8Th Grade | Unit 6

BIBLE STUDENT BOOK

8th Grade | Unit 6

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800-622-3070 www.aop.com Unit 6 | The Early Churches

BIBLE 806 The Early Churches

INTRODUCTION |3 1. THE EARLY MISSIONARY JOURNEYS 5

THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY |23 FINAL JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM |26 SELF TEST 2 |32 3. THE CHURCHES 35

LIFEPAC Test is located in the center of the booklet. Please remove before starting the unit.

Section 1 |1 The Early Churches | Unit 6

Author: Douglas Williamson

Editor-in-Chief: Richard W. Wheeler, M.A.Ed. Editor: Daniel W. Hill, Ph.D. Consulting Editor: John L. Booth, Th.D. Revision Editor: Alan Christopherson, M.S.

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The Early Churches

Introduction

Beginning with the ministry of the Apostles, the propagation of the Gospel expanded to become a witness to the entire world. Witnessing to the world was to extend the local ministry of the church. In the church at Antioch were several ministers and teachers. No doubt the congregation was quite large and the people were dedicated to the Lord God. While they were praying, the Holy Spirit began to witness. His message was that Saul (Paul) and Barnabas were to be separated for a special work. This special work was a ministry that would change the entire world. The missionary journeys would establish churches throughout Asia Minor and parts of Europe. The apostle Paul was to become the leading missionary and minister of this period of early Christianity. The church at Antioch experienced some controversy over the question of circumcision. However, the situation was resolved, preventing a serious split in the body of Christ. The faith survived to witness to the uttermost parts of the world. The early Christians also experienced severe persecution, the doctrine of false teachers, and the forms of apostasy. However, Christianity survived with one faith, united in Jesus Christ

Objectives

Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully completed this LIFEPAC. When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to:

1. Trace Paul’s first and second missionary journeys. 2. Trace Paul’s third and final missionary journeys. 3. Describe the problems encountered by Paul on his missionary journeys. 4. Identify the churches visited by Paul and his companions. 5. Describe the characteristics of the churches at Ephesus and Crete. 6. Describe the persecuted church. 7. Identify the apostate church. 8. Define the faith as being one in Jesus Christ.

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Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study and write your questions here.

______

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1. THE EARLY MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

The mission venture of the early church began circumcision required of the Gentiles by some with Peter’s accepting Cornelius, a Gentile, into Jewish Christians. The Jerusalem Conference, as the faith. Cornelius was not required to partake a result of controversies, was held in Antioch, of the rite of circumcision. The requirement a church that became exceptionally strong and of circumcision created a controversy among sound. From Antioch, the apostle Paul launched the Jewish church leaders. Only after Peter both his first and second missionary journeys. explained the vision God had given him did An exciting period for the faith resulted as the Apostles accept the Gentiles. Shortly after Christians grew and prospered under the inspi- Paul’s first missionary journey, the Jerusalem ration and direction of the Holy Spirit. Conference was held to resolve the subject of

SECTION OBJECTIVES Review these objectives. When you have completed this section, you should be able to: 1. Trace Paul’s first and second missionary journeys. 3. Describe the problems encountered by Paul on his missionary journeys. 4. Identify the churches visited by Paul and his companions.

VOCABULARY Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section. credulity (kru dū’ lu tē). A too great readiness to believe. godspeed (god’ spēd). A parting wish of a success to someone taking a trip or an undertaking. Judaizers (jü’ dē īz urs). Jews who wanted Christians to live according to the Jewish Law. pagan (pā’ gun). A heathen; a person who worships many gods or no god. proconsul (prō kon’ sul). A governor or military commander of an ancient Roman province. proselyte (pros’ u lit). Someone who has changed from one religious belief to another. soothsayer (süth’ sā ur). Someone who claims to know what will happen. sorcerer (sôr’ sur ur). Someone who practices magic with the supposed help of evil spirits. stringent (strin’ jint). Strict; severe.

Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you are reading, study the definitions given.

Pronunciation Key: hat, āge, cãre, fär; let, ēqual, tėrm; it, īce; hot, ōpen, ôrder; oil; out; cup, pu·t, rüle; child; long; thin; /ŦH/ for then; /zh/ for measure; /u/ represents /a/ in about, /e/ in taken, /i/ in pencil, /o/ in lemon, and /u/ in circus.

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Read Acts 11:19–30 and CHURCH AT ANTIOCH chapter 12.

The church at Antioch was founded soon after the stoning of Stephen. This church was founded by those converts who were scattered abroad in the persecution that developed in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19). In about AD 42, certain Christians of Cyprus and Cyrene, who had heard of the reception of Cornelius into the church, came to Antioch. These Christians began to preach to the Gentiles that they could be Christians without first becoming Jewish proselytes. Luke wrote (Acts 11:21) that “…the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” The church at Jerusalem soon heard of the new | Barnabas Preaching at Antioch believers in Antioch. The Jerusalem church, after being convinced by Peter’s story of Corne- conditions, however, multitudes of Antioch’s lius that such mission work was of God and not citizens accepted Jesus Christ and were added of man, sent Barnabas to Antioch to carry the to the church. Antioch would become the birth- message of Jesus Christ and extend the bless- place for the missionary journeys of the Apos- ing of the church at Jerusalem. Barnabas was tles. Here at Antioch the term Christian was first full of the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of the applied to one who believed in Christ. Lord; multitudes of Gentiles were added unto the Lord (Acts 11:24). Soon after Barnabas and Saul arrived in Antioch, a prophet named Agabus, directed Barnabas went to Tarsus, about one hundred by the Holy Spirit, told of a great drought and miles northwest from Antioch, to find Saul, famine that was to occur throughout the world. whom he brought to Antioch. Barnabas went to This famine took place during the reign of Clau- find Saul more than ten years after Saul’s con- dius Caesar (Acts 11:28). Antioch decided to version. Saul had spent three years in Damas- send relief to Jerusalem by Barnabas and Saul. cus and Arabia, and seven years in Tarsus. God This journey was Saul’s second trip to Jerusa- had called Saul to be His servant and to carry lem following his conversion (Galatians 2:1). the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). The Saul and Barnabas arrived in Jerusalem shortly time had now come for Saul to launch into a before the killing of James and the imprison- new venture. ment of Peter (Acts 12:1–4). The city of Antioch was the third city of the The Apostle James, brother of John, was one Roman Empire with a population of about five of the three inner-circle friends of Jesus. Killed hundred thousand citizens. Antioch was sur- in AD 44, James was the first of the Apostles passed in size only by Rome and Alexandria: to die. Herod the king also imprisoned Peter Antioch, located three hundred miles north of only to have God Himself miraculously deliver Jerusalem, was the Mediterranean gateway to Peter (Acts 12:7). Because of the persecution of the Eastern highways. The citizens of Antioch Herod against the children of God, an angel of worshiped Ashtaroth and indulged in immoral- the Lord smote him (Acts 12:23). ity and unbelievable indecency. In spite of the

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Antioch rapidly became the leading center of church considerable prestige. From Antioch the Gentile Christianity. One of the teachers in the apostle Paul was to launch his first and second Antioch church was the foster-brother of Herod missionary journeys. (Acts 13:1); this fact helped give this particular

Write the correct letter and answer on each line.

1.1 The church of Antioch was founded soon after the stoning of ______. a. Peter b. Philip c. Stephen d. Barnabas 1.2 The Antioch church was founded by believers from ______. a. Cyprus and Cyrene b. Jerusalem c. Cyprus and Alexandria d. Rome and Tarsus 1.3 The first pastor of the Antioch church was ______. a. Paul b. Philip c. Barnabas d. Peter 1.4 Barnabas was assisted by ______. a. Philip b. Saul c. Barnabas d. Peter 1.5 The third largest city in the Roman Empire was ______. a. Jerusalem b. Alexandria c. Athens d. Antioch 1.6 The citizens of Antioch worshiped the god ______. a. Ashtaroth b. Jupiter c. Zeus d. Apollo 1.7 The believers were first called Christians at ______. a. Antioch b. Jerusalem c. Alexandria d. Cyprus

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Read Acts chapters 13 FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY and 14.

The successful establishment of the church at Paul’s first missionary journey resulted in the Antioch created a headquarters for a greater opening (Acts 14:27) of “…a door of faith to the missionary endeavor extending to the utter- Gentiles.” As far as we know, this trip was the most parts of the world. While Paul and Barn- first church-sponsored missionary journey. abas were ministering to the church at Antioch Barnabas and Paul were not freelance mission- in Syria, the Holy Spirit directed the church aries, as Philip and the Hellenists were (Acts leaders there to release Paul and Barnabas chapter 8). Barnabas and Paul were personal from their duties in the church so that they representatives of the local church at Antioch. could minister in other parts of Asia Minor. The This particular church supported them and means by which the Spirit directed the church stood behind them in every way necessary. At leaders are not expressly given. Three factors the departure of Paul and Barnabas, the Chris- that should be mentioned are included in the tians of Antioch extended to them godspeed Acts account. The first factor was an urging and sent them forth with prayer, fasting, and within the Apostles themselves; at this particular the laying on of hands. Acts 13:3 states, “And time they were fasting when the direction came. when they had fasted and prayed, and laid The second factor was a prophetic utterance on their hands on them, they sent them away.” the part of one of the members of the church. Paul and Barnabas took John Mark, the cousin The third fact was the assurance given by the of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) from Jerusalem Spirit to the body of believers that the release (Acts 12:12) with them. of Paul and Barnabas was the will of God.

PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY Antioch of Pisidia 1 Asia Minor Iconium Ephesus 1 1 Lystra Miletus Tarsus Derbe Cos Perga Attalia Antioch Cnidus Patara Myra Seleucia 1 Rhodes CYPRUS 1 SYRIA • Great Sea Soloi Salmone (Mediterranean Sea) Salamis

Paphos

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Cyprus. The initial target of this first mission- Sergius Paulus was quite unexpected, because ary journey was the isle of Cyprus, the home the Roman proconsul does not seem to have of Barnabas. Barnabas was eager to bring the been related in any way to Judaism or any Gospel of Jesus to his own people (Acts 4:36). of its institutions. The conversion of Sergius The first highlight of this journey came when Paulus could be compared to the conversion the proconsul of the territory requested that of the Roman centurion Cornelius at Joppa Paul and Barnabas preach their message (Acts 10:1–11:18). On Cyprus, Paul began to be to him. Paul and Barnabas had preached called by his Roman name, Paul, rather than his the Gospel through the entire island. They Jewish name Saul (Acts 13:9). To Paul the Jews preached first (Acts 13:5) “...in the synagogues were still the people of God. Paul believed that of the Jews…” At Paphos, however, Proconsul the Jews still had a very special place in God’s Sergius Paulus requested to hear the message plan and that they should receive the message of Jesus. The meeting may have been intended first because the Saviour had come through only as an inquiry about the preaching of Paul the Jewish nation. The Jews, however, contin- and Barnabas, in order to prevent any teaching ually rejected Paul and his teaching as seen that might possibly cause a disturbance within in Acts 13:40–54 and Romans 10:18–21. Paul the Jewish community on Cyprus. At Paphos, never gave up on the Jews, and he continually Paul and Barnabas also encountered the sor- directed his message to them first (Romans cerer, Bar-jesus (Acts 13:6–12). In spite of the 1:16). He gave the Jews no grounds for com- opposition by Bar-jesus and impressed by the plaining or for excusing themselves. Only when effect of the curse that was pronounced by Paul was forced to go elsewhere did he then Paul upon Bar-jesus, Sergius Paulus believed direct the message of Jesus Christ to the more the message of Paul and accepted the Lord receptive Gentiles. Jesus Christ as his Saviour. The conversion of

Complete these statements.

1.8 The Holy Spirit directed the church leaders at Antioch to release a. ______and b. ______to minister in other parts of c. ______. 1.9 Paul and Barnabas were personal representatives of the ______church. 1.10 Paul and Barnabas took ______with them on their missionary journey. 1.11 The first stop on the missionary journey was the island of ______. 1.12 At Paphos the Roman proconsul ______was converted. 1.13 Paul and Barnabas were opposed by the sorcerer ______. 1.14 The apostle Paul’s name was changed from ______at Paphos.

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Perga. From Cyprus Paul and Barnabas sailed Lystra. Leaving Iconium, Paul and Barnabas to Perga of Pamphylia in Asia Minor. At Perga, came to Lystra. They received there, a different John Mark left Paul and Barnabas and returned reception (Acts 14:8–18). At Lystra, Paul and to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Because of the Barnabas were welcomed as Greek gods. If Gentile conversion at Paphos, some discussion Paul had permitted them to do so, the people occurred among the missionaries concerning would have offered sacrifice to them. When their further ministry. The possibility that John Paul healed a man who had been crippled Mark did not want to be involved in a contro- from birth, the people became convinced that versy may have caused him to return to Jerusa- Jupiter and Mercurius had returned to earth in lem. Pamphylia was also known for its highway disguise. The people were determined not to robbers and treacherous areas, which may make the same mistake of their ancestors, and have been the factors that caused John Mark to they were about to go to hospitable extremes return to the security of his home. until Paul and Barnabas assured them that they were making a mistake. After explaining the Antioch of Pisidia. At Antioch of Pisidia, Paul matter, Paul preached to the people. preached the Gospel to the Jews who assem- bled in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Because these people were pagans, Paul Paul’s message, that Jesus is the Messiah and neither quoted the Scriptures nor argued the the Saviour promised in the Scriptures (Acts Law. Instead, he reasoned from nature (Acts 13:14–43), was heard by many. Controversy 14:15–18). The people were attentive for quite soon developed when on the next Sabbath, a time, until a delegation from Iconium came a great number of Gentiles expressed their and convinced the people that Paul and Barna- interest in Paul’s message. The Jewish commu- bas deserved stoning, not sacrifice. The crowd, nity made clear that they were in opposition to becoming disillusioned and angered, stoned the Gospel. As a result of this opposition, Paul Paul and dragged him out of the city, fully turned his attention directly to the Gentiles and convinced that they had killed him. Acts 14:19 continued his mission in the city. Paul found relates “…and, having stoned Paul, drew him the Gentiles to be very receptive to the Gospel out of the city, supposing he had been dead.” (Acts 13:44 through 49). At Pisidia, the pattern Paul, however, was a man of amazing stamina was established of Paul’s visiting the Jews, and was full of the Holy Spirit. His mission was being rejected by them, and then taking the not completed. The next day, he was found message of Christ to the Gentiles. At Antioch of Pisidia, opposition to Paul himself occurred (Acts 13:50). The Jews opposed Paul because he approached the Gentiles with the Gospel. The Jews were so angered (Acts 13:50) that they “... stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.” Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium; there they went to the synagogue first. The reaction of these particular Jews to Paul’s ministry was highly emotional. They responded to Paul’s message so violently that he and Barnabas barely escaped with their lives (Acts 14:1–6). | Paul Stoned in Lystra

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preaching in the nearby city of Derbe. After Because of the effectiveness of their minis- a brief ministry in Derbe, Paul and Barnabas try, Paul and Barnabas were able to appoint returned to Lystra. qualified elders to every established church during the first missionary journey. When they In the face of previous events, considerable had accomplished this task, they returned to courage was required to return to Lystra. Paul, Antioch. Upon arriving in Antioch, they reported however, had that courage, and spent much to the brethren (Acts 14:27) “…all that God had time in both Lystra and Iconium exhorting the done with them…” All they had undertaken and disciples and proclaiming the Gospel in both attempted had been accomplished; the process word and deed. Before Paul and Barnabas of world-wide evangelism was underway for left the region, they made sure that an orga- the young Christian faith. nized community of believers was established.

Write true or false.

1.15 ______Paul and Barnabas went to Perga from Cyprus. 1.16 ______John Mark left Paul and Barnabas at Pisidia. 1.17 ______John Mark may have left Paul and Barnabas because of the controversy over the conversion of the Gentiles. 1.18 ______Paul preached to the Jews first when he entered a new city. 1.19 ______The Jews always accepted the message Paul preached. 1.20 ______The Jews were so pleased with Paul’s message they sent the leading officers of the city to hear Paul. 1.21 ______Paul and Barnabas then went to Iconium to preach the message of Christ.

Complete these statements.

1.22 The people of Lystra thought that Paul and Barnabas were the gods a. ______and b. ______. 1.23 Paul neither quoted Scripture nor argued the Law because the people of Lystra were ______. 1.24 The people of Lystra were convinced by some men from Iconium that Paul should be ______. 1.25 Paul and Barnabas went from Lystra to ______where they organized a church.

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Complete this activity.

1.26 Locate the following places on the Paul’s First Missionary Journey map. a. Antioch of Syria b. Cyprus c. Paphos d. Perga e. Iconium f. Lystra g. Derbe h. Asia Minor

JERUSALEM CONFERENCE Shortly after returning from the first mis- with the Gentile brethren, these Jewish Chris- sionary journey, a practical problem arose in tians were guilty of the sin of pride. Antioch. What began as a local dispute, which Paul saw the implications of the problem and the church could have solved, soon became a recognized that more was involved than just major issue that was important enough for all the issue of circumcision. The real problem the Apostles to come together. The situation was the one question most fundamental to the involved certain Jewish Christians from Jerusa- Christian’s salvation: On what does salvation lem who had gone to various churches insisting rest? Does salvation depend on keeping the that all the converted Gentiles be circumcised Mosaic tradition? Is it a reward for righteous- according to the Jewish Law. These Judaizers ness achieved in obedience to the Law? Is sal- insisted that salvation was dependent upon the vation a free gift bestowed on “…everyone that physical act of circumcision: that salvation was believes?…” Paul knew the answer. Christianity not possible without circumcision. is a life of joyful and willing response available The Judaizers insisted that all converts to Chris- to everyone through faith in the proclamation tianity should also become Jews and that they of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). should keep the Mosaic Law in every respect. Paul knew that, should the Judaizing position be This idea meant continuing the authority of the adopted, Christianity would never be anything Jewish dietary laws and the Jewish distinctions more than a sect within Judaism. The Judaizing of clean and unclean. By obeying the Mosaic position would undermine everything that God Laws, the Gentiles would be compelled to live had done on Paul’s first missionary journey. like Jews. Even more damaging, living by the This position would destroy what the Gospel Law meant dividing the church. An inevitable of Jesus Christ had come to mean to men and result of this kind of teaching would be Jewish supremacy and a tendency for the Jewish Chris- tians to attempt to rule over the Gentiles. The apostle Paul and some of his co-workers saw the problem arising; and they knew that unless this teaching was quieted immediately, the various Christian communities would become segregated. The vision of a community in which the Jew and Greek would be one in Christ would be only an empty dream. To com- plicate the matter further, some of the Jewish Christians were not willing to bind the Gentiles by the Mosaic Law. However, they were not willing to allow the Gentiles a full measure of fellowship either. Because of their refusal to eat | The Jerusalem conference

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women and would threaten the Gospel itself. do not have the right to do so. Following Peter’s Paul reasoned that if salvation could be won speech, Paul and Barnabas appealed to the only by obedience to the Law, then Christ had brethren concerning the signs and wonders died without purpose. done among the Gentiles. James completed the conference by announcing that nothing but Peter, Paul, James, and the other leaders of the necessary things should be laid on the Gentiles. Jerusalem church discussed the matter thor- Circumcision was not on the list of necessary oughly. Finally, the brethren concluded that cir- things for the Gentile Christians to observe. The cumcision should not be required of the Gen- Judaizing pattern was broken. tiles. Speaking on behalf of the Apostles, Peter placed strong emphasis on the things he had This conference was a crucial point for Chris- learned just before the conversion of Cornelius tianity. When the Jerusalem council had con- (Acts chapters 10 and 11). Peter testified to his cluded, three things had been settled. Chris- own error of being prejudiced, of believing that tianity had become a movement in its own the Jews were better than Gentiles and that right, and not just another sect of Judaism. The they were more deserving of salvation (Acts message of Christ’s death and Resurrection 15:6–11). Peter had once even held the opinion had retained its supremacy, overcoming the that salvation was solely for the Jews. Peter possibility of being submerged in a system of told the council that God had revealed to him laws and creeds. Tradition and ritual practice in a vision that no division or difference existed had given way to the witness of the Holy Spirit. between the Jew and the Gentile. God had The apostle Paul echoed the crucial question revealed to Peter that no person was deserving shortly after the conference in his letter to the of partiality, and that honest, sincere believers church of the Galatians (Galatians 3:2) when he were accepted by the Lord regardless of nation- asked, “This only would I learn of you, Received ality or heritage. Then Peter, in conclusion, ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the observed that God had made no distinction hearing of faith?” between Jews and Gentiles and that Christians

Write the correct letter and answer on each line.

1.27 The Jerusalem Conference was held because of a situation between the Jews and Gentiles about ______. a. circumcision b. marriage c. worship practices d. doctrines 1.28 The people who opposed the Gentiles were called ______. a. Apostles b. Pharisees c. Judaizers d. Christians 1.29 The Judaizers believed that all converts to Christianity should become ______and obey the Law of Moses. a. Judaizers b. Jews c. proselytes d. Apostles 1.30 Paul knew that should the Judaizers’ position be adopted, Christianity would only become a sect of ______. a. Judaism b. Puritanism c. Baptism d. The Mosaic Law

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Answer these questions.

1.31 What did the Apostles learn that God is? ______1.32 What three issues were settled at the Jerusalem Conference? a. ______b. ______c. ______

SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY Read Acts 15:36–18:22

Upon completion of the first missionary jour- they were joined by young Timothy. Timothy’s ney, and the Jerusalem conference, Paul and father was a Gentile; his mother Eunice and his Barnabas remained in Antioch for a period of grandmother Lois were devout Jewish women time preaching and teaching about Christ. Paul and were well known to the apostle Paul. Tim- and Barnabas decided, however, that the time othy was to become one of Paul’s most trusted had come for their return to the churches they and steadfast friends and companions. The had established in Asia Minor. A dispute arose three missionaries visited the churches in var- between Paul and Barnabas over the desire ious areas of Asia Minor. Some of their plans, of Barnabas to have Mark accompany them however, had to be abandoned because of the on this journey. When the two men could not leadership of the Holy Spirit, who prevented accept conflicting points of view, Paul and Barn- their going to certain areas (Acts 16:6). Paul abas parted. Galatians 2:11–14 reports that wanted to go to Ephesus in Asia but was halted Barnabas and Peter had avoided fellowship by the Spirit. Then he turned his attention with Gentile Christians. Paul and Barnabas had northward into Bithynia, only to be stopped possibly experienced this disagreement ear- again by the Lord (Acts 16:7). Luke joined Paul, lier, with the dispute over Mark being only the Silas, and Timothy about that time. Paul expe- immediate reason for the separation. However, rienced a vision in which a man begged him neither malice nor discontent was involved in (Acts 16:9) to “…come over into Macedonia, and the separating of Paul and Barnabas; only a help us.” This call was one that could not be disagreement between Christian brothers. Paul resisted, causing Paul to make immediate plans and Barnabas resolved the problem and Barn- to answer this request. abas took Mark with him returning to Cyprus. The trip across the Aegean Sea from Troas to Paul took Silas with him. Together they would Neapolis and Philippi in Macedonia or northern strengthen the Asian churches established ear- Greece was not particularly lengthy; however, lier by Paul and Barnabas. it was to be a highly significant journey. This Paul and Silas, whose Roman name was Sil- endeavor would be the first time the Gospel vanus, began the second missionary journey by of Christ was preached on the continent of tracing the steps of the first journey. At Lystra Europe.

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Amphipolis Philippi Thessalonica Berea

Troas GALATIA Ptolemais Assos Mytilene Antioch of Pisidia Rhegium Ath e Iconium ns Ephesus Lechaeum Lystra Corinth Miletus s GREECE u Antioch Tars Perga Derbe Cos Attalia Myra Seleucia Cnidus Patara SYRIA Rhodes Soloi Salamis Salmone Laodicea Paphos Cauda Sidon

Great Sea Tyre (Mediterranean Sea)

PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY Caesarea Jerusalem

Write true or false.

1.33 ______Barnabas did not go with Paul because of the dispute about John Mark. 1.34 ______Barnabas and Mark remained in Antioch to pastor the church. 1.35 ______Paul took Silas on his second missionary journey. 1.36 ______The Roman name of Silas was Silvanus. 1.37 ______Paul and Silas were joined by Timothy at Derbe. 1.38 ______Timothy’s grandmother was Eunice, and his mother was Lois. 1.39 ______Paul was interrupted by the Holy Spirit while on his way to Athens. 1.40 ______Paul received the vision of the rich man from Athens to come and preach while in Ephesus. 1.41 ______Paul could not resist going to Macedonia with the message of Christ. 1.42 ______When Paul went to Macedonia, the message of Christ was to be preached in Europe for the first time.

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Philippi. The first European site of Christian spirit. Paul, Luke, and others were on their way missionary activity was in the city of Philippi, to a prayer meeting when this girl (Acts 16:16), the principal city of Macedonia. Philippi was “…possessed with a spirit of divination…,” began rich in historic significance. The city had been to follow them. She cried out (Acts 16:17), “… the site of the critical battle of Brutus and These men are the servants of the most high Cassius against Marc Antony and Octavian, God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.” the avengers of Julius Caesar. Soon after the When the girl cried out, endeavoring to dis- Octavian War, Philippi became the home of tract the message of salvation, Paul, becoming many Roman soldiers. Octavian, who soon disturbed, turned and cast the evil spirit out of thereafter became Caesar Augustus, rebuilt the her. The girl had also practiced soothsaying, city and gave it the privileges of a royal colony. an art that was rapidly making her masters This privilege made Philippi a special military extremely wealthy. When her owners saw that outpost of Rome. The citizens of Philippi were their financial source had been taken from granted special privileges by the government. them, in a rage they dragged the missionaries Philippi was an important crossroads for both to the city magistrates and demanded Paul culture and commerce, with the city fathers and his company be punished immediately. remaining in constant contact with the imperial The officials were also angered by the fact that capital at Rome. The city of Philippi, therefore, Paul and Silas were Jews. A mob immediately was an excellent place to begin the westward attacked Paul and Silas, beat them violently, missionary movement of the faith. and had them thrown into prison. The first European convert to Christianity was The conduct of Paul and Silas in prison made a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple. Lydia a definite impression upon those who were was a person of high integrity, a Gentile who imprisoned with them. Instead of moaning had become attracted to Judaism. In Philippi, and complaining about their situation, Paul the Jews worshiped outside the city gate, by and Silas sang hymns and prayed. At midnight, a river. The apostle Paul went to the accus- an earthquake occurred, shaking the prison tomed site of worship on the Sabbath day and and opening the cells. None of the prisoners spoke to the woman. The Bible states that escaped (Acts 16:28). Because the jailer thought God opened Lydia’s heart and she attended to the prisoners, who had been entrusted to his the things which were spoken by Paul. After care, had escaped, he was ready to commit listening to Paul’s message at Philippi, she suicide. He was prevented from taking his own was converted. Following her baptism “with life by Paul’s assurance that they were all still her household,” Lydia urged that Paul and his there. Brought to a realization of the integrity co-workers make their headquarters in her of these men, the jailer begged Paul and Silas home. Her home apparently became the meet- to tell him what he needed to do to be saved. ing place of the local church (Acts 16:40). Lydia’s Paul and Silas had an immediate answer for the own hospitality did much to foster the unique jailer (Acts 16:31), “…Believe on the Lord Jesus financial relations between Paul and the Philip- Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” The jailer pian church (Philippians 4:15 and 16). Although responded immediately; and after attending to many of the Christian converts were people the wounds of Paul and Silas, he was baptized. of the poor, oppressed classes, Lydia was an He had feared punishment from the officials example of some at the opposite end of the because he had assumed all of the prisoners social scale who also professed faith in Jesus. had escaped; Paul and Silas offered him a salvation through Christ that went far beyond Acts 16:16–18 records the story of the healing mere deliverance from the punishment he had of the slave girl who was possessed of an evil so dreaded.

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The city officials, having had sufficient time to the sake of the Gospel, and to spare the new think about the unjust treatment toward Paul Philippian Christians any embarrassment. Paul and Silas, were at first willing to let Paul depart and his company left Philippi only after making quietly from the city. Paul, however, refused sure that the reputation of the Gospel had not to do so until a public apology was made. suffered. He demanded an official public apology for

Complete these statements.

1.43 The site of the first European missionary activity was at ______. 1.44 The city of Philippi was a special military outpost of ______. 1.45 Philippi was an important crossroads for both a. ______and b. ______. 1.46 The first European convert in Philippi was a. ______a seller of b. ______. 1.47 An incident that brought Paul opposition was the healing of the a. ______who practiced b. ______for her masters. 1.48 The Jews laid hands on both a. ______and b. ______and had them beaten and thrown into prison. 1.49 Instead of moaning and complaining, Paul and Silas a. ______and b. ______. 1.50 That night an a. ______took place that led to the b. ______of the Philippian jailer. 1.51 The next day the city officials made a public ______for what they had done to Paul and Silas.

Thessalonica and Berea. The next stop on who, according to First Thessalonians 1:9, “… this second missionary journey was Thessalon- turned to God from idols to serve the living and ica. Thessalonica, named for the stepsister of true God.” Alexander the Great, was the leading harbor of Soon the Jews who dwelled in Thessalonica felt Macedonia. The city stood on a hill overlooking threatened by the efforts of Paul and his com- a beautiful fertile plain on one side and the panions. These Jews hired a mob (Acts 17:5) to Thermaic Gulf on the other. During both Greek bring false accusations against them and set and Roman times, Thessalonica was an impor- the city in a general uproar. The city authorities tant city. A fine harbor and the great Egnatian intervened to encourage Paul and his group to highway made the city important. Although leave the city to avoid further disturbance. Paul and his companions only spent a brief period of time in Thessalonica, they developed During the night, Paul and Silas journeyed a strong bond of love and loyalty with their to Berea, where they were more favorably converts. These converts were Gentile believers received by the Jews. The people of the

Section 1 |17 The Early Churches | Unit 6

covenant who lived in Berea were faithful Acts 17:22–31 records the message of Paul. students of the Scripture. These people exam- Paul told how the God of the universe had ined the books of the Old Testament to see manifested Himself through Jesus Christ His if this crucified Christ preached by Paul did Son. This God was one God, the Most High, indeed fulfill the prophecies (Acts 17:11). Prov- and was a known living God, not an unknown ing the message of the missionaries with the God. This God was calling all men everywhere Scriptures, many of the Bereans believed and to come to repentance, to commit their lives to accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. Some Jews Him through faith in Christ, and to live in hope from Thessalonica, however, who had heard of a resurrection from the dead. of the success of Paul among these people, This message was certainly new to those who tried to cause a disturbance in Berea similar listened. To some listeners, the message was to the one which occurred in their own city. strange. To others, it was total nonsense. Still This attempted persecution led to a temporary to others, it was entertaining. However, to a separation of Paul, Silas, and Timothy. Silas and few, the message was one of good news. The Timothy remained in Berea; and Paul, the chief response to Paul’s sermon was varied. Some of target of the aroused Jews, went on to the city his hearers were so disgusted that they made of Athens. sport of Paul. Others were confused with what Athens. Just outside the city of Athens was a they had just heard in relation to what they had place called the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars. The been taught. The message that Paul preached Areopagus was the gathering place of the schol- to the Greeks caught their attention in such ars and spokesmen of the various philosophical a manner that they wanted to hear more, schools of Greek thought. Mars Hill was a place but at a later date. A few listeners joined Paul where many people spent entire days doing and believed his message. This latter group nothing more than listening to the speakers included an aristocrat named Dionysius and a of the various cults and philosophies. When woman named Damaris. Paul had his turn to speak, he presented the Christianity did not make many converts in Ath- listeners with a way of life completely new to ens, however. Possibly the general intellectual anything they had ever heard. The very novelty atmosphere was not conducive to an actively of Paul’s ideas and message was enough to Christ-centered manner of life. Paul had called make them pay close attention to what he for commitment to life in Christ. This idea was was preaching. Paul was able to heighten their foreign to the people of Athens, where the interest with his remarks; and because of his emphasis was placed upon talk and not action. education, the people listened to him.

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Match these items. Answers may be used more than once.

1.52 ______named for Alexander’s stepsister a. Thessalonica 1.53 ______Mars Hill b. Berea 1.54 ______faithful students of Scripture c. Athens 1.55 ______Dionysius accepts Christ 1.56 ______overlooked Thermaic Gulf 1.57 ______Paul leaves Silas and Timothy 1.58 ______mention of the unknown God 1.59 ______hired a mob against Paul

Complete this activity.

1.60 Read Paul’s message to the Greeks as recorded in Acts 17:22 through 31. When you have finished reading Paul’s message write a brief summary of the message on a separate sheet of paper. Have one of your classmates read your summary before you turn the assignment in to your teacher for grading .

TEACHER CHECK initials date

Corinth. From Athens, Paul moved on to the synagogue to the house of Justus located Corinth. At Corinth, Paul waited for the arrival immediately next door (Acts 18:7). of Silas and Timothy, who were to join him. Paul infuriated the Jews, but he never turned While Paul was waiting for his two companions, his back on them. To the time that Paul laid he continued to preach the message that had down his life, he never lost hope that one day now become his life. One of the apostle Paul’s (Romans 11:26), “…all Israel shall be saved…” most outstanding characteristics was his eager- This hope for Israel kept him close to the syn- ness to take advantage of every possible oppor- agogue even in the face of the most stringent tunity to share Christ. Paul never passed up an opposition. Acts 18:8 confirms that Paul’s opportunity to proclaim the good news of the efforts did not go completely unrewarded, for risen Saviour. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed When Paul arrived in Corinth, he chose as and became a disciple of Jesus Christ. This his temporary headquarters the Jewish syn- conversion only compounded the opposition agogue. Acts 18:4 states, “And he reasoned that the apostle Paul faced. The Corinthian in the synagogue every sabbath, and per- Jews were angered when they saw Crispus suaded the Jews and Greeks.” Before long the walking into the home of Titus Justus to hear Jews began to oppose Paul bitterly. When the Paul preach. During the night the Apostle saw opposition began, Paul moved his pulpit from a vision promising that no harm at all would

Section 1 |19 The Early Churches | Unit 6

come to him (Acts 18:9). Paul spent a year and and straining his credulity. Gallio dismissed a half preaching and teaching in Corinth. the case because of the lack of evidence against Paul. When Gallio dismissed these Jewish During Paul’s long stay in Corinth, one prob- charges, some of the Greek onlookers decided lem did occur. Acts 18:12 records that several to give the new ruler of the synagogue, Sos- Jews banded together in a united attempt to thenes, a sound beating. Gallio seems to have have Paul arrested and put out of the way. In been more amused than concerned over these an attempt to cast Paul in the role of the law- proceedings, since the only justice that Sosthe- breaker, these Jews brought a case against Paul nes received was issued against him alone. before Gallio, the proconsul. Paul was officially charged with disorderly conduct and lawless- Before the apostle Paul departed Corinth, he ness. Gallio, however, would have no part wrote two letters to the church at Thessalonica. with the arrest, because he saw through the Paul stayed in the home of Aquila and Priscilla trumped-up charges. Gallio probably had little during his time in the city of Corinth. Aquila and use for the Jews; and now the Jews were both- Priscilla then traveled with Paul as far as the ering him, wasting his time, trying his patience, city of Ephesus (Acts 18:18 and 19).

Complete the statements.

1.61 Paul went to ______from Athens. 1.62 Paul was to be joined by a. ______and b. ______. 1.63 Paul’s opposition increased greatly when the leader of the synagogue, ______, was converted. 1.64 Paul preached in the home of ______. 1.65 Paul spent ______years preaching and teaching in Corinth. 1.66 The Jews brought Paul before the proconsul ______on a charge of disorderly conduct. 1.67 When Gallio released Paul, the Greeks soundly beat the new ruler of the synagogue who was ______. 1.68 While in Corinth, Paul stayed in the home of a. ______and b. ______.

TEACHER CHECK initials date

Review the material in this section to prepare for the Self Test. The Self Test will check your mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this test will indicate you specific where restudy is needed for mastery.

20| Section 1 Unit 6 | The Early Churches

SELF TEST 1

Match these items (each answer, 2 points).

1.01 ______Antioch a. Greek god 1.02 ______Barnabas b. worshiped by citizens of Antioch 1.03 ______Ashtaroth c. site of first European missionary activity 1.04 ______John Mark d. Roman proconsul 1.05 ______Cyprus e. Paul’s companion on second journey 1.06 ______Sergius Paulus f. opposed the Gentiles 1.07 ______Bar-jesus g. first pastor of Antioch 1.08 ______Jupiter h. first European convert 1.09 ______Jerusalem Conference i. sorcerer 1.010 ______Judaizers j. accompanied Paul and Barnabas 1.011 ______Silas k. call came to Paul to go there 1.012 ______Macedonia l. located in Athens 1.013 ______Philippi m. church founded after stoning of Stephen 1.014 ______Lydia n. located in Thessalonica 1.015 ______Mars Hill o. circumcision p. first stop on first missionary journey

Complete this activity (each answer, 2 points).

1.016 Arrange these places visited by Paul in their proper order. Number 1 through 8. a. ______Cyprus b. ______Berea c. ______Troas d. ______Thessalonica e. ______Corinth f. ______Philippi g. ______Athens h. ______Perga

Section 1 |21 The Early Churches | Unit 6

Complete these statements (each answer, 3 points).

1.017 The Antioch church was founded by believers from a. ______and b. ______. 1.018 The third largest city in the Roman empire was ______. 1.019 The believers were first called ______at Antioch. 1.020 Barnabas did not go with Paul on his second missionary journey because of a dispute over ______. 1.021 The Roman name for Silas was ______. 1.022 Paul and Silas were later joined by ______. 1.023 Timothy’s grandmother was a. ______and his mother was b. ______. 1.024 Philippi was an important crossroads for both a. ______and b. ______. 1.025 Paul went to Corinth from ______. 1.026 Paul’s opposition became worse after when the leader of the synagogue, ______, was encountered. 1.027 The Jews brought Paul before the proconsul Gallio on a charge of ______. 1.028 Paul stayed in the home of a. ______and Priscilla while in b. ______.

Write true or false (each answer, 1 point).

1.029 ______The people of Lystra were convinced by some people from Derbe that Paul should be stoned. 1.030 ______The Apostles learned that God is no respector of persons. 1.031 ______Instead of moaning and complaining, Paul and Silas sang hymns and prayed while in the Philippian jail.

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