Weekly Bible Study Resources

Bible Characters for Your Weekly Bible Study

Compiled by Lt Gen C. Norman Wood, USAF (Ret), Burke, VA 22015

For week of June 11 - 17, 2007

Daniel Revived with a Vision by Gabriel and Michael (Dan 9: 21,22; 10: 10-19)

TIME LINE: @535 BC

"This [9:21: the evening oblation] was the second of two lambs offered daily…, this one at 3:00P.M., a common time for prayer (Ezra 9:5)." (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

"The location and length of this final vision [10:1-11:1] in the book of Daniel, together with the lengthy preparations and ecstatic experiences that take up all of chap.10, suggest that it is intended to be the climactic experience of the book." (Ibid)

Gabriel [Gay’bree-uhl] (“champion [or strong man] of God”)

Gabriel is "one of the most prominent of [the seven] archangels in the post-exilic Jewish literature and in Christian texts, especially extra-canonical literature.” (HarperCollins Dictionary) He is “the messenger of divine comfort, Gabriel is accorded a place in Jewish theology second only to Michael.” (Who’s Who in the New Testament) “He “appears only in Dan 8:15-26 and 9:21-27, and in the NT, only in Luke 1:11-20,26-38.” (HarperCollins Dictionary)

The “champion of God” was used as a proper name to designate the angel who was sent to Daniel to explain the vision of the ram and the he-goat. "He was commissioned again to visit the prophet to give him skill and understanding, and reveal to him the prophecy of the 70 weeks (ch. 9:21- 27)." (Westminster Dictionary)

"In Luke's birth narrative Gabriel appears again in a revelatory role, announcing to Zachariah and Mary the fulfillment of eschatological hopes in the births of John, the Elijah-like forerunner of the Lord (Luke 1:11-20), and Jesus, the messianic king from the line of David (vv.26-38)." (Eerdmans Dictionary) He describes himself in the words, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God" (Luke 1: 19).

Daniel [Dan’yuhl] (Heb. “God is my judge/Judge of God”)

(Abbreviated) Daniel is the hero of the Book of Daniel, represented as a Jew in the Babylonian exile who is skilled in the interpretation of dreams and is miraculously preserved in the lions’ den. He was descended from one of the noble families of Judah, and was probably born in Jerusalem about 623 BC, during the reign of Josiah. "Although some stories about Daniel might date to earlier centuries, the book of Daniel was completed in the 2nd century BC." (Eerdmans Dictionary)

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In the second half of the book (chapters 7-12), Daniel is an apocalyptic seer, granted detailed visions of the future.

“Chapters 10-11 continue the veiled references to the history of the fourth to third centuries [BC] in chapter 8, emphasizing the aftermath of the breakup of Alexander’s kingdom and the struggle between his generals, especially that between the king of the south (the Egyptian Ptolemies) and the king of the north (the Syrian Seleucids).” (Cambridge Companion to the Bible)

Many of the tales, set in the Babylon of the 6th century B.C., were obviously written down centuries later, and in many cases, the references to Babylonian rulers are incorrect. But the stories did bear out that God was stronger than alien rulers and would take care of the faithful.

Michael [Mī’kay-uhl] (Heb. “who is like God?”)

Michael is the title given to one of the chief archangels. “In apocalyptic literature he is Israel’s patron angel, the guardian angel of the Jews, who fights for Israel against the angels of other nations.” (Oxford Guide to People & Places)

He is "first mentioned by name in Dan. 10:13,21; 12.1." (HarperCollins Dictionary) "He is 'one of the chief princes' (Dan 10:13; cf. v.21), 'the great prince who stands up' (12:1), and possibly the 'prince of the host (8:11). (Eerdmans Dictionary)

"In the NT he is the 'archangel' who disputed with the devil over the body of Moses (Jude 9)." (Ibid) His role grows in the last centuries BC and he is named as the chief adversary of the devil in the War Scroll of the Qumran community and in the books of Jude and Revelation. He is also represented as warning against "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world."

Leishman, Thomas L., “The Contribution of Jonah and Daniel to Prophetic Literature [Part I],” THE CONTINUITY OF THE BIBLE, Christian Science Journal (August 1970), p. 425.

--Though, in the prophetic Scriptures, strict chronological sequence is well-nigh impossible, the rise in thought from primitive materialistic and frequently nationalistic attitudes to higher and more spiritual ideals can readily be traced. • While many events recorded in Scripture may be difficult to verify in detail, even legends are often considered as containing a nucleus of historical fact. --As for the book of Daniel, its purpose was to encourage the Jews by recounting events taking place in Babylon during the Exile and, through the visions of Daniel, events in Palestine after it was over. --Daniel [is] referred to as an actual [character] in the Biblical record, not only in the Old but in the New Testament. --Daniel, though certainly a prophetic book, is partly an apocalypse, being intentionally obscure in the wording of much of its latter half to protect its message.

Barratt, Geoffrey J. (CSB, Associate Editor, Editor, and Contributing Editor; New York, NY), “Spiritual vision and the new century,” OUTLOOK, Christian Science Journal (January 2000), p. 7.

--This is a period when some thoughtful people are casting an eye over their own and humanity's history, perhaps as they've never done before. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 2

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 --The troubles we face are, fundamentally, inbuilt to an incorrect and unspiritual view of reality. --Christian Science reveals the elevating influence of Christ. --Man reflects the substance of Spirit, eternal good, without limit. --…animalistic notions of man must be revised. • The aim of Christian Science is not simply to fix up mortal man’s varied problems. ---It’s to help us put aside a mortal sense of man, to discover and live man’s immortal nature, which can’t be described by history or geography or demographics.

Gilman, James F., “Angels,” Christian Science Journal (August 1893), p. 212.

--Are angels realities? • SCIENCE AND HEALTH explains that "they are pure thoughts from God." ---Without question God's thoughts are real, and as such angels or "messages" have each an identity by which we may know one from another, as we know our friends in this mortal life. --Not long since an angelic group of rare beauty and symmetry, as outlined in a letter from the Founder of Christian Science to one of her students, came under the writer's notice, which he would in the interests of the general good see more widely introduced. • It was as follows: "Oh, may you feel the touch of the spiritual idea that is the light in your path! ---God gives you daily supplies. ---Never ask for to-morrow; it is enough that Love is an ever-present help, and if you trust, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment….."

Andrews, Pearl G., "Michael and Gabriel," Christian Science Journal (October 1944), p. 550.

O longing hearts that wait on God Through all the world so wide; He knows the angels that you need, And sends them to your side, To comfort, guard and guide.

--How gently dawns the comfort of this message, found in the Christian Science Hymnal, upon all humble seekers who are earnestly endeavoring to work out of the darkness of materiality into the glorious light of Spirit. --In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes (pp.566,567): "The Old Testament assigns to the angels, God's divine messages, different offices. Michael's characteristic is spiritual strength." • She adds: "He leads the hosts of heaven against the power of sin, Satan, and fights the holy wars. Gabriel has the more quiet task of imparting a sense of the ever-presence of ministering Love. These angels deliver us from the depths." --Mankind is prone to be too gentle with the so-called forces of evil, too complacent with the workings of the carnal mind. • Today there is unmistakable need for the might of Michael at our side. ---There are times when nothing but a persistent dynamic attitude of resistance will suppress and destroy the aggression and oppression of evil.

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Henniker-Heaton, Peter J. (Associate Editor), "Gabriel," POEM, Christian Science Journal (December 1932), p. 502.

Sometimes the watches of the night so slowly seem to run, Sometimes it seems that we must gain small victories, one by one. Then morning-bright, lest we despair, the blessing from above, The holy benediction falls, the voice of heavenly Love, That knows no struggling child of earth, but only man divine: Son, thou art ever with me, and all I have is thine.

Sometimes our triumphs seem so swift, sometimes our path so fair; Sometimes we only speak the word and all we ask is there….

The Fall of Ahithophel, the Pursuit by Absalom, and Unswerving Loyalty to David by Friends (II Sam 17: 1-22)

TIME LINE: @1020 BC

"The sage counselor [Ahithophel], after his first success with Absalom, does not just wait to be consulted but next offers to lead a force in immediate pursuit of an exhausted David (vv.1-3)." (Eerdmans Commentary)

King David [Dā’vid] (“beloved”)

David (youngest of brothers) = Michal (Saul’s 2nd daughter) = Ahinoam (the Jezreelitess) Amnon (eldest son) = Abigail (widow of Nabel) Chileab = Maachah (daughter of King of Geshur) Absalom (killed Amnon) Tamar Tamar (violated by Amnon) = Haggith Adonijah (4th son/eldest at end of David’s reign)) = Eglah = Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife) (infant boy died) Shimea/Shammua Shobab Nathan Solomon (youngest son) = Other wives and concubines

(Abbreviated) David exhibited many roles during his lifetime: warrior, fugitive hero, King of Judah, King of Israel, musician, and ancestor of Jesus. He was the second king of Israel, who enlarged the kingdom, moved the capital to Jerusalem, and strengthened the armed forces. In later times, David was looked on CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 4

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 as the ideal ruler who would return, or it was believed that a descendant of his would arise, to restore the kingdom of Israel. His life may be divided into three portions: His youth before his introduction to the court of Saul; his relations with Saul; his reign.

David’s story emerges primarily in the books of Samuel, concluding in I Kings chapters 1 and 2. "1 and 2 Chronicles offer quite a different version of David's life. This work is later than Samuel- Kings, composed perhaps in the fifth century [BC], and draws upon a version of those books which it revises and supplements." (Oxford Guide to People & Places)

"David…became an absolute ruler after the model of the region, and his place above the law ran counter to the sense of justice and the religious beliefs of many of his subjects….these growing feelings of discomfort came to a head during Absalom's revolt." HarperCollins Bible Dictionary)

Ahithophel [Uh hith'uh fel] ('brother of foolishness"]

Ahithophel was the "leader of Absalom's rebellion against King David." (Baker Encyclopedia)

Hushai [Hoo’shigh] (“quick, ‘the Archite,’ ‘the king's friend’”)

Hushai Baana (one of Solomon’s 12 officers)

Hushai was "a friend and wise counselor of King David (2 Sam 15:32,37)." (Who Was Who in the Bible)

When David fled from Jerusalem, on account of the rebellion of Absalom, and had reached the summit of Olivet, he there met Hushai, whom he sent back to Jerusalem for the purpose of counteracting the influence of Ahithophel, who had joined the ranks of Absalom. It was by his advice that Absalom refrained from immediately pursuing after David. By this delay the cause of Absalom was ruined, for it gave David time to muster his forces.

Absalom [Ab’suh lum] (“father of peace”)

The poignant story of Absalom concerns a remarkable king [David] caught between his duty to crush a rebellion and his love for a brilliant and wayward son [Absalom].

Absalom was the third son of King David, born in Hebron while David was king of Judah. His mother was Maacah. He was tall and handsome, with a flowing mane of hair.

He first appears as the avenger of his sister Tamar, who had been violated and then cast aside by Amnon, their half-brother and David’s first born. Absalom consoled his sister and took her into his house. He carefully waited for an opportunity, and two years later had one of his servants kill Amnon. Absalom then fled from David and was in exile for three years.

Joab, the commander-in-chief, who was his first cousin, persuaded the king to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem, but David refused to see him. After two years he was

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 reconciled with David, but Absalom was intent on wresting power from David and fostered a rebellion of different tribes. David was taken by surprise and abandoned Jerusalem, and Absalom took control of the city. “Absalom’s seizure of power could not be secure as long as King David was at large.” (Who’s Who in the Bible)

"Absalom at length marched out against his father, whose army, under the command of Joab, he encountered on the borders of the forest of Ephraim." (Baker's Encyclopedia) Absalom allowed David the time he needed to cross the river Jordan into Gilead. Absalom and his troops crossed the river in pursuit, but were driven back by David’s better trained forces. In retreat, Absalom was killed by some of Joab’s men, thus his dream of power came to an abrupt and bloody end. David was overwhelmed with grief; his throne had been saved but at a terrible price.

The High Priest Zadok [Zay'dok] ("righteous")

Aaron ⇓ Eleazer ⇓ Ahitub Zadok Ahimaaz Azariah

Zadok was a son of Ahitub, of the line of Eleazer, high priest in the time of David and Solomon. He is first mentioned as coming to take part with David at Hebron. He was probably on this account made ruler over the Aaronites.

"When Absalom revolted and David fled from Jerusalem, Zadok and all the Levites bearing the ark accompanied him." (Baker's Encyclopedia)

Zadok and Abiathar acted as high priests on several important occasions; but when Adonijah endeavoured to secure the throne, Abiathar went with him, and therefore Solomon "thrust him out from being high priest," and Zadok, remaining faithful to David, became high priest alone and held it until the fall of Jerusalem. He was succeeded in his sacred office by his son Azariah.

The High Priest Abiathar [A by’uh thar] (“father of abundance” or “my father excels”))

Eli ⇓ ⇓ Ahimelech Abiathar Jonathan

Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech the high priest. He was the tenth high priest, and the fourth in descent from Eli. When his father was slain with the priests of Nob, he escaped, and bearing with him the ephod, he joined David, who was then in the cave of Adullam. He remained with David, and became priest of the party of which he was the leader. When David ascended the throne of Judah,

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Abiathar was appointed high priest and the "king's companion.” Meanwhile Zadok, of the house of Eleazar, had been made high priest. These appointments continued in force till the end of David's reign.

"When David's son Absalom tried to take his throne by force, David was forced to leave Jerusalem. Zadok and Abiathar carried the Ark of the Covenant out of the capital city but later returned it at the command of David (II Sam 8:17; I Chron 18:16)." (Who Was Who in the Bible)

Abiathar was deposed (the sole historical instance of the deposition of a high priest) and banished to his home at Anathoth by Solomon, because he took part in the attempt to raise Adonijah to the throne. The priesthood thus passed from the house of Ithamar. Zadok now became sole high priest.

Jonathan son of Abiathar [Jon'uh thuhn] ("God is given")

Jonathan is the son of the high priest Abiathar, and one who adhered to David at the time of Absalom's rebellion (IISam 15:27,36). He is the last descendant of Eli of whom there is any record.

Ahimaaz son of Zadok [Uh him'ay az] ("brother is wrath")

Ahimaaz was the son and successor of Zadok in the office of high priest (I Chron 6:8,53). On the occasion of the revolt of Absalom he remained faithful to David, and was of service to him in conveying to him tidings of the proceedings of Absalom in Jerusalem (II Sam 15:24-37; 17:15-21). He was swift of foot, and was the first to carry to David tidings of the defeat of Absalom, although he refrained, from delicacy of feeling, from telling him of his death (II Sam 18:19-33).

"a wench"/Servant Girl of En-rogel

"When Absalom's revolt forces David to flee Jerusalem, this servant girl carries military intelligence obtained by David's spy, Hushai, from the loyal high priests (Zadok and Abiathar) to their sons (Jonathan and Ahimaaz) who were hiding in En-rogel, near Jerusalem." (Women in Scripture)

"the woman" at Bahurim

"When servants of Absalom pursue David's messengers (Jonathan and Ahimaaz), who are carrying vital military intelligence, a woman at Bahurim hides them in a well and conceals its opening with a covering strewn with grain." (Women in Scripture)

Bergenheim, Richard C. (CSB, Editor-in-Chief, and Contributing Editor; New York, NY), “David— shepherd, musician, warrior, king,” INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE: For Kids, Christian Science Sentinel (31 August 2002), p. 19. [Map Activity]

--This is the history of a brave boy who trusted in God with all his heart. David the Shepherd David and Goliath David and King Saul David Meets Abigail David becomes King --When Saul died, David became king. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 7

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 • He united the kingdoms of Judah and Israel and made Jerusalem his capital. ---David's reign was not peaceful. • There were frequent battles with neighboring tribes as well as civil wars. --Later, one of his sons, Absalom, tried to turn the people against him.

Aylwin, Alan A. (CSB and Associate Editor), "Our Hiding Place," EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel (24 June 1967), p. 1077.

--Of all human emotions perhaps fear gives us the most trouble. • Because of fear we lose peace of mind. ---Thought becomes anxious, unhappy, turbulent, excited; and these erroneous mental states then externalize themselves in various forms of physical inharmony or maladjustment to circumstances in daily life. --Fear is based on a false conception of what is real. • If we see our environment and experience as a series of material things and events, all taking place in a soulless, mechanistic universe, then we have no refuge, no place of safety, for matter and its haphazard laws seem to be normal experience and we are never sure from one moment to another what disaster will happen next.

Baldwin, Frances, "Morning Light," POEM, Christian Science Sentinel (28 August 1937), p. 1037.

Lo, morning's joy dispels the gloom of night! Sing, O my heart, in joyous gratitude For Love's inestimable gift of light, That puts all fears and falsities to flight, Declaring all that is of Truth is good.

Evil is not of Truth; 'tis rooted deep In false beliefs, and ignorance, and fear. 'Tis but an incubus—a dream of sleep, Which Truth's pure light into the void doth sweep, Revealing day, all good, and bright, and clear!

Huni, Estella Merica, "Message of the Brook," Christian Science Sentinel (20 February 1926), p. 486.

--The whole hillside rejoiced for the little brook. • The feathered folk of the forest came to drink of its cool waters, and sang their sweetest songs to its rippling accompaniment. ---Bright, happy flowers grew along its banks, gratefully reaching their roots toward it through the moist earth. • Even dull stones in its pathway appeared as gems in snowy settings of foam. ---By sunlight and by moonlight the little brook ran on, joyously, tirelessly pouring forth its crystal waters to a grateful hillside. • Such a scene might have inspired the thought expressed by our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," (p.129): "The oracular skies, the verdant earth — bird, brook, blossom, breeze, and balm — are richly fraught with divine reflection."

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Booth, W. Stuart (CSB, Lecturer, Associate Editor, CSPS Trustee, and Director), "Meeting Adverse Circumstances," EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel (2 July 1932), p. 870.

--Christian Science instructs its students so that they are not disturbed or distressed by any suggestion of delay or defeat when adverse circumstances arise in their experiences. • For in their textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p.419), Mrs. Eddy sounds a rousing, definite call in these words: "Meet every adverse circumstance as its master." ---The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science was able to write those words because she had proved by her own Christian Science demonstrations of God's power that conditions or circumstances adverse or contrary to God, Principle, and His good law, are devoid of reality. --Humanity is beset by many conditions which are so obviously adverse to good, to harmony, purity, and justice—to God—that Christian Science enables us to recognize them as being from the "adversary, the devil," and therefore utterly false and powerless.

Hornbeak, Rita Hayes, "Disarming mental malpractice," Christian Science Journal (November 1978), p. 671.

--Mental malpractice is ignorant, fraudulent, or malicious [See Mis p.51]. • Ignorant malpractice might take the form of fear or criticism—even of idolizing a personality. --In truth we are not material beings subject to materially minded attack or control, nor is there an evil power to control us. • We live in Spirit—safe. ---So does our fellowman—whether he appears humanly as friend or foe. • As we allow the divine Principle, Love, to govern us more consistently, we will not think of ourselves or others as mortals capable of malpractice. ---Through daily prayer and proof of the all-might of divine Truth, we will establish our well-being on an unshakable foundation.

Prophecy to the Disciples of Temple Destruction, and a Warning About False Prophets (Matt 24: 1-13) PARALLEL GOSPELS: Mark 13: 1-13; Luke 21: 5-19

TIME: Tuesday and Wednesday of Passion Week

"When his disciples are impressed by the apparently magnificent Temple buildings [vv.1,2], Jesus indicates that the complex will be completely destroyed." (HarperCollins Commentary)

"The war [vv.6,7] may to Matthew be the Jewish War, AD 66-70, and famine had heightened the expectations also among the Christians (see Agabus' prophecy in Acts 11:28)." (Peake's Commentary)

Disciples (See 6.3.07 notes)

Booth, W. Stuart (CSB, Lecturer, Associate Editor, CSPS Trustee, and Director), "The War That Ends Wars," EDITORIAL, Christian Science Sentinel (10 November 1934), p. 210.

--…the widespread talk about war and the increasing expenditures for armaments, together with the all too general sense of tension, fear, and suspicion now prevalent, push home the conviction that human warfare does not end war, but foments further wars. --There is, however, a war which will put an end to wars. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 9

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 • It does not entail suffering and grief, but obliterates them, for all who take part in this war are enlisted under the banner of "The Prince of Peace" and are united in singing the joyous marching song, "Onward, Christian soldiers." --If we would do our part toward furthering the cause of world peace, we must strive consistently to throw the weight of our desires, motives, thoughts, and lives on the side of God, Truth and Love.

Gross, Willis F. (CSB, Assistant Editor, President, and Lecturer), "Believe and Be Saved," Christian Science Journal (January 1924), p. 487.

--Perhaps there was never a time in the history of the world when humanity has felt more keenly the great need of a remedy for the many ills which beset mortal existence than it does now. • The hopeless invalid, the weary toiler, and the awakening sinner are crying out in their anguish, "What must I do to be saved?" ---Christian Science is able to meet the need of those who labor and are heavy-laden; and in the language of Scripture it says to all earth's weary pilgrims, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." • How simple the statement! ---And yet, who can measure the length and breadth and height and depth of its meaning? • Herein is revealed not merely a possibility or even a probability; the statement is positive that a specific result will follow.

The Persecution by Herod, and Peter's Escape from Prison (Acts 12: 1-10)

TIME LINE: Spring 44 AD at Jerusalem

"The Church was persecuted (1) by the Sadducees and chief priests, 4:1, 5:17; (2) afterwards by the Pharisees, 6:11; and now (3) by the king of the Jews. Not till later was persecution to come from the Romans." (Dummelow Commentary)

Herod Agrippa I [Uh grip'uh] ("heroic")

Antipater Herod the Great Aristobulus Herod (King of Chalcis) Agrippa I Herodias

Agrippa I was the son of Aristobulus and Bernice, and grandson of Herod the Great. He was made tetrarch of the provinces formerly held by Lysanias II., and ultimately possessed the entire kingdom of his grandfather, Herod the Great, with the title of king. He put the apostle James the elder to death, and cast Peter into prison (Luke 3:1; Acts 12:1-19). On the second day of a festival held in honor of the emperor Claudius, he appeared in the great theatre of Caesarea. "The king came in clothed in magnificent robes, of which silver was the costly brilliant material. It was early in the day, and the sun's rays fell on the king, so that the eyes of the beholders were dazzled with the brightness which surrounded him. Voices here and there from the crowd exclaimed that it was the apparition of something divine. And when he spoke and made an oration to them, they gave a shout, saying, 'It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.' But in the midst of this idolatrous ostentation an angel of God CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 10

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 suddenly smote him. He was carried out of the theatre a dying man." He died (AD. 44) of the same loathsome malady which slew his grandfather (Acts 12:21-23), in the fifty-fourth year of his age, having reigned four years as tetrarch and three as king over the whole of Palestine. After his death his kingdom came under the control of the prefect of Syria, and Palestine was now fully incorporated with the empire.

Peter [Pee'tuhr] (Gr. Petros, a "rock")

(Abbreviated) Simon Peter was the most prominent of Jesus’ twelve apostles. The Bible gives a more complete picture of Peter than any other disciple, except Paul. He is often considered to be a big, blundering fisherman and is attractive for his constant mistakes and forgiveness, his boisterous and impetuous enthusiasm, and for his good intentions and self-confidence that so soon seemed to disappear. He became one of Jesus’ closest friends and was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Part of the rhetorical structure of the Acts of the Apostles is the portrayal of both Peter and Paul as imitators of Jesus. After Jesus’ ascension, at which he “sent out” his apostles into the world, Peter at once assumed the leadership of the apostles. He suggested the choice of a replacement for Judas. The earliest information about the early church comes from the Book of Acts. “During the period of approximately fifteen years which is covered by the first twelve chapters of Acts, Peter was the dominant leader of the church. Undoubtedly the other apostles were faithful, but nine of them Acts never mentions as active individual leaders.” (Interpreter’s Dictionary) He was the first of the apostles to perform a miracle in the name of Jesus—healing the cripple at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. He conducted the defense of John and himself before the Sanhedrin, and pronounced the condemnation of Ananias and Sapphira. “When the gospel was first preached beyond the precincts of Judea, he and John were at once sent by the apostles to confirm the converts at Samaria.” (Peloubet’s Dictionary)

After remaining for some time at Caesarea, he returned to Jerusalem, where he defended his conduct with reference to the Gentiles. Next we hear of his being cast into prison by Herod Agrippa; but in the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison gates, and he went forth and found refuge in the house of Mary.

"angel of the Lord"

"ANGELS. God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality." (S&H 581: 4)

"This particular angel is portrayed as one whose coming seems to mediate the very presence of God, and at times it is hard to tell whether it is God or a separate figure who is being spoken of." (Complete Bible Handbook)

“After the ascension,” FOR KIDS, Christian Science Sentinel (24 March 2003), p. 18.

--What did Peter do after Jesus ascended? • The book of Acts tells about the years afterward, when Peter traveled and preached about Jesus. CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 11

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Raising the dead --By now there were lots more than 12 disciples. • Some of them were women. --Peter called everyone to come and see that [Tabitha] was alive. Telling everyone about Jesus --At first, Peter had been talking only to Jews. • Today, it might be said that he was prejudiced, because he thought only Jews were worthy to learn about Jesus. Escaping from prison --Teaching about Jesus wasn’t always easy, or safe. • But that didn’t stop Peter from carrying on with the work Jesus had asked him to do.

"An Angel's Touch," Christian Science Monitor (26 December 1996), p. 17.

--Angels are not mystical, winged creatures. • They are ideas that guide, guard, and comfort. --When the apostle Peter was imprisoned for preaching the Word of God, an angel freed him (see Acts, chap.12). • Regardless of whether one is in a mental or physical prison, angels can release us from bondage. ---As some people are discovering today, God's saving and instructing informants are not relegated to the past. • Inspiration from God is ever available to awaken you to a clearer perception that He is present. --Because they represent God, angel thoughts help us to structure our days so that they are safe and joyous. • Angels aid us in discerning the mental causes of human conditions.

Howe, Marion Stuart, “Peter,” POEM, Christian Science Sentinel (5 November 1927), p. 187.

AWAKE! The message rang in the prison cell; And lo, the darkness fled and “there was light”! From off his limbs the binding fetters fell, He saw a perfect freedom, man’s own right, As he responded to the call, “Arise.”

No rock-hewn walls were there to opened eyes, But straight before him was an unbarred door Through which he passed, a freeman, bound no more.

And we like Peter, too, from sleep must rise, In swift obedience don faith’s armor bright. No darkness dense is here to unclosed eyes; An angel guide is leading in the light. We, too, can find the ever open door— The Christ, which frees us now and evermore.

Lucas, Mabel C., “The Leaven of Herod,” Christian Science Journal (August 1915), p. 256.

--…the leaven of Herod was an unseen evil influence which, if taken into thought, would change or adulterate Jesus’ spiritual teaching; and the student of today, if he is to eliminate this leaven from his CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 12

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 own character-building, must guard his thought against the influence which made Herod the notable example of his time. --To the Herodian characteristics of his predecessors, Herod Agrippa added the leaven of vanity, and love of popularity along social as well as political lines. • We are told that he “stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James…with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded…to take Peter also.” (Acts 12: 1-3) ---But Peter escaped from prison, and Herod ordered his keepers to be put to death. • Then "upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration," and the people said, "It is the voice of god, and not of a man."

Percival, Peggy, "No persecutor or persecution in Love," Christian Science Journal (July 1981), p. 379.

--Have you ever felt persecuted? • Maybe you have followed your highest sense of right, only to find that others have misinterpreted your intentions? --Had Peter and the church yielded to material power and accepted a situation outside God's control, Herod might have succeeded. • But "prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." ---Those who prayed certainly must have had some insight into divine Love's supreme control over every situation or they would not have believed in the efficacy of prayer. • Also, Peter did his part in obtaining his God-given freedom. ---The Bible tells us: "The angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands." (Acts 12:5,7)

Ware, Joan Sieber, “No longer a prisoner,” Christian Science Sentinel (27 November 1995), p. 3.

--Christ Jesus healed sinners instead of condemning them. • we are not to run from or ignore evil, but to heal those who are ensnared by it. --watch against pervasive attitudes such as the tendency quickly to label those in prison: “convict,” “dangerous,” “unredeemable,” “worthless.” --As we patiently and persistently stick with the spiritual facts and commit ourselves to proving God’s perfect control and presence in our lives, progress must be seen. • When Peter was put in prison, the church members prayed without ceasing. ---The results? ---A light shone in the prison, his chains fell off, and Peter went forth to continue his work serving God (see Acts 12:5-11).

Peter Arrives at Mary's House and Is Met by Rhoda (Acts 12: 11-17)

TIME LINE: Spring 44 AD at Jerusalem

When Peter knocked at the courtyard gate, the little servant girl Rhoda heard his voice and in her excitement forgot to open the door.

"According to Jewish superstition, each person had his own guardian angel [v.15 his angel] who could assume that person's form." (MacArthur Bible Commentary)

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Peter (See above)

Mary, mother of John Mark

Levi ⇓ Mary John Mark Barnabas

Mary, the mother of John Mark, was one of the earliest of our Lord's disciples. She was the sister of Barnabas, and joined with him in disposing of their land and giving the proceeds of the sale into the treasury of the Church. Her house in Jerusalem was the common meeting-place for the disciples there. She "opened her house to the disciples to pray for the release of Peter….When Peter was miraculously released, the angel immediately delivered him to Mary's house." (Who Was Who in the Bible)

Rhoda [Roh'duh] ("a rose")

"The story of Rhoda, while not particularly flattering to women, implies their very active role [in] nurturing and maintaining the environment in which the Church grew, despite persecution." (Women in the NT)

Rhoda was a servant in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. Rhoda answered [Peter's] knock and was filled with such surprise and joy that she forgot to let him in and ran back to tell the others. Peter had to continue knocking until someone let him in (Acts 12:16)." (Who Was Who in the Bible)

Briggs, Jennie Walbridge, “Angels,” POEM, Christian Science Journal (August 1894), p. 194.

Angels are messages from God Pure thoughts sent down to man; They hover round the trustful heart And all his footsteps plan.

In every age and every clime The meek and lowly mind, These messages from God has caught And voiced them to mankind.

The wise in heart, with reverent ear The Truth from God receive, And all the hungry hearts are filled, Who on the Truth believe.

Think not O, eager, longing soul! God hides himself away, — Be pure in heart, and thou shalt hear CSDirectory.com weekly Bible Study resources http://www.csdirectory.com/biblestudy/nw-index.html 14

Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 His counsel day by day.

Ah ! not alone in the dim past, Is inspiration given; Today the world's alive with God Transforming earth to Heaven.

Shipman, Miss Emma C. (CSB, Bible Lesson Committee, Normal Class Teacher, and President), "Indestructible Relationship," Christian Science Journal (December 1952), p. 620.

--Under the marginal heading "Indestructible relationship" Mary Baker Eddy writes in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p.470): "God is the creator of man, and, the divine Principle of man remaining perfect, the divine idea or reflection, man, remains perfect. Man is the expression of God's being." • God being perfect Mind, perfect Love, what heavenly wisdom, what loving-kindness, God's man naturally expresses! ---Thus to manifest God more fully humanity must learn more of his divine nature. --Out textbook gives us a complete definition of Deity. • In the seven synonyms for God used by Mrs. Eddy—Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit, Life, Truth, Love—we discover the nature of Deity and see Him as the divine I, or Us, the one Father-Mother-God, who declared (Gen 1:26), "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." ---It is clear that man is never God and he did not assist God in creating His universe, but that man is forever essential to God as His reflection, His expression, the witness to the eternal goodness of his creator.

Till, Marguerite Scott, “Rhoda’s Steadfastness,” Christian Science Sentinel (13 July1935), p. 911.

--There is a story in the twelfth chapter of Acts, interesting alike to young and older students of Christian Science, which tells the steadfastness of a little maid named Rhoda. • The incident took place in a time when King Herod was persecuting many of the church in Jerusalem and had imprisoned Peter in the common prison. --Through the practice of his spiritual understanding of the Christ, truth, Peter had healed many people of so-called incurable diseases and of hidden sins; and therefore it is not to be wondered at that when this great evil befell him, members of the church prayed "without ceasing" for him. --We can picture Peter’s heartfelt gratitude as he followed the angel through the first and second wards of the prison and then on through the iron gate which led into the city, the gate “which opened to them of his own accord.” • Peter’s heart must have yearned for those dear ones who had prayed “without ceasing” for his release, and who would even now be waiting expectantly for his coming, for they were his first thought when he found himself free and went to Mary’s house. --But it was only the little maid Rhoda, who “came to hearken,” when he knocked upon the door, who heard his voice. • And we read that she could not open to him for gladness, but ran back into the house calling that Peter stood before the gate!

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Bible Characters for your weekly Bible study — June 11 - 17, 2007 Drake, Myrtle Tosh, “Joy,” POEM, Christian Science Sentinel (22 May 2000), p. 17.

Dear father— My joy does not depend Upon where I am Or what I do, But upon the great fact Of whether I am serving You.

Trentini, Orlando (CSB, San Paolo, BRA), "Mental emancipation through the power of God," Christian Science Sentinel (22 July 1991), p. 22.

--Christian Science explains that we…can break free of bondage, physical or mental, through a more spiritual understanding of God. • God, the divine Mind, gives man dominion. ---The spiritual selfhood of God's creating—our true identity as God's idea—is complete and infinitely supplied with all necessary resources. • Each spiritual idea is forever at one with the divine, omnipotent Mind and therefore is never limited, lacking opportunities, unemployed, alone, or in a dead-end situation. --When things around us seem grim and without an apparent solution, that is the moment we can awake and claim our spiritual identity. • Namely, that God, good, is the only true cause and that we, individually, are the conscious effect of this perfect cause.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Bibliography is provided only in the notes of the first Sunday of each month.

*The weekly Bible Lessons are made up of selections from the King James Version of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

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