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TEXT BOOK
Class 7
for Age Group
13-14

NEWED
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REVITION Published by:
EDI
CE & CI CHILDRENS
EDUCATIONAL &
God’s Word CHARITABLE
for all Children INSTITUTION
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEXT BOOK
Class-7
for Age Group 13-14
S
©1999 e
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First print (1999) 1000 copies
Second print (2003) 1000 copies b
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1
 Foreword
Sunday school is undoubtedly, one of the best media to impart
education to our children on Bible and morality. In our present
church set up, children hardly get the needed spiritual nurture
because “they need milk, not solid food.” Church services and
spiritual meetings on the average are less likely to cater to
children's needs because they are totally aimed at adults. In
Sunday Schooling, lack of streamlined study materials was the
main hurdle. In view of this setback, the Children's Educational and
Charitable Institution has taken initiative and achieved remarkable
success in preparing and publishing an exclusive set of study
materials from Pre-Nursery to class XI.
These books have received wide acceptance internationally.
Following are the reasons for its worldwide acceptance:
1. Ample of illustrations, maps and diagrams.
2. Class wise formation from Pre-Nursery to XI.
3. It does not carry any denominational clout.
May God bless this endeavour and enrich the younger generation
making in them a thorough biblical footing.

Bangalore
K.V. Mathew
1st Jan 1999 For Children's Educational and
Charitable Institution
 Preface
The Children's Educational and Charitable Institution (An
Interdenominational Regd. Trust) has taken up the responsibility
of printing and publishing of Sunday School Text books from pre-
nursery to class 11based on a common syllabus.
This is the 11th book in the series of 15 books covering the Bible
many times and helps the child understand its truth in depth
keeping with his growth.
In this book the first 20 lessons (1st and 2nd quarter) deal with the
History of Israel and a few Old Testament characters, the next
lessons from 21 to 32 bear on the Book of Acts with two lessons
from Church History.
The next is a Supplementary part on the Bible. Students will be
excited to read through the stories of the Bible how through long
and tedious processes it reached our hands.
Different exercises are given at the end of the lessons to fill in the
blanks, and answering in separate note book.
We are grateful to M/s Paul & Associates for printing the book in
time.
Invoking the Lord's special grace on our pre-teen younger
generation, may we place the book in their hands wishing well!

Delhi Pr. Sunny George

1st Jan 1999 For Children's Educational and
Charitable Institution
 Index
No. Lesson Page No.
1 Quarter
st
1. The history of Israel 06
2. The punishment upon Egypt 11
3. Exodus 14
4. Exodus - continued 18
5. Wandering forty years in the desert 22
6. Possession of Canaan 28
7. Judges 34
8. Saul and David 42
9. Solomon 46
10. The Kings 50
2nd Quarter 11. Elisha –the Prophet 54
12 Elisha- Victorious ministry 57
13. Israel - Babylonian Exile 60
14. Israel - Post exilic 63
15. Period of Silence 67
16. Israel and the world nations 70
17. Israel and the Messiah 73
18. Israel - History of 1800 years 76
19. Israel - Blossoming 79
20. Israel – Future 82
3rd Quarter 21 Book of Acts-General introduction 85
22. Holy Spirit descends 89
23. Salvation 93
24. Christ the only Saviour 97
25. Three Tenses of salvation 101
26. How to experience Salvation 104
27. Repentance, Rebirth 108
28. Baptism 113
29. Justification, Sanctification, Glorification 117
30. The Beginning and growth of the Church 124
4th Quarter 31 First Martyr 127
32. Door to Gentiles opened 131
33. Persecutions on Christian Churches 135
34. The Emperor Constantine 139
Supplements
1. Bible Translation 142
2. Bible Through Fiery Trials 146
3. Bible translated into vernaculars 150
4. Bible in India 155
5. Bible land 159
6. Palestine 164
7. Palestine main division and cities 168

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 Lesson - 1

The History of Israel

Introduction:
The Bible is neither a scientific nor a historical book. But it contains all
the needed subjects for the purpose of presenting the redemptive work
for mankind through Jesus Christ. For instance, Seth was born to Adam
when he was 130 years old. After that many sons and daughters were
born to him. But only Seth is mentioned in the Bible because of the
emphasis on the lineage of Jesus Christ.
God has chosen certain individuals, families as well as a nation in order
to produce the Messiah to the world. Among the individuals, notable
personalities are: Methuselah the longest ever lived, Enoch belonging
to the 7th generation who walked with God, Noah, the preacher of
righteousness who made the ark (belonging to the 10th generation
from Adam). Abraham, the father of believers (20th generation), Isaac
the promised son, and Jacob the Patriarch and so on.
God chose Jacob as Israel and he with his descendants migrated to
Egypt where they increased in number and strength to the tune of
lakhs. They are known as the children of Israel.

Israel in Egypt - (Gen. 45-50)

When Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob rose to the position of Prime
Minister in Egypt, he brought his father’s family (children of Israel) from
Canaan to Egypt, to settle there. They had obtained royal welcome and
privilege because of Joseph. When Jacob reached Egypt he was 130
years and after seventeen years in Egypt he died at the age of 147.
Joseph also died at the age of hundred and ten. The Israelites lived in
Egypt for 215 years and multiplied in lakhs. (See note on Page 103)

Israelites under bondage - (Exodus Ch. 1-12:40)

Now Joseph and all his brothers and their generation died but the
Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly
numerous, so that the land was filled with them. So the Egyptians came
to dread the Israelites. Then a new Pharaoh who did not know about
Joseph came to power in Egypt. He put slave masters over Israelites to

6
oppress them with forced labour. But the more they were oppressed
the more they multiplied and spread. They worked Israelites ruthlessly.
They made their lives bitter with hard labour in making brick and mortar
and with all kinds of work in the fields.
In spite of all this, the king appointed two midwives to kill all the male
children of Hebrews as soon as they were born. But they feared God
and did not do as the king had told them to do. They let the boys live.
During that long period, the Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried
out and their cry for help reached God.

The call and commission of Moses - (Exodus:3)

God appeared to Moses on the mount Horeb when he was taking care
of the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. The Lord said, “I have indeed
seen the misery of my people in Egypt. Now the cry of Israelites has
reached me and I have seen the way Egyptians are oppressing them. So
I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and
to bring them into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk
and honey.
So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites
out of Egypt. I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is
I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt,
you will worship God on this mountain”. You and the elders are to go to
Pharaoh.

Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh- (Exodus:5)

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “The God of the Hebrews
has met with us. Now let us take a three-day journey into the desert to
offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, or he may strike us with plagues or
with sword”.
But Pharaoh rebelled and said, “Who is the Lord that I should obey him
and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go”.

Oppression Hardens
Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Why are you taking the
people away from their labour? Get back to your work”. Then the king
gave this order to the slave masters and foreman of the people: “You
are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks. Let
them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the

7
same number of bricks as before. They are lazy, that is why they are
crying out about worship. Make the work harder for the men so that
they keep working and pay no attention to lies.
So the people scattered all over Egypt to gather stubble to use for
straw. The slave masters had beaten the Israelites foremen and asked.
“Why did not you meet your quota of bricks yesterday or today as before”.
The Israelite foremen realized that they were in trouble, they met Moses
and Aaron and said: “Why have you made us a stench to Pharaoh and
his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us?”
Then Moses returned to the Lord and said. “O Lord why have you brought
more trouble upon this people and you have not rescued your people
at all”.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh.
Because of my mighty hand he will let them go.

Scripture: Exodus Ch. 1-12:40

Memory verse: Isaiah 41:8-10

“But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen the
descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from
the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and
said to you, You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not
rejected you away. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,
for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I
will uphold you with My righteous right hand”

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. What was the age of Jacob when he reached Egypt?
2. For how many years did the Israelites live in Egypt?
3. Where and when did God appear to Moses?

8
4. What did Moses and Aaron tell Pharaoh?
5. What was Pharaoh’s response?

Who said to whom?

1. “Why are you taking the people away from their labour”
......................................................................................
2. “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites
out of Egypt” .......................................................................................................
3. “The God of the Hebrews has met with us” .......................................
..................................................................................................................................
4. “Who is the Lord that I should obey him and let Israel go”
......................................................................................
5. “Why didn’t you meet your quota of bricks yesterday or today as
before” ....................................................................................................................

Name the following:

1. The longest ever lived man .........................................................................
2. The man who made the ark .......................................................................
3. The father of believers ........................................
4. The patriarch of Israel ........................................
5. The man who was renamed as Israel. ...................................................
6. The man who walked with God ................................................................

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Note:
Jacob’s arrival in Egypt to the Exodus is 215 years
In one account we see, “Now the length of time the Israelites people
in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day
all the Lords divisions left Egypt”(Exo.12:40,41) This 430 years must
not be mistaken for the period of bondage. Compare with Gal.3:17
“What I mean is this: the law introduced 430 years later, does not set
aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away
with the promise”. This shows that the period of 430 years is accounted
from the date of Promise made to Abraham (at the age of 75) to
Exodus. From the day of Jacob’s arrival in Egypt to the Exodus is only
215 years.

Notice the break-up:

From Promise to the birth of Isaac- 25 Yrs. +
Birth of Isaac to birth of Jacob- 60 yrs. +
Jacob’s arrival in Egypt- at his age 130 yrs. +
215 yrs....
From Promise to Jacob’s arrival in Egypt is - 215 yrs +
From Jacob’s arrival to Exodus is - 215 yrs +
430 yrs.
So Promise to Exodus is 215 yrs +215 yrs = 430 yrs.
See another account at variance, “...Your descendants will be strangers
in a country, not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated
400 years (Gen.15:13, 18:17, Acts.7:6) Subtracting 30 years, 25+5 i.e..
promise to the day when Ishmael and Hagar expelled from Abraham’s
house, we get 400 years.]

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 Lesson - 2

The Punishment upon

Egypt
Central Truth
It is dangerous to fall into the hands of God. Repentance shown outwardly
cannot ward off God’s punishments because He searches the heart.

The miracles before Pharaoh (Ex 7:8-13)

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and as the Lord had commanded,
Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it
became a snake. Then Pharaoh summoned wise men and sorcerers and
the Egyptian magicians also did same by their secret arts. Each one
threw his staff and it became a snake, but Aaron’s staff swallowed up
their staffs. Have you noticed the difference between the miracles
performed by the magicians and the divine power. The miracles
performed by the magicians is limited to an extent. But God is almighty
and His power is unlimited.

Ten plagues
When Pharaoh saw this miracle, he only hardened his heart. Then the
Lord began sending plagues one after another upon Egypt. 1) The plague
of Blood, 2) Frogs, 3) Gnats, 4) Flies, 5) Livestock, 6) boils 7) Hail, 8)
Locusts, 9) Darkness and 10) the Death of the first born. Out of these
ten plagues, the magicians could do first two plagues in similar way. But
in spite of their attempt they could not do any of the remaining plagues.
When the magicians tried to produce gnats, they could not. Therefore,
the magicians said to Pharaoh: “This is the finger of God”. Even after
nine plagues, Pharaoh did not consider letting the people go. Then the
Lord said to Moses: “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on
Egypt”. That was the destruction of the first born, which was the tenth
and last. At midnight the 14th night of the month Abib the Lord struck
down all the first born in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the
prisoner, and the first born of all the livestock as well. All got up in the
night and there was loud wailing in Egypt. For there was not a house
without someone dead. Immediately during the night Pharaoh

11
summoned Moses and Aaron and said. “Up leave my people, you and
the Israelites. Go worship the Lord as you have requested”.
Do you know why such severe punishment came upon the Egyptians?
This was because of Pharaoh’s hardened heart and refusal of God’s
command. God’s punishment for not letting His people go for worship
was killing of the firstborn, because God had let Pharaoh know about
this well in advance. Moses and Aaron said to Pharaoh, “This is what the
Lord said, “Israel is my firstborn son-Let my son go so he may worship
me. Otherwise I will kill your firstborn”.
But see Pharaoh’s haughty reply, “Who is the Lord that I should obey
Him and let Israel go? I do not know Lord and I will not let Israel go”.
When minor punishments were coming upon Egypt through each plague,
Pharaoh had good opportunity to change his hardened heart and escape
the death of the firstborn. Instead of changing his heart, Pharaoh kept
hardening. For instance, at the second plague of Frogs, Pharaoh was
very much troubled and he called Moses and Aaron and said:
“Pray to the Lord to take the Frogs away from me and my people” (Ex
8:8-89) Then Moses asked, “When shall I pray?
Pharaoh replied: Tomorrow
For obtaining God’s favour and forgiveness, ‘Today’ is fixed by God, not
tomorrow.
He says:
“If you hear his voice today
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion”. (Heb 3:15)
“Now is the time of God’s favour,
Now is the day of salvation”. (II Cor 6:2)
Therefore, whenever we hear the word of God, we must obey it right
then instead of postponing for ‘tomorrow’. The word of God clearly tells
us about the grave danger lying in postponement: So that none of you
may be hardened by the sin’s deceitfulness” (Heb 3:13).
For instance, when we read or hear the word of God we may be pricked
in our conscience about some of our bad habits such as smoking, chewing
pan, taking drinks and drugs, viewing immoral cinemas and T.V. serials
etc. The Holy Spirit will inspire us to leave all such immoral practices
12
then and there. But devil will deceive us to go ahead a little further and
then stop it. If you yield to such evil deceptions, gradually you will be
hardened and become an addict. You will never be able to rid of such
habits which ultimately will ruin your health, study, peace of mind, family
life, even worse yet, the eternal life also.
Nowadays we find a number of brilliant students in colleges and High
schools, who are addicted to drugs. At first they began taking it on
others’ initiative, gradually they become completely addicted. They
cannot come out or get rid of it. They lose their health interest in studies
and become so desperate that they end up their lives at the young age
shattering all aspirations of their parents and themselves.
“Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts”

Memory verse: Isaiah 55:6-7

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He
is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy
on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. What miracle was performed by Aaron before Pharaoh?
2. What was the effect of the miracle on Pharaoh?
3. Which were the ten plagues sent by Lord upon Egypt?
4. How many of these could the magicians do?
5. After which plague did Pharaoh leave the Israelites for worship?
6. Why did severe punishment come upon the Egyptians?
7. When should we obey the word of God?
8. What happens if we postpone in obeying the word of God?

Q
13
 Lesson -3

Exodus
Central Truth
The word ‘Exodus’ means ‘going out’ (of Egypt). The transfer of Israelites
from Egypt was masterminded by God. He guided them, fought for
them, fed them and took care of every situation. This history teaches us
so many spiritual lessons for our life today.

Introduction
Christian life is a life of faith. Faith and obedience must go hand in
hand. We are pilgrims on this earth. Our destination is the Promised
Land up yonder. During our journey we have to face many hardships
trials and afflictions. Only if we overcome all these trials and lead a
victorious life, can we enter the Promised Land. If we begin to go on our
own, we cannot live victoriously; but we must fully depend upon God.
We have several spiritual lessons to learn from the experiences of their
journey.

The Passover - (Ex 12:1-28)

As God had commanded, the people of Israel observed the Passover on
14th of Abib the first month. Since they had sprinkled the blood of the
Passover lamb on the lintels and doorposts, they had escaped from the
destroyer of the firstborn. On 15th the Israelites left Egypt (Rameses)
with all their belongings.
In order for the Israelites to reach Canaan there was a shorter way
through the Philistine countries. But God led them around through
another desert road towards the Red sea. In our life also, quite often we
may find some routes shorter and easier. But God may be leading us
through perhaps seemingly longer and more difficult ways. For God
says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways are
my ways”. (Isa 55:8)

Crossing the Red sea - (Ex 14:1-31)

The Israelites travelled and reached near the Red sea and encamped at
Pihahiroth. Then Moses lifted up the rod and stretched out his hand

14
over the sea as commanded by God. The sea waters divided and stood
like walls on both sides and Israelites walked upon the dry land. When
they had crossed the sea, Moses again stretched his hand over the sea
and the water returned and drowned Pharaoh and his army who hastened
after the Israelites. Now see the way of God; once they crossed the sea,
the enemies could not reach them nor they could return to Egypt;
Paul the apostle says: “Our fore-fathers were all under the cloud and
they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses”. (I
Cor. 10:1-2).

Water from the rock - (Ex. 15:22-25, Ex. 17:1-7)

After crossing the Red sea, they went through the desert without water
for three days. When they came to Marah they found water. But it was
so bitter that they could not drink it’ When Moses threw a tree into the
water as God said, the water became sweet. However, at Elim they found
twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees.
In our Christian life we may have bitter experiences but the presence of
the Tree of life, Jesus Christ, makes them sweet. Moreover, our Marah
will not be lasting long but ends at Elim, where the life giving springs
and joyful palms are present.
When they reached Rephidim, they again faced the problem of water
scarcity. Then the Lord commanded Moses to strike the rock. When he
did it, immediately water came out abundantly. The water resembles
the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Jesus says: “Indeed the water I give you will
spring up into everlasting life”. (Jn 4:14).
Paul the apostle further says about it: “And they drank the same spiritual
drink for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them and
that rock was Christ”. (I Co 10:4).
Remember what the Lord commanded the Israelites: “Take a three day
journey into the desert to worship me” These three days represent three
spiritual experiences that a worshipper must go through. The first day-
Passover (redemption from the bondage of Egypt i.e., sin); the second
day-crossing the sea (Baptism in water); the third day-drinking from the
rock (baptism in the Holy Spirit).

Manna - The Bread of Life

Their stock of food grains was exhausted when they came to the
wilderness of Sin. Then God rained manna from heaven. It tasted like

15
wafers made with honey (Ex 16, 31). We too have manna for our spiritual
nourishment. It is the word of God which is sweeter than the honey and
honey comb (Ps 19:10). We must always take nourishment from the
Word of God.

Quails - (Nu 11:1-8, 31-35)

Although the manna was very tasty and abundantly available, they craved
for meat. It had displeased the Lord. Yet, God caused a powerful wind to
blow which brought quails from the sea. The people gathered them as
much as they wanted (Nu 11:31). When the manna resembles the word
of God, the quails resemble our fleshly desires.
The Psalmist says: “Blessed is the man who delights in the law of God,
and meditates on it day and night “(Ps 1:2). We are not supposed to
delight or enjoy in the worldly entertainments such as cinema, drama,
dance, comic, filthy magazines, novels etc.

War with Amalek - (Ex 17:8-14)

When the Israelites had camped at Rephidim, there came Amalekites to
fight against them. Then Moses sent Joshua to the battlefield and Moses
stood on the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. When
Moses held up his hand, the Israelites prevailed and when he lowered
his hand, the Amalekites prevailed. Therefore, Aaron and Hur supported
his hands on the left and right. Thus Israelites got victory over Amalekites.
When we begin to grow spiritually, we may face Satan’s attack. In order
to overcome the enemy the hands of prayer must always be lifted up.
When our hands become weary, we need the hands of fellowship from
our brethren.
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”
(Eph. 6:18)

Scripture: Psalm 78:13-43

Memory verse: John 6:35

“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes
to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never
thirst”.

16
 EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:

Fill in the blanks

1. Christian life is a life of ................................................................................
2. Faith and .............................must go hand in hand
3. We are ....................................................................... and
...................................................................................... on this earth
4. Our destination is the .............................land
5. We can lead a victorious life only if we ........................... all the
trials.

Answer the following questions:

1. How did the waters of Red sea divide?
2. What did the Israelites find at Elim?
3. How was the problem of water scarcity solved at Rephidim?
4. How did the water of Marah become sweet?
5. What does the three days journey represent?
6. To what does Manna and Quails resemble?
7. How could the Israelites get victory over Amalikites?

17
 Lesson - 4

Exodus - continued
Central Truth
“What other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and
laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” (Dt 4:8).

Introduction:
The divine purpose in bringing the Israelites to the wilderness was to
prepare them as a great and holy nation. When they were in Egypt
under bondage they had not been organized as a nation with laws and
disciplines for social as well as religious life.

At mount Sinai
In the third month of their departure from Egypt, the Israelites reached
the wilderness of Sinai and camped near Mount Sinai. The Lord called
Moses and said to him; “Consecrate (purify) the people today and
tomorrow, and let them be ready by the third day for on the third day I
will come down upon mount Sinai in the sight of all the people (Ex
19:10-11). Moses did so.
On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightning and
a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. All the
people in the camp trembled. Then the Lord descended upon Mt. Sinai
in fire and was wrapped in smoke. There God spoke His commandments
to the people, and they admitted to obey these Commandments.
Again, God called Moses to the mountain. He was there for forty days
and forty nights. There God gave Him detailed instructions concerning
the tabernacle, priesthood, sacrifice, code of conduct etc. This is called
‘Mosaic’ covenant. When Moses came down to the camp, with stone
tablets of commandments, the people had made a Golden Calf and
started worshipping it. Thus they broke the f irst and second
commandment.
Now let us turn to the New Covenant that Jesus Christ gave. Instead of
giving a written law, He gave us the Holy Spirit, the Counselor to be with
us forever. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth that guides us into all
truths. (Jn 14:16 16:13).

18
The Lord came down on Mount Sinai on the fiftieth day for giving the
Law. The Holy Spirit descended on earth on the fiftieth day (the day of
Pentecost) from Jesus’ resurrection.
The Old covenant demanded “to hear and obey” which failed on the
very first day. But in the New Covenant, the indwelling Spirit guides us
to do the will of God.

At Kadesh Barnea
The people of Israel set out from Horeb (Mt. Sinai) and went towards
the hill country of the Amorites and reached Kadesh Barnea. Then Moses
said to them: “See the Lord your God has given you the land, Go up and
take possession of it as the Lord told you. Do not be discouraged”. But
the Israelites came to Moses and said: “Let us send some men ahead to
spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are
to take and towns we will come to”. (Dt 1:22).
Was it necessary to spy out the land? In fact, this was not in the will of
God. But God had commanded at Horeb: “You have stayed long enough
at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the land of the
Canaanites. See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession
of the land that Lord swore he would give to our father”. (Dt 1:6, 8). In
spite of getting this clear commandment from the Lord, they had hatched
the plan of spying out the land in advance. This was due to their doubt
and disbelief.
As we try to know God’s will we must understand that in everything God
has His ‘perfect will’ and ‘permissive will’. When we keep insisting to God
on any particular thing, He may grant it as per His permissive will. But
that will not work for our good.

Spying out Canaan

Again the Lord said to Moses: “Send twelve leaders, one from each
tribe, to explore the land of Canaan”. (Nu 13:1). Thus they set out to
Canaan and reached the valley of Eshkol and they cut off a branch
bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole
between them along with some pomegranates and figs. At the end of
forty days they returned from exploring the land to Moses and Aaron at
Kadesh. Out of the twelve men, ten had given a bad report as follows:
“We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with
milk and honey! But the people who live there are powerful and the

19
cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak
there. We seemed like grass-hoppers in our own eyes, and we looked
the same to them”. (Nu 13:27-33)
But the other two, Joshua and Caleb said to the entire Israelites assembly:
“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the
Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land and will give to us.
Only do not rebel against the Lord. Because the Lord is with us, do not
be afraid of the people of the land”. (Nu 14:6-9)
Instead of heeding to the positive and correct report of Joshua and
Caleb, the people listened to the false and negative report of the majority,
and they all raised their voice and wept aloud that night. They grumbled
against Moses and Aaron and said: “If only we had died in this desert!
Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?
Our wives and children will be taken as plunder”. (Nu 14:1-4).

The Lord said

“I have heard your grumbling against me. I will do to you the very thing
I heard you say. In this desert your bodies will fall. Not one of you will
enter the Promised Land except Caleb and Joshua. As for your children
that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy
the land you have rejected. For forty years you will suffer for your sins
and meet your end in this desert”. (Nu 14:27-35).
See the consequences of their mistake in spying out the land and
disbelieving the right report of Joshua and Caleb!

Memory verse: Psalm 95:10

For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It
is a people who go astray in their hearts.

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 EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. What did the people have to do for the Lord to appear on the
mount Sinai?
2. How did the Lord appear on Sinai?
3. What is Mosaic covenant?
4. What is the New covenant?
5. Where did Moses send out spies from?
6. Distinguish the variety of God’s will?
7. What was the report of the ten spies?
8. What did Joshua and Caleb report?
9. What was the consequence of hurriedly spying out the land and
disbelieving God?

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 Lesson -5

Wandering
Forty years in the desert
Central Truth
Though God saved Israel from Egypt afterward He destroyed those who
did not believe. On God’s part salvation is cent percent guaranteed. But
each individual’s trust and faith on God must not be overlooked.

Introduction:
The whole assembly of Israelites was redeemed from the bondage of
Egypt by the blood of the Passover Lamb, all were baptized in the cloud
and in the sea, and all drank water from the rock. Yet, God was not
pleased with most of them. Their bodies were scattered over the desert.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as
warning for us.” (I Co 10:1-12). Therefore, we also must be very careful in
our deeds, words and life even though we are saved. Let us see how the
rebellious Israelites were destroyed in the desert.

Golden Calf - at Sinai

When the people of Israel reached the wilderness of Sinai under the
leadership of Moses, God called Moses to the Mount-Sinai. He was there
forty days and forty nights, during which period God gave the Ten
Commandments.
When Moses came down from the top of the mountain with the stone
tablets of law, the people had begun worshipping a golden calf made
by Aaron. Then Moses was angry because they had broken God’s law no
sooner than it was given. Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and
said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me”. And all the Levites rallied to
him. Then Moses said to them:
“Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the
camp from one end to the other each killing his brother and friend and

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neighbour”. They did so; and that day about three thousand of the idol
worshippers died (Ex 32:15-28).

The first census

On the first day of the second month of the second year after the
Israelites came out of Egypt, the Lord spoke to Moses; “Take a census of
the whole Israelites community by their clans and families”. So Moses
counted them in the desert of Sinai.
(i) “All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in
Israel’s army were counted according to their families. The total
number was 6,03,550. The families of the tribe of Levi, however were
not counted along with the others, because they were separated for
the service in the Tabernacle. (Nu 1:45-50).
(ii) The Levites were counted separately. The total number of Levites
including every male a month old or more was 22,000.
(iii) All the first born Israelite males who were a month old or more. The
total number of the firstborn male a month old or more was 22,273.
(Nu 3:40-43).
(iv) All the Levites from thirty to fifty years of age, who came to do the
work of carrying and serving the Tent of meeting numbered 8,510
(Nu 4:47).

Punishment of bad reports - (Nu 14:26-38)

“The men Moses had sent to explore the land, who returned and made
the whole community grumble against Him by spreading a bad report
about it were struck down and died of a plague before the Lord”.

The Rebellion of Korah - (Nu 16:1-35)

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, along with other two hundred and fifty leaders
rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. The Punishment
that they received for this sin was very strange. The ground under them
split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed Korah, Dathan,
Abiram along with their households and all Korah’s men and all their
possession. They went down alone into the grave. Hearing their cries;
others fled shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!.” They were
not spared; but fire came out from the Lord and consumed all the 250
leaders who were with Korah in the rebellion. The next day the whole
Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron as if they had

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killed the people. Then the Lord sent a plague by which 14,700people
died in addition to those killed by fire. (Nu 16:49)

The Budding of Aaron’s Rod (stick)(Nu 17)

In order to confirm the leadership of Moses and Aaron, God wanted to
prove it before the people through a very simple test. God said that
twelve sticks must be brought, one for the leader of each of the tribe,
and the name of each man be written on it. Then the rods must be
placed in Tabernacle”. The test was this: ‘The rod belonging to the man
God chose would sprout”.
Accordingly the leaders gave Moses twelve rods, one for the leader of
each of their tribes, and Aaron’s rod was among them. Moses placed
the rods before the Lord. The next day Moses saw that Aaron’s rod had
not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

The Death of Miriam

When the Israelites reached Kadesh, Miriam the elder sister of Moses
died and was buried there. (Nu 20:1)

The Water of Meribah - (Nu 20:1-13, Dt 1:37)

At Kadesh again they faced the problem of water. The Israelites began
to grumble against Moses and said: “Why did you bring us up out of
Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or
pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!”
So Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance of the
Tabernacle and fell face down. Then the Lord said to Moses: “Take the
rod and you and your brother Aaron speak to the rock before their eyes
and it will pour out its water”.
Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the
rock and Moses said to them. “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you
water out of this rock?
“Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff.
Water gushed out.” (Nu 20:11)
Moses struck the rock twice against God’s commandment to speak to it,
that displeased the Lord. Therefore the Lord said to Moses and Aaron:
“Because you did not obey my commandment, you will not enter the
Promised Land”. Notice the consequence of mistake even if it be found
in Moses the leader!

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Aaron’s Death
As the Lord commanded Moses, Aaron and his son Eleazer went up the
mount Hor where Moses removed Aaron’s priestly garments and put
them on his son Eleazar. Aaron died there at the age of 123. This was on
the first day of the fifth month of fortieth year after the Israelites came
out of Egypt. (Nu 20:28; 33:38, 39).

The Bronze Serpent - (Nu 21:4-9)

After the Israelites started out from the Mount Hor, and continued their
journey, they got wearied by travelling and spoke against Moses and
God. “Why have you brought us up to die in the desert? “There is no
bread! There is no water! And we dislike this light bread (manna)”.
Then the Lord was angry with them and punished them by sending
fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many
Israelites died. Therefore the people repented of their guilt. So Moses
made a bronze serpent and put it upon a pole, and said to the people:
“Anyone who is bitten by the serpent can look at it and live”.

Idol-Worship at Shittim
Although the Israelites were once punished for idol worship at Sinai,
they again started it at Shittim because of their intermarriage with
Moabite women. Seducing the Israelites to the Moabite women was a
trick cunningly played by Balam, the Gentile prophet (Nu 25:1-3, Rev
2:14, Jude 11).
So the Lord was angry with Israelites and plague came upon them by
which twenty four thousand people died.

Second Census - (Nu 26:2, 51)

The Lord said to Moses and Eleazar: “Take a census of the whole Israelite
community by families-all those twenty years old or more who are able
to serve in the army”.
When the census was taken, the total number of the men of Israel was
Six Lakh One Thousand seven hundred and Thirty. This census was
necessary for the allotment of the land to the people based on the
number of names. Notice the fact that it makes only a slight difference
of the number of people one thousand eight hundred twenty between
the first and the second censes-in a span of forty years.

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The Death of Moses - (Dt Ch 34)
Moses climbed mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah. There the Lord showed
him the whole land of Canaan (Promised Land). Then the Lord said to
him, “I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not enter that
land”. Moses died there at the age of 120. The Lord buried him in Moab,
in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his
grave is.

Memory Verse: Psalm 78:15-17

He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink
abundance like the depths. He also brought streams out of the
rock, and caused waters to run like rivers. But they sinned even
more against Him. By rebelling against the Most High in the
wilderness.

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. Why did Moses become angry when he came down from the top
of the mountain?
2. What did Moses ask the Levites to do?
3. Why were Levites not counted along with the other people?
4. What happened to the men who brought bad reports after
exploring the land?
5 How did God confirm the leadership of Moses and Aaron?
6. Why were Moses and Aaron prevented from entering the prom-
ised land? What was their disobedience?

Write the numbers for the following

1. The idol worshippers who were killed by the Levites
2. Number of people at the time of first census
3. Total number of Levites
4. Total number of firstborn males

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5. Number of rebellious leaders who were consumed by fire
6. People who were killed by plague
7. Age of Aaron at the time of his death
8. Number of people at the time of second census

Name the following

1. The tribe which was not counted with others
2. The 3 rebellious men who were swallowed by the earth
3. The person whose staff sprouted
4. The place where Miriam died
5. The son of Aaron
6. The place where Aaron died
7. The prophet who cunningly seduced Israelites to the Moabite
women
8. The place where Moses was buried.

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 Lesson - 6

Possession of Canaan
Central Truth
God is faithful in his promises. If we have absolute faith and implicit
obedience to God we can inherit His blessings.

Introduction
When Moses brought the Israelites to the plains of Moab he died. Did
he enter Canaan? No, do you know why He did not enter Canaan? The
reason was that Moses struck the rock disobeying God’s instruction to
command the rock at Meribah (Nu 20:12; 32:51, 52)
It was not just Moses only who did not enter Canaan. But all the Israelites
who started out from Egypt except Joshua and Caleb, had died in the
desert. A new generation under the leadership of Joshua entered Canaan
and possessed their inheritance in the land. Let us study about it in this
lesson. Dt. 34:8, Jos 1:26-6).

Joshua
The name Joshua is the Hebrew form of Jesus. It means: “The Lord is
our Saviour”. Joshua was the son of Nun from the tribe of Ephraim (Nu
13:8). It was Moses who changed his name into Joshua (13:16). Joshua
had obtained training under Moses to lead the people. See how he
developed into a leader.
1. Joshua was Moses’ young aide (Ex 33:11; Nu 11:28)
2. A brave warrior (Ex 17:9).
3. A good prince who explored the land and gave a good and positive
report (Nu 13:1; 14:6-9).
4. Was filled with the spirit of wisdom (Dt 34:9).
Of those who started out from Egypt above twenty years of age, only
Joshua and Caleb entered Canaan.
The Lord entrusted Joshua with the leadership of Israel after Moses.
Their first step to enter Canaan was crossing of the over flowing river
Jordan. The Priest who carried the Ark of the covenant on their shoulders

28
went ahead. When their feet touched the edge of water in Jordan, it
stopped flowing and piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town
called Adam (16 miles northward). Then all Israel passed by and crossed
it on dry ground into the land of Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites,
Girgassites, Amorites and Jebusites. Joshua defeated these people and
divided the land among the tribes of Israel. (Jos 3:9-17)

At Gilgal - (Jos 5:2-9)

After crossing Jordan, the Israelites camped at Gilgal. During their forty
years journey they had not been circumcised. Therefore, all their males
had got circumcised and thus the reproach of Egypt was rolled away
from them (Gilgal-Roll). After circumcision, they had observed Passover
there. The next day they began gathering the crops from the land and
then onwards the supply of manna had ceased. From Gilgal Joshua
began his conquest.
One of the most important cities of Canaan was Jericho. Joshua had
appointed two men to explore that place. When the two men went to
Jericho, Rahab, a harlot, had received them into her house. Though she
was a harlot of the city, she had faith on God’s deliverance as well as on
God’s people.
We can very well understand her faith from her own words. She told the
spies: “I know that the Lord has given this land to you”. So when the
king of Jericho wanted the spies to be delivered to him, she had hidden
them and let them down by a rope through the window. Also she
requested them to show kindness to her family. The two men instructed
her to tie a scarlet chord in the window and all who belonged to her
must be inside the house. She obeyed them. When Jericho was besieged
by Joshua and his men, Rahab the prostitute and all who belonged to
her were spared. (Jos 2:8-20; 6:23; Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25).

The fall of Jericho - (Jos Ch. 6-8)

Gilgal is in the middle east of Canaan. Jericho and Ai are two cities near
Gilgal. The Israelites conquered these places at first. Now Jericho was a
well-fortified and strong city. But the way Israel conquered the city was
very simple-without any weapons of war. According to God’s
commandment they marched round the city seven days and on the
seventh day seven times. The priests sounded a long blast and the people
shouted. Then the wall of Jericho fell automatically. The Israelites entered
the city and killed all by the sword except Rahab and her family.

29
All in the city were pronounced ‘devoted’ to God. Silver, gold and articles
of bronze and iron, were to be put into the treasury of the Lord’s house.
But Achan who belonged to the tribe of Judah stole some of the devoted
things and buried them inside his tent. The things that Achan stole
were:
1. A beautiful Babylonian cloak.
2. Two kilograms of silver
3. A bar of gold weighing over half a kilogramme.
As the result of Achan’s sin, the whole Israelites suffered the consequence.
The next war of Israel was with Ai, a small city. But they had been defeated
by the men of Ai. Do you know why? In all the preceding wars it was
God who fought for them. But here the Lord was angry with Israelites
for Achan. After their defeat, Joshua and his men found out the sinner
(Achan) and they took him to the valley of Achor and stoned him to
death. Then the Lord was no longer furious. Eventually they attacked
the men of Ai and defeated them easily. The Lord will not accompany
you and make-you successful if there is sin in you. For God’s help and
blessings, we must rid ourselves of all impurities and sins.

Preparation for the Second war

Before going to the second war, Joshua gathered all the people both
young and old at Shechem. The place was an expanse of land between
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Half the people stood with their backs
to Mount Gerizim and the other half with their backs to Mount Ebal.
Joshua then read aloud the whole Law including the blessings and the
curses. (Jos 8:33, Dt 11:29-30)

The Gibeonites deceive Joshua

The victories of Israel became known to all people. When the Gibeonites
came to know about them, they tried to make a treaty of friendship
with Israel. The Gibeonites lived six miles north of Jerusalem whereas
they told a lie to Joshuathat they had come from a very distant land.
They were afraid if they told they lived nearby, the Israelites would kill
them. Anyhow Joshua made treaty with them before asking the Lord
about it. Three days after the treaty had been made, the Israelites learnt
that the Gibeonites did indeed live nearby. Since the Israelites leaders
had already sworn an oath to them, they could not do anything to the
Gibeonites. Therefore the Israelites let them live. But they had to serve
Israel by cutting wood and carrying water for the whole community of

30
Israel, (Jos 9:23). Do you know how Israel was deceived? They did not
inquire of the Lord, and that is how (Jos 9:14). We must never jump out
for anything before we know God’s will.

Another battle on the south - (Jos 10)

When the kings of Amorites heard the Gibeonites had made treaty with
Joshua and Israel, they came to attack Gibeonites. Due to the request
of Gibeonites Joshua fought for them. The enemies began to flee for
life. The Israelites pursued them and killed all of them. Moreover, the
Lord sent hail storms and destroyed a good number of people . The
kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. Later Joshua struck
the kings and hanged them on the tree.
It was during this battle that the sun stood still according to Joshua’s
desire. For winning a complete victory it was necessary for the day to be
lengthened (Jos 10:12). The American scientists who made the research
of the revolution of the solar system found out that some hours were
missing in its orbits. A Christian scientist pointed out this fact from the
Bible-the miraculous lengthening of the day in Joshua’s time.

The third battle on the north

This battle took place on the bank of the Lake Merom. A few people
from the south and all the people in the North came to fight against
Israel. They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses
and chariots (11:4). Jesephus the historian has recorded that there were
three lakhs in their infantry and twenty thousand in their cavalry. In this
battle there was no miracle performed. In a quite common way, the
Israelites defeated them. In this battle they had won victory over five
Canaanite nations (11:3). Thus Israelites had defeated all the nations
that dominated in the north, south and middle of Canaan. Yet some of
the nations perpetuated here and there. Besides, Philistines, Sidonites
and Lebanonites etc., remained still to be conquered (13:2-5; 15:63, Jdg.
1:19, 21; 27-31, 35).

The Promised Land divided among the tribes

(Josh. 18 &19)
The two and half tribes such as, Gad, Reuben and half of the tribe of
Manasseh obtained their share in the land east of Jordan. This allotment
was already decided at the time of Moses (Nu 32).
The tribes of Judah received the eastern part of Canaan. Caleb of the

31
tribe of Judah asked for and obtained the inheritance. The fertile land
on the north and south of Shechem was given to Ephraim and Manasseh.
The remaining area of land was distributed on the basis of lots. The
Levites were not given their share. For them, about 48 cities and a few
pasture lands were reserved. These areas were not in one place but
were scattered among other tribes (Ch. 21).

Cities of refuge - (Jos 20:1-9; Dt 19; Nu 35:1-8)

There were six cities of refuge designated so that anyone who killed a
person accidentally and unintentionally could flee there and f ind
protection. Three of them were east of Jordan (Benzer, Ramoth and
Golan) and three on the west (Kadesh, Shechem, Hebron). There were
sign posts leading to such centres of refuge (Dt 19:3). Christ is the centre
of refuge for all the sinners Heb. 6:13).

The last days of Joshua - (Jos 23, 24)

According to God’s will, Joshua attacked and conquered Canaan, divided
it and gave each tribe their inheritance. The cities and pastures were set
apart for the Levites. Cities of refuge were also designated. And the
Tabernacle was erected at Mizpah. Thus Joshua brought rest to the
land. (Jos 21:43, 45). Joshua is an Old Testament type of Christ. Only in
Christ can we find the true rest. (Heb 4:8)
When Joshua was well advanced in age, he called all the elders and
leaders of the Jews and convinced them of the wonderful ways in which
God led the Israelites and the necessity of serving the Lord God. He also
let them know about his decision that, “As for me, I and my whole
household will serve the Lord (24:15). Then they also made the decision
that they would serve the Lord (24:18). After-wards Joshua died at the
age of hundred and ten. (110).

Scripture: The book of Joshua, Deuteronomy-3:28,29

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 32:8-9.

“When the most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He
divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples
according to the number of the sons of Israel. For the Lord’s
portion are His people Jacob His allotted inheritance”.

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 EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. Which were the nations that dominated Canaan?
2. What happened at Gilgal?
3. How did Israelites conquer Jericho?
4. Why did Israel get defeated by Ai?
5. What are the miracles that took place during the battle with the
Amorites?
6. What was the deception of Gibeonites? What was its result?
7. How was Canaan divided among the tribes?
8. What is meant by the cities of refuge? Which are they?
9. What was the last message of Joshua?

Name the following

1. The father of Joshua
2. The tribe of Joshua
3. The river crossed by Israelites just before entering Canaan.
4. The city which was conquered by marching around it.
5. The harlot who helped in conquering Jericho
6. The man who stole the devoted things
7. The valley in which Achan was stoned to death
8. The centre of refuge for all sinners.

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 Lesson - 7

Judges
Central truth:
God never leaves sin unpunished. He will restore those who repent and
turn back to God in tears. God’s people must not be unequally yoked
with the unbelievers but be very careful to keep themselves pure.

Introduction:
Judges are the leaders whom the Lord raised from time to time for
delivering the Israelites from the enemies ruling over them. They can be
called kings in a sense. The period of Judges spans about two hundred
years stretching from the death of Joshua to the time of King Saul.
During this period about fifteen Judges had ruled Israel. About thirteen
of them we have mentioned in the book of Judges and about two Judges,
we find record in the first chapters of 1 Samuel. See their names in
chronological order below:
1. Othniel 9. Jephthah
2. Ehud 10. Ibzan
3. Shamgar 11. Elon
4. Deborah and Barak 12. Abdon
5. Gideon 13. Samson
6. Abimelech 14. Eli
7. Tola 15. Samuel
8. Jair

The need for the Judges

The condition of the people of Israel after the death of Joshua demanded
the leaders very badly. The following are the reasons why it was so.
1. After the whole generation of Joshua had passed away, another
generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord, nor what the Lord
had done for Israel (Jdg. 2:10).
2. In those days Israel had no king, everyone did as he saw fit (Jdg.
17:6).

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3. The Israelites did not remove Canaanites completely from the land
but used them as slave workers (2:19-25).
4. The Philistines, Sidonites and Lebanonites were not conquered (3:1-
5).
These things turned to be dangerous for Israel later. When the nations
left to continue in the land prevailed, they fought against Israel and
conquered them. Thus the Israelites would often be tortured by their
internal enemies. Such nations that were allowed to continue in the
land had become thorns in their sides”. (Nu 33:55).
Moreover, there were more chances for the Israelites to displease the
Lord by worshipping other gods of the Gentiles. “Their gods became a
snare to them”. (Jdg. 2:3).
When the Israelites displeased the Lord by their evil deeds, God would
hand them over to their enemies who strangled them. When they would
cry for God’s help, He would raise Judges to rescue them. The Judge
would defeat their enemies and rule over them. Then there would be
rest in the land. The battles during the time of Judges were not affecting
the whole of Israel but they were confined within the attacked tribes.

The Judges of Israel

1. Othniel
He was of the tribe of Judah, and son of Kinas, Caleb’s younger brother.
Being called on by Caleb, Othniel conquered the city of Kiriath-Sepher.
So Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him in marriage. Later Othniel
became a judge over Israel (Jdg. 1:12-13, 3:9-11).
When Israel served other gods and idols, God left them into the hands
of the people of Mesopotamia who tortured them. When they cried to
the Lord for help, He raised Othniel as their rescuer. Othniel won over
the enemy and Israel had peace for forty years.

2. Ehud
He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, and was a left handed man. Israel
was defeated by Eglon the king of Moab with the help of Ammorites
and Amalekites! He ruled over Israel eighteen years. But Ehud killed
Eglon with the specially made two-edged sword. Then, organizing the

35
men of Israel, he killed ten thousand of Moabite warriors. Afterwards,
Israel was at peace for eighty years. (Jdg. 3:12, 30).

3. Shamgar- (Jdg. 3:31)

After Ehud, came Shamgar as the judge of Israel. He was the son of
Anath. About Shamgar we don’t have more information’s in the Bible
than that he too was a deliverer of Israel. One of his heroic adventures
is noteworthy. He killed six hundred people with an oxgoad (a sharp-
pointed stick for driving cattle).

4. Deborah and Barak - (Jdg.Ch. 4 & 5)

Jabin a king of Canaan who reigned in Hazor on the north of the sea of
Galilee began persecuting Israel. Sisera was the commander of his army.
They had nine hundred iron chariots and had oppressed Israel for twenty
years.
Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth was the leader at that
time. She prophesied to Barak to collect ten thousand men of Naphtali
and Zebulun and go to war. Thus Barakprepared for a war and Deborah
accompanied them. In the encounter at the river Kishon, Sisera was
defeated and fled for life. He ran into the tent of a woman named Jael.
She provided a bottle of milk for his drink. When he drank it and lay fast
asleep, she took a tent peg and hammer and drove the peg through his
temple into the ground, and he died.
Deborah and Barak sang praises to God with great joy and gratitude.
There was peace in the land of Israel for forty years.

5. Gideon - (Jdg. 6, 7 & 8)

Gideon was the son of Joash in the tribe of Manasseh. The idol worship
reached its zenith in the days of Gideon. Even Gideon’s household was
idolatrous. Because of their sin, the Lord delivered them into the hands
of Midianites. They came up with their camels and their tents like swarms
of locusts and ruined the crops of the Israelites. At this crisis, God used
Gideon a farmer to rescue Israel. An angel of the Lord appeared to
Gideon and encouraged him for the task. He pulled down his father’s
altar. He built an altar for the Lord and sacrificed his father’s bull on it.
The spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. He gathered all Israel together
and prepared for war. There were about thirty two thousand men

36
prepared to go to war. But the Lord told Gideon to decrease the number
so that people might not boast. Then Gideon said to all those men:
“Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead”.
Thus twenty two thousand men left while ten thousand remained. Again,
Gideon put another test for the men in the water, through which all
except three hundred men had to leave (Jdg. 7:2-8).
The most interesting thing about the battle was their type of armour
that they had to fight with- A trumpet, a pitcher and a torch in the
pitcher. The Israelites advanced into the midst of the Midianites and
Amalekites with their trumpets and torches in the pitchers. They gave a
loud trumpet blast and broke the pitchers all at once. Immediately the
enemies were scared and began to kill one another and ran helter skelter.
The Israelites could easily follow them and destroy them. Thus Israel
had peace for another 40 years.

6. Abimelech (Jdg. 9:1—57)

He was the son of Gideon born of a servant woman. Since she belonged
to Shechem, the citizens of Shechem made her son Abimelech their
leader. He killed the seventy sons of Gideon and destroyed the city of
Shechem. Finally, a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s
head and cracked his skull. As he desired, his armour bearer killed him
with the sword. He was the judge for only three years.

7. Tola - (10:1, 2)
He belonged to the tribe of Issachar. He judged Israel for twenty three
years.

8. Jair - (10:1, 2)
He was from Gilead and ruled Israel twentytwo years.

9. Jephthah - (11; 12:1-7)

The Israelites again turned to idol worship. As the result, the Ammonites
oppressed them very cruelly for eighteen years. When they repented
and turned back to God, Jephthah was raised by God as their leader.
Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. Yet he was the son of a
prostitute. He was expelled from the house when his brothers grew up.
But when they had to fight against the Ammonites, the elders of Gilead

37
made Jephthah their leader and commander of the army. Even though
Jephthah sent to the Ammonite king for negotiation, the king did not
settle for peace. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah and
he made a vow to the Lord:
“If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of my
house to meet me when I return in triumph, will be the Lord’s, and I will
sacrifice it as a burnt offering”.
When Jephthah defeated the Ammonites and returned in triumph, his
only daughter came out dancing to the sound of tambourines. Alas! He
was grief-stricken because of his vow. But his daughter willingly yielded
herself to the vow. She probably remained single all her life (without
marriage). For human sacrifice is not allowed. (See Lev 27:1-8, Lk. 2:37)
Later, Jephthah fought with Ephraimites who came to fight him without
a cause. About forty two thousands of Ephraimites were killed. Jephthah
was the judge over Israel for six years.

10. Ibzan
He was of Bethlehem and had thirty sons and thirty daughters. Ibzan
led Israel seven years (12:8).

11. Elon
He belonged to the tribe of Zebulun and led Israel ten years (12:11).

12. Abdon - (12:13-15)

He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys.
he led Israel eight years.

13. Samson - (13:1-16:31)

Philistines oppressed Israel forty years. In those days, Samson was born
the son of Manoah in the tribe of Dan. Before his birth, the Lord’s angel
pre-announced it to his parents, and they had consecrated him even
from the womb. Samson was a ‘Nazirite’. The word ‘Nazirite’ means
‘dedicated’. Regarding the Nazirite vow, the laws are given in Numbers
chapter 6.

38
According to the Nazirite laws, no razor could be used on his head.
When the Holy spirit came upon Samson, he performed many extra-
ordinary things.
a) He tore lion apart.
b) He killed thirty men, stripped of their clothes and gave the clothes to
those who had told the riddle.
c) He caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail in pairs. He
then fastened a torch to every pair of tails, lit the torches and let the
foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines.
d) He killed one thousand men of Philistines with a fresh jawbone of a
donkey.
e) He took hold of the city gate and pulled it up doors, posts, lock and
all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them all the way to the
top of the hill overlooking Hebron.
But Samson’s relation with Delilah caused his downfall. She pressed
Samson and leaked the secret of his strength to his enemies, who shaved
off the seven locks of his hair. They caught hold of Samson.
f) He killed more at his death than in life. When the Philistines were
crowded in their temple Samsom reached towards the two central
pillars on which the temple stood, putting one hand on each pillar,
he pushed against them. He pushed with all his might and the building
fell down on the five kings and everyone else.
The main cause of Samson’s downfall was his uncontrolled carnal desire.
God’s people must crucify their bodies with all their fleshly desires and
emotions.

14. Eli
He was the High priest of Israel. He ministered in the tabernacle set up
in Shiloh. He led Israel forty years (1 Sa 4:18). Though his sons Hophni
and Phinehas joined in the solemn ministry, they were wicked and had
no regard for the Lord and had despised the sacrifices of the Lord. They
were fornicators and disobedient to Eli. (1 Sa 2:13, 17, 22, 25). Eli did not
rebuke or stop them. Neither did Eli remove his sons from their office.
But they continued their worthless life and despising the Lord’s sacrifice.
They snatched away meat from the offering and became gluttons.

39
Even though the Lord warned Eli through a prophet and the boy Samuel,
he could not correct himself and his sons. Following that, the Israelites
were defeated in the battle with Philistines and the Ark of the covenant
was captured. Hophni and Phinehas were killed. Eli fell backward off his
chair, broke his neck and died. The wife of Phinehas who was pregnant
heard what happened; she suddenly went to labour and gave birth to
Ichabod and died. The name ‘Ichabod’ means ‘The glory has departed
from Israel’.

15. Samuel (Asked of the Lord)

After the death of Eli, Samuel ministered in Israel as a prophet, priest
and a Judge. Samuel was Judge all his life (1 Sa 7:15). The people came
back to God (1 Sa 7:3-7. The Ark of the covenant was restored and the
Philistines were defeated (1 Sa 7:10-14).
Samuel’s sons were greedy and interested only in making money. They
accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly. So the people desired
for a king. Thus according to God’s plan, Samuel anointed Saul and
David as the first and second kings respectively. There ended the period
of the Judges.

Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 7:12

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and
Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord helped
us”.

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. How long was the period of Judges extending from when to
when?
2. Why did Israel undergo oppressions at times?
3. How many nations had oppressed Israel? How many leader had
arisen to deliver them? How long was each one’s period?

40
4. State reasons:
a) Jephthah killed a large number of Ephraimites?
b) Samson was weakened
c) Eli’s family was removed from priesthood?
d) The Israelites asked for a king to Samuel?
5. Write Samson’s wonderful deeds?

Name the following

1. The first judge of Israel
2. A left-handed judge
3. The judge who killed 600 people with an oxgoad
4. A lady judge
5. The woman who killed Sisera
6. Father of Gideon
7. Son of Gideon
8. The judge who had 30 daughters and 30 sons
9. Father of Samson
10. The woman who caused Samson’s downfall
11. Meaning of Ichabod
12. The last judge of Israel

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 Lesson - 8

Saul and David

Central Truth
It is better to end well if not begun well than begin well and end up
pathetically

Introduction
God wanted Israel to be under God’s own rule. In the wilderness journey
and possession of Canaan, God Himself led them. After settling in
Canaan they had to face attacks from the neighboring nations. At such
crisis, God raised Judges who gave leadership to the people. During the
time of the last Judge Samuel, the kingly rule began which continued
about five hundred years (1095-586 B.C.). The first king was Saul the
son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin.

Saul - (1 Sa 8:31)
Israelites in their backslidden state put their demand of a king before
Samuel to rule them. Samuel then explained to them about the bad
consequences of kingly rule. (1 Sa 8:10-18). Nevertheless, the people
did not heed to Samuel but pressed hard for a King. Even though that
was not God’s will, God allowed Samuel to appoint a king according to
their request.
Saul went out in search of his father’s lost donkeys and reached Samuel’s
residence where Saul was anointed as king (1 Sam 10:1). Later, Samuel
gathered the people at Mizpah and announced to the people that Saul
was the king. Afterwards, the Ammonites came to attack Israel and the
spirit of the Lord came mightily upon Saul and gathering a big army he
defeated them. With this conquest, Saul became known in all Israel and
the whole Israel gathered at Gilgal and accepted Saul as their king. At
that solemn moment Samuel said strictly to both the king and the people
that they must live in fear of the Lord (1 Sa 12:13-15).

Saul’s Downfall
Even though Saul defeated the Ammonites, Philistines and the
Amalekites, his life was a failure. Despite the fact that Samuel felt sorry

42
for Saul and kept warning him from time to time, it was to no avail (1 Sa
15:35; 1 Sa 83: 13-14).

The reasons for his fall

1. Pride
At the beginning Saul was very humble. But after becoming king, he
was very proud. Saul and his people were waiting for Samuel to offer
sacrifice. When Samuel delayed, Saul himself offered sacrifice for which
he was not worthy (1 Sam 13:11-13).

2. Jealousy
Saul became jealous about David’s ability and fame. Therefore, Saul
considered David to be his archenemy and kept on attempting to kill
him (1 Sa 18:7-9, 18:29, 19:10-11, 24:2).

3. Cruelty
Saul treated David very cruelly. His cruelty can be seen from the fact
that he strictly commanded his soldiers not to eat anything before getting
dark during the battle with the Philistines and that he ordered death
sentence to his own son Jonathan who tasted a little honey (1 Sa 15:24,
44).

4. Disobedience
God had commanded Saul through Samuel that he must destroy the
Amalekites and all their belongings completely. But Saul let their king
Agag and the best of their livestock a live and destroying everything
that was despised and weak (1 Sa 15: 6, 21-23).

5. Sorcery
Since Saul had not received God’s counsels, he went to a witch at Endor
for counsels. (1 Sa 28:7, 8).
Saul was once filled with the Holy Spirit but in the latter days declined in
spirituality by the above mentioned sins which he took for granted. His

43
end was very drastic. On the mount Gilboa, Saul and his three sons
were killed pathetically. (1 Sam 31:8,9; 2 Sam 1:6-10).

David - (1 Sa 16:1-13, 2 Sa 5:3,4)

We have studied about David in the former lessons. David was the
greatest king of Israel, who ruled forty years. Remember the episodes
of David’s life. He is notable in many ways.

1. A good shepherd
Who fought with a lion and a bear rescuing a lamb.( 1 Sa 17:34, 35).

2. The sweet singer of Israel

David a talented player of harp had composed many songs (Psalms, 1
Sa 16:17-23).

3. Sincere friend
David loved Jonathan sincerely. (1 Sa 18:1-3, 2 Sam 9:7)

4. David succeeded as a warrior king and commander of the

army
David as a boy killed Goliath and drove away the Philistines (1 Sa 17:58,
49). He ruled Israel seven years at Hebron and thirty years at Jerusalem
most remarkably. He defeated the enemies, defended the kingdom and
expanded it (2 Sa 5:1-10).

5. Loving Father
David’s love for his son Absalom is amazing. Although Absalom rebelled
against David, his premature death caused bitter grief to the loving
father (2 Sa 19:33).

6. Penitent
The secret of David’s greatness and God’s favour for him lay in his penitent
heart. Psalm 51 is David’s repentence about the sordid sin that he
committed in his life (2 Sa 12:13-14).

7. David loved God whole-heartedly. - (Ps 18:1)Therefore he was

called to be a “man after God’s own heart”.

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8. David was a prophet. - (Ac 2:30, Ps 110:1)

9. David had obtained promise of the eternal kingdom as the

ancestor of the eternal king Jesus Christ. - (Ps 89:3,4; 29: 36, 37).

10. David was firm and courageous, trusting on God even in

diverse problems. His end was hopeful and glorious - (1 Ch 29:28, 1 Ki
2:1-4, 2 Sam 23:1-5)
It will be useful if we make a comparative study between the lives of
Saul the first king of Israel and David the second king. We must evaluate
the reasons of Saul’s downfall and be careful not to have such failure in
our lives. Likewise, we must take note of David’s good qualities and how
he became successful even in the most adverse circumstances so as to
imitate it in our life. Let us be faithful in all our duties entrusted to us.

Memory Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:11

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the
victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is
Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head
over all.

EXERCISE

1. Why the demand of Israelites for a king displeased Samuel and

God?
2. State the reasons for Saul’s downfall?
3. In what way was David a notable man of God?
4. Write the good imitable qualities and characteristics of David?
5. How did David obtain God’s favour in spite of a sordid sin?

45
 Lesson - 9

Solomon
Central Truth
Wealth and wisdom makes good reputation but only character makes
one pleasing to God. The former may draw people from far ends but
the latter keeps God from going far.

Introduction
What are the things in the world that make man happy? Does not man
naturally desire wisdom, wealth, luxuries, splendor and power? But these
things cannot give man the real deserving satisfaction. Who is known
to be the wisest of the wise? Who was his father? What was the name of
his mother?
Towards the close of David’s life Solomon, who was born to David from
Bathsheba was decided to be his successor. Though Adonijah another
son of David attempted to grab the throne, his plot did not work. It was
under this circumstance that Solomon was anointed as king before the
death of David by the help of the prophet Nathan. Solomon was only
nineteen years old when he ascended to the throne. The reign of Solomon
was the golden era in the history of Israel.

Somolon’s wisdom
As soon as Solomon took over the office as king, the young man went
with all the congregation of Israel to the Tabernacle at Gibeon, offered
sacrifices and prayed to God. At night God appeared to him. Then
Solomon asked the Lord only for wisdom and understanding to rule the
people. God was pleased by his request and offered the unique wisdom
and all other blessings to him. As the result, he became the wisest,
wealthiest and the greatest king ever lived on earth. Solomon composed
three thousand proverbs and one thousand and five songs. He had
attained skill, acquired knowledge in Botany and Zoology also (1 Ki
4:31-34).

Constructing the temple

Even as David had instructed him, Solomon started building the Temple
in the fourth year of his reign. Hiram king of Tyre helped Solomon in

46
this task. Inside of the temple was 27 metres long, 9 metres wide, and
13.5 metres high. This magnificent Temple was finished in seven years.
As the custom demanded, the priests brought the Ark of the Covenant
and placed it in the most holy place. Afterwards, the king and the priests
sang God’s praises loudly and the Temple was filled with the glory of
God (2 Ch 5:13-14). At that night God appeared to Solomon and gave
him promises and warnings (2 Ch 7:12-22). God commanded him that
he must not serve and worship other gods but live in obedience to
God’s commandments and laws.

Palace
After building the Temple, Solomon had built a beautiful palace and a
resort centre in the forest of Lebanon (1 Ki 7:1-10) in thirteen years.

The Territory
The Solomon’s kingdom was sixty thousand sq. miles in area. It was
about ten times as big as David’s kingdom.

Wealth and splendor- (1 Ki 4, 9, 10)

The wealth and splendor of King Solomon was amazing. He had business
relations with foreign countries. He had a fleet of trading ships which
carried gold, silver, ivory, apes and baboons (1 Ki 10:22). His most beautiful
palace was made of ivory and covered with gold. He had fourteen hundred
chariots and twelve thousand charioteers. The Queen of Sheba heard
about the fame of Solomon and arrived at Jerusalem with a very great
caravan- with camels carrying precious gifts. When the queen saw all the
wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table,
the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his
cupbearers and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord,
she was overwhelmed (Ki 10:1-13). “And now one greater than Solomon
is here! (Mt 12:42). Solomon’s splendor was temporary and temporal. If
only we could behold the greatness and glory of Jesus our king as it was
seen to John the apostle in Patmos. (Rev 1:16-17)

The Downfall of Solomon

The spiritual declension of Solomon the wisest of the wise led himself
and his kingdom to ruin. Solomon’s life stands as a warning to us. Let us
think about the circumstances that led to his ruin.
1. Solomon’s heart was not fully devoted to God as the heart of David
his father had been (1 Ki 1!:4). He built a most beautiful Temple but

47
 did not give God a prominent place in his heart. What is more
important is how far our heart is diligent about God than how much
we do for God.
2. Cruelty and Vengeance: Solomon took vengeance upon his brother
Adonijah and the commander-in-chief Joab. By the order of Solomon
Benaiah struck them down (1 Ki 2:25, 34, 46). The attitude of David
towards Shimei, Adonijah, Absalom and Saul who opposed him was
different from Solomon’s.
3. Solomon became proud of his wealth, wisdom and splendor and
used it for his own luxuries and greatness (1 Ki 10:18-29). Those who
set their minds and love on the earthly prosperity and take pride in it
are on the path of destruction.
4. Contrary to the law of God, Solomon loved and took as wives,
daughters of Pharaoh and women of other nations. He was so
attached to the women by love that they drew his heart after other
gods. As a result, he served Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians
and Molech the god of the Ammonites forgetting the Lord who
appeared to him twice and warned him against idol-worship (1 Ki
11:1-13). It is a temptation for God’s people that when they have
wealth and positions, they look for the same grade among unbelievers.
The Lord says: “Be separated from among them”. We must never
slight the Lord’s command “Do not touch any unclean thing”.

Death of Solomon
Solomon’s end was in despair. If we read the book of Ecclesiastes, we
can find how desperate he was. Solomon teaches the world through his
own experiences that the wealth, wisdom, splendor or luxuries cannot
satisfy the human hearts (Ecc 2:2-11). The tragic failure in Solomon’s life
was that he could not utilize his wisdom for his own life. At the end of
Solomon, Jeroboam his servant rebelled against him. After forty years
of rule, Solomon died. After his death, the kingdom was divided into
two. His servant Jeroboam became king of Israel with ten tribes and his
son Rehoboam became king of Judah with one tribe. (1 Ki 11:26-43)

Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then
will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal
their land”.
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 EXERCISE
Name the following
1. Father of Solomon ................................................
2. Mother of Solomon ..............................................
3. The prophet who anointed Solomon as king ......................................
4. The king of Tyre who helped Solomon in building the temple ...
5. The place where Solomon built his palace and resort centre
6. Commander-in-chief of Solomon ...............................................................
7. The servant of Solomon who became the king of Israel ..............
......................................................................................
8. The son of Solomon who became the king of Judah. ....................
......................................................................................

Answer the following questions:

1. Write Solomon’s constructive works after he acceded to the throne.

2. What was the feeling of the Queen of Sheba when she saw Solomon?

3. Which were the circumstances that led to Solomon’s downfall?

4. What lessons do we learn from Solomon’s life?

Write the numbers for the following

1. Age at which Solomon acceded the throne ..........................................
2. Proverbs written by Solomon ......................................................................
3. Songs composed by Solomon ......................................................................
4. The length, breadth and height of the temple ...................................
5. The time taken to finish the temple .......................................................
6. The time taken to build the palace .........................................................
7. The area of Solomon’s kingdom ................................................................

Q
49
 Lesson - 10

The Kings (after division)

Central Truth
One who rules himself well deserves to be a king of God’s choice. The
king who soon forgets the highest king meets his doom a little later.

Division
Although King Solomon was gorgeous and wise, during his very time,
the seed of unrest was sown. The people were much burdened by the
taxes put on the people (1 Ki 12:4). From the time of Joshua onwards,
the tribe of Ephraim was leading. But with David, leadership was changed
over to Judah. For this reason, the northern tribes including Ephraim
had jealousy towards Judah. This gradually grew into hostility. Solomon’s
luxurious life, pride, idol-worship etc., inevitably called for God’s
punishment. Under these circumstances, Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant
attempted a coup (rising against the power in existence). Then Solomon
sought to kill Jeroboam. But he fled into Egypt.
After Solomon’s death, the whole Israel gathered at Shechem to make
Rehoboam (Solomon’s son) king. Jeroboam knew beforehand about it
and returned from Egypt. Under the leadership of Jeroboam, the people
approached Rehoboam and put their request before him to release
their burden that his father Solomon had put. But the conceited
Rehoboam, by the counsel of his young friends, replied harshly to the
people saying that he would only increase their burden. Following this,
the ten tribes revolted against Rehoboam and got separated. (2Ch 10:1-
19, 2 Ch 11:15) Thus the kingdom was divided. Rehoboam became king
over two tribes, Judah (southern kingdom) and Jeroboam over ten tribes,
Israel (Northern kingdom). The kingdom was divided on account of the
sin of the people. But after Christ returns, He shall rule over all the
tribes of Israel. (Isa 11:10-13, Eze 37:15-28).
After the division, twenty kings ruled in Judah whereas nineteen kings
ruled in Israel. Many of these kings had forsaken the Lord and worshipped
other gods establishing idol worship in the land. The capital of Judah
was Jerusalem and Israel’s was Samaria. See the names of the kings who
ruled in both the kingdoms and their approximate dates. The kings in

50
Judah were David’s legal successors. But the kings in Israel did not come
to power by legal succession but by force. Against each prominent king
a mark of (P) is given. Some of the kings of Judah feared God and
worked very hard for a reformation. Against the names of such men a
cross mark (x) is given. The time of such men was, on the whole, peaceful
and blessed. Against the names of those who served God partially, a
star is given.
Both the kingdoms had forsaken God. W ithout heeding to God’s
exhortations and reproofs through the prophets they turned to other
Gods and Pagan practices. Therefore, God sold the people of Israel into
the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians (Ps 78:58, 62). In B.C. 721
Shalmanessar the king of Assyria came with his armies, besieged the
city of Samaria and took away Israel captive( 2 Kings 17:1-8).
The kingdom of Judah survived for some more years. God spoke to
them through Jeremiah, “This whole country will become a desolate
waste land, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy
years”. (Jer. 25:11). Accordingly in B.C. 586 the king Nebuchadnezzar
came and plundered the city of Jerusalem and destroyed it by fire. He
took a vast number of people captive to Babylon. There the people of
Israel lived in bondage for seventy years. (B.C. 606-536)

The Kings of Judah B.C. The Kings Israel B.C.

1. Rehoboam (P) 933-916 Jeroboam (P) 922-901
2. Abijah 915-913 Nadab 901-900
3. Asa (PX) 913-873 Baasha 900-877
4. Jehoshaphat (PX) 873-849 Elah 877-976
5. Jehoram 849-842 Zimri 876
6. Ahaziah 842 6. Omri (P) 876-869
7. Athaliah 842-837 Ahab (P) 869-850
8. Jehoash * 837-800 Ahaziah 850-849
9. Amaziah * 800-783 Jehoram 849-842
10. Uzziah (P) * 783-742 Jehu (P) 842-815
11. Jotham * 742-735 Joahas 815-810
12. Ahaz (P) 735-715 Joash 810-786

51
The Kings of Judah B.C. The Kings Israel B.C.
13. Hezekiah (PX) 715-687 Jeroboam II (P) 786-746
14. Manasseh 687-642 Zechariah 746-745
15. Amon 642-640 Shallum 745
16. Josiah (PX) 640-609 Menahem 745-738
17. Jehoahaz (shallum) 609 Pekahiah 738-737
18. Jehoiakim 609-597 Pekah 737-732
19. Jehoiackin 597 Hosea 732-724
20. Zedekiah 597-586
The destruction Israel exiled
of Jerusalem to Assyria.
(2 Ki 25:8-9) 586 (2 Ki 17:23) 724
During the period of kings, God raised several great prophets to prophesy
to the people. Great was the ministry of Elijah and Elisha who boldly
strived for God during the period of Ahab. The prophets whom the Lord
raised before the Babylonian exile to warn the people were: Obadiah,
Joel, Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah
and Jeremiah. As the result of forsaking God and unheeding to the
prophets’ warnings, they had to go through severe punishment of God.
What is the present condition of the Christendom? We must spiritually
wake ourselves and awaken others as well. Let it not happen to us as
has happened to Israel!

Memory Verse: Jeremiah 2:13

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me,
the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

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 EXERCISE
Name the following
1. The tribe which was leading from the time of Joshua
2. The tribe which was leading at the time of David
3. The place where whole Israel gathered to make Rehoboam their
king
4. Capital of Judah
5. Capital of Israel
6. The king who plundered the city of Jerusalem

Answer the following questions

1. How many tribes were ruled by Rehoboam and Jeroboam?
2. After division, how many kings ruled in Judah and Israel?
3. Whose successors were the kings in Judah?
4. Why did God sell the people into the hands of the Assyrians and
Babylonians?
5. For how many years were the people of Israel under the bondage
of Babylonian king?
6. Name of prophets whom the Lord raised before the Babylonian
exile to warn the people.

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 LESSON-11

ELISHA – the Prophet

Central Truth
When a person submits himself to the service of God who is supernatural,
there will be miracles after miracles. The key to miracles is our availability
for God and earnestness for it.

Theme Verse
And Jesus returned in the power of the spirit into Galilee, and a report
concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. (Luke
4:14)

Introduction
The life of Elisha was full of miracles, because he had desired it and
obtained the double portion of the spirit Elijah had. The double portion
of the spirit enabled Elisha to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah
did, and twice as great. When Elijah’s miracles numbered sixteen, Elisha’s
were thirty two. In this lesson, let us study two of the prominent miracles
performed by Elisha.

Healing of the water ( 2 kings 2:19)

Jericho was a beautiful city situated near Jordan. The city was all plains
and full of palm trees, thus a place noted for its natural beauty. When
Elisha went there, the people of the city gathered around him and said:
“Look our Lord, this city is well situated, but the water is bad and the
land is unproductive.”
Immediately Elisha understood the root cause of the problem. Once it
was a fertile and plentiful city. But it was cursed by Joshua when he
captured it.
Elisha asked them to bring a new bowl and put some salt in it. He then
took it out to the spring and threw salt into it and said,
“This is what the Lord says. I have healed this water.”
And the waters were healed and became productive.

54
The lesson it teaches us is that as long as a person or a place is under
God’s curse, he or it cannot be fruitful though it looks good on the
outside. The Adamic curse is the cause of man’s problems. Man can be
free from the curse through Jesus Christ, the good Elisha.

Raising the Dead (2 kings 4:8-37, 8:1-6)

One day Elisha went to a place called Shunem. A well-to-do woman was
there. She knew about Elisha as a holy man of God. She consulted with
her husband and they made a well-furnished room on the first floor-for
Elisha to retire during his journey. They invited him into their house.
Though they had everything, they did not have a child. When Elisha
knew this, he called her and said:
“About this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.”
According to the words of the prophet Elisha, the woman of Shunem
had a son the next year. Her son grew up and he used to go with his
father to the fields. One day the child fell ill and died on his mother’s
lap. Can you imagine what might have happened there if the woman
had not been so courageous! There might have been weeping and
wailing and a great commotion in the house. But do you know how it
happened with the Shunemite? She had great faith on the prophet
Elisha. So she took the child into Elisha’s room in her house and laid him
on his bed and shut the door. Immediately she went to Elisha on Mt.
Carmel and took hold of his feet. Then the prophet understood that
there was something wrong with the child.
Immediately he sent his servant Gehazi with his staff. But Shunemite
pleaded, “As surely as the Lord and as you live, I will not leave you.” so
he got up and followed her. When he reached there, he saw that the
child was restored to life. Then Elisha called the woman and gave her
the child. She fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took
her son and went.
Notice the fact that the Shunemite found Elisha as a holy man of God.
She reported to her husband like this, “I know that this man who often
comes our way is a holy man of God. This must be told about every
child of God. We must lead an exemplary life so that others may find us
as holy men of God.
The Shunemite woman was hospitable and invited the man of God into
her house. How blessed it is to open our house for God’s people! Also

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she had great faith on Elisha, That’s why she laid the dead child in the
room and went to Elisha and urged him to come to her house.

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:19, 4:8-37, 8:1-6

Memory Verse: Acts 1:8

You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you shall be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

EXERCISE
Fill in the blanks:
1. Elijah did ................................................................... miracles whereas Elisha
did ................................................................................ miracles.
2. The city of Jericho was situated near .........
3. The city of Jericho was cursed by .............................................................
4. .....................................................was the servant of Elisha
5. Elisha raised the dead child of the ...........................................................

Answer the following Questions in your note book:

1. Why was Elisha’s life full of miracles?
2. What problem did the people of Jericho have?
3. How did the land become productive?
4. How can a man be free from the curse of God?
5. Who made a well-furnished room for Elisha?
6. Where was Elisha when the Son of Shunemite died?
7. How could the Shunemite women face the situation boldly when
her son died?
8. What did the Shunemite women report about Elijah?

G
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 LESSON-12

ELISHA - Victorious
Ministry
Central Truth
The life of those set apart for God’s service must be different from that
of the worldly. Elisha lived by the Holy Spirit and led a holy life, which is
a challenge to all.

Theme Verse
And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through
whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king’s servants
answered. “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the
hands of Elijah.” And Jehosphat said “The Word of the Lord is with him”
So the King of Israel and Jehoshphat and the king of Edom went down
to him.

Characteristics of Elisha
Spiritual Zeal:
He had great zeal for spirituality. We have already studied that when
called for the service of God Elisha left everything and set out after
Elijah (2 King 2:9). Moreover, we can see his spiritual zeal later in following
Elijah place after place till he received the double portion of the spirit.

Note of Authority
Elisha prophesied with the power and authority as from the Lord (2 King
7:1) He received God’s counsel and told people with certainty. His
prophecies came true exactly as he had said.

Victorious
Elisha had good opportunities to have material gains. When Namaan
offered great rewards for the healing he had, Elisha refused to take
anything from him (2 king 5:16) He led a victorious life against
temptations and lures.

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Seeing the unseen
Elisha led a life of faith. He was not disturbed or distressed by
circumstances. When the king of Aram sent horses and chariots and a
strong force against Elisha his servant was scared. The servant ran to
Elisha and cried out. “Oh my Lord, what shall we do?”
Elisha answered, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than
those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed for the servant to be able
to see God’s protective forces around Elisha. Then the servant saw a
great army of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha!

Well-Reputed
Elisha had obtained good report and approval by all. He was reputed to
be perfectly a saint. ( 2 king 4:8,9)

Good Master
Elisha was a good master having a number of Schools of prophets to
train pupils.
Let us compare our lives in the light of Elisha’s life. Try to live by the
power of the Holy Spirit, and then you will be able to have all these
qualities.

Elisha’s Death (2 king 13:14-21)

After the victorious ministry of more than fifty years, Elisha became
seriously ill, and was about to die. Why was this godly man sick? Imagine
such a wonderful godly saint suffering on the sick-bed at the end!
Notice here that every moment in the life of God’s people is planned by
God. God plans even the way one should die. “Precious in the sight of
the Lord is the death of the righteous.” God can take His children anyway
He wants either with or without sufferings. Stephen was stoned to death.
John the Baptist was beheaded. But Moses was in good health when he
died. But why does God allow some to go through sufferings? In the
midst of sufferings, those who are weak in faith may give up their faith.
So God allows those who are strong in faith to go through sufferings.
This will make them still stronger so that they may be able to comfort
others who are in troubles.

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Elisha’s death is an example for this. When Elisha was on the deathbed,
the king of Israel came weeping because he was in great trouble.
Although he was a wicked king, Elisha didn’t neglect him but comforted
and sent him back. Elisha was a comforter even at his death bed.

Scripture: 2 King 13: 14-21

Memory Verse: Gal 5:22

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there
is no law.”

EXERCISE
Answer the following Questions in your note book:
1. What were the Special characteristics of Elisha?
2. How long was Elisha’s ministry?
3. Why does God allow the righteous men to suffer?
4. State one of the best chances that Elisha had for material gain?
5. Explain Elisha’s ability to see beyond ordinary men could see?

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 Lesson - 13

ISRAEL-Babylonian Exile
Central Truth
The king in heaven rules over all kings on earth. The people who know
their king above will reign even in exile whether it be fire or lion.

Introduction
Do you know why the kingdom was divided, attacked and taken into
captivity? What was their sin? (2 Kings 17:8,18:12). The Assyrian kings
namely Pul, Tiglath Pileser and Shalmaneser attacked and conquered
the kingdom of Israel during the period from B.C. 734 to 721. (2 kings
15:19,17:3-6, 18:9-12). There is no record that they returned at any time.
The Southern kingdom (Judah) was attacked by Nebuchadnezzar during
the period from B.C. 606 to 586 and was taken captive to Babylon three
times. In the attack launched in B.C. 586, the city of Jerusalem and the
magnificent Temple built by Solomon had been completely destroyed
(2 King. 24:1-3, 24:10-17, 25:8-22).
Let us study about the kings who ruled in the Middle East during the
Babylonian exile.

The Babylonian Kings

The strongest Kingdom on earth two thousand years before Christ was
Babylon in Mesopotamia. But later it had declined and Assyria dominated
in those provinces from B.C. 900 for about three hundred years. In B.C.
625 Nebopolassar the ruler of Babylon secured freedom and established
his empire. Though he continued in power till B.C. 606, he entrusted the
rule to Nebuchadnezzar his son and commander-in-Chief.
Nebuchadnezzar who ruled in Babylon fortyfive years from B.C. 606 to
561 was the most prominent and strongest king. In B.C. 606, he attacked
many nations in the Middle East including Judah and conquered them.
He made the king Jehoiakim his tributary and took many people including
Daniel as captives to Babylon. After some years Jehoiakim revolted against
Nebuchadnezzar. Then he dethroned Jehoiakim and made Jehoiachin
his son King. After he ruled three months he also revolted against the
king. In B.C. 597 Nebuchadnezzar again attacked Jerusalem. He chained

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the king of Judah and his families including the prophet Ezekiel and
many prominent persons and took them to Babylon. He also plundered
a lot of silver and gold. The next king Zedekiah (Mattaniah) ruled as a
coregent king. Finally he also revolted against the king of Babel. Zedekiah
despised the advice of Prophet Jeremiah and did what displeased the
Lord. In B.C. 586 Nebuchadnezzar came with his armies, attacked
Jerusalem and defeated and put him in chains. Zedekiah’s sons and
other princes of Judah were killed before his eyes. His eyes were pulled
out and he was taken to Babel in chains. He died there. Following this
attack, the commander of the imperial guard set the palace and main
buildings on fire and burned them to ashes. Except a few poor people,
a large number of people were taken away as captives. Moreover, he
had plundered bronze, silver and gold and other furnishings from the
Temple.
During the time of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian empire had reached
its zenith of splendor and prosperity. The greatness of the capital city of
Babel was unique. The city was 600 sq. mile with a 36 feet thick wall and
the height of the wall was 350 feet. The wall was wide enough to hold
six chariots running parallel. Around the wall was made a deep trench
into which the water of Euphrates was channeled. Thus the city was well
protected. The streets terminating in the river were locked by bronze
doors. The precious golden statues to the height of 600 ft. and a ‘hanging
garden,’ the magnificent palace, the Temple of Baal etc., in the city were
examples of the ancient workmanship as well as of Babel’s richness.

The Prophets
Ezekiel was the prophet who ministered in exile living among the captives
and bringing the people to conviction and imparting hope into them.
At the same time Daniel was in the palace of the king of Babel as his
friend and counselor. Both these and many other godly men prayed
constantly for Israel’s deliverance.

Main Events
The main events that occurred during the time of Nebuchadnezzar are
recorded in the book of Daniel.
1. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah who were being trained in
the palace stood for holiness boldly and were blessed (Daniel 1).
2. When the king Nebuchadnezzar saw a dream regarding the future

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 of the world kingdoms, God revealed the meaning of the dream to
Daniel who conveyed it to the king (Dan. 2).
3. When the king erected a golden statue in the plain of Dura, the
three Jewish youths refused to bow down before it and they were
cast into the fiery furnace. But God wonderfully delivered them. (Dan.
3).
4. Daniel explained the king’s dream about himself. Accordingly,
Nebuchadnezzar became a mad man for some time (Dan. 4)

The Descendants of Nebuchadnezzar

Evil Morodek (561-560) Neriglissar (559-555) and Beltshazzar (B.C. 537)
were successors of Nebuchadnezzar. Of them, Beltshazzar gave a great
banquet for one thousand of his nobles (Dani. ch.5). Because of his
drinking, idol worship, pride and carnality he died that night itself. Medes
and Persian kings took possession of the empire and city of Babylon.
The relative and commander in Chief of Cyrus the Great namely Darius
came to power in Babylon. The declension of the Babylonian empire
was according to God’s plan. This happened exactly at the time when
God’s people were to be redeemed from Babylon. This had happened in
answer to the earnest prayer of Daniel, Ezekiel and in fulfillment to the
prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Memory Verse: Isaiah 1:18-20

“Come now let us reason together, says the Lord.” Though your
sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they
are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

EXERCISE
1. Who was the most prominent of the Babylonian Kings? What did
he do to Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah?
2. Who were the prophets during the Babylonian captivity?
3. Why was Daniel in good prosperity even in Exile?
4. What were the circumstances under which the king Beltshazzar
died and the city of Babylon was possessed by the enemies?

Q
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 Lesson - 14

ISRAEL – Post Exilic

Central Truth
The word of God imparts hope into God’s people in distress. It also
inspires them to plead with God for forgiveness and restoration. The
delay in heeding to God’s word is the only delay for God to act.

Introduction:
When was India freed from the British rule? Why is the Independence
Day celebrated every year? All desire freedom and regard it greatly.
What was the prayer and desire of the people in Babylonian exile? Even
though Daniel was in high position in Babel, he fasted and prayed for
the deliverance of his own people. Many others also prayed. As a result,
the Babylonian empire was broken and the Persian king Cyrus who was
favourable to Israel, came to power.

Prophecies
The world events are not mere accident but we can find God’s plan
behind all of them. God had already spoken through the prophet Jeremiah
that the people of Judah would go into exile for seventy years after
which the kingdom of Babylon would be destroyed and the people would
be delivered. (Jere. 25:11,12, 29:10-12). Daniel prayed in the light of this
prophecy. It was also prophesied years before through Isaiah that a
person named Cyrus would be of help to the deliverance of the people
of Israel.(Isa. 44:28; 45:1-2).

Fulfillment
In B.C. 537 Beltshazzar was killed and the Empire of Babylon fell. The
Medo-Persian kings prevailed in the Middle East. Since the king Cyrus
was busy in wars and other activities, he entrusted the rule of Babylon
to his closest relative and commander in-chief Darius. But before long,
Cyrus took over charge of the whole empire. Then the first thing he did
was to proclaim freedom to the Jews. Moreover, he made the decree
that the Temple must be built for the Lord in Jerusalem. This happened
exactly when 70 years had completed (B.C. 536). How exactly were the

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prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah fulfilled! God honours His people
and remains faithful to His promises.
In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, it is recorded about the history of
the Jews returning from exile and building the Temple and the city. The
latter prophets namely Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi lived and
prophesied during this period.

The Persian Empire

The Medo-Persian empire continued about two hundred years. A brief
study of them shall be useful to know about the many historical
developments during the period. Their capital city was Shusan in Persia
on the north side of the river Tigris. But the kings oftentimes came to
city of Babel and attended to their duties.
Kings Period
Cyrus 538-529 B.C.
Kambisus (Xerxes) 529-522
Gaumata 522-521
Darius I 521-486
Cyrus I (Ahasuaresh) 486-465
Xerxes I 464-424
Cyrus II 424-423
Darius II 423-404
Xerxes II 404-359
Darius III 338-331
In B.C. 331 Alexander, the Greek emperor attacked the empire of Persia
and since then it was broken.

The Re-Building of Jerusalem

The rebuilding of the city and the Temple of Jerusalem was done at two
periods.

I. From B.C. 536 to 516 (20 years)

1. In B.C. 539, forty two thousand three hundred and sixty people besides
their 7,337 menservants and maidservants and two hundred men

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 and women singers came to Jerusalem under the leadership of
Zerubbabel. They had 736 horses 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720
donkeys. (Ezra 2:64-67)
2. In B.C. 536 they built an altar in Jerusalem and worshipped the Lord
in the seventh month. (Ezra 3:1-3)
3. In B.C. 535 the rebuilding of the Temple was begun. (Ezra. 3:10-11).
But during the time of the king Xerxes, the successor of Cyrus, the
building was stopped by the instigation of their enemies. (Ezra. 4:21-
23).
4. In B.C. 520 during the time of Darius I being encouraged by the
prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the building was resumed. (Ezra.
5:1-5). Eventually, they got favourable decree from the king (Ezra
6:7-12). In B.C. 516 the Temple was re-built and dedicated.
In B.C. 478 Esther became the queen of the Persian king Xerxes. Following
this, the Jews obtained more favour and benefits (Esther 2:17, 8:16-9:2).

II From B.C. 457-432 (25 years).

1. In B.C. 457 Ezra the Scribe who belonged to the priestly family started
out to Jerusalem with the decree of the king Artaxerxes leading 1754
men. After Ezra reached Jerusalem, he decorated the Temple. As the
result of Ezra’s fasting, prayer and earnest exhortations, there was
great revival and purification among the people (Ezra. 10:1-3)
2. In B.C. 444, Nehemiah the cupbearer of the king Artaxerxes I started
out to Jerusalem with the King’s permission and escort for restoration
of the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was a prayer warrior, courageous
and lover of his own people. After reaching Jerusalem, Nehemiah
gathered the people and exhorted them, “Come let us rebuild the
wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace”. When
oppositions arose, he didn’t lose his heart but gathered courage
saying “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will
start rebuilding”. He continued his work. All of them worked day and
night and in 52 days they rebuilt the gates and the city walls that
were pulled down. Thus the city was well fortified. After the work
completed, Ezra and Nehemiah gathered together all people and
praised and worshipped God together. All people rejoiced. Ezra, the
scribe read out from the Law and explained it (Neh. ch. 8). He
continued it seven days from morning till noon. There was great

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 spiritual revival among the people. On the day that the walls were
dedicated, all the people rejoiced before God with praises and songs.
The voice of their celebrations in Jerusalem was heard a far off.
Though Nehemiah returned to the palace of Shushan, he again returned
to Jerusalem before long and ruled there as Governor for more than
twelve years. The servants of God who prayed and worked for the
restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem are models to us. Let us also
work and pray for a spiritual upheaval in our Christendom which has
declined very low. The God in heaven shall give us success.

Scripture: Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther

Memory Verse: Nehemiah 2:20

“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start
rebuilding, but for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any
claim or historic right to it”.

EXERCISE
1. Which are the prophecies regarding the return of the Jewish
people from exile?
2. Which of the Persian kings did help towards the Jewish re-
settlement? who gave leadership to it?
3. How was the ministry of Ezra?
4. What were the activities of Nehemiah?
5. Write about Nehemiah’s good qualities?

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 Lesson 15

Period of Silence
Central Truth
There was a silence of 400 years between the Old Testament history and
the New Testament history. In all periods God has kept a remnant for
Himself. Cultures, systems and rulers may dramatically change, but God
stays the same.

Introduction
We have already studied how the Jewish captives returned from Babylon
to their own land in three groups. Here two important things must be
considered.
1) The captives returned in three groups led by Zerubbabel, Ezra and
Nehemiah. They came and re-built the Temple, city and the
fortifications. They also restored worship services. These things are
explained in the O.T. History books such as Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
etc. The remainder of the history recorded in the Bible does not
exceed that of 100 years. (B.C.536-432). Ezra 1:1-4.
2) During the ‘400 years’ period between Malachi and the beginning of
the New Testament, there were neither prophets nor inspired writers.
Hence this period is called the Period of silence.

Historical Events
During the period between Malachi and Jesus Christ, there are some
historical facts of paramount importance.
The Empire of Babylon ended with the king Beltshazzar. The king
Beltshazzar in his pride did what seemed good to him. He defiled the
holy vessels of the Temple by drinking wine with a large number of
nobles and his wives and concubines. He did not honour God but praised
the gods of silver and gold. This displeased the Lord and His judgment
fell upon Beltshazzar.
Afterwards a joint-rule by Medes and Persians was established. It was a
short-lived government. Then came Alexander the Great who conquered

67
the Medo-Persians and established the Empire of Greece. With the
premature death of Alexander, his Empire was divided among his four
officials. One of them was Ptolemy who ruled Palestine, Egypt etc. The
Jews were spread everywhere in Egypt and Palestine. The devout Jews
were always expecting the coming of Messiah.

Bible Translation
It is at this time that the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew
into Greek for the first time (B.C.285). This translation work was carried
out by 70 Hebrew rabbis (scholars). Hence, it came to be known as
‘Septuagint’ after the number ‘70’ in Greek. This happened in Alexandria.

Torture of Jews
After Ptolemy, the Syrian Empire became stronger. The Syrian king
Antiochus Eppippanus conquered Palestine. He tortured the Jews very
cruelly. The religious freedom of the Jews was totally banned. They were
forced to eat pig which was ritually unclean for them. (Levi. 11:1-8).
Those who protested the king were killed. A group of Jews known as
Maccabees also revolted against the king. Yet they failed to prevail. In
spite of all this, God protected the Jews even in that period.

The Roman Empire

With the Roman Empire becoming stronger in B.C.63, others lost power.
Palestine also passed under the Roman rule. The Jews enjoyed some
freedom under the Romans. Palestine was tributary to the Roman
government.

Birth of John the Baptist

Now an important event that occurred during this period was the birth
of John the Baptist. He was born during the reign of Tiberius Ceasar.
John was born in a priestly family. He was the son of Zecharia and
Elizabeth. He was the link between the Old Testament and the New
Testament. Jesus was also born about the same time. To be correct,
Jesus was born just a few months later.
John the Baptist was the fore-runner of Christ. He introduced Jesus
Christ to the world. The Roman Empire survived some more centuries
after Christ. During those times, the Christian Church was persecuted
by the Roman emperors very cruelly. The notorious among those
emperors are Nero, Saverus Ceaser, and Vespation etc.

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 Memory Verse: Malachi 3:1
“See I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before
me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His
temple; the messenger of the covenant whom you desire, will
come” says the Lord Almighty. (NIV)

EXERCISE
Answer the following Questions in your note book:
1. What are the efforts achieved by Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah?
2. What do we mean by ‘Period of silence’?
3. Why did the empire of Babylon fall at the time of Belteshazzar?
4. What is ‘Septuagint’? Why is it called so?
5. Who was the cruel king of Syria? Describe his cruelty towards the
Jews?
6. Write in brief about the Empire of Rome?
7. How was the Roman rule for the Church?

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 Lesson - 16

ISRAEL and the World

Nations
Central Truth
Righteousness exalts the nation but sin is an abomination to all peoples.
It is God who both raises and lower people and nations.

Introduction:
After the declension of both the kingdoms of Israel, in B.C. 606 the
world rule was passed to Nebuchadnezzar. (Jer 27:5-6). The Babylonian
rule was limited to 70 years (Jer 25:11-12). Afterwards, in B.C. 536, Medo
Persian kings came to power. The Jews had to remain subject to the
Persian kings for more than 206 years from B.C. 331. About the history
between this and Jesus’ birth, Bible is silent. But God had revealed the
events of this period to Daniel. The dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel
2 and Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 and 8 are revelations of the world
empires.
In the dream that Nebuchadnezzar saw, the head of gold shows the
Babylonian empire, hands and chest made of silver show the Medo-
Persian rule, brazen belly and loins show Greek empire, the iron thigh
shows the most powerful Roman empire, feet half of iron and half of
clay show the democratic Roman empire as well as other Democratic
nations sprung out of it. Exactly, the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek
and Roman rules have appeared in the world history. Daniel saw these
four kingdoms as four beasts. 1) Lion with the wings of eagle 2) Bear
that eats its fill of flesh 3) Leopards with four heads and four wings 4)
Terrifying Beast crushing and trampling underfoot whatever was left.

1. The Greek Empire - (B.C. 331-63)

Greece prevailed at the time of the king Philip of Macedonia. His son
Alexander started out his journey of conquest towards East along with
his army. He defeated the last king of Medo-Persian Empire Darius III
and established his world rule. The leopard in the 7th chapter of Daniel
and the goat with a prominent horn in chapter 8 both speak of the

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Greek empire. ‘The goat coming from the west crossing the whole earth
without touching the ground’ explains the fast powerful advancement
of the Greek army. The prophecy about Tyre (in Ezekiel 26:12) was literally
fulfilled when the Greek army used the ruins of the ancient Tyre in order
to make a causeway through the sea to the new island-city where the
people of Tyre had taken refuge. When Alexander came to attack
Jerusalem, the then High priest Jaddua read out to the king the prophecy
about the Greek conquest. Being extremely delighted by the prophecy
about him, Alexander turned back without attacking Jerusalem but
instead granted them many privileges.
The Greek emperor Alexander died a premature death at the age of
thirty three. Following his death, the empire was divided into four;
Lysimachus received Thrace; Ptolemy Soter, Egypt; and Selucus, Syria. In
the book of Daniel we have another prophecy of the confrontations
and strategic activities occurred between Syria and Egypt in the second
and third centuries B.C. (Da 11). In B.C. 320 Ptolemy attacked Jerusalem
killed a large number of people and took one lakh Jews as captives to
Egypt. Thus the Jews who migrated into Alexandria no more used their
mother tongue Hebrew or Aramaea. There arose the need of a Greek
translation of the Bible which was carried out by seventy Jewish rabbis
in B.C. 200. This Greek translation is known as ‘Septuagint.
In B.C. 200, Antiochus one of the successors of Seleucus defeated Ptolemy
and conquered Palestine. Antiochus Eppiphanus who ruled in succession
defiled the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar and trying to impose
the Greek culture on the Jews. A large number of Jews were tortured
and killed. Then the Jews revolted against the Syrian king. Mattathias,
an aged priest, and maccabeas and their children Judas, Jonathan and
Simon gave leadership for this freedom struggle. Until Palestine passed
under the Roman power, Maccabees gave leadership and ruled the Jews.

Roman rule
With the weakening of the Greek empire, Rome became powerful. In
B.C. 63 the Roman ruler Pompey invaded Judea and captured Jerusalem.
In B.C. 48 Julius Caesar defeated Pompey and came to power. After he
was killed, Mark Antony came to power and in his time Roman rule was
fully established in Palestine. In B.C. 37 his son, Herod became governor
of Galilee; later king of Judea.
Herod who established his position by brutally killing his opponents had
always been keen to please the Emperor Augustus. In order to please

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the Jews he rebuilt the Temple which was in Christ’s time. The
establishment of the powerful Roman rule was the way paved for the
incarnation and the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is a thrilling fact that
God’s hand controls the courses of the nations in the history.

Memory Verse: Psalm 75:5-6

“Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of
their warriors can lift his hands. At your rebuke O’ God of Jacob,
both horse and chariot lie still. You alone are to be feared. Who
can stand before you when you are angry?”

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. Which are the main world empires in the history?
2. Explain each part of the idol in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and
what each metal refers to.
3. Which are the four beasts in Daniel’s dream? What does each
beast show?
4. Which kingdom does the goat with a prominent horn refer to?
5. Who was the Roman emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth and
who ruled Palestine?

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 Lesson - 17

ISRAEL and the Messiah

Central Truth
When the Promised Messiah came, the Jews could not recognize Him
because of their religious blindness resulting from fanaticism and
arrogance. Humility and trust in God can keep us from running the risk
of rejecting the Son of God and His ways.

The Messiah
In which family and people was Jesus born? Which nation did God give
His Laws and promises to? (Rom 9:4). What was the first promise given
to the fallen man? (Gen 3:15). God gave a lot of promises to the Israelites
beginning from “the seed of the woman shall break the head of the
serpent”. The promise given to Abraham that “in you shall all the families
of the earth be blessed” was also regarding Christ (Ge 22:18, Ga 3:16).
These promises were repeatedly confirmed to Isaac, Jacob and their
descendants. God had given many other promises and predictions about
the coming Messiah beforehand such as His virgin birth (Is 7:14), birth
place (Mic 5:2) type of ministry (Isa 42:6-7) betrayal by friend (Zec 11:12)
Passion and atoning death (Isa 53, Ps 22). Vineager given for drink (Ps
68:21) utterance on the cross (Ps 22:1), His bones not broken (Ps 68:21)
His side pierced (Zec 12:10) resurrection (Ps 16:10) outpouring of the
Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28, 30) etc. etc., In fulfillment to all these prophecies
God sent the Messiah into the midst of Israel.

Rejecting the Messiah

Fulfilling all the divine promises, Jesus was born in the tribe of Judah as
the descendant of David. He revealed God’s glory through many signs
and wonders. But the Jews became blind to harden their hearts and
rejected the Messiah. They felt Jesus’ teachings as very hard (Jn 5:18;
19:7). Finally at the court of trial, Pilate washed his hands saying “I find
no guilt in this man, I have no part in this man’s blood”. Then the Jews
shouted at the top of their voice, “Let his blood be on us and our
children”. Thus the Jews rejected the Messiah and delivered him to the
cruelest death. Although the death and resurrection of Christ were
according to God’s eternal plan, the Jews had to reap what they had

73
sown. It just happened to them as Jesus had said: The days will come
upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you
and encircle you and hem you in every side. They will dash you to the
ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one
stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s
coming to you.” (Lk 19:43-44). And, “Daughters of Jerusalem do not
weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children”. (Lk 23:28). The
sufferings and persecutions through which the Jews passed since A.D.
50 till recently are indescribable.

The Diaspora - (Scattering of Israel)

Christ was crucified during the reign of Tiberius Caesar when Pilate was
Governor over Judea. About 20 years later in A.D. 50, the Jews revolted
against the Roman rule. In that struggle, over thirty thousand Jews
were killed by the Romans. When the revolution in A.D. 66 was suppressed
by Vespasian, the commander of Nero, more than forty thousand Jews
were killed. In A.D. 70, Titus the son of Vespasian came with a large
military force and invaded Jerusalem. In this war, about one million
Jews were killed and so much blood of the Jews was shed that the hoofs
of the horses were immersed. The magnificent Temple that was built in
46 years by Herod was burned to ashes. A lot of Jews were taken away
as captives to different parts of the Empire. After 65 years in A.D. 135,
the Jews again revolted against the Roman rule. Hadrian, the then
emperor suppressed the Jews completely and plowed Zion like a field
as prophesied in Mic 3:12.
Moreover by the decree of Hadrian, all the Jews were completely expelled
from Palestine. What the Lord had spoken became true, “they will fall by
the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all nations”. (Lk 21:24).
The history bears witness to the bitter results the Jews have pathetically
reaped for rejecting the promised Messiah who was sent into the midst
of them as their Redeemer. This must not be repeated in your life but be
careful to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord and
be partakers of God’s kingdom.

Memory Verse: John 1:11, 12

“He came to His own, but his own did not receive Him, to those
who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children
of God”.

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 EXERCISE
1. Prove that Jesus Christ was the Promised Messiah
2. What is the reason of the Jewish torture since A.D. 50?
3. Describe the persecutions of the Jews by the Roman government
after the crucifixion of Christ.
4. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? If so when? If
not, will you accept Him now?

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 Lesson - 18

ISRAEL -
History of 1800 years
Introduction
We have studied about the consequences of the Jewish rejection of the
Messiah, how the Jews were persecuted by the Roman emperors. But
there does not end the story. The history of Jewish persecution from
A.D. 135 to 1945 by their host countries is horrible.
From A.D. 135 to 312, the Jews prospered a little bit in the countries
where they were scattered. The Jews joined the Pagans of the respective
countries in persecuting the Christians. But Constantine’s conversion to
Christianity changed the situation in Christian’s favour. The tide began
to turn towards the Jews, who began to be persecuted. After the
declension of the Roman Empire, the European countries rose up from
the ruins of Rome which became a haven for the Jews. But the Jews
were treated with contempt and hatred and were persecuted by all
their hosts. Between A.D. 1020 and 1272 the Jews were cruelly persecuted
by the Kings of England.
In the first crusade, innumerable Jews were killed. ‘York castle’ disaster
also took a heavy toll of the Jews. In the next four centuries the Jews
were denied entrance to England. The Jews also suffered persecution in
France between 1306 and 1723 and in Germany between 1348 and 1560.
The situation was no better in Spain, Italy, Russia and other countries.
The last emperor Czar of Russia tortured them most brutally which none
can remember without chills going up the spine. Pulling out tongues
with forceps, gouging out eyes etc., were his hobbies. In the Communist
Russia also, Jews were subject to cruel oppressions. Most of all, Hitler’s
methods of torture were terrific. He made them open to robbery and
detriment of their belongings and properties, and massacred
innumerable people. About 6 million Jews were killed by Hitler in
Germany. The Jews were not safe even in Arab countries. But after
reformation with the advent of evangelistic freedom in countries like
England, Germany and America, the attitude towards the Jews in those
lands has changed considerably.

76
Zionism
The Jews who were expelled from their home in A.D. 135, lived in other
countries suffering the bitterest and cruelest tortures for centuries. Their
love for their homeland was growing within them. In 1897 an all-world
council of the Jews was held at Switzerland. In that meeting the
movement Zionism was born with the aim of getting Palestine back. A
Jewish leader named Theodore Hersel gave leadership for it. There was
a deputation sent by the Zionist movement to the Sultan of Turk with a
demand that Palestine be given to them for a price. Or at least they
must be granted with an immigrant status. But Sultan gave a scornful
reply that Palestine would be given when the water of Nile would flow
northward (upstream) to Palestine.

The World War I

The First World War broke out in 1914. It was between Britain and
Germany. Formerly, Turk was on the side of Britain but a little time before
the war, joined Germany and the war continued. A Jewish scientist Dr.
Weizman discovered an explosive gas with which Britain won victory. In
1917 the British army moved from Alexandria to Jerusalem under the
leadership of Gen. Allenby. For sufficient water supply, the water from
the river Nile was canalised through pipe northward. The English army
reached Jerusalem.
W ithout a shot f ired, Allenby conquered the Turk and captured
Jerusalem. The Britains were extremely grateful to Dr. Weizman for his
discovery of the explosive with which they could win. The British Prime
Minister was ready to do any favour for him. Dr. Weizmann expressed
his desire to the prime Minister that Israel must be granted at least
immigrant status in Palestine. His request was granted and the famous
‘Balfour Declaration’ was made which allowed the Jews to migrate legally
into Palestine. In Palestine, British Mandatory rule was imposed. Since
1920 the Jews began migrating to Palestine. But the Arabic protest
compelled Britain to put curb on the Jewish migration.

The World War II and the nation Israel

In the Second World War also which lasted from 1939 to 1945 Britain
and their allies won. Palestine continued to be in the British Mandatory
Rule. There went on fierce fighting between Arabs and Israel. Finally
according to the decision of the U.N. Council, Palestine was divided into
two and Israel and Arabs were given a division each. The Arabs did not
fully comply with this decision. On 14th May 1948 at midnight, Israel
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was declared Republic with Dr. Weizman as the President. The Prime
Minister Ben Groin gave the inaugural speech on the Radio. In spite of
many large scale attacks launched against Israel to wipe them out from
the face of the earth, God gave Israel victory and He Himself rocked the
cradle of the nation. Before long, Israel got membership in the U.N.O.
as well as approval from many other countries. These things all happened
in God’s time according to His Plan.
The consequence of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah was great and bitter.
Yet God did not forsake them but prepared way for their restoration. If
we deviate from the path of God, we also may have to go through
horrible fiery trials. That will be for our repentance. If we repent and
come back to God, He will hear us, forgive our sins and restore us. He
shall deliver us from all our sufferings.

Memory Verse: Deuteronomy 28:13

“The Lord will make you the head not the tail. If you pay attention
to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day
and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at
the bottom”.

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. When was Israel expelled from Jerusalem? Describe their sufferings
in the host countries?
2. Write a short note on Zionism?
3. What was Zionist movement demand to Sultan of Turk? What
was his reply? How did the condition of his reply come true?
4. What did Israel achieve through I&II World Wars?
5. Who was Dr. Weizman? Say about his worthy contribution?
6. When was the nation Israel established? Who was the first Prime
Minister?
7. What lesson can we learn from the history of Israel (their suffer-
ings and restoration)?

Q
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 Lesson - 19

ISRAEL -
Blossoming
Theme Verse
“For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their
acceptance be but life from the dead?’’ (Rom 11:15)

Introduction:
We have already studied that the nation Israel was established in 1948.
It would be interesting to see what their present condition is and how
far is their prosperity and development connected with the second
coming of Jesus Christ. Let’s study about it.

Prophecies
In the Olivet discourse, Jesus gave an important sign of His coming. It
was regarding the blossoming or prosperity of Israel: “Now learn this
lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leave
come out you know that summer is near. Even so when you see all
these things, you know that it is near right at the door” (Mt 24:32-33). In
the Bible the Jews are spoken of as Wine (Is 5:7) as Olive (Rom 11:24)
and as the Fig (Mt 4:32). Jesus cursed the Fig tree and it was withered as
a token of Israel’s destruction (Mt 21:18-20). But Jesus taught that before
His coming, Israel would be prosperous again. In the Old Testament
prophecies this fact is repeatedly spoken (Dt 30:3-5, Is 60:1-11, Eze 36:8-
12, 37:11-15; 21-28; Am 9:9-15).

Amazing victory over the enemy

Though the Jewish nation was established in 1948, they had to face
oppositions in the next years from the Arab nations and many others.
In 1948 itself the Arabic nations namely Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon
fought against Israel. But Israel defeated the enemies in a quite
unexpected way. God sent honey bees to drive them away. Again in the
Sinai war in 1956, Egypt and her confederates were defeated. In 1967
Nazzar, the Egyptian despot and president of U.A.R. organizing all the

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Arab nations and with the support of Russia came to fight against Israel.
Nazzar’s challenge was: “Come, let us destroy them as a nation that the
name of Israel be remembered no more” (Ps 83:4). They closed the Gulf
of Aquaba to shipping and great armies were mobilised against Israel.
Thus on 5th June 1967 the famous six day war began. In few hours
innumerable enemy war planes were obliterated and their air bases
were devastated. In four days they invaded the city of Jerusalem as a
whole, the western part of Jordan, Gaza and Sinai areas stretching to as
far as the east cost of Suez Canal.
On the fifth day i.e. on 9th June, Nazzar resigned. The next day he was
forced to withdraw his resignation. The U.N. Council called for ceasefire
and on 11th June ceasefire was in effect. This six day-war brought
immense success for Israel.
Though the U.N. Council and other heads of State asked Israel to return
the invaded territories they did not heed to it.
The world has accepted Israel’s aeronautic skill and expertise which was
proven recently when an Israeli aircraft was hijacked by the Arabic
Guerillas to Uganda. In a matter of minutes, all the Israeli hostages in
Ugandan confinement were airlifted and brought back to Israel. The
Egyptian President Sadath has made a treaty with Israel. All such events
show that God is working with Israel.

Israel’s Prosperity - (Joel 2:21-27)

Israel is leading in military force, scientific achievement and all other
realms. As a fulfillment of the prophecy, ‘The desert shall be blossomed
like garden” the desert areas and wastelands have recently become
beautiful farm lands. Agriculture has made enviable progress in Israel.
Now they have not only gained self-sufficiency but have surplus so that
wheat, barley, fruit etc. are exported. Israel is leading in the areas of
good water supply system, house building, commerce, business, city
planning, transport etc. Yes indeed! The fig tree (Jews) has blossomed!
The coming of Christ is at hand. Let us get ready for His coming.

Memory Verse: Matthew 24:32,33

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get
tender and its leaves come out you know that summer is near.
Even so when you see all these things, you know that it is near
right at the door.”

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 EXERCISE
1. Through which act did Jesus show the resemblance to Israel?
What did Jesus mean through the same?
2. How is the prophecy ‘The Fig tree shall blossom, being fulfilled?
3. Write the date of the six-day-war; between whom was it waged?
What was the result?
4. How can you prove through the history of Israel that Christ’s
coming is near?

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 Lesson - 20

ISRAEL -
Future
Theme Verse
“For the revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and
will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come
and will not delay.” (Hab 2:3).

Introduction
God is interested in our best and has always a definite plan concerning
all of us. God chose Israel to be His own people and a holy people. But
because of their deviation from Gods path, they had to suffer greatly.
But ultimately God’s plan for them will be accomplished in them as they
return to God. A bright and sunshine prospect is awaiting Israel. Let us
study about it.

The Great Tribulation

The blossoming of the Jews tells us that Christ’s coming is very near.
The Lord’s coming has two phases. First is His coming in the mid-air to
take up the Church. Then the saints who have slept in the Lord shall be
resurrected and those alive shall be transformed. Both shall be taken up
in the clouds together to meet the Lord in the air. (I Co 15:52-54, 1 Th
4:16-18). With that event, the Holy Spirit also shall leave the earth.
Eventually, the lawless one or Antichrist shall appear. He shall make the
Jews believe that He is the Messiah and will enter into a treaty with
them. (Da 9:27, Rev 6:2; 2 Th 2:9-12). The Antichrist will rule the world as
the world emperor. After the first half of the period i.e., three and a half
years, he shall break the covenant with Israel and shall cease the Jewish
worship and oblations. In the Temple his image shall be installed. Israel
shall oppose this. It will result in a great tribulation and torture of the
Jews. During that period known as Jacob’s trouble there will be “great
distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now and never
to be equaled again.” (Mt 24:21-26). Its length will be 1260 days i.e.,

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three and a half years. During that time God will send Moses and Elijah
to exhort and comfort Israel (Rev 11:1-7).

Christ’s glorious appearance

After the seven years rule of Antichrist, Israel shall repent and turn
towards God. Jesus Christ along with all His saints will descend on the
mount Olive near Jerusalem (Zec 14:4) For more details of Christ’s glorious
appearance read Rev 1:7; 19:11-16, 2 Th 1:6,7, Mt 24:30. The Antichrist
and his followers shall reach Armageddon with a vast army to fight
against Christ and Israel. In the following encounter, Christ shall defeat
Antichrist and all his allies with His mighty presence. Antichrist and the
false prophet shall be cast into the lake of fire which burns with sulphur.
(Rev 16:19-21, Zec 14:4-12).

The Final Regathering of Israel

After the glorious appearance of the Messiah all the Jews left in various
parts of the world shall be restored to Palestine. (Isa 11:11-12; Mt 24:31,
Am 9:9; Jer 31:8). They shall come with deep sorrow and look at Him
they pierced. It will be on this occasion that Israel as a nation shall
partake of the redemption that Jesus prepared on the cross of Calvary
(Zec 12:10-14). They shall weep clan by clan and accept Jesus Christ as
their Saviour, Lord and King. Thus shall the will of God be fulfilled in
them.

Israel in Millennium
After the regathering of Israel, the Millennium (thousand year reign)
shall begin. Satan will be bound and sealed in the abyss, (bottomless
pit). Jesus will restore David’s kingdom and shall sit on the throne of
glory. He shall gather all nations before Him and select the nations to
be entered in the Millennium. (Mt 25:31-33). This judgment of nations
shall depend on how they have treated Israel during the Tribulation.
In that thousand year, the nature of the rule shall be theocracy. Jerusalem
shall be the capital (Isa 24:23). When this kingdom will be established
on earth by the Messiah, Israel shall get all her promised territories.
Israel shall live in safety in their own land (Jer 23:5-8). The boundaries of
their promised land are: The River Nile on the west, the river Euphrates
on the east Hamath on the north (100 miles north of Damascus). Kadesh
on the South (100 miles south of Jerusalem). But the territory of the
Messiah shall be from sea to sea and from the rivers to the ends of the

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earth as said in Ps 72. The whole earth will be under this rule. The
systems and conditions of the rule are described in Isa 11:1-10; 65:17-25
etc. Oh! That will be an era full of righteousness, peace, love and one
void of all evils!
After the Millennium, Satan will be let loose for a little while. He will
gather the unregenerate Gentiles to destroy Israel and Jerusalem.
Immediately God’s fire of judgment shall descend upon them and they
shall be consumed. Satan shall be thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur
(Rev 20:7-10).
Thereafter, the final Judgment shall take place. Afterwards all the saints
including those of Israel shall dwell in the New Jerusalem during the
perfect age (Rev 21:1-5). This is what the future holds.
Let us be ready for spending eternity with the Lord in the New Jerusalem
which God has prepared for His saints. Also make others ready.

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25; 11:1-16

Memory Verse: Isaiah 12:2,3

Surely God is my salvation I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord
is my strength and my song he has become my salvation. With
joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation”.

EXERCISE
Answer the following:
1. Describe the dealings between Antichrist and Israel during the
Tribulation.
2. What will be the events at Christ’s glorious appearance?
3. Explain the characteristics of the Millennium?
4. Who will live with Christ in the perfect Age? Are you ready for it?

f
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 Lesson 21

Book of Acts
General Introduction
Under the title the “Acts of the Apostles”, this is the opening pages of
the history of the Church. It tells us how the Church was born, grew and
developed to the extent of being a formidable force. Let us study the
book of Acts and its author and the purpose of writing.

Some General Facts

The book of Acts covers a period of some 30 years, from the birth of the
church on the day of Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment at Rome. It
describes the spread of Christianity around the Northern Mediterranean
through present-day Syria, Turkey and Greece to the heart of the Roman
Empire, or in the words of Jesus, “In Jerusalem, in all Judea, Samaria and
to the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts.1:8)

The Acts related are mainly those of the Apostles Peter

and Paul

Who wrote it?

All the evidence of authorship points to Paul’s dear friend Luke, the
doctor. He was not one among the twelve Disciples of Christ and was
the only non-Jewish writer in the New-Testament. He came from Antioch
or possibly Philippi. Both Luke’s Gospel and Acts have the same addressee
Theophilus. Moreover in the book of Acts he clearly states about the
Gospel as his first book. We can know from the way he changes from
“They” to “We” in Acts (16:10,20:5, 27:1) that he was present at many of
the events described. He made the fateful journey with Paul to Jerusalem,
stuck by him during the two years at Caesarea. He also shared the
voyage and shipwreck on the way to Rome. He had plenty of opportunities
to obtain his information first hand from Paul and Barnabas and others
in the church at Antioch; from James the Lord’s brother among others
at Jerusalem and from Philip and his daughters at Caesarea.

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Purpose of writing
It was in order to give the Roman Theophilus an accurate record of the
true facts about Christianity (Lk.1:1-4, Acts.1:1-43) Dr. Luke begins the
account of Acts where he ended his Gospel, namely with the ascension
of Jesus. In his gospel, Luke related about the advance of the gospel
from an obscure village, Nazareth, to the center of Jewish life, Jerusalem.
Whereas in Acts, he continued the story of the advance of the gospel
from Jerusalem to the center of Empire Rome.

When was it written?

Most probably, it was written at the close of Paul’s two year imprisonment
in Rome in the early or mid-sixties.
The evidences point to a date about A.D.60 for the writing of the gospels
and 63 for Acts
Though the book is known as the “Acts of the Apostles”, a fitting title
would be “Acts of the Holy Spirit”. What Christ began to do and to
teach, the Holy Spirit continued through the Church.

Acts of the Apostles - Chapter wise description

Ch.1. Preparation for the witness
a) Jesus’ last command and promise (1:1-14)
b) The successor of Judas (1:15-26)
Ch.2. The Holy Spirit comes, Peter’s first ever sermon in Jerusalem
turns the key to open the Kingdom of Heaven to 3000 souls.
Ch.3. A lame man is healed and Peter’s message in the Temple of
Jerusalem
Ch.4. Peter and John face threat from the Sanhedrin council. The
believers pray for boldness
Ch.5. The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira - the first tragedy in
the church.
The Apostles arrested again and commanded never again to
speak in the name of Jesus
Ch.6. Stephen and other Deacons chosen
Ch.7. Stephen preaches to Sanhedrin and gets martyred

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Ch.8. Ministry of Philip in Samaria and special guidance to win the
Eunuch
Ch.9. Saul’s wonderful conversion
Ch10. Cornelius sends for Peter who gets the vision of a sheet tied to
four corners with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds and
goes to Caesarea to open the Kingdom for the Gentiles.
Ch.11. Peter ’s report to the church at Jerusalem. The witnessing
produces another church at Antioch that becomes the mission
headquarter
Ch12. James beheaded and Peter is released from prison by an angel
and Herod’s death
Ch.13. Saul and Barnabas are chosen and sent as missionaries-
The first missionary journey begins.
Ch.14. The first missionary journey continues and ends with return to
Antioch
Ch.15. An important meeting at Jerusalem to deal with an
extremist view of a Christian cult. Paul and Barnabas separate
and take two different routes for their journey
Ch.16. Second missionary journey of Paul with Silas and Timothy
Ch.17. Second missionary journey continues and terminates at Corinth.
Ch.18. Ministry at Corinth.
Ch.19. Third missionary journey - Ephesus.
Ch.20. Third missionary journey - terminates at Ephesus
Ch.21. Paul goes to Jerusalem and courts arrest in the temple
Ch.22. Paul’s defense before the Jewish crowd under the Roman guard
Ch.23. Paul before the Sanhedrin council
Ch.24. Paul’s defense before the governor Felix after he was accused
by the Jews
Ch.25. Paul appeals to the Emperor
Ch.26. Paul’s defense before Agrippa
Ch.27. Paul sails for Rome as a prisoner and faces storm and ship
wreck
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Ch.28. Paul and all the sailors escape to Malta and finally reach Rome.
Imprisonment and end

A General Analysis and Division

Acts may be divided in to three principal parts, reflecting the ever
widening area in which the gospel of Christ was proclaimed and the
church established.
Main Divisions of the Book of Acts
Act. 1 to 8:3
Church is established
Christ ascends, Holy Spirit Descends, Church is established in Jerusalem
and spread to all Judea. Signs and wonders are performed by the
Apostles, thousands are added to the Church, persecution begins,
Stephen becomes the first martyr.
Peter is the prominent personality.
Act. 8:4-12:25
Expands to Samaria
Church further expands to Samaria. God uses Philip one of the seven
deacons (Act.6:1-6) to take the Gospel to Samaria, the Ethiopian Finance
Minister gets converted, Saul the persecutor of the Church becomes
the propagator. A Roman Centurion accepts the Gospel and the door
to Gentiles is opened. James the Apostle is beheaded by Herod, and
Peter though imprisoned, is miraculously released by the Lord.
Peter & Philip are prominent here.
Act.13 to 28
To uttermost parts.
1st Missionary journey of Paul Chapter 13 to 14
2nd journey
Ch.15 to 18
3rd Journey Ch.18:23-21:17,
Voyage to Rome Ch.21:18-28:30
Paul is prominent in this section.

l
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 Lesson 22

The Holy Spirit descends

The Church is born in Jerusalem
Central Truth:
The birth of the Church and the descent of the Holy Spirit are interlinked.
If the Holy Spirit departs from the Church, then the Church is not at all
Church.
Introduction: After Jesus died and rose again, he had not ascended to
heaven right away. He had spent 40 days on earth with a purpose of
convincing the disciples through ways that proved beyond doubt that
he was alive. During the period, Jesus commanded the disciples to wait
in Jerusalem until they received the power of the Holy Spirit from above.
Then He ascended to heaven in their sight.
In obedience to Jesus’ command, the disciples waited in the house of
Mark in Jerusalem. Almost 10 days went by during which about 120
disciples kept on praying with one accord. Also during this period, in
place of Judas Iscariot another disciple called Matthias was chosen by
lot.
On the day of Pentecost (50th day) the Holy Spirit came upon all of
them. The first phase of the history of the Church was the movement in
Jerusalem. Now let us study this important lesson.

The Day of Pentecost

You may be wondering what this particular day means! Pentecost was
one of the Seven Festivals of Israel. These festivals are divided in to
three groups for the seasons during which Israelites had to gather for
celebration in a year (Lev.23:1-36)

The First Group: (During the first month)

1. Passover Jesus Christ observed it with His disciples just
before His crucifixion (Lk.22:1-23)

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2. Unleavened Bread
3. First Fruits (Occurred on the next day of the Sabbath
on which Jesus resurrected (Lk.23:56, 24:1)

The Second Group: (During the third month)

4. Pentecost The word Pentecost means Fiftieth Day
(Feast of weeks) - counting from the day of First Fruits.

The Third Group: (During the seventh month)

5. Trumpets
6. Atonement
7. Tabernacle
After several appearances to the disciples during forty days, Jesus
ascended to heaven. At the time of ascension, Jesus gathered His disciples
on the Mount of Olives and He gave specific command to the disciples
: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my father Promised.........
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria and to
the ends of the earth” (Act.1:4-8 NIV)
After Jesus ascended to heaven, they returned to the upper room in
Jerusalem to wait in prayer.
Who all were in this prayer meeting ?The eleven disciples, the new disciple
Matthias who was chosen in place of Judas Iscariot, Mary the mother of
Jesus and many other men and women - about 120 in all.

The Holy Spirit Descends

Since the festival of Pentecost was ahead, people from all over the world
had come to Jerusalem to celebrate. Then on the day of Pentecost a
supernatural event occurred in the upper room. The Holy Spirit descended
on the 120 waiting disciples. “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a
violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they
were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire separated and
came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”
(Acts.2:2-4 NIV)

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Then the disciples knew for sure that this was the promise of God that
Jesus had told them about. They received power and boldness to witness.
You see the change in Peter who had once denied Jesus before a maid
of the High Priest ! Now he became bold enough to defend the cause
to the High Priest himself !
The god-fearing Jews who had arrived at Jerusalem from all parts of the
world to celebrate the festival ran to the spot hearing the loud noise. To
their amazement, the believers spoke in the languages of the crowd
that gathered there. Those of them who understood the language
realised that they were speaking great things that God had done. But
there were those who did not understand some languages because
they were foreign to them. They made fun of the believers saying “These
people are drunk”

The First Sermon and the First Converts

Then Peter stood up with the other eleven Apostles and in a loud voice
began to speak to the crowd about this experience as the fulfillment of
Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28-32). He also proclaimed the gospel of Jesus
Christ- His death and resurrection very emphatically based on the Old
Testament prophecies. All the Jews who were familiar with the scriptures
were pricked in their hearts and said to Peter and other apostles, “What
shall we do brothers?” Immediately Peter answered that repentance
and baptism were required for the remission of sins and would lead to
the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Those who responded to it were 3000
Jewish people. What a glorious response!

The Church Established

The Church was established in Jerusalem. Jesus in the Gospels said that
He would build His Church (Matt.16:18). But nowhere do we find the
church to have been built until the ascension of Christ. After the descent
of the Holy Spirit and the addition of 3000 souls to the core group 120,
we find; “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being
saved” (Acts.2:41,47 NKJV). So we can easily reach the conclusion that
the Church was established at the descent of Holy Spirit on the day of
Pentecost. It must be specially noted that only the saved and baptised
constituted the Church.
The Apostles daily went to the Temple-court and taught the Jews the
Word of God. Those who heard the word believed and the number of
men increased to be about 5000 (Acts.2:46,4:2-4)

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How the early church functioned is mentioned in Acts.2:42. “They
continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the
breaking of bread and in prayers”

Signs and wonders

Many signs and wonders were performed by the apostles (Acts.2:43) It
was necessary to confirm the word through the accompanying signs
(Mk.16:20). Jesus performed miracles to prove His Diety and Sonship.
But that was not the task He had considered to be entrusted by the
Father. Preaching the Kingdom of God and sowing the seed of God’s
word were the primary priorities as in the case of discourse to Nicodemus
and the Samaritan woman (Jn.2&3). Similarly the apostles gave priority
to the message of salvation. However, miracles accompanied whenever
the Lord wanted it to occur. See for example in chapter 3, the healing of
the lame beggar at the temple gate (Act. 3:1-10). This miracle in fact
had put the Sanhedrin council to silence (Act.4:14)

Scripture: Acts Ch. 1 & 2

Memory Verse: Acts 1:4,5
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them
this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my
Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For
John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit.”

EXERCISE
1. Name the festivals and the groups for the reasons during which
Israelites had to gather for celebration in a year?
2. What is the meaning of Pentecost? After how many days did
Jesus ascended to heaven? What was the command Jesus gave
His disciples on Mount Olive before His ascension?
3. Where did they come together to prayer? Who all were present in
this prayer meeting?
4. Describe the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost?
5. Describe Peter’s sermon , the conversion of the Jews and the
establishment of the Church?

d
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 LESSON 23

SALVATION

Central Truth
Salvation belongs to God and He gives to those who yearn for it. They
will yearn who know that they need it.

Introduction
Imagine a boy falling in to a lake. He does not know swimming. He is
drowning to death. He is helpless. Can we teach him swimming and
save him? No! Can we advise him some other alternatives by which he
may rescue himself? No! If we sincerely want to save his life, the only
way is to jump in to the water sacrificing our life, get near the boy and
carry him ashore. After rescuing him, we must give him first-aid, food,
clothes etc. This is what Jesus Christ has done for the fallen man-kind.

What is Salvation?
The word used in the original Hebrew and Greek for salvation has the
following meanings: deliverance, safety, protection, healing etc. Salvation
in the sense that we use here means deliverance of man from a lost
state of sin and death to supreme blessedness. The term salvation
includes all the spiritual blessings that a man needs in order to be lifted
up from the lowest hell to the uttermost heaven. They are: rebirth,
justification, sanctification, glorification etc. the effect of salvation comes
on all the three parts of man such as, body, soul and spirit.

What is sin and death?

About the origin of sin, we find in the Bible that “by one man (Adam) sin
entered into the world and death by sin”. (Rom.5:12) We have already
studied about Adam and Eve and their sin. What did they do? They ate
the forbidden fruit.
Many people ask about it this way: isn’t it silly that God expelled them
from the garden just for eating a fruit? Was it so serious a sin?

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Here we must understand that it was a simple test of God whether they
would obey and believe God or not. It is here that they failed. God said,
“The day you eat the fruit, you will surely die”. (Gen.2:17)
Satan (serpent) said, “You will not surely die, you will be like God.” (Gen.3:4)
We know what actually happened. First they died spiritually (spiritual
death is separation from God). Secondly Adam died physically at the
age of 930- less than a day in God’s sight. “With the Lord one day is as a
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 pet 2:8). (Physical
death is separation of soul from the body.)
Adam & Eve were created in the image of God and according to His
likeness. Do you know what the serpent said? “You will be like God!”
Actually, instead of being like God, they got separated from God (spiritual
death) thereby losing God’s image and likeness, which they had.

In conclusion, the sin of Adam and Eve can be summarized as

follows:
1. Doubted God’s love and care (Gen.3:4-5)
2. Believed satan’s lies and accusations against God (Gen.3:2)
3. Trifled with God’s commandments and thwarted it (compare Gen.3:2,3
with 2:17).
4. Fell victim to (a) lust of the flesh (b) lust of the eyes (c) pride of life.
(Gen.3:6, 1 Jn.2\15-17)

Consequence of sin
The sin of the first man brought upon the entire human race serious
consequences such as, death, judgment or condemnation, dominion of
sin, evil heredity, (depraved nature and curses)

a) Death
Prior to sinning, they were destined for eternal life, but by their sin,
death entered in to humanity. In addition to spiritual death (Eph.2:1)
and physical death also came upon man. The eternal death is eternal
separation of man from God or eternal hell.

b) Judgment
Since God is Just, He cannot leave the guilty unpunished. God’s final

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verdict upon the guilty man is eternal damnation. “It’s appointed for
man to die once but after this the judgment. (Heb.9:27).

c) Punishment
The punishment for sin comes on man in three stages.
i) While man lives on earth as a result of sin man suffers several kinds
of pain and suffering during his life on earth. Sickness, fear, old age
ailments, hard work to earn food, physical death (Gen.3:16-19).
ii) After Physical death- After physical death, body decomposes and
returns to the earth. But the personality is not destroyed. The soul of
a sinner who has not been saved goes to a place of torment (Luke
26:23-24). This is not eternal hell, but only a place of temporary
punishment.
iii) Eternal Condemnation- All the dead will rise and stand before the
final judgment seat. All people whose names are not in the ‘book of
life’ will be cast into the eternal hell prepared for Satan and his ghosts.
d) Evil Heredity (Depraved Nature). By the sin of Adam the entire adamic
race became subject to sin. Generation after generation, the sinful
nature has been passed on to all men. We are not sinners because
we do sin but we do sin because we are sinners. A dog is not a dog
because it barks but a dog barks because it is a dog by birth. Similarly
we are sinners by birth. David said, “Behold, I was brought forth in
iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me”. (psa.51:5). The sinful
tendencies and inclinations are found in all individuals even in small
children. This explains why children don’t share either their toys or
their mothers’ bosom with other children. Besides all the vices such
as anger, hatred, jealousy etc., are found in children too. This is due
to the fact that the sinful nature has hung over from the parents.
This is stated by Paul like this: “By one man sin entered into the
world and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that
all have sinned….. death reigned ..even over them that had not sinned.”
(Rom.5:12-14)
e) Dominion of Sin: Sin rules over man like a cruel master. Paul describes
about this in Romans 7:14-25. “I am carnal., sold under sin. Though I
want to do good. I am not able to do. But I do the evil which I do not
want. So I realise that I cannot escape from under the clutches of sin
without a strong deliverer.

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The need of Salvation: This is the pathetic state of humanity. Being
conscious of its horribleness, Paul utters, “O wretched man that I am
!who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Paul himself finds the answer so much for his comfort as for that of all
of us: “I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom.7:24,25).
In conclusion, the mankind is drowning in the waters of sin and God’s
wrath. The mankind needs deliverance from such a plight. They also
need God’s forgiveness and acquittal.

References : Romans :1:18-3:23, Romans:5:12-14

Memory Verse: Romans- 3:23, 5:12

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and
death through sin, and in this way death came to all people,
because all sinned”

EXERCISE
1. What is the meaning of salvation?
2. Which Spiritual blessings does a man need to lift from hell to
heaven?
3. How did sin enter into the world?
4. What is meant by spiritual death?
5. What is meant by physical death?
6. Summarize the sin of Adam and Eve?
7. What were the consequences of sin?
8. Explain the 3 stages in which punishment for sin is inflicted on
man, unless he is saved?

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 LESSON 24

Christ-
the only Saviour
Central truth
The concept of salvation in man-made religions is often confusing with
its never ending rituals and superstitions. But salvation in Jesus Christ is
Christ-centered and truth based.

Introduction
It is a common fact that only a creditor can forgive one’s debt. Similarly,
the entire mankind is in debt to God by sin. Therefore, unless God
provides a way of pardon, nothing else will work. Bible says, “Nor is
there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts.4:12). Moreover,
the Saviour must be competent and qualified to save. Jesus Christ is
the only Saviour fully authorized by God and qualified by virtues to
redeem mankind.

The qualification of a saviour

1. The saviour must be unique and sinless.
2. The saviour must be sympathetic.
3. The saviour must be willing and able to take the sinner’s penalty
upon himself.
4. The saviour must be infinite and eternally alive to give salvation at
all times.
5. The saviour must be testified by others as able to save. Jesus Christ
was perfect in all the above mentioned qualifications. Let us see
how they fit into Jesus Christ.

I. Sinless
Though Jesus Christ was born as man and lived as man, he was different
from other men. It is simple common sense that one who is born in sin

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and living in sin cannot save sinners. Let us see how Jesus proved to be
sinless.
a) The birth of Jesus Christ was sinless and unique. His birth was
fore-told in the Bible. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a
son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa.7:14). In fulfillment to
this prophecy Jesus Christ was born in Mary. It was not by a human
agency that Mary conceived but by the Holy Spirit. Yes everything is
possible with God!. At the birth of Jesus, it was God manifest in the
flesh. (The Preexistent Logos took flesh Jn.1:1,14). No other person
has been born into this world in this way except Christ Jesus.
b) The life of Jesus Christ was sinless. He led a most holy life so much
that He could challenge the people, saying “Who shall convict me of
my sin?”(Jn.8:46). He knew no sin (1 Cor.5:21). He did no sin (1
Pet.2:22)
c) Testimonies to His sinlessness. From the beginning of public ministry
to the crucifixion, Jesus was testified to be holy and blameless on
several occasions.
1. At the time of Jesus’s baptism, God the Father said : “This is my
beloved son in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt.3:17).
2. During the trial, Pilate the governor said “I find no fault in Him”
(Jn.19:4)
3. During the trial, Pilate’s wife sent him message: “Have nothing to do
with that just Man” (Matt. 27:19).
4. When Jesus breathed His last on the cross, the centurion said:
“Certainly, this was a righteous Man” (Lk.23:47)
5. One of the thieves hung beside Jesus’ cross said: “………this Man has
done nothing wrong” (Lk.23:41).
6. Judas who betrayed Jesus said: “I have sinned by betraying innocent
blood” (Matt.27:41).
7. Satan the accuser of God’s people, who accuses them day and night
said about Christ. “I know who you are the Holy one of God” In this
way, Jesus Christ is different from all other men in His sinless birth
and holy life.

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2. Sympathetic Saviour
Jesus Christ was unique in His compassions.
1. He was compassionate towards the sick people
(Matt.14:14)
2. He was moved with compassion when He found the people
left as sheep without shepherd (Mtt.9:36)
3. He was compassionate towards the hungry (Matt.15-32)
4. He was compassionate towards lepers (Matt.1 40-42)
5. He was compassionate towards sinners (Jn.8:2)
The overwhelming compassion of Jesus Christ towards sinners makes
him the unique saviour. It also explains why He endured the most
shameful death.

3. Willing Saviour
Jesus Christ was willing to fulfill the work of salvation for the whole
mankind. When the mankind was in the depth of wretched sin and
curse, Jesus Christ was willing to leave His glory and equality with the
Father. He said “Behold I come I delight to do your will O’ my God” (Psa.
40:7,8). He lived on this earth and identified Himself with the fallen
human race. At last, He was to die in substitute for the mankind. When
the soldiers and servants of the High Priest came to arrest Jesus, Jesus
introduced Himself to them and delivered Himself into their hands. He
willingly went through the meanest mockery, severest trials, torturous
afflictions and finally the most dreadful death on the cross. Jesus bore
all the punishments of mankind upon himself. “Surely He has borne our
grief and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions.
He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was
upon him, and by his stripes we are healed” (Isa.53:4,5).

4. Infinite and Eternal Saviour

The deliverer must be alive forever to provide salvation at all times.
Jesus Christ the Eternal son of God died for the sins of the mankind.
But that is not the whole story. He rose again from death. He is ever
alive as the Saviour. “Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make
intercession for them” (Heb.7:25). The entire mankind right from the
beginning to the end of the world can avail this salvation through Christ.

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5. Jesus able to save
Firstly, Jesus Christ claimed and proved that He is able to forgive sins
and raise the dead. Jesus said to the Paralytic, ‘Man your sins are forgiven
you” (Lk.5:20). Jesus also said to the dead Lazarus, “Come out”
Immediately, the dead Lazarus came out alive (Jn.11:43,44).
Secondly notice the testimony of those who experienced salvation. Paul
said, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ
Jesus came into the World to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1
Tim.1:15) Peter said, “To Him all the prophets witness that through His
(Jesus) name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins,
(Acts. 2:33-36, 4:11-12, 1John 1:1-3). Even in Old Testament times, way
of salvation was faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Old
Testament sacrifices were only shadows of salvation through Jesus.
The only way that God has prepared for the sin’s atonement and salvation
of all people of all times is Jesus Christ. It is our duty to get saved by
accepting Him as our Saviour and be concerned about the salvation of
others as well.

References : Heb. 9 11-28

Memory Verse: Heb. 9: 27,28
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face
judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of
many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to
bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

EXERCISE

1. What should be the qualification of a Saviour?

2. Who had met all the requirements of qualifying the Saviour?
3. How was the birth of Jesus a unique one?
4. Who all testified Jesus to be sinless, give 4 examples?
5. What is our benefit by virtue of Christ being infinite and eternal?

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 LESSON 25

Three Tenses of Salvation

Central Truth
Salvation is not just attained all on a sudden; it is walking in a progressive
path. It is not simply a past experience that is totally neglected in the
present, nor is it a set of rules for the present with an uncertain future.

Introduction
Can you be sure about your salvation when you are alive on earth? You
may have heard many believers testifying that they are ‘saved’. Some
people think that we cannot say, of a surety, that we are saved yet. For
any argument or solution of problem, the scriptures are final; seek to
know what the Bible says about our salvation.

Three Tenses of Salvation

For Salvation, there are three aspects namely the past, present and
future. They can also be said as ‘Salvation of the spirit, salvation of the
soul and salvation of the body respectively.

1. Past tense experience of salvation

We were saved from the penalty of sin. When we believed on the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ and accepted Him as our Saviour, our sins were
forgiven and we were freed from condemnation. We all must obtain
this experience while we live on earth. Those who have received the
remission of sins through Christ can boldly say that they are saved. This
is the salvation of the spirit. There are so many references to this aspect
of salvation (Rom.3:25, 5:1, Gal.3:26, Jn. 3:16-18, Eph. 2:8). From these
scriptures we understand that one can be sure of one’s salvation while
still on earth. That the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptian
bondage by the blood of the Passover Lamb was a type of this experience.
Refer Heb.9:6,1 Peter 2:24 also.

2. Present Tense Experience of Salvation

We are being saved from the Power of sin. We, who have been saved,
are still living in flesh on earth. In a believer there is an inner conflict
between two natures. One is the spiritual nature that prompts us to

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walk in the will of God. The other is the evil nature or carnal nature that
always attracts us to the old evil ways and bad practices. In this conflict,
the believer must make sure that the spiritual nature is more powerful
and dominant in his life. This is possible only through crucifying our
flesh with Christ and submitting ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit.
“If by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live”
(Rom.8:13). Also Paul writes to Philippians “Work out your own salvation
through fear and trembling” (Phil.2:12). There are many believers who
boast in their past experience of salvation and neglect the present. It is
very dangerous. In the present, a believer must, with all diligence, seek
to get away from the power of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. The
Bible gives stern warnings against our possibly cold shoulder to sin. We
need to have a militant attitude towards sin and not trifle with it
(1Cor.10:12, Heb.4:1-11). We have also the Holy Spirit sent down to
dwell in us and lead us victoriously. We must walk in obedience to the
Holy Spirit (Gal.5:16)

3. Future Tense Experience of Salvation:

We shall be saved from the presence of sin. Those who are being saved
in the present shall be saved from the presence of sin. That will be the
most blessed occasion for all believers. We will be completely delivered
from this sinful system and be freed from all human weaknesses and
corruptions. It will take place at the coming of Christ in the mid-air. “To
those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart
from sin, for salvation” (Heb.9:28). At the coming of Christ, the whole
creation also shall be delivered from its curse and bondage. This aspect
I
of salvation is very thrilling to a believer. It is discussed in detail by the
apostles. The saints who are dead in Christ shall be raised incorruptible
in the twinkling of an eye. Those who are alive shall be transformed.
Thus all believers will be transformed and caught up together to be
with Lord forever. (1 Thess.4:16-17, 1 Cor.15:52-54). This event is called
‘rapture’. This is the future aspect of salvation.
Salvation consists of the whole redemptive work of God in us beginning
from our deliverance from sin’s condemnation and bondage, to that
glorious occasion when we shall attain the eternal bliss. Let us not
neglect so great a salvation, but possess it by faith, stand steadfast and
progress in it most carefully, so that we may all reach that eternal blessing
yonder there!

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References : Heb. 9 11-28

Memory Verse: Heb. 9: 27,28

EXERCISE
1. What are the three aspects of salvation? How are they con-
nected with the 3 appearances of Christ?
2. How were we freed from condemnation?
3. Who can say boldly that he is redeemed?
4. Can a person be sure of his salvation while he is on earth?
5. Which are the two natures that conflict in a believer?
6. What do they prompt us to do?
7. What must a believer prove in the conflict?
8. How can the spiritual nature be more powerful?
9. Who leads us victoriously?
10. When will the believers be saved from the presence of sin?
11. Make a list of the events that will take place at the coming of
Christ?
12. What is meant by rapture?
13. What does salvation consist of?
14. Compare the 3 aspects of salvation with the experience of Israel
from the time of deliverance from Egypt at the time when they
took possession of Canaan?

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 LESSON 26

How to Experience
Salvation
Central Truth:
Salvation to many people is a tedious vicious cycle that is not readily
understandable or practical. But biblical salvation is Christ-centered
and very simple and practical.

Introduction
What is the greatest need of man who is living under sin and curse?
Until and unless a man gets right with God and obtains salvation, he
cannot live in peace or happiness. That is why everyone has an internal
cry for salvation. But few people understand that salvation is God’s gift
and that no human efforts are useful for getting salvation. For attaining
God’s gift, all we need to do is approach Him in God’s own terms. God
has certain requirements in the Bible which we must meet.

Faith and works

We see that people have found out various ways of salvation (Mukti).
Some people find various stages of ‘Yoga’ as a means to get saved.
Certain others count on such practices as prayers, fasting (Lent), giving
alms, pilgrimages etc.. Even among Christians, many people hold the
view that salvation can be attained through sacraments and charitable
works, whereas some people stress on the ‘Way of works’ (Karma). They
contend that salvation can be attained through rituals and practices or
good deeds.
Look at Abel who by faith brought God a better sacrifice than that of
Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous
(Heb.11:14). Abel was justified by his faith. Abel represents those who
take the path of faith.
Notice the clear teaching of the scriptures that salvation is not by means
of works but by the faith. “For by grace you have been saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works lest

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anyone should boast”(Eph.2:8). Not by works of righteousness which
we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus.3:5). A
man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Rom.3:28,
Rom.4:1-7, Gal.3:10-13). All righteous deeds of men are like filthy rags
(Isa.64:6). Salvation is God’s gift given to man solely by grace. The only
way to obtain salvation is by faith (Rom. 3:24-25, Jn.3:16, 5:24, 6:29,
Acts.16:31, Eph.2:8, Rom.10:9-10).
Now let us see how one gets this faith that leads to salvation. From the
parable of the Prodigal son recorded in Luke’s gospel (15:11-32) we find
that there are four stages of this faith.

1 Self-Realisation
We look for water when we are thirsty. Similarly, a man longs for salvation
only when he is convicted of sin. It is the Holy Spirit who brings
conviction in man through the Word of God. Jesus said about the work
of the Holy Spirit. “When He has come, He will convict the world of sin,
and of righteousness and of judgment” (Jn.16:8). Faith comes by the
hearing of the Word of God (Rom.10:17). When anyone listens to the
word of God, the Holy Spirit brings conviction into his heart, which
leads him to salvation. This conviction that a person is a sinner and that
he needs a saviour is self – realization.
When the prodigal son lost everything and starved, “He came to himself
and said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough
and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17). Here the son
realizes his own condition. He finds himself as a wretched person
perishing because of rebellion towards his father. He realizes also the
goodness of the Father, His love, generosity, richness etc. Similarly, the
hearing of the word of God brings conviction in the heart of a sinner
and gives him a revelation of the Loving God. This is the first step
towards the saving faith.

2. Return
The self-realising prodigal son rises up and goes to the Father
(Lk.15:18,20). When a sinner realizes his own condition, he cannot stay
where he is. Instead, he will turn to God saying goodbye to sin and all
sinful circumstances. He begins to disgust the old friendship and old
living styles. Hurriedly, he returns home to the father and gets restored

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in the relationship with the Father. In other words, he comes to
repentance. This is the second step.

3. Confession
The returning son confesses his sins feeling sorry for them. His confession
is described this way: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before
you. And I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like
one of your hired servants” (Lk.15:18,19). Deep conviction of sin and
confession are steps leading to saving faith. Also, he trusts the Father
to receive him and surrenders himself to his will all the rest of his life.

4. Reconciliation
The Father saw the returning son from afar off. He had compassion and
ran and fell on his neck and kissed him (Lk.15:20). This is the picture
showing how God receives a repentant sinner. God reconciles the sinner
to Himself through Jesus Christ (2 Cori. 5:18). “For if when we were
enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His son, much
more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Rom.5:10).
How joyful and safe it is for us to be in the father’s home!
We attain salvation through faith in Jesus Christ who offered Himself as
a sacrifice. The four steps of faith that lead to salvation discussed above
are: realization, return and repentance confession and reconciliation.
Having been reconciled this way, we must grow spiritually every day in
constant communion with God.

References : Luke 15:11-32

Memory Verse: Rom. 10: 9,10

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and
it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

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 EXERCISE
1. Why do people have a yearning for salvation?
2. What are the various ways in which people think that they can
get saved?
3. According to the scripture, how can we get salvation?
4. Who brings conviction in man and through what?
5. What is self-realisation?
6. What does a sinner do when he realises his own condition?
7. What are the steps leading to the saving faith?

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 LESSON 27

Repentance and Rebirth

Central Truth:
Salvation involves deep and awesome spiritual experiences such as
Repentance, Justification and rebirth. These are the basic preliminaries
of the vast subject of salvation.

Introduction
Remember what you have studied about the vast subject of salvation!.
What is Salvation? Why is it that we need salvation? What are the
aspects of salvation in the three tenses? Can you name a few experiences
related to salvation? There are several experiences related to salvation.
Important among them are repentance, rebir th, justif ication,
sanctification, glorification etc. Let us study about them in brief.

1. Repentance
A person feels deep conviction of sin, feels sorry about it and turns
towards God hating and forsaking all the sinful and evil ways. This is
repentance. For example, the return of the prodigal son (Lk.15:17-21).
The need of repentance: Because of Adam’s disobedience, all have shared
the nature of Adam and have become sinners. If man must become
radically good in contrast to his inherently evil nature, an internal
transformation or repentance must take place in man.
How it occurs: The hearing of the word of God and the work of the Holy
spirit are the factors leading to repentances (Rom.10:13-14). When a
person listens to the word of God, the Holy Spirit brings conviction and
sorrow into his heart and leads him to repentance. (Jn.16:7-11, Act.5:30-
31).
Importance: Repentance is one of the most important teachings of the
Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God used to call people to repentance
(Isa.55:7, Ezek.18:30-32. Hosea; 14:1,2 Joel 2:12,13, Jonah.3:1-10). The
New Testament begins with the preaching’s on repentance by John the
Baptist (Matt.3:1,2 Mk..1:2-4) Lk.3:1-20, Jn.1:6). Jesus Christ also began
His public ministry with the exhortation to repent (Mk.1:14, Matt.4:17).
Moreover, Jesus Christ had sent out His disciples appointing to preach

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repentance (Mk.6:12). After the death and resurrection of Christ, the
apostles also preached this subject very emphatically. (Act.2:38, 3:19,
3:30, 31, 8:22, 19:14, 20:21). Hence this is a very important subject indeed!

Repentance manifested
Repentance is a spiritual act of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a man.
Even then, it is manifested in the following manner:
1. In confession of sins and prayerf to God for mercy (Act.8.22, Lk.15:21).
2. In reconciliation with other men for the wrongs done to them (Lk.19:8-
10).
3. Forsaking the old sinful ways and serving God (2 Cor.5:17, Rom.6:13).
4. Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (Lk.3:7-15). It means to fit
his works with the will of God as stated in the Bible.
When a person accepts the Gospel and repents, his sins are forgiven.
As a result, he receives joy and peace from God (Psa.32:1-5). Those who
neglect their opportunities of repentance are in fact, storing up God’s
wrath for themselves (Rom.2:4-5).

Rebirth
Do you remember the preaching of John the Baptist? He proclaimed,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt.3:2). Jesus also
preached the same thing, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at
hand”. (Matt.4:7) But Christ, while talking to Nicodemus, explained the
same thing in a different manner, “Most assuredly I say to you, unless
one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John3:3). It is
here that we see the first mention of rebirth.
Nicodemus could not understand the meaning of rebirth even though
he was a teacher of Israel. He asked Jesus, how could a man be born
again? Do you know what Jesus replied? Jesus answered, “Most assuredly,
I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God”(Jn.3:5).
Some people have a misconception about ‘water’ and ‘spirit’ in this
verse. They mistake water for baptism and spirit for Holy Spirit’s baptism.
In fact, the water here signifies the Word of God. Apostle Peter says
that we are born again by the living and incorruptible word of God
(1Peter 1:23). It is supported by other scriptures as well. “He chose to
give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first

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fruits of all he created (Jas.1:18 NIV). “For though you might have ten
thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in
Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel”. (I Cor.4:15) “That
He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word”.
Eph.5:26. It is clear from these references that the word of God is
compared with water.
Rebirth takes place in a man when the Holy Spirit activates the word of
God in his heart. So water does not mean water baptism. Nor does it
mean spirit baptism by spirit. Because, Jesus has explained about the
role of the spirit in dealing with individuals. “And when He has come
(Holy Spirit the comforter), He will convict the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn.14:16, 16:7,8).
Our Lord has used a most common yet important phenomenon to
describe the awesome experience of repentance or conversion that takes
place in us. While comparing physical birth with spiritual birth we can
learn some significant facts regarding our experience.
1. Birth involves two persons- Father and mother. Just as the physical
union of a man and woman causes birth of a child, rebirth requires
the union of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit
that brings conviction in a person at the hearing of the Word.
2. Birth involves a new realm. Just as a child is born from the womb of
its mother, i.e. a dark realm into this world which is a new realm, a
person who is born again has passed from the realm of Satan to the
kingdom of God (Col.1:13).
3. Birth determines nature. There are so many breeds and species on
earth with various natures. We all know the fact that it is the birth
that determines nature of a particular breed. For example, pig and
lamb are two animals with different natures. Pigs enjoy wallowing in
the rubbish mire and even if they are washed and sprayed with
perfumes, no sooner do they find the mire than they plunge into it.
But a lamb disgusts the mire so much so that a splash spot of the
same on its body embarrasses it.
Similarly a person born with Adamic nature is born again with a new
nature. All who are born into this earth have the sinful nature of Adam.
But new birth brings new nature in man. That which is born of the flesh
is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. The sinful nature in
man keeps developing as he grows. To do away with this sinful nature

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the Holy Spirit must powerfully deal with it. But only on one condition-
the person must be yielding to the Holy Spirit.

The results of Rebirth

1. Right of Sonship: By natural birth we are not the children of God
because of our participation in the Adam’s nature. Jesus said, “you
are of your father the devil and the desires of your father you want
to do”(Jn.8:44) “But as many as received him, to them he gave the
right to become children of God even to those who believe in His
name”(Jn.1:12).
“Behold what manner of love has the father bestowed upon us that
we should be called children of God”(1Jn.3:1). So in conclusion, rebirth
makes us children of Godwho were once children of the devil.
2. Privilege of sonship: By virtue of being children of God we have the
privilege of calling God, ‘Abba, Father’ People in the Old Testament
never used to address God as Father (Gal.4:6, Rom.8:15,16).
3. Benefit of Sonship: “And if a son, then an heir of God through
Christ” Gal.4:17 “And if children then heirs – heirs of God and joint-
heirs with Christ” (Rom.8:17).
4. Partakers of divine nature: You have already seen the differences in
the nature of pig and lamb. A lamb may by chance fall into the mire
but it may soon get out of it, whereas a pig delightfully plunges into
it and no way it can get rid of it. “We know that anyone born of God
keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him (1Jn.5:18NIV).
The evil desires cause corruption and damages to our spiritual life.
You may face various temptations that eventually erode your spiritual
virtues and good qualities. But being partakers of the divine nature
we can escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires by
God’s great promises in the word(2 Peter 1:3,4)

Nourishment for the new-born.

Just as a new born child requires milk, a born-again person needs the
word of God which is pure milk. “As new born babes desire the pure
milk of the Word that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2)
Just as a new born calf naturally gropes the way to the udders of the
cow, so does a born again person has craving for the Word of God,
which is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth. It is very important
for the children of God to daily feed on God’s Word devoting sufficient

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time in meditation and study just as daily food is necessary for our
body.

References : John 3:1-11, 2Cor. 5:17

Memory Verse: 1John 5:18

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the
One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one
cannot harm them.

EXERCISE
1. Name the different experiences related to salvation?
2. Explain repentance and how it is manifested in an individual?
3. Explain the importance of Rebirth?
4. How does Rebirth relate to physical birth?
5. What are the results of rebirth?

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 LESSON 28

Baptism
Central Truth
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith. It is to take a
public stand for God against Satan.
Introduction: Baptism is one of the two sacraments of the Christian
Church. Though Baptism is conducted in various forms by different
denominations, it is held in high esteem by all because of its inclusion in
the Apostolic and Nicene creeds. It was John the Baptist who introduced
it.
Jesus Christ took baptism by the hands of John and set an example for
His followers. He also had the disciples perform the rite.

What is Baptism?
The English word Baptism has been transliterated from the Greek word
“Baptizo”, which means “ to dip” or “immerse”. So baptism is a ritual of
immersing in water symbolizing the fact that sin has been forgiven.
When we study the New Testament we can find what is baptism all
about.

1) Counsel of God (John.7:30)

First of all Baptism is something that God had planned and not the
resolution of an ecclesiastical council or that of a synod. God sent John
the Baptist to give baptism in water to those who repented (Jn.1:33) It is
known as Baptism of Repentance (Acts.19:4)

2) Commandment of the Lord (Matt.28:19, Mk.16:16)

After resurrection Jesus commanded His disciples to give baptism to
the new disciples. The significance of any commandment depends on
who gave it. Since this is our Lord’s commandment we cannot ignore it.

3) Its Purpose (Rom. 6)

Paul, dealing with the subject Baptism, gives its purposes for it.
i) To be in union with Christ

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 The context here is doing away with sin. Paul says how the death of
Christ has dealt with sin - “That if One died for all ,then all died; and
He died for all that those who live should live no longer for themselves,
but for Him (2 Cori.5:14,15). It is Christ’s death that has paid the
penalty for sin. In God’s sight Christ has died for all. Because of sin all
are condemned to death, now those who want to live have one
option; be in union with Christ. “Now therefore there is no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom.8:1)
ii) To be identified with death, burial and resurrection of Christ
In order to live for Him who died in our stead, we have to be identified
with him. In baptism we symbolically identify ourselves with His death,
burial and resurrection (Rom.6:4)
iii) To live in the newness of life
Since death and burial is symbolic, resurrection also has a symbolic
expression. Paul says that is the newness of life in to which a believer
steps.
iv) To put on Christ (Gal.3:26,27)
“For as many of you as were baptised in to Christ have put on Christ”
“Since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on
the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image
of Him who created him (Colo.3:9,10)
v) For a good conscience with God (1Peter.3:21)
“...Baptism is not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer
of a good conscience toward God”

4) Who must be Baptized ?

This is a very confusing topic for many Christians. Some give baptism to
children where as others give to the adults. But neither is correct in the
light of the Scripture. Let us see what the Scripture has to say:

Jesus said,
“He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk.16:16)
On the day of Pentecost, “Those who accepted his message were
baptised” (Acts.2:41)
When Eunuch asked what hindered him to take baptism, Philip replied

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“If you believe with your whole heart you may” (Act.8:37)
Here it is clear that only those who believe must be baptised.

5) How to be baptized ?
The method of baptism is also confusing to many. Whether sprinkling
or immersion is the right method of baptism? First of all the literal
meaning of the word Baptism cements the fact that immersion is the
right way. Let us look some of the occasions where baptism is conducted
in the early days.
“John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty
of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptised” (Jn.3:23)
“As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water” (Matt.3:16
“Then both Philip and Eunuch went down in to the water and Philip
baptized him. When they came up out of the water” (Act.8;38,39)
From these references it is evident that baptism in earlier days was
given by immersion.

References : Rom.6:1-11

Memory Verse: Mark. 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever
does not believe will be condemned.

EXERCISE
1. What does the word Baptism mean?
2. What is Baptism all about? Explain.
3. Who is eligible to the baptised?
4. How should a person receive baptism, explain with reference from
the Bible?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus take baptism, even though He did not need repentance?
i) To confirm the fact that John’s baptism was instituted by God
ii) Let John know that Jesus was the Messiah

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iii) Declare publicly that Jesus obeyed the Father in all things
iv) To identify with the sinful humankind for whom He came as a
Saviour
v) Demonstrate a symbolic picture of His baptism i.e., the affliction
he was likely to suffer on the cross
Why did’nt the thief on the cross, who repented, take baptism? He
was dying and didn’t have any time left. In one sense, he is the only
person who literally identified with the death and resurrection whereas
we can only identify symbolically.
In the baptism of some families mentioned, do not infants also
include?
Not at all. See the case of jailor “He and all his family were baptized”
(Acts.16:33)
While reading the whole passage we see that the apostles spoke the
word of the Lord to “Him and to all the others in his house” (16:32).
“He rejoiced having believed in God with his entire household” (16:34).
Here we do not overlook the inclusion of children in the family but
these verbs such as word being spoken, having believed, and rejoiced
etc. do not fit to the children.
When there is only one baptism (Eph.4:5) why did Paul give
baptism to some a second time (Act.19:1-5) ?
The disciples at Ephesus had the baptism of John the baptist, which
was the “Baptism of Repentance”, not the “Christian Baptism” given
in the name of “Father, Son and the Holy Spirit” When they believed
the word preached by Paul they took the real baptism.

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 LESSON 29

Justification,
Sanctification,
Glorification
Theme verse: Romans 5:1,2
Introduction:
In the series of salvation studies, we discussed about baptism in the
previous lesson. In this lesson we continue the series with the three
important experiences related to salvation, such as justif ication,
sanctification and glorification. Of these three subjects, the first two are
things that we experience in the present, but the last one i.e., Glorification
is a future experience that will be effected at the coming of Christ. Let
us study about each of them in detail.

Justification
Justification is the first favour from the Lord that embraces the person
who repents. When a person repents of his sins and accepts Christ, God
not only forgives his sin but also puts Christ’s righteousness on to his
account. God considers that person to be righteous as having done no
wrong. This is God’s imputation which is called justification.

Its need
Since God is righteous and just, he wants mankind also to conform to
the divine standard. But sin of Adam has been spread to all his
descendants in a contagious effect. The history of mankind bears witness
to this pathetic depravity all throughout. Cain’s murder, the ungodly
wicked activities of Enoch’s contemporaries (Jude.14), the great
wickedness of Noah’s contemporaries (Gen.6:5,6) etc. reveal man’s
inherent sinful nature. After a long gap of about 1700 years God saw
the human heart “deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jer.17:9).
Again after about 600 years, Jesus Christ found the human heart no
better, but all the more corrupt with 13 evil inmates (Mk.7:20-22)

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In God’s sight, all have sinned and come short of God’s glory (Rom.3:10-
18, Ps.53:1-3). So man cannot have access into God’s presence without
a transaction done in his favour. Can man do anything in this respect ?
Not at all ! So God made a provision for mankind.

How to be justified?
Before we look at God’s provision, let us see man’s plight at a glance to
be able to readily understand it. The first man and woman were expelled
from Eden and angels were placed on guard at the eastern gates with
flaming swords that turned(Gen.3:24). This sword dangled over the sinful
man until it hit the shepherd i.e.. Jesus Christ (Zech.13:7, Mat.26:31).
Jesus Christ was slain by the sword of God’s wrath. Now those who want
to live in God’s pleasant favour must accept Christ who died for us. It
depends on satisfaction of God’s justice and the resultant accounting.
God accounted the death of Christ as the death of all mankind, “If one
died for all, all died” (2 Cori.5:14,15). Those who believe in Christ will
have Christ’s righteousness accounted to them. “For just as through the
disobedience of the one man, the many were made sinners, so also
through the obedience of one man, the many will be made righteous”
(Rom.5:19)

Sanctification
The word sanctification is used in scripture in the sense of “separation
(Consecration) for a divine purpose”. In the Bible we can find similar
expression in many places. With the view of separating the seventh day
(Sabbath) from other six days, the expression ‘keep it holy’ is used
(Exo.20:8) Regarding the separation of priests (Ex.29:1) and the first born
for God (Numb.3:13) the word ‘hallow’ or ‘Consecrate’ is used. Jesus
Christ has said about Himself and was separated by the father so that
He might separate us humans to be worthy of God. What is required of
those who are saved is that they may be sanctified by the truth or that
they may be completely separated for God.

Its importance
Since God is holy, all God’s children are commanded by God to be holy
(Lev.19:2, Pet.1:16, Psa.111:10, Lev.11:44, 20:26, 1 Jn.3:3, Colo.1:22,
Eph.5:26, 2 Pet.3:12, Jude 24). “For This is the will of God, your
sanctification: God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness”
(1Thess.4:3-7). God has chosen us in Jesus Christ to be holy and blameless
(Eph.1:4)

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God’s plan for human Sanctification
God sanctified and sent His only begotten son to this world to sanctify
mankind who were defiled by sin (Jn.10:36, Jn.3:16) Jesus Christ gave
Himself for the church the Bride that He might sanctify and cleanse her
that He might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot
of Wrinkle” (Eph.5:26,27, Heb.10:10). The Holy Spirit cleanses us daily
from unclean things (2 Thess.2:13, 1Pet.1:2, Rom.15:15). So we are
sanctified by the blood of Jesus, the word of God and the Holy Spirit.

The part of the Believers

The Triune God has redeemed us by His grace and sanctified or separated
us. We, therefore, ought also to live as separated people for the Lord,
even as Our Lord separated Himself for us (Jn.17:16-19). Do not love the
world or the things in the world (1 jn.2:15). Let the world know that we
love the Lord and are set apart for Him.

Set Apart from what?

1) From the Worldly Pleasures
In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy. Therefore, a believer
must be separated from the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and
the pride of life and all the worldly enjoyments. Moses chose rather to
suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of
sin for a season. He esteemed the reproach of Christ’s greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt (Heb.11:24-26).
The believers must keep away from all kinds of revelries such as dance,
drama, cinema (film pictures) gambling etc…

2) From the unbelievers

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cori.6:14). We
must love the unbelievers from a spiritually sincere heart and pray for
their salvation. But have no communion or constant fellowship with
them (Psa.1:1,2). Especially, the believers must not be married with
unbelievers under any circumstances (Deut.7:1-3, 1 Cor.7:39).

From Heresies and Corrupt Practices:

We have code for living, practice and worship. It is based on the teachings
of the apostles. Apart from the apostolic doctrines set forth in the Bible,
no other teachings should be held by the believers. We should be

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separated from all heresies and evil practices. Even in the apostolic times,
the church was warned against heretics (false teachers Gal.1:6-9
Rom.16:17,18 Titus.3:10,11 Acts.20:29-30, 2 Pet.2:1-3, Jude 4, 1 Jn.5:20,
1Jn.4:1-2). In the 4th century by the Christianisation of Roman emperors,
many evil practices and anti-scriptural teaching crept into Christianity.
But the true believers have nothing to do with them and must guard
themselves against all such heresies. Though there are many false
doctrines and practices to be discussed, let us study a few of them.

a) Salvation by works
Opposed to the biblical concept of salvation many people attempt to
attain salvation through their works and other practices that their leaders
teach. Bible clearly teaches us that salvation cannot be attained through
rituals like baptism (infant baptism, adult baptism, sprinkling baptism
etc.) confession to priests, Eucharist (holy mass) etc., or through works
(Rom.3:17, 3:20, Gal. 2:16). The only way to salvation is faith in Jesus
Christ.

b) Denying the Deity of Christ

Jesus Christ is God revealed in the flesh (Jn.1:1-4, 1:14). He is the true
God and Eternal life (Jn.5:20). Those who deny this fact (Arius, Russel,
Jehovah Witnesses and so on) are deceivers (2 Jn.7). The believers must
not have any contact with them (2 Jn.10).

c) Prayer offered to the Dead saints

Praying for and to the dead, image worship, celebration of festivals,
Invocation to dead saints, lust for ornaments etc. are heresies and bad
practices which are against the true biblical teaching. The believer must
be separated from all such things.

d) From sin and sinful circumstances:

With repentance and justification, a new man is born inside a person.
As a result, a wonderful change occurs in him. Nevertheless, the old
natural man in him, like a defeated foe, will be at war with the inner new
man. “For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the
flesh; and these are contrary to one another” (Gal.5:17). In the struggle,
the spiritual man must grow strong and overcome. Only then can a
man lead a victorious sanctified life. This needs three essential things.

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i) Put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Rom.8:13). Those
who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”
(Gal.5:24. Paul the apostle says, “I have been crucified with Christ
(Gal.2:20). ‘Pride’ is the root of all sins. He who is proud lives only for
himself. He doesn’t live for God or for others but always looks for his
own luxuries and fulfillment of his lusts. The change of a self-centered
life is the beginning of sanctification. The baptism after faith is an
expression of having been dead and buried with Christ and
resurrected to begin a new life. Even after this, we must count
ourselves dead to sin and alive to righteousness daily. Present
yourselves to God and your members as instruments of righteousness
to God” (Rom.6:1-13)
ii) Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and consider
Him (Heb.12:1-3). We have no strength within us to win the battle
against sin. So, being aware of our weakness, we must look to Jesus
Christ who is powerful to strengthen us. We must also meditate on
Christ who has died for us on the cross. When we wait upon Him, we
shall be renewed and strengthened for a victorious life.Thanks be to
God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor.15:57).
iii) Submit ourselves to God’s discipline (Heb.12:4,11). Discipline is greatly
important for the growth of the new inner spiritual man after
crucifying the old man. God chastens (disciplines) us for our profit,
that we may be partakers of His holiness (Heb.12:10). For example:
sicknesses are sometimes God’s discipline for our life. For they destroy
our fleshly desires and draw us nearer to God. Many-a-time,
opposition and persecutions from other people revive us spiritually.
Our victory rests with patience and endurance of faith. We glory in
tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and
perseverance character, and character, hope (Rom.5:3). Let us endure
joyfully the disciplines and sufferings that God allows in our Life and
grow in holiness thereby.
The separation or sanctification from sin is an important subject. We
have ample of instructions about it in the Gospels and Epistles. All
unrighteousness is sin. We must keep aloof from all of them.We must
keep ourselves from all the works of the flesh such as adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, heresies,
envy, murder, drunkenness, revelries (Gal.5:19-21) covetousness (greed),

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filthiness, foolish talking, coarse jesting (Eph.5:3-5) malice, blasphemy,
filthy language out of your mouth, lies (Col.3:9) deceit, hypocrisy, all evil
speaking etc. (1 Pet.2:1). Let us rid ourselves of all these evils and live in
holiness as obedient children of God.

Glorification
This is the final stage of our salvation. As in the third tense of salvation
we shall be saved from the presence of sin, or we will obtain the sonship
i.e..the redemption of our body. In the present aspect of salvation there
is a war waged inside us; between the flesh and spirit. But once we are
glorif ied, we will be completely free from the impediments and
weaknesses of the body.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was made man to share our grief and sickness.
Isaiah saw Jesus as somebody no one would look at or everyone would
ignore as if he were nothing. But John saw the glorified Lord in such a
glory and splendor that he fell on the ground. John the apostle says
that we shall be like Him when he appears, because we shall see Him
even as He is (1 Jn.3:1,2)
There is always a groaning within the believer waiting eagerly for the
redemption of our body (Rom.8:23). The sum-total of the entire divine
project in favour of a believer is glorification. Paul says about it thus:
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of His son.....and those He predestined, He also called; those He
called He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified (Rom.8:29,30).

Reference: 1Peter 1:13-25, 1Thess.4:3-8

Memory verse : 2 Thess. 2:14

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share
in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

EXERCISE
1. What is justification? How is one get Justified?
2. What is sanctification?
3. Explain how a believer can live a sanctified life?

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4. Which step of salvation is glorification? How and when does it
happen, Explain?
5. What are the things that a believer must separate himself from?
6. Who are the deceivers we should guard ourselves from?
7. How should we take care to win victory over sin?
8. What is the root of all sins?
9. What is the first step to sanctification?
10. Why does God chasten us?

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 Lesson - 30

The Beginning and

growth of the Church
Theme Verse:
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of hell will not overcome it”. (Mt 16:18).

Introduction:
When was the Christian Church begun? Christ has said in the above
verse ‘I will build my Church. Luke says “The Lord added to the Church
daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47); from these two verses we
can understand that the beginning of the church was between these
two. We can be sure that with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day
of Pentecost, the Church began on earth. The Act of the Apostles is the
account of the beginning and the primary growth of the church.

What is the Church?

The Greek word for ‘Church’ is ‘Ecclesia’. It means “Those who are called
out for a purpose”. The apostle Peter has given a definition and
explanation of the church. The church is consisting of ‘living stones’
(alive from the death of sin by believing on Christ ‘the living stone’ and
identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection-being baptised in water
(1 Pet 2:4, 5). The Lord adds such who have done so, to the church (Act
2:47).

The Beginning of the Church

On the day of Pentecost from among those who heard Peter’s sermon,
about three thousand obeyed his word and were baptised. They devoted
themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread, and to prayer. Thus the church i.e., the Lord’s Body was started.
Then the Lord added to the church those who were being saved. Very
soon the number of men rose to as many as five thousand (Act 4:4).
After still a few days, the position of the church is recorded like this:
“The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and large number
of priests became obedient to the faith”. (Ac 6:7)

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The Nature of the church
The first century church wanted to live as members of a family. Selling
their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need (Act
2:45). It continued so until the martyrdom of Stephen. After Stephen’s
death, the believers fled to various places for life. Those who were
scattered went about preaching the gospel. (Act 8:4). The Holy Spirit
worked powerfully and more and more men and women believed in the
Lord and were added to their number (Acts 5:13) Many sick and demon-
possessed were healed.

The administration of the church:

Those who believed and were baptised, formed into local churches. For
the edification and healthy existence, God provided the ministers with
various offices (Eph 4:7-13) and gifts. The holy people endowed with
gifts were supposed to grow up in obedience to the ministers. This was
God’s plan concerning the Church. Regarding the Church administration,
although specific and clear instructions had not been given, it is clear
from the precedent of the early Church that each local Church had
liberty in administration (1 Co 5:2). At the same time, the apostles
(superiors) had the right to correct disorders in the local Church (1 Pe
5:5). They supervised the Churches not as those lording it over the local
Churches but gently, being examples to the flock. There was also the
precedent of laying of hands on those who were called by the Lord to
the ministry when separating them for the same (Ac 13:1-3).

Oppositions
Satan used the Jewish leaders and the Roman rulers to destroy the
Church of God. Yet, God established the church with wonders and
miracles and made it grow worldwide. The oppositions, often, served
for further expansion of the church. Saul who was opponent of the
cross changed into a staunch and faithful propagator of the gospel. The
Holy Spirit gave strength for facing oppositions boldly (Ac 5:31; 7:55).
The Christians got their name at Antioch when they were nicknamed by
the people of Antioch (Ac 11:26). All believers worked hard for the
extension of the Church considering their very life to be of no value.
They stood firm in the faith even at the time of passing through the
fiery furnace of sufferings. No power could separate them from the love
of Christ. Their love with one another amazed the world. As the result of

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these, the then known civilized world was reached with the gospel of
Christ.

The doctrinal truths:

If we study the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, we can understand
what were the doctrines that the apostle and believers adhered to. The
church stood for the truths such as, repentance, justification by faith,
baptism after faith, Holy Spirit baptism, separation, holy life etc. They
believed the Scriptures (Bible) to be inspired by God. Every believer had
the burden for sharing the gospel. Faith and hope which enabled them
to face even death, the spirit-filled experience that enabled them to
endure any sacrifice for the Lord and love for one another were
characteristics of the early church. Let us also follow their example.

Scripture: Acts chapters 1-3

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 2:4,5

“As you come to him, the living stone-rejected by men but
chosen by God and precious to him - you also like living stones
are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”.

EXERCISE
Questions:
1. When was the church started
2. What is meant by church?
3. Where did the believers get the name ‘Christians’?
4. Which are the main doctrines of the early church?
5. What were the characteristics of the early church?

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 Lesson 31

The first Martyr of the

Church
Objective
Jesus’ prediction that the gates of hell would not prevail against the
church makes opposition or persecution probable.

Introduction
It has always been Satan’s intention to thwart God’s plans. Satan has
left no stone unturned to nip it in the bud. For instance, the decree of
Pharaoh to kill all male children at the birth of Moses the deliverer of
Israel; and the general infanticide order by king Herod at the time of
Jesus’ birth. Similarly when the church was born, Satan used priests and
the Sadducees to crush the new-born church.

The Apostles persecuted

The new church was very powerful and strong in regular witnessing
accompanied by supernatural manifestation. When miracles like the
healing of the crippled man happened and strong declaration about
only one Saviour for salvation rang out, persecution began. Because
they boldly declared, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no
other name (Jesus) under heaven given to men by which we must be
saved (Act 4:12 N.I.V). Then the account in the Acts goes on about the
continuing power in the church. Signs and wonders were done by
apostles. Multitudes of both men and women were increasingly added
to the Lord. Moreover, people brought the sick out into the streets and
laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall
on them.
Also crowds gathered from the surrounding cities those who were
tormented by evil spirits and all of them were healed. Then the High
priest and all his associates were filled with jealousy. They arrested the
apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel
of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out (Act.5:17-
19)

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Then someone came to the Chief Priests and said, “Look the men you
put in jail are standing in the temple court teaching the people! So the
captain went and brought the apostles before the Sanhedrin to be
questioned. Then Peter and other apostles answered and said boldly,
“the God of our Father raised Jesus from the dead whom you had killed
by hanging Him on a tree. We are witnesses of these things, and so is
the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him”. (vv.25-32)
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put the apostles
to death.

Stephen the first Martyr

There were seven deacons who were chosen for daily distribution of
food at the table (chapter 6) From among them Stephen and Philip are
specially named to have been mightily used by the Lord.
Stephen full of faith and power, did great signs and wonders among the
people. He expounded the Word of God with such skill and power that
nobody could refute him. His wisdom may well be seen in the classical
narration of the entire history of Israel beginning from the call of
Abraham up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Act.Ch.7). Some learned
men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia also came to argue with him,
which might include Saul who is generally known as Paul. Paul’s
presumable defeat by Stephen might have aroused his ego in revenge
to be an active agent to finish up Stephen. Stephen was stoned to
death with the consent of Saul (Acts.7:58, 8:1, 22:20, 26:10) But Stephen’s
glorious martyrdom dying with prayer for forgiveness on his lips, might
have stirred his heart to move towards conversion.

Church Expands to Samaria

Though the church in Jerusalem experienced a rapid growth, they seemed
to forget the Lord’s command to take the gospel to the uttermost parts
of the earth. Though persecution was satan’s attack against the thriving
church, God permitted it in one way to serve His purpose of scattering
them and sowing the seeds of the gospel far and wide.

Philip in Samaria
At that time great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem
and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Gospel there.

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He did signs and wonders healing the sick and casting out demons.
When the crowd heard the word of God and saw the miracles they
believed and were baptized.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the
Word of God they sent Peter and John to them. Although the Samaritans
had believed and taken baptism none of them had received the Holy
Spirit yet. So when Peter and John placed their hands on them they
received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:4-17)

Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:36-40)

A God fearing man from Ethiopia who was the Finance Minister, had
gone to Jerusalem to worship. On his way back home, he was sitting in
his chariot and reading the Book of Isaiah. But he could not understand
what he read because prophecy needs interpretation. Realizing the
need of the man, God sent Philip to him. Then Philip began with the
very passage of scripture and told him the gospel about Jesus Christ.
As they went down the road Philip exposing him to the gospel, they
came to a place where there was some water. Immediately the Ethiopian
said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then
Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may”. And Ethiopian
answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God”.
So he stopped the chariot and both of them went down into the water
and Philip baptized him.

Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-30)

We have already seen that after Stephen’s death a persecution broke
out in Jerusalem. Saul, who was also called Paul (13:9), was actively
involved in persecuting the church. He got letters from the high priest
issued to the synagogues of Damascus to catch any disciples and bring
them bound to Jerusalem. As he travelled to Damascus, Jesus Christ
appeared to him in a special way which brought a great change in him.
Then Ananias baptized him.

Scripture: Acts Ch. 3 to 7, Acts 8:1- 9:18

Memory Verse: Acts 4:12

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

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 EXERCISE
1. Describe the witnessing of the apostles after the day of Pente-
cost?
2. What led to the arrest of the apostles?
3. How were they delivered from jail?
4. What was the testimony of Peter and the others to the
Sanhedrin?
5. Describe the death of the first Martyr of the church?
6. Describe the apostles’ work in Samaria?
7. Explain Philip’s experience with the Ethiopian?
8. Who was Saul?
9. What was his intention?
10. What did God make of him?

Note:
The change of name from Saul to Paul must not be mistaken for his
conversion. Infact his Jewish name is Saul and Paul is his Roman name.
He was a Roman citizen by birth (22:25-28)

Saul Means “asked for”

Paul Means “little or dwarfish”

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 Lesson 32

Door to the Gentiles

Opened
Central Truth:
Our mindsets quite often hinder God’s work. Peter and the early church
never thought that the salvation through Christ was for all people
irrespective of caste and creed. God gave corrective vision to Peter to
change his mindset.
Introduction: Peter’s f irst missionary journey was from Jerusalem to
Samaria along with John (Acts 8:14-25). In his second missionary journey
he went to Lydda, Joppa and Caesarea.

Peter in Lydda (Acts. 9:32-35)

Peter the apostle was busy involved in his ministry travelling throughout.
During his second journey he visited God’s people who lived in Lydda.
There he met a man named Aeneas, who was paralysed for eight years.
Peter said to him words of faith that healed him at once! All the people
who lived in Lydda and Sharon witnessed this miracle of healing and
believed on the Lord.

Peter in Joppa
In Joppa, a sea-port (Mediterranean), a disciple named Tabitha had
become ill and died. When the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda,
they sent messengers and called him to Joppa. Peter came there and
prayed for her. The Lord brought her back to life. This became known
all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in
Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Peter goes to Caesarea

There was a centurion named Cornelius at Caesarea( A Centurion in the
Roman army was an officer in charge of one hundred men). Being a
Gentile, he had regard for the Jews and been adherent to Jewish faith
and worship. He had many good qualities:

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1)He was religious 2) He and his whole family worshipped God 3) He did
much help to help the poor among the Jews 4) He was constantly praying
to God 5) His prayer was answered by God 6) He had vision of the angel
who talked to him directly. In spite of all these, he was not saved. This
shows us the fact that despite all our qualities it does not mean that we
are saved. We get saved only by our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal
Saviour.
One day an angel appeared to Cornelius and said “send some men to
Joppa and call for Simon Peter who would tell you words by which you
and your household would be saved.” Accordingly he sent three men to
Joppa to call Peter.
In the meantime, Peter was praying at the house of Simon the tanner.
He had a strange vision in which a sheet bound at the four corners was
lowered to him from heaven. In the sheet were all kinds of four-footed
animals of the earth reptiles and birds both clean and unclean. And a
voice came to him, “get up Peter, kill and eat”.
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the three
men sent by Cornelius came and conveyed the message to him. The
next day Peter started out with them with six brothers from Joppa
reaching Caesarea the next day. There in the house of Cornelius all
were eagerly waiting to listen to everything that Peter would say. Peter
began to preach the gospel saying about God’s plan of salvation to all
irrespective of caste and creed. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy
Spirit came upon all who heard the message and started speaking in
tongues and praising God. He ordered that they be baptized. In this
way, the door to the Gentiles was opened.

James the apostle beheaded

The Jewish opposition of the church was taking its toll from the very
beginning. But as we come to chapter 12 we see the king Herod
stretching out his hand to persecute some from the church. Then he
killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Peter’s miraculous escape from Prison.

When the king saw that the killing of James pleased the Jews, he
proceeded to seize Peter also. He was arrested and put in prison and
delivered to four squads of soldiers to keep him. Peter was kept in
prison but the church earnestly praying for him (Acts12:5). The night
before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two

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soldiers, bound with two chains. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared
and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him
up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then
the angel said to him, “put on your clothes and sandals and wrap your
cloak around you and follow me”. Peter followed him out of the prison.

The Church in Antioch

God’s purpose about the Church was already clear as mentioned in
Acts. 1:8. But the early church rather put their concentration on Jerusalem
and confined their activities therein. However the persecution scattered
them abroad, which resulted in the Gospel being taken to the uttermost
parts of the earth.

Persecution scatters
The persecution which broke out when Stephen was killed had scattered
the believers from Jerusalem. Some of them went as far as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Gospel to the Jews only. But some
believers from Cyprus (The island in the Mediterranean) and Cyrene
(Africa) went to Antioch and proclaimed the Gospel to Greek speaking
people. The Lord’s power was with them and a great number of people
believed and turned to the Lord.

Barnabas Sent to Antioch

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus whose other name was Joseph. The
apostles called him Barnabas meaning “son of encouragement”. He was
a good man full of the Holy Spirit. With his great commitment to the
early church, he sold a f ield and brought the money to the
apostles.(Acts.4:36,11:22-24).
When the church in Jerusalem got the news about the new movement
in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Barnabas arrived there and
saw how God had blessed the people and he was glad. He encouraged
them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. From there
Barnabas went to Tarsus looking for Saul. On finding him Barnabas
brought Saul to Antioch. For a whole year the two ministered in the
church, which strengthened the church.

The name “Christians”

Antioch was a pagan city, and was the third largest city in the world
(after Rome and Alexandria). It was a busy commercial centre and capital
of the Roman province of Syria. The new followers of Christ looked

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different in words and deeds and life-style. So the pagans of Antioch
gave a nickname to them as “Christians”. It was not something that the
Church received or declared as an official title, but was a nickname ! To
be a Christian means to live out Christ’s teachings.

Antioch becomes the Mission Head Quarter

Up till now, Jerusalem was the centre of operation for the apostles and
the launching pad for the Gospel campaigns. But due to various reasons,
the significance was soon transferred to Antioch. It was a blessed church
with prophets and teachers. They were fasting and serving the Lord
continually when the Holy Spirit said to them to send out Saul and
Barnabas as missionaries in obedience to it, they prayed laying their
hands on them to send them off. This is the first missionary journey
from Antioch.

Scripture: Acts 8:1-5, 9:32 - 12:19

Memory Verse: Acts 10:34,35

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God
does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one
who fears him and does what is right.

EXERCISE

1. Describe the incident that led to the conversion in Lydda and

Sharon?
2. Explain Peter’s ministry in Joppa?
3. Describe the way God opened the door to the Gentiles in
Caesarea?
4. Write a few lines on the miraculous escape of Peter from
prison?
5. How did antioch become the mission head quarter?
6. Who were called christians?

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 Lesson - 33

Persecutions on
Christian Church
Theme Verse:
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give
relief to you who are troubled.” (II Thess. 1:6)

Introduction:
Has it ever happened to you to endure persecutions or ridicule for being
witnesses to Christ? Have you heard of anyone who had endured
troubles for the sake of Christian faith in the modern time? Which
countries are persecuting Christians? During the early periods of Christian
church, believers suffered terrible torments. The life story of those saints
of God, who stood firmly and faithfully in the faith, while passing through
such torments and troubles, is a thrilling force for us.
The persecutions also started at Jerusalem where the Church was born.
The Jewish and Roman persecutors had thought that through
persecutions the Way of Jesus would be ended.
Since the martyrdom of Stephen at Jerusalem, Christianity began to be
persecuted. The King Herod put James the apostle to death by sword.
Following that, the believers had been scattered to various places in the
world. But wherever they went, the gospel also went with them and
churches were established there. With the Church expanding to all parts
of the Roman Empire, the sufferings also increased. The Roman emperors
during four centuries, unleashed about ten large scale persecutions.

Reasons of Persecutions
1. Christians were monotheistic. They believed and taught that the Pagan
worship was wrong.
2. Idol-worship and Pagan festival were related with social life. Since
Christians were against such practices, they were treated like
antisocials.

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3. In those days, it was a practice among the Pagans to venerate the
emperors. It was a tactice to keep the subjects loyal and favourable
to the rulers. Since the Christians insisted to worship God only they
were considered to be traitors.
4. The Pagans and the Roman rulers had considered the Christian Church
to be a wing of Judaism. Since the Judaists (Jews) revolted against
the Roman rule, the Roman reaction to them had affected Christians
also.
5. The method of Christian worship aroused suspicion to the public.
Their night gatherings and the ministry of the Lord’s Supper were
pictured as conspiracy meets.
6. The socialist attitude of Christian Church made the rich and the nobles
hate Christians.
7. Since the Christian Church was against idol worship those who earned
their living by making idols began to work against the Church.

Ten troubles
1. From A. D. 64 to 68, Nero, the Roman emperor wanted to rebuild the
city of Rome. The people protested against it. Then the emperor
secretly set the city on fire and put the blame on Christians. Thus the
public hatred turned towards the Christians. Following this,
innumerable Christians were put to death in many ways. The apostles
Peter and Paul were martyred at this time. Many were made torches
with cloth wrapped up and oil poured and fire was lit. Then they
kept burning for hours together!
2. The second religious torture was at the time of the emperor Domitian
from A. D. 90 to 96. John the apostle was immersed in boiling oil and
then deported to Patmos during this time.
3. The third persecution was at the time of the emperor Trajan (between
A.D. 104 and 117). The saints like Ignatius were martyred during this
period.
4. The fourth persecution occurred during the time of the emperor
Pius between A.D. 138 and 161. Polycarp the bishop of Smyrna was
burnt at stakes in this period.
5. During the time of the emperor Markos Aurelius (A.D. 161-180) the
fifth persecution occurred. Justin Martyr was flogged and then

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 beheaded. Aurelius wanted to reform his old Romanism and killing
Christians for it was a joy for him.
6. During the time of the emperor Severus occurred the sixth persecution.
(A.D 200-211). Thousands of Christians in Africa and elsewhere were
burnt during this time.
7. The seventh persecution was during the time of the emperor Maximus
(A.D. 235-237).
8. The eighth persecution had occurred during the time of Decius (A.D.
250-253).
9. During the time of the emperor Valerian, many saints like Cyprian of
Karthage and Sexeres of Rome were killed.
10.The last and cruelest of all religious persecutions began at the time
of the emperor Diocletian in A.D. 303. Burning the scrolls of the Bible
manuscripts, withdrawing Christians’ citizenship and other rights,
burning Christians alive in groups while confined in worship places
etc. were the cruelties of that period.
However, these persecutions tightened the bond of unity of the believers.
The blood of the martyred saints became the seed of the Church. In
A.D. 313 with the conversion of the emperor Constantine, the
persecutions ended and the church grew rapidly but in deviation.
The persecutions cannot destroy the Church of Christ. The Victor Jesus
Christ who is the Lord of the Church has spoken in advance that “the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. May the Lord help us to be
faithful till the end and receive our crown in eternity!

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11; Acts 7:54-60

Memory Verse: Revelation- 2:10

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you the
devil is about to put some of you in prison to test you, and you
will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to the point
of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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 EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. Which were the main reasons why the Roman emperors perse-
cuted the Christians?
2. Which are the historical religious persecutions?
3. In whose time were Peter and Paul martyred? What was the blame
on the Christians accused by him?

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 Lesson - 34

The Emperor Constantine

Theme Verse:
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and
planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of your seeds, yet when it
grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the
birds of the air come and perch in its branches. (Mt 13:31, 32).

Introduction:
What does really help the spiritual growth; whether luxurious life or
suffering? In the early Church, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit
and lived in holiness, even in the midst of trials and oppositions. The
Church was growing in the spirit and power though not in material
prosperity. But when there were favourable circumstances for the
persecuted Church, she began to lose her power and spiritual quality.

Constantine’s conversion
In A.D. 305, the emperor Diocletian stepped down the throne. Following
that four persons began to fight for the throne. Prominent among them
were Constantine and Maxentius. Their armies encountered at the Milvian
Bridge. There is a myth that before going to battle, he had seen a sign
of cross above the sun and with it the words, “conquer by this”; It is also
believed that afterwards, he had put the sign of the cross on his flags.
Anyhow, he won in the battle in A.D. 313 and began giving all favours to
Christians. The conversion of Constantine put an end to the persecutions
of Christians. Though Constantine accepted Christianity he had not taken
baptism. Finally he had the desire to be baptized in the river Jordan
where Jesus was baptized and travelled to Jerusalem. On the way he
became ill and yet he wanted to take baptism. The history says that as
soon as he was baptized he died in his wet clothes (A. D. 337).
With the conversion of Constantine, the Church had obtained freedom
of worship and activity. Christianity rose to a royal status. The minister
received high status and luxuries. Especially, the minister in Rome received
royal pomp and splendor. After this incident, there came doctrinal
disagreements among the Church leaders. Therefore, three councils of
the bishops were called on to bring about a unified code of doctrines.

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In A. D. 325 at Nicaea and in A.D. 381 at Constantinople and in A. D. 431
at Ephesus, the councils were held. It was in these councils that the
general creeds and canons were formulated. In about A. D. 324, Arius a
scholar denied the deity of Christ. Then Athanasius the Church Father
and other leaders stood against the heresy and established the deity of
Christ. Though the conversion of Constantine relaxed the persecution
to a greater extent, it led to a spiritual declension of the Church, and
deviation from the apostolic teachings.

1. Priesthood:
As Christianity became a royal religion, the church ministers began to
give importance to dress codes wearing royal robes. When the laity
(ordinary members) was busy in the worldly affairs, the ministers were
entrusted with the duty of praying and evangelizing. Eventually, they
became priests acting on behalf of people before God. The New
Testament says “For there is one God and one mediator between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus”. (1 Ti 2:5).
Contrary to the apostolic teaching, the dead saints, the Virgin Mary
and innumerable priests became mediators. Since the minister at Rome
is the priest of the king, he became endowed with special rights and
royal privileges. Therefore, he began to contend that he had superiority
over other ministers. Since this seemed to be convenient for the king’s
rule, the emperors also encouraged the idea. Thus, the bishop at Rome
rose to the position of Metropolitan minister or the Pope. Moreover,
when the ministers and leader of the church obtained royal positions, a
restriction of selecting the Bishops and the Popes only from aristocratic
families came. With the eldest sons of the emperors as rulers and other
sons as bishops, it became easier to exercise power and influence over
the people.

2. Idol-worship and Mediator ship of the Saints

The new Pagan converts in Constantine’s time found it very difficult to
adapt to the new faith of one God and worship of the invisible God in
Spirit. In solution to this problem, the church ministers permitted the
image worship and prayer to the dead saints for mediation. Instead of
Pagan festivals, celebration of saints was allowed. These are some of the
deviations of the church. In A.D. 431, holy Mary was ascribed the name
‘the mother of God’ and prayers to Mary began to be offered.

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The Word of God closed
The Bible was a sealed book to the common man in those days. As the
common folks did not know Latin, they could not read and understand
the scriptures. Moreover, except the clergies, nobody was allowed to
handle the Bible.
Consequence to all these the Christian Church became a seat of mere
ritualism and superstitions as well as a revised version of Paganism. How
Pathetic!
Be very careful that luxuries and material prosperity do not bring our
spirituality low.

Memory Verse: Jude 20, 21

“But you dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith
and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you
wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal
life”.

EXERCISE
Answer the following questions in your note book:
1. What were the benefits of the conversion of Constantine?
2. Where and when were the three church councils held?
3. Explain the circumstances under which priesthood prevailed in
Christian Church?
4. How did idol worship and prayer to the saints come in the
Church?

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Supplements

1
Bible - Translation and
Printing
Introduction
Had the Bible been in its original manuscript stage, could we understand
the great truths of the Bible? Several men of God suffered untold troubles
to copy the Bible manuscripts and translate it in the midst of very adverse
circumstances. Many of them were martyred. Overcoming the difficult
times and the arch-enemies, the Bible has become the book having the
widest circulation in the world. When we study about the historical
background of the Bible, we will get really inspired.

The First Translation

1 The Septuagint (Greek)
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The same was translated into
Greek about the time between 250 and 150 B.C. After the conquests of
Alexander the Great, Greek became a world language. So The Hebrew
Old testament was translated into that language. At the interest of the
Ptolemies of Egypt about seventy Jewish translators came from Jerusalem
to Alexandria and began translating. The translation of the entire Old
Testament took about a hundred years. This translation is known as the
‘Septuagint’. When Jesus Christ was on this earth, the Old Testament
was available both in Hebrew and Greek. It was written on leather scrolls.
Christ used mostly the Hebrew scrolls. Most of the New Testament books
were written in Greek. Although some were written in Aramaic, they
were soon translated into Greek. The old and the New Testament were

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thus available to the Greek people in their tongue in the first century
itself. For in those days Greek was the international language.
When the Christian Church grew and expanded into other language
groups, the Bible began to be translated into those languages. By the
end of the second century A.D. there were translations in Syriac and
Latin. Before long, the New Testament was translated into many
vernaculars like Gothic, Arminiah, Ethiopian, Arabic, Persian, Slavonic
etc.

2. The Latin Vulgate

By about 4th century A.D. there were many Latin translations of the
Bible. The Church leaders of that time in Rome appointed Jerome to
translate the Bible into the Latin Language. Jerome went to the birth
place of Jesus in 387 A.D. and carried out his task in 25 years. It is
evident that he had access to many old Hebrew manuscripts, to the
Septuagint and Syriac versions, and to other authentic sources unknown
today.
This translation is known as the Latin Vulgate. For more than one
thousand years until reformation, this Bible was in use in Western Europe.

The Manuscripts
1. Leather Scrolls
Before the 15th century A.D. Bible copies were written by hand on leather
scrolls. A group of people known as ‘scribes’ did the copying of the
Scriptures. Today there are more than four thousand such manuscripts
in existence. They include those that were written about A.D. 200. The
scriptures were written on leather scrolls knit together.

2. Papyrus Rolls
Besides leather scrolls, the Scriptures were Written on Papyrus rolls. the
Papyrus is a tall sledge (a coarse grass growing in swamps and river
side) which grows near the sea of Galilee and Lake Merom. Formerly it
flourished near the Nile. The Egyptians used it in the manufacture of
shoes, boats, baskets etc. The pith of the papyrus was cut into thin, flat
strips, six or seven inches in length. These would be laid at right angles
to the side of a table. Then a thick paste of glue would be applied, and
other strips would be laid crosswise and pressed. Thus the Papyrus sheet
was produced. Several sheets attached to one another would form a
roll. Such manuscripts are known as Codex. The manuscripts were very

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rare as the transcription was very expensive. The oldest transcriptions
available to us are given below :
i) The Sinaitic Codex
This belongs to the fourth century. It was discovered in 1859 by the
great scholar, Dr. Tischendorf, in the convent of St. Catherine at Mt.
Sinai. It was preserved in Russia until 1933 ; but now it is kept in the
British Museum:
ii) The Alexandrian Codex
This belongs to the early fifth century and was given to Charles I of
England in 1628 by the Patriarch of Constaintinople. Now it is
preserved in the Library of the British Museum.
iii) The Vatican Codex
It was written in the fourth Century. It has been preserved in the
Vatican Library at Rome since 450 A.D. Even after 1500 years of
existence, the writing is still clear and legible.

The Bible Printing

The printing press and movable type was invented in the thirteenth
century in China. In Europe, the first man to begin printing was John
Guten Berg (in A.D. 1450). The Latin Bible was the first ever printed book
in his press. Following this, printing in other languages of Europe also
began. Cacston in England started English printing and published Bible
stories. The first man to print the Greek New Testament was Erasmus in
1516. With the invention of printing, various Bible translations were
printed in large quantities and copies were available at a price within
the reach of common people. This is how the fire of reformation spread
in Europe. Not long after the Greek New Testament of Erasmus was
published, Martin Luther of Germany questioned the rituals and practices
of the Roman Catholics which were against the Bible doctrines. In 1522
Martin Luther translated the New Testament into the German. Following
that, in the midst of hardest oppositions from the Roman Catholics,
Luther translated the entire Bible into simple German language and
published it. Luther’s translations became a guidepost to the future
translations.

The English Bible (John Wycliffe)

Soon after Jerome had completed the Latin translation, missionaries

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began to carry the Gospel into the regions of Great Britain. Many of the
eager listeners were unable to read, and of those who could, very few
had access to a Latin Bible. Soon certain portions of the Bible were
translated into the vernacular. The Gospel of John was translated by
Beda. But until the last decade of the fourteenth Century there was not
a complete English Bible. The man who first translated the entire Bible
into English was John Wycliffe. Born at Yorkshire of Northern England in
1320, Wycliffe later became a Bible Scholar and prominent English
reformer. With a firm decision to make the Bible available to the common
man he began translating the Bible into English. He completed the
translation of the New Testament in 1380 and then the Old Testament
in the next two years. Yet it could not be printed and published. The
Roman Catholics excommunicated him. After he was dead and buried,
by their unabated indignation towards him they disinterred (dug up) his
bones and burnt them. Nevertheless, John Wycliffe’s work did not go
futile. It was proved by later events. The fire of reformation that Wycliffe
had kindled spread into the whole world.

CONTENT REVIEW

1. When was the Old Testament translated into Greek?

2. What is meant by 'Septuagint'?
3. On what was the Old Testament Written?
4. When was the Bible translated into Syriac and Latin?
5. Who was appointed in Rome to translate the Bible into the Latin
Language?
6. Who did the work of copying of the scriptures?
7. What is a codex?
8. What is the Latin Vulgate?
9. Which are the oldest transcriptions available to us?
10. When and where was the printing press invented?

R
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 2

Bible -
through fiery trials
Introduction
Who completed the first English version of the Bible? (John Wycliffe).
His translation did not get wide circulation because of the opposition of
the Roman Catholics and of the lack of printing press. Yet, his work was
helpful to open the eyes of the general public. Do you know why the
Roman Church opposed the work of translating and publishing the Bible?
It was because of the following reason. The Roman Catholic church
held many beliefs and practised many rituals against the teaching of
the Bible for their own profit. The Bible was sealed book to the common
people (laity) who did not know Greek or Latin. If the Bible was translated
into vernaculars, they knew for sure, that their heresies and evil practices
would be found at variance with the Bible by the public and they would
lose popularity. Therefore anyone attempting to make the Bible accessible
to the common man was branded as heretic and they tried to finish
them off. For several years the Bible had to go through fiery trials. Too
many powerful people like the Roman church leaders, kings, emperors,
and atheists, opposed the Bible and tried to prevent its circulation. But
all such oppositions disappeared like shadow and the Bible emerged
victorious sending forth its light. We are going to study about the
sacrificial service of some unforgettable men in the history of the Bible.

Willian Tyndale
William Tyndale was born in 1490 in England. He was the first Bible
Martyr who earned the title ‘father of the English Bible’ He came into

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contact with Erasmus after his education at Oxford and Cambridge. He
came to experience salvation personally by contact with Erasmus and
became and evangelist. He had an earnest ambition to find an English
translation printed and published. His zeal for the task is clear from his
words to a clergyman; “If God spares my life, before many years pass, I
will cause a boy that drives the plough, know more of the Scriptures
than you do.” Tyndale had to leave England because of the strong
opposition from the Church and the state. He went to Germany and
carried on his task. He obtained the support of the Great Reformer
Martin Luther. In 1525 he completed the translation of the New Testament
and printed 3000 copies. By 1530, he had managed to publish 15000
copies. He had been sending large quantities of Bibles hidden in the
cargo shipped to England. The State authorities in England burned all
the Bibles that they found and arrested the custodians of the Bible.
After publishing the New Testament, Tyndale was busy involved in the
work of the Old Testament. He translated parts of the Old Testament.
He was unable to complete the Old Testament because he was betrayed
and arrested. Being accused as a ‘heretic’ Tyndale was sentenced to
death. In October 1536 he was strangled and burnt. His last words were
; “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes”. Though Tyndale was killed, his
work didn’t fail. In spite of the Government’s order to search all the
Tyndale New Testament and burn them, the public grew more and more
interested in reading it. Because of this increased interest of the people
Government had to relax the order of ban for some time.

Miles Coverdale
William Tyndale was arrested before he completed his task. Miles
Coverdale, an associate of Tyndale took over the task and completed
the translation of the Old Testament in 1535. As he was not learned in
Hebrew and Greek his translation was based on the Latin and Dutch
versions. By the unfavourable circumstances in England, he too had
gone to Europe and published his translation in 1535 at Zurich, but in
1537, he was able to print the next impression in England itself. His
translation was very commendable.

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John Rogers (another martyr)
In 1537, John Rogers another associate of William Tyndale undertook
the publishing of an English Bible based on the versions of Tyndale and
Coverdale with the title “With the royal permission.” It is known as
‘Matthew’s Bible.’
It was the King and the Church leaders who were responsible for the
death of Tyndale who gave permission to this Bible. But Mary the Queen
who succeeded the king was an opponent of the Bible and the
reformation views. The Queen had Rogers arrested and burnt.

The Great Bible

Published in 1539, this Bible was an amalgamation of all the preceding
translations of Tyndale, Coverdale and Rogers. It was so called after its
large size. It was the First English Authorized version, being published
by order of the king Henry - VIII.

The Geneva Bible

In the reign of Mary the Queen (also known as Bloody Mary) hundreds
of Christian reformers were killed. Most of them were killed on account
of translation of the Bible. Miles Coverdale fled for life. At that time a
group of scholarly reformers fled to Geneva in Switzerland and published
a new translation known as Geneva Bible. After the cruel rule of the
Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth acceded to the throne. The Queen
permitted those scholars to return to England from exile. With the help
of Queen Elizabeth Geneva Bible was widely published in England. They
dedicated it to the Queen. Being prepared on the basis of Tyndale’s
version, the Geneva Bible soon gained popularity. This was the first Bible
with the verse and chapter wise division. So this Bible is also known as
‘Breeches Bible.’ This Bible was printed and published 160 times of which
60 impressions were done during the time of Queen Elizabeth.

The Bishop’s Bible

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth the Bible again found its place in
worship centers. In 1568, under the leadership of Canterbury Arch Bishop
Mathew Parker, the Great Bible was revised in comparison with the Geneva
Bible. It was published under the title ‘Bishop’s Bible. This was accepted
as the Authorized Version of the Anglican Church. Yet, this didn’t earn
great popularity.

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Do you know?
1. Total Chapters in the Bible - 1189
2. Total verses in the Bible - 31173
3. The longest chapter - Psalms 119
4. The shortest chapter - Psalms 117
5. The biggest verse - Esther 8:9
6. The smallest verse - Jn. 11:35
7. The middle verse - Psa. 118 : 18
8. Total writers - 40
9. Period of writing - 1600 Yrs.
10. Expanded form of A.D. - Anno Domini (In the Year of
our Lord)
11. B.C. - Before Christ.

CONTENT REVIEW

1. Which is known as the father of the English Bible?

2. In which year did Tyndale publish 15000 copies of N.T.?
3. What were the last words of Tyndale?
4. Which was the first English Authorised version?
5. Which Bible is known as the 'Breeches Bible' & Why?
7. Who revised the Great Bible and When?
8. When was Geneva Bible published and by Whom?

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 3

Bible Translation into

Vernaculars
Introduction
Many attempts were made to destroy the Bible and keep it closed for
the common people. Nevertheless, all such evil efforts of Satan turned
futile. It has been translated into as many as 1800 languages and widely
circulated all over the world. There is no other book in the world which
is translated into so many languages and so widely circulated as the
Bible.

The Authorized Version of King James (1611)

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth in England, from 1558 to 1603
many versions of the Bible were published. This resulted in the
reformation views becoming popular. After the death of Queen Elizabeth,
James I became the king. Soon after his accession to the throne, king
James undertook to revise the Bishop’s Bible which was commonly used
in worship services. King James selected and appointed 54 scholars who
were well-versed in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. Those fifty four scholars
were divided into six groups; three groups for Old Testament and three
groups for New Testament. Two groups each worked in three centres,
namely, Oxford, Cambridge and Westminister. These groups held
combined discussions from time to time. After examining the original
manuscripts and the preceding translations carefully, the new translation
was completed in three years. In the next nine months, it was printed
out. This version published under the authority and supervision of king
James in 1611, is known as the King James Version (KJV) or the Authorised

150
Version. It was the time when the influence of the English people was
increasing all over the world. So this new translation reached almost
every part of the world in fifty years! For more than three and a half
centuries, it has been the Authorized Version of the English speaking
people. Until 1881 it was not even revised.

The Revised Version 1881 - 1885

By the passing of about 270 years, the English language underwent a
lot of changes. Some words used in the K.J.V. became obsolete and
were no longer understood by the new generation. So there came a
demand for a new revised translation. Many ancient manuscripts were
also discovered in the middle of the 19th century. The Bible scholars
achieved more mastery over the Hebrew in which the Old Testament
was written. All these factors contributed to and accounted for a revised
version.
The task of revision was undertaken by the Church of England in 1870.
This revision work was carried out by 51 English and 21 American scholars.
Thus the revision of the Old Testament was completed in 1881 and of
the New Testament in 1885. The Revised Version became so popular
that three crores of its copies were sold in the first year.

The American Standard Version

As a matter of fact, the American English is different from the original
English. In order to cater to the interest of American people, the scholars
from America who were associated in the work of Revised version brought
out a new American version in 1901. This is known as the American
Standard Version.

Revised Standard Version - 1952

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is a revision of the American
Standard Vision. Though the Bible has thus been updated with respect
to language and usage, its contents and essentials have not been
changed.

A Flood of Bible Translations:

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries witnessed remarkable growth
of Christian Church in Asia and African continents. Its reasons are mainly
two:

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1. The English Bible found access to all parts of the world.
2. The arrival of missionaries from Europe and America.
When people from various cultures and languages were attracted to
the Bible, it became necessary to translate the Bible into other
vernaculars. But there were many obstacles to this task : opposition
from the local people, unfavourable climate, backwardness of the
languages, financial difficulties etc. But overcoming all such hurdles,
Bible has been translated either partly or fully into 1800 languages. The
entire Bible has been translated into 200 languages. The Bible Society
which undertakes Bible translation, printing and publishing was first
formed in 1804 in London. In affiliation to it, many Bible Societies are
functioning in different countries. A goup of translators known as Wycliffe
Bible Translators are labouring enduringly to translate the Bible into as
many languages as possible. The efforts of translation are advancing
with invention of scripts, making of grammars and dictionaries and
establishment of schools.
In this context, the history of the missionary heroes who suffered severe
hardships to produce the Bible in the languages of Burma and China, is
noteworthy.

Adoniram Judson (Burma)

Adoniram Judson was the missionary whom God used to present the
Bible in the Burmese language. He was born in 1788 in England. In 1812
he married Ann. Before too long, they started out to India. They learned
the Burmese language in the ship and landed in Burma. In the most
adverse circumstances, Judson propagated the Gospel and set his mind
on Bible translation. In those days, war broke out between Burma and
Britain and Judson was imprisoned. He suffered untold sufferings for
about 20 months. Meanwhile, his wife had managed to get the needed
stationeries for translation job like paper etc., to him in the jail through
a pillow. He completed the translation in the jail. Released after the war,
Judson published the Burmese Bible in 1835. It took six years to complete
the printing by a manual printing press. Subsequently, he revised the
Bible in 1840. Later, his wife and children became sick because of the
unfavourable climate and died. Nevertheless, he continued his work. At
last, Judson died in a ship during a voyage in 1850. Judson’s work brought
forth long standing results in Burma.

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Robert Morrison (China)
It was Robert Morrison who first translated the Bible into Chinese
language. It was published in 1890. That first translation was not easily
understandable for the common people.

Brother Sherry
After Morrison, a Jewish Christian named Bro. Sherry reached China for
mission work. He was affected by paralysis while carrying out the gospel
work very zealously. By Paralysis, Sherry lost his independant mobileness
and so resorted to wheel - chair for emergency movement. Only his
right hand was somewhat free from handicap. Inspite of all such
handicaps, he decided to put the Bible into simple Chinese language.
He typed out the entire manuscripts with his only finger and completed
the translation in 21 years. Then it was printed out. This Bible is known
as ‘Single finger Bible’. How great was his dedication to the Word of
God! In the next lesson we shall learn about the Bible translation into
Indian languages. What a glorious book is the Bible which has stood
the test of time and troubles!

Chronology of The Bible Versions

1. Septuagint - B.C. 250 - 150
2. Latin Vulgate - A.D. 410
3. The Wycliffe Bible - A.D. 1382
4. Tyndale Bible - ,, 1525
5. Miles Coverdale - 1535
6. Matthew’s Bible - 1537
7. Geneva Bible - 1560
8. Bishop’s Bible - 1568
9. King James Version - 1611
10. American Standard Version - 1855
11. American Standard Version - 1901
12. Revised Standard Version - 1952

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 CONTENT REVIEW

1. Into how many languages, has the Bible been translated?

2. How many years did it take for the translation?
3. When was the king James Version published?
4. Who undertook the task of revision work?
5. When was the revision completed?
6. Why did the 18th and 19th centuries witness a remarkable
growth of Christian Church in Asian and African continents?
9. When and where was the Bible Society formed?
10. What are the Wycliffe group of Bible Translators aiming at?
11. Who published the Burmese Bible and when?
12. Who at first, translated the Bible into Chinese language?
13. What is the 'Single finger Bible”?

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 4

Bible - In India
Introduction
It is believed that the Apostle Thomas came to India in the 1st century
and established Churches in Kerala and elsewhere. Nevertheless, the
Christians in India never had a Bible in their own language until 200
years back. Today, the Bible is available in almost all Indian languages.
How has this happened? We must know that there were several men of
God who sacrificed their very lives for the translation and publishing of
the Bible into Indian languages. Let’s study about them.

William Carey
William Carey was an English Missionary who took a key role in translating
the Bible into Indian Languages. Born in 1761 in Northmptonshire,
England, he became an apprentice shoemaker in a shop. When he was
quite young he was converted in 1779 through a fellow apprentice
shoemaker and was baptised as a believer in 1783. After some local
preaching, Carey became a Pastor of a chapel, supporting himself
through teaching and shoe making. He deeply felt that it is the obligation
of the Christians to preach the gospel to the heathens. In 1972 in a
sermon at Nottingham he urged Christians “to expect great things from
God and attempt great things for God”. With a true vision for the mission
among the Heathens, William Carey and his family sailed to India and
reached Calcutta. In the ship itself he studied Bengali. In Calcutta, he
was straitened by sickness, poverty, adverse climate, starvation etc., one
after another. His five - year-old son died of illness. His wife became
mentally sick. Inspite of all this, he had always cherished the desire of
translating the Bible into Indian languages. His first venture was to
translate the New Testament into Bengali which he fulfilled in 1799.
Some of his fellow workers who arrived from England at that time provided

155
him with a printing press and other materials for printing Bengali Bible.
William Carey printed and published the New Testament at first and
then the entire Bible. Following that, he learned the other Indian
languages namely Sanskrit, Marathi, Telugu, Kanares, Gujarathi and Hindi
and began translating the Bible into these languages. In the meantime,
he went back home and returned in 1813. In the latter 20 years he lived
continuously in India and set his mind on translating the Bible into
other languages together with other evangelistic activities. During this
time his printing press was set on fire. Much of his translation work and
the press was destroyed. Nevertheless, he was not disappointed ; but by
the help from other countries, he restored the printing press and other
works. Before William Carey’s death, he could see his vision fulfilled in
the translation of Bible into more than 40 languages.
In India there are more than 264 languages. The Bible has been translated
only into 124 languages partly or fully so far; what about other language
groups? who will give them the Bible?

The Tamil Bible : 1714

Long before the Bible was translated into Malayalam, Tamil Bible existed.
The Tamil translation was performed by the Danish missionar y
Bertholomew Ziegan Balg in 1714.

The Malayalam Bible : 1841

Before the arrival of the missionaries, the Keralites did not have Bible in
their vernacular Malayalam. Some Syriac Bibles either in full or in part
were kept in certain places. The societies like the Church Missionary
Society, the Bassal Evangelical Mission and the German Evangelical
Mission, have made their praise worthy contribution to the task of
translating and publishing the Malayalam Bible.
It was Claudius Buchanan, the C.M.S. Missionary who was the pioneer
in this task. He got a manuscript copy of the Syriac Bible from Angamali
in 1800. Accorded by the Missionary, Timmappapilla translated the four
Gospels into Malayalam in 1811. Soon Dr. Buchanan got it printed in
Bombay and published it in Kerala. This was the first Bible in Malayalam.
In 1821 a printing press was established by C.M.S. in Kottayam. The next
person who shouldered the task of translating Bible into Malayalam was
Benjamin Baily who reached southern Kerala as the C. M. S. Missionary.
In 1825 he published the Gospel according to Matthew, in Malayalam
from Kottayam C.M.S. Press. In 1829 the New Testament and in 1841

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the Old Testament were published. Thus the full Bible was available in
Malayalam by 1841. About the same period, another German Missionary
named Harman Gundert reached Northern Kerala (Malabar). He learned
Malayalam and made his translation into it. His New Testament was
completed in 1854 and the Old Testament in 1885.
Later, the Bible Society in co-operation with various other Christian
denominations selected a committee to revise the Malayalam Bible. Thus
the revised New Testament was published in 1889 and the full Bible in
1910. This Bible is commonly used even today. Another new Malayalam
translation was published in 1979 by the Bible Society, but it is not
commonly accepted.
The Blind’s Bible (Braille Bible)
A Special Bible has been published for the blind people. It was devised
by Braille the French inventor. In it letters are projected dots which the
blind people can feel by hands and read. Such Bibles have been translated
into more than fifty languages. This has been greatly helpful for the
blind people to know the scriptural truths.

The Roman Catholic Translations

The authorized Bible of the Roman Catholic Church is Jerome’s Bible
known as the Latin Vulgate which was translated into Latin in the 4th
century. It has 72 books, 45 books in the Old Testament (6 books extra
than what others follow) and 27 books in the New Testament. The Roman
Catholic Church as a policy would not encourage translation of the
Bible into other languages. Later in 1943 the Pope Pius XII made some
relaxation in this policy. Some individuals in Kerala have made their
Malayalam translations which were later authorised by the Catholic
Church. Yet, the First Malayalam New Testament translated and published
officially under the supervision of the Catholic Bishops was in 1977.

Our Duty
Our country India stands second in the world population. Polulation of
India is 110 Crores, which means one out of every sixth person is an
Indian. Of these, 65 crores are villagers. Only 2.5 percent is Christian. Of
these, those with evangelical conviction are not even one percent. It is
our duty to bring the Gospel home to the people of India of diverse
religions and languages. Of the 264 Indian languages, the Bible must
be translated still into 240 languages. How urgent is the need of mission
work and propagation of scriptures in India! Are you ready to take up

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this responsibility on your shoulders? Go yourself or send somebody.
Spend for the cause or be spent yourself.

Content review
1. Which Apostle came to India and When?
2. Who translated the Bible into several Indian languages?
3. What adversities did William Carey face in Calcutta?
4. Into which Indian language was the Bible translated first?
5. Into how many Indian languages was Bible Translated before
William Carey's death?
6. How many languages are there in India? Into how many Indian
languages has the Bible been translated so far?
7. Who translated the Bible into Tamil and When?
8. Describe briefly the history of the Malayalam Bible emphasizing
services of Dr. Buchanan, Benjamin Bailey and Herman Gundert.

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 5

Bible Lands
Study Aids
The maps of the world, the Mediterranean lands and the land of Palestine.
Introduction
Which continent does our country belong to? Which are the continents
close to it on the west? Which sea touches all the three continents?
Just see the map and learn it. The Mediterranean Sea is on the north of
Africa, South of Europe and west of Asia. Mediterranean Lands are in
the center of the earth where human habitation began and the ancient
civilization developed. The Bible lands are located here. The knowledge
about these will enable us to understand the Bible better and know its
facts.

The Bible Lands

The present day nations in the middle-east are mainly Iran, Iraq, Saudi
Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Turkey etc. The Bible lands include
these as well as other European countries like Greece, Cyprus Italy etc….
Many of these countries were known differently in the ancient times.
Let us study at first about the main oceans, rivers and mountains in
these parts.

A) Main Oceans

1. The Persian Gulf

This lies on the north east of Bible lands and between Iran and the
Arabian peninsula consisting of Saudi Arabia, Qatar etc. The rivers
Euphrates and Tigris merge into this sea. The center of the ancient
Empires such as Babylon and Medo-persia was in the banks of these

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rivers. The Babel Tower from where the nations were scattered by
confusion of language, the city of Ur-Abraham’s home town, Nineveh,
Babylon, Shushan etc. were all situated here.

2. Red Sea
Red sea lies north east of the Bible lands (Between the Arabian Peninsula
and Africa). It is divided into two tributaries like bays known as Suez
and Quaba. Suez is linked to the Mediterranean Sea by a Canal, which
is known as Suez Canal. This artificial canal is 1000 miles long. Egypt is
the famous country on the north west of Red Sea where the Sinai
Peninsula lies. The Israelites crossed Red sea at the western bay called
Suez.

3. Mediterranean Sea
This vast ocean lies in the middle of the Bible land among the continents
of Asia, Europe and Africa. ‘The Great Sea’ mentioned in the Old
Testament is the same sea (Josh.1:4)

4. The Dead Sea

It is also called Salt Sea (Gen.14:3). This lies in the middle of Palestine
towards South. This body of water came into being as the result of
some ancient cities namely Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim having
been set on fire from heaven. This lies, 1290 feet below the sea level.
This is also known as ‘the sea of the plain’. (Josh.3:16) and eastern sea.
(Jn.15:5, Joel.2:20).

5. The Sea of Galilee

It lies north of Palestine. Since its water is not salty and it lies as a lake
receiving in the river Jordan and sending it out in the south it is not fit
to be called a sea. Its other names are : the lake Gennasaret (Lk. 5.1)
and the Sea of Tiberias (Jn.6:1). It is 682 feet below the Sea level. In
addition to this, another lake named ‘Merom’ lies on the north of sea of
Galilee on the route of the river Jordan.

B. Important Rivers
1. Tigris: The name Hiddekel mentioned in Gen.2:14 refers to the same
river (Dan.10:4) Flowing from the mount Ararat towards south joins the

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river Euphrates and merges into the Persian Gulf. Its length is 1146
miles.
2.Euphrates: This river also begins from the mount Ararat and joins the
Tigris and merges into the Persian Gulf. Length is 1800 miles.
3.Nile: The river of Egypt beginning from the middle Africa flows towards
north and merges into the Mediterranean. The child Moses was put
into this river. This is the longest river in the world (6690) Kilometers)
4.Ulai: The three rivers Chebar, Ahava and Ulai are the tributaries of
Euphrates (Dan.8:1, Ezekiel 1:1, Ezra.8:21).

C. Mountains
1. Ararat: It stands on the north east of the Bible lands, between the
Caspean Sea and the Black Sea in Armenia. It was on this mountain of
Russia that the Noah’s ark rested (Gen.8:4)
2. Lebanon : The Lebanon hills are standing on the west of Ararat along
the coast line of Mediterranean towards South. These border the
countries Syria and Palestine. The most important peak of Lebanon
hills is Hermon. Its height 9116 feet.
3. Sinai : It is situated south of Palestine close to the Red Sea. One of its
Peaks is Horeb. God gave the Law to Israel on this mountain. Besides
these mountains, the Bible talks about other mountains like, Olive, Tabor,
Moriah, Carmel, Gilboa etc.

D. Topography
On the east of the Bible lands lie countries like Medo-Persia, Mesopotamia,
Chaldea and on the South lies the Abraham’s desert. Palestine, the
focal point among the Bible lands lies very close to the Mediterranean
Sea, Syria bounds it on the north.
On the north west of the Bible lands lie Asia Minor, Greece, Italy and on
South west lies Egypt.

Content review
1. Where did the human habitation begin?
2. Which places are included in the Bible Lands?
3. Into which sea do Euphrates and Tigris merge?

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4. Where does the Red Sea lie? Which are its two branches (Bays)
5. Which branch of the Red sea, did the Israelites cross?
6. Where is Mediterranean sea located?
7. What is the other name of Dead Sea? What is the depth of this
sea?
8. What are the other names of the sea of Galilee?
9. Which are the important rivers mentioned in the Bible?
10. Name the important mountains mentioned in the Bible?
11. Which is the most important peak of Lebanon hills?
12. Write the topography of the Bible lands?

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 6
Palestine
Study Aids
The map the land of Palestine, given at next page

Introduction
Which is the homeland of the Jews? When was the present State of
Israel born? Israel is generally known as Palestine. Let us study some
important facts about the land of Palestine as the history of Israel and
the public ministry of Jesus Christ are interwoven with this land.

I. Its names
The land of Palestine is called by different names.
1. Palestine :This name derived from Philistine’ the name of a nation
who ruled the land for a long time.
2. The land of Israel. So called because this land is possessed by Israelites
as an inheritance. (I Sam.2:3)
3. The land of Canaan. The original inhabitants of this land were the
Canaanites who were the descendants of Ham the son of Noah.
Thus the land was called so.
4. The Land of promise: This is the land God promised to Abraham
and his descendants (Heb.11:9)
5. The Holy Land: Called so because the Holy Temple of Jerusalem was
in this land. Besides this, it is also called ‘the land of Hebrews
(Gen.40:15) and the kingdom of Judah (Ezra.1:3)

II. Location and boundaries

This land is situated in the north east of Egypt, south of Syria, west of
the Arabian desert and east of the Mediterranean Sea. Its position is
very significant as a principal center of the three great continents such
as Asia, Europe and Africa. It is blessed by the river Jordan flowing
through the middle. Length of this land is 156 miles and breadth is 50
miles.
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The boundaries marked for Palestine generally in the Bible are : From
Dan on the north to Beersheba on the south (Judg.10:1) Who were the
different nations who occupied in the land before Joshua allotted the
land tribe by tribe to Israelites (Gen.15:19-21). Moses has described this
land as the most fertile and beautiful land. (Deut.8:7-9).

III. Rivers

1. Jordan
This river which flows in through the middle of Palestine divides the
land into two areas as ‘East of Jordan’ and ‘West of Jordan’. Starting
from Lebanon, it flows through the lake ‘Merom’ and sea of Galilee and
terminates in the Dead Sea. It is 200 miles long. We find 3 instances in
the Bible when the river Jordan was divided and crossed. John baptized
people in this river. Jericho is a city near the point of its merger into the
Dead Sea. Since the Temple of Jerusalem is situated on the Western
part, the area west of Jordan is more significant.
Jabbok, Arnon etc. are its supporting rivers. Jacob wrestled with the
angel at the river Jabbok.
In addition to these main rivers, there are some small rivers that merge
into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Brook Kishon

Beginning from the mount Gilboa, it flows towards north west and falls
into the Mediterranean at the north side of the mount Carmel. It was
at this riverbank that Barak defeated Sisera (Judges 4:13-16) and Elijah
killed the prophets of Baal (1 King 18:40)
2. Brook Besor- Starting from the mountains of Judea, it flows towards
west and falls into the Mediterranean. David and his army crossed this
brook to chase the Amalekites (1 Sam.30:9)
Besides we also read about small brooks such as Kidron (1King 15:13),
Cherith (1 King 17:3) etc.

IV. Mountains
1. Lebanon. See this in the previous lesson. The cedar wood is important
resource of these forests (1 King 5:9-14)

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2. Mt. Tabor. This is a hill in Galilee. Our Lord was transfigured upon
this hill.
3. Mt. Olives: This Mountain situated near Jerusalem is an important
one in the land of Canaan. From the Gospels we find that Jesus
frequently went to this mountain to pray. The Lord ascended from
the top of this mountain. Again, He will descend on the same
mountain as the King of Kings (Act.1:2, Zech.14:4)
4. Mt.Moriah: It is near the city of Jerusalem. Abraham offered his son
Isaac on this mountain (Gen.22:2). Solomon’s temple was also situated
here (2 Chro.3:1).
5. Mt.Carmel : It is near the Mediteranean sea in Galilee. The prohets
Elijah and Elisha centered their ministry in this mountain (1King.18:17-
40; 2 King 5:25).
6. Mt.Gilboa : Saul and his sons were killed on this mountain
(1 Sam.31:1-4).
7. Mt. Zion. The city of Jerusalem situated on this mountain (psa.48:12)
8. Ebal-Gerizim. It was upon these mountains near Shechem in the
central Palestine that the blessings and curses of the Law were
pronounced (Deut.11:29). The Samaritans worshipped in the Gerizim
mountain.(Jn.4:20)

V. Oceans & Lakes

The most important sea in Palestine is Galilee. It is 12 miles long and 7.5
miles wide. Being a lake of good water, fishing is the main trade here.
The river Jordan flows through this lake. The cities, Bethesda, Korazin,
Capernaum etc. are situated on the side of this lake. There are many
episodes in the life of Christ connected with the sea of Galilee.

CONTENT REVIEW

1. What are the different names of Palestine?

2. Which river flows through the middle of Palestine?
3 Which is most important sea in Palestine?

R
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 7

Palestine - its main

Divisions and Cities
Introduction:
Where was Jesus Christ born? Where is that place located in Palestine?
Which was the capital of the Jews? Under which division does it come?
Let’s study about the location of Jerusalem and Bethlehem and their
importance.

The principal cities

1.Jerusalem (City of peace)

Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine. Salem was its former name
(Gen.14:18). Melchizedek was the king of Salem. Later, it came to be
known as the City of Jebusites. David conquered it and made it his
capital (2 Sam.5). Solomon’s Temle was built on the mount Moriah in
Jerusalem. This famous city where the kings of Judah ruled 400 years
was completely destroyed by the Babylonian kings Nebuchadnezzar in
586 B.C. The city and the Temple were re-built by those who returned
from exile. But in A.D. 70 Titus the Roman Emperor destroyed this city
and the Jews were scattered. Jesus fore-saw the plight of the city and
warned against it. (Matt.23:37-39).
After the first world war, however, the Jews who returned to Palestine
rebuilt this city and in 1948 it drew the attention of the world as the
capital of Israel. Our Lord will rule the earth for a thousand years in the
same city.

2. Bethany
It is a town near Jerusalem. Martha, Mary and Lazarus lived here (Jn.11:1)

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3. Bethlehem (The house of bread)
It is a very ancient city 5 miles south of Jerusalem. It was formerly called
‘Euphrath’ (Gen.35:19). Rachel was buried here. Boaz belonged to this
place (Ruth 2:4). David and our Lord were born here(Luke.2:11)

4. Hebron (Fellowship)
This town lies twenty miles South of Jerusalem. Its former name was
‘Kiriath-Arba’ (Gen.23.2). This is where the men of old like Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob and David lived. Find out certain incidents in the Bible
connected with these men. Hebron is one of the cities of
refuge.(Josh.21:13). David ruled for seven years here (2 Sam.5:5)

5. Bethel (The house of God)

The former name of this place was Luz (Gen.28:19). It is 12 miles north
of Jerusalem. This was one of the cities in Canaan where Abraham first
settled (Gen.12:4-9). The place was named Bethel after the vision Jacob
had here while he fled from his avengeful brother (Gen.28:10-22). But
by the time of the kings, this place became a centre of idolatry (1 King
12:28-33).

6. Jericho
This is a town near the point where the river Jordan merges into the
Dead Sea. Joshua destroyed this town and pronounced curse on he
who would rebuild it (Josh.6:26). During the time of Kings, someone
named Hiel took the courage to re-build it (Josh.6:26, 1 King 16:34).
Just as Joshua said, Hiel lost his son when he laid the foundation of
Jericho, and his youngest son when he built the gates. See how exactly
God’s word was fulfilled! This was a famous city of the ancient times.
The blind Bartimaeus was healed here. (Mk.10:46-52) Zacchaeus
belonged to this place (Lk.19:11).

7. Samaria
It was the capital of the southern division of Israeli kingdom. This city
situated in the central Palestine was built by Omri, the king of Israel (1
King 16:26). It was the capital of Israel for 200 years. It was a centre of
idolatry as well. In this city, the prophet Elijah and Elisha mightily
ministered. The Assyrian King destroyed this city and took the peole to

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Assyria as prisoners. (2 king 17). In place of the Israelites, the King
(Shalmaneser) repeopled Samaria with Babylonians who intermarried
with the remaining Hebrews, and their descendants were the Samaritans.
The Jews kept away from those mixed bloods. The Lord and the apostles,
however, went to them with the Gospel (Jn.4 Act.8).

Some Principal cities of Galilee

1. Nain (Lk.7:11): The Lord raised the son of a widow here.
2. Nazareth: The Lord grew up here. It was an obscure town (Lk.4:16,
Jn.1:45,46).
3. Cana – The Lord performed the miracle of turning water into wine
here (Jn.2:1-11)
Bethesda, Capernaum, Korazin etc. were the cities where the Lord mostly
worked and showed his mighty deeds (Matt.11:20-24). But those cities
neglected the good opportunity they got and did not repent. These
cities were good commercial centres being port-cities.

The Division of Palestine

The area east of Jordan was distributed by Moses to the two and a half
tribes. There they lived according to the allocation as Reuben on the
south, Gad in the middle and the half tribe of Manasseh on the north.
Important places on the eastern bank were Baashan, Gilead, Arnon Etc.
Other places like Peniel, Syccoth and Gadara were also here.
The west of Jordan area was distributed among the nine and half tribes.
Joshua allocated each tribe their portion of land from south to north.
At the farthest South Simeon received their portion and adjacent to it
Judah and just close to it was that of Benjamin. In the middle lay
Ephraim and the half tribe Manasseh. On the north were Issachar,
Zebulun, Naphali, Asher, Dan etc. This is how the land was distributed
to the 12 tribes.
During Jesus Christ’s day, the western part of Jordan was divided into
three. Judea on the South, Samaraia in the middle and Galilee on the
north. The earthern part of Jordan was known as Perea in general
(Most of the incidents mentioned in Luke chapter 10-18 took place here.
Understand these facts by the help of a map
Mark the allocations of each tribe in the map of Palestine.

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 CONTENT REVIEW

1. What is the Capital of Palestine?

2. What was the former name of Jerusalem?
3. Where was Solomon's Temple built?
4. Which kings destroyed the city of Jerusalem?
5. After the first world war, who rebuilt this city?
6. Who lived in Bethany?
7. What was the former name of Bethlehem?
8. What is the importance of Bethlehem?
9. What is the meaning of Bethlehem?
10. What is the meaning of Hebron? What was its former name?
11. Who lived in Hebron?
12. What is the meaning of Bethel? What was its former name?
13. Who cursed the city of Jericho?
14. What happened when Hiel took courage to re-build Jericho?
15. Who built the city of Samaria?
16. Which prophets ministered mightily in the city of Samaria?
17. Who destroyed this city.
18. Name the important cities of Palestine?
19. Name the principal cities of Galilee.

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 MAPS Map-01
Abrahams Journey

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 Map-02
Israelites Exodus Route

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 Map-03
Canaan as divided among the Twelve Tribes
(BC 1200 to 1020)

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 Map-04
Jesus' Ministry

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 Map-05
Jesus' Ministry

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 Map-06
Jesus' Ministry

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 Child Psychology
Age group: Age limit Class
Nursery
ChildUpPsychology
to 3 years. Pre-nursery, Nursery
Beginner 3 to 5 years. LKG & UKG
Primary 6 to 8 years. Standard I to III
Juniors 9 to 11 years. Standard IV to VI
Intermediate 12 to 15 years. Standard VII to IX
Seniors 16 and above. Standard X to XII

Understanding your student

When we teach different age groups we must know the special
characteristics of each group. The attitude and aptitude are different. Their
physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological conditions are also
different.
Students of particular age group show certain common features. Therefore
we need to understand these age groups.
Class wise division
In this curriculum the division is based on secular school's class division e.g.
a child studying in 1st standard, can follow first standard text book of Sunday
school.
This division is made for a few reasons.
1. The curriculum is prepared considering the literary (reading
understanding and writing) ability gained in secular school.
2 If there is no organized Sunday school activity around, a child can still
follow this curriculum under a supervisor or even by self. Thereafter
give exams anywhere and get evaluated.
3. There is greater fairness in deciding the ranks and place during exams
and competitions conducted.
Therefore approximate class is given along side every age group.

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General characteristics and guidelines
A. Infancy and Preschool 0-3 years - NURSERY.
Here we see them slowly being pushed to Sunday school. Some would be
already used to baby sitting, enrolled in play school and some still lingering
around parents especially mothers. They gradually learn to get separated
from parents mingle with teacher and friends. They do enjoy with their age
group.

Physically - they wiggle. They also tire easily. Therefore speak

softly and clearly.
Mentally - they are discoverers. So give them building blocks
and puzzles related to bible stories.
Socially - they are self-centered. They might want to possess
things and not share. Therefore Teach sharing.
Emotionally- they are fearful. Hence teachers may remain close
to them as much as possible.
Spiritually - impressionable. Many are viewers of cable network
and CDs. Ideally show them Christian CD's.
Attention span - 5 to 7 min.

B. LKG and UKG 4-5 years- BEGINNERS

Physically - they are players, but tire easily and quickly. So activities
should be short, give frequent rest. Their eyes and ears
get strained quickly. So keep voice low but clear. They
learn by senses. Let them handle things. Encourage
activity don't repress it.
Mentally - they are questioners. Therefore answer simply and briefly.
Tell lesson briefly and repeat in varied ways. Don't
understand time and distance. Avoid history and
chronology. They have mental pictures. So use visual
aids. Learn through play and pretend activities. Teach
through dramatic play.
Socially - they are imitators. Teacher is role model. Individualistic.
So teach sharing and cooperation, to adjust and be
acquainted with friends.
Emotionally- they are responders. They have a desire for love and
security. So stress God's love and care for them.

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Spiritually- believers. Therefore encourage to trust in Jesus. Be
truthful and unlearn untruth. Are full of wonder and can
be led to feel reverence. Stimulate their feelings of
reverence and worship.
Attention Span - 5 to 10 min.

Standard I to III 6-8 years - PRIMARY

Physically - they are active. Hence Plan varied activities direct his
energy.
Mentally - they are observers. So Use visual aids. They should
personally read stories. They have keen imagination, so
role-playing helps.
Socially - they are mixers. They want to be first. Teach sharing and
to wait for turns.Imitators. So let them imitate great
characters of bible especially Jesus. They are very
talkative so give equal opportunity.
Emotionally- as they are insecure be early to class and accept each
child's greetings by name. Affirm your love and care.
Spiritually - trustful. So teach to trust God, Gods love and care
Attention Span - 10 to 15 min.

Standard IV to VI 9-11 years- JUNIOR

Physically - they are rovers. Full of energy. So plan projects and
work to keep them busy.
Mentally - they are investigators. Help discover things in bible.
They are great readers, so encourage reading bible
stories and dventurous biographies. Good memorizers,
so let them memorize bible verses and hymns.
Socially - they are group conscious. So have activities involving
the whole class. Friendship is important, so encourage
good companions. Give the Significance of loyal friends
rather than royal ones. Very competitive so have
contests. Look for fairness. So be impartial.
Emotionally - they are expressive, and have ups and downs.
Therefore be careful not to hurt their feelings.
Spiritually - hero worshippers. Let them know bible heroes
especially the Hero of heroes Jesus Christ.

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Standard VII to I X 12-15 Years INTERMEDIATE
Physically - they change every three to six months. Accept each as
an individual. Though immature treat them as adults.
Mentally - they are critical. Let them find answers from the bible.
Guide them to the sources. If teacher doesn't know the
answer, admit it and search with them.
Socially - they need companionship. Give them enough of privacy.
They are sometimes sarcastic. Teachers don't be upset
with their sarcastic remarks. Give correct interpretation
ignoring sarcastic remarks. They are intensely loyal to
whom they trust. So be a loyal friend.
Emotionally - they fluctuate and are sensitive to criticism. Therefore be
kind sympathetic and truthful. Don't criticize.
Spiritually - ready for deeper spiritual commitment (conversion). They
look for sure foundations of life. Teacher can tell about
Jesus Christ as best foundation.

Standard X to XII 16 Years and above SENIORS

Physically - they are achievers. They are in the final stages of growth.
Therefore encourage physical activities and to have
positive thinking about their body shape and size.
Mentally - they are powerful. Help them put their best in studies to
have bright future. Mentally prepare them to be teachers
of bible.
Socially - they are friendly and appreciate fellowship. Help them
have good friends and influence others positively rather
than being influenced negatively. Let them be loyal and
spending for the right cause first of all to the Kingdom of
God.
Emotionally - they are getting their stability increased.
Spiritually - they are realistic. They get upset seeing the hypocrisy.
Teacher can point them to genuine believers and
ministers. Encourage students to sincerely seek God and
honor him. Students should be encouraged to
acknowledge God's call for ministry. Working for God
should be highly esteemed.

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