Bible school - MS3

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 1: Choosing Joshua
Week 2: Crossing the Jordan
Week 3: The Destruction of Jericho
Week 4: Ai
Week 5: The War Against Five Kings
Week 6: The Conquest
Week 7: The Division of the Land
Week 8: Cities of Refuge
Week 9: The Altar by the Jordan
Week 10: Joshua's Farewell and Death

Unit 2: Major Prophets (1)

Week 1: God calls Isaiah
Week 2: Isaiah and the Exile - Part 1
Week 3: Isaiah and the Exile - Part 2
Week 4: Isaiah's Messianic Prophecies

Unit 3: Major Prophets (2)

Week1: The Call of Jeremiah and His Mission
Week 2 - Jeremiah - Warnings about the coming exile and calls to repentance
Week 3 - The Promise of return from Exile + Book of Lamentations
Week 4 - Baruch

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 1: Introduction to The Epistle to the Romans + Chapter 1 (The apostolic blessing and encouragement to the believers)
Week 2: God's righteous judgment and justification by faith in Him
Week 3: Salvation Through Faith
Week 4: Christ Frees Me from the Law and Saves Me from Sin
Week 5: Christ grants us eternal life

Unit 5: Pauline 2

Week 1: God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles
Week 2: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission
Week 3: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission

Unit 6: Acts

Week 1: Introduction + (The Ascension and Pentecost)
Week 2: The Beginning of Evangelism until the arrest of St. Stephen
Week 3: The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem
Week 4: Beginning of missionary trips
Week 5: St. Paul's trials

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 1: Choosing Joshua

Introduction:

Author: Joshua, whose name means "salvation"

Date: Initially written after entering Canaan (6th century BC)

Major Theme:

God is faithful in fulfilling His promises to the children of Israel.
The Israelites will inherit the Promised Land through:
- Obedience to God’s law and commandments
- Joshua’s leadership and God’s interventions

Outline:

Conquest of the Promised Land (Chapters 1-12)
Division of the Promised Land among the Israelites (Chapters 13-22)
Conclusion of Joshua’s Ministry (Chapters 23-24)

Book of Joshua Chapters 1-2

Objective:

God's instructions to Joshua
Rahab and the spies

Resources:

Reading:

Chapter 1&2

Key verse(s):

"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua 1:7

Comments:

Chapter 1 explains the role of God in achieving salvation and the role of the servant and the people in it.

The role of God (verses 6-1)
- God is the one who initiates and encourages us on our path to salvation through support, encouragement, and companionship. Therefore, we should not fear failure or retreat but continue on the path with His strength.
The role of the servant (verses 9-7):
- Focus on reading God's word, meditating on it, memorizing it, and repeating it throughout your day in the form of a verse or a psalm. This will help you feel God's presence, rely on Him, and delight in His fellowship. As a result, you will find joy even in difficult circumstances and navigate through them with assurance, knowing that God is with you.
The role of the people (verses 10-18)
- Do everything you can to show your love for God by committing to your prayers, readings, and serving others. On the other hand, avoid sources of evil and stay away from all sin, and God will support you and make you successful in all your ways.

Chapter 2

Joshua sent two men to spy the land of Jericho
Rahab hides the spies (Verses 1-7)
- God's love is marvelous in His protection of the two spies, not through their friends, but through a foreign woman known for her wickedness. Do not be troubled, for you are in the safe hands of God, who protects you wherever you go and grants you favor in the eyes of those from whom you would least expect it.
Rahab confessed her faith in the one God, the King of heaven and earth. (Verses 8-13)
The sign and the condition (verses 14-24):
- Scarlet cord, The red color symbolizes the blood of Christ, which is the condition for obtaining salvation. Rahab's house represents the Church, where believers find refuge. Without the Church and its sacraments and means of grace, we cannot attain salvation.
- The first condition is the commitment to remain inside the house, as there is no salvation outside the Church, and those who leave will be responsible for their own destruction.
- The second condition is to keep the matter secret from the king, symbolizing the need for our loyalty to Christ. We must not betray Him until we are granted the enjoyment of His salvation.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Chapter 1

Who took over after the death of Moses?
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” Who made this statement? To
who was the statement made?
What did the Lord ask Joshua to do?
What was the Lord’s promise to His people?
What recommendations did God gave Joshua concerning the Book of the Law. How does this apply to us
today?

Chapter 2

Why did Joshua send men to Jericho?
Where did the spies hide?
Mention a verse that shows that Rahab believed in God.
What are the sign and the condition given by the spies to Rahab?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Have not I commanded you? Be ________ and of good __________.
How many men did Joshua sent to spy in Jericho?
For the Lord your God he is God in _________ above, and on __________ beneath.
Scarlet cord, The red color symbolizes ________ and Rahab's house represents _______.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 2: Crossing the Jordan

Book of Joshua Chapters 3 & 4

Objective:

Crossing the Jordan

Resources:

Reading:

Chapters 3 & 4

Key verse(s):

"Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan." Joshua 3:11

Comments:

Chapter 3

The Ark of the covenant of the Lord first: (Verses 1-6)
- May God be your guide in the journey of your life, so that you remember Him at the beginning of each day as your sole goal and seek Him before any task, asking Him to guide you in all your steps.
The miracle of crossing the Jordan (verses 12-17):
- God is able to remove all obstacles from your path, just as He stopped the waters of the Jordan River for His people to cross. Do not be troubled by hindrances, no matter how great they may be. Continue steadfastly in prayer and do everything within your power with integrity. God is capable of removing all obstacles, even if they have persisted for a long time, and will lead you to the salvation of your soul.

Chapter 4

The twelve stones (verses 1-13):
- To commemorate the miracle of crossing the Jordan River, to serve as a testament to the miracle and would be taught by the parents to their children to reinforce their faith in God.
Joshua said that placing the stones in Gilgal serves two purposes:
1. It will remind surrounding nations of God's power, causing them to fear Him and not harm Israel.
2. It will help the Israelites remember the miracle of crossing the Jordan, encouraging them to avoid sin and idol worship.

Here’s the chronological order of events from the beginning of the book until now:

God commanded Joshua to prepare for the departure to cross the Jordan on the third day of Nisan or a few days earlier (Joshua 1:11).
Joshua sent the spies on the third day of Nisan, and they stayed that night at Rahab's house (Joshua 2:1).
The spies hid in the mountains for three days: the 4th, 5th, and 6th of Nisan (Joshua 2:22).
The spies returned to Joshua on the 6th of Nisan (Joshua 2:23).
The leaders of the people were instructed to gather supplies on the 7th of Nisan and were informed that they would cross the Jordan in three days (Joshua 1:10-11).
They moved from Shittim to the Jordan River on the 9th of Nisan and camped there (Joshua 3:1).
They crossed the Jordan River on the 10th of Nisan (Joshua 4:19).

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Which river did the people Israel cross?
Why did Joshua ask his people to sanctify themselves?
How many men prepared for war, crossed the Jordan?
What did the twelve men take from the Jordan River?
What were the Israelites to teach their children when they ask them about the stones?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Where did the Israelites camp before crossing over Jordan?
And they commanded the people, saying, when you see the _________of the Lord our God, and the priests the
Levites bearing it, then you shall set out from your place, and go _________
Who were the last ones to cross the River Jordan?
- a) The people
- b) the twelve carrying the stones
- c) the priests carrying the Ark
- d) the Levites
And Joshua said to them cross over before the _________ of the Lord your God into the midst of the _________,
and each one of you take up a _________on his shoulder.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 3: The Destruction of Jericho

Book of Joshua Chapters 5 & 6

Objective:

The Destruction of Jericho

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua Chapters 5 & 6

Key verse(s):

"And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city! . Joshua 6:16

Comments:

Chapter 5

Circumcision (verses 1-9)
The Passover and the cessation of manna (verses 10-12)
Joshua and the Commander of the Lord's Army (verses 13-15)
- God reveals Himself through the events of our life to encourage us. You can feel Him if you seek Him from your heart, believe in His existence, and are willing to obey Him. He will make Himself known to you and guide you to live with Him.

Chapter 6

The marching around the city (verses 1-14):
- The benefits of the people marching around the city include:
  1. Encouraging the people and instilling confidence and strength in their hearts to take Jericho.
  2. Testing the people’s obedience to God's commands, leading to their victory.
  3. Creating fear among the inhabitants of Jericho, who see the Israelites from the walls. Their fear could make their defeat easier and might even lead some to repentance and faith in God.
  4. Teaching the Israelites discipline and precision in warfare and in all aspects of their lives.
The fall of the city and its destruction (verses 15-21):
- God intended to destroy the inhabitants of Jericho because of their wickedness, as well as the animals, since they were used as sacrifices to idols or were worshiped themselves. This was to remove evil and everything associated with it, and to ensure that His people remain diligent in avoiding all forms of wickedness.
Rahab's preservation (verses 22-27)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Why the Lord ordered Joshua to circumcise his people?
What did the Israelites eat on the day after the Passover?
What were the items allowed to be taken from Jericho to be consecrated to the Lord?
"Go and bring out the woman and all that she has” Who said this verse? To whom? What was the name of that
woman?
Why do you think Joshua burned Jericho?
The number seven is mentioned several times in this chapter. What is its importance?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Now the children of Israel camped in ________, and kept the Passover on the _________ day of the month at
twilight on the plains of ___________.
The commander of the army of the Lord had _________ in his hand.
How many days did the Israelites people march around the city?
a) 40 b) 7 c) 8 d) 3
What happened when the priests blew the trumpets and the people shouted on the seventh day?
a) The walls of Jericho fell down b) Rahab escaped c) the spies ran away

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 4: Ai

Book of Joshua Chapters 7-8

Objective:

The Fall of Ai

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 7& 8

Key verse(s):

"Get up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” Joshua 7:13

Comments:

Chapter 7

Defeat at Ai (verses 1-5)
- Make sure to seek refuge in God in every aspect of your life, both big and small, so that you learn humility, find peace, and protect yourself from all deviation.
God's guidance for His people (Verses 6-15)
The sin of Achan (verses 16-26)

Chapter 8

A detailed plan (verses 1-8):
- Although Satan attacks us with many schemes, we should trust that God is able to defeat him and guide us on how to overcome him. We simply need to obey God's commandments and the teachings of the Church.
Implementing the military strategy (verses 9-17)
Victory over Ai (verses 18-29):
- If God is the leader of your life, trust that you can overcome all the battles against demons. He will guide and support you, so do not be troubled by their movements and schemes, for your God is with you. Hold on to Him and seek Him continually, and He will lead your life always.
Joshua renews the covenant (Verses 30-35)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was Achan’s sin?
What was Achan’s punishment?
Why did the Lord ask Joshua to burn not only Achan but also his family and all he had?
Why do you think the Israelites were not able to enter Ai?
What did the Israelites do to the city of Ai?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What did Achan take that he was not allowed to?
a) a Babylonian garment b) gold c) silver d) all of these
What did the Israelites do to Achan?
a) threw him out of the camp b) stoned him c) burned him d) b and c
The Lord said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, take all the ________ of war with you, and arise, go
up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand, ________ his people, his city, and his land.
What happened to the king of Ai when Joshua took it?
a) he was stoned b) was hanged c) was forgiven d) was burned

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 5: The War Against Five Kings

Book of Joshua chapters 9-10

Objective:

The war against five kings

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 9-10

Key verse(s):

"And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you." Joshua 10:8

Comments:

Chapter 9

Alliance of Kings (verses 1-2)
- Do not be disturbed if the wicked agree against you, no matter how strong or numerous they seem. They are nothing compared to the power of God that is with us. Present your needs before God and supplicate to Him, so you remain steadfast and no one will be able to overcome you.
The Deception of the Gibeonites (verses 3-13)
- Carefully assess whether the idea or situation presented to you brings you closer to God and provides comfort and peace. Verify this through prayer. If it aligns with these qualities, it is from God. If it contradicts them, it is from Satan, regardless of how logical it may seem. This is because Satan uses deceptive thoughts to mislead you and draw you away from God."
The Gibeonites as Servants to the Israelites (verses 14-27)

Chapter 10

The Battle of the Five Kings Against Gibeon (verses1-7)
- The five kings intended to defeat Joshua, but God turned their alliance into a blessing for Joshua, leading to his victory. This illustrates that God can turn evil plans into opportunities for good and triumph
The Victory of Joshua and the Heavenly Assistance (Verses 8-14)
- "Sun, Stand still over Gibeon; and moon, in the valley of Aijalon. so the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the people had revenge upon their enemies." Joshua 10:12-13
- God supports you in unexpected ways. Trust Him fully, follow His commandments, and do not be afraid of the enemy’s strength.
Pursuit of the Enemies and Killing Their Kings (verses 15-27)
Conquest of the southland (verses 28-43)
The Lord is a man of war vs the Lord is king of peace
- God dealt with the people in the Old Testament based on their level of righteousness. In the Old
  Testament, people were not satisfied by simply responding to violence with the same
  degree of violence, but their revenge was brutal. However, in the New Testament,
  people were ready to understand and accept the commandment of forgiving.
- God created us in His image and because He is righteous, we also ought to be righteous.
  God dealt with people gradually to make them reach that level of righteousness.
- Based on this, God doesn’t change, but the people do, and the Old Testament
  commandment doesn’t contradict the New Testament commandment.
- In Old Testament, wars were common between nations due to lack of political systems
  and God used these wars as a way of judgements. God allowed and commanded war to
  happen as a judgement on the Canaanites due to their sins.
  
  Based on these, God is fair and just judge who will wait on the sinners to return back to
  him, but also will judge those who don’t repent.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was the mistake the Israelites made by making peace with the Gibeonites?
What did Joshua do with the 5 kings?
Mention a verse that shows how God changed the normal nature to give the Israelites a chance to win the war
with their enemies?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

"Israel was allowed to make treaties (covenant) with cities that were far from them.” True or false?
So the _________ stood still, and the __________ stopped, till the people had revenge upon their _________.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 6: The Conquest

The Conquest chapter 11-12

Objective:

The Northern conquest

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapters 11 & 12
Skip chapter 13

Key verse(s):

"As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses." Joshua 11:15 (This verse reflects Joshua’s obedience to God's commands)

Comments:

Chapter 11

The Alliance of the Kings (verses 1-5)
Victory Over the Kings (verses 6-9)
- As long as God reassures us, we should only obey His commandments with sincerity and precision. We should not be afraid, for everything is in God’s hands. No matter how difficult the surrounding circumstances may be, we should not be disturbed because God is stronger than everything.
The Conquest of the Land (verses 10-23)
- God gave His people the promise to possess the land of Canaan and to eradicate the wicked within it. Similarly, He grants you many blessings if you walk uprightly and inherit the kingdom of heaven. However, if you neglect His commandments and do not live righteously, you will become disturbed and have no place with Him in the kingdom.

Chapter 12

The Boundaries of the Promised Land
- Joshua was a type of Christ. Just as Joshua conquered and took possession of the Promised Land, Christ, through His death on the cross, opened the gates of heaven and the kingdom for us to inherit eternal life in the heavenly Canaan.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

How did Joshua respond to the coalition of kings?
- He follows God's command to engage in warfare against the enemies of Israel.
What role does God play in the battle against the northern kings?
What was the outcome of the battle?
What is the main purpose of Chapter 12 in the Book of Joshua?
- The main purpose is to list and summarize the kings defeated by the Israelites, documenting their conquests and providing a record of Israel’s victories and territorial gains.

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

What did King Jabin do in response to Joshua's conquests?

A) He made a peace treaty with Joshua.
B) He formed an alliance with other northern kings against Joshua.
C) He fled to Egypt.
D) He joined Joshua in battle.
What was the purpose of listing the defeated kings in Chapter 12?

A) To provide a historical record of Israel's military victories.
B) To suggest future conquests.
C) To highlight the need for further battles.
D) To document the alliances made with neighboring nations.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 7: The Division of the Land

Book of Joshua chapters 14-19

Objective:

The division of the land

Resources:

Reading:

Chapters 14-19

Read chapter 14 and 18:1-10

Key verse(s):

" Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?" Joshua 18:3

Comments:

chapter 14

The General Division of the Land (verses 1-5)
Caleb’s Request (verses 6-15)
- where Caleb asks for the hill country of Hebron, which was promised to him by God through Moses because of his faithfulness and perseverance

Chapters 15, 16, and 17 (skip)

From here begins the distribution of the inheritances for three diligent tribes: the tribe of Judah (Chapter 15), the tribe of Ephraim (Chapter 16), and half of the tribe of Manasseh (Chapter 17). This distribution was carried out at Gilgal

Chapter 18

Rebuke of the Delinquent (verses 1-10)
- Joshua's rebuke symbolizes Jesus Christ's rebuke of those who made excuses and declined the invitation to the wedding feast (Matthew 22:3).
  
  It is beneficial to begin every task with prayer, asking for God's intervention. Understand that prayer alone does not replace the need for subsequent action, but it does bless and guide it.
- skip the rest of chapter 18

Skip chapter 19

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

How was Caleb?
Who promised Caleb to get the land he asked for?
Why was Caleb given the land he asked for?
Why was Joshua impatient with the seven tribes?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who sent Caleb to spy? a) Moses b) Joshua c) Gad d) Judah
The children of Joseph were ___________ and _____________.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 8: Cities of Refuge

Book of Joshua chapters 20-21

Objective:

Cities of refuges

Resources:

Reading:

Chapter 20:1-7
Chapter 21 (focus on verses 43-45)

Key verse(s):

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass." Joshua 21:45

Comments:

Chapter 20

The Law of the Cities of Refuge (verses 1-6)
- "God's mercy is great, as He provides refuge for the one who has unintentionally committed manslaughter. Similarly, may you be compassionate and forgive those who wrong you, giving them a new chance to live in love with God and with you."
- The high priest in verse 6 symbolizes Christ, whose death provided us with salvation. The concept of seeking refuge from the city of refuge reflects the protection and new life that Christ offers through His sacrifice.
The Names of the Cities (verses 7-9) skip

Chapter 21

The Levitical Cities (verses 1-12)
The Cities of the Priests (verses 13-19)
- The Levites did not receive a portion of land like the other tribes because God Himself was their inheritance. Instead, God gave them cities to live in, totaling 48 cities, which was more than the portion given to most other tribes. This illustrates that God blesses His servants spiritually and provides for all their material needs.
  
  Therefore, offer your love to God and serve Him faithfully, trusting in His provision which distinguishes you from others. Your gratitude and service will lead to His continued care, which will meet all your needs."
Completion of the Land Distribution (verses 43-45)
- "God fulfilled His promise to His children by giving them the land of Canaan as He had promised, and by granting them victory over all their enemies. This serves as an example of Christ’s victory on the cross, where He defeated Satan and put him under our feet.
  
  Trust in God’s power to support and grant you victory over your spiritual enemies, no matter your own weakness or the strength of the adversaries. God loves you and will protect you from all harm as long as you hold fast to Him."

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was a city of refuge?
Did God keep His promise?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Who can have refuge in the cities of refuge?
a) one who killed unintentionally b) a blood avenger c) one who killed intentionally
The Lord keeps His promises. True or false?

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 9: The Altar by the Jordan

Book of Joshua Chapter 22

Objective:

The Altar by the Jordan

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua chapter 22

Key verse(s):

"But take a careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5

Comments:

Return of the Tribes (verses 1-9)
- The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh return to their land east of the Jordan River after helping the other tribes conquer the land of Canaan.
An alter by the Jordan (verses 10-34)
- This altar is considered new and unusual because it was built on the western side of the river, which raised concerns among the other tribes that it might indicate a rebellion or a deviation from worshiping at the central sanctuary in Shiloh. The chapter addresses the misunderstanding and clarifies the purpose of the altar.
- The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh explain the purpose of the altar they built, which was intended as a witness to future generations of their shared heritage with the tribes on the western side of the Jordan River.
- Avoid rushing to judgment about others. Instead, seek to understand and address them with patience to clarify the truth. Overcome all the devil's schemes with love.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

Why were the Israelites so quick to go to war over an altar?
What reason did the Reubenites, the Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh give for building the altar?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

The children of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh built an ________ by the Jordan
The altar was called ________ for it is a _________ between us that the Lord is ____________.

Unit 1: The Promise Land

Week 10: Joshua's Farewell and Death

Book of Joshua chapter 23-24

Objective:

Joshua's Farewell and Death

Resources:

Reading:

Book of Joshua 23-24

Key verse(s):

"And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed." Joshua 23:14

Comments:

These chapters represent Joshua's last speech to the people, where he hands over his responsibilities to them and bids them farewell, offering final guidance and counsel."

Chapter 23

Gathering the Leaders for the Address (verses 1-4)
Encouragement and Hope (verses 5-11)
- Joshua offers words of encouragement and hope to the Israelites. He reassures them of God's promises and encourages them to remain steadfast and obedient in their faith.
Warning (verses 12-16)
- Everyone has the role of encouraging the weak and, at the same time, a necessary role in warning the careless to adhere to God's commandments and love. It is crucial to present the truth in a suitable manner to those you are responsible for, ensuring that you guide everyone towards God and away from evil."

Chapter 24

God's Care for His People (verses 1-15)
- Joshua recounts God's faithfulness and care for the Israelites throughout their history. He reminds them of how God has guided, protected, and provided for them, and calls them to respond with faithfulness and obedience.
The Covenant of the People to Worship God (verses 16-28)
- The Israelites renew their covenant with God.
- Joshua wanted to make it clear that commitment to worshiping the Lord must be complete, because God is holy and zealous for His name. He does not forgive those who betray Him and turn away from His worship to worship other gods. Instead, He punishes and destroys them."
The Death of Joshua (verses 29-33)

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What was the message that Joshua delivered to Israel?
What did Joshua do to remind the people of their commitment to the Lord?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

Joshua warned Israel from serving other ________.
Who brought the Israelites out of the Land of Egypt?
a) Pharaoh b) Joseph c) the Egyptians d) the Lord
How old was Joshua when he died?

A) 90 years old
B) 100 years old
C) 110 years old
D) 120 years old

Unit 2: Major Prophets (1)

Week 1: God calls Isaiah

Introduction + chapters 1&2 + 6

Introduction:

The Old Testament contains 17 prophetic books (Splits into major and minor prophets based on the size of the book)
- Major Prophets (5 books): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel
- Minor Prophets (12 books): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachai
Isaiah:
- Isaiah was of royal lineage, the nephew of King Amaziah. He had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose names symbolized exile and return from captivity. Coming from a wealthy and educated family, Isaiah prophesied for sixty years, beginning at the age of twenty and continuing through the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He was martyred at eighty years old during the reign of King Manasseh.

Author: Isaiah: A Hebrew word meaning "The salvation of God."

Date:

Isaiah began his prophetic ministry in the year 740 B.C. and continued until the year 680 B.C., meaning he wrote for about sixty years during his prophecy. In the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
His ministry commences around the time the Northern kingdom is carried into captivity (722 BC ). About 140 years before the Southern kingdom went into captivity ( 586BC ).

Major Theme:

Repent and turn back to God
Rely on God rather than earthly powers and possessions
Warning against outward religious appearances, as it is considered hypocrisy.
Hope in the awaited Messiah, the Savior, and the new life in Him.

Nature of the Book of Isaiah:

The entire book is written in poetry, except for the historical chapter (Isaiah 36-39)
The most detailed prophetic book in the Old Testament about Christ, including details about His birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and many aspects of His life.

Outline:

God the disciplinarian: (Chapters 1-35)
- A call to repentance for the kingdom of Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations.
  - King Uzziah (Chapters 1-5)
  - King Jotham (Chapter 6)
  - King Ahaz (Chapters 7-14)
  - King Hezekiah (Chapters 15- 66)
God the victorious (Chapters 36-39)
- Judah's victory over Assyria by God's power and the healing of king Hezekiah
The Messiah the savior and God's promises (Chapters 40-66)
- Prophecies about the incarnation of Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection.

Objective: Week 1 Isaiah chapters 1&2+6

God calls Isaiah

Resources:

Catena Bible Commentary
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty (Book of Isaiah)
Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)
Fr Luka Maher Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

Chapter 1 (Verses 1-21)
Chapter 2 (Verses 10-22)
Chapter 6 (Verses 1-13)

Key verse(s):

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me". Isaiah 6:8

Comments:

Chapter 1

God's Judgement on His People (Verses 1-9)
- God declares that Israel has rebelled against Him despite His care. The people are described as ungrateful, stubborn, and corrupted.
Rejection of superficial worship (Verses 10-15)
- God declares His rejection of superficial worship and tells His people not to offer Him vain worship. If the heart is full of evil and unwilling to repent, their worship will be unacceptable.
- Contemplation: We need to focus on our repentance, reconcile and forgive everyone, reject evil, and acknowledge our weakness to God, asking for His help.
How to Please God (verses 16-20)
- God presents the solution to His children whom He judged at the beginning of the chapter
  - The solution is repentance by cutting off evil.
  - True repentance involves not only turning away from wrongdoing but also aligning with God's will.
  - Contemplation: The path of repentance is open to remedy all sins, so do not delay in confession and repentance.
God is the Savior (verses 21-31)
- God promises to save and redeem Zion with justice so it doesn't fall again.

Chapter 2:

In this chapter begins the prophecy of God, which He gave to Isaiah about the Kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.
Sins of Jerusalem (Verses 5-9)
- It is a warning from God through the mouth of Isaiah to the Kingdom of Judah to repent and turn away from their sins so that God may forgive them.
The Fearsome God and the Humility of Man (verses 10-22):
- All human strength and material possessions will be humbled and fade before God, who is exalted above all and will judge each one according to their deeds."
In the first 5 chapters Isaiah was describing the condition of God's people and their sins

Chapter 6

The Vision of God (verses 1-4):
- This vision was seen by Isaiah, he saw God seated on a high throne, as His throne is above all the thrones of the kings of the world. This vision has strongly influenced our Orthodox church, for the Church, like heaven, has an altar, a throne, smoke from incense, and believers singing" Holy, Holy, Holy,"
The Cleansing of Isaiah (verses 5-7):
- The coal represents a clear symbol of the Eucharist, which purifies the confessing individual from their sins, making them worthy to live with God in purity.
The Commissioning of Isaiah (verses 8-13):
- After God purified Isaiah through one of the angels who touched his lips with a coal, God declared His need for someone to go into the world to proclaim His message. He asked, "Whom shall I send?
- This shows the humility of God, who is all-powerful, as He expresses a need for a human being to be sent as His messenger.

Review/recap questions:
**Servant may add more questions

What does God call the people to do?
Why does God say He will not hear the prayers of Judah?
Why God did not take pleasure in all the sacrifices offered to Him?
Describe the Seraphim?
When do we cry out like the Seraphim saying Holy, Holy, Holy?
What does the live coal from the altar symbolize?

Homework:
**Servant may add more questions

In whose reign was the prophecy of Isaiah? a)Uzziah b) Ahaz c)Hezekiah, d) all of those
Isaiah was a) a prophet b) a priest c) a Christian d) a king
"Holy, holy, holy is the _________ of hosts; The whole _________ is full of His __________"
Who had a live coal in his hand, which he took with tongs from the altar? a) Isaiah b) God c) the seraphim d) the cherubim

Unit 2: Major Prophets (1)

Week 2: Isaiah and the Exile - Part 1

36 +37 + 38 + 39 + 40 + 2Kings 24& 25

Week 2: Isaiah and the Exile- Part 1

The History of Humanity from Adam to the End of the World

Introduction:

Isaiah:
- Isaiah was of royal lineage, the nephew of King Amaziah. He had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose names symbolized exile and return from captivity. Coming from a wealthy and educated family, Isaiah prophesied for sixty years, beginning at the age of twenty and continuing through the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He was martyred at eighty years old during the reign of King Manasseh.
The content of the four chapters (36–39) is fulfillment of previous prophecies, as everything Isaiah spoke about in his prophecies (from chapters 1–35) has now come to pass.
The story of Sennacherib and Hezekiah begins with Sennacherib demanding tribute to avoid attacking the city, and Hezekiah paid him 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold. However, Sennacherib betrayed his promise and attacked Judah, taking 200,000 captives.

Author: Isaiah: A Hebrew word meaning "The salvation of God."

Date:

Isaiah began his prophetic ministry in the year 740 B.C. and continued until the year 680 B.C., meaning he wrote for about sixty years during his prophecy. In the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
His ministry commences around the time the Northern kingdom is carried into captivity (722 BC ). About 140 years before the Southern kingdom went into captivity ( 586BC ).

Major Theme:

Repent and turn back to God
Rely on God rather than earthly powers and possessions
Warning against outward religious appearances, as it is considered hypocrisy.
Hope in the awaited Messiah, the Savior, and the new life in Him.

Outline:

God the disciplinarian: (Chapters 1-35)
- A call to repentance for the kingdom of Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations.
  - King Uzziah (Chapters 1-5)
  - King Jotham (Chapter 6)
  - King Ahaz (Chapters 7-14)
  - King Hezekiah (Chapters 15- 66)
God the victorious (Chapters 36-39)
- Judah's victory over Assyria by God's power and the healing of king Hezekiah
The Messiah the savior and God's promises (Chapters 40-66)
- Prophecies about the incarnation of Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection.

Objective: Week 2 Isaiah chapter 36-39

Isaiah and the Exile - Part 1

Resources:

Catena Bible Commentary
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty (Book of Isaiah)
Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)
Fr Luka Maher Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

Isaiah
- Chapter 36 (Verses 4-10, 16-22)
- Chapter 37 (5-7, 10-22, 33-38)
- Chapter 38 (1-9)
- Chapter 39 (1-8)

Key verse(s):

"O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth." Isaiah 37:16

Comments:

Chapter 36

Sennacherib boasts against the Lord (Verses 4-10)
- Rabshakeh told Hezekiah that trusting in Egypt or even in God is in vain.
The Deception of the devil (Verses 16-22)
- Rabshakeh asked the people of Judah to go with him to his land and promises to give them land like their own, but this is deception and trickery because he intended to enslave or kill them. This is always the trick of the devil: to lure the soul outside the walls of Jerusalem (i.e., outside the walls of the church) to isolate them away from God.
- Hezekiah's wisdom is clear in not arguing with Rabshakeh, and we should not engage in discussions with the devil, no matter how tempting his promises might be.

Chapter 37

Isaiah assures deliverance (Verses 5-7)
- Isaiah reassures King Hezekiah and the people of Judah that God will deliver them from the Assyrian threat.
Sennacherib's threats and Hezekiah's prayer (Verses 10-22)
- Sennacherib sent a letter to Hezekiah threatening to destroy Jerusalem and mocking the God of Israel.
- In response, Hezekiah prayed to God, seeking divine intervention. Hezekiah's prayer is marked by humility and faith, entrusting the situation to God’s judgment.
The Word of the Lord concerning Sennacherib (Verses 33-38)
- God responds to Hezekiah's prayer through Isaiah, declaring that Sennacherib will not succeed against Jerusalem.
- Sennacherib returned to his own land, where he is later killed by his own sons.

Chapter 38

Hezekiah's life extended (Verses 1-9)
- King Hezekiah became very ill and near death. However, he prayed to God, pleading for his life and recalling his faithfulness. God responded to his prayer and extended Hezekiah's life by fifteen years.

Chapter 39

The Babylonian envoys (Verses 1-8)
- This chapter begins by referencing the Babylonian exile. After this chapter, the focus shifts to Babylon as an enemy of the people, the Babylonian captivity, and ultimately deliverance from it.
- The Babylonian captivity did occur as a result of the sins of Manasseh and those who came after him, as well as the sins of the entire people.
- When Hezekiah showed off all the treasures of Jerusalem, it made them a target for enemies who later stole everything. Similarly, when we boast about our spiritual blessings or faith, we can attract negative influences that might lead us away from God.

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

What did the king of Assyria promised the people of Judah?
What truths about God does Hezekiah emphasize in his prayer?
What will happen to Hezekiah’s sons ruled by the Babylonians?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Who came against Judah? a) Hezekiah b)Sennacherib c) God
What did the king ask Isaiah to do? a) to sing b) to fast c) to pray
What did Hezekiah do with the letter from the king of Assyria after he read it?
a) spread it before the LORD b) destroyed it c) returned it to the king
How many years did the Lord add to Hezekiah’s life? a) 5 years b) 10 years c) 15 years
What did Hezekiah show to the messengers of Babylon?
a) his treasures b) the silver and gold c) the spices and precious ointment d) all of these

Unit 2: Major Prophets (1)

Week 3: Isaiah and the Exile - Part 2

36 +37 + 38 + 39 + 40 + 2Kings 24& 25

Week 3: Isaiah and the Exile- Part 2

The History of Humanity from Adam to the End of the World

Introduction:

Isaiah:
- Isaiah was of royal lineage, the nephew of King Amaziah. He had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose names symbolized exile and return from captivity. Coming from a wealthy and educated family, Isaiah prophesied for sixty years, beginning at the age of twenty and continuing through the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He was martyred at eighty years old during the reign of King Manasseh

Author: Isaiah: A Hebrew word meaning "The salvation of God."

Date:

Isaiah began his prophetic ministry in the year 740 B.C. and continued until the year 680 B.C., meaning he wrote for about sixty years during his prophecy. In the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
His ministry commences around the time the Northern kingdom is carried into captivity (722 BC ). About 140 years before the Southern kingdom went into captivity ( 586BC ).

Major Theme:

Repent and turn back to God
Rely on God rather than earthly powers and possessions
Warning against outward religious appearances, as it is considered hypocrisy.
Hope in the awaited Messiah, the Savior, and the new life in Him.

Outline:

Isaiah

God the disciplinarian: (Chapters 1-35)
- A call to repentance for the kingdom of Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations.
  - King Uzziah (Chapters 1-5)
  - King Jotham (Chapter 6)
  - King Ahaz (Chapters 7-14)
  - King Hezekiah (Chapters 15- 66)
God the victorious (Chapters 36-39)
- Judah's victory over Assyria by God's power and the healing of king Hezekiah
The Messiah the savior and God's promises (Chapters 40-66)
- Prophecies about the incarnation of Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection.

2 Kings

Author: The prophet Jeremiah

Date: Around 560 B.C, during the time of Merodach, the king of Babylon.

Outline:

The Life of Elisha (Chapters 1-8).
The Kings until the Fall of Samaria (Chapters 9-17).
The Kings until the Fall of Jerusalem (Chapters 18-25)

Objective: Week 3, Isaiah chapter 40 and 2 Kings chapters 24&25

Isaiah and the Exile - Part 2

Resources:

Catena Bible Commentary
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty (Book of Isaiah)
Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)
Fr Luka Maher Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

Isaiah
- Chapter 40 (Verses 1-5, 25-31)
2 Kings
- Chapter 24 (Verses1-20)
- Chapter 25 (Verses 1-17)

Key verse(s):

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Comments:

Isaiah chapter 40:

God's people are comforted (Verses 1-5, 25-31)
- The first part of the book of Isiah from chapter 1-39 seems as a warning to the people, God revealed it to show them their condition and their need for a Savior. God indicates that He will strike them because of their corruptions and sins.
- In the second part of he book of Isiah from chapter 40, we see that He strikes and wounds to heal. The promise of comfort through The Messiah the savior is clearly revealed.
- Promises of comfort and salvation for the believers (from Babylonian captivity and sin in general)

2 Kings Chapter 24

Judah’s Submission to Babylon (Verses 1-7).
- God allowed His people in the Kingdom of Judah to be defeated and scattered for two reasons:
  - The wickedness of King Manasseh, which was evident in his worship of foreign gods.
  - The people's injustice towards one another and the shedding of innocent blood.
- God is just, so do not persist in your wickedness like Manasseh and ignore God's words. He is patient, but He must punish if there is no repentance. Submit to Him and return to Him to enjoy His mercy.
The captivity of Jehoiachin (Verses 8-16)
- Jehoiachin followed in wickedness, from the beginning of his reign, idol worship and various lusts and injustices.
- Thus, the king of Babylon captured Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, along with his mother and his wives.
The Reign of Zedekiah and His Rebellion Against Babylon (Verses 17-20).
- Zedekiah followed the footsteps of Jehoiakim, the previous king of Judah, in his wicked ways.
- The king of Babylon captured Zedekiah and destroyed Jerusalem and burned it, fulfilling the prophets' predictions. This was the manifestation of God's anger and punishment upon His people for their wickedness.

2 Kings Chapter 25

The Burning of the Temple and Jerusalem and the Exile of the People (Verses 1-17).
- The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem lasted for a year and a half.
- When Jerusalem fell into the hands of Nebuzaradan and he entered the city, he burned the house of the Lord, which Solomon had built three hundred years earlier.
Gedaliah, the Governor of Judah (Verses 22-26).

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

What does God promise the youth? And on what condition?
Who did Nebuchadnezzar exile?
What did the Babylonians do to the House of the Lord?
Why did God allow the destruction of Judah?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Name the King of Babylon who came against Judah:
a) Nebuchadnezzar b) Jehoiakim c) Judah d) Manasseh
Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the Lord. True or false?
Gedaliah was the __________ of Judah.
a) King b) commander of army c) governor d) captain

Unit 2: Major Prophets (1)

Week 4: Isaiah's Messianic Prophecies

Week 4: Isaiah's Messianic Prophecies

The History of Humanity from Adam to the End of the World

Introduction:

Isaiah:
- Isaiah was of royal lineage, the nephew of King Amaziah. He had two sons, Shear-Jashub and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose names symbolized exile and return from captivity. Coming from a wealthy and educated family, Isaiah prophesied for sixty years, beginning at the age of twenty and continuing through the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He was martyred at eighty years old during the reign of King Manasseh

Author: Isaiah: A Hebrew word meaning "The salvation of God."

Date:

Isaiah began his prophetic ministry in the year 740 B.C. and continued until the year 680 B.C., meaning he wrote for about sixty years during his prophecy. In the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
His ministry commences around the time the Northern kingdom is carried into captivity (722 BC ). About 140 years before the Southern kingdom went into captivity ( 586BC ).

Major Theme:

Repent and turn back to God
Rely on God rather than earthly powers and possessions
Warning against outward religious appearances, as it is considered hypocrisy.
Hope in the awaited Messiah, the Savior, and the new life in Him.

Outline:

Isaiah

God the disciplinarian: (Chapters 1-35)
- A call to repentance for the kingdom of Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations.
  - King Uzziah (Chapters 1-5)
  - King Jotham (Chapter 6)
  - King Ahaz (Chapters 7-14)
  - King Hezekiah (Chapters 15- 66)
God the victorious (Chapters 36-39)
- Judah's victory over Assyria by God's power and the healing of king Hezekiah
The Messiah the savior and God's promises (Chapters 40-66)
- Prophecies about the incarnation of Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection.

Objective: Week 4

Isaiah's Messianic Prophecies

Resources:

Catena Bible Commentary
Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty (Book of Isaiah)
Fr Dawoud Lamie Bible study (Arabic)
Fr Luka Maher Bible study (Arabic)

Reading:

Isaiah
- Chapters 51-53

Key verse(s):

"Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent?." Isaiah 51:9

Comments:

Isaiah chapter 51:

A call for unity with God and to enjoy the work of redemption.
- A call to unite with God the Redeemer. God invites His people who desire to be with Him to come together and follow His word. In verse 2, He reminds them of their humble beginnings, which were filled with desolation. Nevertheless, God saved them and bestowed His blessings upon His people.
- God promises His people through the Church of the New Testament. He assures them that His promises of salvation are everlasting, unlike the temporary nature of earthly things.
- God comforts His people and calls them to awaken. He redirects His wrath toward the enemies of His people.

Isaiah Chapter 52:

Joy of salvation:
- Put on your beautiful garments (Verses 1-2).
  - "Awake, awake!" is a call to repent and rise from the deep slumber of sin. "Put on your beautiful garments" signifies that while sin leaves us exposed, repentance restores and covers us.
- A free special gift (Verses 3-6).
  - Our Savior has come to redeem us by His precious blood
- A joyful proclamation (Verses 7-10)
- Abstaining from evil (Verses 11-12)
- The glory of the servant of the Lord (Verses 13-15).

Isaiah Chapter 53:

"The arm of the Lord" refers to the Son of God
The Jews had certain expectations for the Messiah that did not match Christ’s humble beginnings and His life filled with suffering.
Isaiah begins with a detailed account of all the pains, sins, and punishments that our Lord endured.
He carried our sorrows and pains, bearing all the grief of humanity that resulted from sin.
He was wounded for our disobedience, yet He remained obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.
Isaiah described His injustice during an unlawful trial held at night, which is against the regulations of any court.
He faced false accusations, like a lamb led to the slaughter, He remained silent throughout all His trials and did not respond.
He carried our sins and endured the punishment we deserved, providing salvation through His crucifixion. His suffering is symbolized by the thorns, nails, and spear that inflicted pain upon Him, yet through it, He saved us.

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

What is the cup of trembling? How was it taken from one nation and given to another?
Read verse 10. What does it refer to?
What good news will be announced from upon the mountains?
“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high”
Explain

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Awake, awake! Put on your ________, O Zion; Put on your __________ garments.
All we like _______ have gone astray; We have turned, every ______, to his own way; And the
LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us _______.

Unit 3: Major Prophets (2)

Week1: The Call of Jeremiah and His Mission

Introduction and chapter 1

Week 1: The Call of Jeremiah and His Mission

The History of Humanity from Adam to the End of the World

Introduction: Jeremiah the Prophet:

The Old Testament contains 17 prophetic books (Splits into major and minor prophets based on the size of the book)
Major Prophets (5 books): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel
Minor Prophets (12 books): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachai
Time of Birth:

Jeremiah was born in the mid-seventh century BC during the reign of the wicked King Manasseh. Coming from a priestly family, Jeremiah was familiar with the Law and God’s works among His people. Having lived during the reigns of the wicked Manasseh and his equally wicked son Amon, Jeremiah witnessed the moral and spiritual corruption of both the king and the people. God later called him to confront these evils.
The prophet Baruch was Jeremiah's disciple, who recorded many of his prophecies.

Place of Birth:

Jeremiah was born in the village of Anathoth, located northeast of Jerusalem

God’s Call:

God called Jeremiah to service through a vision when he was still young. His mission was to rebuke the evil of the king, leaders, priests, and people.
Jeremiah lived a celibate life as commanded by the Lord.

Titles:

The Weeping Prophet: Known for his intense emotions, Jeremiah wept over the sins of those around him.
The Job of the Prophets: Jeremiah endured intense suffering, including rejection by his people, betrayal by his own brother, physical torture, and imprisonment.

The Book of Jeremiah:

Author: The name Jeremiah means "Yahweh exalts," signifying that God glorifies.

Introduction:

Jeremiah addressed the Jews living in the southern kingdom, which consisted of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as their capital.
The people, led by corrupt leaders and wicked kings, were deeply sinful. Their unrepentance resulted in the Babylonian captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
Jeremiah's message was a call to repentance, urging them to rely on God

Date:

Jeremiah began his prophetic ministry in 626 BC, during King Josiah's reforms, and served for over 40 years. Despite being forcibly taken to Egypt, he continued urging repentance and faithfulness to God until his martyrdom by stoning in Egypt.

Jeremiah the prophet lived during the reigns of several kings

Manasseh the Wicked
Amon the Wicked
Josiah the Righeous
Jehoahaz the Wicked
Jehoiakim (brother of Jehoahaz) the Wicked
Jehoiachin
Zedekiah

How Did the Babylonian Captivity Happen?

As the Assyrian Empire weakened, King Josiah of Jerusalem gained independence but was killed by Necho, king of Egypt, in the Battle of Megiddo.
Necho deposed Josiah's son Jehoahaz, replacing him with Jehoiakim, who taxed the people heavily to pay tribute to Egypt.
Nebuchadnezzar defeated Necho, leading Jehoiakim to ally with Babylon. Jeremiah warned against reliance on Egypt and urged repentance.
Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem, exiled King Jehoiachin, and installed Zedekiah as king.

The Babylonian captivity occurred in three stages:

605 BC, during King Jehoiakim’s reign (Daniel and the three young men were exiled)
597 BC, during King Jehoiachin’s reign (Great Exile, Ezekiel and Mordecai exiled)
587 BC, When King Zedekiah was captured and exiled to Babylon (Jeremiah was exiled)
- After Zedekiah's exile, the King of Babylon came and burned the temple and destroyed the walls of Jerusalem.

Objectives of the Book of Jeremiah:

Call to Repentance: Urging the people to return to God.
God’s Discipline and Mercy: Highlighting that God disciplines His children when they sin but also affirms His mercy.
Need for the Messiah: Pointing to the hope of the coming Savior.
Spiritual Principles:

Sin is a breach of the covenant with God.
All sins against others are ultimately offenses against God.
Times of hardship should lead to self-examination and renewed commitment to God.

Outline:

The Call of Jeremiah and His Mission (Chapter 1).
Prophecies Before the Fall of Jerusalem and the Promise of Return from Exile (Chapters 2–33).
The History of the Fall of Jerusalem (Chapters 34–45).
Prophecies Concerning the Nations (Chapters 46–51).
Conclusion: Review of the Events of the Exile (Chapter 52).

Reading:

The Book of Jeremiah: Chapter 1

Outline:

Introduction to the Prophet and the History of His Prophethood (1:1-3)
The Call of Jeremiah (1:4-10)
Vision of a Branch of Almond tree and the Boiling Pot (1:11-16):
Jeremiah's Responsibility (1:17-19)

Resources:

Father Luke Maher - Audio (Arabic)
Father Dawood Lemay- Audio (Arabic)
Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah (English) Fr. Tadros Malaty. PDF: 024_Jeremiah.pdf

Key verse(s):

"They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.." Jeremiah 1:19

Comments:

1. Introduction to the Prophet and the History of His Prophethood (1:1-3)

Prophet Jeremiah: son of Hilkiah the priest, born in Anathoth (tribe of Benjamin).
Beginning of his writing during the reign of King Josiah over Judah (capital: Jerusalem).
The Kingdom of Judah included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Jeremiah’s prophethood continued during the reigns of Kings Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.
The exile occurred in the 11th year of Zedekiah's reign.

2. The Call of Jeremiah (1:4-10)

God's message began to Jeremiah, informing him that he was chosen for service even before he was formed in his mother's womb.

"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Ephesians 1:4).
Contemplation: God loved us and consecrated us to live for Him. We shouldn’t become distracted by worldly concerns and deviate from Him through many sins, but we should please Him in everything and serve Him faithfully.

Jeremiah expressed his inability to carry out God’s call to him, referring to himself as "a youth," meaning he was younger than thirty, the age at which Jews considered a man fully mature. This is the same age at which Jesus began His ministry. But God supported Jeremiah and promised to save him and be with him to complete his service.
God touched Jeremiah’s lips to give him the strength to speak God’s word.

3. Vision of a Branch of Almond tree and the Boiling Pot (Jeremiah 1:11-16):

Branch of Almont Tree: The first vision given to Jeremiah is of an almond rod, which symbolizes God's watchfulness and care. The almond tree appears lifeless in winter but bears fruit in spring. God watches His people but their sin will lead to punishment if they don’t repent.
The Boiling Pot: The second vision that Jeremiah saw was a boiling pot, which symbolizes the pride of the Jews. They believed that as long as the temple of God was among them and they had outward forms of personal worship, no harm would come to them. However, the pot's mouth facing north symbolizes the Babylonian attack from the north on Jerusalem and Judah, leading to its occupation and destruction.
The visions remind God's people to heed His word, repent, and avoid neglecting His commands, lest they face punishment.

4. Jeremiah's Responsibility (1:17-19)

God reminded him that the most important fear is of God, not the fear of people.
God promised to make Jeremiah:

Fortified City: to be protector to those who fear him
Iron Pillar: strong foundation
Bronze Wall: protection from oppositions of th wicked

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

List Major and minor prophets? What's the difference between them?
Who is the prophet Jeremiah?
How Did the Babylonian Captivity Happen?
What was God response to Jeremiah when he said “I cannot speak for I am a youth”?
What is the meaning of the two visions of Jeremiah?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Before I ______ you in the womb, I ______ you. Before you were ______ -I sanctified you. I ordained you a ______ to the nations."
What are the two visions of Jeremiah?. Explain
"Do not say I am a youth." Who said this sentence? To whom? Why?

Unit 3: Major Prophets (2)

Week 2 - Jeremiah - Warnings about the coming exile and calls to repentance

Introduction: Jeremiah the Prophet:

The Old Testament contains 17 prophetic books (Splits into major and minor prophets based on the size of the book)
Major Prophets (5 books): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel
Minor Prophets (12 books): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachai
Time of Birth:
- Jeremiah was born in the mid-seventh century BC during the reign of the wicked King Manasseh. Coming from a priestly family, Jeremiah was familiar with the Law and God’s works among His people. Having lived during the reigns of the wicked Manasseh and his equally wicked son Amon, Jeremiah witnessed the moral and spiritual corruption of both the king and the people. God later called him to confront these evils.
- The prophet Baruch was Jeremiah's disciple, who recorded many of his prophecies.
Place of Birth:
- Jeremiah was born in the village of Anathoth, located northeast of Jerusalem
God’s Call:
- God called Jeremiah to service through a vision when he was still young. His mission was to rebuke the evil of the king, leaders, priests, and people.
- Jeremiah lived a celibate life as commanded by the Lord.
Titles:
- The Weeping Prophet: because of his sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah prophesied before, during, and after the Babylonian exile
- The Job of the Prophets: Jeremiah endured intense suffering, including rejection by his people, betrayal by his own brother, physical torture, and imprisonment.
Quick Summary
- Jeremiah's prophecies primarily focused on the coming Babylonian exile. He urged the people of Judah to repent so they could avoid destruction, but unfortunately, they ignored his warnings.
- He faced rejection from his family, the people, and the kings, such as Manasseh, Amon, and Zedekiah, who were all evil rulers. Despite the hardships, including being thrown into a pit and imprisoned, Jeremiah remained steadfast in his prophetic mission.
- Jeremiah also prophesied during the reign of Josiah, a righteous king, and even though there was hope during this time, the people continued in idol worship, which led to their eventual downfall.
- When the exile came, the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed. Jeremiah wept over the destruction and wrote the Book of Lamentations. Though he was initially rejected by the people, he continued to deliver God's messages and witnessed the fulfillment of his prophecies with the Babylonian conquest.
- Jeremiah's calling to ministry
  - he was called by God to be a prophet. God told him, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).
    When God called him, Jeremiah felt unworthy, being a young man, but God reassured him, saying, "Do not say, 'I am a youth'; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak." God promised that He would be with him and would protect him from harm.
- Jeremiah's challenges
  - Throughout his ministry, Jeremiah faced opposition from the kings of Judah, including Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, who rejected his message. Despite this, Jeremiah continued to deliver God's word, even warning that Babylon would conquer Judah. Eventually, the people, especially those left behind after the Babylonian exile, fled to Egypt, where they continued to engage in idol worship. Jeremiah followed them to Egypt, where he was again rejected and stoned by his own people, ultimately dying a martyr’s death.

Objectives of the Book of Jeremiah:

Call to Repentance: Urging the people to return to God.
God’s Discipline and Mercy: Highlighting that God disciplines His children when they sin but also affirms His mercy.
Need for the Messiah: Pointing to the hope of the coming Savior.
Spiritual Principles:
- Sin is a breach of the covenant with God.
- All sins against others are ultimately offenses against God.
- Times of hardship should lead to self-examination and renewed commitment to God.

Outline:

The Call of Jeremiah and His Mission (Chapter 1).
Prophecies Before the Fall of Jerusalem and the Promise of Return from Exile (Chapters 2–33).
The History of the Fall of Jerusalem (Chapters 34–45).
Prophecies Concerning the Nations (Chapters 46–51).
Conclusion: Review of the Events of the Exile (Chapter 52).

Reading:

The Book of Jeremiah chapters 2-29
- Call to repentance
  - Chapter 2:1-8
  - Chapter 3: 12-19
- Temple Sermon
  - Chapter 7:1-10
- The weeping prophet
  - Chapter 9:1
- New Covenant
  - Chapter 11:1-14
- Prayer of Jeremiah
  - Chapter 14:7-9
- The good and bad figs
  - Chapter 24:1-10
- Babylonian Exile:
  - Chapter 25: 1-14
Outline:
- Call to repentance and hatred of sin. Chapters 2&3
- Jeremiah wars against false confidence in the temple and empty rituals. Chapter 7
- New covenant and God's judgement for disobedience. Chapter 11
- The vision of the good and bad figs (faithful and rebellious people). Chapter 24
- The prophecy of 70 years of Babylonian captivity as a consequences of disobedience. Chapter 25
Resources:
- Father Luke Maher - Audio (Arabic)
- Father Dawood Lemay- Audio (Arabic)
- Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah (English) Fr. Tadros Malaty. PDF: 024_Jeremiah.pdf
Key verse(s):

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future." Jeremiah 29:11
Comments
- Call to repentance and hatred of sin. Chapters 2&3
  - Chapter 2:1-8
    - God warns Jerusalem so that it may repent because they forsake Him and worshipped other gods and He remind them how He led them out of Egypt and guided them in the wilderness.
  - Chapter 3: 12-19
    - In his prophecy, he demonstrates how Israel can repent, summarized as follows:
      - Returning to God (verse 12): There is no solution to their problems except through faith in God and living with Him.
      - Trusting in God’s mercy (verse 12): He is very compassionate and forgiving.
      - Examining oneself (verse 13): To recognize one’s sin.
      - Obeying God (verse 14) : Sin is disobedience to Him.
      - Trusting in one’s sonship to God (verse 14): Rejecting sins that anger Him.
      - Recognizing God as the Only King of the heart (verse 15): He solves all problems, restores Israel from exile, and thus requires repentance to resolve issues.
    - Blessings of repentance
      - He gives them shepherds: priests and teachers who are obedient to Him, speak His word
      - Prophecy about Christianity, when believers in Christ multiply in the New Testament Church
      - Return from the exile
      - Receiving the grace of sonship
- Jeremiah wars against false confidence in the temple and empty rituals. Chapter 7
  - Chapter 7:1-10
    - In the early chapters of this book, Jeremiah speaks among the people, calling them to repentance. However, now he stands publicly in the most important place—the gate of the house of the Lord, the holy temple in Jerusalem—where crowds gather to worship and bow before God. There, he rebukes everyone: the people, the leaders, and the priests
    - God requires His people—so that He may keep them in the holy land, the Promised Land—to do the following:
      - Uphold justice in their dealings.
      - Avoid oppressing the vulnerable, such as the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.
      - Refrain from shedding innocent blood to achieve their ambitions and gain.
      - Stay away from idol worship.
- The weeping prophet:
  - Chapter 9:1
- New covenant and God's judgement for disobedience. Chapter 11
  - Chapter 11:1-14
    - God calls His people in the kingdom of Judah through Jeremiah to renew their covenant with Him.
    - Consequences of breaking the covenant: As a result of the people breaking their covenant with God, they deprive themselves of His care and protection. They face great distress, including the Babylonian invasion and exile. When they call out to God, He will not answer them due to their immersion in evil and idol worship.
- Prayer of Jeremiah
  - Chapter 14:7-9
    - The prophet Jeremiah bears the sins of his people and offers this prayer, confessing on their behalf and acknowledging their weakness. He admits that they have sinned against God and deserving of punishment.
- The vision of the good and bad figs (faithful and rebellious people). Chapter 24
  - Chapter 24:1-10
    - The presence of the two baskets in front of the house of God signifies the positioning of the Jews, of various kinds, before God to be judged.
    - The two types represent the righteous Jews and the wicked Jews. The first group consists of those who obeyed God, went into exile, and followed His commandments. The second group, the wicked ones, are those who remained in Jerusalem.
    - God promises those who obeyed Him and went into exile that He will bless them for accepting His discipline. He will reward them by bringing them back to Jerusalem, establishing them there, and rebuilding the temple.
- The prophecy of 70 years of Babylonian captivity as a consequences of disobedience. Chapter 25
  - Chapter 25: 1-14
    - Jeremiah speaks about the Babylonian invasion, which is coming to destroy Jerusalem and warns the people for the last time, urging them to repent. The duration of the exile is seventy years

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

List Major and minor prophets? What's the difference between them?
Who is the prophet Jeremiah?
What was the prayer of Jeremiah about?
Why was Jeremiah call the weeping prophet? what was his message?
What does each basket of figs symbolize?

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

Where did the Lord ask Jeremiah to stand and proclaim His words? Chapter 7
Having wept continuously what does Jeremiah desire to have and why? Chapter 9:1
What were the words of the covenant between God and Israel? Chapter 11:7
What do the cities of Judah offer to the gods? Chapter 11:12
a) gold b) myrrh c) incense d) money
O LORD, though our __________ testify against us, Do it for Your______; for our backslidings are many, We have ______against you. Chapter 14:7
Who do the bad figs represent?
For how long will the nations serve the King of Babylon?

Unit 3: Major Prophets (2)

Week 3 - The Promise of return from Exile + Book of Lamentations

Introduction: Jeremiah the Prophet:

The Old Testament contains 17 prophetic books (Splits into major and minor prophets based on the size of the book)
Major Prophets (5 books): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel
Minor Prophets (12 books): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachai
Time of Birth:
- Jeremiah was born in the mid-seventh century BC during the reign of the wicked King Manasseh. Coming from a priestly family, Jeremiah was familiar with the Law and God’s works among His people. Having lived during the reigns of the wicked Manasseh and his equally wicked son Amon, Jeremiah witnessed the moral and spiritual corruption of both the king and the people. God later called him to confront these evils.
- The prophet Baruch was Jeremiah's disciple, who recorded many of his prophecies.
Place of Birth:
- Jeremiah was born in the village of Anathoth, located northeast of Jerusalem
God’s Call:
- God called Jeremiah to service through a vision when he was still young. His mission was to rebuke the evil of the king, leaders, priests, and people.
- Jeremiah lived a celibate life as commanded by the Lord.
Titles:
- The Weeping Prophet: because of his sorrow over the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah prophesied before, during, and after the Babylonian exile
- The Job of the Prophets: Jeremiah endured intense suffering, including rejection by his people, betrayal by his own brother, physical torture, and imprisonment.
The Book of Lamentations:
- Author: The prophet Jeremiah
- Time of writing: Immediately after the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC
- Place of writing: Jerusalem
- Purpose of the book:
  - To emphasize God’s justice, which must prevail as punishment for sin
  - Call for repentance
  - Offer hope in God's mercy and seeking forgiveness
- Sections: It was written in poetic form across five chapters

Outline:

Chapters 30–33: Prophecies of hope and restoration, the New Covenant, and God's promises to bring His people back from exile.
Chapters 34–45: Historical events surrounding the exile, including the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.
Chapters 46–52: Prophecies against the nations, including Egypt and Babylon.
Book of Lamentations: Chapter 1-5
- Chapter 1: Jerusalem, the weeping widow
- Chapter 2: God's wrath upon Jerusalem
- Chapter 3: Lamentations over God's discipline of His people
- Chapter 4: Discipline followed by judgement
- Chapter 5: Seeking God's mercy

Reading:

The Book of Jeremiah chapters 30-52
- Prophecies of hope and restoration, the New Covenant, and God's promises to bring His people back from exile.
  - Read Jeremiah Chapter 30: 1-11
  - Read Jeremiah Chapter 31: 1-11, 31-34
- The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.
  - Read Jeremiah Chapter 52: 12-23
The Book of Lamentations
- - Read chapter 3:22-33
Outline:

Resources:
- Father Luke Maher - Audio (Arabic)
- Father Dawood Lemay- Audio (Arabic)
- Commentary on the Book of Jeremiah (English) Fr. Tadros Malaty. PDF: 024_Jeremiah.pdf
- Father Dawood-Book of Jeremiah
- Father Dawood-Book of Lamentations
Key verse(s):

"You shall be My people, and I will be your God." Jeremiah 30:22
Comments
- Hope and restoration of Israel
  - Jeremiah Chapters 30-33
    God tells Jeremiah to write his prophecies in a book because this is not the end of Israel, but rather a period of discipline. Afterward, God will visit them, bring them back from captivity, and this time of discipline will lead to Israel's repentance. God, in His mercy, will visit those who will seek Him and will restore their captivity.
  - Here’s how God will arrange this:
    - Discipline: Chapter 30:11
      After the people's corruption, God will deliver them into captivity through Babylon.
    - Mercy: chapter 31:3-4
      In His mercy, God will gather His people and bring them back from captivity. God will not only restore them but also bless them abundantly, leading them to praise Him with all their hearts.
    - Repentance: Chapter 31:9-10
      In response to all this, a person can only thank God for His blessings, understand the reason for the trial, and give thanks for it.
    - The Coming of Christ: Chapter 33:15
      The new David—the King who will reign forever.
    - The New Covenant: Chapter 31:31-34
      The New Covenant of grace, salvation, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
- The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple.
  - Jeremiah chapters 34-45
    - God instructed Jeremiah to warn King Zedekiah that Jerusalem will fall to the Babylonians and the city will be burned
    - Jeremiah instructed Baruch to write down a scroll of prophecies, warning of Jerusalem's destruction, but King Jehoiakim burns the scroll, rejecting God's message.
      - Baruch is a Hebrew name meaning "blessed." He was a disciple of Jeremiah and recorded his prophecies. After this, he went to Babylon and wrote a book of his own "Book of Baruch), which is part of the Deuterocanonical books.
    - Then, Jeremiah was thrown into prison by the officials for prophesying that the Babylonians will capture Jerusalem.
    - Jeremiah was then thrown into a dungeon, but was rescued later by Ebed-Melech, Ethiopian eunuch and was brought back the King Zedekiah.
    - Jeremiah prophesied again to King Zedekiah that surrendering to the Babylonians is the only way to survive." Chapter 38:17
    - The Babylonians break through the city walls, capturing Jerusalem. After the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan, released Jeremiah from prison and gave him freedom.
    - The people asked Jeremiah to pray to the Lord for guidance to flee to Egypt. God warned them not to go to Egypt, as it will lead to their destruction. They refuse to listen.
    - Jeremiah rebuked the people for continuing to worship idols in Egypt, despite God’s previous judgment on Judah.
- Prophecy about the fall of Babylon and return from Exile
  - Chapters 50-52
    - God declares judgment on Babylon for its arrogance and idolatry.
    - Israel and Judah are promised redemption and restoration.
    - (Recap) The fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple. Chapter 52
Book of Lamentations:
- In the 12th hour of Good Friday, we read Chapter 3:1-66 from the book of Lamentations, commemorating the burial of Christ after His death on the cross. This chapter serves as a symbol of Christ, crushed with sufferings for our sake, we who are sinners.
  - Chapter 3:22-33
    - Jeremiah sees the grace bestowed upon him, recognizing that although many of God’s people have perished and the remaining have suffered greatly, the entire nation has not been destroyed. The sins of the people warranted the death of all, but God’s mercies preserved a remnant of His people, giving them the opportunity to repent so that He may bless them.

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

- God promises that Israel's captivity is not the end but a period of discipline. He assures their return, repentance, and restoration through His mercy.
- Jeremiah warns of the fall of Jerusalem due to the people's sin and disobedience.
- God declares judgment on Babylon for its arrogance and idolatry while promising redemption and restoration for Israel and Judah.
- The Book of Lamentations (Read on Good Friday) Chapter 3:1-66 is read during the Twelfth Hour. It reflects on God's mercy, and offers hope in repentance and restoration.

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

- “You shall be My _______, And I will be _______ God” Jeremiah 30:22
- With whom will God make His new covenant? chapter 31
- David was before the time of Jeremiah so what does God mean by “David their king whom I will
  raise up for them.” Chapter 30
- Which chapter of the book of Lamentations do we read on Good Friday? in which hour?

Unit 3: Major Prophets (2)

Week 4 - Baruch

Introduction:

The book of Baruch is one of the Deuterocanonical books, which the Orthodox church considers as part of the Old Testament.
These books were written by the Jews in the exile after the time of Ezra and were included in the Septuagint translation of the Bible and many other early translations of the Bible, including the first Coptic translation. These books are:
- Tobit - 14 chapters
- Judith - 16 Chapters
- The remainder of the book of Esther - Chapters 10 to 16.
- The Wisdom of Solomon - 19 chapters.
- Joshua the son of Sirach - 51 chapters
- The Prophecy of Baruch - 6 chapters
- The remainder of Daniel, which include the rest of chapter 3 and chapters 13and 14.
- The first Maccabees - 16 chapters
- The second Maccabees - 15 chapters
- Psalm 151
Author:
- - The author is Baruch. The name "Baruch" is a Hebrew word meaning "Blessed,"
    
    Baruch was born around 626 BC in Judah. He saw with his own eyes the Babylonian exile, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the temple.
    
    Baruch was a disciple of the prophet Jeremiah and a scribe who recorded his prophecies. He remained obedient to Jeremiah throughout his life. Even when the Jews took Jeremiah to Egypt, Baruch followed him, witnessing Jeremiah’s martyrdom by stoning.
    
    Baruch went to Babylon, where he began writing and proclaiming prophecies. He lived to see the fulfillment of these prophecies when the exiles returned under Zerubbabel.
- Time and place of writing:
  - Baruch wrote it after his arrival in Babylon, following the martyrdom of Jeremiah, five years after the burning of Jerusalem and the temple.
- To whom it was written:
  - Baruch wrote it to the exiled Jews in Babylon
- Purpose of the book:
  - To reject the idolatrous worship
  - Call for repentance
  - To comfort the exiled Jews and encourage them to adhere to God’s commandments and remain steadfast in Him
  - To proclaim Jeremiah’s message to the exiles, urging them to avoid idols and live with God, who would bring them back from exile.
- Sections:
  - Historical introduction (Baruch 1:1-14).
  - Confession of sin (Baruch 1:15-3:8).
  - Acceptance of discipline and return to the law (Baruch 3:9-4:20).
  - Joy in salvation (Baruch 4:21-5).
  - Message of the prophet Jeremiah (Baruch 6).
- Prophecies:
  - The Church and Eternity: A prophecy about the covenant God will make with His people in Christ the Redeemer and the Church of the New Covenant (Baruch 2:35).
  - The Incarnation: The incarnation of Christ in the fullness of time (Baruch 3:36-38).
  - Victory over the Babylonians and Satan: The destruction of the enemies who enslaved God’s people (Baruch 4:25).
  - Return from Exile: Rejoicing in Jerusalem (Baruch 4:37; 5:5,9).

Reading:

Prayer of repentance .
- Confession of sins. (Baruch 1:17-22, 2:5-13)
- Seeking mercy and salvation, (Baruch 2:14–19, 3:1-5).
- Praise and thanksgiving, (Baruch 3:6-7).
- Prophecy about the church and eternity: (Baruch 2:35)
Acceptance of discipline and return to the law (Baruch 3:9-14, 31-38).
Joy in salvation (Baruch 4:21-27).
Return from exile (Baruch 5:1-9).

Resources:

Key verse(s):

"Take off, O Jerusalem, the garment of your sorrow and troubles, and put on your beauty and honor of that eternal glory, which you have from God." Baruch 5:1

Comments:

- Prayer of repentance (Baruch 1:15-3:8).
  
  Baruch teaches us how to pray. Prayer begins with confession, where we acknowledge our sins. Then comes seeking mercy and salvation, knowing that God forgives. Finally, prayer includes praise and thanksgiving, as we acknowledge God’s greatness.
  
  This part contains a deep prayer of repentance, this prayer begins from (Baruch 1:15 – 3:8).
  
  This prayer includes three important spiritual themes:
  1. Confession of sins. Read Baruch 1:17-22, 2:5-13
    
    Baruch acknowledges that their exile and suffering are just consequences of their disobedience to God's law.
  2. Seeking mercy and salvation, as in (Baruch 2:14–19, 3:1-5).
    
    Baruch asks God for mercy to forgive their sins and to remember His covenant with their ancestors.
  3. Praise and thanksgiving, as in (Baruch 3:6-7).
    
    Baruch transitions to praising God
    
    The beginning of any restoration is repentance and confession to receive the mercy of God.
    - The Church and Eternity: A prophecy about the covenant God will make with His people in Christ the Redeemer and the Church of the New Covenant (Baruch 2:35). This is a clear prophecy about the Church, The covenant mentioned by Baruch here was referred to by Jeremiah as the "New Covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
      Here, Israel represents the Church. The land that God gave to His people is His Church on earth. The covenant is a promise that God will grant His Church an eternal heavenly inheritance.
- Acceptance of discipline and return to the law (3:9-14, 31-38).
  
  The focus in this part is to accept discipline and return to God’s law as the source of wisdom and life. Baruch reminds us that wisdom cannot be found in earthly knowledge but only in God, who is the ultimate source of wisdom.
  - - The Incarnation: Prophecy about the incarnation of Christ in the fullness of time (Baruch 3:36-38).
      
      These verses are a prophecy about the Incarnation, when God sent His only Son to take on human flesh, dwell among us, bring salvation and redemption, and show us His love and care.
- Joy in salvation (Baruch 4:21-27).
  - This section describe the people’s recognition that the suffering they went through was a result of their disobedience, but now, with repentance and God’s mercy, they will rejoice in the salvation He offers.
    - Victory over the Babylonians and Satan: Prophecy about the destruction of the enemies who
      
      enslaved God’s people (Baruch 4:25).
- Return from exile: Prophecy about the return from exile and rejoicing in Jerusalem (Baruch 5: 1-9)
- Message of the prophet Jeremiah (Baruch 6).
  - It is stated at the beginning of this chapter that it is a message from God, written by the prophet Jeremiah, and given to those who would be exiled to Babylon. This message was then included at the end of Baruch's prophecy, who was a disciple and scribe of Jeremiah. This message is a warning to the exiled Jews not to be influenced by the idol worship widespread in Babylon. It cautions them against worshiping idols or sins, such as adultery.

Review/recap questions:

**Servant may add more questions

What are the Deuterocanonical books?
Who is Baruch?
Review the purpose of the book and the prophecies

Homework:

**Servant may add more questions

To whom did Baruch read this Book?
How did God punish Israel?
The people will be captive in Babylon for:
a) seven years b) seventy years c) seven generations d) forever

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Romans- 4 weeks

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 1: Introduction to The Epistle to the Romans + Chapter 1 (The apostolic blessing and encouragement to the believers)

Week 1: Introduction to the book of Romans + Chapter 1 (The apostolic blessings and encouragement to the believers)

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
- Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
  - The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
- Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
  - Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
- His early preparation for ministry
  - Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
  - Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
  - Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
Missionary trips:
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
  - Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
  - After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
  - Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
  - 2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
  - Asia minor and Macedonia
  - 4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.
- 4th Journey (Rome):
  - 8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
Time of writing:
- 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
Purpose of the book
- The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
- How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
- The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
- Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
- Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapter 1
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16
Comments:
- Preaching Christ (verses 1–7)
  - The Apostle Paul always takes pride in identifying himself as a servant of the Lord Jesus by his own will because Christ loved him first, called him, and chose him as an apostle by appearing to him personally. His mission is to preach the gospel.
  - Just as Christ chose Paul, He also wants to choose us, despite our weaknesses and sins.
  - We see in this introduction that the Lord Jesus is the center of the message. Through His resurrection from the dead, it was revealed to us that He is indeed the living God who rose by the power of His divinity.
  - The Lord Jesus offered the grace of redemption to all humanity—not because we deserve it, but because of His love for us.
- Encouraging the believers (verses 8–12)
  - Verse 9 “ For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His son…”
    - Only worship acceptable before God, is worship in spirit, where we walk according to the commandments of the Gospel.
    - Care about praying for those you know, trusting that your prayer opens their hearts to know God and strengthens them in Him, while also deepening your personal relationship with God first.
- Paul’s desire to preach in Rome (verses 13–17)
  - St. Paul declaring that he is ready to offer all his abilities and talents in serving and preaching among them.
  - Verse 17: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written ,”The just shall live by faith.”
  - From faith to faith, means that Christ’s redemption transferred us from the first faith in the Old Testament—where a person had to follow the works and commandments of the Law and offer many sacrifices to the second faith in the New Testament, based on trusting in the sacrifice of Christ the Redeemer on the cross.
- Rejecting God and worshiping idols (verses 18–23)
  - St. Paul declared, God’s wrath upon the Gentiles who rejected God and worshipped idols. No one has an excuse to claim ignorance of God because His voice is within them—their conscience.
  - God’s living creation—humans, animals, plants, mountains, seas, and stars, along with the marvelous order of nature, clearly testifies to the existence of a great God behind this creation.
- Taking part in impurity and adultery (verses 24–32)
  - When man replaced God with idols, God allowed him to fall into impurity. In other words, God left the wicked to act according to their own will.
  - That doesn’t mean, God would hand them over to evil; rather, they fell by their own choice, like a patient who refuses to listen to his doctor’s advice.
Review/recap questions: ** Servant may add more questions
- - What is the central message of St. Paul’s preaching?
  - What transition does “from faith to faith” refer to in the life of believers?
  - According to St. Paul, why is no one excused from acknowledging God’s presence?
Homework: **Servant may add more questions

1. How many epistles did St. Paul write in the New Testament?
  A. 12
  B. 13
  C. 14
  D. 15
2. St. Paul is also known as:
  A. Apostle of the Jews
  B. Apostle of the Gentiles
  C. Apostle of Love
  D. Apostle of Miracles
3. On which missionary journey did St. Paul write the Epistle to Romans?
  A. 1st Journey
  B. 2nd Journey
  C. 3rd Journey
  D. 4th Journey
4. During St. Paul’s 3rd missionary journey, how many epistles did he write?
  A. 2
  B. 3
  C. 4
  D. 5

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 2: God's righteous judgment and justification by faith in Him

Brief introduction about St. Paul

St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)

Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7

His early preparation for ministry

Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem

Missionary trips:

1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):

Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.

2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):

Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):

Asia minor and Macedonia
4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.

4th Journey (Rome):

8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.

Introduction:
1. Author: St. Paul
2. Written to: believers in Rome
3. Time of writing:
  1. 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
4. Purpose of the book
  1. The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  2. How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  3. The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  4. Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  5. Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
1. The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
2. The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
3. God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
4. Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
5. Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
1. Chapters 2&3
Resources:
1. Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
2. The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
1. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Comments: Chapters 2&3
1. Judging Others (Chapter 2: 1-3)
  1. St. Paul begins by warning anyone who believes that their knowledge and understanding of God’s law places them above others, leading them to judge others. He also reminds us that God's judgment is according to truth—not based on outward appearances but by examining the heart as well.
2. God’s Judgment (Chapter 2: 4-11)
  1. Do you take lightly the riches of God’s kindness and patience for your sins?. God will judge everyone based on his/her deeds.
  2. Verse 6: This verse strongly declares that faith alone is not enough for salvation. Good works are essential (the doctrine of faith and works), which is a clear response to certain heresies that claim faith alone is sufficient for salvation.
    1. Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.”
3. Conscience and the Law (Chapter 2: 12-16)
  1. How will God judge the Gentiles, even though they did not receive the Law of Moses like the Jews? What about children born to Gentile parents, who grew up without knowledge of Moses’ law?
    1. The answer is that God has given the Gentiles a natural law, which is the conscience.
  2. Conscience is the voice of God within a person, a moral compass, engraved on the hearts of all people.
4. Judgment of the Jews (Chapter 2: 17-24)
  1. St. Paul criticizes the hypocrisy of believers from a Jewish background. They teach one thing but do another.
  2. They tell people to avoid sins like theft and adultery, and you preach against idolatry, yet they fall into the sin of stealing, committing adultery, etc.
    1. Contemplation: Examine yourself, so you do not become a stumbling block for others. Make sure that what you teach others, you first apply in your own life. This will make your teaching more powerful.
5. Circumcision Does Not Justify (Chapter 2: 25-29)
  1. Circumcision is the act of purification for male infants, according to the Law of Moses, where the foreskin is removed on the eighth day after birth. God commanded Abraham, his descendants, and all the people of Israel to practice circumcision as a physical sign distinguishing them as God’s chosen people, set apart from the Gentiles.
  2. However, the one praised by God is not merely the one circumcised in body but the one with a circumcised heart—free from sin and iniquity
6. Chapter 3: What is the Benefit of Circumcision? (Chapter 3: 1-4)
  1. St. Paul begins this chapter with a question: If following the law and being circumcised doesn’t guarantee justification and salvation, why did God command them in the first place?
    1. God’s Trust in the Jewish People: God entrusted the Jewish people with His commandments and promises.
    2. Human Failure Doesn’t Cancel God’s Truth: Even if some people are unfaithful and fail to live according to God’s commandments, that doesn’t make God’s law wrong.
    3. God’s Words Are Always True: God’s truth remains constant and powerful, no matter what people think.
7. Does doing evil glorify God? (Chapter 3:5–8)
  1. St. Paul addresses a false argument “"If my sins show God’s righteousness and mercy more clearly, isn’t my sin a good thing?"
    1. The answer to this argument: Just because God can bring good out of evil doesn’t mean the evil itself is good. Sin is still sin and deserves judgment.
8. The Sins of the Jews before Christ (Chapter 3: 9-20):
  1. "There is none who does good, no, not one" Before Christ's coming and crucifixion, no one was truly perfect or able to achieve full righteousness on their own. Even the righteous people of the Old Testament, despite their good deeds.
  2. When righteous individuals died before Christ’s crucifixion, they went to Hades. They were in a temporary state of waiting, not yet experiencing the fullness of salvation. Paradise was not available to them until Christ’s death and resurrection.
  3. This part shows the importance of Christ’s sacrifice in completing the work of salvation.
9. Justification by God's Grace (Chapter 3:21-31)
  1. The righteousness of God revealed through the redemption of humanity, which occurred through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.
  2. Before Christ, people relied on the law, including practices like circumcision and animal sacrifices, to try to achieve righteousness and favor with God. However, with Christ’s work, established a new way of salvation based on faith in Him.
Review/recap questions

** Servant may add more questions
1. 1. What warning does St. Paul give about judging others?
  2. How will God judge the Gentiles who do not have the Law of Moses?
  3. What is true circumcision according to St. Paul?
  4. How are people justified and saved after Christ’s resurrection—through the law or by grace?

Homework

** Servant may add more questions
1. 1. Who does the Lord Jesus Christ favor the most among nations?
    a) Jews b) Greeks c) Romans d) none of these
  2. What are the rewards for everyone who does GOOD work? a) glory b) honor c) peace d) all of these
  3. God is the God of whom? a) Jews only b) Gentiles only c) sinners only d) everyone
  4. What is God’s judgment based on—outward appearances or the heart?
  5. What law do Gentiles have in place of the Law of Moses?
  6. What is more important: physical circumcision or circumcision of the heart?
  7. Is faith alone enough for salvation?

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 3: Salvation Through Faith

Week 3: Christ the Righteous One: Salvation Through Faith

Brief introduction about St. Paul

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry

Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem

Missionary trips

1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):

Asia Minor (Turkey), with Barnabus and St. Mark.
After this journey, a council is held among the apostles and elders of the church in Jerusalem to determine that the gentile converts need not submit to the Law of Moses regarding circumcision.

2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):

Mainly in Macedonia (Greece), with Silas and Luke.
2 Epistles: 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):

Asia minor and Macedonia
4 Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians.

4th Journey (Rome):

8 Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews.

St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:

Author: St. Paul
Written to: believers in Rome
Time of writing:

58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD

Purpose of the book

The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
Care for those weak in faith and encourage them

Outline

The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:

Chapters 4,5
Resources:

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Comments: Chapters 4&5

Ibrahim is justified by his faith. (Romans 4: 1-8)

St. Paul clarifies that righteousness does not come from works alone but through faith, using Abraham as an example. If Abraham were justified by works, he could boast before people, but true justification came when he believed in God. Those who rely solely on works receive only material rewards, like hired laborers, without grace or justification, remaining unworthy of God's Kingdom.

Abraham Was Justified Before Circumcision (Romans 4:9-12):

St. Paul emphasizes that justification is by faith, not circumcision. He proves this by highlighting that Abraham was declared righteous while still uncircumcised, long before circumcision and the Mosaic Law, showing that righteousness is available to both Jews and Gentiles.

Faith as a Condition for Righteousness (Romans 4:13-17):

St. Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to all, not just Jews, and is based on faith, not the law.
God's forgiveness of sins is a grace and gift, not a payment for faith, but a reward far greater than what humans deserve.
Abraham's faith in God was demonstrated in two key moments:

"God is able to raise the dead" verse 17– When Abraham obeyed God by offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice and raised the knife to kill him, he was fully certain that God would raise Isaac back to life.
"He calls things that do not exist as though they did" verse 17– When Abraham believed he would have a descendant (Isaac), even before Isaac was born.

Everything is Possible for the Believer (Romans 4:18-25):

Abraham was strong in his faith and believed that he can have children when he is old. He trusted in a God who is capable of everything, for what is impossible for people is possible only for Him. So, trust in Him and do not be afraid.

The Fruits of Christ's Righteousness (Romans 5:1-5):

When we received justification through faith, we entered into a state of peace with God. This reconciliation was made possible through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rather than focusing on the bitterness of trials, focus on God's loving hand guiding them, as everything that happens is for your earthly good and heavenly glory.

Christ the Righteous One, the Savior of Sinners (Romans 5:6-11):

Human logic suggests that one might die for a righteous or good person, but no one would die for a wicked person. Yet, Christ, the righteous one, demonstrated His great love by dying for sinners like us.
Christ, when He was dead in the flesh, was the cause of our reconciliation with the Father, after we have been reconciled, we will receive salvation by growing in His love and remaining close to Him by partaking of His Body and Blood and living a righteous life.

The Sin of Adam and the Righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:12-21):

(The first Adam) Adam's sin brought death to all humans, while (The second Adam) Christ's grace grants believers the gift of eternal life to reign with Him in the heavens.

Review/recap questions

** Servant may add more questions

How was Abraham justified before God?

(Was it by faith or by works, and what does this teach us about justification?)

Who can receive the promise of righteousness through faith? is it only for the Jews?
What is the contrast between Adam and Christ in terms of their impact on humanity?

Homework

** Servant may add more questions

The Holy Scripture states "Abraham believed in God, and it was accounted to him for _____________."
a) works b) righteousness c)grace d) spirituality
What is the result of Jesus Christ's sacrifice according to Romans 5?
A) It condemns all people
B) It offers reconciliation and peace with God
C) It brings judgment
D) It ends the law

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 4: Christ Frees Me from the Law and Saves Me from Sin

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- 4th Journey (Rome):

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry
Missionary trips
St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
  - 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
  - The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  - How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  - The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  - Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  - Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapters 6,7
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Comments: Chapters 6&7
Chapter 6: In this chapter, St. Paul explains the role of the sacrament of baptism in cleansing and renewing our corrupted nature, inherited from Adam’s sin. He also calls us to refrain from returning to a life of sin.

- The Role of Baptism in Justification (Romans 6: 1-10)
  - Verse 3: "Baptized into His death" – This means that through baptism, a person dies with Christ when immersed in the water. This immersion symbolizes Christ’s death on the cross.
  - Verse 5: "We shall also be in His resurrection" – Baptism leads to a life of resurrection, victory over sin, and communion with Christ.
  - Verse 6: "Old man" – Refers to the corrupt nature inherited from Adam.
  - Verse 10: "Once for all" – Indicates that baptism is not repeated, just as Christ died once for all.
- The Human role in Justification (Romans 6: 11-14)
  - After highlighting God's role in salvation and justification, St. Paul shifts to the human responsibility.
  - Our role is not to return to sin and to dedicate our bodies to righteousness and to the will of God.
  - Do not let your tongue be used for cursing, your hands for violence, or your body for impurity.
  - Instead, offer yourself—your mind, heart, and body to God.
  - St. Paul emphasizes that salvation is available to all, not just Jews, and is based on faith, not the law.
- Slave to sin or slave to Christ (Romans 6: 15:23)
  - As Jesus said, " No one can serve two masters" Matthew 4:24. A person must choose between two paths:
    - A slave to sin:
      - Those who obey sin's desires become its slaves, leading to spiritual death.
    - A Slave to Christ:
      - Those who follow God's commandments become righteous and gain freedom and eternal life.
- Freed from the law through Christ (Romans 7: 1-6):
  - St. Paul explains in this chapter that the law no longer has authority over us after Christ's resurrection.
  - After His death and resurrection, Christ fulfilled the Law and freed us from it and united us with him.
  - The purpose of the law was to show people what sin is, but it couldn't save them from sin.
- The Law reveals sin but cannot save (Romans 7:7-13):
  - The Law itself is not sinful, but its role was to make people aware of sin, exposing all forms of sin, but it did not have the power to save anyone from it.
  - The Law is like a warning sin, it tells us the danger of sin but cannot save us. True salvation comes only through faith in Christ.
- The struggle between good intentions and sin (Romans 7: 14-25)
  - St. Paul describes the inner conflict that we experience, the struggle between wanting to do good and being overcome by sin.
  - Paul acknowledges that he desires to do what is right, but he often finds himself doing the opposite, due to the weakness of human nature.
  - Christ is the only solution, "Who will rescue me from this body of death?"
  - Christ has come to free us from the power of sin and bring reconcile us with the Father.
Review/recap questions

** Servant may add more questions
- What is the role of baptism in justification?
- What is the human role in justification?
- Can we be slave to sin and slave to Christ at the same time?
- What is the purpose of the law?
- What is the solution for the human between wanting to do good and being overcome by sin.?

Homework

** Servant may add more questions

Unit 4: Pauline 1

Week 5: Christ grants us eternal life

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- 4th Journey (Rome):

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry
Missionary trips
St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
  - 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
  - The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  - How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  - The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  - Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  - Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapter 8
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.." Romans 8:28
Comments: Chapter 8

- No condemnation for those who walk according to the Spirit (Romans 8: 1-17)
  - Those who united with Christ Jesus have been rescued and saved- on the condition that they live a spiritual life
    - Living according to the Spirit: submitting to God's commandments, pleasing God, focuses on spiritual matters such as prayer, spiritual readings, and fasting.
    - Living according to the flesh: concerned about what to eat, drink, wear, and pleasing the flesh.
  - Verse 14-17: Confirms that those who are led by the Holy Spirit are truly God's children. Since we are God's children, we also inherit eternal life and the Kingdom of Heaven.
    - Led by the Spirit = True children of God.
    - We are no longer slaves to fear but are adopted as God's children.
    - The Holy Spirit confirms our identity in Christ.
    - As heirs with Christ, we inherit eternal life
- Renewal of Creation and the Hope of Coming Glory (Romans 8:18-25):
  - St. Paul discusses the suffering of present time and contrasts it with the glory that will be revealed in the future.
  - Creation, affected by sin, suffers from wars, diseases, famines, natural disasters and more, but one day will be freed from corruption.
  - St. Paul teaches that true hope is not about what is seen, but about waiting for what is promised (the fullness of God's sonship), which requires faith and patience.
- The Intercession of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27):
  - The Holy Spirit intervenes to support, guide, teaches us to pray and request.
  - If you don’t know what to say in prayer, or if the devil attacks you with laziness or wandering thoughts, ask for God's help; He will support you and guide you, all through the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you.
- Christ the Sustainer and Intercessor (Romans 8:28-34)
  - God's plan for us is above our understanding. He turns all things, without exception, for the building up of our souls, working for our good both on earth and for His glory in heaven.
  - The phrase "work together" means that while some events in life may seem bad or confusing, they ultimately come together in harmony to serve our good and well-being.
  - After His resurrection, Christ ascended to heaven to demonstrate the possibility of humans entering the glory of the Kingdom. He is the firstborn of all believers.
  - We cannot doubt God's love, for He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ for our redemption. Therefore, it is only natural that He will grant us all the gifts and graces necessary for our salvation.
- Noting can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39)
  - The devils attempts to separate us from God's love through trials and distractions.
  - Despite these challenges, tribulations, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or death, nothing can separate us from God's love.
  - Examine yourself at the end of each day to see what has prevented you from enjoying the love of Christ. Make more time and give up not only evil desires or the worries and disturbances of life, but also any distractions that deprive you of your spiritual life.
Review/recap questions

** Servant may add more questions

Homework

** Servant may add more questions

Unit 5: Pauline 2

Week 1: God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- 4th Journey (Rome):

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry
Missionary trips
St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
  - 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
  - The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  - How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  - The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  - Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  - Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapter 9-11
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- “Oh, the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33
Comments: Chapter 9

- Paul's sorrow over the unbelief of the Jews (Romans 9:1-5)
  - St. Paul declares in this chapter his sorrow over the Jews who didn't believe.
  - Verse 3: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ .." Paul’s words should not be taken literally; he certainly does not wish to be separated from Christ. He said before in the previous chapter "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?". He demonstrates his deep love for the Jews, as he was deeply moved by the sacrificial love of Christ the Redeemer on the cross.
    - Contemplation: If God has granted you circumstances that support your spiritual life, take advantage of them and rejoice in your sonship to God, lest neglecting them stand as a witness against you on the last day. Use every opportunity and respond to the voice of God today to draw closer to Him.
- God's Promise Is for the Chosen Only (Romans 9: 6:13)
  - God's promise is only for the true spiritual Israelite, the one who will be united with Christ.
  - The promise is not for all the physical descendants of Abraham. The proof of this is that:
    - Ishmael was also a son of Abraham by the flesh, yet he did not receive the promise like Isaac, who remained steadfast in faith like his father.
    - Jacob and Esau, twin brothers from the same parents, Isaac and Rebekah. God chose Jacob because he loved and sought to please Him.
  - The children of God doesn't refer to physical descent from Abraham, but faith and adherence to God's promises.
  - The choice to be children of God is based on God's grace, not our renthouse deeds, since no one deserve that honor by work alone.
- God's choice and human free will (Romans 9:14-29):
  - God choice of one person over another does not mean that God is unjust, but It is based on His foreknowledge.
  - Therefore, Israel has no right to be angry about God’s choice to include the Gentiles, as His mercy and compassion are His alone, as God.
  - Verse 18 "Whom He wills He harden" means that God used Pharaoh, who was already hard-hearted, and Pharaoh’s actions as an example to demonstrate His anger toward the wicked and His power in avenging them.
  - Just as God chose to have mercy on Jews, He also extended His mercy to Gentiles, making them His people—forming the New Covenant Church alongside Christians of Jewish descent.
  - Contemplation: God endured Pharaoh many times and was patient with the people of Israel for about 2,000 years. In the same way, He is patient with us, giving us every opportunity for repentance. We should be ashamed of His love and quickly turn to Him in repentance.
- The Cause of justification of the Gentiles and stumbling of the Jews. (Romans 9:30-33)
  - The Gentiles, who lived in darkness have reached justification through faith, but the Jews who spent their lives to fulfill the law failed to because they relied on their work only not their faith.
  - The Israelites stumbled over a "stone," which was the Lord Jesus Christ, who exposed their hypocrisy and rejected their self-righteousness and pride. In the end, they crucified Him, killed Him, and denied His resurrection.
- The Jews lack spiritual understanding (Romans 10:1-5)
  - The Jews have strong attachment to God and zeal for His name, however this strong zeal lacks spiritual understanding.
  - St. Paul recalls his own past when he was zealous for God and persecuted Christians.
  - The Jews were unaware that the purpose of the Law, sacrifices, and the Old Covenant was to prepare humanity to receive Christ.
- The Righteousness of Christ is available to everyone (Romans 10: 6-13)
  - Salvation has become accessible through Christ Jesus. We should take advantage of this opportunity by repentance and receiving the Holy Sacraments, which lead to a deeper relationship with God through prayer and daily reading of His Word in the Bible.
  - Our confession of Christ should not be just verbal, But by our good behavior and outward actions, showing that we are children of God.
- The rejection of the Gospel by the Jews (Romans 10:14-21)
  - It was expected that the Jews would be the first to believe the good news and even participate in proclaiming Christ, just as the apostles did. However, instead of accepting the gospel message, they rejected it and resisted it.
- The future of the Jews in terms of salvation (Romans 10:1-10)
  - God, who chose Israel as His people, wouldn't reject them even after they crucified and rejected Him. He will always keep His arms open to anyone believes in Him.
  - In verse 4: 7,000 men who have not bowed to Baal. The number seven symbolizes perfection, and 1,000 represents heavenly life—meaning that these 7,000 live in the fullness of heavenly life.
  - Salvation requires both grace and works. Salvation is a gift from God, granted by His grace, but that this grace requires cooperation from the individual through faith, repentance, and good works.
- God's call to the Jews to believe in Christ (Romans 11:32)
  - St. Paul compares Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the firstfruits, symbolizing how their holiness sanctifies the Jewish people.
  - He also compares them to the root of a good tree, with the Jewish people being the branches. Those Jews who rejected the faith are like the broken-off branches.
  - The Gentiles are compared to a wild olive tree, which does not bear fruit. However, in His mercy, God grafted them into the cultivated olive tree, making them part of it.
  - Verse 24: Paul declares that the faith and return of the rejecting Jews is not impossible. He explains that if God, in His mercy, was able to graft a wild olive tree (the Gentiles) into the cultivated olive tree, how much easier would it be for God to graft the branches that share the same nature as the original olive tree, meaning the Jews, when they repent.
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Unit 5: Pauline 2

Week 2: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission

Week 2: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission. Chapters 12-14

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- 4th Journey (Rome):

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry
Missionary trips
St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
  - 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
  - The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  - How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  - The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  - Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  - Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapter 12-14
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. for if we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:7-7
Comments: Chapter 12

- Sanctifying the Body and Mind for a Spiritual Life with God (Romans 12:1-2)
  - We should offer our bodies and minds to God and do everything for the glory of God, while sacrificing and rejecting every desire that contradicts God's commandments.
  - We should not confirm to the ways of the world.
    - The world behaviors and habits are against God's commandments.
    - Know that while you live in the world your principles are different from it.
    - Contemplation: If you have been drawn into some improper actions, you need repentance and the renewal of your mind, so that you may live for the love of God.
- Types of gifts in the Church (Romans 12: 3:8)
  - The work of service is fundamentally based on trust in God's work, regardless of human limitations.
  - God is a God of order—He established the members of His Church like parts of one body, each with a distinct role and function, different yet complementary. The gifts given to each member are meant for serving others, not for personal pride.
    - Prophecy: Speaking God's truth with faith.
    - Service: Helping and serving others.
    - Teaching: Explaining the word of God
    - Exhortation: Encouraging and strengthening others.
    - Leadership: Administration
    - Mercy: Showing compassion with Joy
- Virtues in the Christian community (Romans 12:9-21):
  - - Sincere love: Genuine love without hypocrisy
    - Rejecting evil: Hating what is evil and cling to what is good
    - Caring for one another
    - Serving the Lord with enthusiasm
    - Joyful, patience, and prayer
    - Sharing with those in need and welcoming them
    - Blessing your enemies
    - Empathy: rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep
    - Humility
    - Avoiding retaliation: Not repaying evil with evil but overcoming it with good.
  - Contemplation: We are called to acquire all these virtues to truly become a children of God.
- Duties of a Christian Toward Society (Romans 13:1-7)
  - Submission to authority: We are called to submit to authority because they are established by God. Those who resist authority, resist God
  - Respect for rulers: We are called to respect our leaders
  - Obey the law: We are called to obey the laws unless they contradict God's commands.
  - Living peacefully: We are called to live peacefully and responsibly
- Loving everyone (Romans 13:8-10)
  - Universal Love – Christian love is not limited to friends or fellow believers but extends to all people, reflecting God’s love for the world.
  - If you have fallen into many sins and struggled to resist sin, know that the easiest path is to love everyone.
- Repent now before time runs out (Romans 13: 11-14)
  - We must reject sinful behaviors and walk in the light of Christ.
  - Put on the Armor of God
    - Ask yourself: Would I commit this sin if people could see me now? And the more important question: Can I commit this sin while God is watching me now?"
- Accepting the weak in faith (Romans 14:1-12)
  - We should welcome those who are weak in faith without judgment
  - Avoid argument over personal and non essential matters
  - We Live for the Lord – "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord" (Romans 14:7-8)
- Do not cause others to stumble (Romans 14:13-23)
  - As children of God, we need to be careful with our actions.
  - For example, (If your father of confession gave you absolution to eat specific food during fasting) don't eat non fasting food in front of others
  - Avoid gossiping and making others to fall into sin
  - Avoid cursing or using hurtful words
  - Don't lie or encouraging others to lie
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Unit 5: Pauline 2

Week 3: A life of love, sacrifice, and submission

Week 3: Unity in Christ

Chapters 15-16

Brief introduction about St. Paul
- Roman Citizen: Born a Roman citizen, enabling safe travel and legal protection.
- Greek education: Born in Tarsus, major center of Greek learning, exposure to Greek philosophy.
- Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Rabbi Gamaliel in Jerusalem
- 1st Journey (44 AD, 2 years):
- 2nd Journey (51 AD, 3 years):
- 3rd Journey (54 AD, 4 years):
- 4th Journey (Rome):

The Lord said to him: "I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21)
Unmarried: “For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." 1 Corinth 7:7
His early preparation for ministry
Missionary trips
St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles
Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Paul
- Written to: believers in Rome
- Time of writing:
  - 58 AD in Corinth, before Paul’s visit to Rome in 62 AD
- Purpose of the book
  - The need for all people, Jews or Gentiles, to be justified by Christ.
  - How a person can obtain justification and its blessings in life.
  - The rejection of faith by many Jews is temporary, but some will return to faith in Christ after the Gentiles accept the faith.
  - Basic teachings for practical Christian living.
  - Care for those weak in faith and encourage them
Outline
- The apostolic blessing and encouragement of the believers (Chapter 1).
- The need for all humanity to be justified by Christ, how they can receive it, and its blessings (Chapters 2–8).
- God chose the Gentiles just as He did to the Jews, who rejected Him but they will repent at the end of days (Chapters 9–11).
- Practical commandments for Christian behavior (Chapters 12–15).
- Paul’s fatherly care and his greetings to his beloved friends (Chapter 16).
Reading:
- Chapter 15-16
Resources:
- Bible Explanation of the Epistle to Romans - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
- The Epistle to Romans by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty- English
Key verse:
- “Receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." Romans 15:7
Comments:

- The strong in faith is the one who bears with others (Romans 15:1-7)
  - The one who is strong in his faith and love for God gives up what pleases and comforts himself to bears others.
  - If Christ—the holy and perfect one—accepted us, the sinful and impure, despite the big difference between us and Him, how much more should we, as weak and sinful humans, accept our weak brothers with love, no matter their condition or mistakes.
    - Contemplation: Don’t forget your main goal is the salvation of yourself and others. That means loving one another, being patient when someone is struggling, and forgiving each other.
    - For example, be careful with your words. If you or someone in class makes fun of another person or calls them names, that’s not acceptable. Instead of laughing or joining in, choose to be kind and stand up for what’s right.
- The acceptance of Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15: 8:13)
  - Jews and Gentiles are equal in that Christ served both by offering salvation to all.
  - One of the great mercies of God is that every person is included in His plan of salvation. Even those who were far off.
- St. Paul praising the people of Rome (Romans 15:14-19):
  - - St. Paul wrote this epistle to remind the Romans of some truths of the faith. This is a kind and humble approach from him, as he considers his words to be a reminder to them, since they know everything.
- St. Paul's desire to visit them (Romans 15:20-33)
  - St. Paul desired many times to visit Rome, but each time he was hindered from going.
  - In humility, he asks them to pray for him, because he was about to face a difficult trial—confronting the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem.
  - Contemplation: For this reason, the Church always prays for its leaders: the patriarch, bishops, priests, and servants, that the Lord may fulfill their ministry.
- Greetings from St. Paul to the believers in Rome (Romans 16:1-16)
  - This part reveals the feelings of love between the servants and the believers, as well as Paul’s kindness and appreciation for the servants who assisted him.
  - He sends them peace and love in verse 16 "the Holy kiss", just as the deacon says during the Divine Liturgy, 'Greet one another.' This signifies forgiveness and love, preparing us to welcome Christ's dwelling within us.
- Warnings about false teachers (Romans 16: 17-20)
  - St. Paul asks the believers to watch carefully, like guards, for anyone who tries to cause divisions or stumbling blocks in the church, in order to preserve the level of love and unity within the church.
- The conclusion of the epistle (Romans 16:21-27)
  - Tertius, mentioned in Romans 16:22, is the scribe who wrote down the letter to the Romans on behalf of Paul.. Paul did not write it himself due to his eye illness. Therefore, Tertius also sends his greetings to the believers in the Church of Rome.
  - Our loving God allowed the Gentiles to enter through the work of Christ.
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Unit 6: Acts

Week 1: Introduction + (The Ascension and Pentecost)

Brief introduction about St. Luke and the Book of Acts:
- St. Luke accompanied the St. Paul on his missionary journeys, so he accurately narrated what he witnessed. Being a physician, he also described events in detail.
- He did not conclude the book of Acts with "Amen" like the other books because the Synaxarion (Church calendar of saints and events) comes after it, serving as the continuation of the Church’s history beyond the Book of Acts.
- The Church reads the Synaxarion (the lives of the saints of the day) after the Book of Acts during the liturgy, to declare that the Word of the Lord continues to grow and multiply in His holy Church.
- The placement of the Book of Acts between the Gospels and the Epistles serves as a connection between them: the Gospels present the life of Christ, the Book of Acts shows the preaching of the Gospel, and the Epistles reflect how to live according to the Gospel.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Luke
- Time of writing:
  - It was written around the year 63 AD in Rome, after he had written his Gospel. It covers a period of about thirty years—from the Ascension of Christ to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
- Purpose of the book
  - A clear record of the ministry of Peter and Paul.
  - Demonstrates the behavior of the early Christians as high examples for us.
  - Shows the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s promises and establishing the Church.
  - Displays the divinity of the Son.
  - Proclaims the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
- - Chapter 1 – The Apostles in Jerusalem from the Ascension to Pentecost:
    Includes the selection of Matthias and the worship of the Church.
  - Chapters 2–7 – The Beginning of Evangelism until the Martyrdom of Stephen:
    Includes the gifts of the Spirit, the growth of the Church, the healing of the lame man, threats against the apostles, the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the imprisonment of the apostles, the selection of seven deacons, and the stoning of Stephen.
  - Chapters 8–12 – The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem:
    Includes the faith of the Ethiopian eunuch, the conversions of Paul and Cornelius, the founding of the Church in Caesarea, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod.
  - Chapters 13–15 – The Evangelism of Paul and Barnabas Until Their Separation:
    Includes the story of Elymas the sorcerer, the Church in Antioch, the healing of the lame man in Lystra, the stoning of Paul, and the First Council of Jerusalem.
  - Chapters 16–20 – Paul’s Preaching in Europe
  - Chapters 21–28 – Paul’s Trials:
    Includes his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest and transfer to stand trial in Rome, his trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, the shipwreck in Malta, and finally his arrival in Rome and preaching there for two years.
Reading:
- Chapter 1
Resources:
- The Book of Acts - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
Key verse:
- “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Comments:
- Chapter 1:
  - From the Resurrection to the Ascension (Acts 1:1–9):
    - To Theophilus, whose name means Lover of God.
    - In verse 1: "began to Do and teach": Our Lord Jesus acted before He taught, because speaking is easy, but acting—especially accomplishing redemption—is what truly matters.
    - In verse 3: Our Lord Jesus confirmed His resurrection by appearing to His disciples and to those who believed in Him. He proved He was alive by eating with them, letting them touch Him, speaking with them, and breaking bread with them.
    - Our Lord Jesus instructed the disciples to return to Jerusalem and stay there and wait for the Holy Spirit. He assured them that the coming of the Holy Spirit on them would be accompanied by great power in both spiritual life and ministry.
    - In verse 9: The Lord ascended in His body during the day before His disciples , so they could be certain of His ascension.
      - The cloud in this verse symbolizes the presence of God, just as it did when Moses received the commandments, or when the cloud covered the Tabernacle and also as happened during the Transfiguration.
  - The Ascension and the Return to the Upper Room (Acts 1:10–14):
    - After the ascension, two angels suddenly appeared before the disciples, in the form of men dressed in white garments. They informed the disciples that Christ will come again on the Day of Judgment.
    - The disciples returned to Jerusalem after the ascension of Christ, which took place at the Mount of Olives.
    - They continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication in the Upper Room at the house of St. Mark the Apostle, in spiritual unity.
      - Contemplation: It is very important to pray with spiritual unity and one heart in our homes and churches, so that the Lord may support us.
  - The Selection of Matthias (Acts 1:15–26):
    - St. Peter saw the need to choose a replacement for Judas, someone who had been close to Christ and had learned from Him throughout His earthly ministry.
    - The disciples nominated two men, Justus and Matthias, then cast lots, and God chose Matthias to preach in the name of Christ.
- Chapter 2:
  - The Pentecost (Acts 2:1–13)
    - The Feast of Pentecost was one of the three major feasts for the Jews — Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles — during which all males were required to be in Jerusalem at the Temple.
    - In the house of St. Mark, a sound like that of a rushing wind was heard — but it came from above, Something like fire appeared, taking the form of divided tongues, which hovered in the air and then rested on the head of each person present in the upper room.
      - The fire symbolized purification and power
    - Three miracles took place:
      1. The sound of the wind,
      2. The appearance of fiery tongues,
      3. Speaking in tongues
    - The disciples left the upper room and spoke in foreign languages, astonishing the crowds. Though uneducated, they fluently spoke the native tongues of listeners from other nations, proclaiming God’s message.
  - Peter's Sermon (Acts 2:14–36):
    - Here we see Peter, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit from fear to boldness
    - In verse 17:
      - "All flesh" refers to both Jews and Gentiles—everyone who believes in Christ.
      - "Shall prophesy" means they will speak about Christ’s redemption, His kingdom, and the need to prepare for it.
      - "Visions" refers to spiritual scenes seen while awake.
    - Verse 21: "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved."
      - Some people believe that just calling out to God is enough to be saved, but this verse tells us that true salvation comes through faith in Jesus and by following the teachings of the Church, like baptism, communion, and prayer. We can not separate this verse from other biblical verses.
    - Verses 24-28: Saint Peter the Apostle quotes the prophecy of David the Prophet, which David did not mean for himself, but spoke through the voice of Christ.
    - Verses 31-33: St. Peter is boldly telling the people that Jesus, whom they had rejected and crucified, is actually the Lord (God) and the Christ (Messiah or Savior)
  - The Faith and Baptism of the Crowds (Verses 37–41)
    - St. Peter asked the people to:
      1. Repent – Turn away from their sins and change their lives.
      2. Believe in Jesus Christ – Have faith in Him as the Savior, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
      3. Be baptized – Accept the sacrament of baptism.
  - The Life of the Early Church (Verses 42-47):
    - Listening to the teachings of the apostles.
    - Fellowship, which is the love feast that expresses unity.
    - Breaking of bread, meaning partaking of the Lord's body and blood.
    - Liturgical prayers, meaning the Divine Liturgy.

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Unit 6: Acts

Week 2: The Beginning of Evangelism until the arrest of St. Stephen

Brief introduction about St. Luke and the Book of Acts:
- St. Luke accompanied the St. Paul on his missionary journeys, so he accurately narrated what he witnessed. Being a physician, he also described events in detail.
- He did not conclude the book of Acts with "Amen" like the other books because the Synaxarion (Church calendar of saints and events) comes after it, serving as the continuation of the Church’s history beyond the Book of Acts.
- The Church reads the Synaxarion (the lives of the saints of the day) after the Book of Acts during the liturgy, to declare that the Word of the Lord continues to grow and multiply in His holy Church.
- The placement of the Book of Acts between the Gospels and the Epistles serves as a connection between them: the Gospels present the life of Christ, the Book of Acts shows the preaching of the Gospel, and the Epistles reflect how to live according to the Gospel.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Luke
- Time of writing:
  - It was written around the year 63 AD in Rome, after he had written his Gospel. It covers a period of about thirty years—from the Ascension of Christ to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
- Purpose of the book
  - A clear record of the ministry of Peter and Paul.
  - Demonstrates the behavior of the early Christians as high examples for us.
  - Shows the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s promises and establishing the Church.
  - Displays the divinity of the Son.
  - Proclaims the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
- - Chapter 1 – The Apostles in Jerusalem from the Ascension to Pentecost:
    Includes the selection of Matthias and the worship of the Church.
  - Chapters 2–7 – The Beginning of Evangelism until the Martyrdom of Stephen:
    Includes the gifts of the Spirit, the growth of the Church, the healing of the lame man, threats against the apostles, the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the imprisonment of the apostles, the selection of seven deacons, and the stoning of Stephen.
  - Chapters 8–12 – The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem:
    Includes the faith of the Ethiopian eunuch, the conversions of Paul and Cornelius, the founding of the Church in Caesarea, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod.
  - Chapters 13–15 – The Evangelism of Paul and Barnabas Until Their Separation:
    Includes the story of Elymas the sorcerer, the Church in Antioch, the healing of the lame man in Lystra, the stoning of Paul, and the First Council of Jerusalem.
  - Chapters 16–20 – Paul’s Preaching in Europe
  - Chapters 21–28 – Paul’s Trials:
    Includes his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest and transfer to stand trial in Rome, his trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, the shipwreck in Malta, and finally his arrival in Rome and preaching there for two years.
Reading:
- Chapter 3-6
  - Read chapter 3 from 1-19
  - Read Chapter 4 from 3-31
  - Read Chapter 5 from 1-31
  - Read Chapter 6 from 1-8
Resources:
- The Book of Acts - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
Key verse:
- “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29
Comments:
- Chapter 3: 1-19, 4:37, 5:42, 6:15,
  - The Miracle (Acts 3: 1-10)
    - The Jews used to pray three times a day: the third hour (9 AM), the sixth hour (12 PM), and the ninth hour (3 PM). In its early days, the early Church used to pray at the same times in Solomon’s Porch at the temple, but of course without participating in its sacrifices. This continued until the prayers of the Agpeya were established around the fourth century."
    - Peter and John: These two disciples were connected together from the beginning of Christ’s calling to them and were present together at special events such as the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’s daughter, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and by the Sea of Tiberias."
    - Peter and John used the power of Christ and asked for the man healing in our Lord Jesus Christ name
  - Preaching (Acts 3:11–19):
    - St. Peter took advantage of the crowd that had gathered to witness the miracle, and responded to the people's questions. He strongly emphasized that neither he nor John were the source of the healing miracle, but rather it was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
      - Contemplation: If you do something good and others praise you for it, thank God and redirect the glory to Him, so that you may fade away while He is revealed."
    - Verse 19: What was required of them then, and of us now is: repentance, turning away from sinful behavior, and confessing the faith in order to receive baptism and the forgiveness of sins.
      Spiritual relief comes from the presence of God, because the Jews expected the coming of the Messiah to bring material relief and deliverance from the Romans. But what is meant here is spiritual relief deliverance from the hand of Satan.”
- Chapter 4: read from verse 3-31
  - The trial of Peter and John (Acts 4: 3–19)
    - The three groups that made up the Sanhedrin gathered: the rulers, meaning the priests; the elders, meaning the heads of the tribes; and the scribes, meaning the scholars and teachers. They gathered in Jerusalem to put the two apostles on trial.
    - They asked about the source of the power by which the miracle was done and the name through which it was performed was repeated—not because they were unaware of the answer, but to find an opportunity in the response to accuse the apostles and punish them.
    - Verse 8: Here the Lord’s promise is fulfilled (Matthew 10:19–20), that when a Christian is put on trial for the sake of faith, the Holy Spirit will speak through him.
    - The Cornerstone: It means that Christ is the foundation of salvation for humanity, and there is no other.
    - Thus, they were released without punishment out of fear of the people, who were glorifying God for the miracle—especially since the man had been sick for over forty years.
    - Contemplation: Remind yourself always with this verse " Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you (the world) more than to God, you judge."
  - The prayer of the apostles (Acts 4:23–31):
    - The first thing they did after being released was pray. We should learn from the disciples that prayer is very powerful. We see that God listened to their prayer, and the whole place was shaken.
    - They did not ask the Lord to protect them, but rather to strengthen them so that the preaching may succeed. This shows their desire to spread the faith. They were not thinking of themselves, but asked for strength to glorify God through it.
- Chapter 5: read from verse 1-31
  - Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5: 1-11)
    - Although it was within their rights to keep part of the money and give the other part, their sin was hypocrisy and love of appearance, which led to lying. By lying, they were considered as stealing part of God's money, claiming they had given the full price of the land.
    - Verse 3: Peter declared to Ananias the seriousness of giving in to Satan, who had filled his heart with the desire for recognition. This means Ananias could have rejected the evil thoughts of Satan, but he was careless due to his pride.
    - Contemplation: 'Against You, I have sinned' (Psalm 51:4).
      Do not forget the presence of God. Remind yourself that He is standing before you, seeing all your actions, words, and thoughts. Even if you fall, quickly repent to Him—He will forgive you."
  - Miracles performed by the apostles, followed by their trial. (Verses 12-31):
    - New believers continued to join, but their number was not mentioned this time as it was before when it said five thousand, because the number had increased greatly.
    - Now we see the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples had previously failed to heal the demon-possessed boy at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:19), but now they were able to heal all kinds of diseases and cast out demons—even through touch or just the shadow.
    - Verse 19: An angel of the Lord came at night, opened the prison door, and brought them out. He instructed them to go and continue preaching. Their release from prison was not an escape, but rather to continue their ministry in the temple, proclaiming eternal life.
    - Contrary to what the Sanhedrin expected, the apostles went out with joy and enthusiasm for greater preaching. They considered the suffering of being beaten as sharing in the sufferings of Christ and a preparation for the glory of heaven.
    - The apostles continued steadfast in teaching in the temple and in homes, in the name of the Lord. They held the liturgies and Christian rituals in homes, as churches had not yet been built.
- Chapter 6: 1-8
  - Ordaining deacons (Acts 6: 1-8)
    - The ordained seven deacons:
      - Number seven: it is one of the sacred numbers that symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit, such as the seven sacraments of the Church.
      - Qualifications of deacons:
        Good reputation': They are known for their uprightness and fairness.
        
        Full of the Holy Spirit
        
        Wisdom': Good judgment
      - Verse 6: Ordination was carried out by the apostles through prayer and the laying of hands, and this same process continues today in our Church.
        Here is a clear declaration of the sacrament of priesthood in the ordination of one of the priestly ranks, which is the diaconate. This practice has continued in the Church to this day
    - The arrest of Stephen (Acts 6:12–15)

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Unit 6: Acts

Week 3: The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem

Brief introduction about St. Luke and the Book of Acts:
- St. Luke accompanied the St. Paul on his missionary journeys, so he accurately narrated what he witnessed. Being a physician, he also described events in detail.
- He did not conclude the book of Acts with "Amen" like the other books because the Synaxarion (Church calendar of saints and events) comes after it, serving as the continuation of the Church’s history beyond the Book of Acts.
- The Church reads the Synaxarion (the lives of the saints of the day) after the Book of Acts during the liturgy, to declare that the Word of the Lord continues to grow and multiply in His holy Church.
- The placement of the Book of Acts between the Gospels and the Epistles serves as a connection between them: the Gospels present the life of Christ, the Book of Acts shows the preaching of the Gospel, and the Epistles reflect how to live according to the Gospel.

Introduction:
- Author: St. Luke
- Time of writing:
  - It was written around the year 63 AD in Rome, after he had written his Gospel. It covers a period of about thirty years—from the Ascension of Christ to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
- Purpose of the book
  - A clear record of the ministry of Peter and Paul.
  - Demonstrates the behavior of the early Christians as high examples for us.
  - Shows the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s promises and establishing the Church.
  - Displays the divinity of the Son.
  - Proclaims the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
- - Chapter 1 – The Apostles in Jerusalem from the Ascension to Pentecost:
    Includes the selection of Matthias and the worship of the Church.
  - Chapters 2–7 – The Beginning of Evangelism until the Martyrdom of Stephen:
    Includes the gifts of the Spirit, the growth of the Church, the healing of the lame man, threats against the apostles, the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the imprisonment of the apostles, the selection of seven deacons, and the stoning of Stephen.
  - Chapters 8–12 – The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem:
    Includes the faith of the Ethiopian eunuch, the conversions of Paul and Cornelius, the founding of the Church in Caesarea, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod.
  - Chapters 13–15 – The Evangelism of Paul and Barnabas Until Their Separation:
    Includes the story of Elymas the sorcerer, the Church in Antioch, the healing of the lame man in Lystra, the stoning of Paul, and the First Council of Jerusalem.
  - Chapters 16–20 – Paul’s Preaching in Europe
  - Chapters 21–28 – Paul’s Trials:
    Includes his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest and transfer to stand trial in Rome, his trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, the shipwreck in Malta, and finally his arrival in Rome and preaching there for two years.
Reading:
- Chapters 7-12
  - Read chapter 7 from 44-60
  - Read Chapter 8 from 1-4, 26-40
  - Read Chapter 9 from 1-31, 36-43
  - Read Chapter 10 from 25-43
  - Read Chapter 11: no readings from chapter 11
  - Read Chapter 12 from 1-25
Resources:
- The Book of Acts - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
Key verse:
- “But the word of God grew and multiplied.” Acts 12:24
Comments:
- Acts 7
  - St. Stephen's speech (Acts 7: 44-53)
    - Ver 48, God's presence is not confined to the temple; He does not dwell in a building, but in the hearts of His children who believe in Him.
    - He revealed to the Jews that the hardness of their hearts. Their worship and circumcision were only outward and superficial, without touching their hearts or ears to listen to Christ. The Jews rejected the testimony of the Holy Spirit about Christ in the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets, and even killed the prophets.
    - Contemplation: In the same way, a person loses every blessing when they refuse to obey the Holy Scriptures.
  - The stoning of St. Stephen (Acts 7:54-60):
    - While the Jews were stoning Stephen, he remained calm and prayerful, asking God to receive his spirit to dwell with Him in heaven. This shows the strength of his faith and his steadfastness in the final moments of his life.
    - St. Stephen’s vision of our Lord Jesus Christ setting at the right hand of God was also mentioned in several other places in the bible (old and new testament)
      - Mark 16:19: So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
      - Ephesians 1:20: Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.
      - Psalm 110:1 The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.
  - Discussion:
    - What made his speech so powerful? as mentioned in verse 55, he, being full of the Holy Spirit.
    - What can we learn from his forgiveness? He followed Christ's example by praying for his enemies and showing love toward them
- Acts 8
  - The Church is scattered and Saul persecutes. (Acts 8: 1–4)
    - Saul, a Jewish man from Tarsus and the tribe of Benjamin, was around 40 years old in the early first century. Well-educated, he strongly supported the persecution of Christians.
    - Verse 4, The Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem, in their travels, were not afraid of the Jews. Instead, they continued to preach the word of God in joy, despite the persecution they had endured.
    - Contemplation: Truly, the Lord turns sorrow into joy and spiritual gain, and He controls all the events of life to work for our salvation.
    - How did God use persecution for His plan? The persecution forced believers to leave Jerusalem, spreading the Gospel to new places.
  - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40):
    - The Holy Spirit led Philip to go to the Ethiopian eunuch.
    - Baptism is essential for salvation:
      - First: Baptism performed by immersion in water.
        Second: Accepting the faith. when the Ethiopian Eunuch said " I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God"
- Acts 9
  - The conversion of Saul (Acts 9: 1-31)
    - The encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ (1-9)
      - God revealed to Saul that the one speaking to him was Jesus, showing him that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
      - Saul then spent three days blind, fasting, and praying, deeply reflecting on the event.
    - Ananias and Saul's healing (10-19)
      - Ananias was a devout Christian living in Damascus, known for his good reputation among the Jews there. He plays a key role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus
      - Verse 18, Scales fell from Saul’s eyes, symbolizing the removal of sin that blinded him from Christ. He immediately regained his sight and was baptized by Ananias.
    - Saul begins to preach (20-31)
      - Saul began preaching in the Jewish synagogues about Christ and His divinity. However, after his baptism, he went to the Arabian desert near Damascus, where he spent three years in solitude. During that time, Christ appeared to him and entrusted him with the faith and the holy mysteries (Galatians 1:16–18). He then returned to Damascus to begin his ministry.
  - Peter heals and raises the dead. (Acts 9: 36-43):
    - Peter didn’t rush or perform a show—he knelt and prayed before raising Tabitha. This shows us the power of prayers.
- Acts 10
  - The gentiles receive the gospel (25-43)
    - St. Peter meets Cornelius, a Gentile, and realizes that God shows no partiality but accepts all who fear Him and seek righteousness. Peter humbly refuses worship, emphasizing that he is just a man, and boldly proclaims the Gospel of Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and the offer of forgiveness to all who believe. This moment marks a turning point, revealing that salvation is for all nations, not just the Jews.
- Acts 12
  - Peter's arrest (Acts 12:1-25)
    - While Herod arrests Peter and kills James to please the people, the Church prays earnestly—and God miraculously frees Peter from prison, showing that no chains or guards can stop His will.
    - Herod, who sought glory for himself, is struck down by God, reminding us that pride leads to destruction.

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Unit 6: Acts

Week 4: Beginning of missionary trips

Brief introduction about St. Luke and the Book of Acts:
- St. Luke accompanied the St. Paul on his missionary journeys, so he accurately narrated what he witnessed. Being a physician, he also described events in detail.
- He did not conclude the book of Acts with "Amen" like the other books because the Synaxarion (Church calendar of saints and events) comes after it, serving as the continuation of the Church’s history beyond the Book of Acts.
- The Church reads the Synaxarion (the lives of the saints of the day) after the Book of Acts during the liturgy, to declare that the Word of the Lord continues to grow and multiply in His holy Church.
- The placement of the Book of Acts between the Gospels and the Epistles serves as a connection between them: the Gospels present the life of Christ, the Book of Acts shows the preaching of the Gospel, and the Epistles reflect how to live according to the Gospel.
Introduction:
- Author: St. Luke
- Time of writing:
  - It was written around the year 63 AD in Rome, after he had written his Gospel. It covers a period of about thirty years—from the Ascension of Christ to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
- Purpose of the book
  - A clear record of the ministry of Peter and Paul.
  - Demonstrates the behavior of the early Christians as high examples for us.
  - Shows the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s promises and establishing the Church.
  - Displays the divinity of the Son.
  - Proclaims the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
- - Chapter 1 – The Apostles in Jerusalem from the Ascension to Pentecost:
    Includes the selection of Matthias and the worship of the Church.
  - Chapters 2–7 – The Beginning of Evangelism until the Martyrdom of Stephen:
    Includes the gifts of the Spirit, the growth of the Church, the healing of the lame man, threats against the apostles, the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the imprisonment of the apostles, the selection of seven deacons, and the stoning of Stephen.
  - Chapters 8–12 – The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem:
    Includes the faith of the Ethiopian eunuch, the conversions of Paul and Cornelius, the founding of the Church in Caesarea, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod.
  - Chapters 13–15 – The Evangelism of Paul and Barnabas Until Their Separation:
    Includes the story of Elymas the sorcerer, the Church in Antioch, the healing of the lame man in Lystra, the stoning of Paul, and the First Council of Jerusalem.
  - Chapters 16–20 – Paul’s Preaching in Europe
  - Chapters 21–28 – Paul’s Trials:
    Includes his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest and transfer to stand trial in Rome, his trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, the shipwreck in Malta, and finally his arrival in Rome and preaching there for two years.
Reading:
- Chapters 13-20
Resources:
- The Book of Acts - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
Key verse:
- “'I have set you to be a light of the nations, for you to be for salvation to the end of the earth.” Acts 13:47
Comments:
- Introduction about St. Paul
  - - St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
    - Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles.
    - Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
    - Early preparation for ministry:
      - Roman Citizen: enabling him for safe travel and legal protection.
      - Greek education: Exposure to Greek philosophy
      - Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem.
- Acts 13
  - First missionary trip: Barnabas and Paul (Acts 13: 1-5)
    - 1st Journey: Lasted for 2 years from 44AD
      - Started from Antioch (Syria) to Cyprus to the other Antioch in Pisidia (Turkey)
    - This part highlights the significance of fasting and prayer
    - The act of laying hands on the servants demonstrates the Church's authority in appointing and guiding individuals for ministry. Additionally, being sent by the Holy Spirit in verse 4, confirms that their mission was divinely ordained, not self-initiated.
    - Discussion:
      - What does it mean to be "called" by God? as mentioned in verse 2, To be called by God means to offer your life fully to Him—surrendering your plans, desires, and time to follow His will.
  - The ministry in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:13-39):
    - The two apostles traveled by sea to the coast of what is now Turkey. At this point, St. Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. St. Luke does not mention the reason for Mark’s departure, but later we learn that the Apostle Paul was upset by it. However, Barnabas tried to excuse Mark’s actions, which eventually led to a disagreement between him and Paul (Acts 15:37–39). Despite this, Paul later showed love and trust toward Mark again (2 Timothy 4:11).
    - Verse 33, St. Paul testified and spoke about the divinity of Christ that He is the eternal Son of God, who was born in the flesh at a specific point in time to save the world through His death and resurrection.
  - The Jews rejected the word of God (Acts 13: 45-52)
    - Ver 47, "I have set you as a light to the Gentiles...." ask yourself how can this verse apply to me?
      - I can shine God's light to those around me through my words, behavior, appearance, and actions.
- Acts 14
  - Signs and wonders in Iconium. (Acts 14: 1–10)
    - Continuation of the 1st missionary trip
    - Healing of the cripple man
    - Contemplation: If you let God lead your life and follow His path, He will work wonders through you and reveal His power in amazing ways.
  - Stoning of St. Paul and completion of the 1st missionary trip (Acts 14:19-28):
    - Verse 24, "prayed with fasting" again it shows the importance of prayer and fasting in our life
    - They made many disciples after preaching in these cities, so they appointed priests and organized the ministry in the churches.
- Acts 15
  - The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15: 1-12)
    - The believers from Jewish origin were arguing, saying that in order to become Christian you have to be Jewish first by submitting to the law of Moses and be circumcised first.
    - The leaders of the church (the apostles and elders), which is now represented by the Holy Synod, got together to solve this issue and stated that the law of Moses and Jewish traditions was symbolic traditions to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our salvation comes only from the blood of Jesus Christ through His death and resurrections.
    - Ver 8-9, Peter explained how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles even before they were baptized, showing that God approved their baptism without the need for circumcision or keeping the Law of Moses.
    - The Council's decisions (Acts 15: 22-29)
    - 2nd missionary trip (Acts 15:36-41)
      - Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go on a second missionary journey to visit the believers they had preached to during their first journey and to check on how they were doing.
- Acts 16
  - 2nd missionary trip (Acts 16: 1-15)
    - 2nd trip: St. Paul and Timothy
    - The second missionary journey was marked by the beginning of evangelism in Europe.
    - The journey began from Antioch (in Syria) and continued overland to Tarsus (Turkey), to Neapolis in Europe.
    - This second journey is recorded in the Book of Acts from chapter 15 -18 and lasted approximately three and a half years, from 51 AD to 54 AD.
    - In this part we see that God directed St. Paul though the vision of the Macedonian man.
  - Paul and Silas imprisoned and freed (Acts 16: 22-40)
    - Verse 25, Paul and Silas prayed and praised God, teaches us that praising and praying to God in the midst of suffering is very powerful act that can inspire others.
- Acts 17
  - St. Paul preaching the word of God in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (Acts 17:1–9)
  - Main points from the sermon of St. Paul (Acts 17: 22-34)
    - - Verse 24, God is the creator
      - Verse 25, God is self-sufficient
      - Verse 27, Seek God, He is not far
      - Verse 30, Repent
- Acts 18
  - St. Paul in Corinth (Acts 18: 1:11)
    - Aquila: a Christian of Jewish origin, Priscilla: his wife. They were originally from Pontus Turkey
  - The End of the Second Missionary Journey (Acts 18:18-22)
    - St. Paul ended his missionary journey by revisiting some of the cities where he had previously preached, encouraging and strengthening the believers, before returning to Antioch in Syria.
  - The 3rd missionary trip (Acts 18: 23-28)
    - Asia minor and Macedonia
    - Paul remained in Antioch for less than a year before beginning his third missionary journey, following his usual path through regions in Turkey and then into Europe. This journey lasted from the year 54 AD to 58 AD.
- Acts 19
  - Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus and His Miracles (Acts 19:1–12):
    - Paul corrected incomplete teaching and gave proper Christian baptism.
    - God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul: even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him healed the sick and cast out evil spirits.
- Acts 20
  - The Move to Greece and the Raising of Eutychus (Acts 20: 1-12)
    - After his ministry in Ephesus, Paul traveled to Greece, where he stayed for three months, strengthening the believers and facing plots from the Jews.
    - During his journey from Troas, he was preaching for many hours, and a young man named Eutychus was sitting by a window. As Paul continued speaking late into the night, Eutychus fell asleep, fell from the third floor, and died.
    - Paul went down, embraced him, and brought him back to life by the power of Jesus Christ, reassuring everyone that he was alive.
  - Paul’s sermon to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:17–38):
    - He reminded them of his faithful service to God with humility, tears, and trials, and how he preached the full truth without holding anything back.
    - Paul warned them to watch over themselves and the flock, because false teachers would arise even from among them.
    - He ended by reminding them of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

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Unit 6: Acts

Week 5: St. Paul's trials

Brief introduction about St. Luke and the Book of Acts:
- St. Luke accompanied the St. Paul on his missionary journeys, so he accurately narrated what he witnessed. Being a physician, he also described events in detail.
- He did not conclude the book of Acts with "Amen" like the other books because the Synaxarion (Church calendar of saints and events) comes after it, serving as the continuation of the Church’s history beyond the Book of Acts.
- The Church reads the Synaxarion (the lives of the saints of the day) after the Book of Acts during the liturgy, to declare that the Word of the Lord continues to grow and multiply in His holy Church.
- The placement of the Book of Acts between the Gospels and the Epistles serves as a connection between them: the Gospels present the life of Christ, the Book of Acts shows the preaching of the Gospel, and the Epistles reflect how to live according to the Gospel.
Introduction:
- Author: St. Luke
- Time of writing:
  - It was written around the year 63 AD in Rome, after he had written his Gospel. It covers a period of about thirty years—from the Ascension of Christ to Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
- Purpose of the book
  - A clear record of the ministry of Peter and Paul.
  - Demonstrates the behavior of the early Christians as high examples for us.
  - Shows the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling Christ’s promises and establishing the Church.
  - Displays the divinity of the Son.
  - Proclaims the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Outline
- - Chapter 1 – The Apostles in Jerusalem from the Ascension to Pentecost:
    Includes the selection of Matthias and the worship of the Church.
  - Chapters 2–7 – The Beginning of Evangelism until the Martyrdom of Stephen:
    Includes the gifts of the Spirit, the growth of the Church, the healing of the lame man, threats against the apostles, the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the imprisonment of the apostles, the selection of seven deacons, and the stoning of Stephen.
  - Chapters 8–12 – The Persecution of the Church in Jerusalem:
    Includes the faith of the Ethiopian eunuch, the conversions of Paul and Cornelius, the founding of the Church in Caesarea, the martyrdom of James, the imprisonment of Peter, and the death of Herod.
  - Chapters 13–15 – The Evangelism of Paul and Barnabas Until Their Separation:
    Includes the story of Elymas the sorcerer, the Church in Antioch, the healing of the lame man in Lystra, the stoning of Paul, and the First Council of Jerusalem.
  - Chapters 16–20 – Paul’s Preaching in Europe
  - Chapters 21–28 – Paul’s Trials:
    Includes his journey to Jerusalem, his arrest and transfer to stand trial in Rome, his trials before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, the shipwreck in Malta, and finally his arrival in Rome and preaching there for two years.
Reading:
- Chapters 21-28
Resources:
- The Book of Acts - Fr. Daoud Lamei English
Key verse:
- “'I have set you to be a light of the nations, for you to be for salvation to the end of the earth.” Acts 13:47
Comments:
- Introduction about St. Paul
  - - St. Paul wrote 14 epistles out of the 27 books in the New Testament.
    - Known as the Apostle of the Gentiles.
    - Received 4 crowns: martyrdom, purity, apostleship, and righteousness.
    - Early preparation for ministry:
      - Roman Citizen: enabling him for safe travel and legal protection.
      - Greek education: Exposure to Greek philosophy
      - Jewish heritage: Adhering to Jewish law and traditions and studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem.
- Acts 21
  - Paul goes to Jerusalem and is arrested
    - St. Paul journey toward Jerusalem despite warnings (Acts 21: 1–5)
      - St. Paul knew danger awaited him in Jerusalem, but obeyed God's will anyway.
      - His courage shows faith over fear.
    - St. Paul is falsely accused and arrested in the temple (Acts 21: 21-40)
      - Arrested in the temple, yet he stayed calm and focused on sharing the Gospel.
- Acts 22
  - ST. Paul’s defense before the Jews (Acts 22: 1–21)
    - St. Paul spoke to them in Hebrew to show them, his respect and connection to his Jewish roots
    - He shares his personal story, his zeal, conversion, and calling. His testimony reveals that God can transform anyone.
  - St. Paul reveals his Roman citizenship (Acts 22: 25–30):
    - This shows that being spiritual does not mean being naïve, you can use your rights to defend yourself
- Acts 23
  - St. Paul divides the council by mentioning the resurrection (Acts 23: 6–12)
    - The Pharisees believe in spirits and the resurrection, while the others, the Sadducees, do not believe in that. They think that the soul dies with the body and does not rise
    - On the following night, the Lord appeared to Paul to comfort and encourage him, and also to tell him that he would go to preach in Rome
    - The rest of the Chapter:
      - A group of Jews plots to kill Paul.
      - Paul's nephew hears of the plot and warns him.
      - The commander sends Paul under heavy guard to Governor Felix in Caesarea for safety.
- Acts 24
  - Paul’s Trial Before Felix (Acts 24: 1-21)
    - Tertullus accused Paul of three charges and considered him a corrupter and harmful to society.
      - Another accusation that Tertullus brought against Paul was that he had defiled the temple.
    - St. Paul defended himself saying:
      - He had only arrived in Jerusalem twelve days earlier, most of which he spent imprisoned because of the Jews.
      - He came to worship in the temple. Therefore, he respected worship in the temple and was not defiling it as they accused him.
- Acts 25
  - Festus takes over and hears Paul’s case (Acts 25: 1–12)
    - Paul appeals to Caesar
    - St. Paul never missed an opportunity to spread the ministry, even in Rome, the capital. His personal case did not occupy his mind, but rather how he could go to Rome to preach the Gospel
- Acts 26
  - Paul Testifies Before Agrippa (Acts 26: 1-23)
    - Personal Testimony: He recounts his past as a persecutor, his encounter with Christ, and his mission to preach.
    - Focus on the Resurrection: The first resurrection from the dead, Christ was not the first to rise from the dead—many before Him in the Old Testament had been raised, and He Himself raised many. However, He is the first to rise by His own power and enter Paradise and the Kingdom. The others returned to Hades because Christ had not yet completed the redemption.
    - Agrippa almost believes: “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Verse 28)
    - Paul is found innocent but must go to Caesar
- Acts 27
  - St. Paul sails to Rome; the storm intensifies (Acts 27:14–26):
    - Here we compare Paul, who through his obedience to God became a reason for the salvation of the ship's passengers, with the prophet Jonah, who through his disobedience to God became a source of trouble for the ship's passengers—until they threw him into the sea, and the storm calmed down.
    - Shipwrecked at Malta, all survive
- Acts 28
  - - St. Paul Heals and ministers in Malta (Acts 28: 1-10)
      - Paul turns a shipwreck into a mission field
    - St. Paul arrives to Rome and stays under house arrest (Acts 28: 11-16)
    - St. Paul preaching in Rome (Acts 28: 17-31)
      - Even in chains, St. Paul preaches boldly and freely. His house becomes a church, showing that no barrier can stop the Gospel.
    - Paul continued to preach boldly while awaiting trial, without fear or complaint. Though God allowed him to face hardship and imprisonment, He remained with him, using every situation to spread the Gospel. The Book of Acts ends with the message reaching Rome, fulfilling Christ’s promise to reach the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
      
      After his first release from prison, Paul preached for five more years before being arrested again. During his second imprisonment in Rome, he wrote 2 Timothy, and was martyred in A.D. 68.

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