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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 324

Nov20

Day 324 – Reading – Acts 11 – 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 11.

Chapter 10 tells of Peter going to the home of a Roman Centurion whose heart God had prepared to receive the Gospel. Cornelius and his whole household believed the Good News that Peter preached, and – just as had happened “at the beginning” with Peter and the other 120 disciples, the Holy Spirit came on this house.  They also spoke in other tongues as evidence, and Peter realized that if God gave them the same gift, who was he to object?

Well, that incident had spread throughout Judea, and the Jewish believers began to question what had happened.  How could they believe in the Jewish Messiah if they were uncircumcised Gentiles? Shouldn’t they convert to Judaism first? 

So Peter carefully explained – in detail – what had happened, from that first appearance of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and God’s order to “Kill and eat” to the extraordinary act of the Holy Spirit in coming upon these “uncircumcised” Romans and giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” asked Peter.

Silence.

Then, “Praise God!” and then, “Hallelujah!” And many other words to praise and glory to God, who had “given to the Gentiles also repentance that leads to life.”

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Now, after Stephen’s death and Paul’s persecution, many believers spread beyond Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.  They returned to their homes in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.  As they went, they spread the Good News, but ONLY to Jews.  BUT … SOME who went to Antioch spoke to the Hellenist Jews (Gentiles converted to Judaism).  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great many believed and turned to the Lord.

When this news came to the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived, he saw the “grace of God” and was glad.  He exhorted them to remain faithful to the Lord.

More and more came to the Lord, and Barnabas needed help.  He went to nearby Tarsus and grabbed Saul.  He brought the now seasoned Gentile preacher to Antioch.  For a whole year, they met as a church and taught a great many people.

(It was here in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”)

And then, a group of prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. One man, Agabus, prophesied a worldwide famine.  So the disciples in Antioch determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

And they did, sending their offering with Barnabas and Saul. (The famine did happen in the days of the Roman Emperor Claudius.)

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Acts 12.

Back to Jerusalem and the apostles.  About the time of the huge evangelism in Antioch, Herod Agrippa, the king of northern Samaria and Galilee, laid “violent hands on some who belonged to the church.”  He thought that doing this would win his favor with the Jewish leaders. 

He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword (beheaded him). (This was the first of the initial disciples of Jesus to be martyred.)   

When Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter as well. He put Peter in prison with four squads of soldiers to guard him, thinking that after Passover, he would kill him.  

(Did that threat of death make Peter think of that Passover when Jesus had been crucified?)

But Herod did not account for the power of prayer.  While Peter was in prison, the church made EARNEST PRAYER for him to God.

The night before Herod was to bring out and execute Peter, the apostle had a visitor in prison.  As he slept between two soldiers, bound with chains, with two more soldiers standing guard at the door … an angel of the Lord came to him and struck Peter on his side. (Was he sleeping so soundly??)

“Get up quickly,” the heavenly being said. Instantly, the chains fell off Peter, but without waking the soldiers.

“Dress yourself and put on your sandals.”  Peter obeyed.

“Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter obeyed, thinking he was dreaming it all.

When they came to the city gate, it opened for them of its own accord (think grocery store doors!), and they went out and walked along the street.  Then the angel disappeared, and Peter “came to himself.”

“Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Peter then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were meeting and praying through the night for Peter’s release.

Peter knocked on the door, wanting to get out of public view.

The maid, Rhoda, came to answer.  Hearing Peter’s voice, she was so thrilled that she left him there, waiting outside, while she ran to tell the others.  (Okay, we’ve all been as excited and done something so dumb!)

“You are out of your mind, Rhoda,” they told her when she came running into the prayer meeting.

But Peter kept knocking!  They finally came, opened the door…. and were AMAZED!

“Tell James and the others that I’ve been set free by God’s angel,” Peter told them, then went out to another place. 

The next morning, the guards discovered that Peter was missing.  Herod was furious, and after examining all the (innocent) soldiers, he had them all put to death for “dereliction of duty.”

Then Herod left Jerusalem and went down to the Roman city of Caesarea. 

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The discontented king had a quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon to the north.  They came to Herod asking for peace, for during this time, they depended on the king for food. 

Herod put on his robes and came out to them. He gave a pompous speech as he sat on his throne. 

The sycophant people, wanting to massage his ego, said, “Oh…the voice of a god, and not of a man.”

Herod gloried in the praise, thinking it very appropriate, but…. an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give GOD glory.

And…. immediately he was eaten by worms and breathed his last!  Yikes!!

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But the Word of God increased and multiplied.  And Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after delivering the relief offering. 

And… they brought back John Mark with them.

 

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 323

Nov19

Day 323 – Reading – Acts 9 – 10

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 9.

Have you ever stood up and given your “testimony?”  You know, the story of how you were saved? Paul tells the story of his conversion two other times (Acts 22 and 26), including different details in each, depending on the audience. (Jews or Gentiles). He also tells portions of it in his letters.

This account in chapter 9 is told by Luke, probably after he interviewed Paul sometime during their travels together. In all the cases, Paul has no problem stating how sinful he was.  In fact, in other of his letters he claims to be the vilest of all sinners because he murdered believers.  YES, Jesus can and will save the the worst of the worst for His Glory.

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Luke’s story begins and describes Saul (his Hebrew name) as “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.”  In fact he had even obtained letters from the high priest (Caiaphas) to go as far as Damascus to root out believers (men and women) and bring them to Jerusalem for trial and possible execution.  (He reminds me of the stories of the Nazis rooting out Jews  during WW II and carrying them off to concentration camps and the gas chambers.)  Saul was definitely FEARED everywhere.

  • Why so vile? He was a very strict Pharisee, a keeper of the minute letter of the Law to the extreme.  He falsely believed he was protecting God’s Law by killing these “heretics”. (Jesus had predicted that some would believe they were doing God a service by killing Christians. See John 16:2)  And of course Satan stirs evil in our hearts, always against Jesus and those who love and serve Him)

As Saul came near to Damascus, a bright light flashed from heaven around him.  Whether walking or riding, Saul fell to the ground, cringing at the power of that Light.

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  came a voice like thunder. The men with him heard a “voice” but saw no one.

“Who are you, Lord?” the terrified Saul asked.

“I AM Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Now arise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Saul got up, staggering, his arms flailing because he could see nothing.  The men with him led Saul by the hand into the city. (What a curious sight – this dusty, finely-dressed Pharisee being led like a blind beggar into the walled city.)  On the main street, a man named Judas (innkeeper?) lodged Saul (and the men?).  Saul remained there in darkness, neither eating or drinking for three days.

  • What were his thoughts, do you think?  Was he fearful of his future, as a blind man?  Was he thinking about Jesus’ words…and his recent horrific actions against believers…. and this Jesus? It’s even possible he had been among the self-righteous Jews who called “Crucify Him!” at Jesus’ trial.
  • During that time, Saul prayed.  Was it a prayer of confession, godly sorrow, and repentance?  Did he turn his heart to the Lord?  Was he now willing to do … anything?
  • And then God gave Saul a vision.

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Meanwhile, across town, there was a faithful disciple named Ananias.  God gave him some curious and frightening instructions.  “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold he is praying, and he has seen a vision of a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

Saul? Of Tarsus? Ananias was afraid. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem.  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on his name!”

“Go (Ananias), for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much HE must suffer for the sake of my name.”

So Ananias obeyed.  He went to Judas’ house, and then laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul (wow!), the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Then, what seemed like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and ate and was strengthened.

For some days, Saul was with the disciples at Damascus.  He immediately proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”  (This so-called “blasphemy” is what he had arrested hundreds for, but now he believes it himself.)

Those who heard him, asked, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name?  And has he not come HERE for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus WAS the Messiah.

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Well, this was NOT what the Jews in town thought was going to happen.  Where was their “hit man?”  And so, like with Jesus, they plotted to kill Saul.  They watched the gates day and night in case he tried to escape.

But the plot became known to our newly-converted man of God, and the disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a hamper.  (How embarrassing!)

  • Then… there is a part of Saul’s partial testimony in Galatians 1:11-17, that reveals his next step.  He tells the Galatians that after Damascus, and before going to Jerusalem he…..  “I did not immediately consult with anyone, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned to Damascus.
  • After THREE YEARS, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and remained with him for fifteen days.  I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 
  • Then I went into the region of Syria and Cilicia (Paul’s hometown). I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea, although they heard of my conversion and glorified God.”

I’m thinking that during those three years in the desert, God took Saul over the entire Law and Prophets and Psalms, even more, perhaps, than with those two on the Emmaus Road, and revealed Himself through scripture.  And Saul, who knew the scriptures in detail, had his eyes opened.

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Back to Acts 9:26.

When Saul finally went up to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples.  THEY were afraid of him, for they didn’t believe he was a disciple.  But Barnabas, that big encourager, took Saul under his wing.  He brought Saul to the apostles, and repeated the details of his conversion on that road to Damascus, and how afterwards he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

So Saul was able to be with the apostles, and at one point, he even disputed with those Hellenists whom he’d been with when they accused Stephen.   But… ah oh!  Saul’s previous buddies now turned on him, and threatened to kill him.

It was then that the apostles sent him off to Tarsus (his home country).  Saul ministered there among his own people – gaining experience in dealing with Gentiles – for seven years, until…..  See Acts 11:25-26.

Meanwhile, “the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”

  • It took Saul’s vicious persecution to scatter them out of Jerusalem to Judea, Galilee and Samaria (as Jesus said).  Now, for a time they could evangelize these areas in peace.  But more persecution would come, after King Herod martyrs the Apostle James, John’s brother……

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In this peace time,  Peter went “here and there” to evangelize and minister.  At Lydda, he, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for 8 years.  And many came to the Lord.

In Joppa, a faithful disciple, a woman named Dorcas (or Tabitha) died.  Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit raised her to life.  And again, many in Joppa believed in the Lord.

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Acts 10.

Peter stayed at the home of one Simon, a tanner, while in Joppa…

Meanwhile, a day’s journey up the coast in Caesarea (a Roman occupied town), there lived a godly Centurion named Cornelius, who feared God with all his household.  He was a generous man and gave alms to the people.  He also prayed to God continually.

Wow.  (So opposite from Saul!)

Cornelius had a vision in which an angel appeared to him. (So different from Saul).

Cornelius:  “What is it, Lord?” he cried in terror.

Angel: “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.  Now, send to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.  He’s staying at the tanner’s house by the sea.”

Cornelius immediately obeyed, sending a couple servants and a devout soldier on the mission.

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Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter was getting hungry.  Simon’s servant said lunch would be ready soon.  Meanwhile Peter also had a vision.  It was weird.  A sheet, caught up by its for corners descended from heaven.  One corner was let down revealing all kinds of animals and reptiles, and birds of the air.

A voice:  “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”

Now Peter was hungry, but not THAT hungry.  He had never ever eaten anything unclean and he was not about to now.

Peter: “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten ANYTHING that is common or unclean.”

A voice: “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

Before Peter could think about the vision, it happened again.  And a third time!  What in the world was happening?  And just as he was about to ask about lunch, the men from Cornelius came to the door asking for him.

The Spirit:  “Behold, three men are looking for you.  Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”

Peter to the men:  “I’m the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”

And the men explained to him about Cornelius and his vision and summons.  “You are to come to his house where he can listen to what you have to say.”

They all ate lunch at the tanner’s home, then the next day, they set off for Caesarea.  Peter took some of the believers with him (as witnesses).

The arrived and Cornelius was expecting them.  He’d invited a bunch of his relatives and close friends too, to come and listen to what Peter had to say.

Peter (often with his foot in his mouth) began by saying, “Um.. you know that’s it’s unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles, BUT God has show me that I should not call any PERSON common or unclean.  So….”  

And after hearing Cornelius’ story, Peter opened his mouth and preached to their eager hearts the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, ending with, “…everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

And while he was still talking, the Holy Spirit fell on them with power.  They began speaking in other languages and extoling God.

Peter, and the brothers with him, were utterly amazed.  He said, “Can anyone refuse water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?

And they all were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.  And Peter stayed with them for some days, teaching them about Jesus.

WOW.

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Can you see you God working?

Saul – a Jew thoroughly knowledgeable in the scriptures – practicing how to reach and teach Gentiles in Tarsus.

Peter – a dyed in the wool Jew,  – having his eyes, mind, and heart opened to the fact that Gentiles can also believe and receive salvation.

These two would be coming together soon….. and the whole world would explode with the good news of Jesus, the Messiah, and salvation for all who would believe!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 322

Nov18

Day 322 – Reading – Acts 7-8

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 7.

(Remember yesterday that Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, aggravated some Jews in the Greek synagogue (including possibly Saul), with wise and powerful words about Jesus.  They tattled to the religious leaders, and he was seized.  Today, Stephen stands before the council whose members are a little unsettled by his face, glowing like an angel’s.)

“How do you plead?” asked the high priest.

Stephen begins his defense, or really his defense of Jesus.  It’s 53 verses long and full of Old Testament quotes and the history of the Jews, starting with Abraham, highlighting Moses, and ending with Stephen’s harsh indictment of THEM. 

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.  As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?  And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom YOU have now betrayed and murdered, YOU who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

Whoa!  The council was enraged!  They ground their teeth at him!

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.   And he TOLD THEM what he saw.

The Council cried with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and then rushed at him. They grabbed him and dragged him outside the city and threw him down.  Then they stoned him to death.

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!  Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”  And Stephen fell asleep (and was received into Heaven).

The garments of the Jews who stoned him were laid at the feet of Saul for safekeeping.  Saul watched as Stephen was mercilessly killed, and he “approved of his execution.”

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Acts 8.

And so we see how a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem. Stephen was the first martyr.  Devout men buried him, and there were great lamentations over him. Maybe for the first time, the believers seriously “counted the cost” of their faith in their living Lord.

After approving of Stephen’s death, Saul ravaged the church, and, entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. 

Believers scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, fleeing his rage while preaching the message of Jesus. Only the apostles stayed in Jerusalem.

Philip, another of the deacons, went to Samaria and proclaimed Christ with signs and wonders. Many heard and saw and rejoiced. 

A sorcerer named Simon lived there and observed the healings and casting out of demons, and “was amazed by that power.”  Verse 13 says that “Simon himself believed the good news and was baptized, and stuck with Philip.”  However, when Peter and John came from Jerusalem to check out this revival and pray for the believers to receive the Holy Spirit as they had, old Simon approached them with his wallet open.

“Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”  I’ll pay you!

Peter responded harshly, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!  You have no part in this, for your heart is not right before God.  REPENT of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord, if possible, that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity!”

Simon responded, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you said may come upon me.”

But was his heart sincere?  Had he truly believed and misunderstood?  Or was his heart always full of guile?  Was there repentance?  Or was his response only to escape Peter’s words?  We don’t know.

Peter and John then returned to Jerusalem, preaching along the way in the towns of Samaria.

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Philip was next called to a barren road along the Gaza Strip, where he saw a chariot heading south.  In it was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her treasure. (This was revealed to Philip by the angel, for he couldn’t have discerned it by seeing the man.)

The Ethiopian had been to Jerusalem to worship, so he was a converted Jew. He was now returning, seated in his Chariot, while the driver kept the horse(s) steady, reading from the prophet Isaiah, in chapter 53. 

The Spirit told Philip to approach the man, so he ran over to the chariot, jogged alongside, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  

“How can I unless someone guides me? ”  He didn’t seem surprised at a man appearing next to his chariot and talking to him, but invited Philip up into the chariot to sit by him.

Then he pointed to verses 7-8 and asked Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about another?”

And Philip, beginning with this scripture, told him the good news about Jesus. And the Ethiopian believed.

“See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Nothing!  He ordered the chariot stopped, and they both went down into the water.  Philip baptized the Ethiopian as Jesus had commanded.

And then… Philip was whisked away by the Spirit. He next found himself in Azotus (still wet?), where he continued to preach the gospel to all the towns, along the coast, clear up to Caesarea. 

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian went on home, rejoicing in his newfound faith.   Did he ever wonder about Philip’s amazing appearance and disappearance?   

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See what can happen if you earnestly study and seek to understand God’s Word??

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 320 & 321

Nov17

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 320 – Reading – Acts 1 – 3

Day 321 – Reading – Acts  4 – 6

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 320 – Acts 1 – 3.

A new era is beginning. Jesus has instructed His hand-picked men (less one) in the message of Salvation. He has demonstrated His power over death and the devil.  Soon they will be empowered from above as He promised.  His “work” on earth finished, Jesus raises His arms in blessing and returns to His Father, leaving these precious “earthen vessels” waiting to be lit by the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Is the world ready for them and their message??

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Ascension and Promises.

We got a glimpse of Jesus’ ascension yesterday in the Gospel of Luke, but here in Acts, the good doctor provides more details. 

Jesus stayed around after His resurrection for 40 days (40 being a time of testing or proof).  He showed Himself to the disciples, His brothers, and groups of believers up to 500 at a time.  There can be no doubt. Now it was the time for Jesus to return to His Father.  Another member of the trinity, who could be present with them all, individually and forever, would be sent by the Father.  They were to wait for this Heavenly baptism.

“Oh, but Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? “they asked,

(“Seriously, guys?) “It’s not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.” Jesus again reminded them. “After the Holy Spirit comes with power, you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem … in all Judea … Samaria … and to the ENDS of the earth.”

Then Jesus began to rise right off the ground, and up toward the sky, and into the clouds until He vanished. The disciples stood gawking, their mouths hung open, hardly believing what their eyes saw. 

“Men of Galilee!” a voice interrupted.  They blinked and looked around, seeing two angels in brilliant white robes. “Why do you stand looking into heaven?  This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

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A Replacement Apostle.

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples/apostles returned to Jerusalem to the upper room where they were staying. All eleven, along with the women and Jesus’ mother Mary, and Jesus’ brothers (who now believed) were of one accord, giving themselves to prayer.

Peter, taking the leadership that Jesus had given him, stood up and said they should replace Judas (who had betrayed the Lord and then gone and hung himself) among the twelve apostles.  The person had to have been with them since Jesus was baptized by John and had witnessed the resurrection.  All agreed.

There were two men eligible, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas.  They prayed and drew lots, leaving the choice up to God.  Matthias was chosen.  He was thereafter numbered with the eleven.

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Pentecost & The Holy Spirit.

As Jesus instructed, they all waited in Jerusalem for Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit with power.  All 120 of them were in the upper room when suddenly there came from Heaven the sound like a mighty rushing wind which filled the entire house where they were sitting. Then the appearance of divided tongues of five, dividing and resting on each one of them. 

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues/languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 

Since it was the Feast of Pentecost (or “Weeks” referring to 50 days after Passover, one of the three festivals required of Jewish men to attend), Jerusalem was crowded with Jews from far and wide who had come to celebrate. All spoke Hebrew, as well as the tongues of the countries they lived in – Parthians, Medes, Elamites, People of Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. 

At the sounds of the 120 speaking other languages, these foreign Jews all came together.  And they were bewildered, amazed, and perplexed because EACH ONE was hearing them speak in their own language.

“What does this mean?” they said to one another

“Ha! They are filled with new wine!” said others, mocking.

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Peter’s First Sermon.

But Peter, the rock, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them.  “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you.  These people are NOT DRUNK, as you suppose, since it is only 9 a.m.  But this is what the prophet JOEL prophesied. 

“In the last days…I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…

in those days, I will pour out my Spirit and they shall prophesy…

And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord

will be saved.”

And Peter began his first sermon, a beautiful and powerful sermon that pointed out their sin in killing Jesus (although it was indeed God’s plan from the beginning of time), and the mighty resurrection, again quoting Psalms.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom YOU crucified.”

“Brothers, what shall we do?” the crowd cried. 

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…. for the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day … about three thousand souls.

And these new believing souls devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”  “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

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A Lame Beggar Healed.

Peter and John were going to the temple to pray around 3 p.m. when they noticed a lame man being carried to the “Beautiful Gate” of the temple.  He was going to beg for alms as people entered the temple.  The lame man called out to the apostles, “Alms! Alms!”

Peter and John stopped and asked the man to look at them.  When he did, Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Then Peter took the man by the hand and pulled him upright.  Immediately, the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.  The man leaped up to his feet and began walking.  He went into the temple with them, walking, and leaping, and praising God!

All the people saw him and recognized him as the lame beggar.  They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.  They ran together to the portico called Solomon’s Porch, where Peter and John were.

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Peter’s Second Sermon

Peter saw the opportunity to preach. He immediately told them that the power to heal the lame man did not come from themselves.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob glorified His Servant, Jesus – whom THEY had delivered to Pilate to be crucified. THEY had denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be released. THEY had killed the Author of Life….. whom God RAISED FROM THE DEAD.

WE are witnesses, Peter preached. “And in His name – by faith in His Name – have made this man strong.  Faith, through Jesus, has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

That miracle settled, Peter went on preaching for their souls.  “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. 

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MONDAY – Day 321 – Acts 4 – 6.

The glory of Pentecost and the massive response to Peter’s preaching, plus the healing of a man who was lame from birth, caught the attention of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.  They were greatly annoyed at Peter and the others who preached and proclaimed that Jesus (whom they had killed) had been resurrected from the dead.  (NOT THIS. again!!)

They arrested Peter and John. 

Did Jesus’ words come to the apostles’ minds in that cell?  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” and “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you.” 

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Peter and John Before the Council

Priests, Sadducees and the captain of the temple guard heard Peter preaching. They were greatly annoyed that they were teaching and proclaiming to the people that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. (Remember the Sadducees did NOT believe in resurrection.)

The arrested Peter and John and put them into custody until the next day. (Peter and John were the only ones present at Jesus’ trials before these men.  Did they wonder what was to happen? 

(Meanwhile, those that the two had been talking to BELIEVED their message, making the total amount of believers around 5,000!)

The next day, the Jewish leaders gathered together in Jerusalem with Annas, the high priest, his father-in-law, Caiaphas, as well as John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priestly family. 

“By what power or what name did you do this healing?” they demanded. 

And just like Jesus promised, that when they were before magistrates, the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say, Peter opened his mouth.  “If we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, but what means this man was healed ….. let it be known to YOU and to all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom YOU crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead … by Him this man is standing before you well. 

(The Jews thought they were done with this Jesus, and people getting healed.)  But Peter wasn’t finished.

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you!  He’s become the cornerstone. AND, there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved!”

When these men saw Peter and John – uneducated men – speak with such boldness, they KNEW they had been with Jesus.  Gulp.  Now what?  They took them out of the room to have a private consultation.

“What shall we do with these men, for a notable sign has been performed, and we cannot deny it.?”

“Let us warn them to speak no more in this “Name.”  (And they called Peter and John back.)

“Okay, we’ll give you a warning. Do not speak or teach any more in the name of Jesus.” 

“Ha! Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.  For we CANNOT BUT SPEAK of what we have seen and heard!”

Because of the people who were praising God at the miracle, the rulers threatened Peter and John, then let them go, finding no reason to punish them.

When they were released they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests had said.  And there was great rejoicing and praised their Sovereign Lord.  And they prayed further,

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The Believers Pray for Boldness

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your Holy servant, Jesus. 

After that prayer and praise, the whole house was shaken and all who were there were filled with the Holy Spirit.

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They Had Everything In Common

Such love did these new believers have, that they sold their possessions to help each other, for some were very needy.  One particular, godly man, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus sold his property and brought the money to the apostles for that use.

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Ananias and Sapphira

Barnabas, had a pure heart of love. He encouraged the needy by his selfless act.  (He was the very opposite of the Rich Young Ruler who had come to Jesus.  He did not find it in his heart to sell his possessions and give to the poor.)

There was another couple who wanted to get in on the glory.  They sold a piece of property, kept some back for themselves in case they also came on hard times.  The rest of the cash they gave to Peter, indicating they had done as Barnabas and given ALL to the poor. 

Peter: “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy spirit and keep back a portion for yourself?  It was YOURS you could have kept all or part of the money.  BUT to say you are giving all to be seen as “holy” before men, is a great sin.  You have lied to God.”  And Ananias fell down dead.

The same thing happened when Sapphira claimed the same thing before the Apostle. She also fell down dead. 

“And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

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Many Signs and Wonders Done

Teaching and preaching continued by the Apostles. Many miracles were performed to verify their words, and multitudes of both men and women were added to the Lord.  People began bringing the sick and possessed to the apostles, and they were all healed.

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The Apostles Arrested and Freed

But this did not please the high priest, and all the Sadducees with him.  They were filled with jealousy and arrested Peter and John again, putting them into public prison.

BUT!!!  During the night and angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, telling them to go to the temple and continue to speak to the people “all the words of this life.  And they obeyed.

Next day when the council called for the prisoners, but it was told to them that the apostles were gone.  The prison was locked securely and the guards were on duty… but the cell was empty!  The Jews were perplexed.

Then someone came to tell them Peter and John were in the temple teaching.  A guard was sent to get them – but not by force, for they feared the people.  Politely they brought the apostles before the council for questioning.

Council. “We told you not to teach in that name, and you have FILLED Jerusalem with your teaching. You intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.”

Peter: “We MUST obey God more than man. God raised Jesus – whom YOU killed.  God exalted Him at His right hand – to give repentance  to Israel and forgiveness of sins.  WE are witnesses.”

This infuriated the council, and they wanted to kill Peter and John.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee:  “Wait, wait!”  And after the apostles were take out again, he continued, “Men of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men.  Keep away from them. Let them alone. For if this plan is of man, it will fail.  But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.  You might even be found opposing God!”

So, they beat the apostles, and again let them go, charging them NOT to speak or teach in that Name.

Peter and John left there rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ Name.  And… they DID NOT cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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Seven Chosen to Serve.

A small problem arose in the growing “church,” as they struggled to meet the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs of the multitudes of believers.  The apostles thought it not right to have their time taken up with all the details of distribution.  God had called them to preach.  So seven men of good refute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, were chosen to run the operations.  Steven was one of the seven chosen, a man full of faith and the Spirit.

And so the word of God continued and the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem.  EVEN a great many PRIESTS became obedient to the faith.

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Stephen is Seized.

Stephen – full of grace and power – was doing great wonders and signs among the people.  But some of the Greek synagogue rose up to dispute with him. Some from Cilicia….. rose up against him too.  But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.  (Remember, Saul/Paul was from Cilicia. He probably was a member of this synagogue….)

The disputers secretly instigated men who said they’d heard Steven blaspheme Moses and God.  And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes.  These religious rulers came upon Stephen and seized him and brought him before the council, and they brought false witnesses (Just like with Jesus) who claimed Stephen spoke against the Temple and the Law, saying that that Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the temple and change customs. 

But the council, gazing at Stephen, “saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 319

Nov15

Day 319 – Reading – Luke 24 and John 20-21

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 24 and John 20-21.

These chapters (like yesterday) tell of the Resurrection of Jesus.  He told Martha that He was “the resurrection and the life,” and He’s proved it now.  Luke provides more small details of the events, while John includes more events and the very purpose of His Gospel.

The Resurrection

On the first day of the week, while it was still dark, the faithful women walked to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of their Lord.  They were met instead by two brilliantly white angels who asked them,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.  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?”

Yes! They remembered His words!!  And they hurried to the eleven disciples to tell them the good news (which the men did not believe at first).

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Jesus and Mary Magdalene

But Mary just couldn’t take it all in. It was too much to bear?  Alive?  Where was His body? And Jesus appeared to her, calling her by name.  And THEN she believed.  She was like Thomas: she needed that little bit more to help her unbelief.  Jesus understands. He loves his followers and gives them what they need.

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Peter and John Check the Tomb

Meanwhile, Peter and John decided to check out what the women said.  They ran to the tomb. John, the faster runner, got there first but hesitated at the door.  Peter charged right in, and then John followed. Sure enough, the tomb was empty.

But they saw details that confused and encouraged them.  The grave clothes that Joseph had wrapped Jesus’ body in were still there, lying as if the body had risen right through them.  And the linen cloth that had been around Jesus’ head was … folded and laid aside … purposefully.  What grave robber would take the time to do that?  Could it be?  Was He?  John believed, for sure. Peter, maybe, but still hesitated. But he marveled at the thought as he went home. Jesus alive!!!

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On the Road to Emmaus

Two other disciples, one named Cleopas, decided to go back home. It was about a day’s walk, and as they went, they discussed all that had happened – from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a colt, to His wonderful teaching and sparring with the religious leaders, to His arrest, trials, and finally, that horrible crucifixion and quiet burial.  They could not understand.  They thought Jesus was the Messiah, but now He was dead.  It all happened so quickly.

And while they were in deep, anguished conversation, another man joined them on the way, asking why all the earnest talk and sad faces.  They explained to this man (Jesus) all that had happened.  And HE explained to them how all those baffling things were the fulfillments of prophecy.  He listed the prophecies in the Law, the prophets, and the writings that this Jesus had fulfilled.  Gradually, the eyes of their understanding were opened.

They asked Jesus to stay at their house for a while ( for dinner) and He agreed.  Then, as He broke bread and blessed it … oh, that looks familiar… didn’t Jesus do it just that way?  Was… was… THIS MAN Jesus????  YES!  He was!  And as soon as Jesus revealed Himself, He vanished.

The two gobbled down the food and immediately started back to Jerusalem.  They HAD to tell the others.  They had SEEN the risen Jesus.  He was ALIVE!

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Jesus appears to 10 Disciples

Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, the ten disciples (minus Thomas, who was somewhere, alone and despondent) were sitting behind locked doors, eating a bit of fish and bread.  They were mourning Jesus’ death, hardly believing what the women said, and what the two leaders had seen. What would they do now?

Then. there was Jesus, standing among them as always.  They about jumped out of their skin!  A ghost!!

“Peace, to you!  Calm down, brothers. It’s me.  See the nail scars in my hands and on my side?  Touch me and see, for a ghost does not have flesh and bones.  Do you have anything to eat?

They gave him some of the fish, and Jesus ate it.  Gradually, they believed it was Jesus, in the flesh (new flesh), risen from the dead.

After Jesus disappeared again, the ten told Thomas what had happened, wishing he had been there too.

“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side …. I will never believe.”   

(Remember, Thomas had a melancholy disposition.  He usually saw things in a negative way. [At the feeding of the 5,000, he’d said they would NEVER have food enough. When Jesus said he was going to Bethany to see the dead Lazarus, Thomas said they should go along and DIE with Him.)  But Jesus understands all our personalities (like he did Mary’s).

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Jesus appears to all 11 Disciples

Eight days later, Jesus appears through the walls again, and Thomas is with them.

Jesus:  “Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands; and put out your hand and place it in my side.  Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

Thomas:  “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus:  “Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

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The Purpose of John’s Account

It’s here, after Thomas declares his belief, and Jesus blesses all who will not see Him, and yet believe, that John writes the purpose of his gospel.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but THESE are written so that YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, and that by believing, you may have Life in His name.”

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Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples in Galilee

Later, back in their hometown, a few of the disciples decide to go fishing.  They are at loose ends. (Jesus hasn’t given them the “great commission” yet, or told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.) He only said He would meet them in Galilee.

They fish all night without success (just like old times).

Meanwhile, on shore, they can see someone with a fire going.  The man calls and asks if they have any fish.  They say they haven’t.  Then … in a strangely familiar way … the man tells them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat.  They hesitate, then do it.  And WOW!  The fish are practically jumping into the boat.

They haul in a load, then Peter notices John is staring at the man.  “It’s the LORD,” John says in awe.  Peter swings around.  As he recognizes Jesus, he is already putting on his shirt. Unable to wait till the boat gets to shore, Peter dives in and power-strokes to his Master.  He is at Jesus’ feet, weeping, and Jesus is making him stand as the boat arrives.  (‘Later, Peter,’ Jesus whispers.)

Jesus adds a few fish to the fish he’s cooking and the bread He’s warming, and serves the men breakfast.  As Jesus broke the fish and bread and handed them out, an intense sense of Deja vu overwhelmed them, and they remembered the 5,000 and the 4,000, and many other times He’d fed them.

Did Jesus remind them again of His first call?  “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

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Jesus and Peter.

While the men finished eating and saw to the fish they’d caught, Jesus began reinstating Peter as the group’s leader. All listened quietly as Peter pledged his brotherly love for Jesus.  Three times Peter had denied Jesus (they all knew it), now Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  “Yes, Lord, You know I love You!’  ” Yes, Lord, You know that I love You!”  “Lord, You know everything, You know that I love You!” 

Jesus looked deeply into Peter’s soul and recommissioned him, “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.”  “Feed my sheep.”  Jesus had prayed for Peter in his hour of trial as He promised, and He saw Peter’s godly sorrow and repentance.  Now, Jesus showed the others that he was forgiven, and again in the leadership position.

Then Jesus alluded to what kind of martyrdom Peter would face.  He, too, would be crucified (so prepare yourself!), and God would be glorified through his death.  But that was in the future. Meanwhile, Peter was simply to “Follow me,” said Jesus.

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Jesus and John.

Then, as was Peter’s habit, he briefly looked away from Jesus – remember when Peter was walking on water? When he looked away from Jesus, he began to sink.  Here, he does the same.

Peter, looking at John: “Lord, what about this man?  How will he die?”

Jesus, again scolding him for taking his eyes off Himself: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to YOU. YOU follow ME.”

(Of course, the rumor then went around that John wouldn’t die. But that’s not what Jesus said.)

John indeed outlived the other disciples by many years, dying peacefully in his mid-nineties.   Jesus had another job for John.  Like Daniel in the Old Testament, John would see visions of the end times, both the horrors and the glories.  And he would write it all down in the book of REVELATION.

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Jesus’ Commission All His Disciples

Eventually, after spending time with His disciples in Galilee, and appearing before 500 of His followers at one time, Jesus appeared with the eleven back in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.

He taught them a “crash course” on how He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Messiah in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.  He showed them HOW the Messiah had to suffer, die, and on the third day rise from the dead.  It was all there, and Jesus made it plain to them.  Of course, the Holy Spirit would also remind them of everything, as needed.

Then Jesus told them, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins shall be proclaimed in My name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  YOU are witnesses of these things!  And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you (the Holy Spirit). But stay in the city until you are clothed with POWER from on High.”

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Ascension

John gives a brief statement of His ascension.  Luke will provide a more detailed account at the beginning of Acts in tomorrow’s study.

John’s account:  “Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He blessed them.  WHILE He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  They worshiped Him and returned to the City with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.”

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 318

Nov14

Day 318 – Reading – Matthew 28 and Mark 16

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 28 and Mark 16.

These chapters recount the glorious resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, from the viewpoint of a detail of Roman guards, a few women, a couple of disciples, and then the eleven disciples together, where Jesus assures them and then assigns them the Great Commission to bring the Good News about Him to the whole world.  

  • (There is also the story of how the chief priests bribed the guards to say that the disciples had stolen the body away.  Luke and John‘s accounts [tomorrow] tell about a few other incidents:  1.) the account of the two on the road to Emmaus, 2.) Thomas’ discovery, 3.) Jesus meeting the disciples in Galilee, and 4.) the reinstatement of Peter after his denials.)
  • I will give the order of Jesus’ appearances at the bottom of this page.  

 

The Resurrection of Jesus

“After the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone (covering the entrance of the tomb). The angel then sat on the stone.  His appearance was like LIGHTNING, and his clothing as white as snow!”

And for fear of him, the guards trembled and all fell down in a faint.  (Remember that Roman guard, borrowed from Pilate by the chief priests to keep the disciples from stealing Jesus’ body and saying He’d risen?  These brave, armed to the hilt, men, fainted away at the sight of God’s angel.  They missed the Resurrection!

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The Fraud Perpetuated

Eventually, that unconscious Roman guard picked themselves up, and decided to cover their “behinds” by going to the chief priests right away.  They told the Jewish leaders about the earthquake, the huge, brilliant angel, and the stone rolling away from the tomb.

Nervous, the Jews took counsel, then passed out a ‘sufficient sum of money’ to the soldiers as a bribe. They were NOT to tell about the angel.  They WERE to say the disciples came by night and stole Jesus’ body while they slept.  (Roman soldiers sleeping on the job? A capital offense!)  Well, as it’s said, the sum of money was sufficient. 

The Jews also promised the soldiers that if their “sleeping on the job” came to the ears of Pilate, they would “satisfy him” with money too, and keep them out of trouble.  (First Judas, then the soldiers, then the Roman Governor: not a holy use of the Temple money.)

So the soldiers took the coins and spread the lie.  (And Pilate bought his sleepless wife a new necklace.)

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The Women

The women (who had stayed around after Jesus’ death to see where Joseph buried Him) returned with their spices to finish the job of anointing Jesus’ body. As they walked through the quiet pre-dawn morning, they wondered about the stone blocking the tomb’s entrance.  How would they get inside?

But the stone was already rolled away, and an angel waited.

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified,” assured the angel. “He is not here, for He is RISEN, as He said.  Come, see the place where He lay.”

The women went inside the tomb, where another bright angel assured them. “See the place where he lay. Now go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going to Galilee; there you will see Him.” (The angel was speaking of the time when more than 500 people would see Jesus at one time, not the personal appearances in Jerusalem.)

They ran out, excited, hardly believing in wonder, to find the disciples. But Mary Magdalene (and later the other women) were met by Jesus, who also told them to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples. The men, of course, did not believe them at first.

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Emmaus

Mark mentions that Jesus appeared to two of the disciples as they were walking in the country. They returned to Jerusalem, and were also not believed at first. Luke’s gospel tells of this in more detail.

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The Great Commission

After Jesus appeared to the eleven and rebuked them for not believing the women or the two from Emmaus. 

Matthew tells of the disciples in Galilee, where they worshipped Him.  Then Jesus gave them their commission, just before His ascension to Heaven.

“All authority (power) in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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The List of Jesus’ Appearances.

  1. to Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20:11-18).
  2. to the women on the road (Matt. 28:9-10)
  3. to the disciples on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:12-32)
  4. to Peter alone (Luke 24:34)
  5. to the 10, without Thomas (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-25)
  6. to  the 11, with Thomas (John 20:26-31)
  7. to the 7 by the sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25)
  8. to more than 500 in Galilee (Matt. 28:16 and I Cor. 15:6)
  9. to James, His brother (1 Cor. 15:7)
  10. to the apostles when He ascended (Acts 1:3-11)
  11. to Paul, after His ascension (1 Cor. 15:8)
  12. The next time Jesus appears will be in Glory (Matthew 24:30)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 317

Nov13

Day 317 – Reading – Luke 23 and John 18-19

Read and believe in Jesus!

Luke 23 and John 18-19 review what we studied in the last two days and add some details. 

John 18 backs up to Judas’ betrayal and Jesus’ arrest, His time before the Jewish Council, Peter’s denials, and the high priest’s questioning. Then we see Jesus before Pilate (an extended conversation), before Herod, then His being delivered over to be crucified, more extensive details about His crucifixion, His death, and Burial.

 

Jesus’ Betrayal and His Arrest

Judas, having committed himself to betraying Jesus, and having been paid, now leads a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to the Garden of Gethsmane.  He’s been there several times with Jesus and the other disciples and knows the spot well.

Jesus: “Whom do you seek?”

The crowd: “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus: “I AM he.”  At those words, Judas and the soldiers all fell back to the ground, as if the very words had slammed into them. (Okay, so who is in control of this scene?  Jesus!)

Jesus again asks, “Whom do you seek?”

The crowd. (Were they afraid to answer?):  “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus: “I told you that I am He, so if you seek ME, then let these men go.” He was protecting His disciples.

That’s when Simon did his brash thing with the sword, and Jesus had to fix the damage by healing the man’s ear.  To Peter, He said, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

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Jesus and The High Priests, Annas and Caiaphas.

The soldiers stepped forward cautiously and tied Jesus’ hands. Then they led him to Annas, the former High Priest and the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the current High Priest.  Annas questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.  Jesus answered that he’d been teaching in synagogues and in the temple, so why hadn’t they quizzed Him there?   When he said this, one of the officers back-handed Jesus, saying, “Is that how you answer the High Priest?’

Jesus: “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

Annas then sent Jesus, still tied up, to Caiaphas.

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Peter’s Denials

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard of the high priest, Peter was warming himself by the fire.  He and John had followed Jesus there after His arrest.  John knew Annas, so he entered into the house with Jesus (so he could record the happenings).  John arranged for Peter to gain access to the court. 

Peter was recognized and asked three times if he was not a follower of the criminal inside.  Fear controlled the big fisherman, and he answered, “Woman, I do not know Him.”  “I do not know what you are talking about!”  “I am not a disciple of His!”  “I am not a Galilean!”  “I don’t know Him!”  “May God curse me! I DO NOT KNOW THIS MAN!”   Then the rooster crowed. And Peter ran out, weeping bitterly.

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Jesus before the whole Council (Sanhedrim)

All 70 members were present (even Joseph and Nicodemus).  

Them:  “If you are the Christ, tell us.”

Jesus:  “If I tell you, you will not believe. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

Them: “Are you the Son of God, then?”

Jesus: “I AM.”

And with that, they had their verdict. Guilty of blasphemy and death.  All they needed was someone to EXECUTE Him, for they did not have that power under Roman rule.

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Jesus and Pilate

The entire 70-man Sanhedrin brought Jesus to Pilate in the wee hours and started to accuse him.

Pilate: “What accusation do you bring before this man?”

“We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that He himself is Christ, a king.”

Pilate: “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.”

“It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.”

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Jesus’ Kingdom

Pilate to Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus:  “Are you saying this, or did others say this about me?”

Pilate: “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and chief priests have delivered you to me.  What have you done?”

Jesus: “Yes, I am King of the Jews, but my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Pilate: “So you ARE a king.”

Jesus: “Yes. For this purpose I was born, and for this purpose I came into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Pilate: “Ha!” Pilate said, walking away. “What IS truth!”

Pilate to the chief priests:  “I  find no guilt in this man.”

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Jesus and Herod

The Jews: “He stirs up the people teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

Pilate:  “Galilee?  Ha!  He’s in Herod’s jurisdiction.  Take Him there!”  Herod was in Jerusalem at the time.)

At Herod’s house, the Jewish king was happy to see Jesus.  Remember he’d thought Jesus was a reincarnation of John the Baptist, and wanted to see Jesus do some miracle.

Herod: “Are you John returned to life?”  “Do some miracle so I can see your power!”  “Can you heal people… raise them from the dead?  Aw, c’mon, do something!”

Jesus: Silence.

So, denied his entertainment, he let his servants mock Jesus, arraying him in a royal robe, bowing to him, etc.  Then Herod returned Jesus to Pilate.  (Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day.)

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Back at Pilate’s courtroom, he brought Jesus out to the people.  “I find no fault in Him. He is not guilty of any of the charges against him. Herod found none as well.  I will therefore punish Him and set Him free.”

The Jews and the crowd whom they had excited: “Away with this man and release to us Barabbas! 

(Pilate was in the habit of releasing one prisoner at Passover time, but Barabbas was an insurrectionist against Rome and a murderer!.  “He is innocent. I will release Jesus.”

The crowd: “Crucify! Crucify Him!

Pilate: “Why?  What evil has he done?  I have found no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish Him and release Him.”

The crowd: “Crucify! Crucify Him!”

Pilate: “Take Him yourself and crucify Him. I find no guilt in Him.”

The Jews:  “We have a law, and according to that law, He ought to die because He has made himself the Son of God.”

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Pilate felt chills down his back. He took Jesus inside and asked, “Where are You from?”

Jesus; Silence.

Pilate: “You will not speak to me??!!  Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify You??

Jesus: “You would have no authority over me at ALL unless it had been given to you from ABOVE.  Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

This scared Pilate, and he tried even more to release Jesus.

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Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified

The Jews (desperate): “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out, sat down at the judgment seat, and wrote out the sentence. He gestured to Jesus, “Behold your King.

The Jews: “Crucify Him. Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.”

Pilate: “Shall I crucify your KING?”

The Jews: ‘We have NO KING but Caesar!”

So Pilate delivered him to be crucified.

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The Crucifixion.

They led Jesus away, conscripting one Simon from Cyrene to carry the cross for the weakened Messiah.  On the road a great crowd watched, including women who were mourning and lamenting for Him.

Jesus “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, weep for yourselves and your children. Behold the days are coming when you will wish you never gave birth. People will cry for the mountains to fall on them and cover them….”

Two other criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on each side.

As they pounded in the nails, Jesus (who had refused the drugged wine) cried out, “Father forgive them, for the know not what they do!”

As scripture foretold, (Psalm 22), they cast lots for his clothing.  Then the mocking began. The Jewish rulers mocked Him. The soldiers mocked Him. The bystanders mocked Him. The criminals on either side mocked Him.  And then, one of the criminals repented.

“Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of death?  We indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong. Then turning to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus: “Truly I say to you, TODAY you will be with me in Paradise.”

Standing by the cross were Jesus’ mother and John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved”.  Looking at his mother, Jesus said, “Woman… behold your son.” And to John, “Behold your mother.”  And from then on, John took Mary into his home and cared for her. 

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Jesus’ Death

At noon, it grew dark.  Jesus, knowing that He’d accomplished everything, said, “I thirst.”  Someone brought some sour wine to moisten his mouth.  “Father into your hands I commit my Spirit.” 

Then with a cry of victory, Jesus shouted, “IT IS FINISHED!”  Then he bowed His head and died.

The thick veil inside the temple tore in two from top to bottom, opening the way for all to come to God.  The ground shook.  And when the Centurion saw all this, he confessed and praised God. “Surely this man was innocent.”

Because it was getting late, the Centurion went to each of the other criminals and broke their legs to hurry death by suffocation.  When He got to Jesus, he saw He was already dead.  He thrust his spear into his heart to be sure, and water with blood flowed, proving death.  He did not break Jesus’ legs, as scripture foretold that NONE of his bones would be broken (Numbers 9:12). 

Later, when Pilate inquired of him if Jesus was truly dead so Joseph could take the body, the Centurion could declare he was truly dead.

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Jesus’ Burial.

Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council, a “good and righteous man”, had NOT consented to their decision and action for he was a disciple of Jesus, looking for the kingdom of God.  Joseph went to Pilate and got permission to take down Jesus’ body. Nicodemus, also a “secret follower” of Jesus, joined Joseph, bringing a great amount of myrrh and aloes.  They wrapped Jesus’ body in a linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb cut in stone where no one else had been laid. They rolled the stone across the entrance.

Some woman, disciples of Jesus since Galilee, who had watched at the crucifixion, followed and saw where Jesus was laid. They would return with spices and ointments of their own after the Sabbath.

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 316

Nov13

Day 316 – Reading – Matthew 27 and Mark 15

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 27 and Mark 15 cover the Roman trials of Jesus, His crucifixion, and His burial (as will Luke and John in tomorrow’s study).   It’s good to take a long, hard look at what Jesus endured to secure our salvation. He received the judgment that was rightly ours in God’s sight.  

 

Jesus Delivered to Pilate.

The Jewish Sanhedrin condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy in their three “mock’ trials, because He said -under oath – that He WAS the Son of God.  Under Roman rule, the Jews did not have the power to execute someone.  This fulfilled prophecy, because Jesus was to “hang on a tree” and not be stoned.  And so they bound Jesus and led Him to Governor Pilate.

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Judas Hangs himself

Judas must have been hanging around the courts too, because when he saw that Jesus was actually condemned to death, he changed his mind.  He brought back the thirty pieces of silver he’d earned to betray Jesus. Was he hoping to stop the execution??

Judas: “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!“

The Jews: “What is that to us?  See to it yourself.“

Judas threw the silver coins into the Temple, and went out and hung himself.

The Jews, picking up the coins, said, “Well, it is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” Instead, they purchased the potter’s field as a place to bury strangers. (This also fulfilled prophecy. (See Zechariah 11:12-13.)

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Jesus Stands Before Pilate

Pilate asks Jesus a question, right off, because this is a crime against Caesar, and He could give the death sentence the jews wanted.  “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus agreed.  Meanwhile, outside the chief priests and elders were shouting accusations.  Pilate turned to Jesus, “Have You no answer to make?  See how many charges they bring against you?”  But Jesus was silent.

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The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

Pilate went out to the crowds of people gathered outside.  At Passover, it was his custom to release one of his prisoners to them.  Currently, he had one nasty dude, an insurrectionist and a murderer, Barabbas.  Surely, in comparison, the people would want Jesus. 

“Do you want me to release to you the ‘king of the Jews?’  But the Jews had roused the people to call for the criminal.

“Barabbas!”

“Then what should I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”

“Crucify Him!”

“Why?  What evil has he done?”

“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”  

The Jewish leaders had done their job well, exiting the crowd who had called Jesus their king less than a week earlier, to now scream for Him to be crucified.

Pilate took a bowl of water, and in the sight of the crowd and leaders, “washed his hands.”  “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

And they all answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Pilate released Barabbas, had Jesus scourged, and sent Him to be crucified.

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Jesus is Mocked

Pilate’s soldiers sought to have some fun with the prisoner before they took Him to be crucified.  They stripped Jesus, and put on Him a scarlet robe, and a “crown” they twisted from some thorns, handing him a stick as a scepter.   They kneeled before him and mocked him. “Hail, King of the Jews!”  They spit on him and took the stick and beat Him on the head.  Then they stripped Him of the red robe, put His own clothes back on and led Jesus away to be crucified.

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The Crucifixion

As Jesus climbed Golgotha’s hill, the soldiers conscripted a strong man to carry His cross. It was a man from Cyrene, named Simon. 

When they arrived at the ‘Place of the Skull,’ they offered him a drink of drugged wine to dull the pain, but Jesus refused.  They took off his clothes, dividing them among themselves by casting lots.  And they nailed him to the cross.  Over his head, in the place reserved for the list of crimes committed by the prisoner,  they nailed a sign that Pilate sent along.  it said, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” in three languages.

Two robbers were also crucified with Jesus. They put one on either side of Him.

And then the mocking began. 

“You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself!”

“If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”

“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!”

“Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”

“He trust in God; let God deliver Him now.”

And the robbers on either side of Jesus also mocked Him.
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The Death of Jesus

At noon, darkness spread over the whole land for three hours.

About 3:00 p.m., Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, Lama sabachthani?” (My God, my God, why have You forsaken me.)

Some thought Jesus was crying out for Elijah and ran to get a sponge so He could speak more.

“No, wait, let’s see whether Elijah will come and take him down.”

Jesus cried out with a loud voice (“It is finished!”) and breathed His last breath, yielding up His Spirit.

THEN! 

—–The veil in the Temple that covered the Most Holy Place was torn in two from the TOP to the Bottom.

—–The earth shook and rocks were split.

—–Tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints were raised, coming out of their tombs.

The Centurion who saw the earthquake and what happened was filled with awe.  “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

There were also women watching from a distance who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him.

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Jesus is Buried.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, a respected member of the Council, who was also a disciple of Jesus.  He (took courage) and asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that Jesus was dead already and asked the Centurion. When he learned Jesus WAS dead, he ordered His body to be given to Joseph.  Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb.  He rolled a great stone to the entrance and went away.  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there and saw when Joseph put Jesus’ body.

The next day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate.

“Sir, we remember how that imposter said, while he was still alive, that after three days, He would rise.  Therefore, order the tomb 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. The last fraud would be worse than the first.”

Pilate: “Here’s a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.”

So they sealed the stone of the tomb and set a guard.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 313 & 314

Nov10

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 313 – Reading – Matthew 26 and Mark 14

Day 314 – Reading – Luke 22 and John 13

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 313 – Matthew 26 & Mark 14.

These two chapters follow the same order, so we will take them together, looking at the details from each.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

Jesus once again reminds His disciples of His upcoming death, but they seem deaf to His words.  Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes (Sadducees & Pharisees of the council) are meeting in Caiaphas’ palace, and plot how they can capture Jesus by stealth and kill Him. They want to avoid it on Passover, however, fearing a riot by the people.

 

  • Jesus is anointed at Bethany.

Jesus is once again having a meal in Bethany, this time at the home of Simon, an ex-leper, who probably had been healed by Jesus.  John tells us that this is Mary (sister to Martha & Lazarus), so perhaps they were serving the meal for Simon.  She broke a costly box of expensive ointment and anointed Jesus’ head and feet,  

All the disciples complained about this waste of money, but Judas Iscariot particularly took it to heart as a burning coal.  Meanwhile, Jesus scolded them all, saying “this woman” had anointed his body figuratively for burial. (Again no understanding.)   Jesus said what Mary had done would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached.

 

  • Judas to betray Jesus.

Right after this “atrocity” (in Judas’ opinion), the betrayer, who had been contemplating it, now went to the religious leaders and offered to betray Jesus.  “What will you give me if I deliver Him over to you?”  They paid him 30 pieces of silver (a tenth of the cost of that ointment), and from then on, Judas looked for a way to betray Jesus.

 

  • The Passover with the Disciples.

The disciples ask Jesus where they should prepare the Passover meal for all of them. Jesus gave instructions, and they carried them out. 

 

  • Instituting ‘The Lord’s Supper.’

During the meal, as they reclined around the table, Jesus dropped a “bombshell.” “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” They were all sorrowful and asked, one after another, “Lord, is it I??” Jesus said it was one of them who ate with them. Then Jesus dipped a morsel into the sauce and handed it to Judas.  “Rabbi, is it I?” the betray asked. “Yep, Jesus responded quietly, then added to them all, “Woe to that man, for it would have been better for him if he had not been born.”

Next, Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper” as a part of the Passover Feast.  Taking the unleavened bread, breaking it and blessing it, it passed it around to them, saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Jesus then too the cup, gave thanks for it (Did He see His agonizing death in its depth?), and passed it around. “Drink, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I won’t drink of this again, until I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”

(NOTE: It seems from Matthew and Mark (and Luke) that Judas was still at the table when Jesus instituted “the Lord’s Supper.”  And it was only after this that Jesus announced a betrayer among them.  John writes that, once it was announced, Judas was sent away “to do it.”  And, except for John and Peter, none of the others had a clue about him.)

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial.

After they had sung the closing song of the meal, Jesus and the disciples went out to their favorite place on the Mount of Olives to the secluded garden of Gethsemane. 

There, Jesus tells His bold and brash, “right-hand-man” Peter that that very night he would deny Jesus.  In fact, Jesus said they ALL would flee away.  When Peter denied that HE would, Jesus made that familiar, detailed accusation, “This night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me THREE TIMES.”  But dear, foot-in-his-mouth Peter foolishly claimed, “Even if I must DIE for You, I will not deny You.”

 

  • Jesus prays in Gethsemane.

Then it begins. Everything is in place.  That “cup” that Jesus has been speaking about for three years is now poured and ready for Him to drink.  Jesus feels the horror of it deep in His soul. He must pray!  He asks his disciples to sit and wait for Him.  He asks his core three to come closer and “watch” (pray!) with Him.  

Then Jesus falls face down to the ground, and pleads that He might not drink this “cup.”  Is there any other way to purchase salvation for the elect? He asks His Father.  But he knows there is not.  “Nevertheless, not MY will, but THINE be done.” Jesus pleads and prays this three times … while His closest three disciples “snore away.”

 

  • Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus.

Finally, slowly, and perhaps with bodily pain from the anguish, Jesus rises and goes to His men.  He wakes them, “The hour is here. The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Get up, let us be going.  See, my betrayer is at hand.”  (Now the evil one is unmasked, and they see Judas.) 

Judas, at the head of the crowd of soldiers and men with clubs from the religious leaders, steps forward for the pre-arranged signal.  He walks up to Jesus, says, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kisses Him.  Jesus acknowledges his action and calls Judas, “friend.”

Then the soldiers step forward to seize Jesus.   But Peter – remembering his vows – draws his short sword and slashes out. His sword hits and cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant, Malchus.   Jesus reprimands Peter (not wanting him to be immediately arrested or killed) and heals Malchus’s ear.  (What a story THAT man has!!)  

To Peter and the disciples, Jesus says intently, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once send me more than twelve LEGIONS of angels?  (Enough to kill everyone who had ever lived on the earth!)  “But how else should the Scriptures be fulfilled?  This MUST be so.”

And as Jesus faced his accusers, calming the situation which had escalated at Peter’s rash move, those very disciples all fled into the darkness of the garden.  

 

  • Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council.

The soldiers seized Jesus and led him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.

Peter and John followed them at a distance.  Then went into the courtyard and sat with the guards (John goes further inside for an eyewitness of the happenings.)

The religious leaders tried and failed to get false testimony against Jesus, but found none.   Finally, two came forward, saying they had heard Jesus say He would “destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days.” 

When they asked Jesus to answer this accusation, He remained silent.

Then the high priest said directly to Jesus, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (This was putting Jesus under a legal oath before God, so Jesus HAD TO answer.)

Jesus: “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven.”

Caiaphas tore his clothes at what he said was the ultimate blasphemy – saying Jesus was God. 

He said in rage (and satisfaction), “What further witnesses do we need? You heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?”

“He deserves death!”

Then, the abuse begins.  They spat in Jesus’ face and struck Him. Some covered His face, slapped Him, and said, “Prophesy who struck You.”  The guards began to beat Jesus as well.

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Outside in the courtyard, perhaps hearing some of the angry shouts, Peter denied his Lord … three times. Then a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered.  He broke down and wept bitterly.

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MONDAY – Day 314 -Luke 22 & John 13.

Again, we will cover two chapters together, although there are differences.

  • The Plot to Kill Jesus.

It was Passover and the Jewish leaders were wondering HOW to put Jesus to death, for they feared the crowds there for the festivities.

 

  • Judas to Betray Jesus.

Judas provided that opportunity, offering to lead them to Jesus privately … for money.

 

  • Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet. 

After the disciples acquired a room and prepared it for the Passover meal. When the hour came and they were all reclining around the table, Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, took a towel, poured water into a basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet. (This was usually the task of the lowest servant.)  Peter objected loudly. “Wash my feet? You shall never wash my feet!!)

Jesus told him that he didn’t understand what He was doing, and if He didn’t wash Peter’s feet, the disciple had no part with Jesus.  “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and head!”

Jesus told them there was no need. It was a picture of them already being clean through their faith in Him, and only their daily sins needed to be confessed and cleansed.  (All were clean, EXCEPT Judas, still among them.)

 

  • The Beginning of the Lord’s Supper.   

After Jesus was finished, he redressed and sat down. He explained to them that if HE, their Lord and Teacher, had washed their feet, they should follow his example and willingly be a lowly servant to each other.  If they wanted to know who was “greatest” among them, it was the one who served the others the most.

Jesus then explained the bread and cup that he passed around as His body and blood (to be) given for them, which would bring in the New Covenant (Testament). 

 

  • Jesus speaks of His Betrayal. 

And as they were eating, Jesus announced that “One of you will betray me.”  The disciples were disturbed. Peter, who was reclining across the table, motioned to John, who was right next to Jesus, to ask Him WHO the betrayer was.  John leaned back on Jesus and asked the question in a low voice.  Jesus said it was the one He dipped the bread into the sauce and gave to.  Jesus then dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, reclining on His other side.  

Jesus told Judas quietly, “What you are going to do, do quickly,” and Judas immediately (still chewing that morsel of bread) got up and went out into the night.

 

  • Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial. 

After commending the remaining disciples, “those who would stay with Him through His trials,” and reading Peter’s proud heart, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And WHEN you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”

Jesus: “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you even know me.”

(Here, John’s Gospel ….

gives a 4-chapter parenthesis around Jesus’s private teaching to His disciples,

and His High Priestly prayer, in chapters 14 – 17.

We’ll study these tomorrow.

But Luke’s Gospel ….

continues with the happenings of that night,

leading up to the crucifixion.)

  • Jesus Prays in Gethsemane.

Out on the Mount of Olives, Jesus asked His disciples to pray that they may not enter into temptation. But they were tired and sleepy.  

Jesus agonized in prayer to His Father that He not have to drink the “cup” of suffering. “But not my will, but yours be done!”  The agony was so great, that Jesus sweat drops of blood!.  Afterward, an angel came and strengthened Him.

 

  • Betrayal & Arrest. 

And then the crowd and soldiers were upon them. The sleepy disciples rose to the noise, weapons, and torches.  A fellow disciple, Judas, comes to Jesus and kisses Him.

(Peter and John KNOW what he’s doing.  Peter draws his sword and lashes out, misses Judas, and cuts off the ear of Malchus.  Jesus mends the mess and scolds Peter.)

Then they seized Jesus and led him away to the high priest’s house. 

 

  • Peter Denies Jesus.

Peter, scared, does what he pledged not to do.  He denies His Lord three times in the presence of some servants, even swearing an oath for emphasis.  The cock crows just as Jesus is being led to another venue. Their eyes meet, and Peter’s heart rips in two.  He runs out into the darkness, weeping bitterly. 

 

  • Jesus is Mocked. 

Meanwhile, Jesus is mocked and brutally beaten. He is blindfolded and quizzed as to who is hitting Him. They blaspheme the Son of God.

 

  • Jesus before the Council.

At daybreak, the Jewish leaders led Jesus away to their council (Sanhedrin) where they further buffeted and demanded answers from Him. “ARE YOU THE SON OF GOD?” they shout over and over. 

“I AM.” Jesus answers.

And they take Him to the Roman ruler, Pilate for the death sentence.

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 308

Nov4

A NEW MONTH!

Day 308 – Reading – Matthew 22 and Mark 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 22 and Mark 12.

These two chapters have similar accounts of Jesus, so we’ll take them together. The events take place in Jerusalem (sometimes in the Temple) after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and before Passover Thursday.

Both of these chapters begin with parables (The Wedding Feast and The Tenants).  Both speak of people who were asked by someone to DO something. (attend the wedding and take care of the property).  Both decided NOT to comply, so a second group of people was then considered. (common people from the byways and a new set of tenants).   

The Jewish religious leaders knew that both of these parables were directed at THEM, and resented Jesus even more.  Jesus was saying that the very people who knew “the law and prophets” thoroughly did not see their Messiah when he came, but the common people did, and accepted Him. So THEY were chosen to enter the Kingdom.

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Now we’re going to see several different Jewish Religious groups coming to test Jesus. 

The Pharisees and Herodians.  (This was a weird combo. An uber-pious Jewish religious group and a secular political group with leanings toward Rome.)

First, the “butter up.” “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God.”

Then the test question. “Tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them or should we not?”

(Heh, heh, heh.  They thought they had Him between “a rock and a hard place:” his Jewish heritage and the Roman rule they lived under.  WHICH would he say?)

Jesus asked for a coin commonly used at that time (think of a Quarter in the United States).   “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 

They admitted, “Caesar’s.”

“So, then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  When they heard Jesus give this answer, they marveled and went away.

(Score one for Jesus.)

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Next, The Sadducees came to Jesus with a test question. (Now the Sadducees did not believe in the bodily resurrection. That was why they were “sad, you see.” Haha.)

First, understand the law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) that gave a provision to ensure family ties were kept intact and that widows were cared for. It stated that if a woman became a widow without children (who cared for widows then), her dead husband’s brother should marry her and raise a child to carry on the deceased’s name and property rights in the Land, and to care for the widow.  It was a kindness.

And so, the Sadducees came with this facetious question.  If a woman’s husband died without giving her a child, and each of his seven brothers also tried but died without giving her a child … and then the woman died.  In the “resurrection,” WHOSE WIFE WOULD SHE BE?

Ha, ha, ha.  They thought they had Jesus trapped now. 

But Jesus landed on their one mistake. Although Jewish scholars, they obviously did not understand the Word.  “You are wrong because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”  Then Jesus went on to tell them that in Heaven, there would not be marriage.  That was a provision on earth to procreate.  And as far as people living on after death, Jesus asked them to consider the scripture where God said, “I Am” the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He is not God of the DEAD but of the LIVING.    

The crowd heard this and were astonished at His teaching.

(Score 2 for Jesus)

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When one of the Pharisees heard how Jesus had silenced their rivals, the Sadducees, they gathered together and appointed one as their spokesperson.

The Pharisee: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law?

Jesus: “‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  And the second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments depend all the Law and Prophets.”

The Pharisee:  “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that He is one, and there is no other besides Him. And to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Jesus:  “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

(Score 3 for Jesus)

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Jesus then ASKED THEM a question. “What do you think about ‘the Christ’?  Whose son is he?

Pharisees:  “He is the son of David.”

Jesus: “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls Him Lord, saying, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet?’  If then David calls Him Lord, how is He his son?”  (Psalm 110:1)

And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask a question.

(Score 4 for Jesus)

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Mark adds this vignette. 

Jesus and his disciples were sitting in the Temple court opposite the Treasury, watching people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.  And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make one penny.

Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.”   And to the disciples’ questioning looks, He added, “They all contributed out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

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“Beware of the scribes/Pharisees, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ homes and for a pretense make long prayers.  THEY will receive the greater condemnation”