Search The Scriptures — Study 24 — Acts 13:13-43

Study 24 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 13:13-43

Paul’s journey from Paphos to Antioch involved an ascent of 3600 ft from the sea coast to a high plateau which was a flourishing region of Graeco-Roman civilization. This probably accounts for the return of John Mark, who was thus faced with more than he expected when he set out. Note also the presence in the synagogue at Antioch of two classes-Jews and God fearing Gentiles (verses 16 and 26).

1. In the first part of his address (verses 16-25), how does Paul show that the coming of Jesus was the culminating point in God’s activity in the history recorded in the Old Testament?
2.  When speaking of the resurrection (verses 30-39), what does Paul say about (a) the reasons for, (b) the Old Testament prophecies about, and (c) the result of, Jesus’s resurrection? Of what particular blessing is it a God-Given pledge? Cf. Rom. 4:25.

Note.  Verse 39. Paul here sets side by side two contrasting methods of justification: the one, by the works of the law, failing to achieve the end desired; the other, through faith in Jesus, bringing the person into the immediate blessing of full justification.  Cf. Phil. 3:6-9.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 23 — Acts 12:25-13:12

Study 23 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 12:25-13:12

And now, we are back to the book of Acts and we will stick with it until the end. Once that is done, we will study Amos & Hosea together because they are two very short books.

With the return of Barnabas and Saul to Antioch (12:25) begins the story of a great expansion of the gospel among the Gentiles.

1. What parts were played by (a) the Holy Spirit and (b) the local church in initiating the new advance? Note that the church may have been praying about possible future developments of their work when guidance came through a prophet inspired of the Holy Spirit. What does this teach you about guidance?
2. Paul and Elymas meet in a head-on clash (verses 6-12). What was (a) the cause of the clash, (b) the reason for Paul’s strong condemnation of Elymas, (c) one purpose of the judgment which visibly fell upon him? Are you as prepared as Paul to rebuke and resist direct opposition to the Lord Jesus?

Notes

1. Verses 6-8. As a court magician Bar-Jesus or Elymas feared his job would be in danger if the proconsul became a Christian.
2. Verse 9. ‘Saul, who is called Paul’: Luke changes from the apostle’s Jewish name to his Roman and gentile name to stress Paul’s special ministry as the apostle to the Gentiles which was now beginning. Note also that Paul takes over as leader from Barnabas: Cf. verse 1 with verse 13. Doubtless, because Paul was a Roman citizen, the proconsul treated him as superior to Barnabas.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 14 — Exodus 19 and 20

Study 14  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 19 and 20

We are stopping here to go back to the book of Acts and finish it. It will take us a little while before we go back to the book of Exodus again.

1. What revelation is given in these chapters concerning (a) the character of God, and (b) His purposes for His people?
2. What are the standards of worship and behaviour that God expects of His people? Try to summarize them briefly in your own words.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 13 — Exodus18

Study 13 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 18

1. Consider the parts played by Jethro, Moses and God in this chapter.  What can we learn about guidance from this?
2. What kind of men are to be chosen as rulers of the people of God?  Cf. Acts 6:1-4

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Search The Scriptures — Study 12 — Exodus 17

Study 12  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 17

1. What is the significance of the sequence of the two events recorded in this chapter?
2. What lessons are taught here about the importance of prayer and its relationship to activity in the life and witness of the church? What further lesson was Israel meant to learn from the defeat of Amalek (verses 14-16)?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 11 — Exodus 15:22-16:36

Study 11 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 15:22-16:36

1. What reason is given twice in this passage as to why God allowed His redeemed people to suffer thirst, disappointment, and hunger?  Cf. Dt. 8:2, 3; 1 Pet. 1: 6, 7
2. What response is demanded from those for whom God provides? In what ways does God’s provision test this response?

Note. 1 Cor. 10: 1-6 indicates that these experiences in the wilderness where spiritual as well as physical and material.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 10 — Exodus 14:1-15:21

Study 10 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 14:1-15:21

1. Chapter 14. What can we learn here about God, about faith, and about the completeness of God’s salvation?
2. Chapter 15. What does this song of triumph teach us about how to worship God?  How ought we to follow its example?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 09 — Exodus 12:37-13:22

Study 09  From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 12:37-13:22

1. What are the two major responses that God expects from those who are redeemed?
2. What lessons about guidance are taught in 13:17-22?

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Search The Scriptures — Study 08 — Exodus 12:1-36

Study 08 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 12:1-36

1. Why did the angel of death pass over the houses of the Israelites? How does this illustrate our redemption in Christ? Cf. 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.
2. How were the Israelites to use the lamb’s blood and its flesh? What is the New Testament counterpart of this? Why was unleavened bread used? Cf. 1 Cor. 5:6-8; 2Tim. 2:19.

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Search The Scriptures — Study 07 — Exodus 10 and 11

Study 07 From The book of Exodus Is: Exodus 10 and 11

1.      What was the outcome in Pharaoh’s life of his persistent refusal to heed God’s warnings? See particularly 10:29.

2. What lesson can we learn from Moses’s consistent refusal to compromise where God’s command was concerned? What was the source of Moses’s great courage?  Cf. also Heb. 11:27

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