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05: Purification of the Church Within and Protection from Outside (Acts 5)

God’s care for the holiness and purity of the church, as well as His protection of it, was vividly demonstrated in the newborn church. Despite the challenges, the Lord’s presence is clearly manifested in their church. πŸ‘‰ Read Acts 5 Q1. Ananias and Sapphira sinned before God and were killed by Peter's rebuke. What did they wrong? (v3-4, v8-9) Answers πŸ‘‰ They lied to God and tested the Spirit of the Lord. Because of their death, great fear came upon all who heard it.  The Lord cleanses His church: to let Peter know their lie, to strike them, and to cast fear upon them. Q2. (12-16) Many (           ) and (          ) were (           ) done among the people by the hands of the apostles. The people held them in (                    ). (             ) of men and women were added to the Lord. The people b...

04: Opposition against the Name, but the Church Thrives (Acts 4)

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Though they faced opposition and threats from the authorities, they knew these were part of God’s plan. Therefore, they remained focused on their ministry and prayed for their faith to be strengthened. The number of believers increased (4), and the church experienced spiritual revival (32–37). πŸ‘‰ Read Acts 4:1-37 Q1. Why were the priests and Sadducees annoyed at Peter and John? (2) Answers πŸ‘‰ They taught the people in the temple without permission from the religious authorities. They proclaimed the resurrection from the dead, which the Sadducees did not believe in. The name Sadducees likely came from Zadok, the high priest in David’s time. They rivaled the Pharisees for religious leadership. Q2. When Peter and John were asked by what power or what name they were healing and preaching, what was their answer? (v10, v11)  Answer πŸ‘‰ - in the name of Jesus (the name they rejected) - by God's power (who raised the dead) ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ (8): Jesus said, ‘th...

03: Ministry in the Name: healing and proclamation (Acts 3)

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The healing confirms that Jesus’ name carries the power and authority entrusted to the apostles. This Jesus, whom the people had rejected, is the very one God raised from the dead as their Savior. He is the Prophet foretold by Moses and the one through whom God fulfills his promise to Abraham. Therefore, they should repent, turn away from their wicked ways, and look forward what God would accomplish through the name. Peter’s sermon in chapter 2 focuses on Jesus as their Savior, especially in light of Joel’s prophecy. In chapter 3, Peter explains how Jesus fulfills God’s covenant promises, focusing on God’s plan. πŸ‘‰ Read Acts 3:1-26 Q1. When Peter said to the man who was lame from (       ), ‘Look at us,’ he expected to receive (          ). But Peter said, "I have (               ), but what I (      ) have, I give you. In the (      ) of Jesus Christ, (   ...

02: Coming of the Holy Spirit: The Beginning of the Church (Acts 2)

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When the promised Holy Spirit came upon them with visible and noticeable signs, they proclaimed the mighty works of God to people from many nations in their own languages. While everyone was amazed, Peter stood up and explained that this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. According to the prophecy, God would provide salvation through the name of the Lord. This Lord is Jesus Christ. πŸ‘‰ Read Acts 2:1–47 Q1. The Holy Spirit came upon them in visible and noticeable ways (vv. 2–4), and the people were astonished by what they saw and heard (vv. 6–13). Peter then explained what had happened. Find the expressions that describe the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Answers πŸ‘‰ • A sound like a mighty rushing wind • Divided tongues as of fire • Speaking in other tongues As the Holy Spirit came upon them, they began to speak in other tongues. They were amazed to hear God's mighty works proclaimed in their own languages. They were Jews and converts from 15 regions and peop...

01: Jesus’ Ascension and Mission (Acts 1)

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After resurrection, Jesus appeared to them for forty days and explained about the next step. Though the apostles interested in the time of the kingdom, Jesus asked them to wait for the Holy Spirit to be Jesus’ witnesses.  πŸ‘‰ Read Acts 1:1-26 Q1. What did Jesus do after His resurrection? (Three things, vv. 3–5) Answers πŸ‘‰ • He presented Himself to the apostles with many proofs that He was alive. • He spoke to them about the kingdom of God. • He commanded them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. Q2. How was the apostles’ interest different from the Lord’s interest? ( vv. 6–8) Answer πŸ‘‰ • They wanted to know when the kingdom would be restored to Israel—the time of glory. • Jesus wanted them to be His witnesses throughout the world. Even after Jesus ascended to the heaven, they were looking up as if Jesus would come down.  “Men of Galilee”: This is another identity of the disciples. Being reminded of their humble background could have awa...

50: “You are Witnesses of These Things” (Luke 24:36 – 53)

Jesus shows up to his disciples who don't believe, strengthens their faith, unravels the words of the Messiah prophecy, and gives them the mission of the witness. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 24:36-53 Q1. What is the purpose of Jesus' appearance to his disciples? (Two or three, 36, 37-43, 48-49)   Answers πŸ‘‰ To encourage To confirm them of Jesus’ physical resurrection To commission them to be His witnesses Jesus showed His hands and feet to convince them He was not a spirit. When still they were doubting, He ate a piece of broiled fish before their eyes.  Q2. Jesus opened their (         ) to understand the (           ), and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should (         ) and on the third day (          ) from the dead, and that the (                    ) should be proclaimed in His name to ( ...

49: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:1 – 35)

When they were discouraged and blinded, unable to recognize the reality of Jesus’ resurrection even after seeing the empty tomb and hearing the report of His resurrection, the Lord appeared to them, explained the Scriptures, strengthened their faith, and encouraged them. Note that Jesus first appeared to the women, and then to two relatively unknown disciples on their way to Emmaus, rather than appearing first to the “major” disciples. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 24:1-35 Q1. “Why do you look for the (      ) among the (      ). He is not (      ) but has been raised! (        ) how he told you, while he was still in (      ), that the Son of Man must be (      ) into the hands of (         ), and be (      ), and on the third day (          ). Then, the women (           ) his words.” Answers πŸ‘‰ Why do yo...

48: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:26 – 56)

They were ignorant of the seriousness of God’s judgment against their sins and of the Messiah’s work. Though Jesus was righteous, they ridiculed Him even as He died. Yet the death of this righteous man was part of God’s plan. When they saw what had happened, they were shocked at what they had done and troubled by its consequences. Their ignorance and violence had crucified the most innocent man. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 23:26 - 56 Q1. Many people cried when Jesus carried the cross. When Jesus saw them, he said, “Daughters of (            ), do not cry for me, but for yourselves and your children.” Verses 29–30 describe the severity of the afflictions of the coming day of judgment. If suffering of the cross was inflicted on the innocent Jesus, how much more severe would the coming judgment on Jerusalem be? The green wood refers to (           ), the innocent one, and the dry wood refers to (           ),...

47: Jesus before Pilate, Herod, and the crowd (Luke 23:1 – 25)

Pilate tried to release Jesus, but they demanded Jesus to be crucified.  πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 23:1 - 25 Q1. In Luke 22:70-71, religious leaders condemned Jesus for blasphemy, but in front of Pilate, what did they accuse of Jesus? Answers πŸ‘‰ They said Jesus himself claimed as Christ, a king. Jesus admitted He was Christ, not king. But their understood the Christ will deliver Israel from Rome and must be a king.  Q2. How many times did Pilate say he had found no guilt in Jesus?  Answer πŸ‘‰ Three (v4, v15, v22) Pilate's proclamation of Jesus' innocence made it clear that Jesus was qualified as a sin offering. However, the authorities of the world and the crowd rejected him, wanted Barabbas, the robber, and revealed themselves to be sinners. 'The things that make for peace' were hidden from Jerusalem (19:42). They didn't know the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice to liberate them from sin and reconcile them to God, and they were ignorant of the impending judgment...

46: Betrayal & Denial & Admission (Luke 22:47 – 71)

Judas betrayed his Teacher with a kiss. Peter denied his beloved Lord three times and wept bitterly. The leaders sought words by which to condemn Jesus rather than seeking to make a just judgment. Jesus alone remained truthful and willingly moved into the power of darkness. At this, we have hope. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 22:47-71 Q1. What verses in vv. 47–53 show Judas’ hypocrisy? What verses imply that those who came to arrest Jesus were doing wrong? Answers πŸ‘‰ V48: Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. A kiss, normally a sign of intimacy and friendship, became the means of betrayal. V53: They had not arrested Jesus while He was teaching publicly during the day, but they came for Him at night. Their actions belonged to “the power of darkness.” “Enough of this” — Jesus likely meant, “No more violence.” “Allow [it] as far as this” — This could mean, “Allow them to do this to me,” or possibly, “Allow me to heal his ear.” Q2. At what moment did Peter remember what the Lord had said about h...

45: Yet not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:24 – 46)

Though Jesus had explained the meaning of His death, they were debating about who is the greatest. Now, he taught them the nature of God’s kingdom and the way of Jesus. And He entrusted all to God on the Mount of Olives. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 22:24-46 Q1. As Jesus’ ministry seemed to near the end, they debated who would be (         ) in the His kingdom. Jesus taught them how His kingdom is different from the Gentile kingdom. Generally, those who eat at the table are greater than those who serve. However, his disciples should not do this because their (       ) is among them as  their (      ). However, here is Jesus’ promise. “Those who stay with (       ) in (      ) trials will eat and drink at (     ) table in (     ) kingdom.” Answers πŸ‘‰ As Jesus’ ministry seemed to near the end, they debated who would be ( the greatest  ) in the His kingdom. Jesus...

44: I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer last supper (Luke 22:1 – 23)

The religious leaders didn’t want it happen during the feast for they feared the people. However, God wanted Jesus to be crucified as the Passover Lamb. Jesus, knowing this, arranged the Passover meal with His disciples and explained the meaning of His sacrifice: the installment of the new covenant in Jesus’ blood. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 22:1-23 Q1. The religious leaders dared not to try to capture Jesus during the feast. Then how did it come for Jesus to be crucified during the feast?  (3) Answers πŸ‘‰ Satan triggered it. This shows Satan is the head enemy. Judas did not agree with Jesus’ way, but he hesitated to leave Jesus. Satan triggered and strengthened their willingness into action. Just as we have a heart to love God, the Holy Spirit strengthens our hearts to dedicate our lives to God. Human beings have a willingness toward either good or evil, and the spirit—good or evil—strengthens that willingness. Here, we can say God intervene indirectly into Jesus’s crucifixion.  V...

43: Be ready and Stay alert for His return (Luke 21:25 – 38)

The disciples wanted to know about the signs of the last days. Maybe they wanted to escape the disasters or to be well prepared. However, rather than telling us how to avoid such disasters, the Lord tells us that we will face persecution and that these times will instead provide us with an opportunity to be His witnesses. It is the time of redemption, and we should be alert to stand before Him. πŸ‘‰ Read Luke 21:25-38 Chapter 21 can be analyzed as followings. Please fill the blanks. 21:1–4 People are impressed by the offerings of the rich, but the Lord values the offering of the poor widow more, because she gave her life. 21:5–6 The magnificent and glorious temple? It will be destroyed. 21:7–9 The disciples wanted to know the signs of such disasters. Perhaps they wanted to prepare themselves for the tribulation and have more control over the situation. Jesus’ answer (8-9) works as a brief introduction to the following details (10-26). Here are two points: 1) Don’t be misled by...