Lesson Notes on Christian Religious Studies (CRS) JSS3 First Term

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Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lessons for JSS3 (Basic 9) First Term – Edudelight.com

SCHEME OF WORK CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE JSS3 FIRST TERM

WEEKS TOPICS

The Promise of The Holy Spirit

The Coming of The Holy Spirit

The Effect of The Holy Spirit on The Early Believers

Fellowshipping in The Early Church

Early Days of The Church

Persecution

The Church in Samaria

The Church in Caeserea

Persecution of The Early Believers (1)

Persecution of The Early Believers (11)

Revision

Examination

REFERENCES

[1] Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.OQuarcoopome etal.

[2] Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 1-3 by A.F Bello.

[3] Christian Religious Knowledge for JSSBK 3, by Adeyinka.et al

[4] Ilesanmi Christian Religion Studies for JSSBk 3 ByTundeErumol et al

[5] Revised Standard Version Bible.

[6]Past Questions: Junior WAEC

WEEK ONE

TOPIC: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

CONTENT

The Promise of The Holy Spirit (John 14: 15-28, 16: 5-16, Acts 1: 3-5)

The Ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts 1: 9-11)

Functions of The Holy Spirit

The Significance of The Holy Spirit

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third personality of the Trinity. Before the ascension of Jesus, He promised to send
the Holy Spirit to His disciples. He told them that when they are filled with the Holy Spirit they would be
empowered and the Holy Spirit would teach them everything. Jesus prayed to God to give them the
Spirit to make them continue in faith and He left them with the Great Commission of preaching the
gospel around the nations of the world in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
He ordered them not to leave Jerusalem until the arrival of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit comes
they would be filled with power to witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the
earth

EVALUATION
Who is the Holy Spirit?

Discuss the promise of the Holy Spirit.

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST

At Mount Olive, after Jesus had promised the disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit, He ascended into
heaven. The heaven opened and Jesus was taken up into heaven. The disciples were filled with awe
watching Him going to heaven until He was covered by the cloud. After that they returned to Jerusalem
waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus Christ.

FUNCTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Teaching

Guidance

Counseling

Comforting

Advocating

EVALUATION

Discuss three functions of the Holy Spirit.

Explain the ascension of Jesus Christ.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The presence of the Holy Spirit creates awareness that man cannot go far with God without the power
of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit becomes the source of all provision to any man who wants to walk with God.

The Holy Spirit is man’s vehicle of inspiration for guiding man into all truth.

The Holy Spirit is the facilitator of evangelism, the spread of the message of God.

The Holy Spirit is the one that propels man to thirst and hunger after God.

The Holy Spirit the deliverer of man in this wicked world.

EVALUATION

Highlight five major importance of the Holy Spirit.

How does the Holy Spirit relate with man?

GENERAL EVALUATION

Mention six fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Mention four things that Holy Spirit does not like.

Highlight five things Holy Spirit will not do in the lives of believers.

How does Holy Spirit work in the lives of believers?

How can a person contact Holy Spirit?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1, pages 19-23

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al Chapter 1, pages 1-3.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The Holy Spirit is the (a) first person of the Trinity (b) spirit that controls man (c) third personality of
the Trinity (d) falling spirit of God

Which of these is not a function of the Holy Spirit (a) advocating for man (b) counseling man (c)
parading man (d) teaching man

The first set of people to experience the Holy Spirit are the (a) Gentiles (b) disciples (c) Jews (d)
Romans

Which of the following precedes power that Jesus promised the disciples (a) temptation (b) Holy Ghost
(c) feast of Passover (d) meeting in the upper room

Jesus last speech to His disciples was at Mount (a) Horeb (b) Sinai (c) Olive (d) Carmel

THEORY
Discuss the essence of the Great Commission.

Explain the ascension of Jesus Christ.

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WEEK TWO

TOPIC: THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

CONTENT

The Coming of The Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 1-39)

Significance of The Coming of The Holy Spirit

THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples of Jesus Christ were in the upper room in Jerusalem praying when
the Holy Ghost came upon them. While they were together praying, a sound suddenly came from
heaven like the rush of a mighty wind and filled the house. Then the Holy Spirit descended like a tongue
of fire and rested on each of them. Consequently, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to
speak in different languages.

At that time, the Jews and many other people from various culture, countries and languages were living
in Jerusalem. Each of these people was able to hear the disciples speaking his own language. Some were
amazed and mistook the disciples for drunkards. They were amazed about how the disciples who were
Galileans could be speaking in so many languages including the languages of the Parthians, Medes,
Elemites, Phrygia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene. These were all visitors from Rome, Crete
and Arabia who were undoubtedly overwhelmed and were marveled at the wonderful work of God.

The coming of the Holy Spirit greatly influenced the disciples who were now called the apostles. They
gained boldness and were filled with extraordinary power and courage to witness Jesus Christ without
fear and trembling. Peter was the first to address the people. He explained to them that the apostles
were not drunk and that it was just the third hour of the day. He went further by saying that what they
saw was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Prophet Joel.
Peter thereafter preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and about three thousand people gave their lives to
Christ and became members of the church.

EVALUATION

Explain the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost as it occurred in stages.

Discus the changes that occurred in the lives of the apostles after the coming of the Holy Spirit.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

It showed that God is faithful to keep to His promise.

The coming of the Holy Spirit changed the perspectives of the apostles about their believe.

The Holy Spirit empowered them to preached the gospel.

The Holy Spirit gave them boldness and courage’

He came to power, credibility and relevance to the church of Jesus Christ in the collective relationship
with God.

He came to give spiritual gifts to the body of Christ.

The coming of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ.

It showed that without Holy Spirit Christians are nothing.

He brought the presence of God to mankind.

He brought restoration of lost hope to mankind.

EVALUATION

Discuss five significance of the Holy Spirit.

Mention five things the Holy Spirit will never do.

GENERAL EVALUATION

Discuss the work of the Holy Spirit to modern Christian.

Explain the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit by Prophet Joel.

Discuss the relevance of the Pentecost and the feast of Passover to the early believers.

How did the non-believers react to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost?

READING ASSIGNMENT

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1. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1 pages 21-23.

2. Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al Chapter 1 page 3.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The coming of the Holy Spirit was on day of (a) Passover (b) Papacy (c) Pentecost (d) Power

The apostles spoke in different tongues because (a) they were with filled the joy of the coming of the
Holy Spirit (b) they were filled with the Holy tongues (c) they were filled with Holy Spirit (d) they were
filled with new Spirit

How many days after the feast of Passover was the Pentecost? (a) 40 (b) 50 (c) 60 (d) 12

How many disciples were in the upper room? (a) 12 (b) 11 (c) about 120 (d) 500

Most of the apostles were from city of (a) Galilee (b) Cyrene (c) Greece (d) Judea

THEORY

Highlight five things the Holy Spirit can do in the life of a Christian.

How does the Holy Spirit help Christians to overpower the devil?

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WEEK THREE
TOPIC: THE EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE EARLY DISCIPLES

CONTENT

The Effects of The Holy Spirit on The Early disciples (Acts 3: 1-11)

Moral Lessons

THE EFFECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE EARLY DISCIPLES

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early disciples was so significant that it was impossible
for people to deny the power of God. The followings were so glaring that generations after the disciples
are still referring to them as points of reference.

The disciples were empowered to speak in new tongues. This had never happened before, so people
were amazed and critical about it.

The apostles became so bold in defending the gospel even to the point of death.

Signs and miracles began to follow them. The healing of the lame man at the beautiful gate was the first
demonstration of the power of God by the apostles.

Death and authority could no longer scare them. The trial and death of Stephen was a major
confirmation of this. Stephen was one of the seven deacons that were ordained by the apostles to take
care of the sharing of foods and other items among the believers. He was full of power and wisdom of
God and he performed many miracles. He was summoned before the high priest and was condemned to
death. He was stoned to death, yet he prayed for his accusers.

The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to continue in faith and their service to God in the midst of stiff
opposition and severe persecution. This religion (Christianity) would have died if not for the backing of
the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit empowered them with different spiritual gifts to enabled to carry on with the divine
assignment.

The Holy Spirit increased them in number. People began to give their lives to Jesus and became
members of the church.

Holy Spirit made provision for them. And there was love, peace and unity among them.

EVALUATION
Discuss what would have been the experience of the disciples if Holy Spirit did not assist

them.

Mention any other effects of the Holy Spirit on the disciples that were not mentioned above.

MORAL LESSONS

Christians should learn from these effects that if they repent of their sins and allow the Holy Spirit to
work in them, God can do the same things in their lives as He did in the lives of the apostles.

The Scriptures identify the Holy Spirit as third Divine Personality in the Godhead or the Trinity. So we
must see the Holy Spirit as God dwelling In the midst of men.

God’s promise is very certain, Christians must be rest assured whenever God promise of a thing that He
will surely fulfil it. God is not a man that He should lie, whatever He says, He will do.

Christians must strive to appreciate the significance of the ascension of Jesus Christ and the presence of
the Holy Spirit.

Christians should the Holy Spirit knowing fully that Holy Spirit is backing them up just the same way He
assisted the early disciples.

EVALUATION

State two reasons why the Holy Spirit is still dwelling among the believers now.

Mention three works the Holy Spirit can do in the lives of believers now.

GENERAL EVALUATION

Highlight five effects of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples.

What is the relationship between the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early disciples and the
Christians nowadays?

What is the personality of the Holy Spirit in the Trinity?

Does Limitations exist in the realm of the spirit? Support your answers with points.

READING ASSIGNMENT
Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 1 page 22.

Fundamental of Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 1 page 3.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The Holy Spirit is not one of the following to the early disciples (a) comforter (b) teacher (c) adviser
(d) prayer warrior.

The first miracle by the apostles was done by (a) James (b) Peter (c) Paul (d) John

The first miracle by the apostles was done on the ………. man at the beautiful gate (a) lame (b) blind (c)
deaf (d) epileptic

Which of these is not an effect of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples (a) boldness (b) eloquence (c)
courage (d) power

The Holy Spirit did not appear as one of the following on the Pentecost day (a) tongue (b) wind (c)
water (d) fire

THEORY

Discuss the importance of the Holy Spirit on the early disciples.

What are the things that stop Holy Spirit from working among the believers.

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WEEK FOUR

TOPIC: FELLOW SHIPPING IN THE EARLY CHURCH

CONTENT

Peter’s Speech on Pentecost Day (Acts 2: 14-41)

Communal Life in the Early Church (Acts 2: 41-47, 4: 32-37)

PETER’S SPEECH ON PENTECOST DAY

The coming of the Holy Spirit made a great impact in the spiritual life and psyche of the apostles. They
were filled boldness, courage and power to witness Christ to people. Peter who had been afraid and had
denied Jesus before now demonstrated boldness and courage to defend the disciples against mockery of
drunkenness. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak to the multitude that the apostles were not
drunk but were filled with the power of the Holy Ghost. He told them that the hour was in third hour (9
am) of the day. He made them to see that what they just experienced was the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit and that their speaking in tongues was a fulfillment of the prophecy which was made by Prophet
Joel. Peter then preach the gospel of Jesus to them and about three thousand people repented and gave
their lives to Christ. Henceforth they all became members of the church.

EVALUATION

Discuss the change in Peter’s confidence about his belief in Jesus.

Highlight the effect of Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.

COMMUNAL LIFE IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Jesus Christ established the church while He was here earth during His three and half years ministry on
earth. Peter became the leader of the church and he was assisted by other apostles. The early believers
stayed together as a family, praying and doing things together. The whole church devoted themselves to
the teaching of the apostles on the kingdom of God. The communal living and strong fellowship was
such that torched every area of their lives and interests. As a result of these they had everything in
common. This meant that nobody claimed ownership of anything, it was a collective ownership of
everything. Those that were rich ensured that nobody lacked food and necessities of life. The Bible says
that they were increasing day by day.

EVALUATION

What type of life did the early disciples live?

Discuss the possible problems that faced the early church.

GENERAL EVALUATION

What lessons are in the communal life of the early church for Christians to learn?
What are the forbidding attitudes among the early Christians?

Discuss the meaning of communal life.

How can Christians nowadays imbibe the communal lifestyle of the early disciples?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al.Chapter2, page 30.

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 1, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 2, page 9.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Who was the founder of the church? (a) Peter (b) Jesus (c) Paul (d) apostles

Who was the head of the early church? (a) Peter (b) Paul (c) James (d) apostles

What was the requisite for joining members of the early church? (a) righteousness (b) salvation (c)
humility (d) patience

How many souls were added to the church after Peter’s speech on Pentecost day (a) 2000 (b) 3000 (c)
500 (d) 120

On Pentecost day, the disciples attracted people because they were (a) praying aloud (b) speaking in
tongues (c) conversing with God (d) willing to show love to people.

THEORY

Analytically discuss Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.

What were the reactions of the authority to gospel of Jesus by the apostles?

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WEEK FIVE

TOPIC: EARLY DAY OF THE CHURCH

CONTENT
Fraud in the Church (Acts 5: 1-11)

The Appointment of Seven Deacons (Acts 6: 1-7)

FRAUD IN THE CHURCH

There’s no human organisation without shortcomings, hence the early church had its challenges. There
were people who wanted to take advantages of others because of the collective ownership of
everything. In the early church the human errors and weaknesses shook the unity and peace of the
church. But the apostles were able to manage the situations very well. The problems that confronted
the early church include: dishonesty, falsehood, lack of commitment, deceit, fraud and household
conspiracy, but the damage was quickly and decisively halted by the apostles.

The case of Ananias and Sapphira was an example of this problem. The couple, Ananias and Sapphira
were anxious to receive honour but were not ready to give what it takes. They sold their land but unlike
other donors, they conspired to keep to themselves part of the money and brought a part of it to the
apostles. They pretended as if had they donated everything. But Peter gull of the Holy Spirit confronted
Ananias for his dishonesty to the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him strongly for defrauding and deceiving
them. Out of fear and shock, Ananias collapsed and died. Some members buried him instantly. Later his
wife came in, not knowing what had happened to her husband, she also confirmed to the lie of her
husband. She too fell down and died immediately and was buried beside her husband. The aftermath of
this was fear among the believers, they became so afraid of the power of the Holy Spirit and were living
in honesty among one another.

EVALUATION

Analyse the issue that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira.

Highlight the shortcomings of some believers in the early church.

THE APPOINTMENT OF SEVEN DEACONS

The next challenge that confronted the early church was that of inequitable distribution of food items.
This was brought about by nepotism and favouritism on the part of the officers of the church charged
with the responsibility of distributing food items. This accusation got to the apostles that some of the
ethnic groups among the believers were agitating and murmuring against the Hebrews. They
complained that the widows among the Greeks and their foreign counterparts were neglected in the
daily distribution also got to the apostles.
The apostles took the matter very seriously. Consequently, they called a meeting of the community
elders to resolve the issues decisively. This led to the appointment of seven deacons namely:

Stephen

Philip

Prochorus

Nicanor

Timon

Parmenas

Nicolas

These men were full of faith and the Holy Spirit and were fit for job they were appointed for. They were
presented to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them and commissioned them for the task.
After this the church made progress because the problems of partiality, favouritism and nepotism were
resolved.

QUALITIES OF A DEACON

A deacon is expected to be a strong believer in God and Jesus Christ the Son of God.

He or she must be full of faith and strong will.

He or she must be a person of virtues, dignity, credibility, and accountability.

He or she must be gentle, kind, lovable and humble.

The person must not be questionable in areas of money, sex and other social issues.

The person must be married and the marriage must be monogamous.

The person must be fully engaged in prayer, evangelism, church services and missions.

He or she must have sound knowledge of the word of God.

EVALUATION

Name the seven deacons appointed by the apostles.

Highlight the qualities of a deacon.

GENERAL EVALUATION

Discuss the issue that led to appointment of the seven deacons.

Why didn’t the apostles be in charge of the distribution of foods items?

Explain the circumstance that led to the death of Ananias and Sapphira.

Why did Peter rebuke Ananias?

Mention five habits that are not expected from the deacons.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 2, pages 30-32

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3 by Adeyinka.et al. Chapter 2, pages 9-11.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Which of the following was not a deacon? (a) Stephen (b) Peter (c) Parmenas (d) Philip

One of the following was not a feature for selecting the deacons. (a) faith (b) virtue (c) eloquence (d)
prayer

The most prominent among the deacons was (a) Stephen (b) Philip (c) Timon (d) Parmenas

The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was (a) disobedience (b) lie and deceit (c) over confidence (d)
Heresy

The accusation in the early church was directed against the (a) Greek (b) Hebrew (c) Gentile (d)
Egyptian

THEORY

What are the lessons for the modern Christians from the story of Ananias and Sapphira?

What are the differences between deacons appointed by the apostles and the present day deacons?

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WEEK SIX

TOPIC: PERSECUTION

CONTENT

Meaning of Persecution

Reasons for Persecution of Christians (1 Peter 1: 3-17, 4: 2-19)

Ways to Curb Persecution

MEANING OF PERSECUTION

Persecution is an act of treating people in a cruel and unfair way especially because of their religion,
race or political beliefs. In the case of the early church, persecution was the stiff opposition to the gospel
of Christ in a severe manner to stop the propagation of the gospel. There were several acts of
persecution against the early church. One of such was the killing of Stephen, a vibrant deacon in the
days of the apostles. This persecution was basically from the religious class who were majorly the upper
class in the society to stop the disciples from spreading the gospel. This religious class constitute the
priests and the scribes who didn’t want to lose their reputation and relevance in the society. Saul, one of
the major persecutors was a scribe and he was the one who supervised the killing of Stephen. The
disciples experienced terrible persecution in the early days of the church, some died and some had to
run away from Jerusalem. Some were arrested and detained in prison, some were beaten mercilessly
and left half dead. But to the glory of God they survived this and were able to pass Christianity to next
generation.

REASONS FOR PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

The religious and political leaders in Jerusalem did not want to lose their reputation and relevance in the
society.

The Elites wanted to maintain status quo in their religious and political settings.

The leaders did not believe in Jesus Christ. They knew Him as the son of Joseph the carpenter and they
also knew Mary as the wife of Joseph. To them, both parents were poor and were not significant in the
society.

They were expecting a political and economic leader who would liberate Israel from the oppression of
the mighty nations around them.
They also persecuted the Christians because of the financial gains they have being gaining from their
present political and religious settings.

To oppose and stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To frustrate and intimidate the disciples.

To maintain the religious dominance of Judaism as the best and accepted religion by God over others.

WAYS TO CURB PERSECUTION

The number one way to curb persecution is to have the mind of God towards others. To love people just
the way God loves them.

Another way to curb persecution is to pray for the persecutors because the Bible says that we do not
wrestle against blood and flesh.

Knowledge is an inevitable tool in curbing persecution.

Total submission to the will of God is a necessary tool to curb persecution.

EVALUATION

GENERAL EVALUATION

Discuss three ways of checking persecution.

Highlight five reasons for persecuting the early Christians by the authority.

What two lessons are in the persecution of the early Christians for the present day Christians?

Discuss two issues to prove that persecution is still happening in recent time.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 3, page 41.

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3, page 22,

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

Persecution of the early Christians took place in (a) Jericho (b) Jerusalem (c) Jordan (d) Joppa
The first martyr of gospel was (a) Peter (b) Jesus (c) Stephen (d) Paul

The most significant person among the persecutors was (a) Saul (b) Pilate (c) Demas Aristophanes

Persecution was against the church for the following reasons except (a) continuation of the egoistic life
of the leaders (b) sanity in the religious setting (c) to put a stop to the spread of the gospel (d) to
continue to exploit the religious people of the land.

Christians need the following to curb persecution except (a) faith (b) money (c) prayer (d) ego

THEORY

What are the differences between the persecution in the early church and the persecution in the
present day?

Discuss five means Christians can adopt to avoid the spread of persecution.

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WEEK SEVEN

TOPIC: THE CHURCH IN SAMARIA

CONTENT

The Church in Samaria (Acts 8: 4-25)

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8: 26-32)

The Church in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 9: 36-43)

THE CHURCH IN SAMARIA

Philip was the founder of the church in Samaria. His going to Samaria was as a result of the great
persecution of the church in Jerusalem. After the death of Stephen, the members of the early church
were persecuted severely and the church became disorganised. As a result, the members were scattered
to different nations around Jerusalem. Some went to Judea, some to Samaria but the apostles remained
in Jerusalem.
Philip went to Samaria and preached the gospel there, he also worked wonders among the people. He
healed the sick and cast out demons. As a result, many of the people of Samaria accepted the gospel
and were converted. He baptised them in the name of Christ, when the apostles in Jerusalem heard this,
they were happy and sent Peter and John to join Philip in establishing the church. When Peter and John
arrived, they laid hands on the believers and they all received Holy Spirit.

EVALUATION

Discuss the relevance of Peter and John in Samaria.

Why did Philip go to Samaria?

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

An angel of the Lord appeared unto Philip and instructed him to go south on the road of Jerusalem that
led to Gaza and he did so. On his way, he met an Ethiopian Eunuch, an important official in charge of all
the treasury of Candace, Queen of Ethiopians. The man was just coming from Jerusalem where he had
gone to for worship. He sat in his chariot and was reading the book of Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord told
Philip to go to that chariot and stay near it. When he got to him, he asked if he understood the book he
was reading. The man answered that he didn’t and that he needed someone to explain to him. Philip
filled this gap and later baptised him. After this the Spirit of the Lord took Philip and he appeared in
Azotus, he travelled about preaching the gospel in all the towns until he got to Caesarea.

EVALUATION

How did Philip get to know about the Ethiopian Eunuch?

Explain the problem of this Eunuch.

THE CHURCH IN LYDDA AND JOPPA

Peter the head of the apostle was the founder of the church in Lydda as well as in Joppa. As the
churches in Judea , Galilee and Samaria continued to grow, Peter also continued to move to the
neighbouring towns and villages preaching the good news, converting and healing people. At Lydda,
Peter healed a man called Aeneas who had been paralysed for eight years. As a result of this miracle,
people of Lydda accepted the gospel and were baptised.
Peter again moved forward to the neighbouring town, Joppa. The visit was an invitation of a disciple to
raise a woman who was dead. The disciples believed that if Peter could come the woman would be
raised from dead. Peter came, prayed before the dead body of the woman and said to her “Tabitha rise”
and immediately, Dorcas opened her eyes.

EVALUATION

Why did Peter move to Lydda?

Why did the disciples call for Peter?

GENERAL EVALUATION

Explain the connection between Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.

Discuss the problem of the disciples in Joppa that prompted to call for Peter.

State two reasons why the Samaritans accepted the gospel.

Discuss the miracle that happened in Lydda

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al Chapter 4, page 30.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

What led to the dissipation of the disciples in Jerusalem? (a) riot (b) persecution (c) aggression (d)
desire

Which apostle moved to Samaria (a) Peter (b) Paul (c) Philip (d) John

…………… and …………… later joined the disciples in Samaria (a) Paul and Peter (b) Peter and John (c)
Paul and Silas (d) Peter and James
What was the name of the woman that was raised from dead in Joppa (a) Mary (b) Tabitha (c) Demas
(d) Martha

The man that was healed in Lydda was (a) Aeneas (b) Ananias (c) Andrew (d) Peter

THEORY

Highlight two lessons from the story of Dorcas.

Discuss the power that was working for Peter.

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WEEK EIGHT

TOPIC: THE CHURCH IN CAESAREA

CONTENT

Cornelius Calls for Peter (Acts 10: 1-41)

Peter’s Vision and His Presence in Cornelius’ House (Acts 10: 1-48)

CORNELIUS CALLS FOR PETER

The church in Caesarea started by the invitation Peter got from Cornelius to come to his house and
preach the gospel. Peter was still on mission in Joppa when Cornelius sent for him. Cornelius was a
Roman army officer living in Caesarea, he was a devout religious man and he worshiped God faithfully
with all the members of his household. One day he had a vision in which an angel asked him to send for
Simon Peter who was in Joppa at that time. After the vision, Cornelius sent his servants and soldiers to
look for Peter.

PETER’S VISION AND HIS PRESENCE IN CORNELIUS’ HOUSE

While the messengers of Cornelius were still on their way to Joppa, Peter who was already hungry went
into prayer and fell into trance. The heaven opened and he saw a vision of a vessel descending from
heaven like a sheet and containing various kinds of animals. Then a voice said to him “Peter, kill and eat”
Peter replied, “No Lord, for I have never eaten anything unclean.” The voice cautioned Peter not to call
anything God has done unclean. This happened three times and the sheet disappeared unto heaven.
As Peter’s vision was over, the messenger also arrived Joppa and Peter went down to welcome them. In
obedience to the Holy Spirit Peter and some brethren in Joppa went with them to Cornelius’ house in
Caesarea. In Caesarea crowd was waiting to receive them and Cornelius came out to welcome him and
they both narrated the vision they had. Peter prayed for Cornelius and his household and people that
were present, many accepted Christ and were baptised. Peter laid hands on them and they received the
Holy Spirit.

EVALUATION

Examine Peter’s response to the voice in that vision.

Why did Cornelius call for Peter?

GENERAL EVALUATION

What brought about the crowd at Cornelius’ house?

Discuss the relevance of men of God in our society.

Why did Peter lay hand on them after baptism?

What is the importance of baptism?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 4, pages 48-52

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka.et al. Chapter 4, pages 30-34

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The invitation for Peter was from ( a) Cornelius’ servants (b) Cornelius’ soldiers (c) Roman authority (d)
Cornelius

Cornelius was a ………. officer (a) political (b) military (c) civil (d) government
Why didn’t Peter kill and eat in that vision? Because he was (a) unclean (b) holy (c) ignorant (d)
meticulous of eating unclean animals

How many times did the voice persuaded Peter? (a) 5 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 7

Who instructed Peter to go to Cornelius (a) divine voice (b) Holy Spirit (c) angel (d) Pert himself

THEORY

Discuss the relevance of Peter’s visitation to the church in Caesarea.

What two lessons can we derive from Peter’s vision?

Edudelight.com lessons

WEEK NINE

TOPIC: PERSECUTION OF THE EARLY BELIEVERS (1)

CONTENT

Arrest of Peter and John (Acts 4: 1-31)

Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6: 8, 7: 1-60)

ARREST OF PETER AND JOHN

After the Holy Spirit had descended upon the disciples, they preached the gospel with power and
authority. They performed miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. One of the miracles was the healing of
the lame man at the beautiful gate of the temple. When Peter and John got to the temple to pray the
lame man gazed at them in expectation to receive alms. But Peter looked at him back and said, “Silver
and gold, I have not but what I have I give you.In the name of Jesus stand up and walk.” Peter then grab
the man and pulled him up. Immediately the man got up, limped and began to run.

The people who witnessed this miracle gathered together around Peter and John. Peter quickly used
the opportunity to preach to them in the name of Jesus Christ.The authority got angry at the apostles’
preaching because they were preaching about the resurrection of Jesus. This made the religious leaders
to arrest Peter and John and put them in prison for one night. Many people who received the message
became Christian converts and their number increased to five thousand. The following day Peter and
John were brought into the presence of the elders, the scribes, Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas,
Alexander and members of the high priest family to face the charge brought against them. After serious
questioning, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, declared publicly that they performed the miracle in the name
of Jesus Christ. The religious council, not knowing what to do and also seeing the man that was healed,
they warned the apostles not to preach in the name of Jesus again. But Peter replied them whether it
right to listen to man instead of God.

EVALUATION

Discuss what led to the arrest of Peter and John.

Why was it difficult for the council to punish the apostles?

MARTYRDOM OF STEPHEN

Stephen, a man full of the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit was one of the seven deacons appointed
by the apostles to distribute food items and other materials. He preached the gospel with zeal and great
power of God. But this displeased the Sadducees and some religious sectional leaders. They attacked
him verbally but they were not able to silence him. When they could not flaw him, they accused him of
the following:

Blasphemy against God and Moses.

Contradiction against the temple and the law.

Declaration that Jesus would destroy the temple in Jerusalem and change the laws of Moses.

In the law of Moses this is punishable and the penalty is death. But Stephen full of the power of God
traced the long history of the Jews to the point of Jesus crucifixion. At this juncture the people became
enraged and furious that they dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen
demonstrated exceptional grace here as he prayed to God for the for the forgiveness of his accusers.

EVALUATION

Critically examine the controversy that led to the death of Stephen.

What advice will you give to Christians after considering the martyrdom of Stephen?

GENERAL EVALUATION
Critically examine the action of those that stoned Stephen to death.

Over 90% of martyrs were Christians! Why? Back up your points with biblical facts.

Why did Stephen pray for his assailants?

Examine the story of the arrest of Peter and John.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.OQuarcoopome et al. Chapter 3 pages 37-39.

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3, by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3 pages 19-22.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The first Christian martyr was (a) James (b) Peter (c) Stephen (d) Abel

Peter and John were arrested because they were (a) filled with the Holy Spirit (b) healed the lame
man, (c) preached the gospel they so confident (d) disobeyed the laws of the land.

The leader of the church after the death of was (a) James (b) Peter (c) Stephen (d) Paul

Those who killed Stephen gathered cloth at feet of (a) Saul (b) James (c) Annas (d) Alexander

…………… was healed at the beautiful gate (a) A paralytic man (b) A lame man (c) A blind man (d) A
deaf man

THEORY

State two lessons from the healing of the man at the beautiful.

State three lessons from the martyrdom of Stephen.

WEEK TEN

TOPIC: PERSECUTION OF THE EARLY BELIEVERS

CONTENT
Persecution of The Church by Saul (Acts 8: 1-3, 9: 1-30)

The Killing of James (Acts 12: 1-8)

PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH BY SAUL

Saul was a Hebrew youth, adventurous and vibrant, a native of Tarsus, born of Jewish parents of the
tribe of Benjamin. He was highly educated and studied law under Gamaliel, the great Hebrew teacher.
He was also a Roman citizen by birth. He spent most of his life in Jerusalem and was a zealous member
of the strictest Jewish religious party.

Saul was very active in the persecution of Christians in Jerusalem and cities around him. Stephen was
stoned to death in his presence. After the death of Stephen, he moved from house to house forcing the
Christians out of their hiding places and clamping them into prison. During his time, he crippled several
activities of the Christians and caused lots of havoc to the Christian community. As a result of this, many
believers were killed and lots more were insecure in Jerusalem which led to flight of many Christians out
of Jerusalem to other places outside the region. Saul was so zealous to bind all Christians and put them
in prison. This prompted him to obtain permission from the high priest to travel to Damascus to bind the
Christians there and bring them to the council for crucial legal judgement. It was on his way to
Damascus that he had an encounter with Jesus who struck him down. He became blind and this led to
his arrest. On the third after his blindness, God used one of the disciples in Damascus named Ananias to
minister to him. He regained his sight and subsequently was conscripted into the army of the Lord. He
became an apostle who won many nations unto the Lord.

EVALUATION

Examine the havoc Saul caused in the early church.

What was the mission of Saul in Damascus?

THE KILLING OF JAMES

Another thorn in the flesh of the disciples was King Herod (Aggripa 1). He was a Jew by birth and he was
appointed king of the Jews by the Roman authority that governed the Jews at the time. He was one of
the major persecutors of the church. Herod was so violent and aggressive in his opposition to the gospel
and was ready to anything to please the status quo of the religion of the Jews. He arrested and
imprisoned James the brother of John (the sons of Zebedee). To satisfy the desire of his daughter, he
killed James with the sword in a most gruesome manner. He beheaded him and released the head to his
daughter as the birthday gift. He killed James in this manner purposely to intimidate the apostle and
believers and to demonstrate to them the brutal way they would be killed if they continue in their belief.
When Herod saw that, the Jews were happy that he killed James one of the key apostles of the gospel,
he proceeded to arrest Peter and put him in prison. To ensure that Peter would not escape or that his
companions would not rescue him he placed him under the surveillance of four squads of soldiers.
Herod’s intention was to put him on trial before the Jewish authority after the feast of Passover.

EVALUATION

Why did Herod kill James?

Discuss Herod’s brutality against the church.

GENERAL EVALUATION

State three reasons for the persecution of the church by Saul.

Highlight two reasons for the killing of James by King Herod

Discuss in details the arrest of Peter.

Write a short note on the conversion of Saul.

What was the disciples’ reaction to persecution?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Christian Religious knowledge for JSS. BK 3,by T.N.O Quarcoopome et al. Chapter 3, pages 39-40.

Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS. BK 3 by Adeyinka. et al. Chapter 3, pages 21-23

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

The king who violently dealt with the believers was (a) Augustus (b) Herod (c) Caesar (d) Apollo

The best name to call the Jews is (a) Gentiles (b) Judaists (c) Unbelievers (d) Assailants

What was the offence of James (a) preaching the gospel (b) disobedience to the law (c) causing
confusion in the temple (d) preaching heresy to the Jews
Peter was arrested because Herod wanted to (a) be promoted (b) satisfy the Jews (c) kill all the
believers (d) put him in prison

Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest all believers (a) from Jerusalem (b) in Damascus (c) in
Jerusalem (d) around Damascus

THEORY

How will you analyse the faith of Saul before his conversion?

Discuss the position of the believers to the death of James and Stephen.