New Testament

Churches
A Thirteen Lesson
Bible Class Study

a study of selected churches

in the Bible

by
J.S. Smith
Introduction
The New Testament is a pattern book, which shows and tells us how the church should look and act.
The various congregations in the New Testament show positive lessons as to how God wishes the church
to behave and negative lessons which contain God’s disapproval.
If the Bible student truly desires to keep God’s commandments and respect his authority, he will
study the New Testament and attempt to make himself and the church of which he is a member as close
to God’s ideal as possible. This series of lessons will help the student to understand the difference
between God’s approval and disapproval.

Syllabus
Lesson 1 The Church at Jerusalem

Lesson 2 The Church at Thessalonica

Lesson 3 The Church at Ephesus

Lesson 4 The Church at Smyrna

Lesson 5 The Church at Pergamos

Lesson 6 The Church at Thyatira

Lesson 7 The Church at Sardis

Lesson 8 The Church at Philadelphia

Lesson 9 The Church at Laodicea

Lesson 10 The Church at Corinth

Lesson 11 The Church at Philippi

Lesson 12 The Church at Antioch

Lesson 13 The Church at Rome

 Lesson 1: The Church at Jerusalem
The church with the distinction of being the first was found in the city of Jerusalem and had Mary
and the apostles among its number. The Jerusalem church experienced highs and lows to great extremes.
From their quick, early growth to the ill effects of regional famine, the saints in Jerusalem learned how
to be content in any circumstances.

1. (Acts 2:1-13) Why were so many people in Jerusalem at this time? What religion was based in this
city?

•They had assembled for the Day of Pentecost festivities, which were part of Judaism.

2. (Acts 2:40-47) How quickly did the Jerusalem church grow on its first day? Would you characterize
the sermon that brought these conversions to be positive or negative in nature?

•The church numbered more than 3000 souls by the end of its first day because Peter’s sermon cut the
people to their hearts. His message was positive in that it was effective, though many would
characterize it as negative for it was a full rebuke.

3. What benefits and problems might such quick growth bring?

•They would be benefited in evangelism and the security of numbers, but affected adversely in that this
many people would inevitably lead to misunderstandings and disputes.

4. What does it mean to “continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”?

•They continued to listen to their teaching, learn from it and apply it practically to life.

5. Was their attitude materialistic or spiritual?

•They seemed to be very spiritual and interested little in material superiority, for they regularly sold
belongings to benefit the poor among their number.

6. How often did Christians gather in one way or another?

•Every day.

7. Did the Jerusalem church continue to grow?

•Yes, the saved were added daily to the church.

8. Consider when new people enter a church. How should the veterans treat them?

•The established members should make them feel at home and a part of the group from the start. They
should not be made to feel like they are second class citizens, though as novices they will have to learn
before they can lead.

9. (Acts 4:1-22) How many men were members of the Jerusalem church by this time?

•About five thousand.

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10. Why were some members of the church thrown in jail? What did Peter say about this type of
situation in his first epistle, chapter three, verses 13-17?

•Peter and the others were incarcerated for preaching Jesus and healing the lame man of Acts 3. Later
in life, Peter commented that there was no shame in suffering this indignity for the cause of Christ.

11. When they were threatened with further punishment, did the members of the Jerusalem church
quiet down and curtail their evangelistic efforts and public discipleship?

•Peter even told his judges that they would not stop preaching just because of these threats.

12. What kind of character would these men need to respond to this discouragement?

•They would need courage, dedication, true faith, an appreciation of grace, trust in God, a focus on the
spiritual and eternal.

13. How should we respond when discouraged from spreading the gospel?

•With the same determination to carry on the fight no matter what.

14. (Acts 5:1-11) What was the effect upon the Jerusalem brethren when Ananias and Sapphira met
their end for dishonesty? How could they otherwise have reacted?

•Great fear came upon the entire church. They could have opted to leave in disgust over so harsh a
judgment.

15. (Acts 6:1-7) What problem began to plague the church in these days? How was it solved?

•The Greek widows complained of being neglected in benevolence while the Jewish widows did well.
The apostles solved the problem by appointing servants to care for them.

16. In our day, it is considered bad to try to convert Jews to Christianity. Did the members of the
Jerusalem church share this phobia concerning the priests of the Hebrew religion?

•No, many of the priests became disciples.

17. (Acts 11:27-30, 2 Cor. 9:12-15) What traits are required to accept assistance when in need, as the
Jerusalem church was in this time of famine?

•Humility and wisdom.

18. (Acts 15:3-5) What false teaching was coming from some of the members of the Jerusalem church and
troubling churches in other cities? Did the church ignore this error?

•The Judaizing element that compelled Gentile Christians to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses
as well. The church seized the opportunity to make the truth clear and established every word for
every church that was affected by it.

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 Lesson 2: The Church at Thessalonica
The church at Thessalonica received some of the earliest surviving apostolic letters. Paul was very
fond of this church and extolled its virtues which had been retold to the world. Still, they had their
problems. Fascination with the second coming of Jesus had paralyzed some of the Christians’ physical
effort, rendering them unfit, idle and given to gossip. Paul’s two letters correct those problems and
afford us great insight into the future.

1. (Acts 17:1-9) Where did the Jews gather in the city of Thessalonica? What is that?

•The Jews gathered in a synagogue, or “gathering place.” This was the Jewish place of worship in cities
outside of Palestine. Synagogues were built when the temple was in ruins and the Jews needed some
place to worship. Because the Jews became so dispersed, synagogues continues to exist even after
Zerubbabel’s temple was built in the sixth century before Christ and Herod’s temple was built in the
century just before Christ.

2. Why would Paul choose to go there in particular?

•Because here he would find people reading the Law and Prophets which predicted the Messiah
whom he now proclaimed. They, more than anyone else, should be of a mind to accept the gospel.

3. What was the general composition of the converts made at Thessalonica?

•A great multitude of the devout Greeks and many leading women were converted.

4. Verse 5 reveals the motivation for the Jews’ rejection of the gospel in Thessalonica. What
characteristic of theirs caused them to respond so violently?

•They became envious because their followers were being taken away to a new faith which the leading
Jews perceived as a rival to their power and influence.

5. Who was Jason?

•Jason was a Christian in Thessalonica who harbored the preachers in his own home. Jason was carried
off by the Jews’ mob to the city rulers on a charge of sedition against Caesar.

6. What is horribly ironic about the Jews’ statement concerning kings to the city rulers in verse 7?

•They were claiming allegiance to an idolatrous tyrant while rejecting the loving Messiah they
claimed to seek. Like the Jews of old, they were choosing their Saul over God.

7. (1 Thess. 1:2-5) What was it that Paul remembered about the Thessalonian saints?

•Their work of faith, labor of love and patience of hope in Jesus.

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8. If we wanted to be like the Thessalonians in this regard, what would we need to do?

•We would need to labor hard for Jesus, spreading the gospel, taking care of the needy among us,
providing support and comfort to the suffering.

9. (1 Thess. 1:6-10) What comments does Paul make on the way they received the gospel (cf. 2:2, 3:2-5, 2
Thess. 1:4)? What had they given up?

•He says they received it in much affliction, but with joy of the Holy Spirit. They had given up their
idols to serve God.

10. What forms of tribulation must some endure to become Christians?

•Persecution from spouse, friends, family, and enemies; scrutiny of co-workers and employers; sacrifice
of dearly held ideas or things.

11. How prominent were the stories of Thessalonian faithfulness?

•The news of their dedication was known in Macedonia, Achaia and beyond.

12. (1 Thess. 3:1-10) What kind of report did Timothy bring to Paul from Thessalonica? How should a
good report on our brethren elsewhere affect us?

•Timothy brought a good report from the church which encouraged Paul and put his mind at ease
concerning them. We should rejoice with brethren who are succeeding.

13. (1 Thess. 4:9-12) It seemed almost unnecessary for Paul to make these comments. What did Paul urge
concerning their already good habits?

•He urged them to increase more and more, not to be content with their goodness but to make it
continually grow.

14. (2 Thess. 1:3-12) How were they holding up against this persecution? What did he promise them if
they continued to do this?

•Paul boasted of their perseverance and faith in the midst of severe tribulation, which would lead
them to rest when Jesus returns.

15. (2 Thess. 3:6-15) What problem did they have in the Thessalonica church?

•Some had grown idle and were living off others’ earnings while wiling away the days as busybodies
and gossips.

16. What was Paul’s prescription?

•Paul told them that a man who will not work should not either eat. The disorderly should have their
brethren withdraw from him until he is ready to walk orderly again.

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 Lesson 3: The Church at Ephesus
Paul arrives at Ephesus and finds something very disturbing. With his usual urgency, however, he
quickly remedies the error and blesses the Christians in that city. The Ephesian church takes its place
near the center stage of the New Testament record, appearing again amidst Paul’s letters and finally in
the Lord’s.

1. (Acts 19:1-7) Where was Apollos when Paul arrived in Ephesus? What had Apollos been teaching in
Ephesus before Aquila and Priscilla reproved him?

•Apollos was in Corinth now, but while he was in Ephesus, he had believed and taught only the
baptism of John.

2. When Paul met these twelve men, what did they know regarding baptism?

•They knew only John’s baptism.

3. Was this the one baptism commanded of people in the gospel age (Eph. 4:5) then?

•Obviously not.

4. How did Paul know that they were unfamiliar with events after John’s preaching?

•They did not know about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

5. Does it appear that they even knew about Jesus at all?

•They apparently knew nothing more than that John had pointed toward the coming Messiah.

6. What options did they have when Paul told them their form of obedience was insufficient?

•They could have rejected him, argued that God must accept their forms, or they could accept Paul’s
word as truth and submit to Christ’s baptism.

7. What did they do about their baptism? What does their decision show about their character?

•They were baptized in the name of Jesus. These men were humble and desiring to be right no matter
what.

8. Did the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit come upon them at baptism? If not, when?

•The ability to speak in tongues did not come until Paul laid hands on them.

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9. (Acts 19:11-20) What did the illusionists and magicians do with their books when they were
converted?

•They destroyed the tools of sin, error and deception.

10. What lesson would this have for us today?

•We cannot keep the relics of our sin around to tempt us or fall back on in case our faith fails. If we do, it
will surely fail. We must get rid of alcohol, pornography and anything else that we can use to shame
Jesus.

11. (Acts 19:21-41) What interest made the silversmiths hate Paul and the Way of Christ?

•They were more interested in their ability to make money than the health of their souls. They sought
to eliminate the gospel, lest it eliminate their heathen trade.

12. How does this character flaw endanger people’s souls today?

•It dissuades many from leaving the world of greed and materialism for Christ. They cannot give up
their idols and so they cannot own Christ.

13. (Acts 20:17-38) When Paul finished his instructions to the Ephesian elders, what did they all do
together?

•They prayed, wept and expressed their brotherly love, knowing they would see each other no more.

14. Is it possible to have this kind of affection for our brethren today?

•Yes, we must love our brethren this deeply.

15. (Eph. 1:15) What two traits did the Ephesian Christians generally have?

•They had faith in Christ and love for their brethren.

16. (Rev. 2:1-7) How does Jesus commend the church at Ephesus at the end of the first century?

•He recognizes and commends their works, labor, patience, intolerance of evil and false teachers like
the Nicolaitans and their perseverance.

17. How does he rebuke them in the same letter?

•He says that they had left their first love and fallen from their former stature.

18. How can one leave his first love (Christ) today?

•By falling in love with self, or anything lower than heaven.

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 Lesson 4: The Church At Smyrna
The church of Christ in Smyrna is mentioned only in the book of Revelation, but she is as close to
the ideal congregation as could be found in Asia Minor in the first century. Christ praises Smyrna for
her spiritual mindset and willingness to suffer loss for his cause. In the saints of Smyrna, the reader can
learn how to avoid the second death and how to win a crown of life.

1. (Rev. 2:8-11) Who is being announced by the phrase “who was dead, and came to life”? How is the
phrase appropriate to that person?

•Jesus Christ, who died upon a cross, but was raised from the dead three days later.

2. For what reason do you think he is reminding the Smyrnans of resurrection?

•For the same good cause, the Smyrnan Christians are facing the possibility of execution, or at the least
discomfort in life. Christ is reminding them that the grave cannot hold the spirit of the redeemed, but
that they will be comforted in Paradise until heaven calls.

3. When can a reminder of the hope of resurrection to life be especially comforting to us today?

•We are especially comforted by the hope of resurrection to life when we mourn the passing of loved
ones who were Christians, when we consider our own mortality, when we feel discouraged by hardship
in life, when we face intense persecution, when we are tempted to give up the faith to preserve the
body.

4. Deceived by infidels like the Sadducees, some early Christians began to doubt the resurrection of
Christ. Many nominal Christians doubt its authenticity today as well. What does Paul say is the case
if Christ was not raised (1 Cor. 15:12-19)?

1. Our preaching is empty, meaningless, for the faith is built on error.

2. Indeed, the faith of all those so deceived would be worthless.

3. Those who testified of seeing the risen Messiah would all be false witnesses.

4. Most importantly, every man would still be in his sins if Christ died and never lived again, for he
would not have been the true Savior.
5. If Christ did not rise, we are among men most pitiable, for we are deceived.

5. Who was the enemy of the Smyrnan church?

•The synagogue of Satan that claimed to be Jews, but were not.

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6. In New Testament times, the Holy Spirit redefined the qualifications to be a “Jew,” making the term
a figurative representation of God’s people, not by fleshly descent, but spiritual regeneration. Consider
Romans 2:28-29: who are the true Jews now?

•Being Jewish in God’s sight, that is being of God’s household (I Tim. 3:15), the church, is not attained
by being born initially to Hebrew parents. Neither is it evidenced by circumcision. Being Jewish is
attained by a circumcision of the heart, being pricked by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

7. Explain how the Smyrnan Christians could experience poverty and yet be called rich by Jesus (cf.
Heb. 10:32-34, Matt. 6:19-20).

•They had, like the Hebrews, joyfully accepted the plundering of their possessions by Jewish
persecution of the Way. By worldly standards, they were poor and had nothing. By divine standards,
Christ could call them rich for their spirits were made wealthy by grace and the fruits of an obedient
faith.

8. In what ways can a wealthy spirit be displayed by a person of little physical means?

•Hospitality, sharing the gospel with others, sincere, daily service to God.

9. What sad prophecy did Christ give the church?

•They were about to see their persecution intensify.

10. Do you think that persecution of Christians is intensifying in our country? How?

•Persecution seems to be intensifying as the truth is mocked in the media, God’s will is dismissed in the
government and Bible values are ridiculed as antiquated. Christians are portrayed as either naive and
repressed or secretly violent and maniacal.

11. What promise did Jesus make to those who persevered through the persecution? How did he phrase
the condition placed upon this blessing?

•Jesus promised a crown of life to those who remained faithful until death.

12. What is the first death (Heb. 9:27-28)? What is the second death (Rev. 21:7-8)?

•The first death is the physical separation of the body and spirit as the former ceases to function and
begins to decay as life is removed from it. The second death is the eternal condemnation upon those who
lived without Christ and his propitiatory sacrifice. It is likened to fire and brimstone.

13. The New Testament strongly prohibits the Christian from seeking vengeance upon those who
persecute him or the truth. How can we be assured that the wicked will not be excused (cf. 2 Thess. 1:3-
10)?

•God has promised to punish the persecutors in the final judgment.

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 Lesson 5: The Church At Pergamos
The church at Pergamos was one of those that had many good things to its account, but still had
room for serious improvement. She had endured life in close proximity to great evil and the martyrdom
of one of her own, but had also harbored some that held to false doctrine. The Bible student is met with
a lesson on perseverance and impurity in the church at Pergamos.

1. (Rev. 2:12-17) In the scriptures, what is meant by the symbol of the “sharp, two-edged sword” (cf.
Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:11-13)?

•The two-edged sword is the weapon of the Holy Spirit, the word of God revealed by the Spirit on the
pages of the Bible. It is so sharp that it an pierce through pretense and hypocrisy to reveal the truth of
a man’s heart. It is two-edged because it cuts both ways when used•exposing the error of the infidel and
even the hypocrisy of the Christian.

2. Another entity is said not to bear the sword in vain (Rom. 13:1-7). What institution is this?

•The government, which is authorized to punish evildoers.

3. The center of Pergamos was a large hill covered with pagan temples, some of which were used to
worship the Roman emperor. To what then does Satan’s throne likely refer? How did that one also use
a sword for evil?

•Satan’s throne likely refers to the Roman emperor who used a sword to kill Christians who refused to
recant their faith and worship him as a deity.

4. Early Christians were faced with an imperial ultimatum: Worship the emperor or die. What choice
should they have made (Rev. 2:10, Acts 5:26-42)?

•To remain pleasing to God and hopeful of heaven, they would have needed to refuse the emperor, even
at the tip of his sword.

5. How had the Christians at Pergamos responded to the martyrdom of one of their own?

•They had remained faithful even at this extreme temptation to give up the faith.

6. What should faithful Christians remember if put in a situation where recanting seems the only
escape from persecution (Heb. 12:1-4)?

•We should remember the great cloud of witnesses who suffered and never saw their hope realized like
we have. We should also remember the Lord who suffered for us because we have not resisted evil to
the point of bloodshed like he did.

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7. What two false teachings were present in Pergamos? How were the sound brethren dealing with the
error?

•Pergamos was plagued by the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, but the sound brethren were
mostly ignoring the problem.

8. How did the apostle Paul deal with false teachings and practices in the following situations?

• Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Tim. 2:17-18): Paul exposed them and their error and labeled it as
extremely dangerous and influential to Timothy

• Judaizing teachers in Galatia (Gal. 2:1-5): Paul did not yield submission to them even an hour

• Peter and Barnabas (Gal. 2:11-21): He withstood Peter to the face because he was not being
straightforward about the truth and reproved him before everyone.

• Sexual immorality in Corinth (1 Cor. 5): He demanded the church withdraw from the erring
brother so that he might repent and be forgiven by God.

9. List some prevalent false teachings in our day.

•Various teachings on divorce and remarriage that allow the guilty party to freely remarry, Romans 14
error that tolerates sin, 2 Peter 2 error that redefines false teacher, one covenant teaching that destroys
Christ’s teaching on remarriage, 70 A.D. doctrine, etc.

10. According to the pattern in Revelation 2:12-17, how would we be compelled to handle the situation
if a teacher of error came into our midst?

•We would be compelled to reprove him and reject him if he refused to repent.

11. How can we know what is truth and what is error (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1-3)?

•We must search the scriptures and test the teachers doctrinally to make sure they measure up the
plumb line of the Lord’s word.

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 Lesson 6: The Church At Thyatira
The church of Christ in Thyatira had much going for it: works, love, service, faith and patience.
Unfortunately, the church was also known for tolerating a wicked false teacher who led disciples into
the very depths of Satan. He warned the church about her presence and dangerous influence in the
obvious hope of exposing her false doctrine and eliminating it.

1. (Rev. 2:18-23) As Jesus introduces himself in verse 18, it is obvious that he is trying to impress
something upon the Thyatirans that might benefit us as well. What does Jesus mean by calling himself
the one with “eyes like a flame of fire” (cf. verse 23, Matt. 7:21-23, Heb. 4:11-13) and “feet like fine
brass”?

•His fiery eyes describe their ability to pierce through every pretension to piety and his brass feet
denote his strength and invincibility.

2. What effect upon them and us should these two phrases have (2 Cor. 5:9-11)?

•Understanding the almighty power of Jesus should cause us to be more submissive to his will.

3. List the five attributes that Jesus commends in this church. Briefly define each.

1. works: benevolent deeds done by individuals or the collective group that are by Christ’s
authority and please the Lord, whether done for other people or God Himself

2. love: an attitude of appreciation, concern and compassion for one’s neighbors, brethren, family
and God that compels him to seek the good of others

3. service: an ongoing attitude or program of ministering to those in need

4. faith: a trust in the promises of God that allows one to suffer loss, hardship or persecution
while remaining content and hopeful

5. patience: a longsuffering nature that carries on through the hard times, whether inflicted by
false brethren, infidels or Satan

4. What does the New Testament generally teach about the continual growth of Christians (Heb. 5:12-
14, 2 Peter 1:5-9)?

•The Christian should strive to grow beyond spiritual infancy by careful meditation upon the word
that he might be better equipped to discern good from evil. He should add virtues to his reputation and
never cease increasing in knowledge, ability and wisdom.

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5. What did Jesus have against the church at Thyatira?

•They were harboring a woman Christ called Jezebel who impenitently taught false doctrine regarding
sexual morality and idolatry.

6. If there were some members at Thyatira who recognized her doctrines as false, how could they show
the love Jesus commended in this matter (Titus 3:10-11, Rom. 16:17-18)?

•They could show true love by rebuking the false teacher and warning the brethren of her heresy.

7. What one thing does Jesus identify as needful for Jezebel and her followers to avoid punishment?

•Repentance.

8. What are some ways in which this Jezebel’s doctrine is still taught today: sexual immorality and
idolatry?

•Sexual immorality is taught in the revision of God’s law on divorce and remarriage when people with
no right wed each other and engage in what is basically adultery or fornication. Sexual immorality is
taught to our children who are warned to practice safe sex instead of abstinence. It is taught in the
media and schools when homosexuality is deemed a tolerable alternative lifestyle choice. Idolatry is
taught when things and money are cast forth as the most important consideration and when recreation
comes before service.

9. (Rev. 2:24-29) What are some methods for holding fast to what we have, our works, love, service,
faith and patience, for example?

•We must nurture them by using these attitudes as opportunity arises. We should never become
complacent or dismiss opportunities to do good, thinking there will be another. We should pray about
maintaining these attributes and allow God’s word to discipline us by instruction and chastening when
we can do better.

10. What did Jesus promise those who overcame the temptations in Thyatira?

•A share of the power over the nations in the end.

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 Lesson 7: The Church At Sardis
Reputations are sometimes earned but no longer deserved. Such was the case with the church of
Christ in Sardis in the first century. Jesus complained that they have a reputation for vitality, but
were in reality already dead to good works and growth. Christ’s call for them to revive is a warning cry
to every church that grows complacent.

1. (Rev. 3:1-6) Jesus says, I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are
dead.” What does this imply about the way other congregations perceived the Sardis church?

•Others apparently perceived there to be nothing wrong with the church at Sardis.

2. How can a church look alive and vital but secretly be dying or complacent?

•A church with many members may appear to be very much alive but perhaps that congregation has
peaked and grown complacent and will never grow again.

3. What will make a congregation die?

•False doctrine, complacency, lack of effort by members, lack of guidance by bishops, lack of solid
teaching by preacher, lack of interest in spiritual things by all, etc.

4. Obviously, carelessness and a lack of vigilance can rob a church of its vitality. Jesus says, “Be
watchful.” Summarize each of the following passages that commend vigilance.

• Matt. 24:36-50: Jesus’s return in the clouds will come at a time when people do not expect him.
The faithful servant of Christ is constantly watchful and prepared for his return, not falling
into sins which will ruin his eternity. We must understand that Jesus will return as a thief
arrives without warning in the night.

• 1 Peter 5:6-9: We must be serious and clear-headed about our lives and the demands of
discipleship that we do not fall into the snares of the devil. Satan is a roaring lion stalking the
souls of the righteous that he might devour their faith and a momentary loss of watchfulness
will set us up for the kill. We must watch for him and resist him while humbling ourselves
under God’s watchful eye.

• 2 Timothy 4:1-5: Paul commanded the evangelist Timothy to be watchful in all things as a part
of fulfilling his service to God. Preachers are watchmen, charged with scrutinizing the horizon
for perils to the saints.

• Hebrews 13:17: Elders are likewise charged with watching as a shepherd cares for the flock.
They will be compelled to give an accounting of how they guided the flock of souls entrusted to
them.

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5. There were evidently still some salvageable Christians in Sardis who breathe new life into the
congregation. They were charged with strengthening the church. How can we strengthen discouraged or
straying brethren (Heb. 12:1-17, 10:24-25, Eph. 4:29, 1 Cor. 8:1, 1 Thess. 5:11, Jude 20)?

•We can build each other up by chastening, by attending every worship service, by speaking words of
grace and edification, by loving one another, by comforting one another in hard times and by prayer.

6. The Lord’s prescription then is twofold: hold fast and repent. To what were they to hold fast? How
are we commanded likewise to stand or hold fast (Phil. 1:27-30)?

•They were to hold fast to what they had received and heard of the faith of the saints. We are to
stand fast in the truth and contend for the faith with those who would rob us of our liberty or cause us to
suffer. We should be of one mind and strive together against the adversary.

7. What does Jesus mean by undefiled, white garments? How does a Christian keep his garments clean
(Acts 8:18-24)?

•He is speaking of those that had repented of their sins and washed them away in baptism and who
now live holy lives, repenting of their sins when they do stray.

8. How can a Christian defile his garments (James 4:17, Heb. 10:26)?

•By sinning through commission (in word, thought or deed) or omission.

9. Jesus promised to testify on behalf of every faithful saint in the day of judgment. Why would Jesus
refuse to testify for us (Matt. 7:21-23, 10:32-42)?

•Jesus will refuse to testify for us if we have not obeyed him or cowered away from confessing him as we
must, in word or in deed.

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 Lesson 8: The Church At Philadelphia
The word Philadelphia carries with it the meaning “brotherly love” in the Greek language and
the church that met in that city definitely did not betray the name. In addressing the congregation at
Philadelphia, Jesus found nothing to criticize, but complimented her on her faithfulness and dedication
to him and each other.

1. (Rev. 3:7-13) What is Jesus talking about when he mentions open doors that cannot be shut on the
Philadelphians?

•He is talking about their admittance to the kingdom of God. By obeying the gospel, they had entered
by Christ’s terms and by faithfulness, they were making a stand and refusing to be drawn out of God’s
hand.

2. Verse 8 contains three commendations of the church there. List them.

1. they have a little strength

2. they have kept His word

3. they have not denied his name

3. Paul wrote the church in Corinth about the strength of churches, too. Consider 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.
This passage teaches Christians about the need for one another. Though we may appear to have little
strength to the world, we may be very strong as God judges. Describe Paul’s teaching concerning hands
and feet and ears and the nose.

•Paul is teaching that the body is composed of many members, each with an important role to fill and
each dependent upon the other for sustenance.

4. What does Paul say to the Corinthians about the members which seem to be weaker? What is his
point?

•He says they are necessary, have greater honor bestowed upon them and are of greater modesty. The
members of the church that are old or sick are honored because of their perseverance and experience and
are not dismissed as useless (Darwinism defeated).

5. Sometimes even strong members are made weak by intense suffering. How are the problems of the
church shared?

•If one suffers, all suffer; if one rejoices, all rejoice.

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6. Jesus commends the Philadelphians for keeping his word. What attitude were they showing by their
obedience (John 14:15, 15:14, 1 John 2:3-6)?

•Obedient disciples keep Christ’s word because they love him, are his friends and are his genuine
disciples.

7. He also commends them for not denying his name. On one occasion, Peter denied Jesus. What could
have caused the fearless apostle to deny his Lord? How can this same feeling tempt us to deny Jesus?

•Peter denied Christ out of fear. Fear of peer disapproval, official punishment, loss of wealth and
opportunity can tempt us to deny Christ in various ways.

8. In what ways can we deny the name of Christ?

•Like Peter, we can pretend we are not Christians, or we can do things that Christ would condemn, thus
bringing shame upon his name.

9. How did Peter react when he discovered that Jesus had seen his denial (Luke 22:54-62)?

•Peter wept bitterly when he understood how he had disappointed Jesus.

10. What crown do Christians anticipate wearing for all eternity (2 Tim. 4:6-8)? What are the
conditions for obtaining one?

•The crown of righteousness, or eternal life, that Christ gives to all who have loved his appearing.
This condition is met by obeying the gospel and remaining faithful to it.

11. How did Paul describe perseverance in Philippians 3:7-14?

•He said that he cared not for the sacrifices he had made but rejoiced in his faith and pressed on
toward the prize of the resurrection of the dead.

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16 J.S. Smith
 Lesson 9: The Church At Laodicea
Jesus casts a stern rebuke in the direction of Laodicea, where the members had grown complacent
and lukewarm in their dedication to the gospel. Waning zeal is a problem that has plagued God’s
people for ages.

1. (Rev. 3:14-22) Jesus says the Laodiceans were neither cold nor hot. What would it mean if they were
“cold”? What would it mean if they were “hot”?

•To be cold would mean a total loss of faith and apostasy from the truth. To be hot would be a growing
zeal that fills every moment.

2. Describe what it means for a Christian to be lukewarm. What are some signs of lukewarmness?

•Being lukewarm means a lack of zeal. Perhaps the zeal burned hot and bright when one first became a
disciple, but has waned over time. Lukewarmness is seen is Christians who miss worship and Bible
class without good reason, who cannot be counted upon to labor for the cause of Christ.

3. Why do Christians sometimes become lukewarm?

•Familiarity, boredom, impatience, disappointment.

4. How does the lukewarm Christian affect Jesus?

•The lukewarm Christian makes Jesus nauseous.

5. How did the Laodiceans perceive themselves, according to Christ’s indictment (verse 17)? How did
Christ perceive them in these very areas?

•They thought they were rich, wealthy and in need of nothing, but Christ saw them as wretched,
miserable, poor, blind and naked.

6. All this is figurative language. What does it mean?

•The Laodiceans were deceived into thinking they were spiritually rich and well-appointed, when in
fact, they were stripped naked and destitute of anything truly worthwhile.

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7. How can we judge the true wealth of a person (Luke 12:13-34)?

•We judge true wealth by his richness toward God.

8. How might the lesson of the widow in Luke 21:1-6 have affected the Laodiceans?

•They could have seen that true wealth is not material, but spiritual.

9. What was the Lord’s counsel for the Laodiceans to get themselves right?

•He advised them to change their perspective and make it according to his. Jesus wanted them to be
zealous and repent of their lukewarm attitude.

10. How can a Christian avoid becoming or remaining lukewarm?

•He must throw himself into the work of the Lord and create zeal in his heart by love for the truth and
the matters of the soul. He must be diligent in serving God and man.

11. What will a zealous Christian do when a gospel meeting is scheduled?

•He will pray for the meeting, attend it faithfully and seek opportunities to invite visitors and
encourage the preacher and everyone else that attends.

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18 J.S. Smith
 Lesson 10: The Church At Corinth
No church in the New Testament seems to have had more problems than the one in the city of
Corinth. The members there were fracturing and dividing over nearly a dozen concerns. Rather than tell
them to agree to disagree, Paul shows the Corinthian saints how to come to a unity of understanding
regarding the doctrine of Christ.

1. (1 Cor. 1:10-17) What was the cause of division at Corinth?

•Members were dividing into sects under the banners of their favorite preachers, although the
preachers opposed such denominating of Christ’s body.

2. What did Paul command them concerning this disagreement?

•He commanded them to become united beneath the banner of the Christ and be perfectly joined
together in mind and judgment.

3. Was Chloe’s household a bunch of gossips?

•No, they simply asked Paul to help cure a problem that was crippling and killing the church.

4. (Acts 18:1-11) How long was Paul at Corinth?

•Eighteen months.

5. (1 Cor. 2:1-5) How had he spent his time there?

•Paul had taught the Corinthians Christ and Him crucified, but nothing else, hoping to construct their
faith upon the power of God rather than the wisdom of men.

6. (1 Cor. 3:1-11) Why did Paul call the Corinthian spiritual infants?

•They were displaying lingering carnality by dividing over human followings.

7. Beyond the obvious problem of denominationalism, how can this type of attitude be a problem in
modern churches of Christ (cf. 3 John)?

•Churches can divide over human agendas and their captains, instead of serving Christ’s agenda.

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8. (1 Cor. 5:1-13) How had the Corinthians reacted to sexual immorality in the church? What did Paul
make them do?

•Rather than mourning, they were proud that they were tolerant of alternative lifestyles. Paul told
them to withdraw themselves from the man who had his father’s wife.

9. (2 Cor. 2:5-11) Did his prescription apparently work?

•Yes.

10. (1 Cor. 6:1-8) What impression would people get of a local church where the members were suing one
another?

•They would look foolish and no one would want to become numbered among such a litigious bunch.

11. What did Paul recommend they do rather than suing one another?

•He recommended they be willing to accept wrongs rather than go to heathen courts with each other.

12. (1 Cor. 8:1-13) To what lengths did Paul urge the Corinthians to go to avoid causing another member
to stumble and fall away?

•He recommended that they be willing to abstain from any lawful thing that offended and brother.

13. (1 Cor. 11:17-34) What was their problem with the Lord’s Supper observance? How were they to
deal with this problem?

•They had turned it into a social meal with class distinctions. Paul told them to avoid eating social
meals in conjunction with church assembling.

14. (1 Cor. 14:26-40) Why were their worship assemblies so confusing and disorderly?

•Everyone wanted to get his word in and it led to rivalries and looked like insanity.

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20 J.S. Smith
 Lesson 11: The Church At Philippi
It is clear that the church in Philippi occupied a special place in Paul’s heart. The sense and
execution of their fellowship enriched his labors and his joy beyond anything. In the Philippian
church, we find an example of a congregation worthy of praise. We also read many warnings on how to
maintain that level of integrity and dedication.

1. (Phil. 1:3-8) How were the Philippian saints “partakers with [Paul] in grace”?

•They had become part of Paul’s heart by sharing with him the hardships of defending the gospel.

2. (Phil. 1:9-11) Paul here gives a list of virtues he wishes to find in the saints of Philippi. List some of
them:

• abundant love

• knowledge and discernment

• approval of only those things that are excellent

• sincerity

• without offense until Jesus returns

• filled with fruits of righteousness to the glory of God

3. (Phil. 1:19-26) Paul hoped the Philippians would provide something on his behalf that he might
continue to persevere. What was that?

•Prayer.

4. (Phil. 1:27-30) In encouraging them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, he
describes two parts to meeting that admonition. What are they?

• stand fast in one spirit and mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel

• be not terrified by adversaries who cause suffering and conflict in Christ’s disciples

5. (Phil. 2:12-18) Why might it be easier to be faithful with Paul around than with him absent? How
does this attitude sometimes hinder us from being faithful? How can we cure it?

•Paul’s presence might have compelled them to put on a pious show until he left and they felt at ease
to return to a lukewarm faith. Christians can fall into complacency and poor ethics if they feel no other
saints will see them or find out. We should understand that God is always watching and sees every
hidden thing.

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6. What becomes of a good deed done with grumbling and complaining?

•The good deed is soured and actually turns into a detriment.

7. (Phil. 2:25-30) How did Paul desire the Philippians to receive Epaphroditus? Why?

•Paul instructed them to hold men like Epaphroditus in esteem because they risk their lives for the
souls of others.

8. (Phil. 3:2-6) What did Paul mean by calling himself and his readers “the circumcision”? What is
“the mutilation” about which he warned?

•Paul was implying that Christians form spiritual Israel, circumcised of the heart. The mutilation was
the Judaizing element that tried to compel Gentiles to be circumcised before becoming Christians.

9. (Phil. 3:17-21) Whom did Paul want them to mark, or note?

•He wanted them to note the good examples of faith among them, as well as the enemies of the cross.

10. (Phil. 4:3) What was the problem of Euodia and Syntyche? What was Paul’s command?

•They were not of one mind on some matter. Rather than telling them to agree to disagree, Paul urged
them to come to a common understanding.

11. (Phil. 4:10-20) How had the Philippians helped ease Paul’s distress?

•They gathered and sent to him a financial gift of support.

12. What did the giving of this mean to the Philippians’ own standing with God?

•It was fruit abounding to their accounts of good deeds and a sweet sacrifice to Him.

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22 J.S. Smith
 Lesson 12: The Church At Antioch
The church at Antioch also held a special place in Paul’s heart. It was from here that he began
each of his three evangelistic trips. Antioch also holds the distinction of being the place where
Gentiles gained in acceptance among their Jewish brethren as Christians.

1. (Acts 11:19-30) Why were most of the dispersed Christians preaching to Jews only?

•The early Jewish Christians did not yet understand that the gospel was to be taken into all the world,
including the Gentiles whom God had previously declared off-limits to them.

2. What authority now existed to take the gospel to the Gentiles as well (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 10:1-
11:18)?

•The command of Christ called the great commission was authority enough, but the Jews understood
this command to be limited still to Jews alone. Peter’s vision and mission to the house of Cornelius made
clear God’s sanction of evangelizing Gentiles. Even those of the circumcision could not dispute Peter’s
account and interpretation of the vision.

3. What evidence exists that God approved of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene preaching Jesus to the
Gentiles?

•The Holy Spirit claims that God’s hand was with them and a great number believed and turned to the
Lord.

4. What was the racial composition of the Antioch church? What was the racial composition of the
Jerusalem church? Which of the two was racially superior?

•The Antioch church was primarily composed of Gentiles; the Jerusalem church of Jews. Neither was
racially superior, but both were equally composed of the redeemed.

5. How did the Jerusalem church react to the news of a local congregation of Greeks worshiping “the
Jews’ God”? What did this prove about their character?

•The Jerusalem church immediately sought to encourage the new congregation in Antioch by sending
them Barnabas. This effort shows them to be open to the Gentiles as brethren and desirous of seeing
souls saved wherever they may be.

6. Of what race were Barnabas and Paul (Acts 4:36, 22:3)? How did they treat their Gentile brethren?

•Barnabas and Saul were Hebrews, but treated their new Gentile brethren as though they completely
belonged to the family of God without distinction. In fact, Barnabas helped the church continue to grow
even before he went to get Saul, who also taught a great number of converts over the year he spent in
Antioch.

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New Testament Churches 23

7. What name did the disciples take first at Antioch?

•Here, they were first called Christians.

8. How do we know that God wanted them to be so called (1 Peter 4:16)?

•The verb “called” here indicates a divinely sanctioned distinction. Peter’s use of the term later on also
shows it to be accepted by the Holy Spirit to describe Christ’s followers.

9. When were the disciples first called Methodists, according to the Bible? When were the disciples
first called Presbyterians, according to the Bible? What should this teach us?

•The disciples were never called Methodists or Presbyterians. This should teach us to be content with
being called Christians, a name in which we can be united.

10. What prophecy did Agabus deliver? How did the Antioch congregation react?

•Agabus showed that a great famine was coming on the world, which apparently would hit Judea
especially hard. The Antioch church decided to send relief immediately to the brethren in Judea.

11. What does this action prove about their perception of their Jewish counterparts?

•This effort proves that they harbored no ill will toward their Jewish brethren, but considered them
family.

12. (Gal. 2:11-14) How did Peter initially treat these Greek brethren when he visited Antioch? Why
did he change his behavior and attitude?

•Initially, Peter treated the Gentiles like true brethren. When some Jews came down from Jerusalem,
however, he began to hold himself aloof and would no longer dine with them.

13. What effect did Peter’s influence have on the rest of the Jews there in Antioch?

•They also began to avoid the Gentiles, acting hypocritically toward them. Even Barnabas was carried
away by it.

14. Was Paul satisfied with a racially divided church? Should we be?

•No.

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24 J.S. Smith
 Lesson 13: The Church At Rome
The members of the church at Rome must have been a remarkable lot, for they worshiped Jesus in
the very city where saints who refused to bow before Caesar were put to death. Here, the apostle Paul
spent many years himself incarcerated for preaching the gospel. The church at Rome is an example of
courage and perseverance.

1. (Rom. 13:1-7) Although they lived near Satan’s throne, the seat of the Roman empire’s government,
Paul here instructs them to be subject to governing authorities. There is one obvious limitation to that
command (Acts 5:29). What is it?

•When a human command contradicts or interferes with a divine command, the divine command must
take precedence.

2. How could the Roman saints manage to stay faithful and at the same time, clear of the emperor’s
wrath?

•They would have to walk a fine, but determined line of submitting to Roman taxes, customs and law so
long as it did not require them to disobey God.

3. It is reported that certain Roman emperors demanded to be called, “Lord God Caesar.” Should a
Christian have submitted to this command?

•No.

4. (Rom. 14:1-6) The Roman church was composed of both Jews and Gentiles and sometimes this
difference in culture led to misunderstandings and distrust. How should the stronger members—the
Gentiles who understood these components of the law of Moses were taken out of the way—have
treated the weaker ones—the Jews who clung to the old ways?

•The strong were to receive the weak and not think less of them.

5. (Rom. 14:7) Explain the broad implication of this statement.

•Every one of us has an effect on those around us and we should always recognize how our behavior can
influence others.

6. (Rom. 14:7-13) How can we be guilty of putting a stumbling block in a brother’s way?

•We can be guilty of this by encouraging him to offend his conscience in any matter.

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New Testament Churches 25

7. What is the penalty for stumbling blocks (Matt. 18:6-7)?

•He will be condemned as if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were plunged into the sea.

8. (Rom. 14:19-23) List the things that make for peace described in each of the following passages:

• 1 Peter 5:5-6: humility

• 1 John 4:20-21: love

• Ephesians 4:29-31: seasoned speech

• Philippians 2:3-4: putting others first

• Ephesians 4:32: forgiveness

• Ephesians 4:15-16: truth

9. (Rom. 15:14) List the three qualities Paul thought the Roman saints had.

1. full of goodness

2. filled with all knowledge

3. ability to admonish one another

10. (Rom. 16:1-5) Who was Phoebe? Who were Priscilla and Aquila?

•Phoebe was a member of the church in Cenchrea who served the saints and was apparently headed to
Rome.

•They were Paul’s friends who apparently had a church meeting in their house in Rome.

11. (Rom. 16:16) How did Paul describe the other congregations with which he was familiar?

•He called them “churches of Christ.”

12. (Rom. 16:17-18) How did Paul want these loving saints to handle divisive people in the church?

•Paul wanted them to note the factious and avoid them.

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26 J.S. Smith
 Other Class Material By This Author
A Passage Through the Old Testament

OT1 In The Beginning OT5 Israel and Judah

OT2 From Egypt to Canaan OT6 The Major Prophets
OT3 Taming Canaan OT7 The Minor Prophets
OT4 The Throne of David OT8 Wisdom Lit./Post-Exile

A Passage Through the New Testament

NT01 Harmonized Gospels NT07 Prison Epistles

NT02 Acts of the Apostles NT08 Preacher Epistles
NT03 Early Epistles NT09 Hebrew Epistle
NT04 Liberty Epistles NT10 Minor Epistles
NT05 First Corinthians NT11 Revelation to John
NT06 Second Corinthians

Topical Studies

Biblical Typology Sermon on the Mount

Brotherly Love Special Studies
Characters of The Acts The 10 Commandments Today
Characters of The Old Testament The Church of Christ
Great Themes of Isaiah The Life and Times of Jesus
New Testament Churches The Spirit World
Parables of Jesus Works of Flesh-Fruits of Spirit
Proverbs: The Beginning of Knowledge

J.S. Smith
Fort Worth, Texas
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.electronicgospel.org
© 1998 All Rights Reserved

Reproductions may be freely made and used, provided proper credit is given to the author and no
charge is ever made in association with this material without the express written consent of the author.