The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Quarter Two

  • Lesson 10: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Acts 18:23 – 21:26

    Key Verse

    20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

    —Acts 20:20-21

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verses. Paul is the one speaking in these verses. He was telling the people that he had led by example – for in every aspect of his life, he served Jesus, ministering to others (i.e.: he preached Jesus so others could be saved; he went from house to house telling all of Jesus, Jew and Gentile; he encouraged other believers to live a Christ-like life). In this lesson, we will learn more of Paul’s life.

    Emphasis: We are faithfully to tell others about Jesus, understanding God will give us friends to help us. But more than that, we are especially to live a life that is pleasing to Jesus so that other Christians can be encouraged to live correctly by our example.

    Lesson Summary: As we learned of Paul’s second missionary journey in our last lesson, we found that when Paul obeyed God’s direction for his life, God blessed his journey. Not only were many saved, but also Paul gained friends and fellow laborers to help spread the Gospel message. This week we begin with two of those friends.

    Paul visited some of the newly established churches, and he left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus. While they were there, they heard a man named Apollos teach the repentance of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla realized that Apollos had never heard of Jesus, the Promised One John came to reveal, so they told him about Jesus. Apollos believed, and became another helper who preached Jesus to others.

    When Paul went to Troas where he met up with some fellow laborers that he had sent ahead, he preached a sermon that lasted well into the night. Around midnight, Eutychus fell asleep in a third floor window and fell to his death. Paul raised him from the dead, they ate, and he continued talking until morning.

    As we continue reading about Paul’s third missionary journey, we find that Luke, the writer of Acts (as well as the gospel of Luke) again joined with Paul and the other helpers. When they reached Miletus, Paul called for the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him. Paul first warned them of grievous wolves that would come in to try to destroy the new church, and then encouraged these established Christians to help the weaker. Paul reminded them that he had taught them by example – for Paul had lived his life serving Jesus by teaching others about Jesus and ministering to them.

    Paul met Agabus at Philip’s house who foretold that Paul would be bound in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Paul continued his journey to Jerusalem, where he gave a report of his missionary journey, and heard of the Jews saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson:

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • A New Life Pleasing God

    “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

    Acts 19:20

    The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two, Lesson 10:

    “… God allowed Paul to heal people and eliminate evil spirits. With this came people who tried to do the same things. ‘13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified‘ (Acts 19:13-17). Vagabond means ‘ones who just wander.’ Exorcists means ‘one who binds by an oath; generally one who by incantation professes to expel demons.’ These men, seven of which were sons of the chief priest, used incantations, professing to cast out demons. Nevertheless, see that even the demons recognized that these men did not know Jesus (for Jesus was not in their hearts). When they tried to cast out the demons, those demons jumped on them, ‘so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.‘ God used this to magnify the name of Jesus. ‘And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds‘ (Acts 19:18). Deeds means ‘an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.’ This caused many to recognize that they were living in a lifestyle that opposed the preaching of Jesus. What did the people do about it? ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver‘ (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means ‘a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.’ The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. Once they did, read what followed. ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed’ (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Paul continued his journey…

    A Deeper Path: See some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land‘ (2 Chronicles 7:14). Theses were encouraging words for God’s people in King Solomon’s day.

    God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. ‘14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble’ (Proverbs 4:14-19). God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also gave the following warning. ‘23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil’ (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out in that person’s life. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    As God allowed Paul to do many miracles and cast out evil spirits, there appeared a copycat: one who appeared to be able to do the same thing, until the evil spirit declared these men were false and jumped upon them. We, too, must be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (for these men had never known Jesus themselves). ‘Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away‘ (2 Timothy 3:5). Christians are to be cautious and check out and know for certain if that something is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. ‘And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him’ (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord, they had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. Remember what we read in Acts 19:19: ‘Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.‘ It did not matter to them the monetary cost. They wanted to live a new life pleasing God.”

    Have you trusted in Christ, forsaking the things of your past life to live a new life in Christ, following Him?

    What to do to trust in Christ.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two

  • Lesson 9: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey: Acts 15:36 – 18:22

    Key Verse

    And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

    —Acts 16:25

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Many will probably remember the events of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment. In this lesson, we will understand that although they were unjustly put into jail, yet they still sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them. The music we sing, especially in trying times, can be a witness to the world to show them in whom we place our trust. We are always to be a witness for Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to be a witness for Jesus no matter where we are or what the circumstances may be: just like Paul and Silas. Even while they were in prison, they were a witness for God, and the jailor was saved.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned about Paul’s first missionary journey. Paul and Barnabas were chosen and sent forth to the countries and cities around to preach Jesus. They began by preaching to the Jews, but when the Jews rejected, the focus was turned primarily to the Gentiles.

    Paul and Barnabas prepared for a second missionary journey. We will learn of their disagreement and why they separated. Paul took Silas. When they reached Lystra, they met Timothy, whom they took with them.

    They were headed to Asia, but Paul saw a man of Macedonia who called. Believing the Lord called them to preach there, they obeyed the Lord. They went to Philippi where they met Lydia with other women meeting. While in Philippi, a certain damsel, possessed with a spirit, followed them crying, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). When they cast the spirit out of her, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison. That night at midnight, as they were singing praises to God, there was an earthquake, which released their bonds. This gave the jailer and his family an opportunity to be saved.

    We will learn of Paul, Silas, and Timothy as they continued on to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens (where Paul was able to preach on Mars’ hill, declaring unto them the “Unknown God” they ignorantly worshiped). Their next stop was in Corinth where they met Aquila and Priscilla, with whom Paul stayed. It was there in Corinth where Paul declared he was finished preaching to the Jews – he would go unto the Gentiles. However, God encouraged him to continue to speak – “for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:10). Paul remained there for about eighteen months teaching the Word of God.

    Paul took Priscilla and Aquila with him to Ephesus where he left them. Paul began his return journey to Jerusalem, returning to many cities along the way, strengthening the disciples.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson:

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 8: Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Acts 13 – 15:35

    Key Verse

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

    —Acts 13:46

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. In this lesson, we will learn about another rejection of Jesus by the Jewish people, and with that rejection, the message of Jesus diminishes to the Jewish people and the focus is turned to the Gentiles. We will learn that Paul was called to be a light to the Gentile people (Gentile means anyone not Jewish).

    Emphasis: To recognize that not only is salvation available to anyone, but it is the job of each Christian to go and tell others about Jesus – no matter what persecution may come. It is also important to stand for the truth that Jesus is the only way to gain salvation.

    Lesson Summary: We have recognized that Peter learned something from God – God could save anyone, not just the Jews. We also saw the persecution of Believers continue, for James was martyred and Peter was imprisoned. Nevertheless, the church continued to grow. We were reintroduced to Barnabas (for the church in Jerusalem sent him out to minister to many Believers), who had gone to Tarsus and found Saul. We also understood that it was in Antioch that Believers were first called Christians.

    Through our lessons in the last few weeks, we cannot help but notice that the Gospel message of Jesus had been sent forth, and it was no longer focused toward the Jewish people. Anyone who believed could be saved. This message is reinforced in this lesson as we see the emphasis turn to the Gentile nations around through the missionary journeys of Paul.

    Paul and Barnabas were separated out to go and tell others about Jesus. We will follow their travels into the other countries and cities as they teach the people that the Old Testament Law could not justify them before God. However they were to understand that God sent Jesus, the One promised in the Old Testament, and only Jesus could give salvation. With this message, many believed and the Gospel message was spread, but it also brought great persecution from the Jewish people. Paul revealed that although some Jews believed, the majority of the Jewish people had rejected the Gospel message, so Paul was to be a light to the Gentiles. He was to focus his ministry to the preaching of Jesus to the Gentile people.

    Paul and Barnabas were kicked out of a city for preaching Jesus, but healed a crippled man in the next city. They stoned Paul, but he got up and continued on to the next city preaching the same message. After visiting many cities, they returned to encourage the new believers. They then returned to Antioch with a report of what God had done through their preaching of Jesus. However, when they heard of false teaching, they returned to Jerusalem to defend the truth that Salvation is by Grace through Jesus. They returned to Jerusalem with letters of these truths.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to younger children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a ship with stickers to remember Paul’s First Missionary Journey.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 7: The Gospel Message Spreads: Acts 11:19-12

    Key Verse

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

    —Revelation 2:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, begin to understand the importance of standing fast in the Christian faith – even if persecution comes. In this lesson, we will learn of one who was killed for his faith and one who was imprisoned for his, yet both men remained faithful.

    Emphasis: As you look at this lesson, recognize the significance of spreading the Gospel message, and the importance of ministering to new Christians as they grow in the Lord. Christians are to understand that being a faithful witness may leave us open for persecution – but we are to remember to be faithful, just like James and Peter.

    Lesson Summary: We have learned that church was being persecuted, which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). Nevertheless, as we learned in our last lesson, even while there was persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. He learned that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile. He witnessed the Roman centurion, Cornelius, his household, and many of his friends become Believers. Peter then reported back to the Believers in Jerusalem that God could save anyone.

    In this lesson, we find that the church continued to grow – in spite of persecution. So much so, that Barnabas was called from Jerusalem and was sent out to minister to the numerous Believers. When he saw the many blessings of God, he encouraged the people to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, growing closer to Him, and to continue telling others about Jesus. Barnabas then went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him back to help in the ministry, “… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Then they began to minister to those in need.

    After this, the persecution intensified. Herod took James, the brother of John, and killed him for his faith. Then because it pleased the religious leaders, Herod put Peter in prison. We will learn in this lesson what happened when the church met together and prayed for Peter.

    Herod was an enemy of God and the Christians. In this lesson, we will see an instance when God allowed His people to see their enemy destroyed.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson.

    We made a jail from foam and pipe cleaners. We added stickers of a soldier gurading the jail, and yarn attached to allow Peter to escape from the jail.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Thee, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 6: Gentile Believers: Acts 9:32 – 11:18

    Key Verse

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

    —Acts 11:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. Remember that a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. Up to this point, we have learned that the Gospel message of Jesus had spread from Jerusalem into Samaria. So far, we have seen just the beginnings of the spread of the Gospel message to some Gentile people. In this lesson, we will see that the Jewish people finally begin to recognize that the Gentiles, too, could be saved.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to recognize that the Gospel message is not just for the Jew – but that anyone who will believe in Jesus can be saved. As Christians, we should never stop growing and learning. We are to become faithful witnesses – much like Peter.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we saw the great transformation of Saul, later called Paul, because he responded to the call by Jesus. He was chosen to spread the Gospel message to the Gentile people. (Remember the following verse: “15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” Acts 9:15.)

    We have learned that the church was being persecuted – which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). However, even during a time of persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. In this lesson, we will read that he continued to heal and even raised Dorcas from the dead.

    Peter stayed at Simon a tanner’s house. During this time of reprieve, he received a message from the Lord. We find Peter still learning more from Jesus (when he saw a vision revealing that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile), as he continued to grow in the Lord. He learned that the Gospel message is for Gentiles, too. It was then that Peter obeyed God when He was sent to the Roman centurion, Cornelius’, house. Because Peter was faithful to deliver the Gospel message to a Gentile, Cornelius and many of his friends became Believers. Peter then reported to the other Believers that God could save anyone.

    Y3Q2 – Questions

    Y3Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them rememer this lesson:

    We took a white bandana and filled it with all kinds of animal stickers to help us remember Peter’s vision.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 5: Saul Becomes Paul: Acts 9:1-31

    Key Verse

    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

    —Romans 1:1

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that this verse declares that Paul was called to be an apostle. To remember who the eleven remaining Apostles had chosen, read that it was Matthias (see Acts 1:26). Nevertheless, that is the last time we read of Matthias specifically. We are to understand that God chose Paul (renamed from Saul) to be that twelfth Apostle. In this verse, the word separated means “to separate; to select to some office or work. Paul had been a Pharisee (which means to separate) who had been separated unto the law, or the study of the law. Now he was saying that he was separated to the gospel – the message of Jesus.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Saul changed, becoming Paul.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that to become a Christian one must believe in Jesus, and that He is God’s Son – by faith, regardless of what any “religion” teaches. Then one must seek to learn more about Jesus by going to church, but especially reading God’s Word – learning directly from Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: Beginning in our last lesson, we saw that the Gospel message was carried out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria (remember “… and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1:8b). We have begun to learn just how Jesus’ command was being obeyed. In this lesson, we will meet the man God chose to begin the spread of the Gospel message into the “uttermost part of the earth.” He was an avid persecutor of the early church named Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul).

    In this lesson, we will read events you may have heard many times before. Nevertheless, try to learn new things about this event that you may have never grasped before. It will help since we are trying to go through the Bible in historical order, tying events and people together – fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that the whole Bible is centered on the Gospel message of Jesus, and the spread of it.

    We met the young man, Saul, when he was present at the stoning of Stephen. We then read that he was “consenting unto his death” and “made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (see Acts 8:1-3). In this lesson, we will find out that he made this his personal priority – persecuting the “disciples of the Lord” (see Acts 9:1-2), until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

    There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was changed to Paul. In this study, we will understand that it took time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson about Paul:

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 4: Philip: Acts 8

    Key Verse

    Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

    —Acts 8:35

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the word preached means “to proclaim the good news; preach the gospel.” Keep in mind that the focus of the Gospel message is that Jesus died to pay the penalty for man’s sin – if they would only believe. Moreover, that Jesus is alive again. Can you think of a time that you told someone about Jesus? Do you think it is important for Christians to tell others about Jesus? In this lesson, we will learn that it is important to obey God when He tells us to share Jesus with someone else.

    Emphasis: We are to understand the importance of obeying God’s command to tell others about Jesus – for if Philip had not obeyed, the Ethiopian Eunuch would not have understood he needed Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the first person who was killed because they believed in and preached Jesus. Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed Stephen. We were also introduced to another of the religious men who was present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    In this lesson, we will learn a little more about Saul, and the persecution of Believers that caused many to scatter from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. This event was the beginning of the persecution against the church. It was also the beginnings of the spread of the gospel into the world.

    We will look at what happened with Philip, another of the seven that had been called out to minister in the church to help the Apostles. Philip left Jerusalem and went to Samaria. While he preached Jesus to the people there, many believed – including a man called Simon who was a sorcerer. After many were saved, Peter and John came to Samaria.

    The next event we will read today is a very familiar event many people may have heard before. An angel of the Lord told Philip to go to Gaza, the desert. Once he was there, the Spirit told Philip to go to the Ethiopian Eunuch who was riding in a chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. After helping this man understand Jesus was taught in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, the eunuch believed in Jesus and was saved. It would be good to understand the importance of Philip obeying the Lord – just so that one individual could be saved.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson:

    We made a scroll with some of the Scriptures the Ethiopian Eunuch was reading when Philip helped him understand about Jesus.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon. It is here you will find the complete lesson.

  • Lesson 3: Stephen: Acts 6-7

    Key Verse

    And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

    —Acts 6:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse for this lesson.

    Understand this verse with the following definitions:

    • Full means “full or complete; abundant”
    • Faith means “appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; faith in Christ”
    • Wonders means “miracles of the Apostles and teachers”
    • Miracles means “signs and wonders, miracles wrought by Jesus and his Apostles in proof a furtherance of their divine mission; mighty works”

    In this lesson, we will learn that Stephen was called out to be a great worker in the early church.

    Emphasis: We are encouraged to understand that we are to be helpers in the church. When work needs to be done, we should be willing, just like Stephen, to not only do the work but to tell others about Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned of the work of the Apostles as they preached God’s Word and taught new believers (even after having been put in prison and beaten). In this lesson, we find a new problem in the growing church. First, we look back at just what the church is and where it came from, and then we learn how the Apostles deal with daily needs of the church. One thing that helped in the early church was the choosing of seven men of good report. These men were chosen to help in the daily workings of the church. We will learn more about one of these men – Stephen.

    God used Stephen to do many “great wonders and miracles among the people.” However, when good was being done, the religious leaders rose up and opposed this work. Nevertheless, when they disputed with Stephen, they “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Because of this, they sought for false witnesses to accuse Stephen. When they did this, Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to them. He taught them of Jesus from Abraham until Solomon. This lesson may be a good time to review some of the things we learned in the Old Testament as we look at the sermon Stephen preached to the religious leaders. After preaching Jesus to these men, Stephen refuted the accusations the false witnesses had made against him. But the religious leaders rejected Stephen’s words and took him out and stoned him.

    In these closing verses, we will be introduced to another one of these religious men: a young man named Saul.

    Y3Q2 – Questions

    Y3Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is a craft that will help them remember Stephen.

    We took blue construction paper, folded it with a picture of Jesus standing to receive Stephen (on the inside), and added cotten balls on the outside for clouds.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available to purchase through Amazon. It contains the full lesson.

  • Lesson 2: Peter: Acts 3-5

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

    —Acts 4:12

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand that salvation means “deliverance from sin and its spiritual consequences by the Messiah (Jesus).” It is important to know that the only way one can be saved is by Jesus. In this lesson, we will learn what happened to the disciples when they preached these words.

    Emphasis: It is important to understand that the only way for anyone to be saved is by Jesus, and it is each Christian’s job to tell others. We are to be honest in our service to God, and never lie to God.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that Jesus gave His followers’ power, the Holy Spirit, just as He had promised. With that power, they were enabled to be witnesses, and they saw three thousand saved. Those new Believers understood it was important to fellowship with other Believers. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). As they learned more about Jesus, they also learned how to live this new life pleasing Him.

    Peter and John healed a lame man at the Temple gate called Beautiful, which led to an opportunity to preach Jesus. Peter preached that Jesus was the fulfillment of two important prophecies: remembering Moses who told of a Prophet, and Abraham who told of One who would bless all families of the earth. Although the religious leaders rejected this preaching and arrested Peter and John, over five thousand others were saved. Peter and John were ordered to not preach Jesus, but they refused to quit.

    Many Believers sold their possessions and brought the money to the Apostles to help those in need. But there was a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about the amount their land sold for, keeping a portion back for themselves. Because they lied to the Holy Spirit, they both died.

    As the Apostles continued to preach Jesus and many were healed, they were imprisoned again. Nevertheless, the angel of the Lord released them and told them to return and continue to preach. The religious leaders, once again, ordered them to not preach, but the Apostles proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). We will learn how the religious leaders responded to these words, and how one religious leader’s words spared the Apostles lives.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, the following is an idea for a craft to help them remember.

    We had a picture of the Apostles (that they could color), made a jail, and tied a string to it to remove them from jail. They continued to preach, declaring that they ought to obey God rather than men.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is now available through Amazon.