Lesson 351

(Lesson 351)(07-31-12) Acts 5:1-11, "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things."

This lesson deals with those so small minded as to try to deceive God. Just as Ananias and Sapphira, there are millions, claiming the Christian mantle today, who seem to have forgotten that God is omniscient, He knows every thing that happens, everywhere in the universe at any given nano-second. NO man/woman will EVER be able to deceive Him.
There are those who try, in their daily dealings with others, to do the same thing Ananias and Sapphira tried. As Ananias was told, he was NOT required to give all he had, he could have kept half, or all of it. No problem! The sin was NOT in the amount he gave the sin was in the deceit, he wanted to leave the impression that he was doing more than what he actually did.
That practice, sadly, is alive and well today. Many "good Christian people" want to leave the outward appearance that they are true blue super glue, but in reality they are filled with guile, consciously,and daily, they conspire to deceive others while trying to deceive God Himself.
If one can live with the "little white lie", one can just as easily be persuaded to tolerate the great lie.
Matt. 22:37-39, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
If we simply accept God's saving grace, put Him first in all things, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we'll never have to want for anything. ~

Lesson 350

(Lesson 350)(07-30-12) Acts 4:29-37, "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

In this lesson, the Apostles prayed for strengthening after which the ground shook. They then established a Christian commune, each surrendering everything they owned, and dividing the goods as they were needed.
The key to the success of this first commune, was it's common want to serve the purpose of the gospel of our redeemer.
There is much political discussion today about whether or not we as Christians, should be our brother's keepers, and whether we should give of what we have to support the needs of those less fortunate. As it pertains to those of us who are indeed Christian, we, by this very lesson, are indeed our brothers keepers. (The lame man healed by the Holy Ghost through Peter and John is an excellent example.)
Jesus said that our giving would cost us nothing but would only increase our wealth, He promised that those of us who give all will receive one hundred times what we gave. Mark 10:29-30, "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if there were enough concentrated fervent prayer so as to make the ground to shake?~~

Lesson 349

(Lesson 349)(07-29-12) Acts 4:21-28, "So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done."

Seeing that the miracle, Peter and John, through the power of the Holy Ghost, had performed (Causing the lame man to walk), could not easily be explained away, and finding no other fault with them, the Jewish leadership finally decided to threaten the Apostles then allow them to go free. After seeing the power of God at work through Jesus crucified, the people celebrated, praising God, and uplifting the name of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 348

(Lesson 348)(07-28-12) Acts 4:13-20, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

The Jewish leadership, fearing that the divine message of Peter and John would lead to the loosening of their grip on the Hebrew nations, plotted how they would rid themselves of the Apostles before they could spread the good news of redemption by the grace of God.
They referred to Peter and John as, "unlearned and ignorant men", yet they greatly feared the power of the Apostle's message, and marveled at the awesome power, demonstrated through them, by the Holy Ghost.
They ordered Peter and John to stop preaching the name of Jesus Christ, to which the Apostles answered, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Although some of us who attempt to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ may be deemed "unlearned and ignorant", we all should be even more determined and continue to "speak the things" that Peter and John spoke.~

Lesson 347

(Lesson 347)(07-27-12) Acts 4:5-12, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

In this lesson, members of the Jewish leadership question Peter and John about how, and by what power they had healed the lame man. Peter told them the power came from the very Jesus they had crucified, "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole."
Peter, denouncing Jewish law and tradition said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."~

Lesson 346

(Lesson 346)(07-26-12) Acts 4:1-4, "And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand."

This short lesson demonstrates the beginning of the oppression suffered by the early Church at the hands of the Jewish hierarchy. Because of the miracle they had performed, these disciples were locked up overnight. The harassment would become much worse as those who believed began to spread the gospel of Christ Jesus through the tribes of Israel.
It is amazing that in one day, in one reasonably small place, simply by demonstrating one miracle of faith, five thousand souls were saved.
Imagine what we could do today if all of us who believe had the strength of faith that those disciples had, and would take the time to spread the good news of redemption through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, the operations of God.~

Lesson 345

(Lesson 345)(07-25-12) Acts 3:24-26, "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities."

In this very short lesson, there is some very important information. Note, again, that Peter is speaking only to a Jewish audience, "Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." We see here that the gospel was plainly intended for first the Jews, "Unto you first", and then to all of mankind.
Notice too that herein, for the first time during the construction of the biblical record, people other than Jews are mentioned as receivers of the gospel, "And in thy seed shall all the KINDREDS OF THE EARTH be blessed.".
The Apostle Paul had not, at this point, made his appearance in the bible record. As all of us, who have made any attempt at studying the bible, now know, Paul was personally appointed by Jesus Himself to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, Acts 6:46-47, "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.."
The Gentiles are among, "the kindreds of the earth, who shall be blessed by the coming of Jesus Christ through His Hebrew heritage.
This mention, "in thy seed", allows for the coming of Paul, seeing that he too, was a Jew, a "seed" of Abraham.~

Lesson 344

(Lesson 344)(07-24-12) Acts 3:18-23, "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people."

Herein, Peter declares that the coming of Jesus, the Redeemer, was prophesied from the beginning, and that those prophesies have now been fulfilled.

It is very important to note that Peter again teaches the path to eternal salvation, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out", however Peter's instruction, this time, does NOT include the mention of "baptism". It simply demands a conversion and clearly says the conversion is what blots out our sins. One might ask, 'convert from what?' Those present on Solomon's porch, being devout Jews, were to convert from reliance on the law, to obedience of the new law of faith in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus.

Even today, those who are lost, MUST abandon the law (convert), for salvation's sake, and accept it through the grace of God by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

This lesson concludes by declaring that without first making that conversion, none can be saved. Peter said, " him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people."~~

Lesson 343

(Lesson 343)(07-23-12) Acts 3:13-17, "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers."

In this lesson, Peter reminds the Jews, assembled there on Solomon's porch how, through ignorance, they had rejected Jesus and killed Him. He goes on to tell them how, through the power of the Holy Ghost present "in the name of Jesus", the lame man had been made whole.

The underlying, and often missed lesson here is the reference to the fact that through FAITH in "HIS NAME" this man had been made to walk.
When one calls upon the "name of" the Lord Jesus Christ, one is invokes the promise, power, or word of the Son of God, which is then exercised by the Holy Ghost that dwells in the saved.
This is important to remember when defining what occurs when one is "baptized" in, or into, the "name" of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 342

(Lesson 342)(07-22-12) Acts 3:1-12, "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?"

The first portion of this lesson demonstrates how, through the power of the Holy Ghost, Peter and John enabled the lame man to walk.

It is important to understand what these Apostles did by invoking "the name of" Jesus. Again, its evident by other usages, that the phrase "in the name of" describes Jesus' word, or overall message. Mark 16:17-18, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; IN MY NAME shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Therefore, "in the name of" essentially means, through the power of, upon the word, or promise of, etc.

The latter portion of this lesson shows how those who saw the miracle were amazed at what had happened to the lame man. Peter, knowing the crowd thought the miracle had come from he and John, immediately, and rightfully, gave the glory to God, through Jesus Christ.
I believe that faith can be demonstrated in all kinds of ways and in all manner of strengths, even today. While teaching His Apostles that all things could be accomplished through faith, Jesus scorned them many times, saying "oh ye of little faith". This same Apostle, Peter, whose faith had caused the Holy Ghost to heal the lame man, allowed his faith to waver in Matt.14:28-31, and in doing so, began to sink and was unable to walk on water, "And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?".

We the saved, can invoke the Holy Ghost to perform the same miracles as those accomplished by the Apostles, if we totally believe.
Maintaining that amount of faith sounds real easy! However, in practice, its a very very hard thing to do.

A lack of faith is demonstrated by one who will pray for a new car at night, then run to the window in the morning to see IF its there. ~ :)

Lesson 341

(Lesson 341)(07-21-12) Acts 2:43-47, "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

This Lesson demonstrates the accomplishments of the Apostles after the Holy Ghost came to them.
It further demonstrates the common purpose of those disciples as they continued in the service of the gospel of Jesus. They were preaching that gospel and leading more and more of their people to salvation and Christianity.
That same Holy Ghost, and its power, dwells right here, today, with those of us who do not rely on our own actions but put our total faith in that sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, on our behalf.~~

Lesson 340

(Lesson 340)(07-20-12) Acts 2:36-42, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Satan has very successfully promoted much confusion about what is meant by Peter's command to, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins". Many believe that Peter was instructing these Jews to be "baptized" in water, while in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Remember, the Greek term baptizO from which the English word baptize is transliterated, means simply to dip, or immerse. The term, itself, does not specify a medium into which the immersion, or dipping, is to take place. Remember also baptism in water, to the Jews, was required by their own law in preparation for the observing of any religious function. That prerequisite baptism or immersion in water, was never done AFTER the religious function had already been accomplished, as would be the case if one first believed then was immersed in water. Jesus, in any of His teaching, NEVER implied that there was to be a water immersion of someone after they had believed in Him.
In the usage applied here, "repent and be baptized", the medium into which Peter was instructing those Jews to be immersed, or "baptized", was the "name of Jesus Christ", NOT water.
Now there will, no doubt, be those who will say, how can one be immersed into a name? Here is your answer. "The name of" as used in this context is something that can be preached or taught as Peter had just done. Where did I get that? Acts 8:12, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, AND THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women." And, by so doing, they became Christians literally immersed in "the name of" Jesus Christ.
Gal. 3:26-27 makes this point far better than I can, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." This passage says that we are literally immersed into, and are enveloped by and inclosed within Christ by believing in Him.
Peter's message to those Jews who asked "what shall we do", was simply a commandment to immerse oneself through belief, and faith, into the *gospel of Jesus Christ for the remission of all sin. Water has nothing to do with it.
*The gospel of Jesus Christ includes the concept of the Holy Triune, and the sacrifice (death, burial and resurrection) of Jesus Christ. "The operations of God".~

Lesson 339

(Lesson 339)(07-19-12) Acts 2:29-35,"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool."

Peter again attests that Jesus has risen. The resurrection of Jesus was also pro-actively affirmed by the Prophets when Peter spoke of what David had said, "He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ," "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool."

Peter, in essence, preached the coming, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to remit the sins of those who, through faith, would accept Him, both past and present.~

Lesson 338

(Lesson 338)(07-18-12) Acts 2:22-28, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."

Peter, again, refers to those present as, "Ye men of Israel", clearly confirming that he was speaking only to the Jews.
He placed the blame for the death of Jesus square on the shoulders of the Jews. Peter also verified that Jesus had risen from the dead and through His message, death, burial, and resurrection, had raised up David and all those who believed before He was sacrificed on the cross, as God in man.~

Lesson 337

(Lesson 337)(07-17-12) Acts 2:13-21, "Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

This lesson tells us that some of those present, mocked those who had heard and understood what was said, each in his own language, They were accused of being drunk. Peter stood and explained that in was not drunkeness that caused their confusion but rather the Spirit of Jesus Christ Himself returned, as was prophesied by Joel.
Peter told them how Jesus had promised to send His Spirit to comfort His disciples and through that Spirit they would have power over all the earth, even to the point of becoming the sons of God, John 12:1, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: ", Romans 8:14, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

Peter also spoke of the day and conditions when Jesus returns to collect those of us whom havve accepted His grace, and believed His word.

The last portion of this lesson reassures us that those who call out to the Lord will be saved.~

Lesson 336

(Lesson 336)(07-16-12) Acts 2:5-12, " And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?"

It is very important to note, who was in attendance at this place, these were all devout Jews. The importance of knowing this will become evident as we progress.

Note too, the miracle performed here was not a miracle of "tongues", it was a miracle of 'ears'.

Those who were present for the Passover celebration said, " And how HEAR we every man in our own tongue". No one was speaking "unknown tongues" at this gathering, those present were simply hearing their own language, while the Apostles spoke in a different language, which was, on the part of the Apostles Probably Aramaic, since Aramaic was the common spoken language of the area at that time. As I said, the miracle was in the fact that each of those present could HEAR their own language as the Apostles spoke their own.

There have been many "worship" hours wasted on someone supposedly speaking in "unknown tongues" when in bible reality, no bible character was ever recorded as have spoken in a tongue other than their own.

There will be much more on the misunderstanding concerning tongues, as we proceed.~

Lesson 335

(Lesson 335)(07-15-12) Acts 2:1-4, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

This lesson describes when and how the Holy Ghost first came to the Apostles. It tells us that The Holy Ghost came over them like the forked flames of a fire. They were totally engulfed, like a fire would engulf a patch of dry grass.

There are some who take the wrong message from what is said here, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.". They interpret this to mean that the Apostles were given special "tongues", and that the phrase, "like cloven tongues" indicates something literal. That interpretation, however, is incorrect. The statement, when read correctly, "like cloven tongues of fire", simply describes how the Spirit appeared as it came to them, it clearly defines the "tongues" as flames of fire.
"Tongues", or "unknown tongues" are heavily stressed in some belief systems. I hope this study will shine some light on the real meaning of the term "tongues" as we continue these lessons.~

Lesson 334

(Lesson 334)(07-14-12) Acts 1:13-26, "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

This lesson explains how the eleven remaining Apostles, after the death of Judas Iscariot, replaced him with Matthias by a prayerful drawing of lots. Returning their number to twelve, the number Jesus had originally chosen.~

Lesson 333

(Lesson 333)(07-13-12) Acts 1:1-12, "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."

This lesson begins our study into the acts of the Apostles. There are many portions of this text that are misrepresented by certain groups who claim to be "churches". It is my humble prayer that our thoughts are guided by the Holy Spirit as we study the facts of this portion of God's word and that all misconceptions may be cleared away by this study.
The first few verses of this lesson describe the events of Jesus last days on earth, they point out the promise of Jesus' eventual return and again promises that the Holy Ghost would soon come to the Apostles. "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

This is one of many examples where the usage of the term "baptized" does not imply the use of water as a medium into which one can be "baptized". There will be many others as we progress through the teachings of the Apostles.~

Lesson 332

(Lesson 322)(07-12-12) John 21:15-25, "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."

This is the final lesson of the four accounts of Jesus' ministry. Jesus stressed to Peter that he was to "feed my sheep", a statement indicating that Peter was to prepare his brethren for the coming challenge of spreading knowledge of the new law of faith in and through the sacrifice Jesus had made. Peter was to devote his entire life to the message of Jesus, "When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not." This statement indicated that Peter's life would not be his own, but would belong to, and be led by, the "operation of God", for the purpose of spreading the divine truth.
John, herein, goes on to make the point that there were many, many other wonderful things that Jesus did, far to many to write down.
John also makes it clear the he is specifically authorized to document the gospel of Jesus. When Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?(Referring to John, who was following them.) Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true."~

Lesson 331

(Lesson 331)(07-11-12) John 21:1-14, "After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, and hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."

In this lesson, Jesus visits with some of His Apostles for the third time after His crucifixion. He performs another miracle, filling Peter's net with fishes, and calls them to the seashore to enjoy a final meal with Him.~

Lesson 330

(Lesson 330)(07-10-12) John 20:18-31, "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

Herein, Jesus appears to His Apostles *(minus Thomas), breathes on them the Holy Ghost and grants them power over sin. When the eleven told Thomas that the Lord was risen, Thomas said that unless He could see the crucifixion scars for himself, he would not believe.
Eight days later, Jesus again appears to His Apostles, this time, having Thomas present, He has Thomas feel His hands and His side after which Thomas confesses his belief that it is, indeed, Jesus risen.

*There is, what appears to be a conflict between John's account of the coming of the Holy Ghost and the accounts of the other gospel authors. The fact that Thomas was absent seems to imply that John's account is the one that is in err, seeing that the Holy Ghost would have been given to only the eleven, leaving Thomas without the power. I don't believe there is enough evidence in either of the writings to determine exactly which account is perfectly accurate. The blessed fact is that Jesus did indeed grant the power of, and send the Holy Ghost to His Church. I, personally, choose to believe that what happened here in John's account, was the granting of the power being bestowed and with the actual sending of the Holy Ghost to the Church occurring at Pentecost as per the Acts account.
If anyone of you can make this clearer, by all means do so! :) ~

Lesson 329

(Lesson 329)(07-09-12) John 20:1-17, " The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."

This lesson depicts the events that occurred the morning of Jesus' resurrection, according to John. This was the most blessed day in human history. When Jesus defeated death, the path to eternal life for those who would only believe, was completed.

There are no more precious words than these, Matt. 28:6, "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

Lesson 328

(Lesson 328)(07-08-12) John 19:28-42, "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand."

This lesson ends John's account of the suffering and death of Jesus, our savior. This is the first step in the sequence of events that would yield up eternal life to those of us who believe.

Many things were done on that day that were in accordance with the prophesies if the old testament. The Romans didn't, as was there custom, break Jesus' legs like they did the two thieves that were crucified with Him.

The fact that the only begotten Son of God lived as a human being, suffered the everyday trials of life, its temptations and torments, while bearing the knowledge that the eternal fate of all mankind was riding on His every decision, without once committing so much as a hint of one wrong toward His fellow man, then willingly giving Himself over to be killed by the most horrible method of the times, leaves me in a total state of wonder and awe.

Praise be to almighty God forever for His awesome blessing to those of us who believe!!!~

Lesson 327

(Lesson 327)(07-07-12) John 19:23-27, "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was woven without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now ther stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary, the wife of Cle'-o-phas,,and Mary Mag-da-le'ene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.~~

This lesson tells us that the Roman soldiers gambled for ownership of Jesus' coat, thereby fulfilling old testament prophesy.
Herein, we also learn that, while hanging on the cross, Jesus commanded John, His earthly brother, to care for Mary their mother, as was Jewish custom.

Far too many of today's elderly parents are pushed into nursing homes solely for the convenience of their children. ~

Lesson 326

(Lesson 326)(07-6-12) John 19:1-22, "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priest answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written."

This lesson tells of the beginning of the torture of Jesus at the hands of Pilate and his men. Although Pilate, finding no fault in Jesus, offered to free Him several times, the leadership of the Jews demanded that He be crucified.
In an effort to embarrass the Jews, Pilate had, "JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS" written on a placard above Jesus' head.
On that day a chain of events started that would free all those of us who would believe in Jesus for sin and assure us eternal life.

The grace of almighty God to usward is limitless.~~

Lesson 325

(Lesson 325)(07-5-12) John 18:28-40, "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber."

In this lesson, the Jewish leadership sends Jesus to Pilate, after Pilate determines that Jesus has done nothing wrong according to Roman law, the Jews are given a choice to free Jesus or Barabbas, the thief, whereby they, fulfilling a prophesy, chose Barabbas.~~

Lesson 324

(Lesson 324)(07-4-12) John 18:13-27, "Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew."

This lesson tells us of the beginning of the torture that Jesus was to endure on our behalf. It also exposes the weakness of Peter's faith as he, three times, denied knowing our savior.

Oddly, the Roman Catholic Church, and others, glorify Peter as the first "Pope", the head of the "church".
It has always been a mystery to me how anyone could come the conclusion that Jesus authorized any one man to sit in authority over His Church, when the bible text so teaches otherwise. Matt. 20:25-28, "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall NOT be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ~~

Lesson 323

(Lesson 323)(07-3-12) John 18:1-13, "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year."

This Lesson contains Johns account of the capture of Jesus by representatives of the Jewish leadership.
It shows us how Peter was willing to go to battle with them to protect Jesus, and how Jesus stopped Him and gave Himself up to His captors.~

Lesson 322

(Lesson 322)(07-02-12) John 17:1-26, "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

This lesson takes in the entire seventeenth chapter of John, it contains Jesus' declaration that He has accomplished His mission. It also contains the prayer Jesus raised on behalf of His Apostles.
Jesus has been one with God from the beginning, "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."

Jesus also makes clear that His prayer is for us also, through them, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.".
What a wonderful blessing, for those of us who are saved, to be counted as one with the Father and the Son.~~

Lesson 321

(Lesson 321)(07-01-12) John 16:15-33, "All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Just as many today, those disciple who walked and talked with Jesus had much trouble understanding what He was teaching them and what His ultimate, divine purpose was. However, unlike today those disciples had a far better reason than we, Jesus had not yet completed His divine duty and the Holy Ghost had not yet come to them. He had not yet completed the sacrifice that would give mankind an opportunity for redemption from sin. Jesus, however, promised they would understand as soon as His mission and testimony was complete and the wisdom, granted them through the Holy Ghost, was in place.

There is a lesson herein that many overlook. Some attempt to teach the plan of salvation today, only from the lessons Jesus taught His disciples prior to His ascension. In my opinion, that is a huge mistake. Just as Jesus told His Apostles, it is really hard for one to understand what His mission was until it had been completed, and the Holy Ghost had come to instill that knowledge in them.
The total plan of salvation for modern Christians will become much clearer as we continue our bible study.~