Introduction to New Testament: The Early Church
The Earliest Church
Roman Empire
Reasons for persecution
Early Church
Beliefs Common between Jews and Christians
Uniqueness of Christians
Acts 1-7
Author
Historical value
Date
Geography
Title
Themes
Apostles
Purpose of Writing
Luke arranges his narrative into 10 major sections
Outline of Acts 1-7
The Witness to Christ in and Around Jerusalem
First Christian Pentecost
Pentecost
Miracles and Message
Acts 8-12
Outline
After the stoning of Stephen, the believers in Jerusalem were scattered. Philip’s story is one example of the way they took the good news with them.
1. Philip, one of the seven helpers of the Jerusalem church, goes to the capital of Samaria.
2. Many people are healed and he preaches about Jesus. Simon, a famous magician, is converted.
3. Amazed that Samaritans (Jews of mixed descent) have become Christians, Peter and John are sent to Samaria to investigate. Samaritan believers receive the Holy Spirit. Peter and John return.
4. Philip is sent to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.
5. There he meets the treasurer to the queen of Ethiopia returning home after pilgrimage. Philip explains the good news to him and he is baptized.
6. Philip travels north, preaching in every town.
7. He reaches Caesarea, where he later settles with his wife and daughters (Acts 21:8–9).
Antioch was the third largest city of the Roman Empire. It was non-Jewish, made up of many different races. It soon became the centre of Gentile Christianity.
1. Stephen is martyred and the believers are scattered everywhere (Acts 8:1–4).
2. Some travel as far as Antioch. They tell the message to Jews only (Acts 11:19).
3. Other believers come from Cyprus and north Africa. They preach to Gentiles in Antioch with dramatic results (Acts 11:20–21).
4. The Jerusalem church sends Barnabas, a trusted leader, to investigate.
5. He is pleased at the church’s progress. He collects Saul from Tarsus and the two stay to teach (Acts 11:22–26).
6. Here, the name ‘Christians’ is coined.
7. Inset: The Antioch church soon becomes strong. The believers send relief money to the mother church in Jerusalem (Acts 11:27–30).
8. Paul and Barnabas are sent out by the church in Antioch. They are the first messengers of the gospel to foreign countries (Acts 13:1–3).
The leaders in Antioch give a cross-section of this cosmopolitan church (Acts 13:1):
Barnabas, a Jew from Cyprus.
Simeon (called the Black) probably from Africa.
Lucius from Cyrene, a north African city.
Manaen, foster-brother to Herod Antipas.
Saul, a Jew from Roman Tarsus, later to become Paul the apostle.
1. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preaches, and 3,000 become believers (Acts 2:14–42).
2. Peter heals a lame man. He is arrested with John and warned not to preach (Acts 3:1–4:22).
3. At this stage Peter is leader of the church in Jerusalem.
4. Peter and John follow Philip into Samaria. Samaritans become believers (Acts 8:4–24).
5. They return, preaching in Samaritan villages (Acts 8:25).
6. Peter goes to Lydda on to Joppa to raise Dorcas from death. He stays for some time (Acts 9:32–43).
7. Cornelius in Caesarea has a vision to send for Peter. Peter has a vision in Joppa. Peter goes to Caesarea and Gentiles become believers (Acts 10).
8. Peter reports to the Jerusalem church who accept the gospel is for Gentiles, too (Acts 11:1–18).
9. Peter is arrested, but miraculously released. He flees Jerusalem (Acts 12:1–19).
10. Peter speaks at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15:1–21). James now appears to head the Jerusalem church.
There is little information about the rest of Peter’s work.
11. Peter meets Paul in Antioch (Galatians 2:11–14).
12. Peter a visitor to churches in north Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1).
13. Evidence of Peter in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:12).
14. Peter in Rome, where he was executed (1 Peter 5:13). (‘Babylon’ = Rome). There is strong evidence that Mark, a follower of Peter, wrote his Gospel in Rome just after Peter’s death, using Peter’s eyewitness preaching about Jesus.
Acts 13-28
Outline – To The Ends of the Earth
Paul
Saul’s early life until his conversion.
1. Saul (later called Paul) is born and spends his early years in Tarsus—an important Roman city. He is born a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25–29).
2. Taken to Jerusalem as a young boy and educated by the well-known teacher Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). He is a Pharisee.
3. When Stephen is stoned to death for his faith, Saul holds the stoners’ coats. He becomes a violent persecutor of the church, given authority to imprison Christians (Acts 26:9–11). He even travels to foreign cities to root them out.
4. On one such visit, Saul travels to Damascus to arrest believers. At midday, near the city, he has a vision of Jesus. A voice says, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’
5. In the city a believer called Ananias visits Saul. His blindness is healed and he is baptized (Acts 9:1–19).
6. Paul stays for 3 years in Damascus, preaching in the synagogues. At some point in (Acts 9:19–22 he went into the desert of Arabia (Galatians 1:15–17), and returned to continue his work there.
Saul’s work after Damascus and before his first journey.
1. Three years after his conversion, Saul is forced to escape from the Jews of Damascus in a basket (Acts 9:23–25).
2. He goes to Jerusalem to see Peter. The believers still suspect him, but Barnabas introduces him to them. He talks with Peter and meets James. But after only 2 weeks he has to be smuggled out because of opposition from some Jews (Acts 9:26–30; Galatians 1:18–20).
3. Saul is taken to Caesarea.
4. From there he leaves for his home city of Tarsus (Acts 9:30).
5. He spends 10 years in Tarsus. During this time he visits places in Cilicia and Syria. He is still unknown personally to believers in Judea (Galatians 1:21–24).
6. Barnabas (who had been sent to work in the church in Antioch) goes to find Saul in Tarsus. He brings him back to Antioch. They teach together for 1 year (Acts 11:25–26).
7. Saul, Barnabas, and Titus go to Jerusalem with famine relief money for Judea. They meet privately with the church leaders. Despite some disagreements, the leaders recognize Saul’s ministry to the Gentiles (Acts 11:27–30; Galatians 2:1–10).
First missionary Journey – Mission to Galatia
1. Paul and Barnabas sent out by the Antioch church, with John Mark (Acts 13:1–3).
2. They encounter Bar-Jesus, false prophet and friend of the governor. Bar-Jesus is struck blind. The governor believes (Acts 13:4–12).
3. John Mark leaves to go back to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).
4. Paul preaches to Jews and Gentiles. The Jews are jealous and stir up opposition (Acts 13:14–52).
5. They stay a long time. Many Jews and Gentiles become believers. A Gentile plot on their lives forces them on (Acts 14:1–7).
6. Paul heals a cripple. They are hailed as gods. Enemies arrive from Antioch and Iconium—they are almost killed (Acts 14:8–20).
7. Many more disciples won. They return the way they came, encouraging the young churches (Acts 14:21–26).
8. They report everything to the church in Antioch (Acts 14:27–28).
Second Missionary Journey – Mission to Greece
1 Paul and Barnabas agree to revisit the Galatian churches. But they disagree about taking John Mark who had left them on the earlier mission (Acts 15:36–38).
2 After an argument, Barnabas takes Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39).
3 Paul takes Silas. At Lystra Paul asks Timothy to join them (Acts 16:1–3).
4 They revisit the towns, telling the believers the decisions of the Jerusalem Council about Gentile converts (Acts 16:4–5).
5 Paul tries to go into Bithynia, but is blocked by the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6–7).
6 At night, Paul has a vision. A Macedonian urges him to come across to help. They decide to sail for Macedonia (Acts 16:8–10). At this point Luke (author of Acts) joins them.
7 Paul delivers a girl fortune-teller from an evil spirit. The girl’s owners protest and a crowd attacks Paul and Silas. Flogged and imprisoned, they are freed by an earthquake. Their jailer believes (Acts 16:11–40).
8 Paul convinces both Jews and Greeks. Some Jews stir up a riot—Paul leaves secretly (Acts 17:1–9).
9 Paul receives a better reception. But a mob is stirred up by people from Thessalonica. Paul leaves, but Silas and Timothy stay behind (Acts 17:10–15).
10 Paul speaks to the court of the Areopagus which met to consider new religions. His mention of the resurrection divides his audience: some laugh, some believe (Acts 17:16–34).
11 Silas and Timothy arrive with news of Thessalonica. Paul writes 1 and 2 Thessalonians, encouraging that church in its difficulties. They spend almost 2 years here, building up the church. Despite Jewish opposition, they are able to stay (Acts 18:1–17).
12 They stop briefly in Ephesus—Paul had been forbidden earlier by the Spirit to preach in Asia. He debates with the Jews who want him to stay longer (Acts 18:18–21).
13 They travel back to Antioch, via Caesarea and Jerusalem (Acts 18:22).
Paul’s third Missionary Journey – Corinth affair
1 Paul makes Ephesus the base for his mission work for the next 3 years. Disciples of Apollos receive the Holy Spirit and a church is founded (Acts 19:1–7). The gospel spreads in Asia (Acts 19:8–20).
2 Paul plans to go to Macedonia. He sends Timothy and Erastus ahead (Acts 19:21–22). They may also visit Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:10–11). Paul is worried about immorality at the church there.
3 Three members of the Corinthian church bring a letter to Paul (1 Corinthians 16:17–18). It is full of questions that reveal the problems to be far greater than Paul had thought.
4 Paul writes and sends 1 Corinthians, tackling the problems.
5 Paul hears bad news about the church in Corinth, possibly from Timothy.
6 He hurries to Corinth (implied by the intended third visit of 2 Corinthians 12:14). The visit is extremely painful for everyone. Paul has to be severe.
7 He returns to Ephesus. Here he writes a ‘painful letter’ to them (2 Corinthians 2:4). Titus takes the letter to Corinth. Paul arranges to meet Titus again at Troas urgently, to get news of the situation.
8 Paul is the centre of a riot in Ephesus. His message threatens the sale of statues of the Ephesian goddess (Acts 19:23–41).
9 Paul goes to Troas. The work goes well, but Paul is worried about his ‘painful letter.’ Was it too harsh? Titus does not appear as arranged (2 Corinthians 2:12–13).
10 Paul enters Macedonia in search of Titus. By doing this he breaks an arrangement he made with the Corinthians—he was going to go to them by sea before visiting Macedonia. He apologizes in 2 Corinthians 1:15–2:4. He didn’t want another painful visit.
11 He encourages the churches (Acts 20:1–2) and collects money for the Jerusalem church (2 Corinthians 8:1–5).
12 Paul and Titus finally meet. Titus brings good news—the ‘painful letter’ has been taken as Paul intended (2 Corinthians 7:5–16).
13 Paul writes 2 Corinthians—full of joy. He encourages them to complete their promised giving for the Jerusalem church (2 Corinthians 8:10–15).
14 Titus takes the letter ahead of Paul to prepare the church for Paul’s third visit (2 Corinthians 8:16–24).
15 Paul stays in Achaia 3 months, probably in Corinth. Here he writes the letter to the Romans.
16 He plans to travel to Jerusalem by sea via Syria. A plot by his enemies forces him to return through Macedonia (Acts 20:2–6).
To Jerusalem
Paul is anxious to be in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, 7 weeks away.
1. Paul arrives from Philippi. While he preaches on till midnight, Eutychus falls asleep and out of a 3 story window. But he is raised from death.
2. Elders from the church in Ephesus meet Paul, who gives a farewell speech. He says they will never see him again. Paul leaves with great emotion.
3. At Patara they change ships.
4. They stay at Philip the evangelist’s house. Agabus the prophet tells Paul he will be bound by Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to Gentiles. Paul is determined to go on, despite warnings and pleas.
5. At Jerusalem Paul is welcomed by the church.
1st Appeal To Caesar
1. Paul recognized by Jews from Asia in the temple. A mob drags him outside and tries to kill him.
2. Roman troops arrest (and rescue) him. Paul is allowed to speak to the rioters. His words incite them to more violence.
3. He is taken into the Roman Fortress.
4. Next day, Paul defends himself before the Jewish Council. Again the arguments turn to violence. Paul is taken back to the Fortress.
5. Over forty men plot to kill Paul.
6. The Roman commander hears of the plot. That night he sends Paul under armed escort to the governor Felix in Caesarea.
7. Paul’s case heard by Felix, but he defers a decision. Two years later Festus replaces Felix. Paul still imprisoned.
8. Festus hears Paul’s case. He seems unfavourable, so Paul appeals to have his case heard by the emperor. He waits to go to Rome and presents his story to Agrippa II.
9. Paul and companions (including Luke) leave for Rome, Paul under armed guard.
Storm and Shipwreck
1. In bad weather Paul’s ship reaches Fair Havens.
2. They shelter there until early October—the end of the safe sailing season. They decide to winter in the better harbour at Phoenix.
3. On route to Phoenix they are blown out to sea.
4. South of Cauda they pull the boat on board, lower the sail, and let the ship run.
5. Next day they jettison ship’s cargo.
6. Next day they jettison ship’s equipment.
7. Inset: Night 14 of the storm, land is near. Sailors try to escape but fail. After eating, they lighten the ship.
8. Ship hits a sandbank in a bay and begins to break up. All hands are saved.
To Rome
1. On Malta, Paul recovers from a snake bite and heals other sick people. They stay 3 months, until the bad weather has passed.
2. At Syracuse they stop for 3 days.
3. They reach Puteoli, one of the great ports of the empire. Paul and friends stay with the local believers for a week.
4. They now set out on the 100 mile journey to Rome. Paul is worried and apprehensive, but is encouraged when believers from Rome come out to welcome him.
5. Paul is kept under house arrest in Rome, awaiting his trial. For 2 years he rents a house and has considerable freedom to preach.
All Things To All People – Teaching of Paul
Books
Paul’s Teaching
God
Evil and the Human Dilemma
Law
People of God
Messiah
Redemption
Cross
Resurrection
Ethics
Church
Last things
How are letters written
Romans
Roman’s Influence
City of Rome
Themes of Romans
Occasion and purpose
Outline
Introduction 1:1-18
Diagnosis (1:19-3:20)
Prognosis 1: Justified by Faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-8:17)
Prognosis II: Redeemed by Grace (8:18-11:36)
Prescription (12:1-15:13)
Conclusion (15:14-16:27)
Corinthians
Author
Case for Pauline authorship of 1 Corinthians
Corinth
1 Corinthians
Why wrote
Outline
Message
2 Corinthians
Outline
Message
Galatians
Outline
Purpose
True and False Gospel
True Gospel
Misguided Leadership
Grace and Law
Ephesians
The Fame of Ephesus
Outline
Purpose
Message
Philippians
Outline
Purpose
Enemies of the Gospel
Colossians
Outline
Purpose
Message
Philemon
Outline
Purpose
Thessalonians
Purpose
Message to the Church
God focused people
1 Thessalonians
Outline
2 Thessalonians
outline
Pastoral Letters
Date
1st Timothy
Outline
Occasion and Message
2 Timothy
Outline
Occasion for writing and message
Titus
Outline
Occasion for Writing and Message
Generals Epistles
Hebrews
Author
To
Title
Purpose
Outline
Two main aims of Hebrews
Hebrews 11
James – Epistle of Straw
Author
Date
Written To
Outline
Letters of Peter
1 Peter
Outline
Persecution
Salvation
Believer as a pilgrim
2 Peter
Date
Outline
Message
Scripture
False Teachers
End of the Age
Jude
Author
Place and Date
Outline
Message
Epistles of John
1 John
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
2 John
Outline
Purpose and Teaching
3 John
Outline
Revelation
Basic guidelines for reading
Apocalyptic Literature
Author and Date
What Is the Significance of Christ’s Commission to John? What Do the Seven Churches Signify?
Historicist Approach:
• John is given a vision of Christ, who announces that he is to write of things that would soon begin to take place, and which would extend through the entire age of the church.
• Seven churches in Asia received these letters, but they represent seven periods of church history, each exhibiting the special features of the respective original church.
Preterist Approach:
• Christ appears to John on Patmos, commissioning him to write things that would soon afterward find fulfillment in the fall of Jerusalem.
• The letters reflect the conditions prevailing in seven churches in the Roman province of Asia prior to the Jewish war of A.D. 66–70.
Futurist Approach:
• While a prisoner on the isle of Patmos, John sees a vision of Christ, commanding him to write of events that would be fulfilled at the end of the present age, just prior to the Second Coming.
• Some futurists take the letters in the same manner as do the historicists, while others take them more as do the preterists or those taking the spiritual approach.
Spiritual Approach:
• The symbolic vision of Christ depicts His glorious character and sovereignty, conveying Christ’s sovereign involvement in the affairs of the world and of the church, including his intimate concern for His suffering servants.
• The churches resemble churches that might exist at any time throughout the church age, and the letters are applicable to any churches that may share their conditions. The number seven is symbolic, suggesting application to the whole Christian church of all ages.