

The Plagues and the Passover

Misery of the people--slavery

Review ten plagues

The Passover--Symbolism

The Exodus

Trace the traditional route

Suggestion - the crossing may have been at the Golf of Aquabah and that Mount Sainai was in northwest Midian (modern Saudi Arabia)

Significance of separation from Egypt and finality of Red Sea crossing. 'Baptized into Moses (1 Corinthians 10: 1 - 2)  Their 'baptism' in the Red Sea sealed their decision.  There was no turning back

The Wilderness

Other events en route to Sinai

People complaining

Manna (the word means:'what is it?')

Jethro's visit and helpful advice

The events at Mt. Sinai ( Exodus 19 - Numbers 10:10)

1. The call of God (Exodus 19: 3-6)- a holy nation

2. The Ten Commandments

3.  Laws of health and sanitation

4. Highly organized (Numbers 2)

5. The appointment of the Levites to take the place of the first born, as dedicated to the Lord (Numbers 3: 5 - 13)

6. Many instructions about sacrifices, festivals, and general laws governing the nation.

7. Details of the tabernacle arrangement and construction. This is rich with symbolism. 

Some possible symbols might include:

a)one door-Christ is the Only Way

b) The first item of furniture is the altar.  The beginning of anyone's journey into the presence of God is to accept the sacrifice of Christ.

c) The laver indicates cleansing.  The one who gives his/her life to Christ is cleansed.

d) The menorah and table of shewbread represents Jesus, the  'Light of the World' and the 'Bread of Life'

e) The alter of incense was  nearest the veil, behind which was the ark of the covenant, representing the presence of God. The pleasing aroma of the incense filtered into the Holy of Holies, just as the prayers of the saints ascend into the very presence of God. (Psalm 141: 2).

Resume journey

1. Kadesh-barnea- The spies and sin of unbelief

2. Forty years wandering in the wilderness

3. Water from the rock--Moses' sin and punishment

4. Edom refused passage Numbers 20: 14 - 21

5.  Story of Balam and Balak in Moab

Arrival at Mt. Nebo

View of land of promise

Death of Moses

a) End of an era: 'The age of Moses'

b) Moses is known as 'the lawgiver of Israel'

3. Joshua appointed as Moses' successor

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IV. Isaac

1.  Back to Haran

2. Rebekah, cousin Bethuel's daughter

3. Note one generation behind Nahor's family because Abraham's age when Isaac was born.

V.  Jacob

A. Name means 'heal catcher' or supplanter'

B. Deceived his father and brother

C.  Mother, Rebekah, feared Esau would kill him, so told Jacob to return to Haran to marry

D. Story of Laban, Rachael, and Leah

E.  Return--Esau meets with 400 men

F. Night of Prayer--wrestled with angel--renamed 'Israel'--'Wrestler with God.'

G. Significance of Jacob--every descendant of Jacob is now part of the chosen nation.

VI. Joseph

A. Favorite of his father

B. Story of sale into slavery

C. His life divided into three major periods--'The pit, the prison, and the palace.'

D. New Pharoah

Genesis Quiz

Check below questions for your answers

1. The patriarch who lived about 2000 B.C. was (Patriarch - This is a Greek word, a composition of  (pater) meaning "father" and  (archon) meaning "leader", "chief", "ruler", "king", etc.)_

a. Abraham

b. Noah

c. Joseph

2.  The Patriarch who was renamed 'Israel' was

a. Joseph

b. Jacob

c. Abraham

3. A good place to start looking for the story of Abraham would be

a. Genesis chapter 6

b. Genesie chapter 12

c. Genesis Chapter 21

4. The events of the first eleven chapters of Genesis took place in the region of modern country of

a. Israel

b. Iran

c. Iraq

5. Abraham's hometown was

a. Jerusalem

b. Ur

c. Babylon

6. The name 'Mesopotamia' means

a. between the rivers

b. beyond the mountsins

c. in the garden

7. The 'miracle child' born in his parent's old age was

a. Jacob

b. Joseph

c. Isaac

8.  In Old Testament chronology

a. Joseph lived before Ishmael

b. Jacob lived before Isaac

c. Noah lived before Abraham

9. Try some more Old Testament chronology:

a. Sarah lived before Rachel

b. Japeth lived before Methuselah

c. Rebekah lived before Shem

10. The patriarch most closely related to Egyptian government was

a. Abraham

b. Jacob

c. Joseph

Answers to above:

1)  a

2) b

3) b

4)  c

5)  a

6)  b

7)  a

8)  c

9) c

10) a

11) c

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Feel at home in your Bible.  You will know it all fits together, how the people and events fit into history, and "who came after what" in the order of events.  The Bible will no longer be such a formidable and incomprehensible book.  You will have a renewed hunger to read and marvel at its astounding and prophecies.

Know what to say when people ask questions like, "How do you  know there is a God?"  "How do you know the Bible is true?"  "Are miracles really possible?"  "Why do you believe in creation?"

I. Genesis

Adam

The Garden of Eden

Possibly located in Mesopotamia

Adam & Eve's sin--Stage set for drama that unfolds throughout the Bible.  This attitude of rebellion is called sin, affectes the entire human race, and separates man from God.

Acts of Mercy

Kept from the tree of life (Genesis 3:22 - 24).  Was this an act of mercy?  What would life be like if we lived forever in bodies affected by sin?  The Bible doesn't say, but it's a great discussion question.

Clothed with skins (symbolic of sacrifical life given to cover sin)

Genesis 3: 15--Redeemer to come from the human race (offspring of the woman) and will "crush" satan's head.

Adam's children

Cain and Abel

Seth is father of the godly line

The pattern of Genesis is to follow the main line of the family break away for peripheral lineage, then return to the main line.

Seth's line

Longevity (Methuselah--969 years)

Enoch--Transported to heaven without dying.

II  Noah

Righteous--"...Found favor in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:5)

Major climatic and human longevity changes associated with the Flood.

Location of Mt. Ararat

"Second father of human race"

Migration of Noah's children and their families:

1. Shem: Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Assyria, Persia, and the Orient

2.  Ham:  Mesopotamia, Egypt, Africa

3.  Japeth: North and West

Tower of Babel

III. Abram/Abraham

A. Father of the nation through which the Messiah would come.  Previously (Genesis 3:15), God said the Savior would come from the human race.  Now the prophecy is narrowed to the nation descending from Abraham through Isaac (Genesis 12: 1 - 3) Through this nation God will bring blessing to "all peoples on earth"(Genesis 12:3).

B. Ur - Ahraham's hometown

Began Approx 5,000 to 6,000 B.C.

At its height about 3, 100 B.C.

C.  Went with father to Haran

Same name as brother.

"Harah" means "road"

Father Terah, died at Haram

D. Received call

Read Genesis 12: 1 - 5

Note promises

E. Trace route

About 600 miles around "Fertile Crescent"

Jerusalem already there (Salem)

F. Relationship to Lot

G. Sodom and Gomorrah

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