WEEK FIVE

EARLY DAYS OF THE CHURCH
The Characteristics of the early Church were;
1. sharing the word of God, that is listening to the teachings of the apostles
2. Sharing what they have in common, including food
3. praying and praising God together
4. they had fellowship with one another
5. they experiences signs and wonders through the apostles.

SHARING THINGS IN COMMON
After Peter’s speech, about three thousand people joined the apostles and they were baptized having received the word of God. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, they broke bread and prayed together.
They experienced a lot of miracles, signs and wonders through the apostles. They shared things in common. Many of them who had possessions, land houses and goods sold them and brought the proceed and laid it at the apostles’ feet to be used to meet needs of the people. In fact, in Acts 4:36-37, one Joseph whom the apostle surnamed Barnabas, which means Son of encouragement, a Levite and native of Cyprus sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. They were attending the temple together and breaking breads and eating together with glad and generous hearts in their homes. They praised God together and had favour with all people. They also kept increasing in number.

ANANIAS AND SAPPIRA Acts 5:1-11
Where there is gathering of the people, there is likelihood of having conflicts. The Bible recorded two problems witnessed during this period which include the death of Ananias and Sapphira and the dissatisfaction of the widows as a result of favouritsm.

In Acts 5:1-11, there was a man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira. They sold a piece of land belonging to them and kept back some of the proceeds. Ananias, the husband brought a part of the proceed and laid it at the apostles’ feet claiming that was the whole proceed. Peter then answered him saying, “Anani′as, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Anani′as heard these words, he fell down and died immediately. The people who heard of it became sore afraid. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
At about three hours interval, his wife unaware of what had happened came in. Peter turned and said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She also lied as she had agreed with her husband to tell the apostles. Peter replied and said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Hark, the feet of those that have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately Peter said that, she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, they carried her out also and buried her beside her husband. The church became really afraid when they heard of this unfortunate incident.

APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN DEACONS – NAMES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS ACTS 6

In Acts 6:1-7, there was a situation where the Hellenists complained bitterness against the Hebrews that they were being neglected. The disciples are increasing in number and the daily distribution didn’t go round as the Hellenist widows were being neglected. The twelve apostles called the other disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” So they directed them to pick seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who will be appointed this duty of seeing that there is equitable distribution, while the apostles would devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The people were pleased with what the apostles said so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch′orus, and Nica′nor, and Timon, and Par′menas, and Nicola′us, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
The word of God continued to increase as the disciples also multiplied in number and the multitude were obedient to the faith.

WEEK FOUR
FELLOWSHIPPING IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Acts 1:15-26; Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4: 32-37

Peter’s Speech on Pentecost Day
Peter stood up and addressed the crowd on the day of Pentecost. He said, Men of Judea and you who live in Jerusalem listen. These men are not drunk as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day. But this is the fulfillment of the prophesy of Prophet Joel which states,
“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days, I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. ….”

Then he said, Jesus of Nazareth was a man confirmed by God with mighty works, signs and wonders which God did through Him and which you all witnessed. But you delivered him up to be crucified and killed by lawless men even though it was predestined by God. God raised Him up loosing the pangs of death because it was impossible for Him to be held by death. This confirms what David said concerning Him.
‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence.’

Many of you thought David was talking about himself but David died and his tomb, where he was buried, is there as a proof. He foresaw that one of his descendants whom God has set on the throne forever, who is Christ, would not be abandoned to rot in the grave nor His flesh see corruption. It is the same Jesus that was raised up and exalted at the right hand of God and since He has received the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured it out on us and this is what you are witnessing today.

David wouldn’t have spoken about himself when he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.’ He talked about this same Jesus whom you crucified and God has made Him both Lord and Christ.

Communal Life in the Early Church
Election of the successor to Judas Iscariot – Acts 1:15-26
In Acts 1:15-26, Peter stood up among the other brethren, numbering about one hundred and twenty disciples and stated why Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus must be replaced in fulfilment of the scriptures. He stated that Judas has fallen headlong and his abode has become the Field of Blood (Akeldama). It was in fulfilment of the what Psalmist said when he said, ‘Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and ‘His office let another take.’ So they nominated two men, Justus Barsabbas and Matthias, who had been with them all through the ministry of Jesus. They prayed and cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was enrolled with the eleven apostles.

Social and Religious life in the Early Church
After Peter’s speech, about three thousand people joined the apostles and they were baptized having received the word of God. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, they broke bread and prayed together.
They experienced a lot of miracles, signs and wonders through the apostles. They shared things in common. Many of them who had possessions, land houses and goods sold them and brought the proceed and laid it at the apostles’ feet to be used to meet needs of the people. In fact, in Acts 4:36-37, one Joseph whom the apostle surnamed Barnabas, which means Son of encouragement, a Levite and native of Cyprus sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. They were attending the temple together and breaking breads and eating together with glad and generous hearts in their homes. They praised God together and had favour with all people. They also kept increasing in number.

WEEK TEN
COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP
Communion is a joining together of minds or spirits while fellowship is a company of people that share the same interest or aim. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the disciples were staying together waiting for the promise of the Father.

a. Election of the successor to Judas Iscariot – Acts 1:15-26
In Acts 1:15-26, Peter stood up among the other brethren, numbering about one hundred and twenty disciples and stated why Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus must be replaced in fulfilment of the scriptures. He stated that Judas has fallen headlong and his abode has become the Field of Blood (Akeldama). It was in fulfilment of the what Psalmist said when he said, ‘Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and ‘His office let another take.’ So they nominated two men, Justus Barsabbas and Matthias, who had been with them all through the ministry of Jesus. They prayed and cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was enrolled with the eleven apostles.

b. Characteristics of the early Christian community Acts 2:41-47, Acts 4:32-37
After Peter’s speech, about three thousand people joined the apostles and they were baptized having received the word of God. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, they broke bread and prayed together.
They experienced a lot of miracles, signs and wonders through the apostles. They shared things in common. Many of them who had possessions, land houses and goods sold them and brought the proceed and laid it at the apostles’ feet to be used to meet needs of the people. In fact, in Acts 4:36-37, one Joseph whom the apostle surnamed Barnabas, which means Son of encouragement, a Levite and native of Cyprus sold a field which belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. They were attending the temple together and breaking breads and eating together with glad and generous hearts in their homes. They praised God together and had favour with all people. They also kept increasing in number.

The Characteristics of the early Church were;
1. sharing the word of God, that is listening to the teachings of the apostles
2. Sharing what they have in common, including food
3. praying and praising God together
4. they had fellowship with one another
5. they experiences signs and wonders through the apostles.

c. Problem of the early Christian community – Acts 5:1-11; Acts 6:1
Where there is gathering of the people, there is likelihood of having conflicts. The Bible recorded two problems witnessed during this period which include the death of Ananias and Sapphira and the dissatisfaction of the widows as a result of favouritsm.

In Acts 5:1-11, there was a man named Ananias with his wife Sapphira. They sold a piece of land belonging to them and kept back some of the proceeds. Ananias, the husband brought a part of the proceed and laid it at the apostles’ feet claiming that was the whole proceed. Peter then answered him saying, “Anani′as, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Anani′as heard these words, he fell down and died immediately. The people who heard of it became sore afraid. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
At about three hours interval, his wife unaware of what had happened came in. Peter turned and said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She also lied as she had agreed with her husband to tell the apostles. Peter replied and said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Hark, the feet of those that have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately Peter said that, she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, they carried her out also and buried her beside her husband. The church became really afraid when they heard of this unfortunate incident.

In Acts 6:1-7, there was a situation where the Hellenists complained bitterness against the Hebrews that they were being neglected. The disciples are increasing in number and the daily distribution didn’t go round as the Hellenist widows were being neglected. The twelve apostles called the other disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” So they directed them to pick seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who will be appointed this duty of seeing that there is equitable distribution, while the apostles would devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The people were pleased with what the apostles said so they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Proch′orus, and Nica′nor, and Timon, and Par′menas, and Nicola′us, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them.
The word of God continued to increase as the disciples also multiplied in number and the multitude were obedient to the faith.

d. Solution to the problem of the early Christian community
The measures taken by the apostles to address this issue are;
1. Appoint people to look into the problems
2. Take objective steps to address every societal problem
3. Eliminate the division among tribal or cultural lines.
4. Appoint neutral people who have the fear of God and are full of the Holy Spirit.
5. The leaders must avoid distraction from the central goal and purpose of the community.
6. Allow the people to choose their own leaders.
7. Put people who have capacity to act in the position of authority.

WEEK NINE:
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND HIS ASCENSION
a. Jesus rose from the death after three days
(Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-35)
After the Sabbath day, towards the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, the mother of James and Salome went to the sepulcher with some spices so that they would anoint Jesus. While they were on their way, they were contemplating on how the stone would be rolled away from the door of the tomb, saying, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” Suddenly, there was an earth quake. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening and His cloth was as white as snow. The guards were so scared that they were like dead men. The angel turned to the women and said, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. While they were on the way, Jesus met them and said, “Hail!” They came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Mark 16:1-14 – Mark recorded that they saw the angel in the tomb and that Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he cast out seven demons although people did not believe her. He also appeared to two other disciples but the others still did not believe their report. So, one day, while they were at the table, Jesus appeared to the eleven of them and upbraided them for not believing.

Luke 24:1-35 – Luke recorded that they met the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was no longer there. While they were perplexed, two men appeared to them in dazzling apparel. The women bowed their faces to the ground and the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” It was at that point they remembered His words. They returned from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Mary Mag′dalene, Jo-an′na, Mary the mother of James and the other women with them told this to the apostles but their words seemed like an idle tale. They did not believe them.

In Luke 24: 13-35, two of the followers of Jesus were going to a village named Emmaus which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. While they were going and discussing together, Jesus drew near to them, but they did not recognize Him. He asked what they were talking about and Cleopas, one of the two wondered whether He was a visitor that He wasn’t aware of the recent happenings. He pretended as if He knew nothing so they told how Jesus, being a prophet who performed signs and wonders and how the chief priest and rulers delivered Him up to be killed. They also said that they had believe he was the one who would redeem Israel and it’s been three days now since He died. More so, some women went to the tomb where He was buried but they didn’t find His body. They only came back saying they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. Some of the other disciples went there and still couldn’t find Him. It was at that point that Jesus said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

When they got nearer to the village to which they were going, Jesus pretended as if He was still going further so they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When it was time to eat and he was at table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. It was at that point that their eyes were opened and they recognized him but he vanished out of their sight immediately. Then they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” They rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they also recounted what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

b. The importance of His resurrection to Christian faith – (1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 12 – 20)
Paul was speaking to the Corinthians on resurrection. He told them to hold what they believe with tenacity so that their faith will not be in vain. He stated emphatically that Jesus Christ died for our sins, buried and raised on the third day. All these events were in fulfillment of what was written in the scriptures. He also noted how He appeared to Cephas and then to the twelve and then to about five hundred brethren at the same time. As at the time Paul was talking some of them were still alive while some had died. He also appeared to James and all the apostles and at last He appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus to persecute the church of God.

He noted that he being a persecutor of the church of God does not deserve such visitation and does not deserve to be called an apostle, but he took it as a privilege and made sure that that visitation was not in vain. To this effect, he worked even harder than any of the other disciples and apostles. This kind of work was made possible for him because of the grace of God that was with him.

He stated that the resurrection of Christ signifies the fact that there is resurrection from the dead. He stated emphatically that the crux of our preaching is the resurrection of Christ which points to the fact that there is resurrection of the dead. He also said that this is the assurance that we have our sins forgiven because Christ has become the first fruits of the dead. He is confirmed the Son of God.

WEEK SEVEN

THE ARREST AND TRIAL OF JESUS CHRIST
The activities of Jesus Christ became a threat to the Pharisees. They were fast losing popularity among the people to Jesus and this made them so uncomfortable. Thus, they began plans to bring an end to his popularity and preserve their practice. In Matthew 26:3 – 4, the Bible records that, “Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Ca′iaphas, and took counsel together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.” Jesus knew this was going to happen. So, He kept on speaking in parables to prepare the minds of His disciples. In Matthew 26:14 – 15, the Bible reveals how Judas agreed to deliver Jesus into their hands, an act which earned him thirty pieces of silver.

a. Christ before the High Priest – Matthew 26:36-75, Mark 14:53-75, Luke 22:66-71
After the last Supper where Jesus revealed that one who eats with Him would betray, Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He told them to sit at a place and wait for Him while He went further with Peter, James and John the two sons of Zebedee. In Matthew 26:38 – 39, being sorrowful and troubled, He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

When He returned to them, He found them sleeping and said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away to pray for the second time saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” When He came back, again He found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.

When He had finished, He woke them up and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” While He was still speaking, Judas Iscariot came with a great crowd who were armed with swords and clubs. They came from the chief priest and elders of the people. Having given them the sign that the person he kissed is the man, Judas went close to Jesus and kissed Him. Jesus said, “Friend why are you here?” Immediately, the crowd moved up to Jesus and arrested Him. One of the disciples with Jesus stretched out His sword and struck one of the servants of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that point, Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.

Jesus before the High Priest
From there, He was led to Ca’iaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered waiting while Peter followed at a distance. The chief priest and the whole council had incited people to raise false accusation against Him. They found no one who gave a testimony that could lead to death until the last two witnesses came up. They said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” The high priest charged Jesus to speak but rather, He remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest tore his robes, and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” See also Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:66-71

While all these were going on, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a maid came up to him, and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” He denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” He left there and went out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again, he denied it with an oath saying, “I do not know the man.” After a little while, the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” At this point, he began to swear and invoke a curse on himself saying, “I do not know the man.” Immediately the cock crowed and Peter remembered the saying of Jesus that, “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly. See also Mark 14:66-72

b. Christ before Pilate – Matthew 27:11-31, Mark 15:1-16, Luke 23:1-7,11-14
From there, they took Jesus to the governor because they need the governor’s permission or authority to put Him to death. While He was there, the governor questioned Him but He gave no answer. Seeing that there was no serious charge against Him, the governor wondered greatly. He knew they had brought him to be killed out of envy.

In Matthew 27: 19, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a word to him saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” He proposed in his heart to set Jesus free so according to his custom of releasing one prisoner whom the people would choose, he paired up Jesus with a notorious prisoner called, Barabbas. Then he asked, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab′bas or Jesus who is called Christ?” Before now, the chief priests and the elders had persuaded the people to ask for Barab′bas and destroy Jesus. So when the governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” They all said, “Barab′bas.” Surprised Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied and said, “Let him be crucified.” Then he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified.”

When Pilate saw that this was causing riot and he could not prevail over the people, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then Pilate, the governor released for them Barab′bas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Immediately, Jesus was taken to the praetorium and a battalion gathered around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. They plaited a crown of thorns, put on His head and put a reed in His right hand. They knelt before Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on him, collected the reed from Him and struck him on the head. They had mocked him, stripped him of the scarlet robe, put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. See also Mark 15:1-16, Luke 23:1-14

c. Christ before Herod – Luke 23:6-12
According to Luke’s account, when Pilate discovered that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him off to King Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction. When Herod saw Him, he was glad because he had heard a lot about Jesus and had longed to see Him perform some miracle. He questioned Jesus but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priest and the scribes stood vehemently accusing him. Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt, mocked Him, arrayed Him in gorgeous apparel and sent Him back to Pilate. On that premise, Herod and Pilate, who had bitter rivalry between themselves, became friends. Luke 23: 6 – 12

WEEK EIGHT
CRUCIFIXION, DEATH AND BURIAL OF JESUS
a. The crucifixion, death and burial – Matthew 27:32-66, Mark 15:16-47; Luke 23:26-56
Crucifixion refers to the death on the cross. Crucifixion is an execution of a person by being nailed or tied to an upright cross and left to hang there until death. In Rome, this form of execution is used as a deterrent and standard for the vilest crimes.

According to Matthew’s account in Matthew 27:32-66, as Jesus was led to be crucified, they met a man called Simon of Cyrene. He was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus. As they were going, a multitude of people followed Him, wailing and lamenting. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:27-31). When they got to a place called Golgotha, which means “the place of the skull”, they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall. He tasted it but refused to drink. There He was crucified and the soldiers divided His garments among themselves by casting lots.

They sat there to watch over him. They put a charge over His head with an inscription, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews”. Two robbers were also crucified with Him; one on the right and one on the left. Jesus then said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23: 34. Those who passed by derided Him saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Also, the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.” The robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. Mark 15:16-32
In Luke 23:39 – 43, it was recorded that one of the criminals railed at him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God? We are being punished for our sin but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus looked at him and he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Immediately it was the sixth hour, there was darkness over the land until the ninth hour. Then Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?” which means, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The bystanders, who heard Him said, “This man is calling Eli′jah.” One of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Eli′jah will come to save him.” After a while Jesus cried again with a loud voice again saying, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” and yielded up his spirit.

Immediately Jesus breathed his last, the following things happened;
1. the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom;
2. the earth shook, and the rocks were split;
3. the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had died were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

The Seven statements of Jesus on the cross were recorded in the four gospels which include John 19:26-30 which include:
1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
3. Woman, behold thy son; son, behold thy mother.
4. “Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?”
5. I thirst
6. “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!”
7. It is finished

The Burial of Jesus
When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph who was also a disciple of Jesus went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted him his request after he had confirmed that he was dead. Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus in a clean linen shroud and laid Him in his own tomb which he had hewn in a rock. He rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed. The following day, the chief priest and the Pharisees gathered together to meet with Pilate and said to him, “Sir, we remember how that imposter said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Therefore order the sepulchre to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate gave them a guard of soldiers to do as they please. So they went and made the sepulchre secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. Mark 15:16-47, Luke 23:26-56

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

b. The significance of Jesus’ death on the cross on humanity
1. Jesus was the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of all men
2. He became the scapegoat – the one that was punished for the sins of others
3. The cross provides the perfect atoning for sin, a cross over from sin to life
4. He recreated the link between man and God

WEEK SEVEN

THE ARREST AND TRIAL OF JESUS CHRIST
The activities of Jesus Christ became a threat to the Pharisees. They were fast losing popularity among the people to Jesus and this made them so uncomfortable. Thus, they began plans to bring an end to his popularity and preserve their practice. In Matthew 26:3 – 4, the Bible records that, “Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Ca′iaphas, and took counsel together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.” Jesus knew this was going to happen. So, He kept on speaking in parables to prepare the minds of His disciples. In Matthew 26:14 – 15, the Bible reveals how Judas agreed to deliver Jesus into their hands, an act which earned him thirty pieces of silver.

a. Christ before the High Priest – Matthew 26:36-75, Mark 14:53-75, Luke 22:66-71
After the last Supper where Jesus revealed that one who eats with Him would betray, Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane. He told them to sit at a place and wait for Him while He went further with Peter, James and John the two sons of Zebedee. In Matthew 26:38 – 39, being sorrowful and troubled, He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

When He returned to them, He found them sleeping and said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He went away to pray for the second time saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” When He came back, again He found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.

When He had finished, He woke them up and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” While He was still speaking, Judas Iscariot came with a great crowd who were armed with swords and clubs. They came from the chief priest and elders of the people. Having given them the sign that the person he kissed is the man, Judas went close to Jesus and kissed Him. Jesus said, “Friend why are you here?” Immediately, the crowd moved up to Jesus and arrested Him. One of the disciples with Jesus stretched out His sword and struck one of the servants of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” At that point, Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.

Jesus before the High Priest
From there, He was led to Ca’iaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered waiting while Peter followed at a distance. The chief priest and the whole council had incited people to raise false accusation against Him. They found no one who gave a testimony that could lead to death until the last two witnesses came up. They said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” The high priest charged Jesus to speak but rather, He remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest tore his robes, and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” See also Mark 14:53-65, Luke 22:66-71

While all these were going on, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a maid came up to him, and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” He denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” He left there and went out to the porch, another maid saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again, he denied it with an oath saying, “I do not know the man.” After a little while, the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” At this point, he began to swear and invoke a curse on himself saying, “I do not know the man.” Immediately the cock crowed and Peter remembered the saying of Jesus that, “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly. See also Mark 14:66-72

b. Christ before Pilate – Matthew 27:11-31, Mark 15:1-16, Luke 23:1-7,11-14
From there, they took Jesus to the governor because they need the governor’s permission or authority to put Him to death. While He was there, the governor questioned Him but He gave no answer. Seeing that there was no serious charge against Him, the governor wondered greatly. He knew they had brought him to be killed out of envy.

In Matthew 27: 19, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a word to him saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” He proposed in his heart to set Jesus free so according to his custom of releasing one prisoner whom the people would choose, he paired up Jesus with a notorious prisoner called, Barabbas. Then he asked, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab′bas or Jesus who is called Christ?” Before now, the chief priests and the elders had persuaded the people to ask for Barab′bas and destroy Jesus. So when the governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” They all said, “Barab′bas.” Surprised Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied and said, “Let him be crucified.” Then he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified.”

When Pilate saw that this was causing riot and he could not prevail over the people, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then Pilate, the governor released for them Barab′bas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Immediately, Jesus was taken to the praetorium and a battalion gathered around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. They plaited a crown of thorns, put on His head and put a reed in His right hand. They knelt before Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on him, collected the reed from Him and struck him on the head. They had mocked him, stripped him of the scarlet robe, put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. See also Mark 15:1-16, Luke 23:1-14

c. Christ before Herod – Luke 23:6-12
According to Luke’s account, when Pilate discovered that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent Him off to King Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction. When Herod saw Him, he was glad because he had heard a lot about Jesus and had longed to see Him perform some miracle. He questioned Jesus but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priest and the scribes stood vehemently accusing him. Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt, mocked Him, arrayed Him in gorgeous apparel and sent Him back to Pilate. On that premise, Herod and Pilate, who had bitter rivalry between themselves, became friends. Luke 23: 6 – 12

WEEK SIX
MISSION OF THE SEVENTY

a. Mission of the Seventy (Luke 10:1-20) – Note the instructions given

After the mission of the twelve, Jesus also appointed a group of seventy. He sent them out in twos into every two and places where He would later go into. He said to them, the harvest is plenty but the labourers are few. He urged them to pray to God to send labourers. He warned them that they were going like lambs in the midst of wolves and gave them the following charge;

1. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals and salute no one on the road.

2. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ If a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you.

3. Remain in the same house, eat and drink what they provide, because the labourer deserves his wages.

4. Do not go from house to house.

5. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you, heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

6. But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Jesus considering the number of miracles done in Chorazin and Bethsaida and their unwillingness to repent, he cursed the two towns saying, “Woe to you, Chora′zin! Woe to you, Beth-sa′ida! If the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. It shall be more tolerable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.” He also rebuked Caper′na-um, saying, “Will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades.” Jesus concluded by saying anyone that rejects His teaching rejects God who has sent Him.

After the mission, the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” Hearing them, Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” He warned them not to be carried away by their achievements here rather to be concerned about having their names written in heaven.

b. Importance of the report given after assignment has been carried out
Luke 10:17-20
1. The report given after the assignment has been carried out shows that it was an invasion against the reign of Satan on earth and in the lives of the people.
2. It was established that they now have authority to overcome all evil forces and that nothing can hurt them.
3. The report also reveals that performing miracles and other achievements does not guarantee that one’s name is written in heaven.

c. Achievement of the seventy and reward:
The achievements of the seventy were that;
1. They were able to heal in Jesus name
2. Demons were subject to them in Jesus name

Their reward after the assignment was that;
1. They now have authority over all the powers and forces of evil
2. Nothing shall be able to hurt them

d. Differences and similarities in the mission of the twelve and the seventy and the significance of each mission
(Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6, Luke 10:1-20)

Similarities in the mission of the twelve and seventy:
1. They were not allowed to take anything along with them as they go
2. They were both given authorities to heal the sick and cast out unclean spirits
3. They were sent two by two according to Mark’s account

Difference in the mission of the twelve and the seventy:
1. The seventy were directed not to salute anyone but the twelve were not given such orders.
2. The twelve were told to shake off the dust of their feet but the seventy were told to go into the street wipe off the dust under their feet will.

Can you find out other similarities and differences?

WEEK FIVE
MISSION OF THE APOSTLES
Mission is a set of tasks that fulfills a purpose or duty. It can also be referred to as an assignment set by an employer, teacher or a person of higher authority.

a. Mission of the Twelve – (Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-16)
Note the instructions given to them
In Matthew 10:1-15, Jesus called his twelve disciples together and having given them authority to heal every disease and infirmity and to cast out unclean spirits, He sent them out.
In Matthew 10:5, Jesus charged the twelve disciples to
1. Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and preach that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
2. He instructed them neither to go to the Gentiles nor the Samaritans.
3. He charged them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper and cast out demons.
4. He warned them not to receive gratification from anyone.
5. He also instructed them not to take gold, silver nor copper in their belt. They should not take a bag, not more than one set of clothes, sandals nor staff.
6. He says they should enter into a town that deserves to hear the word of God
7. To anyone that receives them, they should enter and do the work of gospel but to any house that rejects them, they should dust off the dust of their feet. That kind of house will have it worse than Sodom and Gomorrah.

According to Mark 6:7-13, the mission of the twelve can be highlighted thus;
1. Do not take anything for your journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.
2. Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.
3. And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.”
4. Go out and preached that men should repent
5. Cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
6. He sent them in twos

In Luke 9: 1 – 6, it can be highlighted thus
1. He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God
2. He sent them out to heal
3. Take nothing for your journey; no staff, no bag, no bread, no money and do not have two tunics.
4. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.
5. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”
So, they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

b. Differences in the synoptic accounts of the Mission of the twelve.
1. Mark said they should preach that all men should repent, while Matthew and Luke stated that they should preach the kingdom of God.
2. Luke stated that they should heal, Matthew and mark included that they should cast out demons
3. Matthew’s account forbade them from going to the Gentiles and the Samaritans but only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, while Mark and Luke are silent on that
4. Matthew charged them to enter only the towns they feel that deserves or proves itself worthy.
5. Mark and Luke stated that the dust that was shaken off the disciples’ feet will be a testimony against them while Matthew only stated that the house that rejects them will be ranked worse in comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah in the evil that would befall them.
6. Only Mark recorded that Jesus sent them out two by two

c. Achievements of the mission of the twelve disciples
The disciples recorded achievements in this assignment that was sent them.
1. They preached to many as they were received by the people.
2. They didn’t lack anything as all that they needed were provided for them during this mission.
3. They were able to perform miracles of healing and casting out of demons

WEEK FOUR
DEMANDS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Becoming a disciple has its own challenges and demands a lot of sacrifices. There are many drawbacks or factors that may discourage one from taking up the challenge of being a disciple.

a. Factors that militate against discipleship
(Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-63; Luke 14:25-33)
The Bible records in Matthew 8:18-22, the struggle between the will to do and the readiness to take up the will. In the midst of the exploits of Jesus, a lot of crowd followed Him. So, He gave the orders to be left alone because He decided to go to the other side. Then a scribe came up to Him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus looked at him and said, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” This underscores the fact that discipleship is not an easy task neither is it rosy. It comes with lots of discomfort. (See also Luke 9:57 – 58)
Another of the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Again Jesus looked at him and said, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” This also underscores the fact that discipleship comes with great sacrifice to let go of things that matters to a person. (See also Luke 9:59-60)
In Luke 9:61 – 62, another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

From the foregoing you will discover that the demands of discipleship include the following:
1. The will to forgo comfort
2. The will to sacrifice personal relationships and necessaries
3. The will to turn your back on customs and cultural affiliation
4. The will to uphold unwavering loyalty and decision not to look back.

Jesus in Luke 14:25-33, Jesus highlights the cost of discipleship. He spoke to the multitudes saying, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. By saying this, Jesus meant the roles and demand of discipleship will take the leading place in your life and not the desire to keep and preserve family relationships. A disciple will discard anything that threatens the goals of his discipleship.

In Luke 14: 27-32, He said anyone who must take up discipleship must not expect himself to be the responsibility of others. He must be willing to take care of himself and not be a burden to the course of his discipleship. Highlighting this Jesus, continued by saying, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an embassy and asks terms of peace.
In verse 33, Jesus cleared the air by saying, “whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Here, He meant that a disciple must deny himself. He has no life of his own but he shall be sold out to the course he believes in.

b. Attitude of Christians today to God’s call
Today, Christians find it difficult to obey the call of God. The reason being that, Christians today, have not come to terms with the fact that one needs to bury the desire of the flesh and hold on to the need to fulfill the will of God. Many Christians today are still being driven by the need to acquire wealth and material possession. Others cannot bear the fact that they would be isolated from families and friends. Some others still have some personal habits which they are not ready to let go of in response to the call of God.
Christians’ attitude today towards the call of God is that of an unwilling disciple.

c. Reward of obeying God’s call today.
When a person obeys God’s call, his life becomes better than his counterparts or mates in the secular world. God blesses the person spiritually and in all material needs.
Examples of men of God today that left secular work to obey God’s call
Examples of people who left secular work to obey the call of God today include;
1. Pastor E. A. Adeboye of The Redeemed Christian Church of God
2. Pastor David Oyedepo of The Living Faith World Outreach (Winners Chapel)
3. Pastor D. K. Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries
4. Pastor Sam Adeyemi
5. Pastor Poju Oyemade of the Covenant Christian Centre
6. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Centre