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Lesson 1: The Lay of the Land
Lesson 2: Birth and Early Years of Jesus
Lesson 3: Christ's Travels Part 1
Lesson 4: Christ's Travels Part 2
Lesson 5: The Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus
Lesson 6: Early Travels of Philip and Peter
Lesson 7: Saul's Conversion & Early Travels
Lesson 8: Paul's 1st Missionary Journey
Lesson 9: Meeting in Jerusalem & Paul's 2nd Journey
Lesson 10: Paul's 3rd Journey
Lesson 11: Paul's Journey to Rome
Lesson 12: Paul's Final Days & Jerusalem's Destruction
Lesson 13: The Seven Churches of Asia & the Epistles

LESSON 1: The Lay of the Land
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1. A - Israel occupied territory
2. A - Israel
3. A - Israel occupied territory
4. A, and C -- many who claim Christianity also view the city of Jerusalem as a holy city though the Bible indicates that for the Christian the holy city is spiritual Jerusalem (see Rev 3:12; 21:2)
5. A - Syria
6. C - Horns of Hattin, though the Bible is silent on the location of the mountain (Matt 5:1) where the sermon was preached.
7. A - Mt. Gerizim was the sacred mountain of the Samaritans (John 4:20). According to Samaritan tradition the mount was the same as Mt. Moriah spoken of in Genesis 22:2 and the place where God placed His name (Deut 12:5). Jewish tradition disagrees with these claims.
8. C - Mt. Hermon is thought by some to be the place of the transfiguration because of its proximity to Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8:27; 9:2)
9. D - Mt of Olives was in Christ's time covered with Olive trees, hence the name. The area was denuded later by Titus. Jesus ascended from the mount according to Acts 1:12.
10. B - Turkey
11. C - Greece
12. C - Greece
13. Cyprus
14. Crete

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NOTE: If teaching a class, use the maps on page 4 - 6 as review at the start of each lesson. Over time students will be able to identify most of the major features because of the constant review. Some have even made a brief quiz using the review maps at the beginning of each class. Return to Index

LESSON 2: Birth & Early Years of Jesus
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1. C - Malachi (Malachi 4:5-6)
2. B - The Roman Empire ruled during the time of Christ. From its beginning in the 8th century BC, Rome grew to dominate the entire Mediterranean region.
3. Gabriel (Luke 1:19). Gabriel also made appearances in the Old Testament (Dan.8:16; 9:21)
4. Made him dumb -- unable to speak -- until the fulfillment of the things he said would occur.
5. B - in Jerusalem or in the vicinity of Jerusalem. Luke 1:21 speaks of Zacharias' service in the temple, which would suggest he and his wife lived in or near Jerusalem. It is interesting to note, however, that when Mary came to visit Elizabeth, Jerusalem was not specifically mentioned as her home, but rather a "city of Judah" in the hill country (Luke 1:39-40). Zacharias' temple service (incense burning) was occasional as determined by lot (Luke 1:8-9). Some have concluded Zacharias and his wife lived outside the walls of Jerusalem in a nearby village.
6. D - Nazareth
7. B - David
8. A - Bethlehem of Judea (In Genesis 35:19 and Micah 5:2 we learn that Bethlehem is also called Ephrath or Ephratah which in the Hebrew means "fruitfulness."
9. To fulfill the prophecy of Micah (see Micah 5:2; Matt 2:5-6; John 7:42)
10. A - Micah (Micah 5:2)
11. The exact day, month, or year cannot be determined. About the year 330, the Church in Rome assigned December 25 for the celebration of the birth of Christ. There is no historical evidence that our Lord's birthday was celebrated during the apostolic or early post-apostolic times. Various explanations have been given to explain the celebration of the Lord's birth on this particular day. It was expressly stated in Rome that the actual date of the Saviour's birth was unknown and that different traditions prevailed in different parts of the world. Since the Bible in prophecy refers to the Christ as the "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2), it was argued His birth had to coincide with the beginning of a new solar cycle, that is, He had to be born at the time of the winter solstice This explanation, though attractive in itself, depends on too many assumptions that cannot be proved and lacks any basis of historical certitude. There remains then this explanation, which is the most probable one: the choice of December 25 was influenced by the Romans, who from the time of Emperor Aurelian (275), had celebrated the feast of the sun god on December 25. The papacy seems to have chosen December 25 precisely for the purpose of inspiring the people to turn from the worship of a material sun to the adoration of Christ the Lord. Source: Francis X. Weiser, Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs.
12. D - Egypt
13. The death of Herod. Herod was replaced by Archelaus (Matt.2:22) who was, according to Josephus, an evil ruler who on one occasion killed 3,000 Jews during the Passover.
14. Other biblical names for Jesus include:
- Immanuel (Isa 7:14)
- Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6)
- Redeemer (Isa 59:20)
- Messiah (Dan 9:25)
- Son of David (Matt 1:1)
- Son of Abraham (Matt 1:1)
- Christ (Matt 1:16)
- Physician (Mark 2:17)
- Savior (Luke 2:11)
- Son of man (Luke 24:7)
- Son of God (John 1:34)
- Lord of lords, King of kings (Rev 17:14)
The Lord's personal name was Jesus which means "savior," while his official appellative was Christ which means "annointed one."

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The Roman Empire: The Roman Empire was the most significant development of the ancient world. From its beginnings as a republic in the 8th century B.C. but was established as an empire in 31 B.C. Rome grew to dominate the entire Mediterranean region, spreading its language, government, and culture throughout the area. Moving from a republican form of government to one-man rule under Julius Caesar (46 B.C.) and the principate under his nephew Octavian (Augustus), Rome controlled most of the region where New Testament Biblical events occured.

Other facts:
Established as an empire: 31 B.C.
Dissolution: Western Empire - 476 A.D., Eastern Empire (Byzantine Empire) 1453 A.D.
Area at its Height: 3.5 million square miles
Population at its Height: Estimated to be between 50-120 million

The City of Rome: The capital and largest city of the Roman Empire, Rome may have had as many as 1 million inhabitants during Imperial times. Rome was likely named after the Etruscan family "Rumlan." Legend holds that the city was founded on or about 753 B.C. (though some have suggested the site was first occupied as early as 2,000 B.C.) Rome plays a significant role in the New Testament. Aquila and Priscilla were banished from Rome by Claudius (Acts 18:2). Paul was kept under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16,17,30,31). Paul addressed the epistle of Romans to Christians living in the city. According to secular history Paul and Peter lost their lives in Rome. Rome was located about 15 miles from the sea, but because the Tiber River was navigable, Rome became a major seaport city. Rome was the center of an extensive road system, which helped create the notion that "all roads lead to Rome."

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NOTE: The time line is only approximate. The exact dating of the any of the events is impossible. As we do know Herod died in 4 BC and some time elapsed between the massacre of babies and his death (Matt 2:19), we have a clue to the approximate fixing of the true date of Christ's birth. Another, in this same connection, is an eclipse of the moon, the only one mentioned by Josephus (Ant., XVII, vi, 4; text and note), which was seen shortly before Herod's death. This eclipse occurred on March 13, in the year of the Julian Period, 4710, therefore 4 BC.
1. John began to preach about Christ in the wilderness of Judea
2. John was under the Nazarite vow. The word Nazarite likely comes from the Hebrew nazar which means to "separate." It denotes one who has separated himself from certain practices and so is distinguised from other persons. Other suggest the word originates from nezer which means "diadem" or "crown" and signifies the hair which was to remain uncut. (See Gen 49:26; Num 6:1-4,7; Deut 33:16)
3. Apparently Samson and Samuel were under the Nazarite vow. Like John they were dedicated by their parents before their birth.

Four Unique Characteristics of Jesus' Birth:
1. Jesus was born of a virgin (see Isa 7:14; Matt 1:23)
2. Jesus birth was prophecied (From tribe of Judah--Gen 49:10; Lk 3:23-38; A forerunner to prepare way--Mal 3:1, 4-5; Mt 21: 6-7; Born in Bethlehem--Micah 5:2; Matt 2:6; The killing of children--Jer 31:15; Matt 2:18)
3. Jesus existed before he was born -- i.e. his was a pre-existent birth(John 1:1-5, 14; John 8:49-58)
4. Jesus was born to die (Gen. 3:15; Isaiah 53:1-12)

The wisemen came from the East which suggests they may have come from Arabia, Babylon, Persia, India or other places to the east.

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NOTE: Herod "reconstructed" the temple only in that he greatly improved the temple with many additions to it and the temple mount area.
It is thought by some that John was born in or near Jerusalem as his father was a priest of the division of Abijah and his mother was descended from Aaron (Luke 1:5).
Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census.
Joseph and Mary travelled from Bethlehem to Egypt to flee from Herod.
Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt after Herod's death, but instead of returning to Bethlehem the went to Nazareth because Herod's son Archelaus was ruling in his father's place and they feared him (Matt 2:19-23).
When Jesus was 12, Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Jerusalem.
As the crow flies, the distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles.
It is likely that in travelling from Nazareth to Bethlehem Joseph and Mary avoided Samaria (which was the custom in that day because the Jews despised the Samaritans). Hence, it is likely that Joseph and Mary travelled east to the Jordan valley, crossed the river, travelled southward to the Jordan fords across from Jericho, recrossed the river and then went up to Bethlehem--a distances of about 98 miles.
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LESSON 3: Christ's Travels Part 1
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1. B and D - honey and locusts in accordance with the Nazarite vow
2. B - 30 (Note: If our reckoning of the birth year of Jesus is correct at 5 B.C., then he reaches the age of 30 sometime in 25 AD or perhaps 26 AD if he was born in 4 B.C. which is also possible.
3. B and C - Aenon and Bethabara. "A" could also be correct in that many versions render the name of the town as Bethany. Point out that the Bethany mentioned here is NOT the Bethany near Jerusalem. The Bible provides a clue to the method of baptism in John 2:23 when it says John chose the site because "there was much water there." Debate exists about whether baptism was accomplished by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Much water would only be required for the latter. The Greek word for "baptism" further supports immersion as the method of baptism in that the Greek work for "baptism" is baptizo which means to "overwhelm with water , to make fully wet, to immerse." The locations of both Aenon and Bethabara are debated. Some suggest Bethabara -- the likely site of Jesus' baptism -- to be opposite of Jericho, while others place it further north along the Jordan River.
4. D - 40 days and nights. Matthew records three temptations, but the accounts given by Mark and Luke suggest that temptations occurred throughout the entire 40 day period (Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2)
5. Walking by the Sea of Galilee
6. A - Cana of Galilee. The village of Cana is only mentioned in the gospel of John. Its exact location is unknown though two sites have been suggested. The site suggested to tourists is the modern city of Kefr Kenna which is about 4 miles NE of Nazareth. The location more accepted by scholars, however, lies four or five miles further north.
7. C - Jerusalem
8. A - Sychar (this small town is thought to be identified with Askar situated on the eastern slope of Mt. Ebal. From this location Mt. Gerizim -- the place of worship for the Samaritans could easily be seen. Mt. Gerizim has an elevation of 2,890 feet.
9. A Samaritan woman who had come to Jacob's well to draw water.
10. A - Cana. This miracle demonstrates that Christ's ability to perform miracles was not constrained by distance. Cana was about 16 miles from Capernaum, yet Jesus healed the royal official's son over that distance.
11. E - Capernaum. Capernaum was where Jesus performed some notable miracles: 1. the healing of the Centurion's servant (Matt 8:5-13), 2. the exorcism of an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21-28), etc. It was here as well that Jesus instructed Peter to go and fish--the first fish of which would contain tribute money (Matt 17:24). Jesus pronounced doom upon the city (Matt 11:23) which has been fulfilled as the city no longer exists. Tell Hum is thought to be the location of the ancient city.
12. D - Horns of Hattin (really just twin hills).
13. C - Gerasenes. There is much debate about the exact location of this event. Kersa, formerly known as Geresa across the Sea of Galilee from Magdala seems the most likely location as its topography fits the details provided in the Bible (Luke 8:33).
14. At its widest point the Sea of Galilee is about 7.4 miles wide (11.8 km). From north to south the Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles (21 km).
15. B - Sea of Galilee
16. D - Bethsaida (the name literally means "fish housing"). Bethsaida was the home of Andrew, Peter, and Philip (John 1:44; John 12:21).

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1. Jesus travelled to be baptized from the region of Galilee (Matt 3:13)
2. About 30 years old (Luke 3:21-23)
3. Jesus was led by the Spirt into the wilderness. (Matt 4:1). It is generally believed this would be the wilderness of Judea, though the Bible does not specifically say so.
4. Bethsaida (John 1:44)
5. Jerusalem (John 2:13)
6. Nicodemus (John 3:1-2f)
7. The Jews abhorred the Samaritans because they intermaried with the people the Assyrians relocated to the region during the captivity. The Samaritans were therefore "impure" descendants in the minds of the Jews. The Samaritans worshipped in Mt. Gerizim (Deut 11:29; John 4:20).

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1. To seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)
2. He always existed. John says "in the beginning was the Word....and the Word dwelt among us" (see also John 8:56-58; 17:5)
3. Jesus was "equal" (Greek isos -- "similar or in kind") with God, but "emptied himself."

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1. Capernaum (John 4:46)
2. Nazareth (Luke 4:16,24)
3. Tiberian Sea (John 6:1; 21:1); Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1); in the Old Testament it was referred to as the Sea of Chinnereth (Num 34:11)
4. Capernaum (Mark 2:1-4f)
5. Capernaum (Matt 8:5f)
- Jesus made Capernaum his base of operations after leaving Nazareth (Matt 4:13).
- It is thought by most scholars that the event involving the demons cast into pigs took place at Gergesa (Mark 5:1-14)

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LESSON 4: Christ's Travels Part 2
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1. B - Caesarea Philippi - situated at the foot of Mt. Hermon, this city was named Caesarea by Philip the tetrarch who added the name Philippi to distinguish it from the coastal city of Caesarea
2. B - Mt. Hermon
3. Mount Hermon is 9,232 feet tall (2,815 meters). During much of the year it is snow capped.
4. A and D - Moses and Elijah. It has been suggested that Moses was the greatest lawgiver (Exo 19:16-20) and Elijah the greatest prophet. That they would appear with Jesus and be eclipsed by Him would then suggest Jesus is a superior lawgiver and prophet who will usher in the new covenant and testament.
5. A - Capernaum. The city of Capernaum was Jesus' base of operations during his Galilean ministry
6. A and B - Jesus was in the temple area in Jerusalem.
7. A - Jerusalem. The pool was called Siloam and was located in the southeastern corner of the city of Jerusalem. Note the following fairly recent discovery:

In the summer of 2004 Eli Shukrun, Ronny Reich, and John Seligman, who were checking the area southeast of the traditional "Pool of Siloam" for a public works project, discovered a pool that they date to the first centuries B.C. and A.D.  In all probability it is the actual "Pool of Siloam" mentioned in John 9:7-to which Jesus sent a blind man to wash a mud mixture from his eyes.

8. B, D, and E - Chorazin (Korazin), Bethsaida, and Capernaum. The obvious irony is that Capernaum was Jesus' Galilean base of operations. Despite his many miracles in the vacinity, the people were hard-hearted and many did not believe.
9. A and E. Tyre and Sidon
10. The raising of Lazarus is often sited as the most amazing of Jesus' miracles. Not only did Jesus demonstate power to raise him from the dead, but the fact that four days (John 11:39) had elapsed shows Jesus' power over decay. According to Philip Vollmer (The Modern Student's Life of Christ) some Jews believed that for the three days the soul of a dead person hovered about the grave anxious to re-enter the body, Had Jesus arrived earlier and raised Lazarus it would not have seemed so amazing a feat. By waiting four days, however, Jesus fully demonstrated his power and deity.
11. There seems to have been a 3-fold purpose to Jesus' miracles:
A. To confirm the word. That is, to prove or authenticate Jesus' claim to sonship and verify the words he spoke (Mark 16:20)
B. To reveal the hearts of those who despite seeing the miracles rejected Jesus (John 15:23-25)
C. Miracles, by their very nature, authenticated the words spoken and so brought about belief in Jesus (John 20:30-31).

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1. Jesus performed most of his miracles in Capernaum
2. Jesus made his remarks about building His church near Caesarea Philippi. There is a large bedrock outcropping in Caesarea Philippi at the source stream of the Jordan River. It is thought by some that Jesus may have been pointing to the large bedrock when He spoke to Peter about his faith which was a stone (petros), but that the church would have as its foundation a bedrock (petra).
3.According to Matthew 15:21 Jesus's furthest westward travels was to the Mediterranean coast between Tyre and Sidon. This was also, apparently the furthest northward his ministry took him.
4. Magdala. This city is only mentioned once in the Bible (Matt 15:39). It is thought the city is also named Dalmanutha (Mark 8:10) and is by tradition the home of Mary Magdalene.
5. From the coasts of Tyre and Sidon to Bethany (the furthest recorded travels southward) is approximately 115 miles.

NOTES ABOUT THE MAP: Lake Hula is not mentioned specifically in the Bible. It no longer exists today because of irrigation in the region.

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1. 3 - resurection of the dead
2. 20 - healing of physical infirmities
3. 8 - power over nature or natural events
4. 5 - exorcisms
5. 5,000 fed; 4,000 fed; coin in the fish
6. Jesus would have confronted opposition sooner had he begun and done most of his teaching and works in Judea. Jerusalem in Judea was the where most of his major detractors were located.
7. Apparently the seeing of Nathaniel, while impressive to him, was not a miracle as indicated by John 2:11. It might be that Jesus's had a vision of Nathaniel which might not qualify as a miracle.

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1. Galilee
2. The term "parable" comes from the Greek parabole which literally means "putting things side by side." Parables are used to provide listeners with interesting or common events from which moral or spiritual truths can be drawn. Truth conveyed in a parable is less likely to be rejected outright, allowing it to slip "under the door" and into one's thoughts without the typical defenses of a direct approach. Jesus, it seems, spoke in parables so His audience would hear his words rather than rejecting them outright. He also apparently spoke in parables to communicate to his disciples while keeping other hearers in the dark (see Matt 13:10-11). Notice how Nathan used a parable to get David primed to realize his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-13).
3. Parables are sometimes introduced as parables (see Luke 8:4; 15:3). Sometimes they are introduced by the construction of a simile: "For. the kingdom of heaven is like...." (Matt 20:1). The story of the rich man and Lazarus is not introduced either as a parable or by the simile construction.


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LESSON 5: The Crucifixion & Resurrection of Jesus
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1. C - Bethany
2. They decided that Jesus should die. It is interesting to note that the chief priests and Pharisees did not deny that Jesus was able to perform miracles (John 11:47). Their concern was that the Romans might take away their place and nation (John 11:48). The chief priests also decided to kill Lazarus as well (John 12:10-11) because many were believing on Jesus because he had raised Lazarus from the dead.
3. B - Ephraim
4. While on the way to Jerusalem
5. A - Jericho
6. A - Mt. of Olives
7. C - Golden Gate - the Golden gate was the most direct route into the Temple area from the Mt. of Olives. The Golden Gate provided entry into the Temple Mount area from the east. This gate is now sealed due to a Muslim belief that someday a conqueror will enter through the gate and destroy the city. The two entries of the gate are called the Gate of Repentance and the Gate of Mercy. Another Muslim belief suggests that this gate will be the first to open before the Messiah on the day of Resurrection. In 1969, after a heavy rainfall, James Fleming fell into an eight foot hole that opened up in front of the Golden Gate. Inside the hole were human bones - an obvious mass grave. Further scrutiny of the open area by Fleming revealed what may have been another gate below the Golden Gate. It is now thought that Jesus may have made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem through an eastern gate - perhaps one just below the Golden Gate because it provided the quickest access to the Temple. The Moslems covered the opening with cement so the site has not been properly excavated and studied.
8. A - Bethany
9. Jesus cast out them that sold and bought in the Temple and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers because they had made the house of prayer a den of thieves.

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Trace the movement of Jesus from his arrest to his burial

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1. Jesus stated that "as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matt 12:40
2. Many believe Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper on Thursday (the 14th day of Nisan) and was crucified on Friday. If so, then he would have been in the earth for part of 3 days, but only 2 nights. If Jesus was crucified on Thursday then he would have been in the earth 3 days and 3 nights. However, if he was crucified on Thursday, then he did not eat the Passover feast which the scriptures seem to imply he did. It has been suggested that for the Jew, any part of a day was considered a full day.
3. In speaking of the Passoever Leviticus says it was to be eaten on the 14th day of the month of Nisan (Nisan was the first month of the sacred year and the seventh month of the civil year.)
4. Passover commemorated the passing of the Lord through Egypt smiting the first born in the land. God's people were spared if they had followed the instructions of placing blood on their houses (Exo 12:12-13)
5. While it is generally thought that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper right after eating the Passover meal, others feel Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper the evening before the Passover meal. Mark's account (Mark 14:12-16) suggests that Jesus did eat the Passover, while John's account might suggest that the Lord's Supper was instituted the evening before because those who overheard Jesus comments about Judas thought he was instructing him to purchase he things needful for the feast. The timeline offered in these materials attempts to reconcile the passages.

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Appearances on Resurrection Sunday
- Appearance to Mary Magdalene
- Appearance to other women
- Appearance to 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus
- Appearance to Peter
- Appearance to disciples gathered together (Thomas was absent)

Appearances During the 40 Days
- Appearance to disciples a week after the resurrection (Thomas present & convinced)
- Appearance to 7 disciples beside the Sea of Galilee
- Appearance to 500 and James
- Appearance to 11 and great commission given
- Appearance at the ascension

The furthest north recorded appearance was at the Sea of Galilee

1. Emmaus
2. Emmaus is about 7 miles from Jerusalem
3. Jesus ascended from the Mt. of Olives
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LESSON 6: Early Travels of Philip and Peter
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1. E - there were 14 total apostles--the original 12, plus Matthias, the replacement for Judas (Acts 1:21-26) and Paul (Rom 1:1).
2. A - Jerusalem -- the ascension was from the Mt. Olives.
3. A Sabbath day's journey is thought to have been 2,000 cubits (about 3000 feet) based on the distance from the tabernacle to the where God's people dwelt around the tabernacle (Josh 3:4). Thus we see how close the point of Jesus' ascension was to the city of Jerusalem.
4. The apostles stayed in an "upper room."
5. The early church met in Solomon's portico (porch) located on the east side of the temple mount area. On the day of Pentecost some 3,000 people were added to the Lord's church and it is estimated the church grew dramatically in the early days. Some estimates put the total number of Christians in Jerusalem before the dispersion of Acts 8:1 at as many as 20,000. It might seem difficult to believe that such a large number of people could assemble on Solomon's porch, but the porch was about 1290 feet long and about 75 feet deep--an ample size to acccommodate such a large congregation.
6. E - Jerusalem
7. A and B - Judea and Samaria
8. D - Samaria. It is interesting to note Philip overcame the revulsion that many Jews felt toward the Samaritans. The Samaritans were receptive to the teaching.
9. Philip was able to perform miracles, but could not pass the ability on to others. The Acts account says specifically that "the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles hands" (Acts 8:18)
10. B and D - Peter and John
11. Jerusalem was at a higher elevation -- about 2,600 feet above sea level.

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1. Simon
2. Rome, Crete, Cyrene, Libya, Egypt, Arabia, Elam, Media, Parthia, Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Asia, Pontus, Pamphylia and Phrygia. It is also interesting to note that people from all nations of the world lived in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5).
3. Arrows indicate just how far people travelled and that they travelled from all points of the compass.
4. Jews had been scattered amongst the nations because of their transgressions during the period of the Old Testament. (see Neh 1:8; Esther 3:8; Psa 44:11; Ezek 6:8)
5. Of those listed, those from Rome had travelled the furthest. Their journey was about 1,400 miles depending on their mode of transportation.

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Read the passages and trace the travels of Philip.
Some things to note about Philip's travels:
- It isn't clear whether Philip was accompanying Peter and John back to Jerusalem when the Lord called him (Acts 8:25)
- The exact location of the Ethiopian Eunuch's conversion is not known. There are many roads exiting Jerusalem which one could take to Gaza. Some go west from the city.
- Philip was "snatched" (NAS) away by the Holy Spirit and found himself in Azotus -- Azotus is the old city of Ashdod mentioned in the Old Testament. The means of Philip's transport is unknown. The Greek word for "caught" or "snatched" is harpazo and simply means "to seize."
- Sharon: The plain of Sharon (Saron) was noted for its flowering beauty (Isa 35:2). It was the largest of the coastal plains in northern Palestine. It was once covered with oaks. The term "rose of Sharon" which has been used to refer symbolically to Christ may have gotten its origin from the four varieties of red flowers that bloom in quick succession.
- Philip ends up in Caesarea -- the home of Cornelius. It is interesting to note that Peter is called by the Lord to teach Cornelius, not Philip.

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Read the passages and trace the travels of Peter.
Some things to note about Peter's early travels:
- When the persecution began and Christians were scattered, the Bible specifically states that the Apostles remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). Discuss why the Apostles remained in harms way rather than fleeing.
- Peter and John go to Samaria to assist in the establishment of the church there which had been begun by Philip
- After Peter and John depart Samaria they preach in many Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem (Acts 8:25)
- Acts 9:31-32 seems to suggest the Peter's preaching extended as far north as Galilee
- In Lydda, Peter healed Aeneas who had been paralyzed for 8 years (Acts 9:33-34)
- In Joppa Peter stayed with Simon the tanner. While there the Bible records two significant events: the raising of Tabitha and the vision of an object like a sheet being lowered from heaven with all manner of animals.
- Cornelius sent men to Joppa to get Peter. Peter then travelled to Caesarea where Cornelius and his household were taught and converted. It is interesting to note that apparently Philip was also in the city, but the Lord had Peter teach Cornelius. Perhaps the Lord knew there would be some debate about whether the Gentiles should be accepted. Peter, an apostle, had more influence in conveying that the Word should be taught to the Gentiles then perhaps Philip would have had. Recall that Peter was the one who had to defend the preaching to the Gentiles -- as an apostle his defence carried more weight than would have Philip's.

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LESSON 7: Saul's Conversion & Early Travels
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1. It is hard for a student of Paul's epistles to realize the murderous disposition he had before his conversion. Saul was: aggressive, proud, devout, energetic, and even, perhaps, unmerciful in his approach to things religious. His fervor was misdirected. Saul was also well educated and learned, but ignorant of the harm he was doing to the early church.
2. D - Damascus. The dispersion (Acts 8:4) had resulted in the Christians fleeing to the city where they continued to preach.
3. As Saul approached Damascus and light from heaven flashed around him and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" In the conversation that followed, Saul was instructed to enter the city of Damascus where he would be told what he must do (9:6).
4. C - noon. That the event occurred at noon -- during the brightest time of day -- gives some indication of just how bright the light must have been that flashed around him.
5. B - Judas
6. Judas' house was on a street called Straight. The Straight Street ran from the Gate of the Sun on the east side of the city to the Gate of Jupiter on the west of the city. The street was about 4,600 feet long.
7. After his eyesight was restored Saul arose and was baptized (9:18). According to Acts 22:16 baptism--which was accomplished with water (Acts 8:36) "washed away his sins."
8. If one looks only at the Acts account, it appears Saul immediately began to preach. However, Paul provides some additional information in at least two of his epistles which suggest a trip to Arabia prior to his preaching efforts. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-7 Paul describes a man (himself) who received a revelation when caught up to the "third heaven" (12:2). During Paul's day the term "heaven" was used in three ways: the first heaven was the atmosphere, the second heaven was the place of the celestial bodies (stars, etc.), while the third heaven was considered the abode of God. In Galatians 1:15-19 Paul may give us some insight on the timing of this revelation when he says, "I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood (i.e., men)...but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus." Some scholars believe that Saul's journey to Arabia and revelation occurred between the first and second sentences of Acts 9:19. Others hold that the Arabian revelation is alluded to in Acts 9:23's statement: "And when many days had elapsed." The actual timing of Saul's journey to Arabia continues to be debated.
9. The Jews plotted to kill Saul (Acts 9:23) and so enlisted the help of Aretas the king of the city of Damascus in their plottings (2 Cor. 11:32-33). As a search for Saul was undertaken, Saul's enemies watched the city gates so they might take him should he attempt to flee the city. Saul's Christian friends saved him by lowering him in a basket from an opening in the city wall.
10. Excavations of the city of Damascus reveal 8 gates providing access to the city.
11. A - Jerusalem. Saul's reputation as a persecutor caused fear amongst Christians.
12. E - Tarsus. Verse 30 suggests that Saul was finally able to change the impression some Christians had of him in that they assisted him in escaping this latest attempt on his life. They sent Saul to Caesarea Maritima on the coast of the Great Sea where he apparently caught as ship bound for Tarsus, Saul's home town.

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1. Saul was born in Tarsus (Acts 22:3)
2. Saul was educated in Jerusalem--the seat of the Jewish religion (Acts 22:3)
3. Saul was taught by Gamaliel, a doctor (Rabbi) of the law (Acts 5:34; 22:3). Gamaliel's wisdom was earlier seen in Acts 5:33-40 when he cautioned the Council not to kill the apostles.

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1. Considering the names used for the gates and the temple of Jupiter located in the city, one can easily infer that the majority of Damascus' inhabitants were heathen Gentiles. As was the case with most cities in the region, there were Jews amongst the population, and because of the dispersion Christians had also migrated to the city.
2. The earliest reference to Damascus is found in Genesis 14:15. Damascus is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities mentioned in the Bible. It is also referenced in the tablets of Mari some of which are dated to 2,500 B.C. The city sat at the intersection of important trade routes leading to Egypt, Arabia, and Mesopotamia. The grid pattern of the city was developed by Parmenion a general of Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.
3. Saul was lowered from an opening in the wall of the city of Damascus to escape Jews who were plotting to kill him and who were watching the gates of the city. Just to the west of the Gate of Saturn stands St. Paul's chapel which was built to commemorate the site of Saul's escape. The actual location of the escape is, of course, unknown.

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1. The scattering (dispersion) which began on the day of the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1) spread not only to all the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1) but also, according to Acts 11:19 to the following places: Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. Remember that the spread of Christianity occurred as well when those who had gathered on the day of Pentecost left Jerusalem for their home lands.
2. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The term "Christian" literally means "follower of Christ." Note how the term "Christian" came to replace the terms "Jew" and "Gentile," thereby breaking down the "middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:12-14). This new name was prophecied in the Old Testament when Isaiah said, "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name." (Isa. 62:1-2).
3. The strength of the church in Antioch is clearly demonstrated by their generosity in sending relief by contribution to the brethren living in Judea.
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NOTE: After Acts 13:9 Saul is exclusively referred to as Paul.

10. D - Perga
11. C - Antioch of Pisidia. The city of Antioch Pisidia was one of 16 cities by the same name established by Seleucus Nicator in honor of his father. The city sat on a main trade route between Ephesus and Cilicia.
12. E - Iconium. Paul later makes mention of the city as a place wherein he was persecuted but was delivered by the Lord (2 Tim 3:10-12)
13. They became aware of an attempt by Gentiles and Jews to mistreat and stone them.
14. A - Lystra
15. Elders were appointed in every city. For a listing of the qualifications for elders, see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9. Some discussion may occur regarding how those who were newly converted could be qualified as elders in such a short period of time.

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It is approximately 85 miles from Antioch to Tarsus.

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Paul's journey was approximately 1,200 miles, about half of which was by sea.

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1. Notable Events: Saul and Barnabas were opposed by a magician by the name of Bar-Jesus (also known as Elymas) as they were teaching the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Because of his deceit and fraud, Paul struck him blind for a time. This may be the only recorded miracle that did harm to the recipient. Sergius Paulus believed Paul's teaching because of what he witnessed.

2. Notable Events: John Mark parted company with Paul and Barnabas to return to Jerusalem. This departure is later referred to by Paul as a "desertion" (Acts 15:38). Paul's assessment of John Mark apparently improved later when he said that Mark was useful to him for ministry (2 Tim. 4:11). Peter may have been instrumental in Mark's conversion (1 Pet. 5:13).

3. Notable Events: In Antioch of Pisidia Paul was given the opportunity to preach the gospel in the synagogue on two successive Sabbaths. Nearly the whole city assembled to hear Paul on the second Sabbath. Because the Jews rejected the teaching Paul indicated the "good news" would be preached to the Gentiles. Many Gentiles believed and became Christians. The Jews drove Paul and Barnabas out of the district.

4. Notable Events: Many Jews and Gentiles believed in this city, but some Jews stirred up trouble causing a division in the city. When an attempt to stone them was learned, Paul and Barnabas fled.

5. Notable Events: In Lystra a lame man was healed. Those who witnessed the miracle took Paul and Barnabas to be gods. They called Barnabas, Zeus (Jupiter) and Paul, Hermes (Mercury). Jews came to Lystra and won over the multitudes which stoned Paul and left him for dead.
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LESSON 9: Meeting in Jerusalem & Paul's 2nd Journey
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1. C - Judea
2. A and D - Paul and Barnabas
3. B - Jerusalem
4. B - Silas
5. B - Barnabas
6. A and D - Paul and Silas
7. E - Timothy
8. B - Asia
9. B - Troas
10. Luke (Acts 1:1 refers Theophilus to the "former account"--which is the gospel of Luke. Hence, the author of Acts is widely accepted as being Luke. He apparently joined Paul's party as recorded in Acts 16.
11. From: Thyatira, Baptized: Philippi
12. C - Thessalonica
13. D - Berea
14. Athens - he was "provoked" (Greek: paroxuno) which means to to sharpen alongside; to exasperate
15. Corinth
16. 1 1/2 years
17. Ephesus

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Luke joined up with Paul in Troas.
Thyatira was the home town to Lydia.
Pontus was the region that was home to Aquila
Paul's second journey was roughly 2,500 miles in length

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1. Silas and Timothy
2. Aeropagus (Mars Hill)
3. Dionysius and Damaris

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1. Aquila and Priscilla
2. covetous, drunkards, fornicators, idolaters, revilers, swindlers, adulterers, effeminate, homosexuals, thieves.
3. Corinth was a seaport town along a major trade route. The port Lechaion was on the Gulf of Corinth which lay to the north of the city of Corinth. The port of Cenchrea lay to the south of Corinth in the Saronic Gulf. As a result of the two gulfs, Corinth became a great marketplace and commercial center connecting the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. To further enhance the city's importance as a link in sea commerce, Periander built the diolkos - a five foot wide stone passage for cargo and small boats to cross the isthmus from one gulf to the other.

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LESSON 10: Paul's 3rd Journey
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1. B, D - Galatia was a Roman region whose borders changed frequently thus making it difficult to define its borders exactly.
2. E - Ephesus
3. B - Alexandria: This city was founded by Alexander the Great about 332 B.C. It was a great seaport located on a narrow strip of land between the Great Sea and Lake Mareotis. It was well known for its great library which is said to have contained over 500,000 volumes by the second century B.C. On the nearby island of Pharos the famous lighthouse named after Hephaestion, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was constructed (284-246 B.C.). The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, was completed here during the third and second centuries B.C. Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great, became the capital of Egypt under Ptolemies from 323-30 B.C.
4.A, C - Corinth was the capital city of the region of Achaia.
5. B - Ephesus. It may be that those whom Paul met had heard the preaching of Apollos before he had been instructed in the Way more perfectly (Acts18:25-26).
6. About 3 years. For three months in the synagogue, then for 2years in the school of Tyrannus and then, apparently an additional year as indicated by his statement to the elders of Ephesus who visited with him on his return journey to Jerusalem. It is generally thought that Tyrannus was a Greek and very likely a convert to Christianity.
7. A, B, C, D - a case can be made that Paul's shorter term objective was to return to Jerusalem with the intention of visiting Rome afterward. Before his return to Jerusalem, however, he planned to visit Macedonia and Achaia. At this point is seems clear that Paul had no idea that his visit to Rome would be as a prisoner.
8. C, E - Paul felt like a father to Timothy and referred to him as his "son in the faith" (1 Tim 1:2). Erastus was the city treasurer of Corinth (Rom 16:23), a position of considerable stature.
9. B - Macedonia
10. A - Greece. The country of Greece sometimes decribes the four regions of Macedonia, Epirus, Achaia and Peloponnesus, but the context of Acts 20:2 suggests that often only the latter two regions were thought to comprise it.
11. A plot by the Jews to kill Paul caused him to alter his plans of sailing to Syria. Instead he traveled northwestward as far as Illyricum before returning to Macedonia.
12. C - Illyricum. Though the Acts account of Paul's 3rd journey does not specify that Paul went as far west as Illyricum, Paul himself states that he did so in the epistle to the Romans (Rom. 15:19). The dating of the book of Romans (56-58 A.D.) and the dating of Paul's 3rd Journey (52-53 A.D.) suggests he made this westward journey while on his 3rd Journey - perhaps as a means of avoiding those of the Jews who plotted to kill him (Acts 20:3). This mountainous region of Illyricum sits on the east shore of the Adriatic Sea. It became part of the Roman Empire about A.D. 9 and was made into a province. Titus preached in Illyricum also known as Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10).
13. B - Philippi
14. A - Troas. The name Eutychus means "good fortune," thought the meaning may be a result of the event described here rather than a foreshadowing of the good fortune of dying where Paul was preaching. Paul 's miracle of "falling upon" the youth is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:21) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:34).
15. E - Miletus. This town was about 36 miles south of the city of Ephesus. The city was laid out in a grid plan with streets intersecting at right angles--a pattern later imitated in many cities. The city had a massive theater which would seat 15,000 as well as elaborate baths, agoras, and stadium.
16. C, E, and B
17. The local residents as well as those traveling with Paul urged him to avoid Jerusalem because Agabus, a proven prophet (Acts 11:27-28), described how he would be bound and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. Paul, however, was not to be stopped. He declared he was ready to even die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. (For information on the test of a prophet see Deut. 18:22).

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1. Ephesus
2. Corinth

Beginning in Antioch of Syria and finally ending in Jerusalem, Paul's 3rd journey was about 3,036 miles.

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1. The Bible describes them as "special" (KJV), "extraordinary" (NIV, NAS) or "unusual" (NKJ). They are unusual in that even handkerchiefs or aprons which had been in contact with Paul possessed healing properties.
2. Sorcerers and magicians, apparently realizing the true power of God manifest in the apostle Paul were burning their magician books and obeying the gospel call. Simon the sorcerer also seemed to realize the emptiness of his sorcery in contrast to the teaching and power of the Lord's apostles (Acts 8:9f).
3. Certain craftsmen, led by Demetrius, a silversmith, saw their livelihood jeopardized by the teachings of Paul. They profited by making silver shrines (idols) to Artemis (Diana) and anticipated a lose of business as more and more people obeyed the gospel.
4. Paul's traveling companions were dragged into the theater. The Greek word "theatron" literally means "place for seeing." The Roman theater was typically a semi-circle design with a covered colonnade running around the top.

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While there are a few indications that God's people of old built ships (2 Chron 9:21; 20:36), there is little evidence that the Jews of New Testament Canaan engaged in ship building or extensive sailing on the Great Sea--this despite their proximity to the sea. Most references to sailing ships in the New Testament indicates their origin from foreign ports (Acts 27:2; 27:6). Smaller fishing vessesl were used on the Sea of Galilee.

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LESSON 11: Paul's Journey to Rome
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1. A - Asia.(the west coast province of Asia Minor)
2. The fortress of Antonia. Built by Herod the Great during the Herodian expansion (19-11 B.C.) the fortress was located on the northwest corner of the Temple area. It was constructed to defend the Temple precincts on the north where the Temple was the most vulnerable to attack as there were no natural valleys to the north. The fortress of Antonia was the living quarters of the procurators while in Jerusalem. It also housed a garrison of soldiers who put down any unrest in the Temple area. It was most likely the chief captain and soldiers from this fortress that rescued Paul who was being beaten (Acts 21:31-35). The fortress was partly surrounded by a deep ditch 165 feet wide. Herod constructed a secret passage from the fortress to the Temple area.
3. C - Rome
4. More than 40 took the oath.
5. Paul's nephew heard of the plotting of the Jews.
6. C - Caesarea (Caesarea Maritima)
7. More than 2 years.
8. A - Adramyttium. The Mysia seaport city is today known as Karatash.
9. It is assumed the ship stayed to the north of Cyprus based on Acts 27:5 which says the ship sailed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia. Acts 27:4 says the winds were contrary and they sought the shelter of Cyprus which suggests the possibility of a stiff wind from the south.
10. E - Egypt. Alexandria was a city in Egypt.
11. South - Acts 27:8 mentions Fair Havens and Lasea which were on the south side of the island. Fair Havens literally mans "good harbors" and still bears the same Greek name today (Kali Limenes).
12. The Fast mentioned is the day of atonement which suggests late September or early October.
13. Given the direction it drove the ship, it is widely accepted the Euraquilo was a northeastern gale (i.e. the wind coming from the northeast). The NIV indicates the wind "swept down from the island" and the NAS says the wind "rushed down from the land," indicating the wind was coming from the northeast passing over the island of Crete. The name Euroquilo literally means "an east waver."
14. A and B - Malta or Melita. The island is about 17 miles long and 9 miles at its widest point. Today, on the northeast side of the island sits St. Paul's Bay named in honor of the event described in Acts 27-28. The location and orientation of the bay seems to fit the requirements of the Acts account (Acts 27:39). Note that the Bible says the ship was being driven about in the Adriatic Sea (Acts 27:27). During the 1st century map makers drew the Adriatic Sea extending somewhat south of the southern tip of Italy.
15. 3 months
16. At least 2 years
17. Yes. Paul preached the gospel in any circumstances--including house arrest. Paul fulfilled his desire to preach the gospel in Rome (Romans 1:15).

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Paul's journey from Jerusalem to Rome was about 2000 miles in length. It is difficult to know how far off course his ship was during the 14 day storm (Acts 27:27).

Paul boarded an Adramyttium ship when he began his journey to Rome (Acts 27:2). They departed from Myra on an Alexandrian ship which eventually was destroyed (Acts 27:6, 41). After spending three months on Melita, Paul and the others again boarded an Alexandrian ship (Acts 28:11).

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Rome: The capital and largest city of the Roman Empire, Rome may have had as many as 1 million inhabitants during Imperial times. Rome was likely named after the Etruscan family "Rumlan." Legend holds that the city was founded on or about 753 B.C. (though some have suggested the site was first occupied as early as 2,000 B.C.) Rome plays a significant role in the New Testament. Aquila and Priscilla were banished from Rome by Claudius (Acts 18:2). Paul was kept under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16,17,30,31). Paul addressed the epistle of Romans to Christians living in the city. According to secular history Paul and Peter lost their lives in Rome. Rome was located about 15 miles from the sea, but because the Tiber River was navigable, Rome became a major seaport city. Rome was the center of an extensive road system, which helped create the notion that "all roads lead to Rome."

The prison epistles were:
1. Colossians (about 60-62 AD)
2. Philemon (about 60-62 AD)
3. Ephesians (about 61-62 AD)
4. Philippians (about 62 AD)
Note: It is generally accepted that Paul wrote 2 Timothy from Rome during his second imprisonment sometime between 64-67 AD.

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1. Paul preached about 27-30 years.
2. Paul wanted to visit Spain. The Bible is silent about whether Paul ever accomplished his desire to visit Spain. It is an open question amongst scholars.

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LESSON 12: Paul's Final Days & Jerusalem's Destruction
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1. B - Spain
2. There is much speculation about whether or not Paul ever visited Spain. If he visited, it was likely soon after his release from his first imprisonment in Rome. Clement of Rome, a writer during the 1st century, seems to suggest in his Epistle to the Corinthians (written about 96 AD) that Paul did visit Spain. Here is the entirety of the 5th chapter of Clement's letter with the key passage in bold:

CHAPTER 5 -- NO LESS EVILS HAVE ARISEN FROM THE SAME SOURCE IN THE MOST RECENT TIMES. THE MARTYRDOM OF PETER AND PAUL.

But not to dwell upon ancient examples, let us come to the most recent spiritual heroes. Let us take the noble examples furnished in our own generation. Through envy and jealousy, the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church] have been persecuted and put to death. Let us set before our eyes the illustrious apostles. Peter, through unrighteous envy, endured not one or two, but numerous labours, and when he had finally suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.

At the time of Paul's supposed journey, the Roman Empire extended westward to Spain and was considered the entirety of the known world. Some have even suggested that Paul went northward into Britian before returning to the Aegean Sea region. Clearly, all such references and suggestions are extra-biblical and therefore speculative.

3. C - 2 Timothy
4. Imprisonment #1: Paul's first imprisonment was not as severe as his second. During his first imprisonment, according to Acts 28:30-31, Paul lived in rented quarters where he was allowed to receive visitors. His preaching and teaching did not suffer from his house arrest as no man was forbidding him from carrying on his work.
Imprisonment #2: During his second imprisonment, Paul was chained (2 Tim 1:16) and was apparently treated as a criminal (2 Tim 2:9) which resulted in the desertion of even his friends (2 Tim 4:10,16).
5. Paul was deserted by Demas (2 Tim 4:10) and apparently deserted by many others during his first defense (4:16). This is a sad commentary on the faithfulness of his friends,
6. D - 67-68AD The Bible does not tell us how or when the apostle Paul died, and history does not provide us with any details. Christian tradition tells us Paul was behead in Rome, around the mid 60s A.D., during the reign of Emperor Nero. Here are a few comments regarding the traditions that have arisen:

"Concerning the time, place, and manner of his death, we have little certainty. It is commonly believed that, when a general persecution was raised against the Christians by Nero, about A.D. 64, under pretence that they had set Rome on fire, both St. Paul and St. Peter then sealed the truth with their blood; the latter being crucified with his head downward; the former being beheaded, either in A.D. 64 or 65, and buried in the Via Ostiensis. EUSEBIUS, Hist, Eccles. lib. ii. cap. 25, intimates that the tombs of these two apostles, with their inscriptions, were extant in his time; and quotes as his authority a holy man of the name of Caius, who wrote against the sect of the Cataphrygians, who has asserted this, as from his personal knowledge. See Eusebius, by Reading, vol. i. p. 83; and see Dr. Lardner, in his life of this apostle, who examines this account with his usual perspicuity and candor.
 
"Other writers have been more particular concerning his death: they say that it was not by the command of Nero that he was martyred, but by that of the prefects of the city, Nero being then absent; that he was beheaded at Aquae Salviae, about three miles from Rome, on Feb. 22; that he could not be crucified, as Peter was, because he was a freeman of the city of Rome. But there is great uncertainty on these subjects, so that we cannot positively rely on any account that even the ancients have transmitted to us concerning the death of this apostle; and much less on the accounts given by the moderns; and least of all on those which are to be found in the Martyrologists. Whether Paul ever returned after this to Rome has not yet been satisfactorily proved. It is probable that he did, and suffered death there, as stated above; but still we have no certainty" (Commentary on the Bible by Adam Clarke, commentary on Acts 28:31).

7. Jesus prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem, indicating the following specific events would occur:
- an "embankment" (siege wall) would be erected around the city
- men, women, and children would be dashed (leveled) to the ground
- the city walls would be destroyed -- so that one stone would not be upon another
- many inhabitants would be led away into captivity
8. E - 70 AD
9. A - Josephus provides insight into the destruction of Jerusalem. Below is a brief synopsis of the destruction of the city.
10. The Old Testament fulfilled the purpose of creating a nation from which the Saviour would come. However, in the fulness of time (Gal 4:4-5) the old law was put aside in favor of the new. The destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of the genealogies of the families of the Jews made it impossible to continue the Law because members of the tribe of Levi could no longer be identified for priestly duties under the old law. The old law, a law of ordinances was taken away (Col 2:14).

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Read the passages and discuss the likelihood that Paul did or did not travel to Spain.

If Paul did travel the journey indicated, then it was about 4,000 miles in length.

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Answer: Jesus wept for Jerusalem because they had rejected him and would know no peace. He prophesies that their enemies would erect a siege embankment which would surround them and that the city would be destroyed.

NOTE: More detail is provided below regarding the destruction of Jerusalem than is in the workbook. You may wish to highlight more of the details of the horrendous destruction.

Destruction of Jerusalem: Jewish rebellion can be traced to the days of Herod (about A.D. 44) when the Zealots resisted Roman rule. As the Romans increased their intolerance of the Jews and Jewish practices, the Pharisees became allied with the Zealots in open revolt. Rebellion spread quickly throughout Judea and into Galilee which resulted in the Roman general, Vespasian, to wage battle and retake Galilee about A.D. 67. Vespasian then turned his attentions southward toward Jerusalem. He regained control and put down rebellion in Samaria, Peraea and Judaea. In A.D. 68 Vespasian made efforts to isolate Jerusalem. The Roman troops took Peraea, stationed troops at Jericho and moved into the Shephelah and Emmaus - all in preparation for the taking of Jerusalem. However, with Nero's suicide in Rome and the resulting struggle for power, the campaign against Jerusalem was put off until A.D. 70. Vespasian was himself proclaimed the new Emperor of Rome, and he ordered Titus, his son, to resume the task of destroying the Jewish rebellion.
Early May: The 5th, 12th, 15th Roman Legions assemble on the western side of the city of Jerusalem, while the 10th Legion camps on the east side of the city. Under the leadership of Titus, the son of the new Roman Emperor Vespasian, the Roman army laid siege to the city of Jerusalem.
Late May: In late May the Roman Legions using siege towers (Wars V:292, 296), breach the Third Wall. City inhabitants flee to the protection afforded by the Second Wall which fell five days after the Third Wall. The Jews regrouped and drove the Romans back, retaking the area of the Second Wall, but it fell again four days later (Wars V:331-347). City inhabitants are pushed back into the Temple Mount area and into the old city (Wars V:301-302).
June-July: Titus sent Josephus to talk to the Jews about surrender (Wars V:362-419). By this time the famine was serious within the city (Wars V:426-429) and many Jews attempted to escape, but they were caught by the soldiers who "nailed those they caught, one after one way, and another after another, to the crosses, by way of jest; when their multitude was so great, that room was wanting for the crosses" (Wars V:451). To prevent further attempts at escape, the Romans erected a siege wall (Wars V:499). The length of the wall was 39 furlongs (4 miles) and had 13 forts along its length. It was completed in just 3 days (Wars V:508-509). Shortly after the siege wall was completed, Josephus was struck in the head by a stone thrown by the defenders of the city (Wars V:541). During this time it was found that some of the Jewish fugitives had swallowed gold to smuggle out of the city. The Arabian and Syrian members of the Roman Legions thus started cutting open any captured fugitives.
Late July: The Roman soldiers attacked the Fortress of Antonia. After taking the Fortress, they dismantled and destroyed it, to make way for entry into the Temple Mount.
August: After the destruction of the Fortress of Antonia, the soldiers set fire to the buildings at the edge of the Temple Mount easily entered the Temple Mount and captured the Temple itself. It was during this time that Josephus reports that a Jewish woman killed and ate her own child (Wars VI:201-211). The Romans also undermined the north gate to the Temple Mount (Wars VI:222).
September: The Romans set fire to the Temple as well as the other buildings of the Temple Mount. They then brought their ensigns to the burned out Temple and offered sacrifices to them (Wars VI:316). Titus had his soldiers build ramps up the side of the Western Mount (Wars VI:374) and breached the wall at Herod's palace. The Roman soldiers "went into the lanes of the city, with their swords drawn, they slew those whom they overtook, without mercy, and set fire to the houses wither the Jews were fled, and burnt every soul in them, and laid waste a great many of the rest; and when they were come to the houses to plunder them, they found in them entire families of dead men, and the upper rooms full of dead corpses, that is of such as died by the famine" (Wars VI:404-405). When Titus entered the upper city he stated "we have certainly had God for our assistant in this war, and it was no other than God who ejected the Jews of these fortifications, for what could the hands of men, or any machines, do towards overthrowing these towers" (Wars VI:411).

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There is much debate about Jesus' statements in Matthew 24. Some view it as prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, others as prophecy of the end of the world. Some even suggest it may be both. Matthew 24:3 seems to suggest the end of the world unless one understands "your coming" to mean "coming in judgment," and not a literally coming. Such a meaning is used in in Isaiah 19:1 and elsewhere in the Old Testament. The term "end of the age" may mean the end of the Jewish age. The following chart provides an interesting case for Jesus' statements to be about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple:

PASSAGE

SIGN

FULFILLMENT

Matt 24:5	SIGN #1: False Christs will mislead many	Acts 5:36-37
Matt 24:6	SIGN #2: Wars and rumors of wars	Hist. of Roman Empire
Matt 24:7	SIGN #3: Famines and earthquakes	Acts 11:28
Matt 24:9	SIGN #4: Tribulations and killings	Acts 7:57f; 8:1; Paul's death
Matt 24:10	SIGN #5: Apostasy and betrayal	Gal 1:6; Phil 1:17
Matt 24:11	SIGN #6: False prophets	Gal 2:4; 2 Pet 2:1-2
Matt 24:14	SIGN #7: Gospel preached in whole world	Col 1:23

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LESSON 13: The Seven Churches of Asia & the Epistles
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1. D - Patmos
2. About 30 miles. Patmos is a small, rocky island which was reserved for banished criminals who were forced to work the mines. It is believed that Emperor Domitian banished John to the island about 95 A.D.
3. C - Ephesus. The Bible contains an entire epistle to the Ephesians. In addition, the Acts account provides considerable information about the city and its inhabitants. The cities of Pergamum, Sardis, Philadelphia and Smyrna are only mentioned in Revelation. Thyatira is mentioned briefly as Lydia's home, otherwise it is only mentioned in Revelation. Laodicea is mentioned in the epistle to the Colossians (Col 2:1; 4:13-16) and in Revelation.
4. A and possibly B. The Bible contains an epistle specifically for the Ephesians. In Colossians 4:16 a passing reference is made to an epistle "from the Laodiceans." It is not clear whether this was a letter from one of the apostles which has since been lost or merely an existing epistle that was making the rounds to the churches of Asia Minor.
5. D - Thyatira
6. About 330 miles (starting at Ephesus and going clockwise and returning back to Ephesus)
7. Much debate exists about the date of the writing of Revelation (either 68-70 or 95-96 A.D.) The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John to seven churches of Asia. The book is an example of apocalyptic literature, a special kind of writing full of strange imagery. Its subject is things "which must shortly take place" (Rev. 1:1). The book presents a severe persecution but final a glorious victory for those who are Christians. The particular persecution of early Christians described depends on whether one takes the early or late date position. If the book was written prior to the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) than the imagery may describe the persecution of Christians by Jews and the Romans and the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Rome. If the book was written late in the first century than it describes the persecution of Christians by the Roman government under Domitian. The book gives encouragement to those who are faithful even in trying times because of the assurance of final victory.
8. Gospel of John (85-95 A.D.?); 1, 2, and 3 John (90-95 A.D.?); Revelation (68-70 or 95-96 A.D.?)
9. B - John. According to tradition John died a natural death. Judas' (Matt 27:5) and James' (Acts 12:1-2) deaths are recorded in the Bible. Peter's death was prophecied by Jesus himself (John 21:18-19) and Paul died, according to tradition, by decapitation about 67-68 A.D.

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1. Sardis
2. Laodicea
3. Smyrna
4. Thyatira
5. Philadelphia
6. Ephesus
7. Pergamum

John wrote Revelation from the isle of Patmos (Rev 1:9).

Page 53
1. If our assumptions are correct, most of the epistles of the Bible were written from Rome. It should be noted that Paul was in prison in Rome for about 2 years during which he wrote the "prison epistles" (Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians). Later, during his second imprisonment he wrote 2 Timothy. Many scholars believe Peter wrote 1st and 2nd Peter from Rome as well.
2. It is believed that Paul wrote three epistles which were sent to the city of Ephesus (Ephesians and 1 & 2 Timothy).
3. 4 - Philemon, Titus, and 1 & 2 Timothy

Page 54
If you have been quizzing students periodically about the location of key cities, nations, seas, rivers, and mountains, then use page 54 to have students answer 20 questions as a final quiz. You might ask the questions aloud or project review maps on which you indicate cities or features they should identify.
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