This week we discussed various topics related to the church in Antioch, Syria. We learned the first instance a disciple was called “Christian” was in Antioch. A prophet came down from Jerusalem and predicted a severe famine that would spread over the entire Roman Empire, and we were able to pinpoint almost exactly when this was with the provided information.
The disciples decided to provide help for other Christ-Followers in Judea, sending their gifts with Barnabas and Saul.
We also debunk a myth about the early Christians being poor people, as many were well off.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 11:27-30 <<
Acts 11:27-30 ~ Famine Felt ‘Round the World
This week we learn more about the prophecy of a famine and what the disciples in Antioch, Syria decide to do.

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PowerPoint Presentation:





Charts & Maps:



Map of the Regions



New Testament Chronological History

This week we reviewed the previous lesson about the expansion of the gospel into Phoenicia, Syria, and Cyprus. This section, though less than ten verses, fills in the gap in Luke’s narrative of how Christ followers ended up so far north. This timeline is concurrent with that of the previous three chapters. 
From the earliest days of the church, there has been one message uniting people across all human-made divides: love. That’s the core of the gospel. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to make sure they were in compliance with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In other words, Barnabas is sent to check up on a group of Christ followers who were already in Antioch teaching non-Jews about Jesus. We also discussed how Luke coined his own term “Hellenistas” to describe the Greek-speaking Jews who were living in areas far-removed from Jerusalem…or were they Greek-speaking non-Jews? This is a mystery.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 11:19-26 <<
Acts 11:19-26 ~ Barnabas and the Hellenists
Barnabas is sent to verify what is being taught in Antioch is accurate.

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Whiteboard:



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A Map of the Region Discussed



PHOTO CREDITS:
"Ancient Roman road near Tall Aqibrin in Syria," photo by Bernard Gagnon

This week we studied how the gospel spread north beyond Palestine into less Jewish-centric communities including Phoenicia, Antioch (in Syria) and the island of Cyprus. This section introduces us to the city of Antioch which will become the center of Christianity after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and to the church who sends out Paul and his partners on their missionary journeys.
We also discussed how Luke coined his own term “Hellenistas” to describe the Greek-speaking Jews who were living in areas far-removed from Jerusalem.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 11:19-26 <<
Acts 11:19-26 ~ Meanwhile in Phoenicia, Cyprus & Antioch
Luke coins a term to distinguish this particular people group

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PHOTO CREDITS:Banner photo courtesy of the LUMO Project (https://www.LumoProject.com)

In our final discussion on this passage, we got down to where the rubber meets the road. As we focused on Peter’s defense of his experience in Acts 11, we learned that he had become convinced his vision had nothing to do with food and everything to do with people. 
And so the real question is this: Was the message of Peter’s vision limited to the first century and the Jew/Gentile situation? OR does it carry implications for us as Christ followers TODAY in the 21st century? How should we understand and/or apply Peter’s words to our own lives?
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 11:1-11:18 <<
Acts 11:1-11:18 ~ Clean vs. Unclean*
Modern-Day Implications of Peter’s Vision and Experience with Cornelius

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PHOTO CREDITS:Dirty Window with Heart - Gaelle Marcel @gaellemarcel on UnsplashDirty Hands with Light - Riccardo Annandal @pavement_special on Unsplash

As part of our continuing discussion about Peter’s speech(es) in Acts 10 and 11, we stepped back to look at how Peter and the apostles adjusted their presentation of the gospel message to each audience based on their knowledge of the Scriptures and Jewish religious traditions.
Through comparison and contrast, we identified key elements of his preaching that were present in each sermon. When everything else is stripped away, what is left? What is at the core (a.k.a. kerygma) of the gospel message?
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 10:1-11:18 <<
Acts 10:1-11:18 ~ The Core of the Gospel
Common elements in gospel sermons preached by Peter in Acts 1-11.

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White Board Notes:






More on Kerygma



In his abstract on Kerygma (below), B. Scott Lewis explains the term and its usage by theologians:



“The descriptive term ‘kerygmatic’ comes from the Greek word kerygma, meaning to preach or proclaim. The term is frequently used by kerygmatic theologians (e.g. Rudolf Bultmann, Karl Barth) to describe the act of preaching that calls for an existential faith in the meaning of Jesus. The term kerygma was used by theologians to denote the content of apostolic preaching which consisted of historical facts about Jesus’ life and ministry (e.g. death, burial, resurrection, and ascension) for understanding the meaning Jesus (e.g. C. H. Dodd). According to kerymatic theologians, when the content of the primitive kerygma is preached today (i.e. Jesus’ death and resurrection) it is understood that God calls upon hearers to believe in God’s act in Christ, so that hearers recognize their judgment of sin and receive grace in the present. In other words, this ‘proclaimed word’ is an existential encounter with Jesus where the saving event of God — as described in the historical content of the kerygma — reoccurs in the proclaiming act in the present. Although less concerned with the historical sources for understanding the meaning of Jesus, kerygmatic theologians understand the proclaiming act to be God calling upon unbelievers to encounter the meaning of Jesus in an existential manner. This kerygmatic theology as articulated by Karl Barth, Rudolf Bultmann, and others became a unified theological position during the 20th century. ”



Banner Photo Credit: Carlos de Almeida @carlosriba on Unsplash

Who is “welcome” to join us in following Jesus? Who is not? Where do we draw the line? Should we even draw one? How do we know? 
During the week prior to the Sunday when this lesson was originally taught, American citizens were mesmerized by two very different and highly publicized funerals: John McCain’s in Arizona, and Aretha Franklin’s in Michigan. We spent the first few minutes of class discussing the similarities and differences in the guest list, the funeral services, and how they were covered in the media.
The recording starts there as we observed that the diversity and inclusion in each audience was modeled by Jesus and prompted by the Holy Spirit in Acts. This  provided the perfect backdrop to our discussion of Peter’s experience with Cornelius in Caesarea Maritima.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 10:1-11:18 <<
Acts 10:1-11:18 ~ Everyone Is Welcome. Every. One.
The good news of Jesus is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike.

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Banner Photo Credit: Katie Moum @katiemoum on Unsplash

First we read of Cornelius’ vision. Then Peter’s. Then Peter mentions his to Cornelius, and Cornelius recounts his to Peter. Then Peter retells both visions to a new audience. But we’re reading it—so why all the repetition? What makes this event so special? 
This week our discussion took us from analyzing Luke’s purposeful repetition to contemplating whether or not God hears the prayers of people outside the Christian faith. (Hint: ?)
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 10:1-11:18 <<
Acts 10:1-11:18 ~ Emphatic Repetition
Visions repeated. Holy Spirit arriving pre-baptism. Does God hear all prayers?

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PowerPoint Presentation:
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Banner Photo Credit: Ehud Neuhaus@paramir on Unsplash

What happens when a hungry Jewish apostle has a vision about food? But not just any food! This vision involves certain “unclean” foods—the types of food he has avoided his entire life for religious reasons. What happens when during the trance he is commanded to eat the “unclean” food? Three times! What is the meaning of this? 
Join us for today’s lesson to see how God cannot be hindered by our personal prejudices, hidden biases, or Scripture-based traditions. When God sent His son Jesus, He sent Him for everyone. Every. One. 
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 10:1-33 <<
Acts 10:1-33 ~ Peter & Cornelius (Overview)
Two visions. One purpose. Forward motion.

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White Board






Banner Photo Credit: Menash Cohen on Unsplash

This week we expanded on the previous lesson about the miracles in Lydda and Joppa. We utilized a map of first-century Judea to help us have a more clear idea about distances traveled, geography, and topography of the area. We reviewed the Venn Diagram we created (see below) comparing and contrasting the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (a.k.a. Dorcas) from the dead.
We discussed the fact that Tabitha is called a “disciple”—and it’s the only time in the New Testament, we have the feminine-singular form of the word (women were included in the masculine plural).
We also critically examined Luke’s record of Peter’s encounter with the mourning widows in Joppa. Where do commentators get the idea that the widows were poor, destitute, and mourning because their patroness had died? Is that accurate? Or is that reading something into the text that’s not there? 
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:32-43 <<
Acts 9:32-43 ~ Mapwork, Miracles, Mathetria & a Riff about “Poor” Widows
Review and a very important warning about reading into the text something that is neither stated nor implied.
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PowerPoint Presentation:

There was no PowerPoint this week.
Venn Diagram of the Aeneas & Tabitha Miracles
** To participate along with the class, click to download a blank Acts 9 Venn Diagram (PDF)

 
Map of First Century Palestine with Roman Roads
Banner Photo Credit: Bible-History.com

This week we studied two miracle stories in Acts 9 which have been preserved as a unit in ancient manuscripts: the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha (a.k.a. Dorcas) from the dead. We examined a variety of similarities and differences in each account and discussed why these two stories were juxtaposed. What truths can we glean from this positioning? We also reframed a common misconception about the economic status of first-century Christ followers.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:31-43 <<
Acts 9:31-43 ~ Aeneas and Tabitha
Peter travels to Lydda and Joppa with a message of hope and healing.
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
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PowerPoint Presentation:

There was no PowerPoint this week.
Venn Diagram of the Aeneas & Tabitha Miracles
To participate with the class, click to download a blank Acts 9 Venn Diagram (PDF)
 
Map of First Century Palestine with Roman Roads
Banner Photo Credits:
“Who Are You?” by @mihaly_koles on unsplash.com
Tangled hair and linen by @flaxeco on unsplash.com

This week we continued our study in Acts picking up with Saul’s first-recorded visit with the apostles in Jerusalem after his decision to follow Jesus. Everyone was skeptical, except Barnabas, one of the seven Hellenists who were chosen to serve the growing Christian community in Jerusalem. He was the only one willing to hear Saul’s testimony and upon hearing it, he believed and brought him to the apostles. We also discussed how Saul may have been received back in Tarsus after the apostles sent him “home.” 
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:26-31 <<
Acts 9:26-31 ~ Welcome to Jerusalem… Now, Go Home!
Saul heads to Jerusalem for the first time after his decision to follow Jesus and is received and then sent home to Tarsus.
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Herodian Dynasty Chart: 
Banner Photo Credit: @@whoishimesh on unsplash.com

This week, Craig Bondy (guest teacher) compared and contrasted three different accounts of Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus. We examined the narrative in Acts 9 as well as Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and his witness in Acts 26. We focused our attention on what Saul was told about his future. 
Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: 

* Acts 9:1-19a 
* Acts 22:1-21
* Acts 26:1-23

Acts 9, 22, 26 ~ What Was Saul Told?
Compare and contrast records of Saul’s Damascus Road experience
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PowerPoint Presentation:
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Banner Photo Credit: @jamie_davies on unsplash.com

This week Craig Bondy (guest teacher) guided us through a detailed review of the timeline of Acts chapters 1-9. He also brought local and empire history into the timeline to help form a more complete historical context for this section of Scripture. There’s also a homework assignment at the end, if you’d like to participate! 
>> Click to read Acts 1-9 in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 1-9 <<
Acts 1-9: Timeline Review
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PowerPoint Presentation:
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Spotify Playlist (for fun):
Click to listen to the Spotify Playlist inspired by Saul’s Life (for entertainment purposes only; not religious music)
Click to view a detailed structure of Acts:
Click to view a detailed timeline of the New Testament:
Download Craig’s Annotated Timeline:

Click to download Annotated Timeline of Acts – Craig Bondy (PDF)
Photo Credit: @mantashesthaven on unsplash.com

This week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?) letter to the church in Corinth.  We discovered a soap-opera-worthy scandal between the King of Nabatea and Herod Antipas of Galilee which explains why a Nabatean was ruling Damascus at this time. This is one of the only times that Paul’s writings easily line up with Luke’s record of the early church in Acts. 
Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV:
Acts 9:19b-30 and Galatians 1:11-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:32-33
Acts 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the Nabateans
Piecing together Saul’s first years as a Christ Follower
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PowerPoint Presentation:
There was no PowerPoint this week. However, one of our class members highly recommended this documentary about Petra and the Nabatean Kingdom. Enjoy!

Spotify Playlist (for fun):
Click to listen to the Spotify Playlist Inspired by Saul’s Life (for entertainment purposes only; not religious music)
Notes on the Whiteboard:
Chronology of the New Testament (& Paul’s Life):
Map of Roman Empire During Paul’s Life:

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Photo Credit: @bmk001 on unsplash.com

This week we worked on piecing together the evolution of Saul’s theology based on the account we have in Acts as well as his own testimony in Galatians. The more we reflected on the details of Saul’s life leading up to this moment, the more we saw how God had wired him with a passion for travel and a zeal for sharing what he’d learned with others—and he was like that since he was a child! Saul desperately wanted people to know the truth as he understood it, and being filled with the Holy Spirit, his eyes were opened to a more complete understanding of the Scriptures he’d studied his entire life. 
Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV:
Acts 9:19b-30 and Galatians 1:11-24
Acts 9:19b-30 — Wired with Wanderlust
Saul was divinely wired to travel and teach the Scriptures to the world
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PowerPoint Presentation:
There was no PowerPoint this week.
Spotify Playlist (for fun):
Click to listen to the Spotify Playlist inspired by Saul’s Life (for entertainment purposes only; not religious music)
Notes on the Whiteboard:

Chronology of the New Testament (& Paul’s Life):
Map of Roman Empire During Paul’s Life:

? Click to enlarge
Photo Credit: @mantashesthaven on unsplash.com

This week we took a close look at what happened when Ananias showed up at Judas’ house on Straight Street. We discussed how significant it was that Ananias greeted Saul as a brother, explained that the Jesus whom he saw en route to Damascus was the same One who sent him to restore his sight. Noting the importance of Ananias’ laying hands on Saul, we also addressed the conflation of this experience with the filling of the Holy Spirit which—more than likely—occurred at Saul’s baptism. 
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:1-19a
Acts 9:13-19a ~ The Other Ananias
Ananias greets Saul as “brother,” brings healing, and baptizes him into the Way
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Photo Credit: @jeremyyappy on unsplash.com

This week slowed our pace to take a closer look at Saul’s Damascus Road experience. Rather than focusing on the details of the event, we zoomed out to discuss the story behind the story. We explored how Saul’s life was dramatically and forever changed following his personal encounter with the risen Christ: We examined Saul’s “before” and “after” illustrating how he who had set out to bind instead became the one who was bound.
We also discussed the vision of Ananias, a Damascene disciple who was reluctant to visit Saul in his distress. We found it interesting that the two were having similar visions around the same time, and we were reminded how God often calls us out of our comfort zones to do things He’s already coordinated for us to do. Our only job is to pay attention and act when prompted.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:1-19a
Acts 9:1-16 ~ The “Bind-er” Becomes the “Bind-ee”
Saul’s Damascus Road Experience; Ananias’ Vision; Saul’s Fasting & Vision
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Photo Credit: @calicado on unsplash.com

This week we compared and contrasted three different accounts of Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus. We examined the narrative in Acts 9 as well as Paul’s testimony in Acts 22 and his witness in Acts 26. We looked at the setting of each account and discussed why certain details were presented in one account and not the others…even though Luke recorded all three.
Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: 

* Acts 9:1-19a 
* Acts 22:1-21
* Acts 26:1-23

Acts 9, 22, 26 ~ Same Event. Different Details.
Compare and contrast records of Saul’s Damascus Road experience
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PowerPoint Presentation:
Photo Credit: @chuttersnap on unsplash.com

This week, we picked up where we left off with Saul (a.k.a. Paul). We examined his background, education, and training. We discussed his “status” as self-appointed protector of Pharisaic Orthodoxy, and his insatiable desire to crush “The Way” wherever he traveled.
As we developed a clear picture of Saul’s character, we saw that he was working very hard to keep the Law and establish himself as a leader in the religious community by ridding the world of Jesus’ followers. This will be important to remember when we study his experience on the road to Damascus and how his understanding of “salvation” was completely transformed.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 9:1-19a <<
Acts 9:1-19a ~ Works-Based Worth
Examining the Character of “Pre-Christian Saul”
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Whiteboard:

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Photo Credit: ©2015 Joe Alblas/NB/Lightorkers Media, LLC

This week, we completed our study of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. We discussed the passage in Isaiah that the eunuch was reading, and we talked about this being the first time the Suffering Servant’s identity was applied to the Messiah. We also briefly discussed the eunuch’s response to Philip’s interpretation as well as his eligibility to become a follower of Christ.
Towards the end of the lesson, we closely examined the similar, yet different, approaches Philip took when presenting the gospel message to the Samaritans and the eunuch (see the Venn Diagram below). Philip illustrated how important it is to adapt the method to the situation while maintaining the integrity of the message.
>> Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV: Acts 8:26-40 <<
Acts 8:26-40 ~ Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak?
Suffering Servant = Messiah; Evangelism methods in Acts 8. 
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
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Ancient Ethiopia = NubiaPhoto credit:
Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash