Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Official
Following the great success in Samaria, Philip is instructed by an angel to turn south and go toward the region of Gaza. He comes upon a high ranking Ethiopian official who is headed home from Jerusalem and reading the Prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit intercedes and things get very interesting from there.
1 John 2:26-3:3 An Abiding Anointing
John uses the Greek word that is translated “abiding” more than any other New Testament writer. As in the previous two lessons, we see that he gets this from Jesus. We go again to the Upper Room Discourse to hear Jesus talk about abiding in Him.
Philippians 2:19-30 Timothy and Epaphroditus
Paul rejoins the narrative which he left off at chapter 1:26. Here he discusses the ministry help offered and received by Timothy and Epaphroditus, and the reason for sending Epaphroditus back to them along with his own plan to visit them.
Acts 8:2-25 Philip in Samaria
Philip was also one of the seven chosen to supervise the distribution to the widows. After the murder of Stephen he goes to Samaria to preach the gospel with some amazing results. Here we meet Simon the Magician and Peter and John are sent to “follow up.”
1 John 2:15-25 The Love of the World
John gives us a very strong warning here regarding our affections. How do we identify the things of the world? And how do we use the things of the world without giving them undue affections? This is our query here.
Philippians 2:14-18 Grumbling and Disputing
This passage offers a hint of the problem that is plaguing this church. Grumbling and disputing are unbecoming for a disciple of Jesus the Christ; it is characteristic of the world, not the Church.
Acts 7:1-8:1 A History of Israel by Stephen
We were introduced to Stephen in the previous lesson as one chosen to serve the widows. He was a man full of grace and power. In this narrative, in his defense before the same council that condemned the Christ, he gives a marvelous recounting of the history of Israel.
1 John 2:7-14 Old Commandment, New Commandment
This passage seems confusing on first read, but if we go back to the evening before Christ was arrested and draw on that conversation, all of the difficulty goes away.
Acts 6:1-15 Stephen, A Powerful and Wise Disciple
As the church in Jerusalem grows there are some minor problems that need to be solved. Stephen is one of seven chosen to serve, and immediately he runs into trouble, the same trouble Jesus had with the rulers in Jerusalem.
Philippians 2:12-13 To Will and To Work
“… to will and to work for his good pleasure.” What does Paul mean by this, and how does it fit the context of the Scriptures and of your life? Today we gain new insights about being a disciple of Christ.
